Create Your Own JAFF Adventure – Post 1

Have you ever read a JAFF story and wished you could shake some sense into a character or two? Tell them not to open that door, to tell the truth, to get out of that carriage, to stay at Netherfield?

Now is your chance! Travel back to the autumn of 1811 and step into Elizabeth Bennet’s shoes. Follow along as she finds her own adventure just after the Netherfield Ball and Mr. Collins’s proposal. Every time she reaches a decision point, you as readers get to vote on which decision she should make! Check back next time to see what becomes of her decision and continue with the story from there.

Are you ready? It’s time to don your stays and gown, put up your hair, and exercise your wit. You are now Elizabeth Bennet!

You release a sigh as you sit back into the squabs of the carriage and watch Longbourn disappear in the distance.

Mr. Collins’s proposal this morning was not a complete surprise. After your embarrassing dance with him at the Netherfield Ball last night, and considering his limited remaining time before he returned to Hunsford and his noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, you were certain that his proposal was imminent.

Mamma’s reaction was not a surprise, either. Desperate in her desire to see her daughters wed and grasp some security for both herself and them, she was destined to be disappointed at your refusal of your cousin’s offer.

It was Papa’s response that shocked you.

“I should never have accepted my cousin’s ‘offer’ to visit,” he said, taking off his spectacles and massaging the bridge of his nose. “I should have anticipated this very issue.” He chuckled wryly. “Well, I would never have guessed that Mr. Collins’s attention would be on you. I could not have imagined a worse choice for him, except perhaps Lydia.”

You dutifully smiled, but there was something in his manner that gave you pause.

“I am sending you to London,” Papa said abruptly.

You gaped. “Pardon me?”

“London.” He stood, pushing himself away from his chair. “There is a . . . situation at the moment that I must deal with. Something your mother and I must deal with together. This is not a good time for her nerves when we have a more serious matter to contend with. If you go to London, she will settle far sooner. Your aunt and uncle Gardiner will be happy to have your help with the children, and I hope that in a few weeks . . .” He cleared his throat. “A few months, perhaps, the situation might be resolved. I must speak with your uncle Phillips.”

It took less than an hour for you to change into travelling clothes, say your farewells, and for the trunk you maid had packed to be loaded onto the carriage.

To London. Well, you cannot say you are displeased. Mamma has already been wailing about your refusal all morning, and even Jane is beginning to look unhappy. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s home is always a haven of peace compared to Longbourn’s ruckus, although you hope they will not be displeased at your sudden and unannounced appearance.

If only Jane could have come with you. But Mamma insisted that Jane stay and wait for Mr. Bingley to return from London, as he is only expected to be gone for a few days, and Jane’s ready compliance seemed—for once—not from her gentle nature but from her eagerness to see Mr. Bingley when he returns. You can only hope that he will take the arrogant Mr. Darcy with him on his visit to London and leave him there!

There is a shout from outside the carriage, and you are jostled against the window as it comes to a sudden stop.

You lean out the window to see the coachman and manservant standing over what looks like a log in the road, the coachman gesturing wildly towards the forest. He half turns and sees you watching.

“Please stay in the carriage, Miss Bennet!” he calls back. “All is well!”

You nod and sit back into your seat, but something does not seem right to you.

You are not very far on the road to London, and yet you are suddenly reminded of stories of highwaymen placing logs in the road to block carriages and then attacking as soon as the carriage stopped.

You are being foolish. There are no highwaymen attacking carriages in Hertfordshire in the year 1811! The very idea is ridiculous. Yet there is something the coachman is not telling you, and the longer you sit here, the more anxious you become.

Do you:

tamp down your nerves and wait patiently for the carriage to move again

or

get out to see what is going on, despite the coachman’s warning?

Now it’s your turn! Let me know in the comments which way you want Elizabeth to choose.

Also, this style of “Choose Your Own Adventure” style story is generally done in second person present tense to allow you to enter the story. However, if the majority of readers think this will drive them crazy and would prefer third person, I will switch it! You can tell me your vote there in the comments as well.

Second person: You look forward to meeting Mr. Darcy. (As written above)

Third person: Elizabeth looks forward to meeting Mr. Darcy.