New Release – The Carriage Ride by Mary Simonsen

Darcy and Elizabeth alone – That is my favorite story to write. Get rid of all the noise created by the secondary characters so that I can have a closer look at our favorite couple.

In The Carriage Ride, Darcy and Lizzy meet by chance at The Bell, the coaching inn at Bromley (recommended by Lady Catherine). Darcy’s carriage has a bent axle, and his return to London is delayed by the repairs. And guess who stops at The Bell on her way to her uncle’s home in London? Ah yes! Elizabeth Bennet.

After an offer of a ride to London by Lizzy is accepted by Mr. Darcy, we have the spurned lover and the questioning Lizzy, knee to knee, in Uncle Gardiner’s carriage. Before accepting Lizzy’s offer, Mr. Darcy asks a favor—that they not talk about “the letter or its contents.” In that way, the prickly subjects of Wickham and Georgiana and Jane and Bingley are set aside, and the couple can discuss other things.

The Carriage Ride is a short story, and I hope you will give it a look. Here is a brief excerpt. The scene: Darcy is milling about the yard of the coaching inn while awaiting the repair of his carriage so that he might continue on to London when he meets Lizzy:

“I am sorry to hear of your misfortune, Mr. Darcy. If I understand you correctly, you have been here all morning?”

“Yes, all morning, and it is very likely that I shall be here most of the afternoon as I have just been informed that the front wheel is bent and that must be seen to as well.”

Darcy inquired as to Lizzy’s destination, and when told that she was bound for London, he expressed envy that she would be in town in two hours’ time.

A thought immediately entered Lizzy’s mind. She was in a position to rescue Mr. Darcy from his dilemma. Such an act would, perhaps, provide an opportunity to replace in Mr. Darcy’s mind the ferocious Elizabeth Bennet who had so vociferously declined his offer of marriage.

“But it is not necessary that you remain here, Mr. Darcy. Please allow me to offer you a seat in my uncle’s carriage. There is no reason for you to mill about a coaching inn all day when there is room in my conveyance. All I need do is consult Phelps, the driver, and he will most certainly agree to such a reasonable request.”

Darcy thanked Lizzy but declined the offer, protesting that it would be an inconvenience, but when, after repeated assurances from Lizzy that that was not the case, he continued to refuse her offer, it became apparent that Mr. Darcy had no wish to be in her company—thus the reason for his refusal.

From the look on Elizabeth’s face, Darcy understood that he had given offense where none had been intended. “I appreciate the offer, Miss Elizabeth, but I seriously doubt that you wish to be cooped up in a carriage for two hours with me.”

Lizzy did not know it at the time, but she most definitely did want to be cooped up with Mr. Darcy.

If you found yourself in a carriage with Mr. Darcy, what would you ask him? I’d like to hear all about his first visit to Rosings after his marriage to Elizabeth.

The Carriage Ride is available exclusively on Kindle for $1.29. Length: 10,000+ words