Marriage By Decree: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

Forced to choose spouses, Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet marry under obligation. . . and discover love. 

An epidemic of sweating sickness has run through England once again in this alternate history. With a decimated population, Parliament has decreed that all survivors of suitable age and health must marry by the end of the year. 

Mr. Darcy resides with the Bingleys at Netherfield Park when word reaches Meryton of the new law. Forced to take a wife, he proposes a marriage of convenience to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. 

Elizabeth Bennet, vexed at the liberties Parliament has taken with her future, accepts his proposal with the understanding they will be married in name only. It was him or the odious Mr. Collins, who would insist on a true marriage. 

But after they are married, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy find they are more suited to another than they had expected. When the decree is repealed and an annulment offered, can they bear to part with one another?