The Truth about the Merry Widow

In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet and her father have a loving relationship. Instead ... what if Mr Bennet had gambling debts and sold Elizabeth to husband number one when she was only 15? Six years later, cleared of the murder of husband number two, Elizabeth is back in Meryton. Rumour has it that she is a childless woman now on the lookout for husband number three. Instead of being welcomed home by her neighbours, Elizabeth is confronted with attempted murder, and met by gunshots, an imposter, a slave trader, a Mongolian warrior, and more.

Fitzwilliam Darcy visits Meryton where he finds himself embroiled with bandits. He is warned that the Merry Widow is a seasoned fortune-hunter and yet he is dangerously tempted by her. Mr Darcy then finds himself set upon, blackmailed and kidnapped. Will he prevent calamity for himself and his loved ones? Or will Mr Darcy succumb to the Merry Widow's charms and become Elizabeth's husband number three?

This steamy, funny Pride and Prejudice what-if short story explores this scenario with wit, emotion and intriguing plot twists. Be warned: this Regency drama contains explicit adult content, a rendezvous in an attic, and a daily dose of belladonna.