An Hour's Delay: A Pride and Prejudice variation

In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, after a long separation with much time for thought, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy meet again in Derbyshire. Sparks fly, but neither is sure of the other's feelings. Then news of Lydia separates our beloved characters again.What if the letters from Jane had been delayed just an hour or so? This story begins the morning Jane's letters arrive in Lambton, except Mr. Darcy comes upon Elizabeth before she has received them. Instead of being distressed, Elizabeth is eager for his attention and completely unaware of Lydia's folly. The path of their relationship follows a completely different course due to the hour's delay.