A Return at Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Short Story by Melissa Anne

Author:Melissa Anne [Anne, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Read
Goodreads: 221105454
Publisher: RBC Wordpress
Published: 2024-11-27T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

25 December 1811

In the week that followed, Elizabeth and Darcy spent a significant amount of time together, much to their mutual delight. The arrival of the Gardiners from London played a pivotal role in this, as their presence facilitated frequent visits between Netherfield Park and Longbourn. Mrs. Gardiner, with her warm and welcoming nature, often accompanied her nieces, Jane and Elizabeth, to pay calls on Georgiana Darcy—and the two gentlemen who were in residence there.

During their first visit, Georgiana boldly asked Elizabeth for permission to forgo formalities in their address, saying, “I have heard so much about you from my brother that I feel I already know you quite well.”

Elizabeth grinned at this and sent a teasing glance toward Mr. Darcy, who grimaced in response. However, she noticed the slight pink hue in his ears, finding it endearing. In that moment, the connection between them seemed to deepen even further. Though she did not realise it at the time, that was the moment Elizabeth fell irretrievably in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy.

As the visits continued, the atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and easy conversation. Elizabeth found herself increasingly drawn to Darcy’s intelligent dialogue and subtle charm. One afternoon, as they sat in the library at Netherfield, Darcy was discussing a recent book he had read when Elizabeth teased him gently.

“You must admit, Mr. Darcy, you are a man of great seriousness,” she said with a playful glint in her eye.

Darcy gave a small smile, the first she had seen in days. “And you, Miss Elizabeth, are a woman of wit and far too much mockery, particularly when it comes to me.”

Elizabeth laughed, a soft, musical sound that seemed to lighten the mood. “I suppose I must be, given the company I keep.”

Darcy raised an eyebrow but did not reply immediately. Instead, he leaned forward, his gaze thoughtful. “You make it very difficult for one to speak seriously, Miss Elizabeth.”

She met his gaze, amused. “I do hope that is not a complaint, Mr. Darcy.”

“Not at all,” he replied, a hint of warmth in his voice. “In fact, I find it quite... refreshing.”

Their conversation continued seamlessly, flowing naturally from one topic to another. Elizabeth appreciated how effortlessly they could converse, and she found herself enjoying not only his insights but also the way he listened intently, offering thoughtful responses. There was an ease between them that had not been present before, and she began to notice how Darcy’s usually reserved demeanour softened in her presence.

As the afternoon wore on, she caught herself smiling more than once, realising that their growing friendship felt natural, as though it had been long in the making. She wondered how, despite their earlier misunderstandings, they had come to this point, where conversation felt effortless, and even moments of silence were comfortable.

The two households met daily, and their time was often spent outdoors, as the Christmas season brought with it the need to gather greenery for decorations. The couples, along with the Bennet sisters, Georgiana, and the colonel, spent hours wandering the woods in search of holly, pine boughs, and mistletoe.

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