Christmas in Kent by Meg Osborne

Author:Meg Osborne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen Fanfiction, Regency Romance
Publisher: Meg Osborne
Published: 2021-11-19T00:00:00+00:00

COLONEL FITZWILLIAM had learnt the importance of promptness in the army and found it was almost impossible to shake the habit. He found himself the first of everyone in Rosings to be ready for that evening’s visit to the small church at Hunsford and took up residence in the parlour to wait for the family’s departure. He had just settled himself comfortably into a chair and was gazing hypnotically into the flames that danced in the grand hearth when his cousin joined him.

“Darcy! I oughtn’t to be surprised that we two are the first to be ready. Mind you, I suppose it is easier for gentlemen than ladies to dress for such an outing.”

“We are going to church,” Darcy said, with a gruff smile. “I do not suppose that requires quite as much consideration as, say, an assembly.”

“Quite so.” Richard grinned, seeing an opportunity to tease his serious cousin, and taking it. “I am sure, were we bound for an assembly, we all of us would find ourselves waiting for you to make an appearance, cursed as you are with hair that must be styled just so, and a wardrobe full of clothes and not a thing to wear!”

Darcy pulled a face and came to join Richard near the fire, sinking into a seat directly opposite him and not missing the chance to kick Richard’s outstretched foot as he did so.

“No doubt this is good practice for us when we have just such an assembly to attend.”

Richard raised his eyebrows, waiting for the inevitable protest that, surprisingly, did not come.

“On the 27th,” Darcy continued. “I thought I heard Anne telling you about it. I thought the only reason she did tell you all about it, so loudly and so enthusiastically within Aunt Catherine’s hearing, was so that your excitement would secure our attendance. Which it did, if I am not very much mistaken.”

“When are you ever mistaken about anything?” Richard asked, lazily. “I am merely surprised you make no complaint about the event.” He shifted in his seat, surveying his cousin with more care. “What change can have befallen Fitzwilliam Darcy that he no longer resents being pressed to attend a public assembly.” He feigned horror. “And at Christmas! We shall be forced to associate with all manner of strangers.”

“And several friends,” Darcy countered, unsuccessfully fighting a flush that made his agitation ever more palpable.

“Ah, yes.” Richard laughed. “I assume that Mr and Mrs Collins will attend this same assembly? And the Bennets?”

Darcy grew redder but turned his face towards the fire, so Richard could not determine whether it was the heat of the flames that drew colour to his cheeks. Richard was tempted to tease his cousin still further and only the sound of footsteps on the stairwell made him fall silent. It was Darcy who turned and greeted Anne as she glided into the parlour.

“Oh! Are you the only two here?”

She looked quite pretty and livelier than Richard had seen her of late. She had been almost as

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