Darcy's Christmas Wish by Penelope Swan

Author:Penelope Swan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice variation, Jane Austen fan fiction, Regency romance historical, Christmas romance love story, holiday romance, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet fanfiction, Jane Austen inspired books, Jane Austen variation
Publisher: Wisheart Press
Published: 2015-11-10T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Thankfully, there had been no more snow since that morning and what had fallen the night before had settled into a thick blanket which covered the ground in an even, solid layer. The horse went easily over the packed snow and the sleigh followed. Darcy soon found himself turning into the main street of Hunsford village and pulling up in front of the inn. He had barely stepped through the door when he came across an ugly scene.

The innkeeper—a large, square-jawed man with a pugnacious expression—was standing with his arms akimbo, glowering at Elizabeth and the maid. Gertie was cowering slightly under the innkeeper’s hostile gaze, but Darcy saw with admiration that Elizabeth stood tall, her head held high.

“I am offering to pay you good money,” she was saying in a clear, firm voice. “’Tis a business transaction, same as any other. I fail to see why there should be a problem in my hiring a room for the night.”

“Well, ’tis no guest like any other, is it?” sneered Mr Turnbull. “That girl’s a thief and a liar! And I’ve got it on good authority from Lady Catherine herself, mind ye... On no account should I have anythin’ to do with this girl—”

“It is only for one night,” said Elizabeth, a note of desperation entering her voice. “I am not asking you for much. Can you not find any compassion in your heart to give her shelter for one night? What has happened to your sense of Christian charity?”

The innkeeper bristled. “Now ye don’t come questionin’ my faith, young miss!” he growled. “I’ll have ye know, charity is for the deservin’! Aye, and Lady Catherine made it right clear that this girl, here, is not deservin’! So I’m certainly not shirkin’ me Christian duty by turnin’ her away from me door.”

“Yes, but—”

“And don’t think ye can come in here and bribe me! I’m proud of me business, I am, and I’ll not have the wrong sort o’ guests here.” He sniffed. “I won’t take no money from ye neither—”

“Then perhaps you will take the money from me.” Darcy stepped forwards, letting the door slam shut behind him.

They whirled around and Darcy saw Elizabeth’s face break into a smile. The look of relief and delight in her eyes filled him with gladness.

“Mr Darcy!” she said. “What are you doing here?”

He advanced towards them. “I heard that you were seeking a room for the night. I came to see that your needs were met.” He turned and gave the innkeeper a hard stare.

The man shifted uncomfortably. It was obvious that with the arrival of Darcy, the situation had changed drastically and the balance of power shifted. He still had no wish to go against Lady Catherine’s orders—but he was also aware of the greater consequence of her nephew.

“Sir...” he said hesitantly. “Beggin’ your pardon, sir, but I cannot go against her ladyship’s wishes...”

“I will take full responsibility,” said Darcy. “Should things come to pass, I shall ensure that you are not blamed by my aunt.

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