His Perfect Gift by L.L. Diamond

His Perfect Gift by L.L. Diamond

Author:L.L. Diamond [Diamond, L.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: L.L. Diamond
Published: 2021-10-20T23:00:00+00:00


Chapter 11

The morning dawned frigid in comparison to the days leading up to Christmas, the chill evident in the frost clinging to the window as well as the biting cold that penetrated the glass when Elizabeth stood too close. With a light touch, she pressed her fingertips to the window, melting the ice and leaving a clear mark when she pulled them away.

“Lizzy, come sit by the fire,” said Jane, who had paused from reading Goody Two Shoes to Jemima.

Even though Elizabeth’s gown covered her arms to her wrist, she grabbed her shawl and wrapped it around her. Between her sleeves and the wrap, she would not become ill—she refused. She had too much to anticipate in the weeks to come. Besides, she could not leave the window. She wanted to know the moment Fitzwilliam arrived.

“Watching will not make him come any sooner,” said Aunt Gardiner with a hint of a smile. “I daresay he stuffed his poor sister into a carriage the moment she completed her toilette.”

“Aunt!” Jane laughed while Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “You are being silly. You know they were to attend church just as we did.”

Elizabeth tapped her foot and crossed her arms over her chest. “What if he is angry over what occurred with Miss Bingley?”

Aunt Gardiner rested her needlework in her lap. “When he returned you home last night, he was not a man upset. He still observed you as he has since we first made his acquaintance. You also told us he chastised the lady after his sister did so. I do not believe he would think nothing of it at the time, then completely change his opinion.”

“I cannot imagine him so alterable,” said her uncle. “Can you?”

“No, I cannot.”

The steady striking of horses’ hooves against the road caused her to jerk her head back so she could see the street. He was here! She rushed to the hall and stood before the door, pinching her cheeks then straightening her skirt. Good grief! When had she become Lydia? Well, maybe she was not so much like her youngest sister. Lydia would surely adjust her bosom and not her skirt.

After a deep breath, she opened the door as Fitzwilliam’s foot hit the pavement. “Happy Christmas!” Her breath created a white cloud that floated away on the breeze. “I hope your journey was not too cold.”

He handed out Georgiana with a slight lift to his lips. “We wore our warmest coats and the grooms heated bricks for us. We were quite comfortable, I assure you.”

As they stepped towards the door, a footman followed with a small trunk. “What is this?” asked Elizabeth.

Fitzwilliam glanced at his sister with his smile widening. “You will see soon enough.” Once they entered and had removed their coats and hats, Georgiana hurried into the drawing room while she and Fitzwilliam lingered behind. “You were waiting at the window?”

“I was.” Why were her cheeks so warm? “I admit to fretting about what occurred with Miss Bingley yesterday. I fear I have driven my aunt and Jane to distraction.



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