Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy!: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation by Zoe Burton

Author:Zoe Burton [Burton, Zoe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe
Goodreads: 43367203
Published: 2018-12-25T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

The lady’s mouth snapped shut. Darcy, though irate, found he was amazed that anyone could so effectively stop her voice. He joined the ladies in turning to see Mr. Bennet, who, along with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, had just entered the room. Mrs. Gardiner left her husband’s side to stand near Elizabeth. She kept a wary eye on her sister-in-law, half-fearing what Mrs. Bennet might say at the rare scold from her spouse.

“I had hoped to speak to you in private before our guest arrived, but I delayed too long. I regret that.” To Darcy, Mr. Bennet bowed and apologized. “We have not been formally introduced, sir, but allow me to extend my deepest apologies for the intrusive interrogation my wife subjected you to yesterday.

“I have spoken to Elizabeth, and she assures me that she shares an affection with you, and that you have asked for a courtship. I am sorry that an emergency with a tenant prevented me from being here yesterday so that you could request it. Given Mrs. Bennet’s thoughtless rudeness towards you, allow me to simply grant your desire. Gardiner assures me you are a worthy young man, and I trust his judgement.”

Darcy bowed slightly. “Thank you, sir. I will treat her with all the respect she deserves.”

Bennet lifted his lips into a small smile. “See that you do.” Giving his family a brief examination with his eyes, he spoke to them. “Fanny, come here. I wish to walk beside you to church. The rest of you may follow us.” Holding his arm out, elbow bent, Bennet waited for his wife to scurry across the room and accept it. Then, he sedately began the trek through the house and out the door. Darcy and Elizabeth followed, with the Gardiners behind them and the remaining Bennet daughters bringing up the rear.

Darcy glanced down at Elizabeth as they headed up the path toward Longbourn’s church. Her eyes were wide, and her silence gave him to believe that she was surprised by something and working it out in her mind. Leaning down, he whispered, “Are you well?”

Elizabeth blinked and looked up at him. “I am,” she whispered back. “It is just that I have never witnessed my father take such a firm stand with my mother. He usually lets her do or say what she will and takes no trouble to check her.”

“Hmmm, well … he did say that your uncle had spoken of me. Perhaps he was protecting your interests.”

Elizabeth tipped her head side to side as she formed her thoughts. “I am his favorite daughter. I suppose you might be correct.”

Darcy could only smile at that, because they had arrived at the church and were approaching the doors.

~~~***~~~

After church, the family and Darcy walked back to Longbourn House. Though Darcy had been attentive to the service, he could see that Elizabeth was still pensive. He determined to ask her about it.

“What is on your mind, Miss Elizabeth?”

“Oh,” Elizabeth said, drawing the word out a bit. “I confess I was thinking about you.

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