Mistletoe and Mischief by Jann Rowland & Lelia Eye & Colin Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland & Lelia Eye & Colin Rowland [Rowland, Jann & Eye, Lelia & Rowland, Colin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989212158
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2019-12-04T05:00:00+00:00

Elizabeth was the first to rise the next morning, as was her custom. Donning her dressing gown, she stepped to her bedchamber window, where the sight which greeted her was of a world shrouded in a blanket of white, the rain having changed to snow that fell in fat, lazy flakes, although at an intensity sharply reduced from the deluge of the previous day. Gone too was the fearsome wind; having laid an effective claim to its supremacy, it had dissipated, stealing away like a thief in the night.

With haste born of her anxiety and impatience, Elizabeth dressed and bustled down the stairs to the manor entrance. Throwing open the immense door, she surveyed the perfect scene before her of a landscape painted in white, thus far unmarred by the print of man or beast.

“Is there a sign of their arrival?” asked Jane, who waited at the foot of the staircase, concern etched upon her brow.

“I see only undisturbed snow,” said Elizabeth. “I presume they are delayed by last evening’s poor weather. If so, I do not expect them to reach Hertfordshire before tomorrow.

“Now, come, Jane. Let us prepare for the Christmas services at church.” Elizabeth shooed her sister away from the entrance and to the dining room, where Mrs. Hill had laid out a hearty breakfast in preparation for their yule observance.

The meal became a family affair, as each member, upon learning it was prepared, came downstairs to partake of the sumptuous fare. The conversation was muted, as each of the Bennets found more interest in the appetizing offerings than in entertaining a discussion of any substance.

“The time has come to prepare for the vicar’s Christmas sermon,” said Mr. Bennet once he finally rose from the table to conclude the meal. “We will leave for the parish in one hour; your participation, as you know, is required.” This last was directed to Lydia and Kitty, both of whom were unapologetically resistant to the idea of church attendance on such a day.

Elizabeth, wanting to arrive at the chapel early, extended what aid she could in hastening the preparations of her two youngest sisters, over their strenuous objections. In short order, all were ready to depart, and the Bennet carriage was brought to the door, accompanied by the landau which had carried the Gardiners from London. Once arguments about seating arrangements had been settled and assigned positions assumed, the carriages departed Longbourn village for the short ride to the church.

When first she alit from the transport, Elizabeth was equal parts surprised and pleased to discover Mr. Darcy waiting for her with Mr. Bingley at his side. Standing apart from the men was Mr. Darcy’s sister, Georgiana. Delighted by their safe return, Elizabeth hurried, as much as proper decorum would allow, to greet them.

“It is a relief to find you in attendance, but more especially to see that you seem safe and well,” said she when near enough to speak without needing to raise her voice. “I was concerned that you and Mr.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.