The Darcys' First Christmas by Andrea David

Author:Andrea David
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: regency historical romance romantic love story, vagary christmas novella sweet clean romance, elizabeth bennet fitzwilliam darcy 19th century, Jane Bennet Mr Charles Bingley marriage P&P, pemberley holiday wholesome netherfield longbourn, short reads story stories nobility rich friendship, London Lydia Bennet Wickham family life sister
Publisher: Artesian Well Publishing
Published: 2016-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

JANE SENT THE MISSIVE to her parents and requested instruction from their father as to how to deliver Kitty home. She was welcome to stay with the Bingleys for Christmas, Jane wrote, and indeed, all the sisters welcomed the idea.

It was apparent to the older two that the atmosphere at Longbourn was not conducive to the development of Kitty’s character. For Kitty herself, it was unbearable.

Those closest to Kitty were perhaps unable to see her worth. Where her own father described her as foolish or silly, Bingley called her a good girl, a pretty girl. The thought brought a lump to Lizzy’s throat. Bingley regarded her as a gentleman ought to regard a lady. To be seen in that way would build her confidence and make her less irritable.

Yes, Longbourn was not at all the place for her.

While Kitty unpacked her things in a bedroom upstairs, Mrs. Gardiner took the news of Kitty’s recovery home to her husband. The Darcys were preparing to leave soon after when a knock at the front door was quickly followed by a voice calling, “Jane! Jane, are you home?”

Lizzy’s face heated at the sound. As if the household were not already in an uproar. Lydia’s ill manners could only create more havoc.

Jane rushed into the foyer. “Lydia, my dear, it is a pleasure to see you. But you must not burst in. You must wait to be let in like any other guest.” She led the girl towards the drawing room.

“Lord, it is too cold outside to wait. And what did you think of the great joke Kitty and I played? My mother will be so diverted when we all show up at Longbourn for Christmas dinner.”

“And how do you expect to get to Longbourn?” Lizzy asked, kissing her sister in greeting.

“Why, I shall ride with Kitty, of course. We will take the express, and hire a man to accompany us. My father will pay for it when we get there.”

“I think not,” Darcy said. “If Kitty is to go to Longbourn, Bingley or I shall take her. Should you not spend Christmas with your husband, since he is to go back to his regiment soon?”

Lydia rolled her eyes. “Back to the north, where Colonel Fitzwilliam will try again to kill him, and leave me a widow. With Wickham only an ensign, his pension would not be near enough for me to live on.”

“I shall speak to my cousin, then,” Darcy said, “and request he wait until your husband is a captain to kill him.”

Lydia stared, then laughed. “Why, Darcy, I had no idea you could be funny. You’re always so stiff and proper.” She arched her brows. “A proper gentleman is no fun at all, although a stiff one has his uses.”

“Lydia!” Lizzy scolded.

“We are all married ladies here, Lizzy, and sisters besides. Why may I not have some fun?”

“Georgiana is not a married lady,” Lizzy said through her teeth.

“Oh, Miss Darcy, I did not notice you there in the corner. How silly of me.

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