An Unexpected Merry Gentleman by Anngela Schroeder

Author:Anngela Schroeder [Schroeder, Anngela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781790502257
Published: 2018-12-01T18:30:00+00:00

“Are you disappointed not to be returning to Pemberley for the holidays, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked. The snow had ceased, and, with only a light dusting on the ground and the clouds clearing, the blue skies had beckoned them outside.

“I am but am also grateful Bingley offered us hospitality. It has been many years since my sister and I have been in the company of others for the holidays.” At her quizzical look, he continued. “At Pemberley, we are quite alone. With only the servants to keep us company, Christmas is a quiet affair.”

“How unfortunate.” She felt a hint of sadness for the proud man from Derbyshire. No one should be bereft of family. Especially during the holidays.

“My mother made Christmas beautiful. Our house would always ring with her laughter and music. I regret I have not been able to replicate it, even with the help of my sister.”

At that, both looked up to hear the giggles of Miss Darcy with Emily and Victoria walking ahead of them. Her cousins had attached themselves to the young woman, and she did not appear to mind in the least. She skipped with them after a rafter of turkeys which came from Netherfield Woods to cross their path.

Elizabeth laughed and was surprised to hear the same echoed from her companion. “I find it difficult to separate the woman she is becoming from the child I see,” he said. “She will soon be out in society. That I could protect her from the hounds of London….”

They walked in silence, Elizabeth contemplating his words. “I think,” she said, weighing her own, “a young girl like Miss Darcy would welcome the protection but might also hope for an opportunity to prove she is not fragile. I daresay she is at such a puzzling time. Not quite a woman but no longer a child.”

He looked up sharply, and Elizabeth prepared for the onslaught of anger from the proud man she remembered from Netherfield weeks before. Instead, she was surprised by his soft question.

“Fragile?”

“When we first met at Longbourn, she seemed forlorn. But, now, she appears to thrive with my young cousins.”

Another round of giggles met her statement, and Mr. Darcy smiled, his features easing. “You know not how that sound is a balm to my soul.”

Elizabeth was taken aback by the depth of feeling in his voice and had to look away before he detected the unexpected sentiments welling within her. He truly loves his sister.

“Sir, I have been pondering a question of great import of which I hope you can answer?”

His body tensed. “I will do all in my power to assist you, Miss Elizabeth.”

They walked a few more steps. “Did your mother approve of you sliding down all four banisters at Pemberley?”

He chuckled. “To be sure, my mother was quite proper. However, she had a husband who believed boys should not be confined to the schoolroom but, instead, allowed to roam across the countryside and through the woods at breakneck speed on horses.”

“Truly?”

“Yes,” he laughed. “My mother would tell Nanny Flora to keep me safe, while allowing me to scrape my knees.

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