by Lady Waller
Darcy turned to Wickham. “Admit now that you cheated, and I will pay whatever Dealer Jack believes he lost in the game.”
Wickham’s complexion turned a light shade of red. Hate showed bright in his eyes. “Does it matter?”
Darcy glared at the shorter man until Wickham’s eyes flickered down to the ground.
“Aye. I cheated.” The words came out low and grumbled, but were loud enough for a small group of witnesses to hear.
Dealer Jack hooted with laughter.
His duty done, Darcy turned to leave and return to the carriage. Although he was the second, he had no intention of receiving an accidental gunshot wound by staying on the field.
Wickham grabbed Darcy by the arm before he backed away. “You don’t owe me anything, but I ask that you take care of my son when I’m gone.”
Darcy brushed Wickham’s hand away. “If you had cared about the welfare of your son, we wouldn’t be here.”
Darcy did not wish death on the man, but he did wish a resolution to come swiftly. At the end of a count of ten, he’d either write a letter to Mr. Bennet detailing Wickham’s death or his possible arrest. Either way, there would be an ending to this story soon.
The orator began his count. “One…Two…Three…”
Darcy closed his eyes and sat back in the carriage. Colonel Fitzwilliam practically leaned out the window, ready to report the damage. The number ten rang out over the field and one shot was soon followed by another. The crowds gasped and murmured.
His cousin leaned back against the seat, confusion skittering across his face. “They both missed.”
Chapter Eleven
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve morning came without much fanfare as the women of Pemberley were concerned only with news from London. After Elizabeth’s morning walk, she went to the dining room to have breakfast with her sisters and Georgiana.
Georgiana rushed forward to greet her. “I’m sure my brother will be home this evening. He is a master at resolving issues swiftly.”
“I have no doubt in Mr. Darcy’s capabilities.” She could not muster a smile to accompany her words.
Mary picked at a sweet roll. “Will Papa have to take in Lydia and her baby?”
“I’m not sure what will happen. We can only hold them in our prayers that they will be safe and cared for,” she assured her sisters.
The conversation died down, and after breakfast the women went their separate ways. More tired than she’d been since the beginning of her child bearing, Elizabeth returned to her room to sleep. Georgiana promised to wake her if there was any news. The best they could hope for was a rider from London with a letter.
Though the pianoforte was on the first floor, Elizabeth could hear Mary practicing. She was sure Georgiana would appreciate not having to share when her sisters returned home.
She settled into a deep sleep and didn’t wake until Georgiana called her name gently from the door. “Elizabeth. He’s home.”
Those three simple words were enough to propel Elizabeth from the bed. She asked Georgiana to fetch her maid so she could dress properly and fix her hair. Since the hour grew late, she’d change for dinner. While she wanted to run down the stairs and greet her husband, she preferred he saw her not in a state of dishevel. It would only add to his concerns.
After dressing, she pinched her cheeks to add some color and life to her complexion. She descended the stairs, where Mary and Kitty waited, twisting their hands and whispering.
Kitty and Mary rushed forward when she met them at the bottom. Kitty spoke first. “We didn’t think it proper to ask. Mr. Darcy went straight to his study and shut the door. He didn’t even grant audience to Georgiana. It must be the worst kind of news.”
Tears gathered in Kitty’s eyes. She’d been the closest with Lydia and even though she was often jealous of her, she’d never wish her ill will.
Mary, always solemn, bent her head. “This must be so hard on Mama and Papa too.”
“I shall speak with Mr. Darcy and as soon as I’m done, I’ll tell you everything I know. I promise.”
The girls shook their heads and Kitty pulled Mary in the direction of the sitting room. Elizabeth made her way to her husband’s study. She rapped her knuckles against the door.
“Enter,” Darcy called out.
She opened the door and shut it behind her. He set down his quill and stood. Tears filled her eyes as she rushed forward, and he met her with a strong embrace. Their lips found each other and the kiss lasted until she needed to pull away to breathe.
“I missed you so,” she said.
His laugh rumbled in his chest. “I should go away more often if that is the way I’ll be greeted when I get home.”
“Look who has become the master of teasing. Not the stoic Mr. Darcy.” The tension eased out of her shoulders and a smile spread across her face. “Tell me the good news first, I beg you.”
“Your father shall be joining us the day after tomorrow. He won’t be in time for the feast this evening, but he’ll be here on Christmas Day.”
She placed a hand over her heart. “Now tell me the bad news.”
“George Wickham is to be court-martialed for desertion. It took more funds than I care to discuss to convince his commander to disperse with a lesser infraction. He shall lose some funds and be reassigned, but he is saved from the firing squad.”
She sighed and leaned toward him. “Lydia must be relieved she is not a widow.”
“I did not have time to see Mrs. Wickham, but I can assure you that this will not be the last time her husband creates scandal. It’s a burden she and their son will always have to bear.”
“I would not wish that on anyone.”
“If you do not mind more company, Colonel Fitzwilliam has decided town is far too excitable and will be joining your father for the journey here.”
“Ah, that is more good news. I do so enjoy his company. We will have a full house on Christmas Day. I’ll see that Mrs. Reynolds prepares another room.” She returned to his arms and pressed her face against his coat. “You are my hero, ever the knight in shining armor.”
He pulled her close and placed a hand at the swell of her stomach. “I would do anything to ensure your happiness, my beloved.”
“I fear we will never be done with Lydia and her scoundrel husband.”
“I have made assurances that his assignment shall take him to India for a time. Mrs. Wickham shall be the recipient of his pay, and I hope that this will keep them both occupied long enough for us and your father to enjoy peace.”
§
After the pleasant Christmas Eve feast, everyone adjourned to the drawing room. Although he’d told Elizabeth of the duel, she’d asked him to keep that detail from her sisters. The gossip would find them soon enough once they returned home to Longbourn.
Darcy called Georgiana forward and handed her a wrapped cloth. Inside were sprigs of mistletoe. “I acquired these from a young boy who sold them on the street. Feel free to hang it wherever you desire, my sister.”
“I will save them for our next ball and then they will go in every doorway.” Georgiana skipped around the room holding the sprigs in the air for everyone to see.
He took pride in his sister’s happiness.
“And for the Bennet girls, new ribbons?” He held out another piece of wrapped paper and Mary and Kitty skittered forward to take it from him. Inside were many strands of ribbons in various shades of pinks, blues, and red.
The girls smiled and thanked him for his generosity.
Elizabeth slipped her arm around her husband’s elbow and mouthed a thank you to him. His easy generosity with her family knew no end.
At that moment a carriage rumbled up the drive. Darcy grinned, the excitement difficult to contain. This surprise was the one part of his gift that had fallen so easily into place. He cupped Elizabeth’s elbow and guided her to the door. “The timing for my final gift could not be better.”
The carriage door opened and Bi
ngley stepped to the ground. Right after, he turned and gave his hand to Jane.
Elizabeth gasped, and she glanced at Darcy with tears brimming in her eyes. “How can this be? I thought they were on their way to America?”
“After I invited your father to stay with us, I in turn wrote a letter to Bingley asking him to delay his travels for a couple of weeks. He agreed to keep our plan in confidence, and now I have presented you with my gift—your sister Jane.”
Jane rushed up the stairs to greet them, wisps of her blonde hair spilling from her bonnet. She pulled Elizabeth into a deep hug, and neither spoke for many moments.
Bingley interrupted the pair. “It is a bit cold. Let’s continue our reunion by the fire.”
§
Elizabeth’s heart filled with so much joy, she could not contain it. Happiness spilled over from her eyes into tears.
Jane laughed softly. “If being with child makes a woman this weepy, I cannot say that I’m jealous of your condition.”
“Oh, Jane. Your time will come. I have complete certainty.”
Jane pulled Elizabeth close, so their words would not be heard by the other occupants of the room. “Do not worry for me. I know the gossip that surrounds Charles and I’ve yet to become pregnant. That’s part of the reason we’re off to America. He believes a change of environment will do us some good.”
“Is he good to you? Do you worry that he’ll seek an annulment if you cannot have children?” Elizabeth hated herself for asking, but needed to know if Jane felt safe in her marriage.
Jane glanced toward her husband and patted Elizabeth’s hand. “I could not have asked for a more suitable marriage. I have no doubt of Charles’s affection for me. He has said that we will defy societal norms and adopt an heir if we can’t produce one together.”
“He would do that for you?” Elizabeth watched her husband and Bingley chatting easily by the fire. Two men with different personalities, but men of honor nonetheless. “I can say that we have most certainly chosen well.”
The baby chose to kick in response to her words and Elizabeth pulled Jane’s hand down to her stomach.
Jane gasped. “I do believe my niece or nephew agrees.”
Elizabeth glanced around the room, taking in her family. It would be a Christmas Eve she’d never forget.
The End
Coming Soon:
Lizzy and the Lord of Frogs: A Pride and Prejudice Fairy Tale Mashup
Other Pride and Prejudice Variations by Lady Waller:
It’s in His Kiss: A Sweet Pride and Prejudice Short Story Variation
A Gift for My Mr. Darcy: A Sweet Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella
About the Author
Lady Waller is a shy girl who loves to write sweet and spicy historical romances. Come along as she takes you through medieval, Victorian, and Pride and Prejudice variation romances.
For updates on releases, connect with Lady Waller on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lady-Waller-Books-1472640382782167/