Mr. Darcy's Unexpected Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice variation

by Teresa Darwell

  Mr. Darcy’s Unexpected Christmas

  A Pride & Prejudice variation

  By Teresa Darwell

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Epilogue

  The End

  Chapter One

  Elizabeth stared at Jane in anguish. What did her sister mean? This was their very first Christmas as wedded women and until a moment ago, they had been so thrilled and excited! That is to say, Jane was still delightfully happy, but Lizzy, upon hearing the question Jane had just proposed, found herself distressingly afflicted with a sudden inability to understand English.

  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bingley were visiting Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy for Christmastide and the two sisters had been merrily discussing the enlivening of Pemberley with suitable decorations. They currently occupied one of the front parlours, enjoying a view of the fine lawns of Pemberley and the soothing meandering drive. A lively fire leapt in the grate, cosy flames casting a warm glow upon the room and keeping the December chill at bay.

  Fitzwilliam‘s little sister Georgiana, now resident at Pemberley, was as enraptured as a child and the enthusiasm of the three young ladies had quite invigorated the housekeeper Mrs. Reynolds, who was proving an indispensable font of information. She knew everything there was to know about how to procure the exotic fruits and many of the other delectables Mrs. Darcy desired for her Christmas table. Elizabeth was conscious of rather a tenderness towards this stalwart of Pemberley.

  After all, it was she who had planted the very first seeds of doubt in Elizabeth that her husband was not the black character that ne’er do well Wickham had denounced him to be.

  Jane and Lizzy had just been discussing whether to have some mistletoe sent by coach from Mr. Bingley’s good friend in Worcestershire, or to have their own kissing bough made. Elizabeth laughed at the thought that Pemberley had evergreens enough to furnish all of England with kissing boughs!

  “Why not both?” Jane asked. Georgiana nodded her head in vigorous agreement as Jane continued, “I will ask Charles this forenoon if Mr. Harkens may be prevailed upon to dispatch a horseman with copious amounts of mistletoe. And perhaps he may send us some holly also, I do so love the red berries.”

  It was a mere two weeks until Christmas Day and they had already quite transformed the most somber rooms of Pemberley with much gold paper and silk woven through fragrant greenery. Elizabeth had been on the cusp of asking Georgiana if she thought ribbons or lace or both would be the nicest for their kissing boughs when Jane had asked the fateful question.

  “And what do you intend to give your husband as a keepsake for your first Christmastide together Lizzy?”

  Her mouth suddenly dry, Lizzy repeated, “A – a what Jane? A keepsake?”

  Jane, her attention again intent on mending Mr. Bingley’s pen, carried on easily, completely unaware of the alarm she had unleashed in her sister.

  “Yes dear. You remember Charles’ good friend Mr. Blayford? He stayed with us at Netherfield for se’en days after his trip to Europe when last you visited?”

  Elizabeth answered softly, “Yes,” wondering what Mr. Blayford’s trip to the continent had to do with Christmas, but Jane had continued excitedly, “Well he told us that people were already preparing for Christmas.”

  Jane clapped her hands gleefully, “Can you imagine, it was four weeks until Christmas Day and already they were decorating! But besides that, they have a custom whereby close family members and those in love,-“ here Jane paused and she and Elizabeth met eyes and blushed as a pair and Georgiana giggled. Jane finished by saying, “those in love exchange a keepsake. And I thought that as this is our very first Christmas with our husband, that we could choose something extra special for them. I have already told Charles of this and he thinks it wonderful. I have no doubt he has told Mr. Darcy of it too by now. We shall all exchange keepsakes Lizzy. It will show our husbands how very warmly we regard them. It will be such fun!”

  There came a most unpleasant wilting sensation in Elizabeth’s midriff. This was terrible! Awful! What was she to do? Oh, it was all very well for Jane she thought, quite uncharitably. Her husband was the most easygoing and undemanding person anyone might ever encounter. She was quite sure that whether Jane were to choose for him a new cravat or an estate in Derbyshire, he would be equally pleased.

  But Mr. Darcy was not Mr. Bingley! Elizabeth was quite assured of Mr. Darcy’s abiding affection, but her husband was neither so mellow nor so relaxed as his friend. Dearest Fitzwilliam had rather particular tastes and she would be thoroughly shamed should she choose something he had neither interest in nor liking for. Not in his eyes of course, their love was strong and true and she knew without doubt that he would attach no import at all should she present him with a keepsake unsuited to his nature. But she would. Oh, how she would!

  Fitzwilliam deserved no less than a wife who knew where his admiration and inclination lay. To choose a keepsake that would do for any common acquaintance would be akin to negligent indolence. No. Her gift to Fitzwilliam must clearly show her devotion.

  The horror of failure rendered Elizabeth stricken and thus it was she said weakly, “Oh Jane, I would wish that you had not told the gentlemen of such an idea. There will be no way we may now divert it, for I know our husbands will find it tremendous sport. But,” she wailed miserably, “What on earth may I procure for Mr. Darcy?”

  “Why Eliza,” Jane replied, startled by her sister’s distress, “Mr. Darcy will care not one whit what you gift to him.”

  “That is so, Elizabeth.” Georgiana agreed quickly, anxious to ease her beloved sister’s concern. “My brother grows ever more enamored every day. Why, when I asked him a question a day or so ago, he was so occupied in watching you that it took him quite three tries before I could gain his attention. And then, I might add, he was so distracted he answered in such a fashion that I could make no sense of it!”

  Though Elizabeth smiled tenderly at such sentiment, yet it only increased her anxiety. She would not reward such love with a common-or-garden trifle!

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Chapter Two

  The next day dawned crisp and clear and Elizabeth set out upon her favourite walk through the woods. This morning she desired solitude that she may think and think upon what she might choose for Mr. Darcy. She wondered if she might display her accomplishments by embroidering a special item but quickly rejected such an idea. Her accomplishments as she was perfectly honest to own, were of the middling variety and certainly not sufficiently exquisite to make such a presentation of. She might draw one of the many majestic views of Pemberley, but again she knew her talents to be even less exemplary in this arena.

  She wandered over the path picking off some withered leaves, pausing to watch the squirrels race madly over branch and trunk before reversing their path and doing the same in the opposite direction. The brilliance of the bright red dogwood twigs attracted her eye and she stopped to admire the creamy-white flowers. The intrusion of a caterpillar upon a leaf rather close to her face caused her to step back hurriedly – into a very solid wall. She flew round quickly with a rush of alarm to see her husband in a high state of amusement. He moved quickly and gathered her into his arms before she could draw breath.

  “Did you not think be wary of such wildlife as you may encounter in the woods my dearest?”

  Eliza
beth raised her hands to rest upon her husband’s chest and regaining her wits gasped, “I think that of all the creatures about me there is only one that does surprise me with such stealth. You may be pleased to know that your wife bears a constitution that may withstand such a shock to the nerves.”

  “Ah, but my sweet Elizabeth, I know you have the finest of nerves. They are sufficient to alert you but not so sensitive as to needlessly frighten you.”

  Reaching down with a smile, he kissed the tip of her nose which Elizabeth promptly wrinkled. She smiled back at him and said in mock outrage, “It is as well husband that I have such nerves, for you seem to be particularly fond of sudden appearances. Why, I know not what corner you may be concealed within.”

  Fitzwilliam threw his head back and laughed. “You had best be in readiness my beloved. There are nooks and crannies without count in Pemberley and her surrounds, and,” he paused to pull her in closer and bend down to whisper in her ear, “I intend to find you in each and every one if it should take my lifetime.”

  Elizabeth coloured deeply but was saved the need of reply by a voice calling insistently, “Mrs. Darcy! Mrs. Darcy!”

  The couple drew apart quickly and Mr. Darcy answered. “Over here man. What is it Barton?”

  The gasping manservant paused for a moment trying to gain breath as he panted out urgently, “M’lady! Sir! A message from Mrs. Bingley – pl, pl, please find Elizabeth - begging pardon ma’am - and inform her mother is here. And I am to tell you Lydia accompanies her.”

  His message delivered, the man stood red-faced and perspiring with exertion awaiting orders.

  “That will be all Barton. You may return to your quarters to repair.”

  With a respectful bow the man retreated as Darcy turned back to Elizabeth. With a finger under her chin, he tilted her face up to place a gentle kiss on her lips. “It would seem my dearest, that our first Christmas together is to be ever more special. We are to be honoured with the presence of your mother and my sister.”

  Elizabeth laid a soft hand upon his cheek. “My love, you are truly the most loyal husband I could wish for. But let us not attempt to make this a blessing. I was so very pleased and content at the thought of our Christmas with – I will be perfectly frank, my most favored sister and your closest friend, that this visitation lies harder than it might on any other occasion.”

  Darcy said nothing, only caressed Elizabeth’s hand as it lay upon his face.

  “I fear we may have tempted the fates with our talk of my strong nerves, for I fear we may now be subject to the strains of one with the most lively and ready nerves.”

  When Darcy only chuckled, Elizabeth cried, “but yet, it is worse. We may expect no easement of such agitation from the daughter who accompanies her. Lydia is more liable to stir emotions than to calm them. She has neither sense nor discernment. I truly fear our peaceful season is rent asunder.”

  Tears of disappointment and frustration moistened her eyes and it was with shimmering eyes she looked dolefully at her husband. His look of tenderness served only to cause her further dismay and she cried desperately, “And I have no conception of what to gift you for Christmas.”

  “Oh Elizabeth, pray do not allow our unexpected guests to cause you anguish. If you are of uneasy mind, I shall be distrait. If your enjoyment is impaired, mine will be destroyed. And as far as what to gift me, my sweetest - what on this good earth could you gift to me that I am not already in possession of? Am I not the owner of Pemberley, the most superb estate in all of England? Do I not have a stable of horses and a library of innumerable books? Are we not in possession of a cellar housing the finest wines?”

  Lizzy nodded her head at each one, but such listing of everything he did have left her more distressed than ever that she could hope to find the one thing he did not have.

  He kissed her gently on the temple and said, “But beyond such trifles, do I not have in my embrace the most beautiful, most kind, most loving, most delightful woman ever to grace our good England? What more could I ever want when I have you my dearest?”

  Though Darcy could not know, his speech of love caused Elizabeth further apprehension. Truly, how was she to think of a keepsake that would show Mr. Darcy her devotion?

  “I beseech you my darling,” he continued, “let us allow nothing to mar our season of joy together.” He leaned down to gently kiss her eyelids and whispered, “Please?”

  Elizabeth could do naught but agree. And since her nature did not allow for despondency save in the most dire of circumstance, she regained herself and laughed softly, “I promise Mr. Darcy. After all, it is not as though my sister’s husband accompanies her. That I fear, might overcome even your good spirit!”

  Enclosed in his arms, Elizabeth could not help but feel the shudder that agitated his very frame. He said dryly, “I shall not admit it my dear, but suffice to say I am glad I will not be thus tested.”

  Since Elizabeth took point of pride in acknowledging her own flaws she did admit, if only to herself, that her mother’s untimely arrival would wrest her mind from the one question that had obsessed her incessantly since Jane had asked it. In catering to the desires and whims of Mrs. Bennet and her youngest sister, she would be distracted from the challenge of what do you give Mr. Darcy for Christmas?”

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Chapter Three

  Dinner that evening was proving more agreeable than Elizabeth had dared hope. It was a strange thing, but Mrs. Bennet had lost a considerable portion of her contrarian regard. She was still neither sensible nor easily amiable, but where prior she had disdained Mr. Darcy for his haughty disregard, she now exhibited this very bearing herself.

  It brought to mind for Elizabeth how her particular friend Charlotte had once judged Mr. Darcy to have justification for such a demeanor. Sadly however, Mrs. Bennet, with neither the fortune - save through her least favourite daughter - nor the significance to carry such behavior, appeared only posturing and foolish.

  She was exceptionally condescending and ill-mannered toward the household staff and seemed peculiarly resentful toward the soft-spoken and self-possessed Mrs. Reynolds in particular, for with her she was embarrassingly uncivil.

  Elizabeth and Jane were thoroughly ashamed as was regrettably familiar to them when in company with Mrs. Bennet. The gentleman conversed most convivially, completely oblivious which was at the least a mercy. It was not until Mrs. Reynolds with yet another response of the utmost civility to their mother, then gave a small warm smile directly to the two young ladies, that they were reassured. It was just as though she had said outright, “Do not worry, I am accustomed to many such ladies and gentlemen and I know you to be of different cloth.”

  “This is exceptional white soup Mr. Darcy,” exclaimed Lydia, “I am most impatient for the remainder of the meal.”

  “Indeed so Mr. Darcy,” echoed her mother. “I am very much in anticipation of your table. I am quite certain you have the most appetizing of birds and beast. Still, I am sure my table leaves nothing to be desired, though I may not lay claim to a number of French chefs as I am sure you employ?”

  Elizabeth was again in admiration of her husband’s ability to respond with perfect civility to her mother and yet to leave unaddressed such discourteous probing as she inevitably displayed.

  “Indeed Mrs. Bennet. I remember fondly the fine repast we enjoyed at your home. Is that not so Mr. Bingley?”

  “I beg your pardon?” Mr. Bingley was a trifle embarrassed as he lifted his head away from his wife’s ear. Jane flushed prettily and Mr. Darcy smiled in amusement.

  “I said,” he repeated patiently, “we recall with pleasure the fine meal Mrs. Bennet provided us at Longbourn?”

  “Oh yes, yes,” agreed Mr. Bingley exuberantly, his enthusiasm reinforced by guilt over his earlier inattention.

  He shared a smile with Jane as both remembered that occasion. It had been the initiation of their happy reunion. Elizabeth instead quivered as she recalled her deep frustration and unhappines
s that day at the reticence and silence of Mr. Darcy. Oh! The torture of that period! Terrified to hope Mr. Darcy might still harbor any of the finer feelings for her, she had nonetheless looked desperately for any hint that it might be so. Her happiness when she later found his regard for her had never faded and had in actuality deepened, had been the most joyous day of her life.

  Her fond recollections were immediately shattered by an imperious command from her mother - directed at Georgiana!

  “Do sit up child!” Mrs. Bennet admonished the startled Georgiana. As was her wont, Miss Darcy had been sitting quietly with her face cast downward. She was perfectly at ease with Jane and Elizabeth and her brother’s friend Mr. Bingley. But though she had flourished under the care and attention of the Bennet sisters, yet she was still of a shy, retiring disposition when faced with strangers. Elizabeth had noticed Georgiana looking at her mother with curiosity, hide it as she would try.

  “I do not wonder,” Elizabeth had thought. “It sometimes puzzles me greatly how Jane and I can be so very, very different to our mama, that I do not wonder the variance causes others even more incomprehension.”

  Now, after Mrs. Bennet’s admonition, Georgiana flushed deeply and looked anxiously at her brother Elizabeth was agape. For love of her husband and not her mother, her immediate imperative was to maintain peace and save Fitzwilliam from the abhorrent choice of defending his sister or deference to his mother-in-law.

  Mustering as amiable a tone as she could manage, she addressed her mother lightly, “Mama, pray remember that it is not your own children you wisely advise. I am sure our posture is not all that it might be at times.”

  Mrs. Bennet sniffed and said, “I am quite sure that my seat is as straight as ever it was and I am not as young and strong as all of you. I think only of her well-being. The poor unfortunate girl has no mother to guide her. I am sure I meant no offense.”

  There was a stifled gasp from both Mr. Darcy and Jane, but Elizabeth was too horrified to utter a sound. What would her husband make of this? Even if not intended in such a manner, it could easily be construed as an insult to the upbringing of Georgiana - an upbringing which Fitzwilliam had been in sole charge of.