Once Upon a December

by Rose Fairbanks

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  copyright

  Also by Rose Fairbanks

  A Sleigh Ride for Two

  Thawed Hearts

  Fitzy the Snowman

  The Force of Love

  Home with You

  Fortune Favours the Bold

  Winter Walks

  Sample of Mr. Darcy’s Miracle at Longbourn

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Rose Fairbanks

  Once Upon a December

  Christmas with Jane Book 1

  Holiday Tales of Pride and Prejudice

  Rose Fairbanks

  Once Upon a December

  Published by Rose Fairbanks

  ©2015 Rose Fairbanks

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, without permission in writing from its publisher and author.

  Several passages in this novel are paraphrased from the works of Jane Austen.

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to characters, whether living or dead, is not the intention of this author.

  Also by Rose Fairbanks

  Jane Austen Re-Imaginings Series

  (Stand Alone Series)

  Letters from the Heart

  Undone Business

  No Cause to Repine

  Love Lasts Longest

  Mr. Darcy’s Kindness

  Mr. Darcy’s Compassion (Coming 2019)

  When Love Blooms Series

  Sufficient Encouragement

  Renewed Hope

  Extraordinary Devotion

  Loving Elizabeth Series

  Pledged

  Reunited

  Treasured

  Pride and Prejudice and Bluestockings

  Mr. Darcy’s Bluestocking Bride

  Lady Darcy’s Bluestocking Club (Coming 2019)

  Impertinent Daughters Series

  The Gentleman’s Impertinent Daughter

  Mr. Darcy’s Impertinent Daughter (Coming 2019)

  Desire and Obligation Series

  A Sense of Obligation

  Domestic Felicity (Coming 2019)

  Christmas with Jane

  Once Upon a December

  Mr. Darcy’s Miracle at Longbourn

  How Darcy Saved Christmas

  Men of Austen

  The Secrets of Pemberley

  The Secrets of Donwell Abbey (Emma Variation, Coming 2019)

  Regency Romance

  Flowers of Scotland (Marriage Maker Series)

  The Maid of Inverness

  Paranormal Regency Fairy Tale

  Cinderella’s Phantom Prince and Beauty’s Mirror (with Jenni James)

  A Sleigh Ride for Two

  Fitzwilliam Darcy and his guest and best friend, Charles Bingley, looked to the clock on the mantle in the dining room of Darcy House. Agreeing it was time to re-join the ladies, and after rousing Bingley’s brother-in-law, they returned to the drawing room and greeted their sisters.

  “Ladies!” Bingley declared. “I have the most exciting news. Darcy has found an estate for sale, which should meet my needs. It is only thirty miles from Pemberley!”

  In a rare moment of shared emotion, both gentlemen observed the calm smiles and restrained happiness of the ladies and were reminded of a family of women with much more irrepressible feelings. Their thoughts on the Bennet family differed entirely, though. Bingley never minded the exuberance of Mrs. Bennet and the younger daughters; the angelic, if cryptic, smile of Jane Bennet could make him tolerate anything. Darcy could only repine the absence of Elizabeth Bennet.

  “I hope you are not planning to move there now, Charles,” said the eldest of the Bingley siblings.

  “Whyever not, Louisa?” the younger sister, Caroline, asked.

  “Think of how cold it must be in winter!”

  Darcy hid a smile at Caroline’s concerned look. “I was told in the last letter from my steward that there is already a heavy blanket of snow.”

  “But surely that is of little consequence to us. We would winter in London, as always.”

  Bingley deferred to his friend’s knowledge. “I usually spend the worst months at Pemberley, actually,” Darcy said. “Roads need repair, and tenant houses must be secured against the cold and snow, among other matters.” Not that he would mention the increased demand on his mines during the winter. Caroline did not need to know that he had even more than ten thousand pounds per annum.

  “Yet you remain here now,” she purred with a knowing look.

  Darcy bristled. He would prefer not to think about why he was not wintering at Pemberley, ridiculous fool that he was. “Your brother’s estate is thirty miles to the north of Pemberley.” He hoped that knowledge would make her less enamoured with things North.

  “Fitzwilliam is remaining in London because I wish it,” Georgiana intervened. She did not care for Caroline’s criticism of her brother, and even worse, he was unknowingly encouraging her again. She knew he thought he was persuading her that Pemberley was unlikeable, but what Caroline likely heard was him giving her every reason to stay in London—where he was.

  Her brother was very intelligent but a ridiculous dunderhead when it came to ladies. She sighed; sometimes she truly feared Pemberley would fall to her line. Of course, that would mean her brother would allow her to grow up and marry. No matter how well deserved his anger was over her ill-advised attempt at an elopement this past summer, she was rather certain he meant to keep her a child always.

  Surprisingly, it was Louisa who turned the conversation back to its origin. “I imagine you are quite homebound in the winter. What carriage can go through all that snow?”

  “Oh! We have sleighs!” Georgiana replied and belatedly realised she was far too enthusiastic. Not only was it unladylike—and clearly astonished her brother—but the setting could be quite romantic. The last thing Fitzwilliam needed was Caroline attempting to get him alone in a sleigh with her. She shuddered at the thought and almost burst out in laughter as she saw her brother do the same. Then his face took on a softened look that intrigued her immensely. She glanced to Mr. Bingley, who shared the expression.

  “Darcy, is there anyone in London who sells sleighs?”

  “Of course...” He would have said more but was interrupted by Caroline.

  “I am certain they are vastly superior here than in the country towns.”

  “I could acquaint you with my favourite shop tomorrow,” Darcy continued, ignoring Caroline.

  “Excellent.”

  “Do you know any more about the estate, Mr. Darcy?” Caroline attempted again to garner his attention. She had beauty, wealth, accomplishments, and her brother was his best friend. She only needed patience and persistence. She had every confidence she would win her gentleman.

  Georgiana tapped her shoe against Darcy’s, their arranged cue that she would deal with Caroline. “Georgiana actually would know more about the kinds of things that would interest ladies.”

  Looking at Hurst, Darcy arose to refresh the glasses of his male guests and made his escape. Georgiana managed to keep Caroline’s attention for a few minutes and then invited her to perform on the pianoforte. Soon Hurst was falling asleep, and Caroline and Louisa fawned over Georgiana’s performance. Darcy and Bingley discussed their plans for meeting on the morrow. They would meet at the shop and return to Darcy House together. Their respective sisters had need of the carriages, but they could hire one.

  Leaving Darcy House, Caroline was more confident than ever that she may soon become Mrs. Darcy. Louisa was determined to become better acquainted with her in-laws, who lived in a mild climate, while her husband
prayed Darcy would never run out of his good port. Their brother was forming a desperate resolution. Georgiana went to her chambers dissatisfied with the evening. Her brother was in a testy mood and had been for weeks. She allowed him to ruminate alone in the library, where he wondered if he would ever cease to long for a pair of fine eyes.

  *****

  The next day, Darcy and Bingley met at the appointed time and place. After reviewing all the equipment, Bingley settled on a stylish sleigh made for two.

  “Why the rush to purchase one this winter? For all our talk last night, you are unlikely to take possession before March.”

  Bingley quickly paid the clerk and made arrangements for it to be delivered to Hurst’s townhouse instead of answering Darcy.

  “I am certain Mr. Latimer would allow you to store the sleigh at the estate.”

  “It is not meant for Lethenbrook Bridge. I am going to have it transported to Netherfield.”

  Bingley attempted to rush from the establishment, but Darcy threw out an arm, blocking his path.

  “What do you mean?”

  Bingley was surprised by the anger in Darcy’s voice. He pushed past him, and the men hired a carriage to resume their conversation.

  “I am to own an estate! And I can still think of only one woman I wish to make its mistress. I will now be hundreds of miles from her family! That must surely remove some of your complaints.”

  Darcy groaned in disgust. He agreed distance from the Bennets would remove many of his objections. Hence he stayed in London, where he could not quite long for Elizabeth to be present in his country home.

  “It does not remove the issue of Miss Bennet’s attachment to you.”

  “I believe I am glad you perceived no admiration. She is not like the women you are used to being around. For you to see her sentiments, you must be the recipient of them.”

  “Clearly you see only what you wish to see.”

  “I never disagreed with you on the other ladies.”

  “You are merely more bewitched by Miss Bennet.”

  “By your report, she has nothing to bewitch with.”

  “She is pretty.”

  “Pretty! She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and has been since first sight! You even acknowledged her as the only handsome lady in attendance at the first ball we attended.”

  “Impossible!” Darcy quickly declared. He recalled liking Elizabeth too much, wishing to find fault in her, but surely he always found her lovely.

  “Well, if you refuse to believe you found her handsome at the time—despite your words that I perfectly recall—then, what is bewitching me? Perhaps I find her so beautiful because I love her.”

  Darcy did not reply at first. He entirely agreed with the sentiment. Elizabeth was perfection, but he was aware that he found her more beautiful as his regard deepened. Never mind, it did not negate the concern for Miss Bennet’s attachment.

  “You have still only proven you are blinded. I am impartial and find her indifferent. At best she would marry you to secure her family, and at worst refuse you.”

  “If she did not like me, then why did she not discourage me?”

  “She would not wish to wound your heart.”

  “But she would think marrying me with indifference or rejecting me would not hurt my feelings?”

  Finally stumped, Darcy grew silent. At last he could only say, “She is simply too reserved. Look at her family! She is the only one who does not make it clear what she feels on any matter.”

  Bingley laughed at such an image. “Oh yes, now you mock discretion! And reserve? As if you should speak! You cannot talk me out of this. I am returning to Netherfield and will return with a bride.”

  Darcy sat in sullen silence until just before they arrived at his door. “You will declare yourself immediately?”

  “I had planned to propose on a sleigh ride.”

  “She would ride with you unaccompanied?”

  “You think not?”

  “I am certain Mrs. Bennet would allow it, but I do not think your Miss Bennet would agree.”

  Bingley deflated. It was the perfect image he had in his head. “What if there is a chaperone? Miss Elizabeth...I could buy another sleigh, and she could ride with someone. That is not so bad.”

  Darcy’s eyes widened as he imagined just who Elizabeth could ride in a sleigh with. Wickham was likely a favourite at their house by now. Would she nestle in close with him? Would he see her cheeks turn rosy with the cold and offer to hold her close, providing heat? Would he make her laugh? And when she turned to face him, with that irresistible twinkle in her eyes, would he lean in and touch those tempting lips with his vile ones?

  His throat was tight, but he must speak. “I will come.”

  Bingley raised an eyebrow, a suspicion beginning to form, but he said nothing.

  Darcy only added, “Do not inform your sister of your intentions or that I am coming as well.”

  He exited the carriage and went directly to his library, penning a note that he wished to buy the same sleigh as his friend, both to be delivered to Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire.

  *****

  “He has come!” Mrs. Bennet burst into Jane and Elizabeth’s room a day or two later. “John said he saw Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy coming up the lane. Make haste!”

  Jane had yet to begin her toilette, but Elizabeth was finished and promptly sent downstairs.

  She expected Mr. Bingley to be as amiable as ever but was surprised when Mr. Darcy stood so hastily he almost tripped over his own feet. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said with a bow.

  Mr. Bingley stifled his laughter at his friend’s expense and performed his piece of civility. Soon they were all seated as they heard the muffled sounds of five other women readying for the day.

  “What a pleasant surprise this is! We were assured you meant to return to Netherfield no more this winter,” Elizabeth put forward. She hoped for confirmation that his sisters had been behind the deceit. She had imagined his friend was as well, and yet Mr. Darcy was present now.

  “I am sorry to make you think that. I was delayed. Darcy was helping me find an estate to purchase.” Bingley wanted to beat his chest in pride.

  Elizabeth furrowed her brow. Was he not remaining at Netherfield? “And how long will you be at Netherfield then?”

  “Darcy must return next week, but I am uncertain how long I will remain. Quite possibly until I take possession of Lethenbrook Bridge.”

  She heaved a relieved sigh and replied cheerfully, “How nice it will be to have you here for Christmas then! Sir William Lucas always hosts a great party just a few days before. Jane particularly enjoys this time of year.”

  “Does she?” Bingley felt lightheaded with anticipation.

  After what felt like an eternity, Jane came down, and Elizabeth believed she looked lovelier than ever. She smiled widely at Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet stayed only for a moment before claiming to need to speak with the housekeeper. It was clear to all that she hoped to come up with some excuse to get rid of Elizabeth and Darcy.

  For her part, Jane could scarcely help blushing or even meet Mr. Bingley’s eye. But every time he spoke, she replied, praying he would continue the conversation. Hearing his voice, if she could not meet his eye, was soothing.

  Miss Bennet’s obvious enjoyment of Bingley’s presence struck Darcy. He studied her closely and saw that his friend was correct. She was not like Elizabeth, so obvious in her enjoyment of things, but he could see her preference now.

  Elizabeth entirely ignored his presence. He had not thought about it until now; he was always satisfied with observing her when she gave others her attention. Now he began to wonder if she disliked him, a thought that naturally led to a quick surmise of whom she did like. It might not be a romantic interlude, but he was more determined than ever to get her in the sleigh with him. He would clear his name.

  Bingley could contain himself no more and blurted out, “Darcy and I brought a pair of sleighs with us today. We though
t you ladies might enjoy a ride.”

  “Oh! A sleigh ride!” Jane cried before sobering. “Elizabeth and I do not know how to drive…”

  Bingley laughed, and even Darcy smiled. “We had hoped there would be no harm in being your escorts,” Bingley clarified.

  Jane looked to Elizabeth and silently beseeched her to agree.

  “I will just go and ask Mama,” Elizabeth said.

  Darcy had been watching Elizabeth intently and saw that she was not entirely at ease with the scheme. After Elizabeth exited, he excused himself under the guise of checking on the horses. He hoped to speak somehow with Elizabeth about her apprehension. Instead, he overheard the conversation with her mother

  “There is nothing to be done for. Jane would not go on her own; you will have to bear Mr. Darcy, as dreadful as he is.”

  “Mama, he will hear you! Besides, I would not wish for Jane to go on her own either.”

  “You will never get a husband! When I think of how you turned Mr. Collins down—turned all of this down! Well, perhaps I do wish Mr. Darcy on you then. Only do not allow him to vex you as he normally does. Mr. Wickham may call later, and I do not wish you to be out of spirits.”

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes and sighed as her mother marched away. She began walking to the door, swallowing her fears, when Mr. Darcy unexpectedly came from a doorway.

  Already too nervous, she jumped. “Mr. Darcy! How—how long have you been in the hallway?”

  He raised an eyebrow at her, and she could not explain why the sound of his hushed voice sent a chill down her body.

  “Quite long enough. I must speak with you.”

  She swallowed. “Certainly. I believe it is only balls that make me silent and taciturn.”

  He chuckled, the sound rumbling from his chest. Noticing his chest caused Elizabeth to realise how broad he was; could they even fit in a sleigh together?

  “I believe I might say some things that will anger you, but I know my friend would like a very peaceful, quiet, and long ride with your sister.”