Most Ardently Read online

  Most Ardently

  An Austen-Inspired

  Christmas Collection

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  The collection Most Ardently Copyright © 2019 Sheena Austin.

  All other rights to individual stories retained by individual authors:

  Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Surprise Copyright © 2019 Debra-Ann Kummoung

  The Spirit of Mr. Darcy Copyright © 2019 Sheena Austin

  Shades of Pemberley Copyright © 2019 Claire O’Dare

  Snow Flight Copyright © 2019 Margo Bond Collins

  Twelvetide Chaos Copyright © 2019 Deborah E Pearson

  Charity Copyright © 2019 Sophie Bellabone

  The Demon and the Christmas Curse Copyright © 2019 Charlene Johnson

  Northanger Dorm Copyright © 2019 Ivy Hearne

  Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Surprise by Debra-Ann Kummoung

  Chapter 1

  Fitzwilliam Darcy somberly climbed out of his carriage. He was at Netherfield Park at last. His good friend, Charles Bingley, had recently become engaged and was due to marry within the month, and he wished Darcy to celebrate the festive season with him this year.

  “Darcy! You made excellent time,” Bingley greeted him. “Did you have any problems on the roads?”

  Darcy offered a wan smile. “Hello, Bingley, I had no difficulties with my travels. I wish to thank you for having me stay with you. Am I to meet your betrothed soon? I should like to wish you both my congratulations.”

  Bingley grinned, but then it dimmed. “I had arranged for you and me to have dinner with the Bennets tomorrow evening so that you could meet the family, but I had forgotten that you were in mourning for your sister. I apologize that was insensitive of me. I will cancel our plans.”

  Darcy held up a hand. “Do not apologize for caring for me. I appreciate your concern. Perhaps I might meet Miss Bennet tomorrow morning and we can pose the question to her and see if I would offend her family if I joined a small family dinner while I am not yet out of mourning.”

  “The very thing,” Bingley affirmed. “I will send Jane a note in the morning asking her to come. I must warn you that the family is somewhat livelier than you are used to.”

  “That is not too difficult to do anymore,” Darcy chuckled darkly. “All my family is away this year and while I miss them, I needed to be alone this year – to make it more bearable.”

  Bingley laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “No, you do not need to be alone. This is the time of year when you need to surround yourself with your friends and family, but I know your situation and can understand. I am very glad that you decided to join Caroline and me. We will enjoy having you here. I am sorry that your mourning prevented you from joining me here sooner and from meeting my betrothed and her family.”

  Darcy raised a brow. “Really? Your sister has been planning to become the next mistress of Pemberley since she came out. Do you mean to tell me that she has really changed?”

  “I understand your skepticism, Darcy.” Bingley flushed. “I really do. But, in Caroline’s defense, she was devastated when Miss Darcy passed. I know that many wished to know what caused your sister’s death, but Caroline and I refused to gossip about such a subject. As tragic as her death was, it seemed to have been an epiphany for my own sister. I realize that you have not been in her company for some time. I hope that you like the change that you will see in her when Caroline returns from paying her calls in Meryton. I should warn you that Miss Elizabeth is looking forward to making your acquaintance as she has heard me talk of you since Caroline and I moved into the neighborhood. She loves to tease and laugh.”

  Darcy acknowledged. “Well then, my friend, I will rest until dinner and look forward to meeting the most recent version of your sister.”

  Dinner that evening was a pleasant surprise for Darcy. Miss Bingley had greeted him cordially without any of her past coyness. The discussion over the meal was of Bingley’s leasing of Netherfield Park earlier that summer and his meeting of his angel, Miss Jane Bennet. Miss Bingley shared that the Bennet family, while a little more boisterous than one often found in Town, was a lovely family of five daughters. The eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, Bingley’s betrothed, a lovely blonde. Next came Miss Elizabeth, a petite beauty with chestnut hair and a sharp wit. The remaining sisters: Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, and Miss Lydia, were unique young ladies that were best to experience rather than attempt to describe them. Darcy was pleased to see her speak of other ladies in kindness. In the past, Miss Bingley had often acted superior to ladies who often out ranked her.

  After dinner, Darcy and Bingley enjoyed a drink and spent time sharing their various events during their absence from one another. Darcy commented, “Bingley, I was most impressed with the change in your sister. You mentioned earlier that her change was inspired by Georgiana. Can you elaborate on that?”

  His friend exhaled slowly. “I believe it was a combination of things. I think Caroline always assumed that you were unfeeling since you are often so aloof in company. She told me that she had observed the deep despair you felt at your sister’s funeral reception. Caroline had been convinced that she could settle for a cold marriage since the one man she had fallen in love with when she was younger, a classmate’s older brother, had died in the war. I do believe Miss Darcy’s death made my sister rethink her plans for a loveless marriage. Caroline has decided that after my marriage, she will return to Town and stay with my sister, Louisa, and her husband. I know earlier we discussed having me write Jane a note to ask her opinion about you joining the Bennets dinner party tomorrow evening. I would like to suggest that we have Jane and her sister, Miss Elizabeth, come to Netherfield tomorrow morning for a brief visit.”

  Darcy raised a brow. “May I ask why?”

  Bingley lifted a shoulder, “My Jane is a peacemaker and would never tell anyone that they are offending even if they were indeed. Her sister, Miss Elizabeth, on the other hand, has very firm opinions and would not hesitate to tell you her thoughts. I believe if Jane’s family were not so far beneath you in society, you would actually enjoy matching wits with Miss Elizabeth.”

  Darcy chuckled sadly. “I may have held that opinion once, but since the death of my sister, who I marry no longer matters. The important thing is that I do marry as my family line will die with me otherwise. My family has left me alone, but I know that after the festive season, they will wish me to begin searching for a wife.”

  “I understand, my friend,” Bingley observed. “However, you are here to be with friends and enjoy the festive season. Come, let us have a game of billiards.”

  Chapter 2

  THE NEXT MORNING, JANE and Elizabeth Bennet were seated in the drawing room of their father’s estate, Longbourn, as they reviewed items to be completed for Jane’s upcoming marriage to their new neighbor, Mr. Bingley. Jane was writing down what was left to be ordered and Elizabeth was stitching new handkerchiefs for her sister’s upcoming wedding.

  Elizabeth teased her sister, “Jane, it was so kind of you to marry a man with a last name starting with ‘B’. You do not need to make new handkerchiefs for your new name has the name initials as your current handkerchiefs, J.B.B.”

  Jane laughed and raised her head, “I am so happy that my initials are not an inconvenience to you.
Whether my last name is Bingley or Bennet, you will always be my dear sister. Although, why you fuss, I have no idea. Your needlework is exquisite.”

  Mrs. Hill, the Bennet’s long-time housekeeper, entered, “Miss Jane, I beg your pardon. You have a letter from Mr. Bingley.”

  Jane flushed. “Thank you, Hill.”

  Elizabeth smirked at her sister, “And what does your Mr. Bingley have to say that he cannot wait until this evening that he has to write you?”

  Her sister returned, “Well, Lizzy, Charles wrote me asking if you and I would come and visit him this morning. His friend, Mr. Darcy, has arrived and he has expressed some concerns and they would like to know our thoughts.”

  Elizabeth raised a brow. “The famous Mr. Darcy has arrived? The way your Mr. Bingley has gone on about the man, I expect him to be a saint.”

  Jane frowned at her sister, “Be kind, dearest. Remember, Mr. Darcy lost his younger sister and has been in mourning.”

  Chastised, Elizabeth apologized, “I am sorry, Jane. I only meant to tease not to offend. What does your letter say?”

  “Apparently, Charles and Mr. Darcy would like us to come over this morning for a brief meeting. Come; let us tell Mama that we need the carriage.”

  “Why can we not walk?” Elizabeth whined. “Every time we go to Netherfield, you insist on taking the carriage. I would like to walk there. Please, Jane?”

  Jane let out a big sigh, “Very well. Let me tell Mama where we are going. I expect we will be away for a while. When we return you must finish helping me and Mama prepare for tonight’s dinner.”

  Elizabeth eagerly agreed and a few minutes later the sisters were on their way to Netherfield. As they departed, Elizabeth commented, “Jane, you do realize that your idea of helping Mama prepare for dinner is for us to merely calm her nerves and you are far better at that than I am.”

  DARCY PACED IN HIS friend’s drawing room. “I do not think it is a good idea for me to go this evening,” He turned asking, “If I was anywhere else, I would not even be having this discussion. Why did I let you talk me into meeting your betrothed and her sister?”

  Bingley stared at his friend, “Relax, my friend. Jane and her sister are very nice. They are not at all like the ladies of society. I promise you that they will not try and pursue you – even if you were not in mourning.”

  Darcy opened his mouth to respond when there was a knock at the door. His friend called out, “Enter.” Darcy watched as his friend jump to his feet at the sight of a lovely blonde young lady. The two were very quickly pulled into a private conversation.

  Darcy was so focused on watching his friend that he jumped when a voice softly observed, “It is lovely to see them so happy, is it not?”

  Darcy glanced down to the very pretty, petite young lady standing next to him with chestnut curls and twinkling eyes. Not knowing what he should do, he simply lifted a single shoulder in acknowledgement. Darcy realized the young lady must be Bingley’s betrothed’s sister, Miss Elizabeth.

  “Good morning, sir. I must apologize if I seem forward as to introduce myself, but our host is otherwise occupied. I am Elizabeth Bennet and just there is my sister, Jane. As you can see, your friend and my sister can easily forget others are in the room.” She paused, looking back at Mr. Darcy. “Did you have good weather for your travels?”

  Darcy hesitated. “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. It is nice to make your acquaintance. I understand the situation completely and am very happy for my friend and your sister. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Fitzwilliam Darcy. I regret to say that the weather matched my mood of late. However, I was happy that Bingley requested that I join him for the festive season as I was not looking forward to spending it alone.”

  Elizabeth opened to mouth to ask Darcy something and closed it instead.

  Darcy continued, “What remains of my family already have other plans that do not include a depressed man who is still in mourning.” He trailed off as his voice cracked.

  Elizabeth realized that the grieving man before her was uncomfortable and turned to her sister. “Jane, I must ask that you and Mr. Bingley quit your conversation. Half the group in the room does not know the other half and I would hate to make the gentleman anymore uncomfortable than necessary.”

  Bingley laughed. “Lizzy, you know that I told you to call me Charles. I apologize for my lack of manners. I was simply happy to see your sister.”

  Jane walked over and stood next to her sister, “Charles, I believe that Lizzy was simply trying not to shock your friend. You are well aware that my sister and your sister get along famously when in the same room together.” Jane watched as the silent gentleman’s brows raised and she explained, “Sir, please you have no reason to fear my sister. They just like to have a battle of wits. It is actually quite fun to watch.”

  Bingley had walked over to his friend and motioned him toward the young ladies. “Darcy, I would like to introduce you to my betrothed, Miss Jane Bennet and her sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  Darcy bowed. “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to meet you both. I have heard much of you both from my friend here.”

  Elizabeth studied the solemn man. “Excuse me, sir, are you well? Is there something I can get you?”

  Jane and Bingley stood by silently and watched.

  “I thank you, no,” Darcy answered. “There is nothing that you can do that will assist me. It is something that will simply take time. I am sorry to have caused alarm.”

  “Sir, your friend told us of your loss that prevented you from coming earlier,” Elizabeth softly informed the gentleman. “Should you need a friend to talk with, I would be happy to be such a friend. We, that is, Jane and I, too know what it is to lose a loved one.”

  Darcy glanced between the sisters, “You have both suffered such a loss?”

  Jane responded, “Yes. I had a twin brother. He was a happy boy and we had such adventures together. One day he was fine and the next day he was gone. We had been outside playing and James was stung by a bee. We never thought something so small could take our brother away, but it did. I know that you have heard this many times, but it will get easier in time. You will be able to look back and remember the good times.”

  Darcy nodded in understanding. “I thank you for the thought, but unlike you, I am now alone in the world, at least as far as the Darcy family is concerned. My mother passed soon after my sister was born, and I lost my father five years ago. While I do have other family, they are all busy with their own lives and would not understand something that they have never experienced. I do not mean that they have not experienced death, but rather that they were not personally there when their sister, brother, aunt or cousin died. I was there for the death of each member of my family. The only family member who understands this loss is my cousin, Colonel Geoffrey Fitzwilliam. He shared joint custody with me over my sister. But the loss was not the same for him as he was only Georgiana’s cousin, not her brother. Fitzwilliam and I have always been as close as brothers, which is why I say he is the closest to understanding my pain. However, Fitzwilliam is out of the country serving in the war. As I indicated to Miss Elizabeth a moment ago, I was happy that Bingley invited me so that I would not be completely alone for the festive season. I know that I have told Bingley that I needed to be alone but already in less than a day, I can see that my friend is correct in his assessment that I need to be with friends who care about me.”

  “Charles, you requested that we come over. Was there something you needed from us?” Elizabeth inquired. “Also, where is your sister? I should greet Caroline as well.”

  “Yes, I do need to ask your assistance with something,” Bingley answered. “As for my sister, she has gone to pay a call on Lady Lucas, but I will let her know that you were inquiring about her.”

  “Ladies, I am the reason you have been sent for.” Darcy interjected. “As you are aware, I am still in mourning, but Bingley had already accepted the dinner invitation with your family. He tho
ught that your family would be understanding and allow me to join you for dinner.”

  Elizabeth responded, “Of course, Mr. Darcy, you should come. If you do not, you will be left alone in Netherfield by yourself. Our mother would quite dote on you if you allowed her the privilege.”

  Darcy glanced around the small group. “Truly? I will not offend your parents and sisters?”

  “Sir, our parents are open-minded and are probably more lax in the rules of propriety than you are used to,” Jane shared. “That is not to say that any of us are improper but well, our younger sisters are a bit lively. Will it be difficult for you to be around our younger sisters? I believe our youngest sister, Lydia, is about the same age as your sister was.”

  Darcy shook his head. “I believe it would be nice to be in lively company. Thank you for allowing this.”

  Elizabeth encouraged. “Come, sir, you must rest and relax while you are here. You can try my philosophy - ‘Think of the past as remembrance gives you pleasure.’ Now, my sister and I must return home to finish helping our mother and sisters. I look forward to speaking with you again.”

  Darcy bowed. “Thank you, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, for taking the time to come over and alleviate my concerns. It is most appreciated. I look forward to meeting your family.”

  Jane chewed her lip. “Mr. Darcy, I should warn you that our family is somewhat loud and boisterous. Please do not think meanly of them if they forget themselves.”

  Darcy agreed. “Please be at ease, Miss Bennet. I will not take offense. Until this evening, ladies.”

  Chapter 3

  JANE AND ELIZABETH were quiet for several minutes as they quickly walked home. After some minutes of silence, Elizabeth pondered, “What do you think of Charles’ friend?”

  Jane thought for a moment, “It is too soon to know. He seems very withdrawn, but I do not know if he is naturally shy or if it is his life as it now that has made him the way he is now.”