Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy!
By Zoe Burton
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About this ebook
An instant attraction. An epic snowstorm. A wedding day in peril.
Before one snowy day on a London street, Fitzwilliam Darcy had never been in love. However, shortly after meeting the tantalizing Elizabeth Bennet, he knows his heart will no longer be his own.
Elizabeth Bennet finds she is powerless to resist her attraction to the handsome and wealthy gentleman she has met and, in very short order, falls madly and deeply in love with him.
When the time comes for Elizabeth to leave London, Darcy follows her, intent upon continuing to prove his love for her. Elizabeth is happy to have his attentions, but she worries he will not be able to look past her background or abide her mother.
As it turns out, Elizabeth's mother is not the only mother to fear in Hertfordshire, for it is Mother Nature who poses the greatest threat.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy! is JAFF you don't want to miss. If you like besotted heroes, strong heroines, and sweet romance, you'll love Zoe Burton's second Christmas novella. Purchase Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy! today.
Read more from Zoe Burton
Darcy's Christmas Compromise Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Darcy's Yuletide Wedding Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Darcy's Christmas Scheme Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
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Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy! - Zoe Burton
Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy!
––––––––
By Zoe Burton
Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy!
––––––––
Zoe Burton
Published by Zoe Burton
© 2018 Zoe Burton
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 from its publisher and author.
Early drafts of this story were written and posted on the author’s website and on fan fiction forums in December 2018.
Acknowledgements
First, I thank Jesus Christ, my Savior and Guide, without whom this story would not have been told. I love you!
Additional thanks go to my betas, Rose and Leenie. Thank you for your friendship. I hope I give to you as much as I get from you.
Finally, I thank my Patreon patrons for their generous and unflagging support, and Bailey for her assistance on the topic of horses throwing shoes.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Before you go ...
About the Author
Connect With Zoe Burton
More by Zoe Burton
Chapter 1
Fitzwilliam Darcy looked out the window of his slowly-moving carriage at the rush of shoppers on Bond Street in London, snow swirling around them. It was cold for early November, and everyone, himself included, was wrapped up in coats and scarves. Distinguishing the features of most was difficult, because the majority of shoppers were keeping their heads down against the cold wind. Suddenly, Darcy’s attention was arrested by a lady who stood out from the crowd.
The girl looked young, perhaps nineteen or twenty, well-dressed in a fashionable gown of blue, with a matching pelisse and bonnet. Chestnut curls peeked out from under the headgear to cover her neck. What made her stand out was that, instead of tucking her head down to avoid the weather, she had her face turned up to it, smiling and laughing at the flakes that landed on her cheeks and lips. The gentleman with her said something to her, and the young lady looked at him with a grin. Darcy felt his heart lurch at the sight. Oh, to be the recipient of that smile, he thought.
Though not given to impulsiveness, Darcy lifted his walking stick to rap on the roof, signaling his driver to stop. His eyes never left the couple or the door they disappeared through. Feeling the coach come to a halt, Darcy leapt from the equipage before the footman could jump down and pull the step out. He called out to the driver to pull over and wait, and then swiftly made his way to the shop door.
As his hand moved toward the knob, Darcy’s usual caution surfaced. What are you doing? She might be married. Maybe she will not appreciate a stranger imposing himself upon her. The gentleman she was with appears much older than she is, but large age gaps between spouses are not unusual. Darcy struggled with his thoughts for a long moment and almost turned to walk away, but just as he began to give in to the doubts, he saw her through the window. He felt his heart begin to pound harder and without further thought, opened the door and stepped through.
Glancing around, Darcy saw that this was a bookshop, one he had visited on two or three previous occasions. The owner was known for being able to locate hard-to-find older editions, and his shop was filled with previously-owned—and loved—books. Darcy relaxed just a bit at being in the relatively familiar surroundings of the shop. He felt a tiny shot of delight run through him at the hope that the as-yet-unnamed young lady enjoyed reading. Taking a deep breath, he removed his hat and held it in the hand from which his walking stick hung. Then, he stepped forward.
Excuse me for interrupting you,
Darcy began, nervousness making his insides shake. When the lady and her friend turned around, Darcy was snared by the twinkle in her eyes and the bright smile on her face. He bowed, I am Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley in Derbyshire. I noticed you while you were walking outside and my spirits were lifted by your joy. I could not ride on without thanking you.
The girl blushed, the red in her cheeks spreading over her entire face. Despite her obvious embarrassment, she curtseyed and smiled. You are welcome. I am happy to have done such a good deed.
Darcy’s attention was fully on the lady. The fineness of her eyes captivated him, along with the sparkle that appeared as she looked back at him. Hearing her companion clear his throat, Darcy mentally shook himself, took another deep breath, and inquired after her name.
I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet, of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.
Turning to the gentleman beside her, she continued, This is my uncle, Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street.
Momentarily surprised by Gardiner’s direction, Darcy blinked, but he bowed and continued his conversation. I am pleased to meet you both.
He glanced around the room, as he had when he first entered, and then commented, I see that you enjoy old books.
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened. I do! My father does, as well. I am looking for something that he does not already have to surprise him with when I go home.
Home, Darcy thought. I hope it is not too soon! How long will you remain in town?
About a month, I think.
Elizabeth turned to her uncle. Or perhaps later?
Probably five or six weeks. I had thought we would go the Saturday before Christmas. That will give everyone time enough to recover and get the household in order.
Elizabeth smiled but said nothing. Darcy saw a flash of sadness come and go in her features, and his heart clenched as he wondered what her family was recovering from. It would be impolite to ask, however, so he did not. Instead, he inquired as to her success in finding a tome.
I have not,
Elizabeth replied with a grin. We had only been in the shop for a minute or two before you introduced yourself.
Darcy was relieved to see the twinkle return to Elizabeth’s eyes, and he smiled back at her. Perhaps I might assist you? I have a large library at my home in Derbyshire, and another one at my home here in town. What does your father like to read?
He adores Cowper. I was hoping to find an early edition, though as my uncle said earlier, they are thin on the ground.
This is true, but the proprietor here is one of the best, as I am certain Mr. Gardiner already told you. If anyone can find the book you want, it will be he.
Darcy spent a happy half-hour with his new acquaintances, searching the shop’s stock. Though they did not find the title they were searching for, they did find another book that Elizabeth thought her father might appreciate. Darcy enjoyed the glow in her fine eyes and the broad smile that covered her face when she discovered it, hugging it to her bosom.
As the three stepped out into the cold and snow outside the shop, Darcy was gripped with the urge to see Elizabeth again. For the second time that day, he acted impulsively.
I have not enjoyed a visit to a shop so much in a long time. I am happy to have made your acquaintance. Might I be so bold as to call upon you tomorrow?
Darcy’s words came out in a rush, and he held his breath as he waited for her reply.
Elizabeth glanced at her uncle, who gave a small nod, then turned back to Darcy. I would be happy to receive your call, sir.
She smiled warmly, her expression matching the tone of her voice. I have very much enjoyed meeting you, as well.
Darcy’s heart began to beat again with a thump. He exhaled, then took another deep breath, as an answering grin spread over his mien. Thank you. I look forward to our visit.
After inquiring as to the house number on