The 12 Days of a Jane Austen Christmas – To Forget

day5Christmas


Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas, Jane Austen gave to me… a new Christmas short story!

 

 

 


 

To Forget

November 27, 1811

What a difference a pair of fine eyes and a clever wit could make in an otherwise dreadful social obligation.

Darcy laced his hands behind his head and stared up at the bed curtains. Rosy rays of dawn crept around the heavy woolen panels and illuminated Netherfield’s finest guest room, a neat, functional chamber, entirely appropriate to an older country manor.

Perhaps the Netherfield ball had been a good idea after all. Despite protestations that Bingley demanded the impossible of her, Miss Bingley arranged a first rate event. Probably the best the sleepy little market town had ever experienced. 

A pleasant, country affair where one could dance with a partner and not fear it would find its way into the society pages the next day. What was there not to appreciate about that? Certainly, such an event was a novelty he might be willing to repeat.

A sharp gust of wind blew in around an ill-fitting window, fluttering the curtains. Fanciful shadows danced about the chamber. The maid had missed a corner in her dusting. He ought to mention it to the housekeeper himself. Miss Bingley might well have the poor girl sacked for the oversight.

Mother had always been particular about the housekeeping, but she trained the staff herself. Better see the maids properly trained than to send them packing.

Pemberley had been as dear to her as it was to Father. She ran the household with the same passion he oversaw the land.  They both managed with a firm hand, balanced with the knowledge that proper instruction produced better results than repeated reproaches.

Despite Miss Bingley’s constant admonishments to the scullery maids, improvement only came when Elizabeth had stepped in. How patient she had been with the scullion assigned to make up the fire in Miss Bennet’s room.

He screwed his eyes shut and threw an arm over his eyes. Not again! Why could he not shake the thoughts of her from his mind?

Maddening, utterly maddening.   

He rolled to his feet and shrugged on his dressing gown. Perhaps a walk on the grounds would help him clear his mind. Unless of course he should encounter her along the way. While it might not be likely, it was exactly the sort of bad luck to taunt him. 

Why did she have to be so engaging when her family was wholly dreadful?

He rang the bell for his valet.

They were truly the worst examples of every offensive vice. Indolent and disconnected, Mr. Bennet ignored anything that might demand exertion: his estate, his wife, his daughters. He settled for what came and made no effort to shape what was to come. With the power to command so much for good, Bennet still chose his own ease over caring for those under his wings.

What a revolting connection.

And to shame his own daughter in public, even one as insipid as Miss Mary Bennet! If anyone deserved his censure, it was his horrid wife.

Darcy shuddered and brushed the revulsion off his shoulders.

His valet entered and initiated the mechanics of their morning ablutions.

To be fair, Mrs. Bennet shared much in common with the match-making-mamas of the ton. Most were every bit as determined as Mrs. Bennet to see their daughters successfully wed. But few could match that woman’s vulgarity, speaking loudly of Bingley as though he were already shut up in the parson’s pound with Miss Bennet.

The unfettered spleen!

At least the mamas of the ton had fortunes sufficient to cover their bad manners, giving them the form of respectability, if not the substance thereof. Mrs. Bennet had not even that thin veil to hide beneath.

Darcy gave his jacket a final tug and dismissed his valet with a nod.

Could Bingley afford such a disagreeable association?

Connection to a landed family, even a very minor one, would be good for him and help establish his position in society. Surely, though, there were other eligible girls who would not bring disagreeable baggage with them.

After last night, it would be difficult to convince Bingley of it. The cakey sot was utterly bewitched by his principal partner of the evening. He would probably be on his way to Longbourn to call upon her yet this morning.

How could he make Bingley understand? Old money and an established place in society, like Darcy’s, could weather the improprieties of a family like the Bennets. Bingley’s fragile social standing could not.

Perhaps something would come to him over breakfast.

He made his way downstairs. Servants bustled about, still working to restore order after the night’s festivities. Darcy dodged around their efforts and ducked into the morning room.

A pleasing array of breads and meats lay spread along the side board with pots of coffee and tea nearby. Coffee’s bitter bite suited the morning time well. Tea was better for afternoon and evening.

“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.” Miss Bingley rose and curtsied.

Interesting that she should be up so early the day after a ball and have breakfast laid out.

“Good morning.” He bowed and seated himself.

“I wonder that you are up so early sir, did you not sleep well?”

“It is the habit of a lifetime. I rarely sleep after sunrise.”

Everything in her expression begged to be asked a reciprocal question. But questions like that had the unfortunate tendency to lead to highly improper conversations. So he raised his eyebrow and cocked his head.

She blinked several times, clearly waiting for the desired query.

Darcy poured a cup of coffee.

She added sugar to her tea and stirred it silently.

He could go on the entirety of breakfast this way, quite comfortable in the silence. In fact, it would be preferable.

Miss Bingley resettled herself in her chair. “I hardly slept at all last night. I am sick with worry for Charles.”

She pressed her hand to her chest and leaned back with a sigh.

Drama belonged in the theater, not in the morning room.

“Has he taken ill?”

“After a fashion. Do you not consider him love-sick over Miss Jane Bennet?” Miss Bingley buttered a slice of toast.

How peculiar she should be considering the same things as he. Peculiar and uncomfortable.

“He paid her uncommon amounts of attention last night.” He sipped his coffee.

“Indeed he did, and I loath to think what it might mean for all of us. You know how impulsive Charles can be.”

“True enough, but he falls out of love nearly as quickly as he falls in. Are you not a bit premature in your concerns?”

Miss Bingley balanced her forehead on her fingers. “He seems utterly besotted with her, more so than I have seen him with any other. To be sure Miss Bennet is a good sort of girl—who could object to her alone? But her family?”

Darcy lifted an open hand. “I observed the same spectacle. Best not recount it.”

“I could not agree more. Oh, the vulgarity! Can you imagine—of course there is no need as you saw it all yourself. I need not convince you of the very great misfortune of being connected to such people. Charles, though—he has no notion.”

“I quite agree.” The words sounded so strange, tumbling from his mouth.

Agreeing with Miss Bingley? He would have wagered that such a thing would never happen.

“I knew you would see it the same way. We think so alike, you and I.”

Why was she batting her eyes? That was inevitably a bad sign. He clutched the edge of his chair lest he bolt from the room.

“Louisa and Hurst quite agree as well. Though Hurst cannot be roused to think it an urgent matter, Louisa and I are convinced we must act quickly.

“What have you in mind?”

“We must persuade him, to leave this place at once.”

“But you have only just hosted your ball. There will be many anxious to return the invitation. Dinners, parties—”

“I am well aware and dreading nearly every one of them. The society here is boorish and confined at best. The thought of all those engagements is an untold evil. I would endure them for propriety’s sake. But each one presents a grave danger of putting Charles in Jane Bennet’s company.”

Though perhaps a bit alarmist, her reasoning was sound.

“I see no choice but to separate them, for he will give her up no other way.”

“Are you certain such drastic means are required? I have never found him so difficult to sway.”

“Ordinarily I might agree. I have seen you work your persuasion upon him to great effect. But in this, the risk is too great, and the possibility of him being stubborn too real. I fear drastic measures must be taken. It is bad enough that there is no way I can prevent him calling upon Longbourn before he goes to London this morning.”

Darcy gripped his forehead. Was it impossible for her to think something out clearly? Did all her thoughts run in convoluted circles?

“If he is going immediately to London, I do not see the problem. They will be separated as you desire.”

“He will return in just a few days, though, perhaps with strengthened sentiments because he fancied himself lonely whilst he was gone.” She leaned forward and tapped the table. “What I propose is this. He will go to London today, and tomorrow we will all join him. Once there, we might begin to work upon him. He regards your insight very highly. If he were to hear you in agreement with us, it would convince him of the evils of returning to the country.”

Darcy had never sided with Miss Bingley against her brother before. Usually, he only interfered when Bingley asked his counsel. While it was true, Bingley relied upon him often, it was hard to conscience such open collusion.

“You know how my brother enjoys the diversions of London. Once settled there, you can have no doubt of his happiness.” She batted her eyes, again.

He turned aside.

Still, it was for Bingley’s own good that it happen. The sooner, the less painful the ending of the attachment for all involved.

“Very well, I will prepare to leave tomorrow.”

Miss Bingley pressed a hand to her chest. “I cannot thank you enough.”

Pray, no more batting eyes or fluttering hearts! 

Darcy rose and excused himself.

If he were to be leaving Netherfield soon, then a morning walk, and in the off chance, an encounter with Miss Bennet, might not be so very dangerous a thing after all.

He called for his hat and coat.

Two days of dry weather had done little to reduce the puddles and patches of mud still riddling the footpaths. Pemberley’s footpaths were much better maintained than these. Little surprise. Netherfield’s owner neglected so many details of his estate.

The crisp air proved bracing, and no amount of neglect could diminish the morning sunshine. If he closed his eyes, he could almost smell Pemberley.

A flash of color caught his eye—a familiar shade of blue. Elizabeth had worn that color when she had stayed with her sister at Netherfield

She broke a small branch and slashed at the knee high grasses reaching for her skirts. Her brows drew together and she murmured under her breath.

What was she saying?

Perhaps if he drew nearer.

He ducked behind a large tree and pressed his back to the trunk.

“I cannot believe … if he should ever …” only snatches of her solitary ramblings were clear.

 He held his breath and closed his eyes.

“Why must Mama push so hard and insist on what she truly does not understand? I know why she thinks it a good thing, but so soon? How can she think she knows his character? It certainly is not the same thing as knowing his position. How am I to convince her only a fool rushes into an alliance, no matter how ideal it seems?”

She cast the branch aside and stalked away.

So Miss Elizabeth saw it, too. The insidious matchmaking attempts by her mother, and she agreed no good would come of them.

She wanted to see her sister separated from Bingley.

Perhaps she might never know of it, but he would perform this service for his friend and for her. On the morrow they would be off to London and make sure Bingley never returned to Netherfield.
The following morning, Darcy settled into his coach, alone with his thoughts. Soon Meryton would be but a memory and the danger to Bingley—and to his own equanimity—would be over. If Elizabeth knew what he was doing for her, she would thank him, but of course she never would.

 It should be enough to know himself that he was serving her.

The coach rolled past Longbourn. Would she be out walking now? He flashed a sidelong glance at the slowly passing country side. But no light and pleasing figure rose from the grasses nor peeked out from between the trees.

Just as well.

The little pang in his belly was not disappointment. He should not have eaten those kippers before he left.


 

 

58 comments

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    • Jennifer Hong on December 15, 2015 at 12:38 am
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    What a teasing snippet that was! I can’t wait to read the rest & learn what happens in London.

    • Megan on December 15, 2015 at 1:09 am
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    This story sounds great!!! Very presumptuous of Darcy to think Lizzy is talking about Jane and Bingley. I’m very interested to see how this story plays out!

    • Barbara Holland on December 15, 2015 at 1:21 am
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    I enjoyed reading this backstory, and would like to read more.

    • Jan Steele on December 15, 2015 at 1:57 am
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    As much as I love Darcy, I don’t like him at this point in canon. He does not really consider Jane in his determination to separate Bingley from her and he also does not consider the effect it will have on Miss Bingley to enter into an agreement of deception with her. Miss Bingley, now that he has agreed to partner with her in controlling her brother, probably feels that his becoming a permanent partner is inevitable. His Hunsford proposal was awful and glaringly displays his foot-in-mouth problem, but I find I just cringe at his ineptness then. When he agrees to collude with Miss Bingley in deceiving Mr. Bingley, I think he has thrown all of his principles out the window. This little snippet you have shared gives him a somewhat more noble reason for his interference since he erroneously thinks he will be doing what Elizabeth wants. I’m looking forward to seeing where you take this story.

    • Florence Solowianiuk on December 15, 2015 at 2:35 am
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    Caroline Bingley is truly skilled at being able to insinuate herself in such a way as to persuade Darcy to join with her in her desire to separate Jane and her brother. At this point, Darcy had only his misgivings, and evidently, Ms. Bingley had a well-developed instinct for sensing it, to her advantage.

    I wonder what would have ensued had Caroline not been part of persuading Charles to remain in town. If it had been only Darcy, perhaps he might persuaded Bingley on his own, and in a more reasonable manner. It would have kept his self-respect more intact. On the other hand, Bingley could have laid out his reasoning to Darcy, and in meeting his friend’s objections, persuaded him to his way of thinking instead. Darcy need never feel ashamed of his actions in regard to his friend, while still facing the considerable dilemma of his own attraction to Lizzy.

    Plot development for another day, I suppose.

    • Susan Schwartz on December 15, 2015 at 2:44 am
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    Very intriguing … and somehow I don’t think
    London will answer for either Bingley or Darcy.
    Thank you for the giveaway and enjoy the
    holiday season!

    • Lis Batten on December 15, 2015 at 3:20 am
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    What an intriguing little snippet. I was disappointed when I got to the end of it, which came all too soon. Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

    • Michelle Hall on December 15, 2015 at 4:04 am
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    What a lovely teasing excerpt to start off my morning! I too do not like Darcy either in Canon however, we all know what happens! I am so loving this 12 days of Jane Austen Christmas. Thank you so much to all the wonderful JAFF authors. Thank you for a chance to win a copy. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

    • Mari on December 15, 2015 at 5:09 am
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    What a lovely early gift this story was. I have to know what happens next. This was so well written, that it made everything fresh and new again. I have a few guesses as to what and whom Elizabeth was thinking about, but none of them are Bingley. The thing that always puzzles me is that Darcy suffers from the improprieties and vulgarity of the Bingley sisters and Hurst, and overlooks them because of his friendship with Charles, and yet he is so censorious of the Bennets. Just once I would like to see how the story develops if Darcy were more hands off with Bingley. I would like to see Bingley dig in and refuse to leave Hertfordshire, or failing that, to leave his friend and family in London and get an earlier resolution with Jane. It would also be nice if E and D could resolve their differences sooner, instead of putting themselves and us through months of angst and stubborn pride. It would also be one less thing to overcome, and it might have prevented Wickham getting a foothold in local society. Whatever happens, this will be an excellent read, and it will be on my Kindle one way or another! Thanks for another wonderful story Maria, and Merry Christmas.

    • Nicole on December 15, 2015 at 6:02 am
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    What a great read would Love to win this Short story

    • Maureen C on December 15, 2015 at 6:33 am
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    Oh, boy! Way to jump to conclusions! I would love to see what happens in London! I am sure there will be a big confrontation! Thanks for the excerpt!

    • Glynis on December 15, 2015 at 6:39 am
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    How can he be so convinced he knows what Elizabeth is talking about and even more how can he ever agree with Caroline Bingley? Is he insane?? I can’t believe you ended it there and I would love to win a copy so thanks for the chance 😊

    • Deborah on December 15, 2015 at 6:46 am
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    Love the excerpt.

    • Lori on December 15, 2015 at 6:55 am
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    Sounds intriguing. Can’t wait to read more!

    • Maggie on December 15, 2015 at 7:09 am
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    Again, Darcy is clueless and arrogant. I can wait to read what happens in London. Lovely excerpt.

    • Theresa M on December 15, 2015 at 7:26 am
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    Interesting twist that Darcy assumes he understands ELizabeth’s musings and therefore his conscience is clear!
    Thanks for the snippet and giveaway!

    • Kristine Shore on December 15, 2015 at 7:33 am
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    A great behind-the-scenes tease. I am looking forward to more!

    • Patt Dyal Saunders on December 15, 2015 at 8:18 am
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    I enjoyed To Forget! Just the right amount to catch my attention and interest. Looking forward to reading the rest of the story! Thank you for sharing your delightful story. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    • Meg Brewer on December 15, 2015 at 8:30 am
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    I love the nuanced emotions and motives you have in this story. Well done!!! Looking forward to reading more.

    • Stephanie L on December 15, 2015 at 8:57 am
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    That’s just funny that you added him overhearing E. We all know what she is irritated about but dear D immediately interprets it as it serves his purposes. Nope, this trip is not going to turn out well.

    • Meg on December 15, 2015 at 9:07 am
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    Typical Darcy thinks he knows what Elizabeth feels. Even if I do not win the give away copy, you can be certain I’ll buy one when it is available. I never pass up the chance to read one of yours. Have a happy holiday season and keep writing and sharing!

  1. Has it already come up that the 12 days of Christmas are between Christmas & Epiphany?

    1. When planning this event, we discussed the actual dates of the 12 days of Christmas but opted to do our celebration now as opposed to later. 🙂

  2. This sounds fantastic!! Btw, I will be reviewing some of your other short stories on my blog tomorrow. 🙂

    1. Oh my goodness,Anna, what a Christmas gift! Thank you!

    • lynn on December 15, 2015 at 9:45 am
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    I’ve always wondered if Darcy ever had second thoughts about his agreeing with Caroline? Does he not see her machinations for what they are? Hopefully he’ll come to his senses quickly!! Thanks for sharing this excerpt, I can’t wait to see the rest in print!!

    • Chiara on December 15, 2015 at 10:11 am
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    Thanks For sharing with us this excerpt. I cannot wait to read the book.

    • Vesper Meikle on December 15, 2015 at 10:17 am
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    I wonder if Lizzy is talking about Collins

    • Pam Hunter on December 15, 2015 at 10:19 am
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    Hmmmm, I have a feeling Lizzy isn’t talking about Bingley and Jane, is she?

    Loved the excerpt! Thanks for the nice giveaway!

    • Carol on December 15, 2015 at 10:28 am
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    So enjoyed this excerpt. Darcy is getting coal for Christmas in his stocking. Hearing part of Elizabeth’s comment doesn’t make a whole conversation. He was in trouble when he agreed with Caroline Bingley. For someone as smart as he was supposed to be, he sure made a stupid, and a cowardly, mistake. Thank you, and I can hardly wait for the completed book.

    • Kari Singh on December 15, 2015 at 10:31 am
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    His gut feeling is that it is wrong to encourage Bingley away. I hate that he doesn’t listen to his heart with both Bingley and Elizabeth. I look forward to seeing what happens now, does E go to London or does D come back to Netherfield? I guess we will have to wait to find out.

    • Hollis on December 15, 2015 at 10:31 am
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    Exactly what I was thinking Pam!

    • rae on December 15, 2015 at 10:38 am
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    I love your take that Darcy thinks he and Elizabeth are in agreement regarding Bingley and Jane and that he is doing her a huge favor. Ha! He misinterprets her at every turn. It will be that much more painful when he realizes later that the exact opposite is true and that she was speaking of Collins, not Jane and Bingley.

    Thank you for this lovely Christmas gift. It’s the best kind – Darcy and Elizabeth!

    • Linda A. on December 15, 2015 at 10:38 am
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    Makes you just want to shake him! I agree, Elizabeth is probably talking about Mr. Collins and NOT Bingley and Jane.

    Thank you for sharing — and for the giveaway!

    • Ginna on December 15, 2015 at 10:49 am
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    Oh boy! How typical of Darcy to know what is right for others, and naturally everyone else feels the same way. He is right, of course, so how could it be otherwise?

  3. Darcy seems to be looking for any excuse to justify his interference in Bingley’s relationship with Jane.

    I was also annoyed that when Darcy compared Mrs.Bennet to the London matchmaking mamas, they were excused for their vulgarity because of their wealth…despite their actions and motivations being the same as Mrs.B’s. To excuse someone for vulgar behavior because of wealth and position yet condemn the same behavior in another simply because she does not possess wealth and position…it’s no excuse. At least Darcy slowly changes his tune on this fact…especially when one of the most vulgar and rude people we meet in this novel is his own aunt….

    Thanks for a wonderful excerpt–I can’t wait to read the whole thing! 🙂

    Warm Advent blessings,
    Susanne 🙂

    • Heather L on December 15, 2015 at 12:45 pm
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    I loved that Darcy realizes that Mrs Bennet is similar to the the other mothers in the ton.
    Also, I loved the misconception of Lizzy’s monologue. Now when he tries to seperate Bingley and Jane, he will think he will be Elizabeth’s hero.

    • melati on December 15, 2015 at 1:09 pm
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    Such a teasing snippet. I can’t wait to read the whole book. Thank you for sharing this wonderful excerpt. Lovely story.

    • Nancy Duell on December 15, 2015 at 1:12 pm
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    I love all the little insights into Darcy’s thoughts. You would think Caroline would have learned not to flirt so openly! Thank you for the tidbit. I would love a full copy to enjoy, Hint, Hint….

    • Patricia Finnegan on December 15, 2015 at 1:19 pm
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    I think this trip will bode well for him maybe not immediately but in time it will.

    • Stephanie Carrico on December 15, 2015 at 1:23 pm
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    Thanks for sharing that snippet, I must hav more. Would love to win a copy.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    • Linda Thompson on December 15, 2015 at 1:54 pm
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    As always, Maria, delightful and intriguing. I can’t wait to read more.

    • Ingrid on December 15, 2015 at 2:01 pm
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    I absolutely adore your writing style (and no, I’m not being Miss Bingley-esque!). You bring the stories to life and the reader can see the action before them. Thank you for the little bit. I would love to read the whole book.

    • Nicole B on December 15, 2015 at 3:38 pm
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    Great excerpt! I really can’t wait to see how Elizabeth handles Darcy’s “favor” and how he feels when he finds out who she was really speaking of to herself! Love these giveaways and love the happy feeling my inbox is giving me this holiday!

    • Dung on December 15, 2015 at 5:18 pm
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    Oh no! What is Darcy up to? He’s is in for a lashing for Elizabeth if she found out what he did was for her benefit… yikes! I can’t wait to find out what happens.

    • Cindy on December 15, 2015 at 5:29 pm
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    Of course he would misconstrue what Lizzy was saying! LOL!

    • Betty Campbell Madden on December 15, 2015 at 5:50 pm
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    I trust you will never run out of delightful story lines, Maria.

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on December 15, 2015 at 8:43 pm
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    Foolish man, he didn’t go with his gut feeling, and he thought it was the kippers. Well … Mr. Darcy, you have a long road to go. Thanks Maria. Jen Red

    • Lisa on December 15, 2015 at 10:03 pm
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    I found the story on Kindle, and want everyone to know I really enjoyed it.

    • Nancey on December 15, 2015 at 10:22 pm
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    I really enjoyed the snippet of your story and D’s thought process. Boy did he misconstrue what he overheard E says on her walk. I look forward to reading the rest of the story.

    • Kay on December 16, 2015 at 3:13 am
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    Oh no! What an inopportune moment to overhear Elizabeth! Loved this snippet and dying to read the rest!

    • Carol hoyt on December 16, 2015 at 11:22 am
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    Short, sweet, and leaves you wanting more!

    • Maclaney on December 16, 2015 at 10:02 pm
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    That’s a gorgeous Darcy on the cover. I’ll take him, please, and just buy the book. That is an option, isn’t it?

    I look forward to reading this.

    • BeckyC on December 17, 2015 at 9:36 am
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    Wonderful excerpt. You have my attention. Thank you for the giveaway.

    • TLeighF on December 19, 2015 at 11:05 pm
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    What a great beginning! Of course Lizzy was talking about Mr Collins. That’s what Darcy gets for eavesdropping. He wanted to clear his conscience so he heard what he wanted to hear. Looking forward to reading the rest of the story!

    • Eva E on December 23, 2015 at 1:22 pm
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    Oh how Elizabeth and Darcy always misread things. Darcy is bringing on the misunderstanding himself. One can only assume that Elizabeth is muttering about Collins so I am curious to find out how Darcy finally discovers this. Agreeing with Caroline! Oh, more trouble is sure to be ahead. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.

    • Sheila L. M. on December 25, 2015 at 11:47 pm
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    Oh, we know how Darcy has this all wrong and how long he suffers for it. I am late to the conversation…busy and all that, you know. Thanks for the little review of Darcy, Caroline, Netherfield and all those wrong opinions. Happy New Year to all.

    • Wendy on December 26, 2015 at 6:36 pm
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    Oh, my goodness! This definitely makes me want to read the rest of the story.

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