The 12 Days of a Jane Austen Christmas – The Christmas Wish

day12Christmas


ChristmasThe parlour at Netherfield was bursting with cheer as my family enjoyed Jane and her Mr. Bingley’s first Christmas Eve celebration. The newly wed couple sat side-by-side on a sofa across from where I stood near the window and whispered to one another as they observed those around them. Jane’s countenance was blissful as was Charles’, who tended to gaze more at his wife than her relations, which was as it should be in my opinion. After all, they were only wed the month prior.

“I told everyone how it would be! Jane was destined to be mistress of Netherfield. I knew she would catch Mr. Bingley’s eye, did I not, Mr. Bennet?”

I rolled my eyes. Of course, Mama had forgotten how she lamented when Charles departed the neighbourhood and cried how the dreadful Mr. Bingley had used her poor daughter ill. Of course, none of that mattered now. He had returned and all was again right with the world.

Papa sipped at a glass of brandy and shook his head at Mama’s ridiculous proclamations. He had surrendered long ago when it came to Mama. After all, she did not require an answer. She did not even give him time to respond.

The sound of the pianoforte interrupted Mama’s incessant chatter. Thank goodness for the master Charles had acquired for Mary! Just a few lessons had already made a marked improvement in her playing. Every inhabitant of Longbourn was indebted to Charles for the thoughtful birthday gift whilst Mary was overjoyed with the opportunity.

Kitty’s voice sounded clear and strong as she sang along with the instrument, and I still stood in awe of how she could carry a tune! We never knew until Lydia married Wickham and moved to Newcastle. After all, Kitty had never attempted to perform in the past. Lydia never cared to perform, so Kitty had followed suit.

Kitty had changed without Lydia’s deleterious influence. Rather than remaining a silly and flighty girl, Kitty had made great strides in correcting her behaviour, taking advice from Jane and me when she was uncertain of propriety. I suppose Kitty’s improvement was one advantage of Lydia’s scandalous elopement!

I gazed upon my family; my heart content they were so well and happy, yet I bore a weight I had not shared with a living soul. Who knew the burden I harboured would appear as in the guise of a Christmas guest? Neither Jane nor Charles had mentioned Mr. Darcy would journey to Netherfield for the holiday. My once satisfied heart plummeted when my eyes travelled to where he sat near the fire.

Why had he come? Could he not celebrate the holiday in his own home? His presence had a terrible effect on my equanimity, and despite the company of his sister, which I found enjoyable, I could not bear his presence.

I watched him, my heart breaking more by the second until he turned in my direction, and I jolted my eyes back to Jane and Charles. My chest constricted, and I struggled in a breath.

He had not come when Charles returned for Jane. He had not come to their wedding. Illness was the supposed culprit, but my belief was he wished to avoid me. He had not come. How I wish those words would stop echoing in my mind!

The dreadful morning, when I learnt of Lydia’s elopement, was the last time I set eyes upon Mr. Darcy. He had been solicitous and kind, ensuring I was well and sending for my aunt and uncle, but then he left. He hastened from my side as though I had some contagion.

How he must despise me—sister to Wickham! His every principle must revolt against such a connection! A connection between us must be an impossibility in his mind.

My heart pounded against my ribs and my chest pained me. How could I endure the next fortnight in Mr. Darcy’s company? Did he want to torture me with his presence? If I had not been so prideful and vain, I would have accepted his proposal at Hunsford. We could have been wed…

“Lizzy!” called Charles, “will you not play for us, or at the very least, sing. We have not heard from you yet this evening.”

Georgiana Darcy jumped from the bench beside Mary. “Oh yes, I so enjoyed hearing you play at Pemberley. Would you please?”

Was Mr. Darcy looking at me? I had no way of peeking in his direction, but the side of my face tickled as it did when he first resided at Netherfield. I began to tremble. Why was I giving him so much power over me? He was the one who chose not to return with Charles!

But he did not know I loved him—not that such tender sentiments were welcome now. My heart held Mr. Darcy dear, and it always would. I had attempted to persuade it to feel otherwise, but all my efforts were in vain. No matter who he married or whether he continued to love me in return, I belonged to him, body and soul. I was a wretched being indeed!

“Lizzy?” Dear Jane! I had never shared my heartache with her. She would have understood, but I could not cause my dearest sister distress when she was, at last, happy. “I would enjoy hearing you sing as well.”

I clasped my hands together. How could I play when they would not stop their incessant shaking? “I will sing if you do not mind accompanying me, Georgiana?”

Georgiana’s face lit. The dear girl had been so thrilled to be in my company once more, and whilst I was pleased to see her, I had great difficulty associating with her brother. I had avoided his company since I could not pretend him an indifferent acquaintance. Such a deception was beyond my capabilities.

My legs wobbled as I stood and crossed the room to the pianoforte. How I wanted to peer to the side—to see if he regarded me with the same expression as when I stayed at Netherfield!

I thumbed through the sheet music and found a piece my aunt purchased a few years ago as a Christmas present. Perhaps if I sang in French, my mistakes would not be as noticeable?

With a smile, Georgiana took her place at the instrument and played a short introduction. I inhaled deeply, swallowed the nerves, which had risen to my throat, and closed my eyes.

Un flambeau, Jeanette, Isabella —
Un flambeau, courons au berceau!
C’est Jésus, bonnes gens du hameau.
Le Christ est né; Marie appelle
Ah! Ah! Que la Mère est belle,
Ah! Ah! Que l’Enfant est beau!

As I sang my eyes fluttered open to reveal Mr. Darcy staring straight at me! His sky blue eyes locked with mine, and I gasped, inhaling in such a way that I choked. My vision blurred and a tear rolled down my cheek whilst I attempted to clear my throat, but a tickle continued to plague me. Just as the cough would begin to subside, it would start anew.

My face burned. “Forgive me!” With my hand upon my mouth, I rushed from the room. My quick strides took me to the library where I placed one hand upon the desk, and the other upon my stomach.

After a few moments, a full glass of brandy was held aloft before my face.

“A sip might help clear what ails you.”

That voice! I whipped my head in its direction. Mr. Darcy stood beside me, his brows furrowed. His eyes held—was that worry in their depths?

“Do not feel you must, but I have found it beneficial in the past.”

“I merely choked.”

“Your singing was lovely until the cough forced you to quit. I am exceedingly sorry my presence has disturbed you so.”

I cradled the glass in my palms and took a scalding gulp. “I had not expected you to journey to Netherfield for Christmas—especially after you declined to attend the wedding.”

“I penned a letter with my regrets. I was ill.”

Something burned within me. Perhaps it was the brandy, but it was of no matter. “You did not wish to lay eyes upon me.”

“I beg your pardon?” His low voice dropped a step.

Another sizeable swallow was taken from the glass. “Do you truly require me to repeat what I said?”

“Yes, in fact, I do.” His tone was harsh and stern.

I could not do this! I would only prompt an argument, and a nasty one at that. I downed the last of the brandy and placed the empty decanter upon the desk.

“I cannot…”

Without finishing, I turned and began to walk for the doorway, but the room lurched before I could reach the door. A hand grasped my elbow and turned me around.

“Perhaps I should request some coffee before you rejoin your family.”

He was so handsome! I surveyed every detail of his beloved countenance. He would depart soon enough, and I did not want to forget one detail in the lonely years to come. A part of me was angry with him, but how could I remain so when it was Lydia who rode roughshod over my hopes and dreams.

My eyes were tracing a lock of hair that curled over his forehead when they were drawn up to a sprig of greenery just overhead.

“Mistletoe,” observed Mr. Darcy just after I peered up to the ceiling.

I swayed and reached to put a hand on his shoulder. Our gazes met, and without thought, I wobbled onto my tiptoes and pressed my lips against his.

He started but did not pull away. His body was rigid and one hand remained at my elbow as the other stayed suspended near my side. How could I have kissed him? He did not want this. How mortifying!

But how could I remove myself without further embarrassment? Such a feat would require all the bravado I possessed. If only he would disappear, so I could fall to the floor and weep!

When I pulled myself free, I would have to run for my chambers. I would feign illness until Mr. Darcy returned to London or Pemberley. I would not continue to pine over him. I was making a fool of myself!

I made to withdraw, but when I pulled away, he groaned as though he were in pain and lunged forward, claiming my lips as he pulled me into his arms.

If my head was spinning before, it was nothing to this! My knees knocked, my toes curled, and I leaned against his solid chest whilst the fingernails of my free hand dug into the shoulder of his jacket.

His lips shifted against mine as his hand grazed around my side to press against the small of my back, shifting me closer whilst he deepened the kiss.

He pulled back a hairsbreadth. “Elizabeth?” His voice was a raspy whisper. “Does this mean you do not blame me for your sister’s elopement?”

I rested my forehead against his. “Why would I blame you for Lydia’s foolhardy actions?”

“Because I kept Wickham’s true nature from those in Meryton. I, who knew what he was, concealed it to protect my sister and myself.”

His eyes were wide and honest. The poor man!

My fingers threaded into his hair. “How could I hold you responsible when I did the same? You informed me of Wickham’s past, and I told no one save Jane. Neither of us felt it necessary to inform the neighbourhood as the regiment was soon to depart Meryton.”

His head dropped to my shoulder. “You have no idea how much I wanted to return with Bingley, but I convinced myself that you blamed me for your sister’s predicament. I could not face you.”

I cradled his face in my palms and lifted it. “And I thought you could not stomach being a brother to Wickham. I was certain you did not attend Jane and Charles’ wedding to avoid me.”

He exhaled. “I confess I did, but because being in your presence would have rent my heart in two. I almost did not journey here for Christmas, but Georgiana would not allow me to send my regrets. You know not what torture the last two days have been.”

My eyes blurred and a warm, wet droplet landed upon my cheek. “But I do, for I endured the same affliction.”

He leaned forward and placed a tender kiss to my nose and, at last, my lips. “Elizabeth Bennet, I love you with all of my heart. Will you grant me my Christmas wish?” he whispered between kisses.

I gave an impish grin. “That depends on your wish, sir. I am not known for bestowing just any request or favours, for that matter, on the men of my acquaintance.”

A rumble of a chuckle shook his chest. “Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

With a sob, I buried my face in his shoulder whilst he held me in a warm but gentle embrace. When I could control my tears, I rose back to my tiptoes.

“That is one wish I would be pleased to grant since I love you, too.”

His eyes shown, and the most beautiful smile adorned his face as he lifted me and twirled me around. When he returned my feet to the floor, I placed a hand to my head.

“I should not have drunk all of that brandy.”

The sound of slippered feet running down the corridor startled us, but when we both whirled around, no one was there. A loud squeal echoed from the parlour along with my mother’s cry of “Ten thousand pounds a year! I shall go distracted!”

I covered my face and dropped it against his chest.

“Perhaps we should return to your family. I have a suspicion your father will desire a word with me.”

I sighed. “Must we? An elopement sounds ideal at this moment.”

“Do not tempt me,” he growled.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for taking part in The 12 Days of a Jane Austen Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Good Luck!

 

 

108 comments

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    • Glynis on December 24, 2015 at 12:33 am
    • Reply

    Wow Leslie. What a wonderful start to Christmas Eve. Thank you. I have enjoyed all the posts but especially the Darcy and Elizabeth stories. I love to read all the different versions of their story so this was just lovely. Thanks for the giveaway and I would especially love to win the ebook of The Earls Conquest. Have a great Christmas 🎄

    1. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well! Thanks, Glynis!

        • Glynis on December 25, 2015 at 3:59 am
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        Thanks again Leslie. I have just read this for the third time. It’s just so romantic ❤ I have really enjoyed all the little stories in these posts and I think this is my favourite 😊

        1. Oh wow! Thanks for letting me know. Multiple reads are definitely quite a compliment.

    • Lori on December 24, 2015 at 12:35 am
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    I loved all the Christmas stories! I’d love the book!

    1. Thanks, Lori!

    • Allison K on December 24, 2015 at 12:41 am
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    I would love one!

      • Allison K on December 24, 2015 at 12:42 am
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      Also, I loved all of the 12 Days event! Each day had really great stuff. 🙂

      1. So glad you enjoyed the event! thanks, Allison!

    • Megan on December 24, 2015 at 1:35 am
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    I would love one!! I was so excited when you announced you were publishing this story but I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to get a copy yet! Love this short too! Are you going to make this part of a longer story?

    Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!

    1. I have no plans to expand on this one at this time. I have several short stories that I have put aside for when the mood strikes, so you never know. Thanks, Megan!

    • Rosa on December 24, 2015 at 1:36 am
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    All the stories are excellent! But I especially remember the one about what pantomime was. As a French I was totally unaware of this tradition.
    I hope I’ll have one of the ebook! Thank you 🙂

    1. I hadn’t heard of the panto until I moved to England. I still haven’t seen one. I need to make sure we do it next Christmas! Thanks, Rosa!

        • HelenJC on December 24, 2015 at 3:17 pm
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        They’re great fun!

        (audience) He’s behind you!

        Oh no he isn’t!

        (audience) Oh yes he is.

        1. They sound like a lot of fun! Thanks, Helen!

    • Florence Solowianiuk on December 24, 2015 at 2:42 am
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    I enjoyed all of the 12 days, but I think this story is my favorite. I liked the way Darcy and Elizabeth misunderstood each other over Lydia’s elopement. I got the impression that there had been no secret let slip by Lydia, and thus no letter to Aunt Gardiner explaining Darcy’s involvement. It was a very fresh approach to dealing with bringing our favorite couple back together. And I especially enjoyed Lizzy’s last comment.

    And yes, please enter me into the drawing for “The Earl’s Conquest.” Merry Christmas!

    1. Lydia might not have slipped up, but to me it was more that Lady C didn’t interfere and Darcy didn’t return after Bingley and Jane’s engagement. I honestly didn’t delve too much into all of that. The more backstory with something this size, the longer it gets 🙂 Thanks, Florence!

    • Barbara on December 24, 2015 at 2:54 am
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    Your Christmas story is simply wonderful and I love it! I would like to have the book. In Italy we have other tradition. Thank you and a Merry Christmas!!!

    1. So glad you liked it! Thanks, Barbara and Merry Christmas!

    • Carol on December 24, 2015 at 2:59 am
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    What a Merry Christmas giveaway. Loved this excerpt about Darcy and Elizabeth. Misunderstandings run rampant with these two. Love how they finally come to an understanding.

    1. Our dear couple does have a penchant for misunderstandings! Thanks, Carol and Merry Christmas!

  1. Happy Holidays to everyone 🙂

    1. Happy Holidays to you too!

    • Sarah on December 24, 2015 at 3:27 am
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    Perfect!

    My favourite thing about the 12 Days of Jane Austen was simply all the wonderful stories and information posts. They were all rather different in their own ways.

    I’d love a copy of The Earl’s Conquest 🙂

    Merry Christmas!

    1. Merry Christmas!

    • Michelle on December 24, 2015 at 3:35 am
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    Wow, just had breakfast reading this story. What a wonderful start to Christmas Eve. I have loved all the 12 days but this has to be my favourite. Darcy proposing to Elizabeth at Christmas. This story has set me up for the dsy. Thank you. Hope you and your family have a lovely Xmas

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Merry Christmas!

  2. I hope I’m not too late to say that I would want The Earl’s Conquest. I would also love to be in the running for the original giveaway. What I like best is the giveaways offered by the various authors. Have a blessed Christmas everyone!

    1. Merry Christmas to you too!

    • Laura P. on December 24, 2015 at 4:50 am
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    Happy holidays. My favorite is Darcy proposing to Elizabeth at Christmas.

    1. Thanks so much! Happy Holidays, Laura!

    • Lynn Bischoff on December 24, 2015 at 5:14 am
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    Love the story. Merry Christmas to all.

    1. Merry Christmas, Lynn! 🙂

    • Deborah on December 24, 2015 at 6:41 am
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    I enjoyed all the stories and the historical information shared over the past 12 days. Each was unique and fun in its own way. I already have the Earl’s Conquest on my very long TBR. Thank you for the generous giveaway. I must say the Mr. Darcy join would look good on my husband while I wear my Mrs. Darcy pin.

      • Deborah on December 24, 2015 at 6:43 am
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      Mr. Darcy pin not join. Annoying autocorrect on my mobile.

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed our event! It was a lot of fun to read the comments over the past week. Thanks, Deborah!

    • Susan S on December 24, 2015 at 6:56 am
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    Thank you for all the lovely stories and
    this wonderful giveaway! This was my
    very favorite because, in some ways,
    all lovers misunderstand and let doubts
    hinder their “course of true love.”
    Happy Christmas and New Year

    1. It is always interesting the ways all couples misunderstand one another! thanks, Susan! Happy Christmas!

    • Theresa M on December 24, 2015 at 7:43 am
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    I have enjoyed all of the 12 days because they were a little bit of stolen time just for me in this busy season! Thank you to all the authors who contributed to the special treat!

    1. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, Theresa!

    • Kristine Shore on December 24, 2015 at 8:00 am
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    I loved all the holiday inspired variations that were presented. Merry Christmas to you all and Thank you!

    1. Thank you for coming by and commenting! Merry Christmas!

    • Kimberly Hing on December 24, 2015 at 8:11 am
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    I love all of the Darcy and Elizabeth variations. I can’t seem to get enough of them!

    1. I feel the same way, Kimberly! Happy Holidays!

    • Constance on December 24, 2015 at 8:15 am
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    A cup of tea and “Jane” are all I need to help with the stress of any season but was a gift just for me this Christmas month. I have loved every bit of it and your giveaways are a bonus gift any of us readers would love to receive!

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed the event. Happy Holidays, Constance!

    • Nancy Duell on December 24, 2015 at 9:11 am
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    Thank you for the lovely story. I think the modern version was my favorite “day of Christmas” Merry Christams to all Janites!

    1. Kara does write some wonderful tales, doesn’t she? Thanks, Nancy, and Merry Christmas!

    • Kathy L Berlin on December 24, 2015 at 9:14 am
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    Honestly, I loved this final post the best with its tipsy Lizzy and loving Fitzwilliam. I have The Earl’s Conquest and adored learning about that romance.

    Please keep writing JAFF. You have a wonderful skill for creating perfect stories. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    1. Thanks so much, Kathy! I’m glad you enjoyed the tipsy Lizzy. She was fun to write. Didn’t even think about it, she just guzzled what was handed to her in anger and frustration. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    • tgruy on December 24, 2015 at 9:16 am
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    This was a lovely 12 days. I really couldn’t read them all, I have been swamped in work, but the ones I read were lovely. But I think this one is my favorite. This story is so nice!

    I would have loved to get one of the e-books but I am way too late. Well, I will have to buy it as soon as I’m able.

    ¡Feliz Navidad!

    1. At least the posts won’t go anywhere! You can read them when you have some time. I hope work lets up a bit so you can enjoy your hoidays! ¡Feliz Navidad!

    • Carole in Canada on December 24, 2015 at 9:44 am
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    Sigh…that was a lovely vignette that brought tears to my eyes with the pain of love that Elizabeth was feeling. You expressed her heartache so beautifully. I must say that I enjoyed reading that Mary and especially Kitty (as she has always been a favourite of mine) improved with the attention they so desperately needed.

    Thank you and all the authors for your written ‘gifts’ and for your generosity at this busy time of year. They have all been a delight. It is hard to pick just one as I have loved them all. This one however, is like an epilogue showing everyone’s HEA.

    As for ‘The Earl’s Conquest’, I own it, read it and loved it! Looking forward to your next book!

    Merry Christmas to all!

    1. I’m so happy you enjoyed it! My early Christmas present is your lovely words. Thank you so much! Merry Christmas, Carole!

    • Pam Hunter on December 24, 2015 at 10:07 am
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    I’ve loved all the stories, but I believe this story is my favorite. Just lovely!

    Too late for the e-book, darnit!

    Merry Christmas to all!

    1. Thank you, Pam! Merry Christmas!

    • Hollis on December 24, 2015 at 10:11 am
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    This is my favorite story and I already have your book !!

    1. I’m so happy you liked it! Thanks, Hollis!

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on December 24, 2015 at 10:28 am
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    Leslie, this was the perfect Holiday Short for me. I loved it so much! What a beautiful way for ODC to reunite, even though Mrs. B more or less had the final word. Great fun! Jen

    1. I couldn’t resist Mrs. Bennet having a bit more before the end. Fortunately, Darcy didn’t seem to mind! Thanks, Jen, and Merry Christmas!

    • Carol hoyt on December 24, 2015 at 10:34 am
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    Loved this! Our dear couple takes misunderstandings to an Olympic level!

    Loved the effect the brandy had on lizzy! Brandy infused courage ! Worked!!

    Merry Christmas and thanks for the reading enjoyment !!

    1. Thanks, Carol! Merry Christmas!

    • Wendy Roberts on December 24, 2015 at 11:04 am
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    The Darcy & Elizabeth stories were my favourite, but I enjoyed the entire event! Thank you!

    1. I’m so happy that everyone enjoyed the event so much! Thanks, Wendy!

    • Elaina on December 24, 2015 at 12:03 pm
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    I enjoyed all the stories, the history and this one most of all. Wonderful and a treasure.

    1. Yay! It is so nice that everyone enjoyed the event as much as I did! Thanks, Elaina!

    • anne on December 24, 2015 at 12:05 pm
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    The celebration was very special. Darcy and Elizabeth were my favorite by far. Thanks so much.

    1. Darcy and Elizabeth are usually my favourites too! Thanks, Anne!

    • Pearl on December 24, 2015 at 12:07 pm
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    This is my favorite story. Captivating and memorable. Many thanks.

    1. Thank you! Happy Holidays!

  3. Goodness–I’m not sure I can choose my favorite part! Today’s story was amazing…and it may just be my favorite!! 🙂 Thank you for writing for us!!

    This site is simply amazing; I can’t get enough of all of these wonderful stories!!

    Wishing everyone a joyous Christmastide! 🙂

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed our event so much! Merry Christmas, Susanne!

    • Stephanie Mudd Carrico on December 24, 2015 at 12:41 pm
    • Reply

    What a lovely snippet…
    Much to our sons chagrin, I still enjoy catching my husband under the mistletoe..
    Merry Christmas!

    1. My husband doesn’t need mistletoe to disturb our children by kissing me. LOL! Merry Christmas, Stephanie!

    • Tresha on December 24, 2015 at 2:24 pm
    • Reply

    Thanks for the giveaway!! I love all the stories. Merry Christmas!

    1. My pleasure! Thanks, Tresha, and Merry Christmas!

    • Maclaney on December 24, 2015 at 3:03 pm
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    It’s been a delightful series, too hard to choose just one.

    A book would be very welcome, thank you.

    1. Thanks, Maclaney! Happy Holidays!

    • Kathy on December 24, 2015 at 4:25 pm
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    Lovely little Christmas might-have-been vignette! I enjoy your stories.

    1. Thank you so much, Kathy! Happy Holidays!

    • Eva E on December 24, 2015 at 6:26 pm
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    Each day has been special to read the new posting. The final story was the perfect ending to these twelve days. Thank you to all and thank you for the giveaway. Joyous Christmas!

    1. I’m so glad you liked it! A Joyous Christmas to you too, Eva!

    • Kim P. on December 24, 2015 at 10:24 pm
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    I have enjoyed the Darcy and Elizabeth Christmas stories. This one was lovely to read on Christmas Eve night.

    1. I wanted something special for Christmas Eve. I’m glad it fit the bill! Thanks, Kim, and Happy Holidays!

  4. Wonderful story, Leslie! Thanks for sharing it with us.

    1. Thanks, Abigail! Merry Christmas!

    • Sheila on December 24, 2015 at 11:23 pm
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    For sure it was this one because I am a hopeless romantic and any time a mistletoe is involved I am quite giddy. Plus the one on one show of ones romantic thought to a loved one makes me smile. Especially when it involves Darcy, Elizabeth and a proposal. 😀

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Darcy, Elizabeth, and a proposal always gets to the hopeless romantic in me. Thanks, Sheila! Happy Holidays!

    • Kattia Campos on December 25, 2015 at 12:23 am
    • Reply

    Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas

    1. Thank you for stopping by! Merry Christmas!

  5. I love this story! I’m impressed you got so much into such a short tidbit, so it has to be my favourite! Merry Christmas, Leslie, and the rest of the crew at Austen Variations!

    1. LOL! Spoken like my beta for certain. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

  6. Oh what a romantic story! I loved how Mrs Bennet’s Christmas wish came true too 🙂

    1. LOL! I suppose it did. She managed to marry off her least favourite daughter. Thanks, Ceri, and Happy Holidays!

  7. I have enjoyed reading all of the new short stories. They have been great.

    1. Thanks, Patty! Happy Holidays!

    • Tracy on December 25, 2015 at 8:09 pm
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    Leslie,
    I love your work – although you wouldn’t know it as this is the first time ever posting on any of the sites I have been lurking on for the last 3 years….
    Anyway, I have to say this was my favorite of the 12 days of Christmas. It truly was a tough contest between your story and Kara’s; yours won because #1 the story ended with Darcy & Elizabeth engaged and #2 – yours is a regency which I ultimately prefer.

    1. I’m so glad you de-lurked. I hope you do it again. 🙂 We authors do love comments! Thanks so much, Tracy!

    • Sheila L. M. on December 25, 2015 at 10:33 pm
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    Well, I think I like this last part – Elizabeth in Darcy’s arms with a proposal, which she accepts this time! How lovely on Christmas Day.

    1. I couldn’t resist! It was a bit of fun re-imagining that part, so I’m glad everyone enjoyed my whim.
      Thanks, Sheila!

    • TLeighF on December 25, 2015 at 10:53 pm
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    A delightful short story! It started out with such misery, but that made the ending that much sweeter. Thank you for sharing!

    1. She was pretty miserable, wasn’t she? Thanks, TLeighF!

    • Wendy on December 26, 2015 at 6:42 pm
    • Reply

    We’re supposed to choose a favorite? Impossible! I’ll just say that I enjoyed this one a lot. If you want to assume that it’s my favorite, that’s fine with me. Thanks for sharing.

    1. You didn’t have to choose a favourite. I honestly was curious to see what everyone liked. Thanks, Wendy!

    • Kimberly Hing on December 26, 2015 at 8:24 pm
    • Reply

    I can’t choose a favorite, I have loved all these little stories. Thanks to all the authors for sharing your talents!

    1. It was our pleasure, Kimberly! Thanks for sharing the holiday with us!

    • Lynn char on December 26, 2015 at 9:41 pm
    • Reply

    This was delightful. The season has been too crazy to remember all the posts, so I’ll have to choose this one for now! Hope your Christmas was wonderful!!

    1. Favourite by default? Hmmm… 😉 Thanks, Lynn! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well. Happy New Year!

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