An Unexpected Merry Gentleman

Happy Holidays, Dear Readers!

I don’t know about you, but I feel as if the season has snuck up on me. Between grading essays, football season and preparing for next term, I didn’t realize it was almost Christmas until…well…it was.

There is nothing I love more during the month of December than to read a sweet and cozy Holiday story about Obstinate and Headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and the last man in the world she would EVER be prevailed upon to marry (Fitzwilliam Darcy, of course).

Certain there are some like minded readers out there, I offer up my first Christmas novella, “An Unexpected Merry Gentleman” for your consideration. Not only is it low angst, but the darling Gardiner girls, Victoria and Emily (the younger versions of Jane and Lizzy) entertain us with their hijinks. And, did I mention, Mr. Bingley decides to follow his own feelings and disregard Darcy’s?  You see, Mr. Gardiner happens to be an associate of Bingley and gives him some pertinent business information. With gratitude, Bingley invites the Gardiners to spend Christmas at Netherfield Hall. And, without offering any spoilers, I will conclude by saying It WILL be the most wonderful Christmas indeed!

Here is a small excerpt to entice you on this lovely winter day:

Bingley waved his hand in the air before sitting further back and gazing out the window into the dark night. His finger ran a circle around the rim of the glass, and Darcy could tell his friend was struggling with his next thought.

“It is by the kindness of Mr. Gardiner that my business is now safe. My father aspired I should become a gentleman of leisure. However, this has taught me I still must not remove myself entirely from my dealings.”

“True.”

“And, once again, I owe Mr. Gardiner a great deal of thanks for his officiousness.” Both men chuckled at the word Darcy had used only the week before.

“Yes, you do.”

“So,” Bingley continued, “it is because of that I must withdraw my acceptance of a Christmas stay at Pemberley.”

“Because of that?” Darcy asked, feeling the sting of his friend’s words. All my years of guidance and I am discarded so quickly?

“Yes,” Bingley said, inhaling a deep breath. “I have asked Mr. Gardiner and his family to join me at Netherfield for the holidays.”

“Netherfield?” His concern was growing at Bingley’s new-found level of independence.

“Yes, Netherfield.” Bingley swallowed before continuing. “And in a twist of fate, Mr. Gardiner is familiar with the area.”

“He is?”

“Yes, he is.”

Darcy watched as Bingley raised his chin and looked him directly in the eye. “He spent his youth there, and his sister and her family reside in the area.”

“Are we acquainted with them?”

“We are.” He paused and took another drink, breaking his gaze from Darcy. “The Bennets of Longbourn.”

Darcy looked placid, despite the warnings attempting to force their way from his lips. “The Bennets?”

“Yes.”

A silence grew between the men, as they both waited for any indication from the other.

“If this is the same Mr. Gardiner I have met through business, I am astonished,” Darcy finally offered. “He reminds me very little of his sister, Mrs. Bennet.”

“True,” Bingley said. “He is much more refined. But, I find your initial opinion on the subject may be faulty. It appears to me Mrs. Bennet is only in the service of her daughters. And how is she any different than the mothers of the ton who have sought the attention of eligible men for their own girls?”

“That may be, but—”

“And I have decided I am going to determine for myself if Miss Bennet is indifferent to me.”

Stunned by his friend’s firm tone, Darcy only nodded.

“And if she is, I will give up Netherfield.”

The younger man remained silent seeming to await Darcy’s reply. But he had none. He was too busy trying to hide his unsettled feelings regarding Bingley’s newfound confidence and the possibility of seeing Miss Elizabeth Bennet again.

“Darcy, if you feel inclined, would you and Georgiana join us for Christmas? My aunt Sophie will be accompanying me.”

“Miss Bingley remains in Scarborough?” He felt relief for not having to guard himself from the machinations of his friend’s sister who, no matter her beliefs, would never be the mistress of Pemberley.

“I sent Caroline a letter requesting she return and play hostess. When I indicated it was for our father’s old friend, she refused, and forbade me from inviting them—that we would be the laughingstock of the ton.” Bingley swirled his drink. “Caroline forgets where our wealth originated.”

Darcy realized he had done more listening than advising in the last quarter hour. Pride in his friend’s assurance replaced the irritation he felt at not being consulted.

“Still contemplating your acceptance, Darce? With no Caroline to hunt you like a fox, your own sister to make it feel like home, and the promise of Cook’s plum pudding, how could you consider declining the offer?”

He restrained the sad smile threatening to form. Because I have forced my heart to forget Elizabeth Bennet for almost three weeks-time and have been unsuccessful. Being again in her presence will destroy any hard-won resolve.

“I thank you but Georgiana and I will continue with our plans at Pemberley. However, I wish you a pleasant Christmas.”

“Thank you.”

“Charles, I am very rarely wrong. However, in this instance, I hope I am, and you find what you seek in Hertfordshire.” He stood, and finished his spirits in one quick swallow before extending his hand.

“Thank you, friend. As do I.”

And there you have it. A contrite Darcy and an emboldened Bingley. Now, you KNOW somehow Darcy and Georgiana will end up at Netherfield, but how?

If you enjoy “An Unexpected Merry Gentleman,” you can follow along with the extended antics of the Gardiner Girls in “Comfort and Joy, ” also available on Amazon.

Have a wonderful holiday, and a Happy New Year!  🙂