A Gift for My Mr Darcy Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title page

  Description

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Coming Soon

  About the author

  A Gift for My Mr. Darcy

  A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella

  By

  Lady Waller

  Copyright © 2017 by Lady Waller

  All rights reserved.

  Published by Lady Waller

  No part of this book may be reproduced by any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying method without written permission of the author. The exception would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted by the author.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblances to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.

  §

  Christmas Day has come to Pemberley, and Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy has fretted over what to give the man who has everything. Even after a disastrous Christmas Eve spent with her family, she’s determined to make this a holiday to remember.

  §

  Chapter One

  Christmas Day

  “Are you certain you can’t stay through Christmastide?” Elizabeth held Jane’s hand in the carriage on their way to Lambton’s Church. Asking her sister to stay through the sixth of January was selfish since Jane had already changed her plans in order to visit Pemberley, but Elizabeth couldn’t help but ask.

  “Our passage is already secured on the next voyage to America in a week.” Jane squeezed her hand. Her sister wore a dress in a lovely shade of purple and the edges were trimmed in an off-white lace. Her unrivaled beauty was enhanced by the bold color and the fashionable cut of the gown.

  Elizabeth had much to be happy for this Christmas Day. Her husband had allowed her sisters, Mary and Kitty, to stay with them and had invited Jane and Mr. Bingley as well. The feast the evening before had been filled with much merriment. An unfortunate incident with Mr. Wickham and Lydia had almost ruined their fun, but as always Fitzwilliam had stepped in to make things right.

  Mary, Kitty, and Georgiana sat across from them in the carriage, while Charles and Fitzwilliam rode alongside on two of Pemberley stables’ finest horses. The girls adjusted their bonnets and commented on the brick structures that made up the small town.

  Elizabeth sighed and added a little dramatic flair to the exaggerated breath. She pulled her hand away and folded both of them together on top of her protruding stomach. “I do understand, and I promise not to pout until after you leave tomorrow morning.”

  At least the jovial Colonel Fitzwilliam and her father would arrive at Pemberley by the next day’s end. Additional guests at Pemberley filled Elizabeth with a surge of happiness.

  “Mr. Darcy was most adamant that if we were unable to attend, he would have to make sure you were dockside to see us off before we boarded.” Jane bent her head close. “I am glad to see you so well matched. The love shines in your eyes.”

  Elizabeth tugged a strand of Jane’s blonde hair that peeked from beneath her bonnet. “And I am glad to see you happy as well.”

  “Perhaps after the baby is born you and Mr. Darcy can travel to America too. I hear New York and Boston are beautiful places to visit.”

  “My dear husband hardly likes to leave the walls of Pemberley. There is always something that needs his immediate attention. Even when we are in London, he checks in so often he may as well have not left.”

  “What a gift it would be to take some of that burden from him,” Jane said.

  Elizabeth nodded in agreement. While Mrs. Reynolds and she saw to the immediate attention of the day to day household dealings, her husband sheltered a lot of the work responsibility with the tenants and upkeep. It was not her place to take away any of his estate business, but if the occasion were to arise, she would try to lift some of the burden starting with her family’s drama.

  Jane was correct—a true gift it would be to take away some of his tasks. Why had she not thought of this before?

  The carriage rocked as they hit gravel along the road and rattled through the middle of Lambton. Many of the townsfolk walked toward the church and a few rode horses. The midday sermon was the first of two for their parson Mr. Holland, who also had the position of parson in the next town five miles away.

  She leaned towards the window, almost as excited as her younger sisters by the townsfolk. Since her condition, Elizabeth had not visited Lambton as often as she wished. Fitzwilliam preferred she stay close to home unless he could accompany her.

  The carriage rolled to the front of the church and Mr. Bingley beat the driver to the door. He assisted each of the ladies while Fitzwilliam tied their horses to a nearby post.

  Mr. Holland greeted them with his wife and eldest son beside him.

  “We are honored to have the Darcys and the Bingleys in our church on this Christmas Day.” He bowed slightly at Elizabeth and Jane, who returned his greeting with a light curtsy.

  Mrs. Holland smiled warmly. “There will be an Epiphany Ball at the town assembly the eve of the sixth. Will you be attending, Mrs. Darcy?”

  Kitty and Georgiana pushed through the middle of them. Kitty tugged at Elizabeth’s sleeve. “Can we attend, Lizzy? Please?”

  “I shall discuss the ball with Mr. Darcy. He or Papa will have to chaperone you.”

  “Even me?” asked Georgiana, who’d yet to be presented for her first Season.

  “I think we can get Mr. Darcy to agree to let you have a little amusement.” Elizabeth placed a hand on her stomach and addressed Mrs. Holland. “I am afraid I won’t attend the ball this year. The baby has given me a strict bedtime that I must adhere to.”

  Mr. Holland glanced past them. “I do need a word with your husband regarding some thefts at the church. I would like to have more time to look into it myself, but several of our parishioners have taken ill and my time is divided.”

  “Oh my!” Elizabeth turned and searched the gathering crowd for her husband. A tenant from one of the farms had gained his attention. A young boy grasped at the man’s legs and coughed into his fist. “Thefts you say. Here at the church?”

  Before Fitzwilliam could join them, another man took his attention. Elizabeth frowned. After dealing with the notoriously vile Mr. Wickham, her husband sorely needed a break from disappointing news.

  She led Mr. Holland aside. “Allow me to assist with the theft issue. Then you can spend the time visiting the sick.”

  His complexion blanched. “I’m not sure that would be proper given your condition.”

  She raised an eyebrow, almost hating herself for using her position to bully the man into submission. Her husband’s aunt would be proud. “I am the lady of Pemberley, and while that does not come with a title other than Mrs. Darcy, I assume that my last name means something in this town.”

  “Of course, Mrs. Darcy. I did not mean to offend.”

  She smiled, the rabbit caught in the snare. “Of course you didn’t. I won’t breathe a word of it to my husband, but only if you allow me to take on this challenge of finding the thieves.”

  Mrs. Holland cleared her throat. The noon hour had approached and it was time for Mr. Holland’s sermon to begin.

  Elizabeth pulled at the tips of her fingers to remove her gloves. “I shall call on you tomorrow morning and we will begin our investigation.”

  Chapter Two

  Elizabeth’s Gift />
  Later that evening, after everyone had gone to bed, Elizabeth snuggled close to her husband. He brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. “Did you enjoy the sermon today, my dear?”

  “Fire and brimstone are two of my favorite subjects at Christmastide,” she teased.

  “I think there was a secret message in there for some thieves.” He raised an eyebrow at her.

  She huffed. “Mr. Holland told you of my plan even though I asked him not to.”

  A smile curved the edge of his mouth. “He only did it out of concern for your condition. And he asked me to mention that due to an interruption, he hadn’t actually made the promise not to tell.”

  She didn’t answer and instead turned slightly away from him.

  “But I told him that as long as you did not overexert yourself and brought along at least one of your sisters—preferably both—I did not see the harm in allowing you to assist with some inquiries. And you shall take Thomas as well.”

  She played with the edge of the blanket. “Do I honestly need an entourage to assist me?”

  “Do you want to add to my worries?” His voice took on a solemn tone.

  “No! I want to help lift some of your burden, especially since you’ve already done so much for my family. I will act as a go between for Mr. Holland and the constable.”

  “I’ll warn you, the constable is not the nicest of men. My advice would be to stay out of his way. He will only work investigations if paid a neat sum.”

  She turned back to face him. “I do not need him to be nice, I just need him to understand the importance of the town keeping Mr. Holland happy. He does so much charity work for the poor in Lambton. If he needs our help, who are we to turn him away? The constable should not think he can squeeze funds from a poor parson.”

  “That won’t stop him from trying to squeeze them from you.” He turned to his side and propped his head on his hand. “An investigation into theft at a church won’t provide as much entertainment as one of your novels.”

  She placed her finger on the cleft at his chin. “Good. I’m not doing it for entertainment or sport. There is nothing I could give you as a gift that you do not already have.”

  He glanced at her stomach. “My gift is on the way.”

  She smiled and pushed a strand of hair off his forehead.

  Seriousness overtook his features. “Do you promise to immediately report any suspicions?”

  “I promise.”

  “Then good hunting, my dear.” He kissed her gently and placed a hand on her stomach.

  The week before Christmas, her husband had ridden to London to save Mr. Wickham from further disgracing her sister Lydia. If she lived a thousand years she would never be able to repay him for all the great things he’d done for her family. All for her. To erase at least one line of worry from his brow would be a small but suitable gift.

  §

  The next morning, Elizabeth waved off Jane and Mr. Bingley. They promised to visit as soon as they returned from America and share all of their delightful stories. Elizabeth did not have time to be sad since she had an appointment with Mr. Holland.

  She found Kitty in the sitting room, stitching a lovely rose pattern on a handkerchief. “I am off to Lambton to speak with Mr. Holland. There have been some thefts at the church, and he’s asked us to assist.”

  Kitty paused her stitch. “Why would we interfere with catching thieves? Is that not the job of the local constable?”

  “It seems the constable is not doing his job properly, and Mr. Holland believes our last name will push him to seek the culprits.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “Would you like to ride to Lambton with me?”

  “I would rather stay and stitch if it is all the same to you. Chasing thieves is not how I would like to spend my day.”

  “I shall ask Mary and Georgiana then. If Papa and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrive before I return, please ask Mrs. Reynolds to offer them tea and sweet rolls.”

  Kitty returned to her stitching and Elizabeth sought out the other two young ladies. They often hovered near the pianoforte, each having such a love for playing that they practiced for several hours throughout the day.

  It was Georgiana’s turn and her hands glided across the ivory keys as she played a lovely melody. Mary sat nearby, reading a book of sermons. Elizabeth didn’t dare interrupt until Georgiana finished and rested her hands on her lap.

  She clapped for her sister-in-law. “Beautiful.”

  Georgiana stood, gave a light curtsey, and then rushed forward. “Are you well today, dear sister?”

  They clasped hands. “I am indeed.”

  Georgiana’s eyes sparkled. “Your spirits have been quite high since Jane has visited. I hope they stay that way.”

  Elizabeth gave her sister-in-law’s hands a squeeze before releasing them. “I don’t think they could get any higher. Now, I have a meeting with Mr. Holland this morning. There have been thefts in the church and he has asked for our assistance in the inquiries and dealing with the constable. Would the two of you like to attend me?”

  Mary closed her book and stood. “Who would dare steal from a church? Poor Mr. Holland. Will his son be there?”

  Elizabeth exchanged a knowing smile with Georgiana. Mary had spent a good amount of her time the day before speaking with the younger Mr. Holland after the end of his father’s sermon. It warmed her heart that Mary had shown interest in a gentleman, as in most cases she dismissed them immediately.

  “I should say that he will be there. Perhaps he can be convinced to assist us.”

  “I think I could be of great use to you with this inquiry,” Mary said.

  Elizabeth nodded and smoothed her skirt while she waited for Georgiana’s answer.

  Georgiana glanced at the pianoforte and Elizabeth could almost read her thoughts. If Mary left, then she wouldn’t have to share for the rest of the day. “I think I shall stay behind, so Kitty doesn’t feel alone.”

  “That’s a wonderful reason. How thoughtful.” She patted Georgiana’s arm, then she addressed Mary. “Thomas is bringing the carriage around. We have just enough time to grab our coats and gloves. The weather appears to be in our favor today.”

  Mary left her book in the chair and rushed out the door.

  Georgiana skipped to the pianoforte. “Do be careful. Thieves can be dangerous if they are backed into a corner. Or so I imagine.”

  “I shall have many chaperones on this adventure. Mr. Darcy has made certain of this. Do not worry for me, my dear.”

  “I am surprised my brother does not wish to accompany you himself.”

  “He has so many other things to worry about with the estate. My gift to him is to release his burden just a little. And we may pose inquiries all day with no decent information. This way it is not a waste of his time.”

  “Enjoy your adventure, and I shall set the mood with song.” Georgiana sat down at the pianoforte and played a military march.

  Chapter Three

  Lambton Boys

  Mr. Holland and his son, Matthew, greeted the ladies at the door of the church. He offered them some refreshments, but Elizabeth declined. She knew of his generosity and did not want to put a strain on him by having to serve the more advantaged group.

  Elizabeth smiled and clasped her hands in front of her. “We are well refreshed and ready to get to work on the inquiries.”

  He bowed his head, and a shiny bald spot gleamed as the sun shined in through the church’s windows. “I have called on Constable Lovell and he refuses once again to see to the missing items. He claims they do not have enough value and would be a waste of his time.”

  “What items are missing?” She followed Mr. Holland into the church.

  “Mrs. Anne Darcy, God bless her, had bestowed several gifts to the church before she passed away. The most prized possession being the statue of Christ Our Savior.”

  “And this statue is not of any worth according to the constable?”

  “It is not made from a well-k
nown artist and it is not detailed in gold or silver. It is indeed a rather plain statue, but it means a great deal to the Church.” He gestured towards an empty place where the statue must have sat.

  “I see. And is this the only item that has gone missing?”

  “Two communion plates, one of which did have a small amount of gold lining around the edges. But still, not enough to melt down.”

  “All of these items went missing on the same day?”

  “Yes.”

  She tapped a gloved finger against her lips. “When did you notice them missing?”

  “They were here during my last sermon and then gone the next day. Mrs. Holland takes great pride in cleaning the statues and pews after every sermon. We’d opened our kitchens at the parish for the poor that evening and when she returned to clean, we noticed the items missing.”

  Elizabeth paced down the aisle and noted that several of the candle holders appeared to have more worth than a statue or the plates. “Did Lambton have any strangers passing through? Visitors or riders?”

  “None that had visited the church. I would have noticed and presented myself to them.”

  “So you believe it is one of the parishioners who have taken the statue and plates? Has anything like this ever happened before?”

  “Not since I’ve been in attendance. I don’t wish to accuse any of the good people of Lambton, and for that main reason we’ve asked for Mr. Darcy’s assistance. The people of Lambton respect the Darcys.”

  Elizabeth sat down on a pew. Her first choice of questioning would be the local youths. More than anything the misdeeds felt as though some mischievous boys on holiday from school had taken the statue and plates for entertainment. If they were pressured, they’d probably return everything by the end of the day.

  Mary stood close to Mr. Holland’s son, Matthew. An unspoken interest flowed in the space between them.

  Elizabeth glanced from her sister to Matthew. Perhaps she could search for the missing items and play matchmaker all in the same day. “May we borrow your son? I think he would be the right person to assist us in town.”