A Snowy Christmas at Rosings Park: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Farce

By Anna Lockhart

This was not the quiet holiday she expected...

 

One cold December afternoon, Elizabeth Bennet receives word that her dear friend Charlotte is nearing the end of her pregnancy and wishes for Elizabeth's company over the Christmas holiday. Elizabeth is overjoyed and departs at once. But when they all find themselves trapped at Rosings Park after a surprise snowstorm during a holiday dinner, how will Elizabeth face the prideful Mr. Darcy for days... or perhaps more? And how will such different people survive an entire holiday confined together?

A Snowy Christmas at Rosings Park is a clean and sweet Pride and Prejudice comedy with a guaranteed happy ending and some delightful holiday surprises along the way!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Nov 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393195337

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Even as the days crept closer to Christmas, her favorite holiday, Elizabeth found that life at Longbourn was becoming rather dull. Her youngest sisters cared only about the holiday parties they might be allowed to attend, Jane was preoccupied with thoughts of Mr. Bingley, and her aunt and uncle had been unable to come to Longbourn at the last moment. Elizabeth had not seen anyone but her family in some time, and with Charlotte now a wife in Hunsford, sometimes she felt as if she had no one to talk to.

Elizabeth was only just about to suggest a walk to town when Mrs. Hill handed her a letter.

It just arrived, Miss Elizabeth. I suspected you would enjoy the distraction, as you look ready to burst. If you need something to keep you occupied, you could always help me with the tea, Mrs. Hill said with a smile. Elizabeth took the letter with gratitude but did not have much interest in tea.

Perhaps after I read my letter, I will join you in the kitchen, Elizabeth said with an absent mind as she opened the letter, excited. It was from her dearest friend, Charlotte, and the letter felt like a gift.

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Dearest Elizabeth,

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I do hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for the length of time since I last wrote, but much has been changing at Hunsford these last months. I am with child and the preparations for our baby have been engaging quite a bit of our time. But as the holiday grows closer, and William spends more time at Rosings preparing for Christmas, I find that I am quite alone.

I feel most terrible for even asking, but if your father would be willing to part with you, I hoped you might come and spend Christmas with me in Hunsford. I am most lonely and wish to have a friend by side, both for the holiday and when my baby arrives. I know it will be a great imposition…

Elizabeth paused to laugh quietly to herself.

An imposition, indeed. They will hardly notice I have gone.

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But if you are able to come, do so as soon as you are able. And you are welcome to stay as long as you wish. William has expressed that he believes it will do me good to see a friend, so do not worry about being an imposition. I will have a room waiting for you.

If you are unable to join me here, you may write me and let me know. If I shall see you soon, then do not bother to write. Instead, I will wait impatiently for your arrival.

With great affection, your friend,

Charlotte Collins

Elizabeth did not even stop to consider the offer. Instead, she put the letter down on the table next to her and ran to her father in his study. She found him sitting by the fire and reading a book as he sipped from a glass of port. When he looked up and saw Elizabeth, he smiled and set down his book.

Is it not a bit early for port, papa? she asked as she sat in the chair across from him. 

It is never too early for port when the holidays approach, my dear. Now, tell me. Why do you look as if you just beat your sister in a card game?

Competition was boisterous in the Bennet home and Elizabeth took great pleasure in winning, though she did not win often.

Papa, Charlotte Collins has asked me to join her and Mr. Collins for the Christmas holiday. Would you or mama be much grieved if I spent a view weeks away? she asked with trepidation as she handed her father the letter. Mr. Bennet appeared thoughtful as he read Charlotte’s words, then looked into the fire.

We would certainly miss you, Eliza. And I am quite sure your mother will have something to say on the matter. But it sounds as if Charlotte needs you and it would be wrong to deny her request, especially at Christmas. You must go, as soon as you wish. I will call the coach whenever you are ready.

Elizabeth embraced her father then rushed to her room so she could pack a trunk. She did not even stop to tell Mrs. Bennet of her plans, as she knew that Mr. Bennet would inform her of Elizabeth’s departure soon enough. Her mother would be unhappy, her chief reason being that it would be one less pair of hands at Longbourn to help with the Christmas chores. But all Elizabeth could worry about was getting to Charlotte. No matter what Collins was doing at Rosings, she would make sure that her dearest friend had a wonderful Christmas.

And she would leave first thing in the morning.

CHAPTER 2

Elizabeth would have left for Hunsford that very night if her father had not insisted she