Darcy and the Spring Surprise: Regency Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Andrea Duke

Elizabeth Darcy has joyful news for her husband—if only she can get him alone!

After six months of marriage, Lizzy and Darcy have settled into life at Pemberley. Spring projects keep Darcy busy around the estate, so Lizzy plans a romantic evening. She has news to share—but Darcy has a surprise of his own!

Keep your vinaigrette handy! This sensual Pride and Prejudice variation features witty banter, skinny dipping, and passionate kisses. It has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Historical Hearts Press
• Release date: Nov 10, 2022

Book preview

Darcy and the Spring Surprise by Andrea Duke

Published by Historical Hearts Press

www.AndreaDuke.com

THIS BOOK IS A WORK of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Darcy and the Spring Surprise

© 2022 Andrea Duke

First edition, October 2022

All Rights Reserved Worldwide

THIS EBOOK IS LICENSED to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, and subject to criminal prosecution. An ebook format cannot legally be loaned or given to others. No portion of this literary work may be sold, manipulated, transmitted, copied, reproduced, or distributed, in any form or format, by any means or in any manner whatsoever, without the express written permission of the author, except for brief excerpts used for the purpose of review. To request written permission, contact Historical Hearts Press at www.AndreaDuke.com.

All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Published in the United States of America.

This book is set in England and uses predominantly British spelling.

About the Book

Elizabeth Darcy has joyful news for her husband—if only she can get him alone!

After six months of marriage, Lizzy and Darcy have settled into life at Pemberley. Spring projects keep Darcy busy around the estate, so Lizzy plans a romantic evening for them. She has news to share—but Darcy has a surprise of his own!

Keep your vinaigrette handy! This sensual Pride and Prejudice variation features witty banter, skinny dipping, and passionate kisses. It has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.

Chapter 1

Elizabeth Darcy walked along a gravel lane towards Kympton—the little village near Pemberley. Warm May sunshine awakened the world from its winter sleep. Daisies and bluebells dotted the path, and robin song filled the air.

At a distance, she spotted her husband with a group of workmen. Darcy was in his shirtsleeves, wearing trousers and sturdy boots. Her stomach flipped at the sight of him.

After six months of marriage, she still ached for his kiss whenever they were together. She veered towards him through the meadow’s short grass. He smiled when their gazes met, a boyish gleam in his eye.

Body thrumming with awareness, she admired his enticing form. Tall, lean, muscular. Dark eyes with a strong jaw and chin.

But there was more to him than his looks. In their everyday dealings, he was unfailingly kind and solicitous. He consulted her before making decisions that involved them both.

How had she gotten so lucky?

She had been born a squire’s daughter but had married one of the wealthiest men in the kingdom. The nephew of an earl. She cared little for prestige—yet she could not deny enjoying the life of privilege she now found herself in.

With privilege came responsibility. She called on the tenant families daily while in residence. That was something she could bring to the marriage—making sure the tenants’ needs were met. Only by the community working together would Pemberley prosper.

Darcy enjoyed his role as lord of the manor. Several times a week, he rode out with the steward. Darcy