Miracle at Pemberley

By Grace Reeve

 

Darcy has just returned to his family from a long trip to London. He's accounted for every detail upon his return, save one: He appears to have upset his dear wife and mother of his children. How will he make up for something when he doesn't even know what he's done?

 

Elizabeth has waited patiently for her husband's return, only to be left frustrated and disappointed in their interactions.  She worries that he may have found a way to quench his thirst elsewhere. How will she ever go on if she's correct?

 

Only a miracle could fix the Darcys' miscommunication. A miracle, or perhaps, merely a night spent in the other's arms? Miracles come in all shapes and sizes, after all.

 

A short, second-chance romance variation on Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, set well in the future after Darcy and Elizabeth have their sweet little family. This short story has a steamy conclusion, so be sure to have your fans at the ready, it will be getting warmer as it goes on!

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Reeve
• Release date: Nov 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215559321

Book preview

PART I

DARCY I

Fitzwilliam Darcy breathed out, a puff of smoke billowing in front of him like a cloud. There was a sharp giggle from the floor directly behind him. Anna was still playing with the new doll he had purchased for her upon his last trip to London this past Autumn. She had made a similar sound when he had produced it from his coat, jumping up and down and thanking him profusely.  

Elizabeth had admonished her for the outburst, which prompted their eight-year-old daughter to stop, dip down deep in a curtsey, and thank him again in a much more sombre tone.  And then, she had turned on her heel and scampered down the hall, new doll in tow. 

She had not left it alone since then. He rather enjoyed it when his children enjoyed the gifts he got for them, and this was no exception.

He glanced across the room at his wife, currently hugging their three-year-old son, Bennet, close and wiping tears from his eyes. He had fallen whilst running even though his mother had clearly warned him against it.  

That was one of Fitz’s favourite things about his wife: how patient she was with their children. How she never seemed to tire of laughing at their jokes or telling them the same things over and over again. Of course, they had a governess, but Elizabeth spent a lot of her time with the children. Fitz thought they were better for it.

Elizabeth seemed to sense his attention and looked up, locking eyes with him.  His smile deepened and she kissed Ben on the head and bid him go play with his sister.  She rose and strode over to him. Have you something on your mind, husband?

You are always on my mind, all the more when I have the pleasure of watching you.

Oh? she asked, smiling. 

Yes. I find I adore watching you with the children. You are such a lovely mother.

Thank you, Fitz. You, I could point out as well, are a wonderful father.

"No, I must thank you, as I marvel every day at how I became so fortunate as to find such a wonderful woman to mother my children," he said, reaching for her hand and kissing it. 

Is that all you see when you watch me now, Fitz?

At the present, yes.

Her smile became smaller than it had been, but it remained. And since it remained, Fitz didn’t bother himself with it other than to note it.  Are you well, this night? she asked, eyebrows raised.

Indeed, I am. I think I may just rise early in the morning and go out riding. It has been so long since I have done that. I am sure Polonius misses me.

I am certain that is true, Fitz, but your wife also misses you.

He chuckled and kissed her hand again. Surely, you will not want me underfoot for the entirety of my time home?

Perhaps not the entirety, but for a portion of it, of course, I would love to have you underfoot.

You jest, Lizzy. I do love that about you. What plans do you have for the children for this week? I am sure they are excited about Christmas.

Indeed, we are leaving on Christmas morning to go see my family, she said with a smile. They do so enjoy seeing their cousins.

I am sure they do, Fitz said, taking another puff from his pipe. You will give Jane and Charles my regards, will you not?

She did not respond for a long moment. When he looked up at her, ready to inquire as to why silence was her only answer, she smiled quickly and nodded. Of course, Fitz. I am sure they will cherish the message.

And you, dear wife? What are your plans for the upcoming days leading to your trip to Longbourn?

I will be finishing the last of the plans for our Winter Ball, I must approve a menu with Cook and see to airing out the main ballroom.

"Of course.