A Christmas Promise: A Holiday Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Lisa Little

This Christmas, a promise from long ago is about to change Elizabeth Bennet's life forever…

 

After a chance holiday encounter when she was a little girl, Elizabeth Bennet never forgot her first meeting with the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. When the two cross paths once again one snowy holiday, she finds that everything in her simple life is about to change.

 

Filled with romance, Christmas cheer, and holiday traditions, A Christmas Promise is a sweet Pride and Prejudice variation that will fill your heart with seasonal joy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Nov 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223155744

Book preview

Prologue

The Christmas party at the grand estate house was in full swing, the air filled with laughter and merriment. Elizabeth Bennet, all of ten years old, stood in a corner, feeling rather small and out of place amidst the crowd of tall adults dancing and chatting animatedly. She clutched at her new dress, nervously smoothing its fabric as she observed the scene before her.

It was just her, Jane, and their parents at the gathering, as little Mary had been left at home with their aunt. The party was held in an elegant ballroom, decorated with garlands of holly and fresh sprigs of mistletoe hanging from the chandeliers. The soft glow of candles flickered across the polished wooden floor, casting shadows that danced alongside the guests.

Elizabeth felt a mixture of awe and curiosity as she watched the swirling gowns and waistcoats, but it was not the dancers who captured her young heart that evening. Rather, it was a solitary figure seated at the grand piano, tucked away in a quieter corner of the room.

He was a boy of no more than eighteen, his dark hair neatly combed and his eyes focused intently on the keys beneath his nimble fingers. He was handsome, in a scholarly sort of way, with a refined air about him that drew Elizabeth closer without her quite realizing it. To her young mind, he seemed like a character straight from the pages of her favorite novels – mysterious, dashing, and utterly captivating.

May I sit here? she asked timidly, indicating the empty seat beside him.

Of course, he replied with a warm smile, pausing his playing momentarily to make room for her. My name is Will Darcy. What is yours?

Elizabeth Bennet, she answered, her cheeks flushing slightly as she settled next to him on the bench.

Would you like to learn a tune, Miss Bennet? he asked kindly, his fingers hovering above the keys.

Please, she whispered, her eyes shining with excitement.

He began to play a simple melody, guiding her small hands over the ivory keys as he showed her which notes to press. Elizabeth's delight grew with each successful chord, and she glanced up at Will Darcy in admiration and gratitude. He smiled back at her, his own enjoyment evident on his face.

For the rest of the night, Elizabeth followed him around the party, watching as he conversed with other guests or engaged in games of wit and strategy. She sensed an innate kindness within him, despite his serious demeanor, as he patiently answered her many questions and shared snippets of his own life with her. And although the lively crowd kept them company, it felt as though they existed in their own little world.

As the evening wore on, Elizabeth sensed that her family would soon be preparing to leave the party. She looked around for Will Darcy, unwilling to let him disappear into the night without a proper farewell. Spying him near the grand fireplace, she gathered her courage and approached him.

Mr. Darcy, she said, tugging gently on his sleeve to gain his attention. When he turned to look at her, she stood tall and declared, "I would very much like to