The Promise of Christmas: A Holiday Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Lucy Cadeau

When the rumor mill spins out of control one winter, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself with no choice but to marry the enigmatic Mr. Darcy to save her family's honor. After a chance encounter in a secluded grove raises eyebrows and stirs gossip, the two must quickly tie the knot to avoid a full-blown scandal. But what happens when you're stuck in a marriage with a man whose only expression seems to be 'brooding intensity'?

Arriving at Darcy's grand estate, Pemberley, Elizabeth isn't sure what's colder: the winter air or her new husband's distant demeanor. But as Christmas decorations begin to sparkle and the festive spirit fills the halls, Elizabeth starts to see glimmers of warmth behind Darcy's stoic facade—especially when he shows a tender, protective side with his young ward, Gabrielle. Could there be more to him than she ever imagined?

Just as things begin to thaw between the unlikely couple, a shadow from Darcy's past threatens to disrupt their fragile truce. With rumors swirling and secrets on the verge of unraveling, Elizabeth must decide whether to stand by the man she's unexpectedly grown to care for or risk everything. As snow falls and mistletoe hangs overhead, will Christmas magic be enough to transform a marriage of necessity into one of true love?

Find out in this enchanting holiday Pride and Prejudice variation that proves sometimes, the best gifts don't come in boxes!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Oct 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227489319

Book preview

The Promise of Christmas

The Promise of Christmas

A HOLIDAY PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

LUCY CADEAU

Daisy Chain Publishing

Copyright © 2024 by Daisy Chain Publishing

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

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Also from Daisy Chain

One

Elizabeth Bennet's laughter rang out across the crowded assembly room, drawing smiles from those around her. The warm glow of candlelight illuminated her bright eyes and flushed cheeks as she engaged in lively debate with her dearest friends.

But surely, Charlotte, you cannot mean to suggest that a woman's primary aim should be to secure a wealthy husband? Elizabeth curled an eyebrow at her friend. What of love, of compatibility?

Charlotte Lucas sighed.

Oh Lizzy, you romantic fool. In an ideal world, perhaps. But we live in the real world, where a good match is everything.

Nonsense! Elizabeth retorted. I would rather be a penniless spinster than shackled to a fortune with no affection. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. Though I suppose if he were handsome enough, I might be persuaded...

The group erupted in giggles at Elizabeth's implication. She reveled in the warmth of friendship and intellectual stimulation, feeling perfectly content.

Until a shrill voice cut through the pleasant hum of conversation.

Lizzy! There you are, you naughty girl. Come, you simply must meet Mr. Danforth. Such a respectable young man, with a rather sizable estate!

Elizabeth's smile faltered as her mother approached, practically dragging a dour-looking gentleman behind her. She felt a familiar tightness in her chest - the suffocating weight of expectations closing in.

Mama, please. I am in the middle of a conversation, Elizabeth protested weakly, already knowing it was futile.

Nonsense! Mr. Danforth, may I present my second eldest daughter, Elizabeth.

As the gentleman bowed stiffly, Elizabeth's mind raced. She needed air, space to breathe. With a murmured excuse, she slipped away from the group, her heart pounding. The crisp November air beckoned, promising sweet relief from the stifling atmosphere within.

Elizabeth hurried towards the doors, desperate to escape. Just a moment of solitude, she thought. A chance to clear my head before facing the crowd again. With one last glance over her shoulder to ensure she was not followed, Elizabeth stepped out into the night, drawing in a deep breath of freedom.

Her footsteps crunched softly on the snow-covered path as she ventured deeper into the secluded grove. The moonlight filtered through bare branches, casting a blinding reflection on the pristine white landscape. She paused, closing her eyes to savor the tranquil silence, broken only by the distant murmur of a nearby stream.

How exquisite, she whispered, her breath visible in the crisp air. The serenity of the scene soothed her frayed nerves, washing away the tension from the party.

As she rounded a bend in the path, Elizabeth nearly collided with a tall, imposing figure. Her eyes widened as she recognized the stern countenance of Mr. Darcy, the wealthy gentleman who had recently arrived in the neighborhood.

Miss Bennet, he said, surprise evident in his voice. I did not expect to encounter anyone else out here.

Nor did I, Mr. Darcy. Are you perhaps hiding from the ball as well?

A hint of amusement flickered in his dark eyes.

I prefer to think of it as... strategic withdrawal.

How diplomatic of you, Elizabeth replied, arching an eyebrow. And here I thought you simply found our country manners lacking.

Mr. Darcy's jaw tightened slightly.

You seem to have formed quite an opinion of me, madam.

Elizabeth felt the thrill of a good challenge.

I merely observe, sir. You have made little effort to socialize with anyone beyond your own party.

Perhaps I find most of the conversation... trivial, he countered, his gaze intense.

Or perhaps, Elizabeth suggested, you have not found a conversation partner worthy of your superior intellect?

For a moment, she feared she had gone too far. But then, to her surprise, the corner of Mr. Darcy's mouth twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile.

You may be right, Miss Bennet, he said. "Though