A Darcy Christmas

By Nora Kipling

Celebrate the Romance of a Regency Christmas!

Spend Christmas with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in this enchanting collection of holiday stories inspired by Pride and Prejudice. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen and historical romance, this collection brings you festive tales filled with snowy landscapes, cozy firesides, and the timeless love of our dear couple.

Featuring stories such as:

• "The Twelve Days of Christmas at Rosings Park" – Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves unexpected guests at Rosings, where each day brings them closer under Lady Catherine's watchful eye.
• "A Christmas Misunderstanding" – A snowstorm keeps Elizabeth at Netherfield for Christmas Eve, and a misplaced gift leads to revelations Darcy can no longer keep to himself.
• "A Mistletoe Promise" – At Pemberley's Christmas ball, a sprig of mistletoe, a quiet library, and a tender confession might finally change everything for our dear couple.

From mistletoe misunderstandings to candlelit confessions, each story invites you into a world where romance flourishes under the charm of a Regency Christmas. Darcy and Elizabeth's journey unfolds through gatherings, warm fireside moments, and holiday celebrations that reveal new depths to their connection. Will their love overcome society's expectations and the surprises of the season?

Whether you're a devoted Austen admirer or new to the magic of Pride and Prejudice, this heartwarming collection is the perfect escape for the holiday season. Cozy up with a cup of tea, and let yourself be swept away to a world of love, wit, and holiday cheer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heart Candies Publishing
• Release date: Dec 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227903945

Book preview

Introduction

Dear Reader,

Merry Christmas and warm holiday greetings! I’m so delighted you’re joining me for a journey back in time to the elegance, charm, and warmth of a Regency Christmas.

Christmas has always been a treasured holiday for my family—a time for gathering around the fire, exchanging thoughtful gifts, and cherishing the company of loved ones. The holiday season, with its traditions and cozy atmosphere, has been a source of inspiration for me as I delve into the lives of beloved characters and imagine how they, too, might celebrate Christmas.

The idea of a perfect Regency Christmas is truly a dream for me. There’s something so enchanting about picturing grand estates dusted with snow, candlelit drawing rooms, and the gentle sounds of laughter filling the halls. The festive traditions of the Regency period are fascinating to me, with each one adding a layer of charm and nostalgia.

Imagine celebrating the twelve days of Christmas by adorning your home with lush garlands of evergreen, holly, and ivy—a tradition believed to bring luck and ward off evil spirits. Picture a cozy yule log crackling in the hearth, filling the air with the rich scent of wood and warmth. And, of course, the tradition of mistletoe hanging in doorways, where a gentleman might dare to steal a kiss if a lady should find herself standing beneath it.

Many households also had their own delightful customs: gatherings filled with lively parlor games like blind man’s bluff and snapdragon (where guests would snatch raisins out of burning brandy!), storytelling sessions by candlelight, and, for the musically inclined, groups of friends singing carols or playing the pianoforte. It was a season of togetherness, with everyone—from noblemen to servants—joining in the festive cheer.

Writing a Regency Christmas romance has been a dream, allowing me to combine my love of the holiday with my passion for historical storytelling. I hope that, through these pages, you’ll find a taste of that perfect Christmas, full of love, laughter, and a bit of magic.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and cheer.

With love and gratitude,

Nora Kipling

I

A Christmas Misunderstanding

1

The Invitation to Pemberley

Snow fell gently over Meryton, dusting the small village in a serene layer of white, as the Bennet household buzzed with unusual excitement. Mrs. Bennet was particularly animated, brandishing an invitation that had just arrived, its elegant script glimmering with festive gold ink. The note was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and family, inviting them to none other than Pemberley for a grand Christmas ball.

Oh, Mr. Bennet! Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. Can you believe it? We, at Pemberley for Christmas! It is a golden opportunity for our girls!

Elizabeth, listening in with some amusement, exchanged a look with her elder sister, Jane. The invitation to such a grand estate was, indeed, a surprise, particularly one hosted by Mr. Darcy—a man Elizabeth barely knew, but who had certainly piqued her interest, if only for his curious behavior during his previous visits to Meryton. While he had initially struck her as proud and aloof, she couldn’t deny a growing curiosity about the man who owned one of the finest estates in Derbyshire.

Elizabeth cleared her throat, trying to bring a bit of reality to her mother’s dreams. Mama, it’s simply an invitation to a Christmas ball. Surely Mr. Darcy could not have us in mind when he invited such a large number of guests.

Nonsense, Lizzy! Mrs. Bennet replied, waving her hand dismissively. I am certain he remembers you quite well, and that he knows how charming you can be, especially when he sees you all dressed up for the holiday season. Her eyes sparkled with hope as she imagined one of her daughters catching Mr. Darcy’s attention. Just think of the possibilities!

Indeed, it would be a lovely evening, Jane said softly, always ready to find the good in every situation. The kindness of the invitation alone should be celebrated.

Her father, Mr. Bennet, chuckled from his armchair, eyeing his family with amusement. Perhaps we should simply attend to enjoy the evening, Mrs. Bennet, without all the scheming. I suspect Pemberley will be quite the sight at Christmas.

Despite Elizabeth’s skepticism about her mother’s hopes, she couldn’t deny a flicker of anticipation. Pemberley at Christmas! She’d always loved the festive season, and to celebrate it in one of the grandest homes in Derbyshire stirred her imagination. And though she had her reservations about Mr. Darcy, perhaps seeing him in his own home, surrounded by family and friends, would reveal another side to his character.

The days passed quickly, and when Christmas Eve finally arrived, the Bennets dressed in their best attire for the grand ball. Elizabeth chose a simple yet elegant gown of deep forest green, adorned with a modest ribbon that complemented her dark curls. She glanced at herself in the mirror, hardly able to contain her excitement mixed with nervousness. What would Pemberley be like in all its holiday splendor?

The journey to Pemberley was magical in itself. Snow blanketed the countryside, and Elizabeth felt her heart quicken as the estate came into view. Pemberley’s grand façade glistened under the winter sky, its majestic windows glowing warmly from within, a beacon against the cold night. As they drew closer, Elizabeth noticed wreaths of holly, pine, and mistletoe adorning every window and doorway, with candles casting a soft light that made the estate seem almost enchanted.

Inside, Pemberley was alive with festive cheer. Musicians played lively carols in the grand entrance hall, where garlands hung from the staircases, trailing down like the ribbons of a holiday gift. The smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts filled the air, and servants bustled about, ensuring every guest felt welcomed and attended to.

Elizabeth was charmed by it all—the atmosphere, the decorations, the merry faces of the guests. But her attention was soon drawn to a tall figure at the far end of the hall: Mr. Darcy himself, engaged in polite conversation with a cluster of guests. His usual somber expression softened as he greeted each person with a courteous smile. His eyes met hers briefly, and Elizabeth felt her breath hitch as he gave her a slight, almost hesitant nod.

Ah, Mr. Darcy himself, Mrs. Bennet whispered excitedly, nudging Elizabeth with her elbow. Do you see how he looks at you, Lizzy? I am certain he invited us with you in mind.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes good-naturedly but said nothing. She didn’t want to encourage her mother’s matchmaking, but her curiosity about Mr. Darcy had indeed grown. Seeing him here, at his own home, surrounded by those he held