A rousing “Happy Christmas” followed as glasses clinked and were lifted to waiting lips.

“There’s a small gift on your plate from Mrs. Darcy and me,” he announced. He had scrambled upon his arrival yesterday to see that everyone had something appropriate to his station. He had sent Jarvis into Lambton to ask the local jeweler for specific items. Jarvis had had to rouse the man from his home, but Mr. Clifford had responded with suitable choices for the uninvited guests. Darcy had chosen items for the others prior to his trip north. On his next journey into Lambton, Darcy would personally see that the man received a bonus for his excellent service. He took his seat and relaxed into the chair. He contentedly watched as squeals of delight followed ripped paper.

“This is capital,” Bingley declared from the table’s far end.

“Look, Mama,” Mary held a small cameo on a velvet ribbon.

From beside him, Elizabeth slipped a small package into Darcy’s lap. “You’ll receive the rest in our chambers this evening.” She had abdicated her rightful place to his aunt and had chosen to sit at his right hand.

“As will you, my love,” he whispered. He squeezed her hand. Darcy tore the paper away. “What is this, Lizzy?”

“Open it and see,” she said with a mischievous grin.

Darcy unwrapped the box and removed a long leather strap. He fingered it, but he couldn’t determine its significance. “Is there more to this present?” he asked as his hand recaptured hers.

“Are you not the greedy one?” she taunted. She reached out and caressed his cheek. “There’s a very large gift in the stables by the name of Saladin.”

“You talked Lord Warwick into selling Saladin to you?” he marveled. Impulsively, he kissed her lips.

Elizabeth laughed easily. “Actually, he sold the gelding to you. I simply used my pin money to solidify the deal. By the way, I’ll need an advance on my household funds.”

“And you’ll have it. I’ll double your allowance,” he said happily. “I cannot wait to escape to the stables. But how? When?”

“I convinced Lady Warwick first,” she said simply, “and His Lordship delivered the horse the day we left for Newcastle.”

Bingley noted their exchange. “What have you there, Darcy?”

“A very long leading strap for a gelding.” Darcy held the leather strap aloft.

“Not Saladin,” Bingley said excitedly.

Darcy declared, “One and the same.”

“Are you not a lucky dog?” Bingley rejoined.

Darcy smiled widely. “My luck lies in marrying a phenomenal woman.” He kissed the back of Elizabeth’s hand.

“And what did Mr. Darcy give you, Lizzy?” Jane asked from beside her father.

Elizabeth held up emerald hairpins. “Something to keep my tresses in place.”

“And to match Mrs. Darcy’s eyes,” Darcy added quickly.

Lady Catherine cleared her throat. “May I have your attention?” She paused and waited for everyone to quiet down. “As we are in a celebratory mood, I wish to announce the betrothal of my daughter Anne to Lieutenant Roman Southland.”

Darcy admired how his aunt had kept any disdain from her tone. Lady Catherine actually sounded pleased with the engagement. “Congratulations to the happy pair.” He raised his glass again. “To Anne and Roman.”

Complete chaos erupted — everyone talking over each other. Words of disbelief and happiness spilled over, and Darcy heard his aunt say, “Anne and Lieutenant Southland have met many times over the years. He’s the cousin of my dear Mr. Knight, Mr. Collins’s predecessor. They have always favored each other, but his career has kept them apart.”

So, that would be the story his aunt would tell the world. Well, he cared not how Lady Catherine turned the tale, as long as Anne was satisfied, and at the moment, Anne beamed with happiness. “Is this your doing?” he whispered to Elizabeth.

“A long-standing affection is a nice touch, do you not think? Like something from a novel.”



“You must be mistaken,” Georgiana insisted. “Fitzwilliam would never manipulate your lives so.” They’d found their way to a deserted music room.

Kitty explained, “Mr. Winkler wouldn’t lie, Georgiana. Mr. Darcy asks that we postpone our joining until you’ve found a match. I’m afraid that my family connections shame yours.”

Georgiana groaned. “But I don’t want a Season.”

“If Mr. Darcy has his way, you’ll choose a husband when you reach London.”

Georgiana’s heart sank. “What may I do to change Fitzwilliam’s mind?”

“We must tell Lizzy,” Kitty insisted. “Only Elizabeth holds sway with Mr. Darcy.”

Chapter 18

Elizabeth made small talk as she circled the room. Darcy had begged a few minutes to address some urgent correspondence that had arrived during their absence, but she would have preferred that he’d stayed with her. As much as she adored having her dear family with her, Elizabeth required time to privately analyze what had occurred between her and Lady Catherine. Unfortunately, that analysis would have to wait until she retired for the evening, but Darcy’s presence would make the wait tolerable. “Yes, Miss De Bourgh’s engagement was a bit of a surprise, but a pleasant one, nevertheless,” she said in response to Jane’s inquiry regarding the afternoon’s announcement. “I wasn’t aware of Miss De Bourgh’s prior acquaintance with the lieutenant, but Fitzwilliam was.” Although they’d not discussed it, Elizabeth knew her husband would repeat the skewed tale to protect his cousin’s reputation.