Read Online Christmas at Pemberley by Regina Jeffers - Free Book Online Page B

that anyone might attempt to compare the two was ridiculous. Pemberley’s rooms were lofty and handsome, displaying Fitzwilliam’s taste; they were neither gaudy nor uselessly fine—with less of splendor and more real elegance than the furniture of Rosings. “No offense taken, Mr. Collins. Rosings Park is a grand estate fitting my aunt’s position as an Earl’s daughter and a baronet’s wife. Pemberley reflects the same noble line on the maternal side, and on my father’s, a respectable, honorable, and ancient, though untitled family.” With some satisfaction Georgiana noted her aunt’s raised brow and her cousin’s smirk of amusement.
    â€œI’m certain my husband regrets his wording, Miss Darcy,” Charlotte intervened.
    Mr. Bennet replied, “I’d assume that Mr. Collins’s regrets are numerous, but God offers forgiveness. Does He not, Collins?” The mocking smile returned.

    â€œOur Lord is benevolent,” Collins responded in some confusion.
    â€œThen everything is well.You shall ask for forgiveness for your offense, and we’ll all go forward.”
    Mr. Nathan tapped on the door. “Excuse me, Miss Darcy. Mr. and Mrs. Collins’s quarters are ready. Meg waits in the main foyer to escort them to their rooms.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Nathan. Might you also make one of the empty bedchambers available for Mr. Winkler’s use?”
    â€œCertainly, Miss Darcy.”

    â€œPardon, Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Livingstone bowed. “Mr. Rennick mentioned that you planned to depart tomorrow. I thought you should know, Sir, a misty rain has returned. What little thaw we earned today has refrozen. The wet rain is freezing on the slick surfaces.”
    Darcy had knowledge of this weather’s turn, but he’d hoped to keep it from his wife. “Thank you, Livingstone. I suppose Mrs. Darcy and I will have to reevaluate our plans if the rain continues overnight.” He noted his wife’s fallen countenance.
    The gentleman bowed again. “I’m at your service, Mr. Darcy.”
    Watching him walk away, Darcy returned his attention to Elizabeth. “Livingstone could be in error, my dear. No one can predict the weather.”
    â€œI know it’s insensible, Fitzwilliam. I’m warm, I want not for shelter or food, but all I desire for Christmas is to be at Pemberley with my family.”
    Darcy wondered if his wife had discovered his surprise. “Your family is in Hertfordshire.”
    â€œYou’re my family, Fitzwilliam. You and Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds and the tenants. Pemberley is my home,” she insisted.
    Darcy felt desire’s familiar rush. “Yes, it is. It’s as if, before you arrived, Pemberley was only a fine house. Now, it’s a home. You have left your imprint on it, my dearest Elizabeth.”
    Before she could respond, the sound of a carriage before the
inn brought everyone to his feet. Scrambling to the windows for a better view, Darcy made a point of shadowing Elizabeth with his body. Using a napkin to wipe away the pane’s cold dampness, Darcy peered over Elizabeth’s shoulder. “A gentleman,” he whispered close to her ear.
    â€œAnd a lady.” Her face turned up to his in anticipation.
    Darcy wouldn’t tell her there was, literally, “no room at the inn.” He recognized his wife’s need for female company. At Pemberley, she had spent her days interacting with Georgiana, Mrs. Reynolds, and others from the community. On this trip, as Mr. Parnell had had no wife, Darcy’s business had left Elizabeth alone to entertain herself in a strange city. Leaving her behind as he met with the cantankerous Parnell, Darcy had actually wished Elizabeth’s youngest sister Lydia Wickham had remained in Newcastle. He had done his wife a disservice by imposing his needs upon her.
    As they and several others watched, the man braced the woman’s step on