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    Darcy's Christmas Compromise
    Darcy's Christmas Compromise
    Darcy's Christmas Compromise
    Ebook137 pages2 hours

    Darcy's Christmas Compromise

    By Zoe Burton

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    About this ebook

    An injured hand leads to a frantic rescue. Can it also lead to love?

    While visiting Derbyshire with her relatives for the Christmas season, Elizabeth Bennet meets a handsome young man who makes her heart race.

    Fitzwilliam Darcy hosts friends for a few weeks at Christmas and meets a beautiful and fascinating young woman at an assembly ball. Every touch of their hands sends a tingle to his heart.

    Accidentally and severely injured, Darcy is aided by Elizabeth in a surprising way that leads to startling consequences neither anticipated.

    Set the Christmas before Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Darcy's Christmas Compromise is the third JAFF holiday novella from Zoe Burton. If you like brave heroines, honorable gentlemen, and juicy gossip, you'll love this story. Pick up Darcy's Christmas Compromise today to enjoy with your favorite cup of hot cocoa.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherZoe Burton
    Release dateOct 24, 2019
    ISBN9781393629894
    Darcy's Christmas Compromise

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      Book preview

      Darcy's Christmas Compromise - Zoe Burton

      Darcy’s Christmas Compromise

      By Zoe Burton

      Darcy’s Christmas Compromise

      Zoe Burton

      Published by Zoe Burton

      © 2019 Zoe Burton

      All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, without permission from its publisher and author.

      Early drafts of this story were written and posted on fan fiction forums in October 2019.

      Acknowledgements

      First, I thank Jesus Christ, my Savior and Guide, without whom this story would not have been told. Thank you for molding me into the woman You would have me to be. I love you!

      As always, I have to thank Rose and Leenie for being such awesome friends.

      Thank you, Patreon patrons. Each of you show me every day how much you enjoy my writing, and you encourage me to continue.

      Finally, I have to thank Bakery on the Square in Andover, Ohio and Vicki, Paul, Amanda, and Emily Allin. They allow me to take over an entire end of one of their long tables every day for three or four hours and write. Your support has been awesome, and I’m so happy you chose Andover for your new location! <3

      Table of Contents

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      Chapter 11

      Chapter 12

      Chapter 13

      Chapter 14

      Before you go …

      About the Author

      Connect With Zoe Burton

      More by Zoe Burton

      Chapter 1

      Elizabeth Bennet followed her aunt and uncle into the assembly hall in Lambton in Derbyshire. Suddenly realizing she was gripping her skirts, she unclenched her fists and smoothed the material. Then, clasping her hands in front of her, she took a deep breath and looked around.

      Edward Gardiner led his wife and niece to an open spot near a wall and stood with one on each side of him. What do you think, Lizzy? Is it so very different from Meryton’s assemblies?

      Elizabeth grinned. No, it is not, and I am happy to see it.

      I told you it would be similar. Maddie Gardiner teased her niece. Assemblies everywhere are alike, except for the identity of the people. I would imagine you will have an excellent time sketching their characters. She smiled at a couple who strolled past, returning their greeting.

      I believe you are right. Elizabeth winked at her aunt, causing the other woman to chuckle. Will your relatives be attending tonight? I thought Mrs. Allin said they would, but I do not see them here. Her gaze continued to examine the crowd, happy she recognized a few attendees.

      Yes, they should be along soon. Aunt Victoria told me to go on without them, but they would be right behind us.

      Just then, the couple in question walked up to Elizabeth, Maddie, and Edward.

      Have you met everyone, Maddie? Victoria Allin looked around at the people surrounding her niece.

      I believe I have met most of them before, but I am certain you missed a few over the past two or three days. Maddie’s lips lifted in a slight smile.

      The five of them chuckled together. Elizabeth’s hand rose to cover her mouth. Her eyes twinkled above it.

      When the amusement had faded, Mrs. Allin suddenly stiffened. Oh! There is Mr. Darcy. She turned to Maddie and rested her hand on her niece’s arm. He does not often come to assemblies, but I heard he is hosting a house party. His guests must have wished to attend. I will endeavour to obtain an introduction for you.

      Thank you, Aunt. Maddie smiled and dipped her head.

      Within a few minutes, a tall, elegant, well-formed young man stopped in front of Maddie’s aunt and bowed. Good evening, Mrs. Allin. It is delightful to see you.

      Mrs. Allin curtseyed. Good evening, sir. How kind you are to grace our little assembly. It has been too long since you last visited.

      Though the elder woman’s words sounded a mite harsh to Elizabeth, Mrs. Allin’s tone was soft and she could see that Mr. Darcy was not offended by them.

      Darcy blushed, but smiled. I apologize for that. I am only now becoming familiar enough with my duties as master to feel free to socialize.

      Do not let it concern you. Mrs. Allin tapped Darcy’s arm with her fan. I was only teasing. We are all proud of you. You took on a massive task at a young age and if rumors are true, have increased the harvests on all of Pemberley’s farms. It was only right for you to make the estate your primary concern for as long as it took.

      Darcy’s blush deepened. Thank you, Madam. He was silent for a moment but then started, as though suddenly realizing Mrs. Allin had visitors of her own. Would you introduce me to your guests?

      Certainly! Mrs. Allin smiled widely. She gestured to her left. "This is my niece, Madeline, and her husband, Mr. Edward Gardiner of London. Beside him is his niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, of Longbourn in Hertfordshire."

      Darcy bowed to each new acquaintance in turn. As he rose from his bow to Elizabeth, he froze, his eyes roaming her face.

      Elizabeth, who had spent the previous few minutes staring at the handsome gentleman’s features, fought to think of something intelligent to say. She swallowed and opened her mouth just as Darcy finally did the same.

      I am very pleased to meet you. He reached for her hand, bending over it to kiss the air above her fingers.

      Elizabeth felt the jolt of Darcy’s touch all the way to her heart. She gasped softly, swallowing again as her eyes widened. Likewise; I am pleased to meet you, as well. She dropped a swift curtsey.

      Darcy gave Elizabeth’s fingers a brief squeeze before he let her hand go. May I have the next dance, Miss Bennet? He startled. Oh. You, as well, Mrs. Allin and Mrs. Gardiner.

      Edward chuckled as Mrs. Allin teased Darcy again. I daresay you cannot dance the next with all of us, Mr. Darcy.

      Darcy turned beet red. No, I-. He was cut off by Mrs. Allin.

      Never fear, young man. I was only teasing. I do not mind giving up the next one to Elizabeth. Maddie, what say you? Mrs. Allin turned to her niece.

      I do not mind either. In fact, I was rather hoping my husband would ask me. Maddie lifted a brow and turned her gaze to Mr. Gardiner.

      Indeed, I had planned on it, only I was a little late to the race. Edward winked at his wife as he held his elbow out. Shall we?

      Maddie smirked at her husband as she took his arm. Speaking to Darcy, she gave him permission to dance with Elizabeth first. There, Mr. Darcy, the path is clear for you to dance the next with our Lizzy.

      Elizabeth smiled at the Gardiners as they walked away. She looked up at Darcy then, her smile alternately dimming and brightening as her brain attempted to find something to say.

      Darcy bowed again, extending his elbow for Elizabeth to take. Miss Bennet?

      Elizabeth’s smile finally fixed into a wide, pleased curve of her lips as she tucked her hand under his arm. Thank you. Taking a deep breath and trying to ignore the increased thump of her heart caused by a third zing through her hand, she began to make conversation. You have not had the care of your estate long?

      They had reached the line of dancers, and Darcy deposited Elizabeth on the ladies’ side before he replied. Three years now, almost four. He lifted his lips in a quick smile. There were times I feared I would never master everything I needed to know. He made his way to the gentlemen’s side and took his place. It has gotten easier, he called.

      Elizabeth nodded. I am sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine being called upon to take over the running of an estate as large as my aunt tells me Pemberley is. Do you have any brothers to assist you? Or perhaps, sisters?

      The music began and the couples stepped to the center of the aisle to grasp hands and turn.

      I have no brothers, unfortunately. I have a sister, but she is much younger than I. She is currently in London with our mother’s brother and his family. Georgiana goes to school there and will spend the holidays with our uncle and aunt. Darcy let go of Elizabeth’s hand to return to his place.

      Elizabeth waited for the first couple to make their way past her position before she replied. How awful for you to be separated so! You are essentially alone. Her voice had to be loud to carry the three or four feet across the aisle so he could hear them, but her tone was soft.

      Darcy tilted his head in acknowledgement. Yes, I have been, and though it was helpful to be free from worry over her whilst I learned, I confess it was a lonely time. I am grateful to my aunt and uncle for stepping in as they have. Georgiana is in school now, but she was only ten years old when my father passed away. My aunt remained in Derbyshire at Matlock to care for my sister for a couple years, before Georgiana began her formal education. He shrugged and waited for the next couple to pass by. I hope to have her at home during the summers now that she is a bit older. She will be ready next year to leave school and I would like to spend more time with her.

      Elizabeth smiled. I understand. I have four sisters, three of which are younger. I confess this time away from them has been pleasant, but I would hate to be separated for months on end.

      Four sisters? Darcy’s eyes were wide. No brothers?

      Elizabeth laughed. Nary a one. My poor father has had to learn to guard his manly domain with a fierceness usually reserved for Roman warriors. He dislikes it when his library is breached by one of the six females who live with him.

      Darcy grinned, for just a second showing a flash of white, even teeth. I can imagine.

      The next couple passed and their turn was after that. Darcy and Elizabeth stepped to the middle of the aisle and

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