Read Christmas at Pemberley for Free Online Page B

day, but the English weather be having other ideas.”

    â€œWould you mind, Ma’am, if Mr. Darcy and I cut some greenery and brought it back to the inn? A bit of the festive days?”
    â€œAre you certain, Elizabeth?” Darcy asked. She knew he worried she might overdo it.
    â€œPlease, Fitzwilliam. I want Christmas; I really want Christmas at Pemberley, but if that proves impossible, I want Christmas here. I cannot tolerate bare rooms and nothing recognizing the day’s meaning.”
    Darcy nodded. She noted something secretive passing over his countenance, but Elizabeth assumed he had bought her something expensive, and it awaited her at Pemberley. “I’ll see if I can recruit several of the other gentlemen. We’ll cut the branches while you supervise. I’m sure Padget and Horvak will want some exercise.” He started away to where the men sat playing cards.
    â€œSee if any of the gents be interested in some hunting,” Mrs. Washington said to Darcy’s back.
    He turned to her. “Why is that necessary, Ma’am? Is there something we should know?”
    â€œWell, Mr. Washington be unhappy with me mentioning it, but we didn’t plan for so many guests for the days before Christmas. Supplies be getting’ a bit low. Feeding ten folks, yer help, plus our workers and arn selves takes a bit of doing.”
    â€œI will ask,” Darcy assured her. “Are there guns available if anyone is interested?”
    â€œI sees to it, Mr. Darcy.”

    â€œLady Catherine!” Mr. Nathan blustered as he helped the woman with her cloak. “I was unaware of your arrival, Ma’am.”
    Lady Catherine ignored Darcy’s servant. “Where is my niece? I must speak to Miss Darcy. Is there no one to greet me in this great house?”
    A woman Her Ladyship didn’t recognize stepped into the hallway from the morning room. “May I be of assistance,Your Ladyship?”

    Lady Catherine menacingly asked, “Who might you be, and why are you serving as hostess in my niece’s stead?”
    Obviously disconcerted by her question, the woman flustered. “Bingley…I am Miss Bingley,” she stammered. “Charles Bingley, Mr. Darcy’s friend, is my brother. Charles and Mrs. Bingley have joined Miss Darcy in the nearby woods to gather greenery for the holiday decorations.”
    â€œI see,” Lady Catherine scowled. Although she was well aware that the woman standing before her had once held aspirations of being Mrs. Darcy, Her Ladyship had never met Mr. Darcy’s friend. Normally, Lady Catherine would consider making the woman an ally in convincing Darcy to be civil during her intrusion; however, despite Miss Bingley’s social graces, Lady Catherine considered the woman below the current Mrs. Darcy. Miss Bingley may have more money and a better education than the former Elizabeth Bennet, but Mr. Bingley’s father had dealt in trade. Miss Bingley was a Cit! Disregarding the lady’s offer of assistance, Lady Catherine instructed Darcy’s staff. “Miss Anne and her companion shall require adjoining suites, and I shall have my usual chambers.”
    â€œI have sent word to Mrs. Reynolds,Your Ladyship. Would you care to join Miss Bingley in the morning room?”
    Lady Catherine glanced at where Miss Bingley waited patiently. “I think not, Mr. Nathan. We had an early breakfast at my brother Matlock’s. Some tea and biscuits shall be sufficient. Anne and I shall await Miss Darcy in the small drawing room.”
    Mr. Nathan bowed obediently. “I will have someone see to the hearth and send a footman to find Miss Darcy.” He led the way to the room. “I will serve the tea myself, Ma’am.”

    Kitty mischievously scooped a handful of snow into a tight ball. She hid her icy creation under her cloak’s flap and waited for Mr. Bingley to step away from Jane. She had thought to hit Mr.