Christmas Masquerade: Taken In Hand By Mr. Darcy, #4

By Vivienne Norville

Newlyweds Lizzy and Darcy are looking forward to their very first Christmas season together. But when the annual Pemberley Christmas Masquerade becomes plagued with chaos in the form of unexpected visitors, the happy season threatens to become a dismal one. Full of secrets and schemes, Lizzy is determined to come out on top this Holiday season. Will Lizzy and Darcy find the magic of the holidays , and each other, through out this time? Will Darcy need to remind Lizzy of her duties as Mistress of Pemberley?

 

Find out in Christmas Masquerade: A Taken In Hand by Mr. Darcy Holiday Special. 

 

This sensual intimate holiday variation of Pride and Prejudice is best enjoyed by readers over 18 years of age.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vivienne Norville
• Release date: Nov 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393510017

Vivienne Norville

Vivienne Norville lives alone in a tiny cottage next to the ocean. She loves the pace of her sleepy coastal hideaway and has no desire to ever leave it. When not watching the waves roll in, she enjoys mornings spent in the garden, walking George-The-Incorrigible-Puggle, and dreaming up sweet & steamy alternate lives for her favorite Austen characters. She wishes you good fortune in all your endeavors and thanks you profusely for reading her little books. 

Book preview

Christmas Masquerade

Vivienne Norville

CHAPTER 1

THE SNOW FELL STEADILY, piling around the estate in uneven drifts and dips. Lizzy looked out the front window and watched as the tiny snowflakes dressed the trees and shrugs in a wintry glaze. She pulled her cloak to her tighter and marveled at the view. She could only just make out the bundled figures shuffling through the snow to tend to the animals and the outdoor chores. Each season at Pemberley brought new joy and beauty to her life. She could scarcely believe that she was mistress of all of this. Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. Another shiver snaked down her spine, a feeling far more pleasurable than the bite of cold that lingered in the air.

Pemberley Manor in winter was a sight to behold. In the spring, when the flowers first awoke and graced the world with their loveliness, Lizzy thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. But spring soon changed into summer and the soothing sounds of the babbling brook and the warmth of the sun on her face while she rode through the fields soon changed her mind. As summer moved to harvest and harvest moved into autumn, the winds became colder and the air filled with the scent of smoke from the fires. Cook pressed the apples from the orchard and mulled an intoxicating blend of spices to create delicious ciders that warmed one from head to toe. As autumn left, winter eased in and the snow began to fall. Lizzy could hardly believe that Pemberley was capable of being any more beautiful but the glitter of ice on the lake and the magnificent drive covered in snow proved her wrong again.

It excited her and made her feel like a child again. Snow covered trees and roaring fires promised yuletide cheer and visits from St. Nicholas. A small smile graced her lips and she lingered by the window for one more stolen moment of peace and contemplation.

Lizzy? Where are you hiding?

She whirled around from the window at the sound of her husband’s voice from the hall. The spell was broken and she felt her face flush. The manor was alive with activity in preparation for the annual Pemberley Yule Masquerade and here she was staring out at the snow like a daft little dumpling.  Brushing off her skirts, she quickly moved to the garland hanging from the mantle and made herself busy adjusting it.

There you are m’dear! Darcy’s jovial tone brightened her spirits and she turned around to greet him. He strode through the room with a bounce in his step. You have done a wonderful job on the decorations. I haven’t seen Pemberley look like this resplendent since I was a mere lad! He pressed a warm kiss to her cheek before bending to inhale the evergreen garland with appreciation.

Lizzy flushed a deep red at her husband’s praise. Being mistress of such a grand manor did not come easily for her and the pride in Darcy’s voice at her efforts made her feel a rush of love towards him. Not a day went by where she didn’t marvel at how lucky she was to have found such a loving and kind husband. He was her perfect match in every way and growing together in their new life as husband and wife brought her more peace than she ever thought could be possible in matrimony.

I am delighted you think so, my love. The servants have been working themselves into a frenzy to make the house ready for our guests. We must reward their work this holiday season  —I daresay Mrs. Reynolds is the only reason my own head has not fallen off from the details of hostessing such an event!

Darcy smiled down at her indulgently. They wish to impress their new mistress and make this masquerade a success. You’ve won over the entire household, Elizabeth. I daresay they are now more loyal to you than to me. Your kindness and compassion has endeared them to you for a lifetime. Do not doubt yourself. You were born to run a household such as this and you already do it so well.

Before Lizzy could respond, Darcy moved away from her and stretched his hands out for warmth in front of the fireplace.

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