An Unexpected Merry Gentleman Read online

  An Unexpected Merry Gentleman

  Anngela Schroeder

  An Unexpected Merry Gentleman

  ISBN: 9781790502257

  Copyright 2018 by Anngela Schroeder

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, digital, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval device without the written permission from the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Cover: Anngela Schroeder

  Painting:Public Domain

  Formatting: Anngela Schroeder

  Editor: Christina Boyd

  Other books available by the author on Amazon:

  “The Quest for Camelot”

  “Affections and Wishes”

  “Then Comes Winter”

  “A Lie Universally Hidden”

  “The Goodness of Men”

  “Rational Creatures”

  “Yuletide”

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Thank you so much for reading my Christmas Novella. I’ve wanted to write one for a while, and finally had the time to sit down and finish the manuscript I started last year. I saw this picture and thought how much they looked like a younger version of Lizzy and Jane Bennet. I didn’t want to make a full-length novel, so I changed them into younger cousins with similar personalities. I hope you enjoy it.

  A special thanks to my editor Christina Boyd who squeezed me in between Rational Creatures and Yuletide. Thanks to Joy King who was an unofficial Beta, and was my motivator to slow down on the project and do it right. Thanks to my sweet Mims, Little Fat Dumpling, and Chub-o-love. For my Lisa Ann who “took me” to Hawaii to finish this on the balcony of the Aulani overlooking the lazy river and paddle boarders. For my sweet Daddy, I love you ferociously. Finally, for my Schro-Schro who puts up with my shenanigans (namely Aulani). I love you for always. Xoxo

  ~For Miss Tay. You’re still making a difference, and your beautiful smile will live on indefinitely.

  http://www.strong-as-steele.org

  Follow Anngela Schroeder on:

  Twitter- @schros2000

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  This book is dedicated to my Schro.

  There is no one who I would rather go through life with.

  Adventure awaits, my love.

  ~Wif

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1- Let Nothing You Dismay

  Chapter 2-We Were Gone Astray

  Chapter 3-Oh Tidings

  Chapter 4-Comfort and Joy

  Chapter 5-Upon This Blessed Morn

  Chapter 6-Fear Not Then

  Chapter 7-God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

  Epilogue-Christmas Day

  An Unexpected Merry Gentleman

  Chapter 1

  Let Nothing You Dismay

  “And you truly believe she has no partiality toward me?” Charles Bingley asked, looking across his study at his friend of several years.

  Fitzwilliam Darcy pursed his lips and glanced at the young man before turning his head. “I do.”

  Bingley stood from his desk and walked to the window, the afternoon light shining through his mop of curls. Carriages laden with holiday revelers and packages passed his view but did not distract him. “And do you have any proof Jane Bennet is indifferent?”

  “Only my observations.”

  “Your observations? Haven’t you seen how she smiles at me? How she laughs at my jokes?”

  In truth, Darcy had not. He had been too occupied observing her younger sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He shook his head. “It pains me to cause you such disappointment, but I have noticed no deeper regard for you than she has shown to anyone in our acquaintance. In fact, she has shown Sir William Lucas the same attention.”

  Bingley turned with a huff. “Sir William Lucas? How can you say such a thing? For all the time she and I were in company? Her manners were so pleasing, her conversation so light.” Darcy remained silent, allowing Bingley to work through his own concerns. “Excuse me, but I disagree.”

  “It is your right, Charles.” Darcy stood and straightened his coat. “I say this in the service of a friend.”

  A tight line formed at Bingley’s mouth before it softened. “You do not believe she has any affection for me?”

  Darcy shook his head. “Sorry, old chap. I do not.”

  Bingley’s head fell, and he raised his hand to rub the back of his neck. “Well, then I probably should not return to Hertfordshire—”

  “That is your decision,” Darcy replied, tilting his head. “If the business which brought you back to London is complete, Georgiana and I would be happy to host you for Twelfth Night. We will be departing in two weeks for Pemberley.”

  Bingley nodded, attempting not to show his disappointment. “I would like that. Caroline will be with the Hursts in Scarborough, and I had rather not spend it there. I need to hear myself think.”

  Once again, Bingley’s statement was met with a smile. “Then I will let Mrs. Reynolds know to expect you.”

  “Thank you, friend.”

  “Would you care to join us for dinner at Darcy House tomorrow evening?”

  “I wish I could but have a meeting and am not sure how long it will last.”

  Darcy nodded. “I am leaving for business on Wednesday. Would Tuesday next be acceptable?”

  “Tuesday next is agreeable.” Bingley extended his hand to Darcy. “I thank you for your friendship.”

  “I do not wish to overstep,” he said, clasping his friend’s hand.

  Bingley shook his head. “No, Darcy. You are not. I know you have my best interests at heart.”

  “I truly do.” A twinge of guilt erupted at his sentence. It is true, but I must also protect my heart from her sister.

  Both men were silent in thought, and eventually, their hands dropped.

  “Your business on the morrow. Does it require assistance?” Darcy asked, walking to the hall and taking his hat and greatcoat from the footman.

  “Merely a meeting with one of my father’s old friends. A Mr. Gardiner from Cheapside. Have you heard of him?”

  “I have met him once before. Is everything well?”

  Bingley shrugged his shoulders as Darcy’s footman opened the door. “Most likely nothing of concern. My father’s old friends like to check in on me now and again to make sure I am not running his business into the ground.”

  Darcy smirked and raised his brow before stepping into his carriage. “How officious!”

  “And you are certain, sir? Absolutely certain your man heard correctly?”

  Edward Gardiner was average size, born the only son of a country attorney. Everything he had in life he had worked for, pushing aside any belief his connections and wealth were given to him by others.

  “Yes, Mr. Bingley. I am absolutely certain. It pains me to cause you such disappointment, but I fear your business is at stake.”

  The younger man, his mentor’s son, paced the old office which Byron Bingley once occupied before his and his wife’s untimely death in a carriage accident three years previous.

  “And how did the man say they executed this plan?” he asked, stopping abruptly, his jaw clenched.

  “By taking items and changing the inventory numbers, then selling them on the black market. I am sorry to say but the brag was he would soon rename your business after him and you would be none the wiser.”

&nb
sp; The young man continued to pace with agitation from one corner of the room to the other. Gardiner watched him fisting and relaxing his hands repeatedly and wondered how the young man could exhibit such control over his usually boisterous emotions. He and my niece are like-minded souls.

  Bingley stopped in front of him and extended his hand. “Mr. Gardiner. I will begin a thorough investigation. I am grateful for both your information and your discretion on the matter.”

  “Of course, sir. I wish you well in ferreting out not only the man himself but also his accomplices.”

  “I thank you.” Bingley shook Gardiner’s hand as they left the room, stepping toward for the portico. “I am certain all will turn out in the end.”

  Gardiner nodded his head at the young man’s optimism. “I hope it does, sir.”

  “And when it does,” Bingley said, “you must promise to dine with my family.”

  “That I will, sir,” Gardiner replied, and with a wave of his hand, he was off.

  Darcy set his glass down. “And you discovered this? Your manager was stealing from you?”

  “Yes, which is why Mr. Gardiner came to speak with me last week.”

  “And what is to be done?” Darcy asked, preparing to suggest the use of his most trusted barrister.

  “It has already been done,” Bingley said, clasping his hands in his lap. “I instructed my barrister to contact the Bow Street runners. Fortunately, they intercepted communication between my manager and his contact in France. He was arrested and awaits trial.”

  Darcy blinked and forced himself to look at Bingley with fresh eyes. He recognized something he had not seen before and nodded his approval. “So quickly? I am impressed, Charles. And am only sorry I was not here to assist you.”

  “Thank you, Darcy, but after receiving the information from Mr. Gardiner, I was able to take control of matters myself. I am five and twenty, you know,” he said, grinning. “At some point, the leading strings must be cut.”

  Darcy felt a moment of remorse. “I hope you do not believe my attempts have been to influence you unjustly. I have only advised you as I believed a friend should.”

  Bingley waved his hand in the air before sitting further back and gazing out the window into the dark night. His finger ran a circle around the rim of the glass, and Darcy could tell his friend was struggling with his next thought.

  “It is by the kindness of Mr. Gardiner that my business is now safe. My father aspired I should become a gentleman of leisure. However, this has taught me I still must not remove myself entirely from my dealings.”

  “True.”

  “And, once again, I owe Mr. Gardiner a great deal of thanks for his officiousness.” Both men chuckled at the word Darcy had used only the week before.

  “Yes, you do.”

  “So,” Bingley continued, “it is because of that I must withdraw my acceptance of a Christmas stay at Pemberley.”

  “Because of that?” Darcy asked, feeling the sting of his friend’s words. All my years of guidance and I am discarded so quickly?

  “Yes,” Bingley said, inhaling a deep breath. “I have asked Mr. Gardiner and his family to join me at Netherfield for the holidays.”

  “Netherfield?” His concern was growing at Bingley’s new-found level of independence.

  “Yes, Netherfield.” Bingley swallowed before continuing. “And in a twist of fate, Mr. Gardiner is familiar with the area.”

  “He is?”

  “Yes, he is.”

  Darcy watched as Bingley raised his chin and looked him directly in the eye. “He spent his youth there, and his sister and her family reside in the area.”

  “Are we acquainted with them?”

  “We are.” He paused and took another drink, breaking his gaze from Darcy. “The Bennets of Longbourn.”

  Darcy looked placid, despite the warnings attempting to force their way from his lips. “The Bennets?”

  “Yes.”

  A silence grew between the men, as they both waited for any indication from the other.

  “If this is the same Mr. Gardiner I have met through business, I am astonished,” Darcy finally offered. “He reminds me very little of his sister, Mrs. Bennet.”

  “True,” Bingley said. “He is much more refined. But, I find your initial opinion on the subject may be faulty. It appears to me Mrs. Bennet is only in the service of her daughters. And how is she any different than the mothers of the ton who have sought the attention of eligible men for their own girls?”

  “That may be, but—”

  “And I have decided I am going to determine for myself if Miss Bennet is indifferent to me.”

  Stunned by his friend’s firm tone, Darcy only nodded.

  “And if she is, I will give up Netherfield.”

  The younger man remained silent seeming to await Darcy’s reply. But he had none. He was too busy trying to hide his unsettled feelings regarding Bingley’s newfound confidence and the possibility of seeing Miss Elizabeth Bennet again.

  “Darcy, if you feel inclined, would you and Georgiana join us for Christmas? My aunt Sophie will be accompanying me.”

  “Miss Bingley remains in Scarborough?” He felt relief for not having to guard himself from the machinations of his friend’s sister who, no matter her beliefs, would never be the mistress of Pemberley.

  “I sent Caroline a letter requesting she return and play hostess. When I indicated it was for our father’s old friend, she refused, and forbade me from inviting them—that we would be the laughingstock of the ton.” Bingley swirled his drink. “Caroline forgets where our wealth originated.”

  Darcy realized he had done more listening than advising in the last quarter hour. Pride in his friend’s assurance replaced the irritation he felt at not being consulted.

  “Still contemplating your acceptance, Darce? With no Caroline to hunt you like a fox, your own sister to make it feel like home, and the promise of Cook’s plum pudding, how could you consider declining the offer?”

  He restrained the sad smile threatening to form. Because I have forced my heart to forget Elizabeth Bennet for almost three weeks-time and have been unsuccessful. Being again in her presence will destroy any hard-won resolve.”

  “I thank you but Georgiana and I will continue with our plans at Pemberley. However, I wish you a pleasant Christmas.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Charles, I am very rarely wrong. However, in this instance, I hope I am, and you find what you seek in Hertfordshire.” He stood, and finished his spirits in one quick swallow before extending his hand.

  “Thank you, friend. As do I.”

  “And how do you propose we tell Frances that we will not be staying at Longbourn for Christmas?” Edward Gardiner sat on the bench at the foot of his bed, rubbing his head. He looked back over his shoulder when he heard his wife Madeline laugh loudly.

  “Do you really think your sister will be displeased with you for not staying at Longbourn when you are bringing Jane’s Mr. Bingley back into the neighborhood?”

  He smiled as well but shook his head. “That is just the problem. I do not know Mr. Bingley’s feelings regarding Jane, and I do not wish to force either into each other's company if it is unpleasant.”

  “Well, you will have little control over that once your sister discovers he is to return to Netherfield.”

  “I know,” he said with a heavy sigh.

  “And you said his aunt is coming to act as hostess?”

  “Yes, his aunt Sophie. She is an older widow who usually spends Christmas with him. I hope our girls are not too lively for her.”

  At that, both Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner turned toward the sound of laughter and of footsteps running down the hallway.

  “I believe said girls will be arriving through our door momentarily.”

  Just then there was a knock and a woman’s voice calling from a distance, “You must leave your parents alone. You should have already retired for the night.”

  “Come,” Mr. Gardiner sai
d, attempting to hide his grin as the door swung open with force.

  “Papa, save me!” A mop of brown curls rushed through the door and leaped through the air into Edward Gardiner's lap. “Nurse is going to turn us into mermaids and make us live in the sea forever.”

  “Now, Emily—”

  “Please, Mama. Please don’t let her,” the second girl said.

  Mrs. Gardiner scooped up her eldest. “Victoria. Do you honestly believe Nanny would do such a thing?”

  Her little blonde head began to whimper. “No, but Emmy said if I didn’t eat all my peas, Nanny would sell us to the fishmonger and turn me into a mermaid.”

  “Emily!” Mrs. Gardiner said, hiding the smirk from her lips. “You have scared your sister, and for that, I will have to reconsider if you will be coming with us to Netherfield for Christmas.”

  Both girls startled. “Oh, no, Mother, please.” Emily wiggled out of her father’s arms and ran to her mother’s. “I was only teasing, Tory. I promise, Nanny is a good sort of person…except when she makes us drink castor oil,” she said with an earnest expression. “Please, Mother, please let me go.”

  “Oh, yes, Mother. Please don’t keep Emmy away from us at Christmas. What if I take fright? I could not sleep without Emmy in the room.”

  Mrs. Gardiner silently studied her daughters, while her husband grinned behind his hand before he relented. “Very well, then. If Emily promises to behave and not bother Mr. Bingley or his aunt, then she may come.”

  “Oh, I do, I do, Papa. Thank you.” Emily leapt back into his arms and kissed his cheeks with enthusiasm before climbing down. She then addressed the harried looking young woman waiting at the door. “Now, Nanny. We must go to bed. It is high time you forced our hand.”

  “Emily Elizabeth Gardiner!”