We ended the last chapter with the gentlemen drinking coffee, and we are going to start this week’s chapter when they have just finished their coffee. My youngest loves his coffee, and we have several gadgets and pots for filtering it. We even have one that is not so very different from the drawing above, although it sits on the rim of the cup. Therefore, I simply could not resist sharing this image with you today. Below is how chapter 5 begins.
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A half an hour later, Bingley and Darcy had finished their cups of coffee and discussion with Mr. Bennet. The man was quite knowledgeable on several topics. Bingley had done more listening to his friend and Mr. Bennet discuss books and the struggles that come with estate stewardship than he had talking. That had been an excellent thing since he was occupied trying to figure out a way to get rid of Wickham or to keep Darcy in the area if ridding it of Wickham was not a possibility.
“I wish you well in your quest, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet said when Bingley stood and Darcy followed suit. “Elizabeth’s opinion is not always easily swayed.” He leaned to the side as he looked up from his place behind his desk at Bingley and Darcy. “You may have to prove to her that you are the opposite of what Mr. Wickham said.”
Darcy nodded slowly. “I know.”
“Especially, since her opinion of your sister is based on her opinion of you.”
“I am aware of that, as well.”
“You know…” Mr. Bennet suddenly found several papers on his desk that needed attention. “There is something you could do which might guarantee, at least, a small reversal of her displeasure.”
I have been listening to lots of instrumental Christmas music lately as I have been writing a couple of Christmas stories. I completed one of those stories this week. Christmas in Gracechurch Street should be published in the first half of December. But that is not the story I am highlighting today.
Today’s story excerpt is from A Very Mary Christmas, which is currently on sale until tomorrow, November 24, 2020. I have chosen to pair this story with this relaxing Christmas album, which has been on my listening while writing rotation, because I’m thinking Nicholas might have benefited from being able to play some soothing music after he ends up with unexpected and very troublesome holiday visitors. (And it is because of those somewhat unwelcome guests that I picked “Welcome Home for the Holiday.” 🙂 )
I updated my book promotions page yesterday. (You can find that page in the menu at any time.) This is just a repeat of that information, but I wanted the sale to be on my main blog page. I’d hate for anyone to miss out on a sweet deal like this.
Fred and Whit are two of my favourite characters. Such troublemakers!
Price reduced to $0.99* from November 20 until November 24, 2020.
Since the gentleman Mary loves does not seem to return her feelings, there is only one thing on Mary’s Christmas list: escape her mother by going to town.
Nicholas Hammond would like nothing better than to enjoy a peaceful Christmas without any additional bills to pay or disasters to clean up.
However, Nicholas’s brother, Alfred, and Alfred’s friend Whit are not about to give either Mary or Nicholas what they want for Christmas. Instead, they are scheming to see the two married. (Hopefully, everyone survives their machinations.)