Mendi Kuk - A Very Austen Noel [Anthology]

Maestro by Robin Helm

Shy, introverted Mary Bennet has resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood, but an extended visit to London opens her eyes to other possibilities. After Darcy and Elizabeth treat Mary to a concert given by an Italian master, Marys resignation to live a quiet life alone turns upside down.

In Want of a Wife by Laura Hile

What my father-in-law needs, complained John Knightley, is a wife. Darcy could not believe his ears. Was this the solution to his troubles with the widowed Mrs. Bennet? Could it be so staggeringly simple?

Saint Nicholas Day by Wendi Sotis

Elizabeth and Jane Bennet head to London to take up their Aunt Gardiners role in preparing for an annual celebration at the orphanage. Elizabeths desire to divert her sisters mind away from her heartbreak is toppled once they meet those involved in the event, including the very gentleman who Elizabeth suspects had planned the separation of her sister from her true lovethe arrogant Mr. Darcy!

Kittys Christmas by Barbara Cornthwaite

Kitty Bennet is thrilled to be spending her first season in London with the newly married Darcys. Every invitation could mean an introduction to the handsome suitor of her dreams, but Kitty soon discovers that theres more to life in Town than high society. She might be surprised to find that love blooms best outside the confines of the ballroom. Will she catch the eye of a dashing young gentleman, or will her perfect match steal into her heart when she least expects it?

No Small Spark by Mandy H. Cook

After Mr. Collinss death, Charlotte Collins is settled into a life of service to the people of the community wherever she goes. Much to her dismay, a visit to the Darcys puts her in the way of a reunion with an old friend who is now a widower with a grown, headstrong daughter. The young lady determines that she will make a match of the two, but will the widow and the widower cooperate with her plans?

London, October 1816

Her breath quickened as she watched his strong hands flying over the keys of the pianoforte, taking her to another world, controlling her thoughts and emotions. She closed her eyes as his long, slender fingers seemed to touch her soul, falling into the music as the dark-haired stranger played on her heartstrings.

When he hit the final, passionate notes of the third movement, signaling the end of Beethovens Sonata Pathetique, the audience rose in thunderous applause, rudely jolting her from her reverie, breaking her intimacy with both music and musician.

He stood quickly and bowed, and his loose curls fell around his handsome face.

She felt the confusion of suddenly waking from a dream as she watched him stand tall, dramatically throwing his head back to clear his hair from his searing eyes.

Is he real? Have I imagined this dark angel? Angel he is, for only God could bestow such a gift.

Elizabeth patted her arm gently. Are you well, Mary? she asked. Did you not enjoy the performance? I so hoped you would.

Mary nodded and stood, never taking her eyes from the performer. Her voice was low, nearly a whisper. He is utterly magnificent. I would give nearly anything to play so well as Signor Landini. I am quite embarrassed to think I considered myself a pianist before I heard him.

Do not be so harsh on yourself, dearest. Very few people ever attain that level of excellence. Landini is truly marvelous, replied her sister, squeezing her hand.

As the crowd sat down, the orchestra filed onto the stage.

The artist, dressed in unrelieved black, stepped forward, unsmiling, watching the conductor for his cue.

The theater quietened as he sang the opening notes.

Mary was entranced, holding her breath in anticipation.

A love song, according to the programme. How I wish I understood Italian.

His voice soared, his face relaying every feeling he experienced straight to her wildly beating heart, caressing her.

She could almost think he focused his fierce, stormy gaze on her, but she dismissed the idea immediately. It was altogether too ridiculous.

Even so, his face never turned from hers.

She attempted, unsuccessfully, to distract herself, only to find her mind wondering about the gentleman. He is very young to sing with that degree of empathy. His musical range is unbelievable. More than three octaves. Perhaps four? I now understand the meaning of the word prodigy.

Her childhood, lived out in the small country village of Meryton, had not prepared her for such strong sentiments.

Mary had never learned to swim, and she was drowning.

Finally, the curtains closed on the night which would change her life forever.

Early the next morning, after a fitful nights sleep, Mary went to the music room to practice on Darcys splendid pianoforte. She worked on Beethovens Moonlight Sonata for hours, finally attaining adequate skill with the first movement. The second and third movements were completely beyond her abilities at the instrument, but she persevered until she heard her brother-in-laws deep voice behind her.

Mary, my dear, Elizabeth has rung for tea. Will you not eat with us?

She nodded and left the bench to sit on the sofa beside Elizabeth.

How long have you been here? Mary asked her sister.

Elizabeth poured the tea, handing Mary and Darcy their cups. An hour, at least. You were lost in your music. Were you inspired by the concert last night?

Mary nodded. Inspired, most certainly, but I shall never learn to play so well as Signor Landini.

You have done very well, considering you never had the benefit of a masters instruction, replied Darcy.

True, said Mary, sighing. Our church musician did the best she could to teach Elizabeth and me, but she was limited herself. There are no truly proficient pianists in Meryton.

Darcy smiled. Would you enjoy music lessons while you stay with us? There are several renowned masters in London. Perhaps Georgiana would join you in your lessons. She shall be here in a month or so and is always ready to further her musical studies.

Tis an excellent time to improve your performance, added Elizabeth, for the Christmas season shall soon be upon us, and we will be quite busy. You have more time to practice right now. I am so pleased Georgiana will be here to celebrate with us. I must take both of you girls to the dressmakers to be fitted for new gowns. In fact, you and I shall go as soon as I can secure an appointment with the modiste.

You shall also commission several for yourself, my love. Darcy walked over, bent down, and kissed his wifes hand. Since we spent last Christmas at Pemberley, you have yet to experience a festive Yuletide in London as my wife, and I quite look forward to dancing with you at every opportunity. Indeed, I think I will allow no one else to dance with you, except Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

She caught his eye, pretending to pout as she watched him straighten to his full height. Am I so shabby that I would embarrass you in front of your friends?

He chuckled. You well know the answer to that question. I introduce you to my acquaintances at every opportunity. I am inordinately proud to have you on my arm.

I am teasing you. My gowns are not suitable for London ballrooms, I fear, and I would not wish to cause further gossip. Tongues wagged enough when you wed an unknown country miss from the wilds of Hertfordshire. I shall not give the debutantes and their mamas more reason to despise me or criticize you. Since we wed barely a year after our first meeting, and our situations in life were so very different, there is too much speculation already.