In the Arms of Mr. Darcy

by Sharon Lathan

Overview

If only everyone could be as happy as they are...

Darcy and Elizabeth are as much in love as ever-even more so as their relationship matures. Their passion inspires everyone around them, and as winter turns to spring, romance blossoms around them.

Confirmed bachelor Richard Fitzwilliam sets his sights on a seemingly unattainable, beautiful widow; Georgiana Darcy learns to flirt outrageously; the very flighty Kitty Bennet develops her first crush, and Caroline Bingley meets her match.

But the path of true love never does run smooth, and Elizabeth and Darcy are kept busy navigating their friends and loved ones through the inevitable separations, misunderstandings, misgivings, and lovers' quarrels to reach their own happily ever afters...

Praise for Sharon Lathan:

"The everlasting love between Darcy and Lizzy will leave more than one reader swooning."
-A Bibliophile's Bookshelf

"If you love Pride and Prejudice sequels then this series should be on the top of your list!"
-Royal Reviews

"Sharon really knows how to make Regency come alive."
-Love Romance Passion

"The way Ms. Lathan allows the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth to evolve is wonderful and will surely induce a contented sigh from all romantics."
-Once Upon a Romance

"A heartfelt enjoyable story filled with passion and warmth. Beautifully written."
-Anna's Book Blog

"Jane Austen fan or not-you're going to love this author's interpretation of life after the wedding as Darcy and Lizzy begin a honeymoon that looks to last forever. Very highly recommended reading."
-CK2's Kwips & Kritiques

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781402254666
Publisher:	Sourcebooks, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/01/2010
Series:	The Darcy Saga
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	146,418
File size:	664 KB

About the Author

Sharon Lathan is the author of the bestselling Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, and Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley. In addition to her writing, she works as a Registered Nurse in a Neonatal ICU. She resides with her family in Hanford, California.

Read an Excerpt

Meryton, located roughly one hundred fifty miles to the south of Pemberley in Derbyshire and nestled in the pastoral valleys of Hertfordshire, was experiencing an atypical cold spell for this winter of 1817. Snow had not yet fallen and it was warmer than the northern counties, but beyond a doubt, winter had descended with a vengeance not seen in years. Whatever the facts, weather or otherwise, none of the inhabitants of the modest manor known as Longbourn took note. All energies were either focused on preparations for the trip to Pemberley or avoiding said preparations. Mrs. Bennet had been in a barely controlled dither since her springtime trip to Darcy House in London. She was further incited by Kitty's gushing descriptions of Pemberley, after her daughter's return from visiting there in August. Despite her incessant declarations to anyone listening of the great wealth that her second daughter married into, the woman of humble means had no true concept of such a life. The subdued opulence of Darcy House had amazed her, and based on the picture painted by Kitty, Pemberley promised to be vastly superior. Frankly, she was overwhelmed at the concept and her infamous nerves were on high alert-for justifiable reasons this time.

Between Mary's wedding planning, the Christmas vacation arrangements, and his wife's histrionics, Mr. Bennet found himself retreating to the solitude of his study more and more to evade the frenzy. He merely wanted to see his favored daughter and new grandson, enjoy the pleasure of good company, and lose himself in the library. Inconsequentials, such as fashionable clothing and haircuts, were of no interest.

Transportation to Derbyshire had not actually occurred to him as an issue. His plan was simply to utilize the landau, and if five persons proved a bit snug, all better to maintain warmth! The arrival of the luxurious Darcy coach two days before their scheduled departure, with an obviously carefully worded letter from Lizzy, explaining its purpose with her natural humor, brought a smile to his face. The rationale was of no real importance to the practical gentleman. He instantly recognized the advantage and was pleased, not only for the reasons delineated by his darling daughter, but also for the comfort afforded his old bones. It never crossed his mind to be offended. Besides, Mrs. Bennet's theatrics would have effectively smothered any sensations of insult had they come to mind.

"Such a fine, fine carriage it is!" she gushed. "What a marvelous gentleman he is to be sure! Married our Lizzy when surely no one else would likely have her, always far too independent and sharp-tongued for her own good. Truly a wondrous gentleman, so generous and kind, is he not Mr. Daniels?"

Mr. Daniels's agreeing reply, the hundredth or so such offered since departing Longbourn, was lost in the continuing rambles of his future mother-in-law. Mary's gentle smile and soft eyes met his, giving the flummoxed young man the inner strength necessary to deal with the situation. His weekly visits to Mary since her departure from London had given him the opportunity to become acquainted with his soon-to-be family. As Darcy before him, Mr. Daniels was baffled at how the demure, proper young woman who was his fiancée had arisen from such a family. Mr. Bennet was quieter than his wife, but with a clever wit and penetrating gaze not possessed by his middle daughter. In all ways, Mary was an enigma in the Bennet clan, far more than Lizzy ever had been.

Joshua Daniels counted himself a fortunate man indeed, the antics of the Bennets notwithstanding. His betrothed was a steady young lady, prim, stoic, and fairly humorless; but intelligent, kind, and warm. Since these were character traits identical to Mr. Daniels, the two were well matched. Both approached their union with logic and sensibleness, emotion only a dim part of the decision initially. That there was a physical attraction was obvious to them both, but to say it was a raging passion would be erroneous. Their innocent and balanced natures did not lend well to consideration of such things. However, as the long weeks of their engagement unfolded, both began to sense the stirrings of something stronger; emotions that simmered far under the skin as they gradually took tender liberties with chaste kisses and hand touching. This excursion to Pemberley, as painful as it was for the decorous solicitor to reside as a guest in a client's home, would be an eye-opener. The extended period of time the couple would spend together, often inadvertently alone as people came and went about the enormous manor, as well as witnessing the blatant if constrained demonstrations of affection between their hosts, would enlighten them to the greater riches possibly uncovered in a passionate marriage. Without giving too much away, it is safe to conclude that Mary and Joshua would have a fulfilling marriage in all ways.

This, of course, was in the future. For now, they all persevered for the ride. It rained and snowed intermittently as they traveled, but the sturdily built coach, with thick walls, window shades, rugs, and compartments for heated bricks, made for a fairly comfortable journey. By the afternoon of the second day, as they rumbled through Matlock, the clouds broke and sleety rains ceased. The sun peeked through the gaps, offering no warmth of any significance, but casting eye-blinding tendrils of illumination over the glittering snow blanketing the fields.

It was Kitty who recognized the hamlet of Lambton, familiar from afternoon shopping trips with Georgiana. "Oh! This is Lambton, Papa. It means we are very close! Just a few miles and across the river is Pemberley!" Lizzy had instructed Mr. Anders to approach from the north rather than the slightly shorter southern avenue veering from Beeley. She would never forget her initial view of Pemberley, as seen from the bridge crossing the River Derwent: the mansion sitting proudly amid the gardens and fountains, ringed to the rear by vast forests, the main façade a breathtaking vision of Darcy heritage and prestige.

The coachman slowed on the bridge, allowing the occupants to gaze lingeringly as well as permitting word of their arrival to reach Mr. Darcy from the unseen sentry he knew was waiting. By the time the carriage drove under the massive stone and vine swathed archway and halted before the portico, the Bennets and Mr. Daniels were silent with awe.

Darcy stood under the entry, commanding and formal, with Dr. George Darcy to his left, wearing a broad, welcoming grin. Georgiana, hair regally arranged and dressed in a lovely gown of pale blue velvet, stood to his right. Mary and Kitty enthusiastically greeted Georgiana, Darcy's welcoming speech lost in the flurry.

"Mrs. Bennet, how utterly delightful it is to see you again." George approached the spellbound woman, bowing with a roguish flair and offering his arm. "If I may be so bold? I am quite certain there is a lovely young lady lurking in the foyer with an incredibly cute baby in her arms. I had the honor of delivering this infant you know, first to lay eyes on his beauty, as it were. Of course, the real work was accomplished by your daughter, William having some input here and there..."

His voice trailed off as he led the bemused woman into the painted foyer. Darcy looked at Mr. Bennet, smiling faintly at the silently laughing older gentleman. "Mr. Daniels, welcome to Pemberley. Please, gentlemen, let us retire to the parlor where it is warm and refreshments are waiting. I should warn you, Mr. Daniels," he said with a chuckle as the three entered the house, "it is likely you shall discover attention from your fiancée slowly forthcoming for a day or two until female conversation is exhausted. Word of wisdom from an experienced husband given free of charge."

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Cast of Characters: ix

1. Relative Invasion: 1
2. Christmas Eve Surprises: 21
3. The Second Noël: 35
4. The Master of Pemberley: 53
5. Shrieks in the Night: 73
6. Catharsis: 93
7. Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child: 117
8. Christening: 131
9. Encourage Affection: 141
10. Masquerade: 159
11. The Court of St. James: 189
12. Georgiana Darcy, Debutante: 205
13. A Ball at Grosvenor Square: 225
14. Tales of a Scoundrel: 243
15. The Heartbreak of Miss Bennet: 255
16. The Dark Peak: 265
17. Colonel Fitzwilliam's Affairs: 293
18. The Nature of Love: 311
19. Hearts Beat Once Again: 327
20. The Promise of a New Life: 345

Acknowledgments: 357
About the Author: 359

Sharon Lathan is the author of the bestselling Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, and Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley. In addition to her writing, she works as a Registered Nurse in a Neonatal ICU. She resides with her family in Hanford, California.

Editorial Reviews

"The daily life in large manor houses is amazing for modern readers to contemplate, and Lathan does an excellent job of outlining what such a daily routine consisted of." - Booksie's Blog

"This book stays true to Austen's writing style and her vision of these characters." - Palmer's Picks For Reading

"A titillating, yet amorous look into the privileged lives of England's gentry as they travel back and forth from countryside estates to the London "seasons" of society, with all the protocol, pomp and circumstance that comes with the responsibilities of their positions." - Historical Novel Reviews Blog

"Jane Austen would approve of this depiction of her characters; Austen fans will continue to love them, as well... " - Everything Victorian and More

"Lathan continues to bring the Regency period to life... I was swept up by the romance. " - Rundpinne

"What is constant is the love Darcy and Lizzy feel for each other... it is heartwarming." - The Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

"There is something so fanciful and romantic about Sharon Lathan's depiction of Darcy and Elizabeth... This happy, romantic couple is at no loss of love or happiness in the novel to keep any reader sighing along with them." - One Literature Nut

" Lathan's genius is to spin the everyday occurrences of married life into a page-turner. In a world full of strife, this book full of happiness is a treat for all." - Linda Banche Romance Author

"A great read. There was plenty of affection between Lizzy and Darcy..." - Books Like Breathing

"Ms. Lathan's writing is lyrical and perfect for this genre... Jane Austen would be proud to read how her characters have flourished, lived, and loved in this continuation of her beloved story. " - The Good, the Bad and the Unread

"Engaging, fast paced and searingly romantic, I highly recommend reading In the Arms of Mr. Darcy if you're a true Lizzie and Darcy fan." - Austenprose

"This is a book of heartfelt love, romance and passion and every time I read one of Sharon's books I get swept away in all the moments that make you just sigh. " - Queen of Happy Endings

"I love how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have a passionate and true love for each other in the novel." - Laura's Reviews

"Sharon Lathan has done a great job with this series. I've read all four books and I have not been disappointed." - To Read or Not to Read

"A pleasant, ambling stroll with the characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice." - The Calico Critic

"Intimate, humorous and revealing. " - Kelli Crowe's Blog

"Sharon shows great care to detail in this and all of her books. She's given us a great, romantic love story about two happily married people. " - She Read a Book

From the Publisher

The daily life in large manor houses is amazing for modern readers to contemplate, and Lathan does an excellent job of outlining what such a daily routine consisted of.

Booksie's Blog

This book stays true to Austen's writing style and her vision of these characters.

Palmer's Picks For Reading

A titillating, yet amorous look into the privileged lives of England's gentry as they travel back and forth from countryside estates to the London "seasons" of society, with all the protocol, pomp and circumstance that comes with the responsibilities of their positions.

Historical Novel Reviews Blog

Jane Austen would approve of this depiction of her characters; Austen fans will continue to love them, as well...

Everything Victorian and More

Lathan continues to bring the Regency period to life... I was swept up by the romance.

Rundpinne

What is constant is the love Darcy and Lizzy feel for each other... it is heartwarming.

The Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

There is something so fanciful and romantic about Sharon Lathan's depiction of Darcy and Elizabeth... This happy, romantic couple is at no loss of love or happiness in the novel to keep any reader sighing along with them.

One Literature Nut

Lathan's genius is to spin the everyday occurrences of married life into a page-turner. In a world full of strife, this book full of happiness is a treat for all.

Linda Banche Romance Author

A great read. There was plenty of affection between Lizzy and Darcy...

Books Like Breathing

Engaging, fast paced and searingly romantic, I highly recommend reading In the Arms of Mr. Darcy if you're a true Lizzie and Darcy fan.

Austenprose

This is a book of heartfelt love, romance and passion and every time I read one of Sharon's books I get swept away in all the moments that make you just sigh.

Queen of Happy Endings

I love how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have a passionate and true love for each other in the novel.

Laura's Reviews

Sharon Lathan has done a great job with this series. I've read all four books and I have not been disappointed.

To Read or Not to Read

A pleasant, ambling stroll with the characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

The Calico Critic

Intimate, humorous and revealing.

Kelli Crowe's Blog

Sharon shows great care to detail in this and all of her books. She's given us a great, romantic love story about two happily married people.

She Read a Book