Christmas Variations

When a fierce winter storm strands Mr Bingley at Longbourn, with the proud Mr Darcy in reluctant attendance, Elizabeth Bennet thinks the worst she will have to endure is her mother's raptures. Then Lydia proposes a parlour game to relieve the boredom. Elizabeth hides in a quiet linen closet. Mr Darcy, desperate for the same peace, chooses the very same hiding place. The old latch sticks, the whole house comes searching, and they are discovered together in the dark, in front of half Hertfordshire. Darcy, honourable to a fault, proposes on the spot.

Elizabeth refuses to be married because of a faulty door, so she bargains. They will call it an engagement to satisfy the gossips, but in truth it will be a trial courtship while the snow lasts. Trapped together in a noisy, festive Longbourn, with Jane and Bingley happily reunited, Sir William Lucas telling endless stories, and Mrs Bennet planning two weddings at once, Elizabeth begins to see that Mr Darcy is more than hauteur and offended pride. He admits his part in separating Bingley from Jane. He laughs at the absurdity of being ruined by a children's game. He even allows himself to enjoy her company.

The Parlour Game Peril is a Pride & Prejudice Christmas variation novella full of snowed-in adventures, accidental compromise, forced proximity, forced marriage, sharp banter and slow, genuine feeling. Humorous, low-angst, clean, and perfect for readers who love watching Darcy earn Elizabeth's "yes."