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Italian Translations
Una Vacanza a Londra
About Alix James
Short and satisfying romance for busy readers.
Alix James is an alternate pen name for best-selling Regency author Nicole Clarkston.
Always on the go as a wife, mom, and small business owner, she rarely has time to read a whole novel. She loves coffee with the sunrise and being outdoors. When she does get free time, she likes to read, camp, dream up romantic adventures, and tries to avoid housework.
Each Alix James story is a clean Regency Variation of Darcy and Elizabeth's romance.
Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at AlixJames.com
How to Get Caught Under the Mistletoe
Twenty-Six November
In my defense, Charlottekicked me.
Oh, very well, perhaps it was not a kick. Charlotte is too civilized for that, but it was a very firm nudge. The sort of nudge that will probably leave a bruise.
I recovered myself somewhat and blurted out the first words to tumble into my mouth. “I thank you, yes.” And then I died a little.
Mr. Darcy bowed. “I look forward to it, Miss Elizabeth.”
As the gentleman walked away, I groaned and rolled my eyes to the ceiling. “Why did you do that?” I whispered to Charlotte.
Charlotte smothered a smug little grin. “I daresay you will find him very agreeable, Lizzy.”
“More would be the pity! Tragic indeed to be forced to admit that I enjoyed dancing with a man I swore to despise.”
“Despise! Do not let your fondness for Mr. Wickham let you make yourself disagreeable to a man of ten times his consequence. Every lady in the room is pining for a set with Mr. Darcy.”
“Well, how unfortunate for him that he chose to ask the one woman who is not.” I sighed and drew back my shoulders. “I require a little more punch before I stand up with him. Charlotte, are you well? You are looking somewhat out of breath.”
She fanned her face, and indeed, she did seem paler than usual. “Oh, ‘tis nothing, Lizzy. I should like to sit for a few moments, though. You know, I do not dance as often as I used to, and I suppose the exertion…”
Movement just beyond Charlotte caught my eye, and I gave her a tug at the elbow. “Yes, yes, keep on with that. You are frightfully out of breath, and your feet hurt and you require some time in the ladies’ retiring room. Repeat after me.”
She gave me a quizzical look as I rushed her toward the door. “But Lizzy, I said nothing about my feet hurting. It is only that I feel rather faint just now, and—”
“Faint, yes, that is very good. Say something about feeling feverish, too. Oh!” We stopped short as my cousin, Mr. Collins, deposited himself in our path. “Excuse us, cousin. I was just escorting Miss Lucas out for a respite.”
He bowed deeply, sweeping his hand from his chest to the air in a ridiculous flourish. “Forgive me, fair cousin. I had hoped to beg a set of Miss Lucas, and, dare I hope, another from you before the evening is complete?”
Charlotte opened her mouth, but I gave her a little push in the shoulder, propelling her forward. “I fear now is not an opportune time, Mr. Collins. My friend is feeling unwell, and I have only a few moments before I must return for my set with Mr. Darcy. Some other time, I hope.”
His disappointment was keen, and he was still lamenting about it as I dragged Charlotte from the room. “Lizzy, I would have said yes,” she chided me.
“Charlotte, evenyourkindness can extend only so far. My toes are still tender from my set with him, and truly, you do not look like you can sustain half an hour of his conversation.” I dragged her away. “There are far more agreeable men.”
“But Lizzy, what if none of them mean to ask me? I do not entertain as many offers as you or Jane.”
I stopped. “Jane and I only danced with him because we had no choice.”
