Under the Mistletoe Day 1: Pemberley Celebrations by Kara Louise

I just love this scene: Christmastime, playful teasing, mistletoe, a sweet kiss... sigh! What's not to love here? I'd love to hear your thoughts after you read this delightful excerpt!

An excerpt from Pemberley Celebrations – The First Year, by Kara Louise 
A Special Christmas Dinner

Elizabeth stepped inside Darcy’s study and walked past the dark wooden shelves that rose to the ceiling, letting her fingers trail over the leather book covers. Darcy’s eyes followed her as she came near.

She came up alongside of him with a smile in her eyes, leaned over, and kissed him.

He looked up at her and beamed. “May I always expect such an agreeable greeting, my dear, even when we have been married fifty years?”

“You can depend upon it, my love,” she answered, and then pointed up to the ceiling above him. “Particularly when you are seated beneath the mistletoe!”

He glanced up at the sprig of mistletoe hung directly over his chair. “I have yet to discover who put that up there!” he said, looking back at her with an accusatory stare.

“I hardly know,” she said with a mischievous grin. “But if you are not careful where you sit, just about anyone could come in here and give you a kiss!”

“How do you know someone has not already done just that?” he asked, attempting to conceal a smile, but failing to hide the twinkle in his eyes.

Elizabeth feigned a look of shock. “Do you mean someone besides me?” Elizabeth whispered, as she narrowed her eyes at him and folded her arms in front of her. “I had better not hear that someone else has kissed you!”

“As a matter of fact, someone else did!” he answered with great satisfaction, and then pursed his lips together.

Elizabeth leaned in toward him. “I demand to know who it was!”

He looked at her and shook his head slowly. “I fear that telling is not part of the rules.”

“Rules! What rules?” she asked, arms braced at her waist.

“The rules of kissing under the mistletoe.”

“This is not to be borne!” she exclaimed in a voice that was meant to sound like another. “If you would excuse me, sir, I am going to climb up there and remove it directly!” She pulled a chair beside her husband’s desk and as she appeared ready to stand up on it, he gently took her hand to stop her.

“Whoa!” Darcy laughed. “The last thing I need is for you to get hurt in a fit of playful teasing! It was Georgiana, dear.”

A look of mock relief swept across her features, followed by a knowing smile. “Well!” she said, as she leaned in to kiss his forehead. “In that case, I believe I shall leave it up. For now!” She smiled and put her arms about him, bringing her lips to his ear. With a breathy whisper she added, “But if I hear about anyone else stealing a kiss, I shall have it removed!”

“I would not have it any other way!” He swung her around and pulled her into his lap, meeting her surprised gaze with an intent look. “I dare say we must take advantage of that kissing ball while it is there. Do you not agree?” He did not wait for an answer, but wrapped her in an ardent embrace, passionately kissing those lips that had just mercilessly teased his ears with her warm breath.

When at last they drew apart, he whispered, “Now, my dear, why did you come in here or was it merely a ruse to give me a kiss?”

*Excerpt provided by the author and used with author's permission

From the Publisher:

Join Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy in this compilation of short stories as they celebrate the holidays and special events in the first year of their marriage. Beginning with Christmas, the decorations are being put up, but it has not been a joyous holiday at Pemberley for many years. Can Elizabeth bring back the Christmas Spirit? There are three other Christmas stories, as well as stories about a New Years Eve Ball, a Valentine's Day Mystery, an Easter Visit, and several others that will entertain you throughout the year.

Author Bio:

I live in Kansas, am a wife and mother (of a grown, married son), caretaker of (at the moment) 1` dog, 6 cats, 3  horses, and 4 goats. We live on 10 acres in the country. I began writing about 10 years ago as a hobby and out of a love for Jane Austen's characters and her novel, "Pride and Prejudice." I never believed I would have 6 published novels within 10 years. I also work part-time at my church doing publications and a variety of other jobs. I work right across the hall from my husband, who is one of the Pastors. He says he is there to keep an eye on me, but I think it is the other way around.

My husband and I both grew up in Los Angeles, so living in Kansas now is quite a change, but we love the slower pace and our rural home that's not too far from town. I enjoy reading, writing (of course), crafts, music, and really anything creative. I enjoy playing and watching some sports, traveling, and visiting with friends.

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*Stop by on Friday for day 2 of Under the Mistletoe! (There will be a giveaway)!!*