by Kara Louise
He walked in proudly and handed the strips of paper to Elizabeth and Georgiana. “Now watch carefully. Fold each strip in half, like this.” As he directed them, he made one himself. He knew not whether they were just making him feel good about his ornament, but they certainly acted like they enjoyed making them. By the time they had finished that night, they had each added three more white paper stars to the tree.
“You know,” said Elizabeth. “I think I like this tradition as much as the other one. It was fun making our own ornament, but I almost enjoyed making these together more.”
“I did too,” exclaimed Georgiana. “Next year we shall do both. We shall each make an ornament, and then make some of these together!” She looked at her brother with an impish smile. “So now Fitzwilliam, you have a full year to come up with next year's ornament.”
“I am not sure that is enough time!” he laughed.
“Oh, I am sure that you will do splendidly,” assured Elizabeth.
The three stood, arm in arm, admiring the tree and all its trimmings. The gratifying feeling it gave each of them was overwhelming. Elizabeth was thrilled that they had begun some new traditions at Pemberley. Georgiana was pleased to be at Pemberley with her brother and his wife in such an atmosphere of Christmas spirit, and Darcy was grateful that he was again able to celebrate what had been, for so many years, a painful season to endure.
Elizabeth broke the special bond of silence that surrounded the three. Looking at her husband she asked, “Fitzwilliam, do you think that the Christmas tree will ever become a part of the holiday traditions in England as it has in Germany?”
“Well, it certainly has in our household,” Darcy said with a smile lighting his face.
“I feel that I hold a most wonderful Christmas secret. One that I want to share with everyone, and yet at the same time want only to belong to us.” Elizabeth laughed and turned her gaze from her husband to the tree. She breathed in the deep scent of the pine, looked at the beautiful ornaments adorning it and sighed.
“We have had a tree in our home for almost twenty years. Many people have come to Pemberley at Christmas and have seen it. Possibly one or two may have put a tree in their home and decorated it after seeing ours. But as far as I know, no one has adopted this tradition to the extent that we have.”
“Perhaps it is time England recognizes what a wonderful tradition this could be!”
“My dearest Elizabeth, you know how slow the English are at accepting new ideas and change. You can be quite assured that it would probably require an edict from the King and Queen of England to make the Christmas tree an official part of the season.” He leaned over and kissed his wife on the top of her head. “At least for now, I believe our home is most likely one of the very few in England with decorated evergreen trees inside its walls!”
Elizabeth snuggled closer to her husband, the joy she felt clearly reflected in her fine green eyes.
A Special Christmas Dinner
Elizabeth sat with Mrs. Reynolds in the small room that she used for her office. It was situated on the main floor of the house and had also been used by the late Mrs. Darcy to manage her affairs, keep up with her correspondence, and to meet with the housekeeper as her duties as Mistress of Pemberley demanded.
The room had two overstuffed chairs, in which the women now sat, as well as a moderately sized mahogany desk and a matching upright chair. A small row of book shelves lined one wall, and a serene landscape painting by Joseph Wright hung on the wall. Wright, Elizabeth was told, had lived in Derbyshire and had been acquainted with the Darcy family when her husband’s grandfather had walked the halls.
Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds were looking over the day’s menu to make sure everything was still to Elizabeth’s liking, as well as menus that the cook had planned for the following week, to which Elizabeth made only a few minor changes. They also looked at the calendar for the month of December. They discussed a variety of things, but the item that captured Elizabeth’s interest was the Christmas dinner for the servants that would be held on the nineteenth of December.
“This is something the Darcys have done for as long as I can remember,” Mrs. Reynolds informed Elizabeth. “It does so much for the morale of all the help.”
“And what would be our involvement?” Elizabeth asked. “Particularly my involvement?”
Mrs. Reynolds gave a quick wave of her slender, wrinkled hand. “You need not worry yourself, Mrs. Darcy. I will take care of all the particulars. You, Mr. Darcy, and Miss Darcy need only make an appearance at the end of the evening, when the gifts for the staff are handed out.” She smiled contentedly at Elizabeth, her grey blue eyes framed in wrinkles.
They discussed the staff that would be on duty over the days before and after Christmas, and while Elizabeth would have generously given most of them several days off, Mrs. Reynolds assured her that since many lived either in the servants’ wing or on Pemberley’s grounds and would not be travelling anywhere, they would be most willing to work.
When Mrs. Reynolds left, Elizabeth walked to the window overlooking the grounds. The view from this room allowed her to see the woods; the deep emerald of the evergreen trees standing in sharp relief to the now mostly barren oak and ash trees. She could see only a portion of the stream that wound through the trees and shrubbery and skirted a corner of the front grounds. It was such a peaceful prospect, and in the few weeks since she had first come here, it never ceased to draw her attention. She glanced back at the painting, and while she admired the talent of the artist, she greatly preferred looking out at what she considered a more beautiful and natural masterpiece that beckoned her through the window.
She could see from the movement of the branches and the leaves that whipped about on the ground that a brisk north wind was blowing. The sky was dotted with white, puffy clouds; not the kind that would bring any rain or snow. That was the only thing missing from this prospect.
She thought about the dinner Mrs. Reynolds described. The housekeeper had been so helpful to her as she assumed the role of Mistress of Pemberley. She had welcomed her graciously and accepted her wholeheartedly. She patiently and painstakingly introduced Elizabeth to Pemberley and her responsibilities, and never once did Elizabeth feel any censure from the older woman.
She looked out on the grounds and sighed. How she wished for something to do.
She walked out to the entryway and reached over to reattach some garland that had come loose. She leaned in toward it and drew in a breath, revelling in the scent. The house had taken on the aroma of an evergreen forest from the abundance of greenery adorning the home in the form of wreaths, garland, and the two beautiful Christmas trees. She absolutely loved it!
Her favourite rooms were the two that held those trees. She loved the tall, elegant tree with all the glittering ornaments that stood in the ballroom, reaching high to the lofty ceiling, but she admired with a stronger sense of sentiment the smaller tree adorned with homemade ornaments that kept them company in the sitting room.
A slight wave of melancholy passed over her as she realized this would be her first Christmas away from her family and her home at Longbourn. There had been much discussion between Elizabeth and her husband about what they should do for Christmas. He wanted to enjoy their first Christmas together with just the two of them and Georgiana. He desired it to be as simple and as free from care for her as possible. They could always make arrangements to visit family after the holidays.
Elizabeth had earlier received letters from Jane telling her about their holiday plans. Charles’ two sisters and Mr. Hurst were coming to Netherfield to celebrate Christmas, as were her parents, Mary, and Kitty.
Elizabeth’s Aunt Gardiner had written to say they planned to stay in London, where they would gather for the holiday with some of her family.
Elizabeth felt a tug at her heart, feeling the separation and distance between her and Jane exceedingly. As much as she looked forward to spending her first Christmas at Pemberley with her husband, how she
wished they could travel to Hertfordshire so she could spend time with her family. She wondered what they might be doing even now, in these days before Christmas.
A sense of restlessness swept over her. It was very quiet at Pemberley, something she rarely experienced at Longbourn. Her mother’s effusions were a common occurrence, and when she and her four sisters were all at home, there was never a dull or quiet moment. There was always something to do. With her husband often in his study reading or in conference with his steward, Mr. Rollands, and with Georgiana diligently practicing on the pianoforte, Elizabeth suddenly longed for activity and wished that she had something she could do to occupy her days.
She thought back to her conversation with Mrs. Reynolds about the servants’ dinner. An idea began to form, and she halted her steps to ponder it, thinking this was certainly something she would enjoy doing.
Upon hearing voices, she turned to see Haywood, Pemberley’s excellent butler, opening the front door for Mr. Rollands. He and Darcy had been sequestered in the study for several hours discussing matters pertaining to the estate, and it was apparent that they were now finished. She decided to pay her husband a visit. She went to his study and peered through the open door, where she found him leaning back in the chair at his desk reading. She deliberated whether to disturb him, but quickly pushed aside her indecision, and tapped softly at the door. Her husband straightened when he looked up and saw her and bid her come in.
She stepped inside 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.
Elizabeth 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?”
Elizabeth took a few moments to compose herself. She lifted her finger and traced it over the dimple that appeared with his smile and tried to recall her purpose. At length, it came to her.
“Oh, I was just thinking about Christmas.” A mournful sigh escaped her.
Darcy eyed her thoughtfully. “Do you regret that you will not be with your family?”
“I do not regret it, for I do so look forward to spending Christmas with you and Georgiana here at Pemberley. But I shall miss them, certainly.”
“Is there something we can do to make it special? Tell me,” he said, as he twirled a lock of Elizabeth’s hair around his finger. “Has your family any special Christmas traditions that you would like us to continue?”
Elizabeth opened her eyes wide and smiled. “Oh, yes! There is one I like very much! On Christmas Eve we would each take a different piece from the wooden nativity set, and as my father read the Christmas story from the Holy Bible, each person placed their piece in the nativity at the proper time.” She let out a chuckle. “Mary always insisted on having Baby Jesus.”
“And what piece did you want?” he asked, with mirth in his eyes.
“Most definitely one of the Wise Men!”
Darcy let out a laugh. “A good choice!”
Elizabeth grew pensive. “Have you received word from any of your family?”
“Indirectly. Lady Catherine, will of course, still have no communication with me, but I heard from Anne that they will be having Christmas at Rosings. Richard and his family will be joining them. My cousin has expressed his displeasure that our aunt will not make amends. I hope that they can talk some sense into her and pave the way for reconciliation while they are there.” He picked up a pen and began to twirl it between his fingers. “I am, however, not holding my breath waiting for that to happen.”
“Maybe her anger will ease a bit as time passes.”
“Perhaps, but I doubt it. By defying her wish that I marry Anne and marrying you instead, coupled with the way I spoke to her, I believe it will be a long, long time before she is willing to even consider reconciliation.”
Elizabeth let out a long sigh. “Perhaps it is my fault. I should never have spoken to her in such tones as I did.”
“She behaved abominably, so pray do not blame yourself, Elizabeth. It matters not so much to her that I married you, but rather that I did not marry Anne.”
Elizabeth sat down. “So, it shall be just the three of us for Christmas. What do you suppose we should do?”
“About what?”
“About how to spend Christmas.”
“We shall go to Christmas morning services, open presents, and then have a big Christmas meal. That sounds sufficient for me.”
“But surely we can do more!”
Darcy turned in his chair to give Elizabeth his full attention. “We have received a few invitations for some small Christmas balls and dinner parties, but they are quite a distance away. Those acquaintances who live within an easy travelling distance are unfortunately all away for the month. But if you wish, I shall reply to one or two that we are coming.”
“While a Christmas ball sounds lovely, I am not certain I would wish to travel a great distance. Besides, I would not want to leave Georgiana now that she is here.”
“You are not thinking of hosting a party here, are you? No one expects you to do anything of the sort. Heavens! We are only just married!”
Elizabeth gave him a reassuring smile. “No, that is not what I had in mind. Well, not exactly.”
“Elizabeth, thi
s is our first Christmas together. Let us keep it as simple as possible.”
She smiled, and her eyes gleamed. “Fitzwilliam, I thought you knew me better than that. I am not happy unless I can make it complicated.”
He let out a groan. “And you should know me well enough to know that I like things simple and uncomplicated.”
Elizabeth raised one eyebrow at him and crossed her arms in front of her.
“Do not look at me like that, Elizabeth.”
“I just think we should do something in keeping with the Christmas spirit. What is Christmas but a time for giving?”
“Yes, and I am planning to give you and Georgiana gifts. Very special gifts.”
“That is not what I mean.”
“We distribute baskets of food and gifts to all of Pemberley’s staff as well as the tenants and some of the more needy families in the neighbourhood. It has been a Pemberley tradition for years. You may participate in that if you wish.”
“I think I should enjoy that very much. It would certainly be a way to become better acquainted with more of our neighbours.”
“I think Georgiana will enjoy having your company this year.”
Elizabeth sat quietly for a few moments, and finally said, “Fitzwilliam, I was wondering if there was something we could do in addition to that.”
“Why does that both surprise and alarm me?” His smile quickly disappeared. “What exactly did you have in mind, Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth took in a quick breath. “Mrs. Reynolds was telling me about the big Christmas dinner given for the servants and staff of Pemberley.”
“Yes, it is a Pemberley tradition that began before I was even born.”
“Everyone has done so much to help me feel at home in the weeks I have been here, especially Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Rollands, Lucy, and Mr. Haywood. There are countless others who have treated me with such kindness and have gone out of their way to welcome me! Many of them have done so much to make things easy for me.”
“I would hope so! They are doing what they are paid to do.”
