by Kara Louise
Elizabeth wrapped both her arms around her husband’s arm and leaned her head against him as they walked slowly to their room. “You must know, my dear husband, you are too kind, and I am deeply indebted to you for arranging this surprise for me. I know it must not have been the easiest decision to make.”
“On the contrary, my dear. I knew it would please you. That was my only consideration.”
Elizabeth’s smile lit her eyes. “You are too good to me. I do not deserve it.”
Before Elizabeth knew what was happening, Darcy swept her up in his arms. “I beg to differ, my dear. You deserve every little thing I do for you and give to you!” He turned his head toward her to kiss her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “You have made my life so complete and full of love and joy!”
When they reached their bedchamber, Darcy stopped and gazed with tenderness into his wife’s face. With a single raised brow he whispered, “Now, Elizabeth dear, what was that you said about being indebted to me?”
*~*~*
The following morning the sun greeted everyone as it shone brightly through the windows. A beautiful sight awaited them out of doors, as the clouds had cleared, leaving a deep blue sky looking down upon a substantial dusting of snow. White clumps hung on the evergreen limbs, occasionally falling to the ground in the rising sun’s rays. A smooth covering across the grounds was marked only by the paw prints of a rabbit or other small animal.
The guests gathered in the large dining room as the aroma of foods being prepared for breakfast wafted through the house. Ham, eggs, and a variety of breads and sweet rolls greeted them. Hot coffee and tea warmed everyone as they drank it down.
Mrs. Bennet was the last to come downstairs. Elizabeth fully expected her to express her exasperation by remarking that no one had wakened her in sufficient time. To Elizabeth’s surprise, however, her mother was silent as she walked in and took her seat. Certainly someone had cautioned her against making a loud display of her vexations, which was her normal mode of behaviour.
As they sat around the table, Darcy inquired as to what everyone wished to do that day. There was very little discussion or debate; it was a unanimous decision to take a tour of Pemberley House in the morning, and then later, if the weather permitted, to tour the grounds. It had been too late to do either the night before, as Elizabeth wished her family to see the rooms to their best advantage in the light of day. There would be plenty of time to see Pemberley by candlelight.
After breakfast, everyone went to their rooms to freshen up, and then gathered in the great hallway. Darcy allowed Elizabeth to lead the group and share what knowledge she had learned about the history of each room and piece of furniture or artwork, and any other bit of information. She invited her family to feel free to avail themselves of the music room, the library, the drawing room, and the larger and smaller sitting rooms at their leisure. She was grateful that her mother walked in the back of the group with Mrs. Gardiner, for she was certain that her aunt was doing her best to contain Mrs. Bennet’s overt declarations of admiration for what were now her daughter’s possessions.
Darcy had to supplement his wife’s account only sparingly, except in the portrait gallery, where he was able to give a more intimate description of those in his family line.
Later that day, as the sun tried to peek out from behind a gathering of clouds, they agreed to take a walk about the grounds. The snow had mostly melted, with only a few remaining patches here and there. A rocky path led to the pristine lake, and they followed it down to a stone bridge that crossed over the stream feeding into it.
As everyone stepped onto the bridge, they looked back toward the house, which was mirrored before them in the lake. It was a sight that everyone commented upon with great admiration. The men stood together; Mr. Gardiner glancing down at the waters below, seeing an occasional carp or perch traverse beneath them. Darcy recollected that the gentleman enjoyed fishing and suggested that some morning they might try their luck. Bingley and Mr. Gardiner both gave their hearty agreement to this scheme. Darcy then inquired whether Mr. Bennet was a fisherman.
“Heavens no!” he replied. “If I must sit still for hours on end, I would prefer it be in a well-stocked library whilst reading a good book. I shall not feel neglected at all if you men should choose to set off some morning without me!”
Mrs. Bennet soon grew weary, so Mrs. Gardiner returned to the house with her. The three young girls began picking up stones, tossing them into the water, giggling about something, and apparently having a very good time.
Elizabeth and Jane were arm in arm as they walked. It had been just over a month since they had seen one another, but to them it had seemed like years.
They began to walk back to the house together, but followed a good distance behind their mother and aunt. Elizabeth wished to speak with Jane alone.
“You must tell me, Jane, what happened with your original Christmas plans. What brought about the change in the Hursts’ and Miss Bingley’s plans to spend Christmas at Netherfield?”
Jane let out a long sigh. “We received a quite unexpected letter from Caroline informing us they had decided to go up north to visit Mr. Hurst’s family.” Jane turned to her sister with a pained expression. “Oh, Lizzy, I believe it is all due to the fact that I mentioned to her in a letter that we invited our family over for Christmas Day.”
Elizabeth wrapped her hand around her sister’s arm. “It does not surprise me at all, Jane. Miss Bingley was never one to hide her feelings about our family.”
Jane stopped and turned to Elizabeth. “No, but that is not all.”
“What is it?” Elizabeth was concerned by the look of distress on Jane’s face.
Jane shook her head for a few moments, tears beginning to glisten in her eyes.
“Jane, what has happened?”
She looked up and wiped a tear that escaped down her cheek. “It is becoming so difficult. I always thought that I was not easily perturbed by someone’s behaviour or oddities.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “I know for a fact, Jane, that you are gracious and forgiving to a fault towards people, even those totally undeserving of such allowance!”
Jane abruptly turned and began walking again. Elizabeth quickly caught up with her and put her arm about her. “Please tell me, Jane! Is it Charles?”
Jane looked up at Elizabeth in confusion. “Charles?” A soft laugh escaped. “Oh, no! He is wonderful!”
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. “Then who? What?”
“It is Mother! She has driven me to distraction, and I fear she has done the same to Charles, as well.”
Elizabeth could not help but laugh. “Is it that bad, Jane?”
Jane sniffled through her reply. “She is always stopping by, wanting this or that. She comes in and makes herself quite at home, and…” Jane took in a raspy breath.
Elizabeth leaned in. “And?”
“And she often makes an excuse that she cannot leave, and therefore must spend the night at Netherfield!”
Elizabeth let out a moan. “It is already this bad and you have been married but a little over a month.”
Jane nodded. “Charles is so patient and kind, and so accommodating to her, but I know his patience is wearing thin.”
“Perhaps you could have a talk with Father. He might be able to do something to ameliorate her behaviour.”
“I have. He said he would try, but…”
Elizabeth stopped and took Jane’s arm. “Jane! There is only one thing to be done!”
Jane looked at her with hope in her eyes. “What is that?”
“You must move. Since you are only letting Netherfield, you must begin looking for a place farther away.”
“We have talked of that. Oh, Lizzy! We would so much like to find a place closer to you. Would you at all mind?”
“Would I at all mind?” She drew her sister into an embrace. “Not only would I not mind, I shall insist that my husband keep his eye open for a most suitable place n
earby for the two of you!”
“I would be so happy, Lizzy!”
“As I would be, as well!”
*~*~*
The arrival of Elizabeth’s family in those days before Christmas caused a transformation at Pemberley that was unlike anything seen in recent years. After that first day of more subdued conversation and activity, things became much more like they normally were at Longbourn. There were always several people talking excitedly at once, laughing wholeheartedly at anything and everything, and coming up with an impromptu suggestion for a game or activity when things got the slightest bit dull.
There were games of charades and whist, loo and quadrille, and the men played some competitive games of billiards. The ladies enjoyed conversing together while working on needlework, and the three men enjoyed a few mornings of fishing. It was normal to find Mr. Bennet sequestered in Pemberley’s library.
Darcy could readily see why Elizabeth had been having a difficult time adjusting to the quiet home that he and Georgiana treasured. To his surprise, however, even quiet and shy Georgiana seemed to come alive in the energy that permeated the place. She enjoyed furthering her acquaintance with Elizabeth’s two younger sisters, and the three were rarely apart. Georgiana delighted in Kitty’s company, but appreciated Mary’s more gentle nature. In Lydia’s absence, Kitty had matured to some extent and Mary did not express her severe opinions as readily.
On Christmas Eve, the Gardiner children arrived from Lambton, and after eating a filling meal, everyone went upstairs to ready themselves for the church service. They bundled up warmly, since the frosty air whipped about as if eager to announce the coming of more snow.
The Christmas Eve service was very pleasant; the clergyman read the Christmas story and preached a sermon about giving, and hymns and Christmas songs were sung. Elizabeth could not be more elated that her first Christmas at Pemberley was spent with her husband at her side and her family here, as well.
When they returned to the house, Darcy had everyone gather their presents and bring them to the small sitting room and put them around the Christmas tree. A glowing fire cast its warmth throughout the room, adding to the flickering candlelight that glowed from every corner of the room.
As everyone walked in, the excitement and anticipation could be seen on their faces, especially the children. They knew they would each be opening one gift tonight. Elizabeth was grateful she had bought some presents for her family earlier in the month. She hoped to buy a few more gifts in London to give to them later, but these would do for now.
Once they were all gathered, Darcy got everyone’s attention. He held a large family Bible and gave it to Elizabeth's father. “Elizabeth asked me a while ago, before she knew you would be here, if I would read the Christmas story as you have always done on Christmas Eve. If you do not mind, Elizabeth,” he said, glancing over at her, “I will pass the honour of reading it back to your father.”
“I would be glad to,” Mr. Bennet replied.
“But first,” said Darcy, holding up his hand, “I would ask that my wife open this.” He walked over to the stack of presents and picked up a rather large box, bringing it over to Elizabeth. “A little something for you.”
Elizabeth’s looked at him in surprise. “Should I not wait to open it when everyone else opens theirs?” she asked.
“You must open it now,” Darcy said emphatically.
She saw her husband turn to her father and wink, and she suddenly realized what this might be.
“Oh, how I hope…!” Elizabeth replied excitedly. She glanced up several times at her husband who met her questioning eyes with a look of great satisfaction.
She cried out with joy as she pulled out the first of many beautifully carved and stained wooden pieces of a nativity set.
“Oh, this is beautiful!” she said as she ran her fingers over the smoothly sanded wooden pieces. She stood up and walked over to Darcy, giving him a fervent embrace. “How can I ever thank you?”
“How wonderful that you can carry on the tradition!” Mr. Bennet said. “Lizzy, will you pass out the pieces?”
Elizabeth took the different pieces and handed one to each member of her family. Her four youngest Gardiner cousins received the angel, baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. She randomly passed out the shepherds, wise men and a few different animals to the rest.
As her father read the story, each person brought over their piece of the nativity as it was mentioned in the story. Her youngest cousin, Marcus, was so anxious to put the baby Jesus in the manger that they finally had to let him do it even before they got to that part in the story. The nativity was complete, as her father finished the story. Elizabeth was joyful beyond words that her husband had helped to carry on a tradition at Pemberley that had always been part of her family.
Before they opened the presents, the Yule log had to be lit. The children all eagerly went and sat on the large log felled from Pemberley’s woods. Once the children were coaxed off of it, it was hoisted into the fireplace, and the eldest of the Gardiner children, Michael, was given a charred piece of wood from last year’s Yule log to light it. They all watched as he placed his burning piece onto the log, and cheered when the small flame gradually began to burn brighter.
Mr. Bennet was chosen to pass out the presents, and after he had handed out a few, a faint sound of singing came from the front of the house. Elizabeth looked up startled, but with a hopeful look in her eye.
Darcy suddenly exclaimed, “Come, everybody! To the front!”
They rushed to the front door, opened it, and found a group of six carollers singing. They were dressed very warmly, so bundled up that their faces were barely visible. Snowflakes had begun to fall and were accumulating around them, but there was a silence that permeated the air, and made their voices sound like those of angels.
Everyone crowded out onto the large porch, huddled closely, as none of them had put on their warm outer garments, but the carolling warmed each one, especially Elizabeth.
She turned to her husband and rested her head upon his shoulder. “Did you know about this?” she asked.
He wrapped an arm about her. “I made sure they would come tonight. They come carolling every year.”
The carollers sang a few songs, and then Elizabeth invited them to come in and warm up with some wassail and pie which they heartily accepted. They came into the ballroom and admired the decorations, asking about the tree and what it was for. As the snow began to fall more heavily, they finished their refreshments and quickly took their leave.
Mr. Bennet resumed passing out the presents, and each person chose one to open. Darcy had several from Elizabeth, and he chose a small box to open tonight. In it was a new pocket watch with his initials engraved on the cover. “This is beautiful, Elizabeth. Thank you.”
Elizabeth picked up a small box from Darcy and opened it to find an opal and diamond necklace and matching earrings. She was delighted, as opals were her birthstone. She gasped at the simple beauty of them, but wondered if she could keep her mother from noticing them. Elizabeth did not wish for her to make a scene. It was not to be, however, and as soon as her mother caught sight of the beautiful jewellery, her words of admiration poured forth endlessly. Throughout the course of the evening, she continually brought up the exquisite beauty of her daughter's gift. Elizabeth made a vow never to open a present in front of her mother again that might evoke this type of response from her. She hoped that this was the most expensive present her husband had bought and that she would not have to worry about opening her other gifts in front of her mother on the morrow.
As Christmas Eve waned and the new morn of Christmas was upon them, everyone decided to retire. Darcy and Elizabeth made sure each one had all they needed before they retired to their quarters, grateful to finally be alone.
Darcy pulled Elizabeth close against him as they walked to their chambers. “If you did not give me one present this Christmas save what you did by surprising me with my family, I would still be the most contented
wife. You have made me very happy, my love. I could not ask for anything more.”
“I would do anything for you, you know that.” Darcy took her hand and lifted it to his lips.
She smiled at the warmth of his kiss. “Even put up with my mother in your home. You are too good.” She tilted her head to gaze up at him.
“No,” he corrected her. “Put up with our mother in our home.”
Elizabeth sighed and her heart swelled at his words as she rose up on her toes to kiss him tenderly on the cheek. “May I ask a favour of you?”
“Certainly.”
Elizabeth bit her lip, wondering how to delicately ask this. “My mother’s effusions seemed to increase when she saw the jewellery you gave me tonight.”
Darcy laughed. “That is very true.”
“I do not know what else you may be planning to give me, but may I ask that if there is something that might inspire my mother in much the same way, might we wait for another time to open it… when she is not present?”
They came to their bedchamber and Darcy opened the door. “Would now be a suitable time?”
On the bed was a single wrapped gift. “Oh!” Elizabeth cried. “I did not necessarily mean now!”
“But I would not have it any other way.”
They sat down together on the bed, and Darcy began pulling the pins from his wife’s hair, letting the tendrils fall as she worked to open the package. When he leaned over and began kissing her neck, she put down the present and turned to him, wrapping her arms about his neck.
“I am suddenly not curious at all as to what is in here,” she said, leaning in to kiss his lips. In a sultry voice she added, “Perhaps it can wait until morning.”
