by Kara Louise
“I think not!” Darcy replied, and he reached over to open the box.
Elizabeth gasped when she beheld a beautiful red silk nightdress that seemed to be made of the sheerest material she had ever seen. She lifted it up and stroked it between her fingers. “It is beautiful!” she said. “Feel this! I have never seen anything like this before! It is beautiful! I love it!”
“Is that your mother I hear?”
Elizabeth turned to him with a sudden look of dismay. “No! Did I truly sound like her?”
“Of course not. I am only teasing.” He stood and took Elizabeth’s hands to pull her up. “Now, if you are so insistent that I feel it, I must insist that you first put it on!”
Elizabeth grabbed the nightdress and took it with her into her dressing room. She quickly shed her dress and pulled out the remaining pins in her hair. She shook her head and combed her fingers through her hair to soften the curls. Then she slipped on the nightdress. The feel of the silken material on her bare skin was exquisite.
When she came out, Darcy was sitting up in bed, the blankets and quilt pulled up to his waist, and his chest bare.
Elizabeth’s mouth was suddenly dry at the sight of him, especially noticing the glint in his eyes. “Merry Christmas, my love,” she said.
“Merry Christmas, Elizabeth,” he said with a smile. He stretched out his hand, taking hers, and pulled her down next to him.
Darcy wrapped his arms tightly about her, meeting her lips in a passionate kiss. As their kiss and embrace deepened, his fingers stroked the silkiness of the material cascading over Elizabeth’s soft curves. They were soon oblivious to everyone else in their grand estate.
*~*~*
Christmas morning sprung upon Pemberley with all the brilliance of a clear, crisp day, with the grounds covered in at least three inches of snow. During the night, the brisk north winds had persuaded the clouds to move south, and the sky was now a vibrant blue. The snow covered the tops of the tree branches, and the grounds and the roof of the immense house glistened like a sea of diamonds.
Elizabeth wakened to find her husband already up and gone. She knew that the children would be stirring early, if they were at all like every child on Christmas morning. She pulled herself out of bed and immediately walked to the window, anticipating a winter wonderland. She gazed with delight at the sparkling sight before her. The sun, just coming up over the horizon, reflected its brilliant light on miniscule particles of snow, creating a picture perfect scene.
She rang for Lucy, who arrived promptly and helped her dress quickly. She tiptoed down the hall, not wishing to disturb anyone who might still be slumbering, snug in their beds. Hearing voices downstairs, she came upon her husband and father in a leisurely conversation in his study. It warmed her heart to see the two enjoying each other's company.
“Good morning, darling. Merry Christmas!” Darcy stood up and walked over to her, greeting her with a kiss. “I trust you slept well?”
The look in his eyes warmed her. “Yes,” she said, with a crack in her voice. “I did.” Turning to her father, she wished him a merry Christmas. “And how did you sleep, Papa?” Elizabeth asked as she walked over and gave him a kiss.
“Very well, indeed!” He smiled warmly at his favourite daughter. “I lacked nothing!” With a sly glance at Darcy, he added, “A very cosy little house you have here, my dear.”
“Thank you, Papa,” Elizabeth answered with a soft laugh.
“Elizabeth, there is coffee, tea, or hot chocolate prepared,” Darcy told her. “While it is still quiet, you may wish to enjoy a leisurely cup. I would not be surprised if the children will be down shortly.”
Elizabeth took his advice and went to the dining room to pour herself some tea, taking it into the sitting room to await the others. She and her father were always the first to rise at Longbourn. In that way they were very much alike. She and her husband now shared in this trait, and it was always a special part of their day. Some days they would sit quietly together in the early morning, other days would beckon them to walk outside, and yet others would find one in the study and the other in the sitting room, but united in heart.
She had nearly finished her cup when she heard the sound of eager and noisy steps quickly descending the stairs. Elizabeth greeted her two youngest cousins and brought them into the dining room for something warm to drink. They were presently followed by their two older siblings and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.
Jane and Charles joined the group in the dining room, as did Darcy and Mr. Bennet. It was quite some time before Elizabeth's sisters and Georgiana came downstairs. And finally, Mrs. Bennet made her way to the dining room.
“Now why was I not told that everyone was up and dressed? I have been awake for some time, but I was not persuaded that anyone else was!”
“It is quite all right, Mama,” Elizabeth said, hoping to appease her mother. “Most everyone has only recently come down.”
After another filling breakfast, everyone eagerly went to the ballroom and gathered around the tree. The crackling fire in the hearth exuded a cosiness and warmth that permeated the large room. Voices were raised and excitement was high in anticipation of the gifts that would be opened. This morning it was Darcy's duty to pass out the remaining gifts that had been placed under the tree during the night. When he had finished, everyone began to eagerly open their presents.
Elizabeth simply sat with her presents in front of her, a few in her lap, but did not open them. She was receiving more pleasure from watching the faces of each person as they unwrapped a gift, than she was desirous of opening her own.
She especially enjoyed spying on her younger cousins as their eyes widened in glee with each gift opened. They seemed to have a joy and merriment that surpassed all others. The boys could not have been more pleased with their balls and toy soldiers, and the girls with their set of miniature dishes and dolls. They also graciously received their more practical gifts of mittens, socks, sweaters, and bonnets.
Darcy smiled as he surreptitiously watched his wife observe the festivities. He anxiously waited for her to open his gift. He looked over at her father, and saw that he, too, was noticing Elizabeth's fascination with watching everyone else. The two gentlemen caught each other's eyes and smiled.
Elizabeth had given each member of her family a special glass star ornament, hoping that she could pass on the tradition of the Christmas tree to them. With the response that each had upon seeing their decorated tree, she was certain that in the future a few more families in England would have one of their own. They were each delighted as they picked up these stars and began commenting on how next year they would have to have their own tree to decorate just like the tree at Pemberley.
Elizabeth turned to watch as Darcy opened one of the Christmas presents she had bought him. It was a leather bound journal with his name embossed in gold on the front. She knew he had been using an old business ledger for a journal and thought this would be something special for him. He looked up at her and smiled, and mouthed the words, “Thank you, I love it!” to her.
Elizabeth finally began opening her presents, and she picked up a large box that was from her husband. She opened it to find a very heavy wool cloak, with ermine fur lined collar and hood. He leaned over and whispered, “Now you have something warm to wear when it is dreadfully cold and you insist on going outside to walk or read. I will no longer have to worry about your catching a violent cold!”
Elizabeth laughed. “But it is far too nice to wear when we go ice skating! I shall keep my pelisse for that.”
He took her hand and squeezed it. “As long as you are warm enough, Elizabeth.”
When all the gifts had been opened, the wrappings picked up, and the gifts were put away or were being played with, everyone seemed to find their own diversion to entertain themselves for the remainder of the day.
As the afternoon wore on and the sun shone brighter, melting the snow on the paths, they went out to walk. Without the cloud cover to hold in warmth, th
e air was brisk, but invigorating. Mrs. Bennet, who was not fond of walking, was offered a tour of the grounds in the carriage. She was escorted by Mrs. Gardiner, and they took in the sights as the carriage wound its way through the wooded areas that bordered Pemberley. The warming bricks placed in the carriage helped protect them from the cold drafts.
Darcy, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, and Bingley enjoyed each other’s company as Darcy told of the good areas of fishing around the estate. Elizabeth and Jane shared a leisurely stroll, admiring the grounds close to the house. Georgiana, Mary, and Kitty watched the Gardiner children as they frolicked about in the snow.
Time passed quickly for everyone, and soon the aromas from the kitchen began to permeate through the house, tempting everyone with anticipation of a delicious Christmas dinner.
At the appointed time, they reunited in the dining room and took their places at the table. Elizabeth could not help but reflect on what this day had meant to her. She looked at each person, silently giving thanks for their presence here this day.
Mr. Bennet began the meal with a prayer, and he then offered up a toast. “I would like to make a toast to my daughter and her husband, who so graciously allowed us to spend this Christmas with them in their home. Elizabeth was always the one at Longbourn who each year brought a new dimension to the spirit of the season, keeping the true meaning of Christmas alive in our home and…” His voice began to crack as he was suddenly overwhelmed by emotion. “And I was afraid that things would change once she got married and moved away. I feared that this Christmas we would not have the privilege of spending it together. I do not think she even realizes how much of the spirit of Christmas lives within her, throughout the whole year.” He lifted his glass and added, “To both of you, for your generous hospitality.”
Everyone lifted their glasses, and Darcy looked at Elizabeth. “May I add that she has brought Christmas back not just to my life, but to Georgiana's, and to all of Pemberley. I would also like to propose a toast, to this, our first Christmas together. It is also my first real Christmas in a very long time.”
Everyone responded by bringing their glasses together.
Elizabeth was a little embarrassed by the words of praise. She would have preferred to not be the focus of the toast, but it was too late now. Everyone's eyes were upon her smiling, and she mouthed a “thank you” to both her father and her husband. When everyone had taken a sip, she felt she had to say something in return.
“If you please, I wish to add something to my dear husband’s toast. I hope you are all aware of just how special this Christmas has been. I wish to thank him for surprising me in bringing you all here. It has meant more to me than you can imagine. You all mean a great deal to me, and words cannot even begin to say how grateful I am.” She turned to her husband. “Fitzwilliam, I propose a toast to you, my remarkable, thoughtful husband, for your most wonderful Christmas gift to me – my family. Thank you from my whole heart!” Everyone lifted their glasses in a toast again and then sat down to begin their meal.
Darcy and Elizabeth shared a look across the table that, without words, conveyed the depth of what they each felt.
They turned their attention back to the Christmas meal before them and to the family that surrounded them, grateful for each other and the joy their first Christmas together had brought both of them.
The meal was a veritable feast beginning with the traditional plum porridge. Everyone was in awe as the platters of meats, potatoes, vegetables, and breads were brought out. It was unlike anything any of the guests had ever seen or tasted.
The conversation around the table was lively, and Elizabeth readily noticed that neither her husband nor Georgiana seemed to mind her mother’s occasional outburst.
Elizabeth grew somewhat pensive as she looked around at each family member. The Gardiners would be returning to family in Lambton in the morning, and the rest of her family would leave the following day. She took the time to savour every moment with each of her family members, even her mother.
*~*~*
The Gardiners returned to Lambton the following day to spend more time with Mrs. Gardiner’s family, but not before a morning of fishing. It was another sunny but brisk day, and the men set out eagerly in the hopes of having success.
While they were out fishing, Bingley came up to Darcy and grasped his hand. “We have enjoyed ourselves immensely. I have missed you, good friend, and I want to ask a favour of you.”
“Anything,” Darcy replied.
“Keep an eye and an ear open for a suitable place somewhere in Derbyshire for us. I think it would be a good thing for Jane and me to be closer to you and Elizabeth so we are able to spend more time with you. We have both greatly missed you.”
“And I suppose you wish to place a little more distance between you and… Longbourn?”
Charles looked down with a wry grin. “Jane and I are both, I am certain, a little more tolerant of her mother’s oddities that you would be.” He let out a soft laugh. “But yes, there are times when she begins to assault my nerves.”
“Consider it done, my friend.”
Elizabeth enjoyed having this last full day to spend with Jane. Her father spent most of the day in the library enjoying the books and his solitude, while her mother rested in the sitting room; the room she claimed to be her favourite. The three younger girls played games in the parlour, played and listened to music in the drawing room, or walked about outside enjoying one another’s company.
It was a fitting final day for Elizabeth and her family.
That night the two couples spent another late evening talking. They began to dream of the day when they would be neighbours, and it was something Elizabeth hoped would soon come to pass.
She was not certain when she would see Jane again, and that night they embraced tightly, knowing that first thing in the morning, they would all be setting off: the Bingleys and Bennets for Hertfordshire and the Darcys for London and a New Year’s Ball.
Elizabeth would always remember and treasure her first Christmas at Pemberley.
New Year’s Eve
Elizabeth stood by the carriage as it was being loaded for their journey to London. The air was brisk; there was only a remnant of snow left in the shaded parts on the ground.
Her family had departed early that morning. Now, just two days after Christmas, she thought back to how much she enjoyed their surprising – albeit far too short – visit and her wonderfully fond memories of their time together.
Elizabeth, her husband, and Georgiana were travelling to their townhouse in London, where they would spend two weeks and usher in the New Year. She and Darcy would also be attending her first ball in London on New Year's Eve.
She watched their trunks being loaded and excitement rose within her as she contemplated this ball. It would unquestionably be unlike anything she had ever attended – the festivities grand, the ballroom exquisite, and the food delicious and plentiful.
Elizabeth knew she would be making the acquaintance of many new people. She had already met a few of her husband’s friends while at Pemberley, and found them very civil and amiable toward her. She pondered whether those in London would view her with a more critical eye, since she was not bred in their society. It was not that she worried about it, but she wondered if there would be those who might wish to make things difficult for her husband.
She smiled as she thought of the formal gown that had been made just for this occasion by a local seamstress in Lambton. It was the most beautiful dress she had ever owned – made of dark burgundy velvet, trimmed in an ivory eyelet with forest green ribbon running through it. She looked forward to stepping out into London society wearing the dress and having her beloved husband at her side.
Soon Darcy and Georgiana joined her outside. “I am glad the weather has cooperated this morning,” her husband commented. “We should make good time.”
“How far shall we travel today?” asked Georgiana.
“That depends on the roads. I would like to
get as far as we can today and then have a shorter day of travel tomorrow.” He looked up to the two servants who had finished securing their luggage, and they nodded at him that things were ready. “Let us be on our way, then.”
Darcy helped his sister and Elizabeth into the carriage and brought himself up into it. A couple of blankets tucked inside and some warming bricks insured their comfort. Elizabeth wore the cloak her husband had given her for Christmas, and she was quite comfortable. Georgiana availed herself of a blanket, and the other was left on the seat.
Each brought books to read on the way. Elizabeth and Georgiana also had their needlework to occupy them, and Darcy brought along a valise filled with papers he needed to peruse. A basket filled with breads and a variety of cheeses was available for them if they got hungry along the way.
Darcy and Georgiana immediately picked up their books and began reading as the carriage began to roll. Elizabeth enjoyed watching the scenery too much to give attention to hers. She kept her eyes to the window and watched the vista afforded around Pemberley – the nearby woods and the tall outcroppings of rocks and rolling hills off in the distance. Just the little bit of snow they had received added its own beauty to that of the area, and she was content to entertain herself by watching it as they journeyed past.
At mid-day they halted in Coventry, stopping at an inn to freshen up and to enjoy a filling, hot meal. After eating, they were all grateful for the opportunity to walk. Georgiana and Elizabeth took delight in admiring the window displays of the small shops that lined the main street, occasionally stepping into one while Darcy waited for them outside.
They came to one shop, however, that prompted Elizabeth to tug at her husband’s coat. “Fitzwilliam, we must stop in here!”
Darcy waved for her to go in. “You may, but I shall wait out here for you.”
