A Darcy Christmas

Prologue

He set the painting onto the sofa, assuring it was well supported before stepping away. He gazed at the canvas, a smile spreading as he looked upon his family. His family. The family created by him and his wife, just as he had dreamt for so many lonely years. They stood on the portico of Pemberley flanked by their precious children on the steps. All of them were smiling at the artist. A sentimental man by nature, he silently examined the newest portrait of his family and lost himself in happy memories. Unsurprisingly, since it was Christmas Day, his reminiscences focused on holiday celebrations of the past. So lost was he in quiet contemplations that he did not hear his study door opening. But he did smell the lavender water habitually worn by his wife and extended his arm without averting his attention from the painting. She slipped under his arm, nestling against his side as naturally as a bird takes to its nest, her arms encompassing his waist.

“I plan to hang it there,” he nodded toward the wall above the settee. “As much as I love Gainsborough’s landscape, I would prefer to have you and our children watching over me as I work. Someday it can join the others in the Portrait Gallery, but not yet.”

She nodded in agreement. “I concur. We look wonderful here. It is an amazing portrait, arriving at a perfect time.”

“How true. It induced me to reflect on Christmases past. All of them have been wonderful since you came into my life.” He looked at his wife then, his blue eyes tender and inundated with love.

“All of them?” she repeated, teasing and meeting his eyes with the same intense emotion.

“Even those Christmases that were sad or difficult were special, my heart. My life is complete since we married and I would change nothing. This Christmas is the most recent in a long line of incredible memories.”

“It is not over yet!” she reminded him, both of them laughing as they returned their gazes to the painting.

Silently, in sweet harmony, they admired the canvas testimonial to what they, through God’s grace, had achieved in the long years of their marriage. They studied the painted images, each beloved beyond measure. The portraitist had easily identified the individual characteristics, capturing them brilliantly. Especially manifest was the love, unswerving commitment, and supreme happiness verily shining from their faces as proud parents to the next generation of Darcys. Memories of Christmases together flowed through both their minds, time seeming to halt as they reminisced.

She broke the quiet contemplation, tugging gently on his waist. “Come, love. Our family awaits and I have a special present for you.”

“I thought we were finished exchanging gifts this year.”

“It is something special I have held in reserve.”

“Secrets?”

“Of course! It is Christmas after all!”

With laughter and a final glance at the mute and fixed images, they exited the parlor to rejoin the boisterous reality.

Christmas Loneliness

The snowflakes drifted slowly downward. They were enormous flakes and floating so delicately on the air that, even in the inky darkness behind the thick glass with only the faint glow of lamplight reflecting, Fitzwilliam Darcy could visualize the minute crystals and unique geometry of each flake. It was mesmerizing and oddly calming to his tumultuous thoughts. He sipped the cocoa that was now lukewarm, watched the snow fall and gather into piles on the panes, and struggled to stir up the Christmas cheer one was supposed to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

It was not working.

He couldn’t readily recall the last Christmas that was truly joyous. Surely it was before his mother died, but the memories were faded and supplanted by so many years of forced gaiety. Oh, they exchanged presents and decorated the house and went to church and delighted in a lavish feast. Often they visited Rivallain for the day, the estate of his uncle and aunt, the Earl and Marchioness of Matlock, and once or twice they had dwelt at Darcy House in London for the holiday activities there. But like all festivities since his mother’s passing, and now his father’s, the celebratory atmosphere was muted.

Of course he strived to celebrate the day for his sister Georgiana’s sake, understanding that a child needed the merrymaking. And lauding the birth of their Savior was indeed a commemoration he took very seriously. Yet personally, he often felt that the entire season could easily pass by without him noticing or caring.

Darcy had grown so accustomed to the attitude that it hardly registered any longer. Even while plotting and planning for Georgiana and purchasing gifts—that a delight he truly did enjoy—his internal zeal for Christmas was dim. He did not dread the holiday nor was he particularly gloomy over it; he just did not care all that much.

So why was this year so different? Why did he feel a melancholy blanketing his soul? And why did the dreams continue to invade his sleep? Why was she persistent in burrowing into his mind and hea…? No! He refused to even think it! This Christmas of 1815 was no different than the previous twenty-seven.

He sighed unconsciously and continued with his rapt contemplation of the falling snow and abstracted sipping of the cooling cocoa.

Georgiana Darcy sat on the sofa near the fire. She had been reading aloud but halted several minutes ago when it became clear that her brother was not listening to her. Now she studied him in perplexity. Georgiana was well aware that Christmas was not exactly a period of crazed jubilation for her brother, but he usually showed some enthusiasm. He never failed to create a special atmosphere for her and showered her with expensive gifts. Since she knew no different, it honestly never occurred to her to yearn for more. Georgiana was a girl quite complacent and content in her life. Her only desire was to please her family, that being primarily her adored older brother. Thus, she was disturbed by his current distraction and somberness.

None would refer to Fitzwilliam Darcy as gregarious or buoyant, but the private man was one of tender humor and affection. That he was overwhelmingly devoted to his sister could be denied by no one, especially Georgiana. She held him in tremendous awe and respect, but also took his love and playful teasing for granted. Yet ever since his return from Town and the sojourn in Hertfordshire with Mr. Bingley, he had been… odd.

She shook her head. It made no sense whatsoever. Naturally it distressed her. Not for her sake but because she loved him too much to think of him as being in pain. Yet, with the overconfidence of youth and the towering admiration of a worshipful younger sister, she shrugged it off. In her mind, her brother was fearless and capable of solving any dilemma.

So she smiled and rose to bid him goodnight. He smiled genuinely in return and held her close for several minutes, wished her sweet dreams and gave a teasing reminder not to wake him at the crack of dawn, and after a tender kiss to her cheek, she retired to her room no longer fretting over her complicated sibling but losing herself in dreams of presents.

Darcy watched her gracefully exit the parlor, his heart surging with happiness as it always did when considering his sister. But as soon as she left, seemingly taking the light and music and laughter with her, the pensiveness drenched him once again. It was late and he felt simultaneously weary and jittery. He stared at the faint light beyond the doorway, imagined the shadowy corridors between this chamber and his suite of cold and empty rooms—Where did that thought come from?—and actually shuddered.

Then, just as abruptly as the sadness, he was jolted by a flare of anger. He muttered a harsh curse, strode briskly to the low table where the tea and snacks sat, and placed the drained mug onto the silver tray with a plunk. He squared his shoulders, straightening to his full and considerable height, and marched purposefully from the room.

His thoughts were darker than the illuminated hallways. What was it about Elizabeth Bennet that had bewitched him so? He truly felt as if under a spell that consumed him and made no sense whatsoever. She was so completely unsuitable! She was infatuated by George Wickham, for goodness sake. That spoke volumes. And her family? He shuddered anew.

Oh, but she was beautiful. Indeed, so very beautiful.

He paused outside his dressing room door, one hand on the knob as his throat constricted and heart lurched with longing. He cursed again, a habit that was quite unlike him normally but lately seemed to be occurring frequently, and reached to loosen the cravat that was strangely now choking off his air supply. He pivoted and entered his bedchamber. For tonight, he would manage to undress himself. Facing the calmly professional presence of his valet Samuel while he was in what could only be termed “a mood” was intolerable!

Yet as he resisted slamming the door violently behind him with tremendous restraint, he discovered his steps slowing. He halted in the middle of his room. He gazed at the comforting surroundings, savored the warmth of the crackling fire as it seeped into his chilled skin, and awaited the peaceful relaxation that inevitably washed over him when alone in his sanctuary.

It did not come.

Rather he recalled the dreams that had, in one shape or another, been haunting him nearly from the moment he encountered a vivid pair of brown eyes within the crowd at an obscure dance assembly in Meryton.

He wanted to be angry.

He wanted to be disgusted with himself.

And he wanted to forget her.

At least that is what he told himself. But even now, as he remembered his dreams and remembered their conversations in Hertfordshire, he knew a smile was spreading over his face and heat was flushing through his body.

Some of that, he knew, was due to the nature of many of his dreams. It annoyed him to a degree, and he was embarrassed to a degree. But he logically deduced that it had nothing to do with Miss Elizabeth personally. No, indeed not! It was simply that he had reached the point where needing a woman, a wife, was a physical necessity. Surely that was the primary reason why increasingly erotic musings were causing him to bolt awake in a sweat of unfulfilled desire.

If it was always Elizabeth Darcy—Bennet!—who brought him to such a state, well that could be logically explained as well. Right?

Of course! It was because she had enchanted him in some way that he could not comprehend. Her passionate personality, her fire as she argued with him, her intelligence as she countered every last one of his held beliefs, her teasing smile and sparkling eyes as she laughed at him—At him! Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley!—drove him virtually insane until he no longer controlled his faculties. Until his dreams, both day and night, were invaded by her.

Yes, that was it.

And if he was beginning to dream of her as the mother to his children?

Well, that was more troubling.

He again scanned the room, only now he was seeing it as in the recent dreams. Elizabeth curled up in his chair, wearing a soft gown of blue with a baby at her breast. He and Elizabeth reclining on the bed with several children jumping on the mattress as they all laughed. The door to the unused dressing room once belonging to his mother ajar with Elizabeth brushing her incredible hair and smiling at him via the mirror while he held a child in his arms. Elizabeth pregnant and standing before him while he caressed the swell of her belly with his hands. Elizabeth…

He shook his head to clear the strange and disturbing visions that had started in earnest these past two weeks.

Since returning to Pemberley.

Since preparing for Christmas.

He passed a hand over his face.

You are lonely, Darcy, he thought. Admit it. You want a wife and a family.

Of course this was not a huge revelation. He had longed for a family of his own for most of his adult life. He had envisioned the silent halls of Pemberley echoing with the noise of childish laughter and running feet. He had desired a relationship as his parents possessed. He had searched endlessly for a woman to love.

Did he love Elizabeth Bennet?

He crawled under the counterpane, the cold linen upon his flesh a sharp contrast to the imaginary fever he felt flowing over his skin while dreaming of her. The flames of passion and tranquil warmth of affection were so incredibly real. Yet, he did not know the answer to his question. Did he love Elizabeth Bennet? Or did he merely desperately crave a connection that presently eluded him? Was he simply weary of searching and being alone?

He no longer knew. But as the tendrils of sleep claimed him, he recognized that his anger and disgust were a sham. The edges of his unconscious mind accepted the love he refused to acknowledge in broad daylight. He reached for the dreams, however they would come to him on this night, Christmas Eve, as an intoxicant that he wanted and required.

“Elizabeth,” he whispered as sleep overtook him, not even aware that he had done so.

And eventually the dream came.

This one was different, as they all were, although the essence was the same.

He walked down the main floor corridor toward the parlor with a spring in his step that was utterly inconceivable in his real world but completely normal in this imaginary world. Happy voices, laughter, and singing reverberated down the hall, growing in volume as he neared the gaping portal. He distinguished each one of them, placing names to the individual tones with warm, deep emotion attached. Many of the names would escape him when he woke—this he knew on some level—but in his dream they were dear and intimate.

There was Richard and Georgiana, his Aunt Madeline and Uncle Malcolm, even Jonathan and Priscilla. These were not a surprise. But as he turned the corner and crossed the threshold, his eyes instantly scanned the room and alit upon the one voice dearest of all.

Elizabeth.

He always knew she would be there, somewhere in the midst of those he loved most in the world, belonging there as surely as he did.

She stood next to Richard laughing at some joke his cousin had made. Her ringing laugh, the one he insisted annoyed him while in Hertfordshire but he knew never had, was now the sweetest music. It filled him to bursting with a joy unlike anything he had ever experienced. Even not directed at him, her happiness was a profound balm to his soul, and the smile that had been forming before entering the room grew wider.

Then she noted his presence and turned in his direction, her glorious eyes engaging his. And there quite simply were no words in the English language to describe what passed between or to relate how he felt. Yes indeed, it was magical, and the enchantment feared in his waking moments was wholly understood in this visionary place as the purest form of bonded love.

He accepted it. He relished it. He claimed it. And he returned it wholeheartedly.

He took a step toward her, intending to enfold her into his arms and press her against his heart, but his legs were abruptly engulfed.

“Papa! Papa!”

The dreaming Darcy was not the slightest bit surprised by the chaotic assault of several tiny arms and piping voices. In fact, his spirit soared higher, the missing pieces of his puzzled real life snapping together instantly, into a masterpiece depicting earthly paradise. A booming laugh launched from his mouth and he knelt to administer hugs and kisses to the surging mass of children clamoring to accept his love.

Then Elizabeth was there. His wife. He stood, gazing at her with his entire soul visible in his eyes. She smiled simply, raising one hand to lightly touch his cheek, and said, “Happy Christmas, William.”

On some level his rational mind knew it was fantastical, as the number of offspring defied what was physically possible unless Elizabeth had birthed triplets once a year! But of course, dreams have a way of melding reality and allegory. Besides, it was the emotions attached to the fabricating dream that counted. The power of hearing her utter his name, the shortened name only those dear to him used, was so strong. Add to that the intensity of affection from a multitude of quarters and his sleeping mind was soothed as it never was in his waking life.

The dream proceeded as all dreams do. It flipped incoherently from scene to scene, some bizarre in their content and hazy while others were crystalline. The strange mingling of credible specifics—such as Georgiana a grown woman and the heirloom Christmas decorations adorning the Manor—with points impossible—like his parents conversing with Elizabeth—seemed normal within the boundaries of the dream.

It wasn’t the details that resonated but the themes of family and love. And as happened every night, he jerked awake before the final consummation of expressing his love to his wife. The ache of need with heart pounding and perspiration rapidly chilling his skin brought on tremors and groans.

He lurched to his feet, crossing the room to stir the smoldering logs. He stared into the flames, his body warming as he tried to make sense of it. The questions flashed through his brain as they did every night. Why her? Was it possible to love in such a way? Was it fated for him as he hoped? Had he childishly imagined his parents possessing such a love? Would he ever have a family of his own? Was he a romantic fool destined to be disappointed?

Did he love Elizabeth Bennet?

And then it dissolved, as it inevitably did. The cold air restored his clarity, the fuzzy sentiments dissipated, his rational intellect reinstated, and logic took over. It was only because he was lonely. It was due to the nature of the Christmas holiday focusing on love and felicity leading to nonsensical musings.

He could not be in love with the lowborn, argumentative, fiery Elizabeth Bennet!

The dreams were nice, pleasant, and passionate, but harmless. Just enjoy them while they last, he thought to himself. Why not? They will pass. You will never see Miss Bennet again. God will bring a suitable mate to you. The years will unfold sensibly and composedly. Indeed, serenity will prevail, as it should.

So with that comforting thought conquering the turmoil, his mind calmed and heart beat a regular rhythm. He returned to his bed, his slumber, and his dreams.

Christmas Honeymoon

A year after the torturous dream-filled weeks of 1815 presented a Christmas Eve as different as night is from day. Pemberley was adorned with a wealth of green vines and branches with candles both large and small flickering in nooks and creatively decorated crannies. The holiday family heirlooms were repaired and now graced their customary locations, mistletoe ornaments lurked at practically every hallway junction, and the aromas of savory food wafted tantalizingly from the kitchen. Guest rooms once layered with dust were inhabited by visitors from afar, increasing the lights and laughter blazing from the game rooms and music chamber. Topping it off was the enormous Yule log burning in the main parlor’s hearth.

Happiness, deep love, and Christmas cheer echoed down the lengthy corridors and invaded every chamber of the Manor. But in none were these positive emotions as high as in the Master’s chambers on the upper floor of the south wing.

You see, this Christmas was Darcy’s first as a married man. A newlywed of less than a month, in fact, and to his indescribable joy, his wife was Elizabeth. The numerous questions of the prior Christmas were answered beyond his wildest imaginings. Any delusions or doubts were erased.

Was he in love with Elizabeth Bennet, now Elizabeth Darcy?

Yes! A resounding yes, and to a depth that continually staggered him.

She was amazing in every definition of the word and astounded him at every turn. Celebrating Christmas in an unrestrained manner was her idea, the planning begun days after entering the house as its Mistress and executed flawlessly. Darcy quickly recognized that his newly found joy would not have allowed for the quiet commemorations of the past even had he wished it, which he did not. His heart was simply too full. Thus, the festivities had started several days ago with visitors and music, the perpetually smiling and laughing Darcy surprisingly loving each moment and always with Elizabeth Darcy at his side.

However, it truly was the private holiday observances that topped his list. Sharing his bride with others was not as painful as it might have been since they ensured special time alone. So far today, Christmas Eve, they had kissed under the hanging mistletoe, cuddled in the library, ice skated, and then explored the delights to be found in bathing together—the latter an extremely pleasurable activity they agreed must be repeated as often as possible!

After a wonderful evening involving fine dining, games, and singing with their guests, they retired to the chamber they shared and sat before the fire on the newly acquired, exquisitely tanned hide of a brown bear, propped against a dozen down-stuffed pillows with her body nestled between his legs. The legs still weakened from the shocking but blissful gift given to him in her dressing room! Her frank, verbal proposal of precisely how she wished for her husband of one month to love her—in her dressing room—all while unveiling her gorgeous body, was quite simply the best gift he had ever received in his entire life. He was yet reeling, but in a completely satisfied manner.

The glow yet flushed their skin as they cuddled, sipped wine, shared an abundance of tender kisses, and talked. Darcy read aloud from Lord Byron’s The Corsair, the melodramatic poem of love and pirates additionally thrilling when rendered in his resonant, storytelling voice. Lizzy, absently toying with the bookmark that had kept their place since last evening’s reading, was mesmerized by his surprisingly expressive face.

“Be careful not to fray the fabric. That bookmark is precious and I wish it to remain intact forever.”

She stayed her fidgeting fingers, holding the bookmark in question up for close inspection. The wide strip of fine silk with a quilt backing had been a gift from Lizzy to her then fiancé upon his twenty-ninth birthday. She had embroidered two linked hearts bearing their names with a verse from Genesis above. The promise of their future as one soul was a treasured possession that Darcy kept in whatever book he was reading.

“It is undamaged, but I apologize. Of course, you know that it cannot endure forever?”

“I intend to ensure it does,” he countered stubbornly, ignoring Lizzy’s chuckle and reaching under a nearby pillow. “Speaking of gifts, I have an early Christmas present for you.”

He handed her a small, ribbon-tied box contained a key that belonged to a locked cabinet filled with his personal journals and mementoes. Lizzy laughed when she saw the key, because also hidden behind the secured doors was a collection of sexually instructive books that were a source of continual jesting between them.

Elizabeth, of course and to his never-ending delight, had to tease.

“Books? How sweet of you, William. Always desiring to improve my mind. I promise I shall apply myself diligently and will practice as often as feasible.”

“You minx!”

He drew her against his chest, reclined onto the warmed fur, and opened her robe all in one smooth motion. They kissed and caressed, enjoying the tactile sensations and hearts beating in time while the longcase clock in the corner ticked a regular rhythm.

“This is vastly superior to every dream I had of how Christmas with you would be. In fact, this is undoubtedly the best Christmas of my entire life.”

“It isn’t over yet,” she whispered. “But as sweet as that is for you to say, how could it be the best of your life, William?”

He met her eyes. “I am not exaggerating. Never has a Christmas transcended this one, Elizabeth. And I do not refer to the incredible passion we have together, although that surpasses every fantasy my feeble mind conjured. And certainly that facet alone adds a delicious dimension to ‘celebrating’ Christmas that I never experienced before. But, at the risk of sounding woefully quixotic, my love for you enhances all aspects of my life to a degree that overwhelms me.”

“I adore my quixotic husband, so do not stop.” She pulled him in for a long kiss.

“Yes, most assuredly better than any of my dreams.”

“You dreamt of us celebrating Christmas?”

“Last year I was tortured, if you want to know the truth. I could not stop thinking of you, Elizabeth. It took me awhile but it was consistent dreams of us as a family that finally convinced me that I was in love with you.” And in gentle tones and vivid recounting, he told her of the visions that had haunted him.

“I wish I could say that I thought of you last Christmas, my love.”

He shook his head. “Do not be sad, dearest. We are together now and that is all that matters. Besides”—and he grinned, lifting his left brow—“you are thinking of me now, are you not?”

Lizzy laughed, nudging him until he rolled onto his back with her body draped partially over. “Indeed I am. Thinking quite seriously, as a matter of fact. I have promised to practice until an expert on the subject…”

“Then I shall pray you never become an ‘expert’ as I would not wish for the practicing to cease,” he interrupted.

“I am sure there is always something new to learn,” she assured him. “I am very clever, you know.”

“Yes, I know!”

“Do you still wish for serenity and composure? Or does a little fire and argument now exhilarate you, Mr. Darcy?”

“No and yes.” He wrapped his fingers within her hair, bringing her closer for an intense kiss. “I have repented of my foolish misconceptions. You may scorch me with your fire any time you wish, Mrs. Darcy.”

The antique clock of gleaming mahogany chimed through the midnight hour, alerting the busy occupants that Christmas Day had arrived. The final chime’s echo still rang when they were finally able to speak.

“Merry Christmas, my lover.”

“Indeed it is!” he rasped. “I knew it was unwise to give you access to the books if you can devise such methods all on your own. I think you may kill me!”

But Lizzy just laughed.

Christmas Toys

The mid-morning sun shone brightly through the wide windows lining the west-facing wall of the huge main parlor. Dustings of snow lay upon the terrace stones, but the fair weather and unobstructed sunlight had melted the bulk of it. It was cold outside, as one expected on Christmas Day, but the combination of blazing fire for interior warmth and golden rays from without created a false summertime atmosphere. The mood amongst the Pemberley inhabitants was as gay as one might expect at a spring picnic or festival. But rather than focusing on fine finger foods or catching butterflies, the adults were cheerily focused on one thirteen-month-old infant.

A pile of presents surrounded Alexander Darcy, the heir to Pemberley, who accepted the ridiculousness with his typical stoicism and intense concentration. He did not quite seem able to grasp that something special lurked inside the package. He was perfectly content to look at, play with, or chew upon the ribbons, wrapping, or box itself. The adult assistants allowed this for about two seconds before impatiently “helping” him open the gift to reveal the treasure within. Alexander tolerated the interruption to his play with extreme forbearance, continually amazed when a new toy was miraculously revealed. Then he would squeal with glee, bouncing and waving his arms in the air, and joyfully clutch the prize to his chubby chest.

It was a lengthy process, mainly because Alexander had just recently learned how to walk proficiently. His stumbling early steps and need to hold on to a solid foundation were gone in the wake of new maturity. He was quite proud of his skill and also well aware of just how much more of the world he could explore on two legs that functioned fairly well most of the time. Suddenly sitting on his bottom confined to a small space was wholly untenable! Alexander was an oddly complacent child, but even he grew cranky and annoyed at being compelled to stay put. Luckily he was easily distracted, as most infants were, and readily calmed when a new sparkling bauble was thrust under his nose.

The loving adults thought it was the greatest fun ever.

“Here, Alexander,” Dr. George Darcy said as he loosened the ties holding the maroon and yellow cloth concealing the spongy item inside. “Jharna’s son, Nimesh, had this made for me. It is a hoolock gibbon, my favorite of all the primates in India.” George, younger brother to Darcy’s deceased father, freed the exquisitely crafted stuffed animal from its wrappings, grandly plopping it onto the toddler’s lap.

“Uncle! He is remarkable.” Darcy leaned forward from his cross-legged perch behind his son to finger the soft brownish-black fur. “This is incredible taxidermy. Are you sure you want Alexander to drool and chew on such a masterpiece?”

George waved his hand dismissively. “It is well preserved. Allow him to play with it for a while, then perhaps it can be put aside temporarily to extend its life. But I wanted it for a toy. See how the long arms wrap around you, Alexander. He is bigger than you so will be great for cuddling.”

Alexander was mesmerized. He pressed the black bead eyes, ruffled the thick white fur rings around the eye sockets, pried open the toothless mouth to peer inside, squeezed the thin arms, and wiggled the long toes. He looked up at his father, smiled widely, and released a string of nonsense intermingled with “papa” and a smattering of intelligible words as he proudly showed off his newest animal.

Darcy smiled, pulling his son onto his lap for a tight hug. “You are assuredly the only child in Derbyshire with a stuffed gibbon, my sweet.”

“Papa, see? M’key? Mine, Unc Goj?”

“Yes, he is yours and ‘monkey’ will do, I suppose. Your Uncle George spoils you.”

George snorted. “Somebody has to. Poor baby would have no toys to play with if not for his favorite uncle.”

Georgiana laughed. “Yes indeed. Nothing to play with! Poor Alexander. Now, open this one from your favorite auntie, my precious.”

“Thank goodness it is only you two here this Christmas or we not only would never get through the gift unveiling, but we would also have a brawl on our hands. Jane may take exception to the ‘favorite’ appellation.” Lizzy spoke from her lounging location on the chaise, her voice weak and rough from coughing.

Darcy had returned from an eventful visit to London several days ago and discovered his wife extremely ill with a vicious cold. Darcy was still furious over not being informed of her illness. She was gradually improving under the care of their resident physician and her diligent husband, but remained lethargic and symptomatic. Yet, as sick as she was, Lizzy refused to lie abed for her son’s first Christmas of consequence, the prior one occurring when he was not yet a month old. Darcy understood—his attempts to dissuade feebly offered—but he was worried. He directed a glare at his uncle, who ignored the not-so-subtle reminder of his nephew’s irritation at not being notified, before closely examining his wife’s face for the slightest sign of increasing distress.

“Cease staring at me, William. I am fine.”

“Drink all your tea and then I will cease staring at you.”

Lizzy lifted the cup reluctantly to her lips, grimacing with each swallow. “This is exceptionally foul.” She shuddered, it now her turn to glare at the doctor.

“If medicine was delicious, people would stay sick,” George asseverated. “It is a psychological inducement to get well if the medicine is bitter and fetid.”

“Alexander’s medicine was a sweet, berry-flavored syrup,” she grumbled sulkily, already knowing his response since they had had this argument several times, the physician always winning and the tonics suspiciously tasting worse.

“Babies must be tricked into taking their medicine. Adults apply reason.”

“Or force,” Darcy added, pointedly nodding toward the half-filled cup.

“Lizzy may be ill and you larger, but I am not so sure who would prevail in that contest of wills,” Georgiana offered. “Here, Alexander, open this one from your Aunt Giana.” She knelt onto the floor, handing her nephew the wrapped bundle and winking at Lizzy.

Darcy made no attempt to dispute Georgiana’s allegation, knowing his wife’s temper, but he held no doubts he would indeed prevail even if he had to physically restrain and pry open her jaws! Luckily that course did not appear imminent, as Lizzy finished her tea in one pained gulp.

An enthusiastic upward launch from Alexander with hard skull cracking against an equally hard, firmly set jaw effectively diverted attention from ill wife to giddy son. Wiping tears of pain from his eyes, Darcy examined the collection of sock puppets spread between the happily gibbering toddler and delighted aunt.

“Papa! Papa, see?” Alexander grabbed the top two, one in each fist, swinging them directly into Darcy’s face.

“Yes, son, I see them. No need to hit me. Let me look.”

Georgiana leaned forward. “This is a grandfather and this a grandmother. She is the pretty blonde shepherd girl and here is her sheep. This is a footman in livery, perhaps Phillips or Watson. And the soldier like Uncle Richard.” She inserted her hand into the latter, her pinkie bringing the puppet’s arm up for a salute.

“Most impressive, Georgie. A judge, a frog, an elegant lady, and a horse. Well done.” George slipped his bony hands into the frog and horse, “hopping” and “galloping” around Alexander’s head while the infant laughed and wiggled.

“These are very thick, woolen socks. Where did you get them?” Darcy asked, one arm firm about his son’s squirming body while examining the shepherd girl with his free hand.

“Mr. Clark gave me a dozen. The groundsmen wear them in the winter. They are the thickest stockings I have ever seen. Perfect for warmth and sturdy puppets, is that not so my sweet, sweet Alexander? Give your Aunt Giana kisses.”

Georgiana was nuzzling Alexander and did not notice the strange expression on her brother’s face until Lizzy began to hoarsely laugh. She glanced from Lizzy to Darcy, and then rolled her eyes. “I was not looking at the gardener’s legs, William, only their attire.”

“I was not imagining that. I am merely surprised you noticed the workers’ leg coverings as suitable for creating puppets.”

She shrugged. “I noticed the socks years ago and asked Mrs. Reynolds to get them for me to wear in winter. They are the warmest woolens in all of England, I am sure of it.”

Darcy’s mouth dropped open in shock. “You wear these ugly, roughly woven things?”

“Not in public!” She flushed but lifted her chin. “Not all Darcys are impervious to the cold of Derbyshire.” And she nodded significantly toward his muscular legs, thinly sheathed in lightweight wool breeches, silk stockings, and low soft-leather house shoes.

“Lord knows I am not,” George interjected with an excessive shiver, his thirty years in India’s kinder clime meaning the gesture was only slightly overblown. “I wish you had shared your secret with me sooner, Georgiana. I would wear those socks, public or private.”

“They might clash with your garments, Uncle. Plain grey and bleached beige? Unacceptable!”

George flashed his toothy grin at Lizzy, winking at her jest. “Not a problem, my dear. I can dye them fuchsia or maroon or blue to match. I even have the red left over from coloring my Christmas outfit.” He lifted one long, thin leg, the bright red, loose, Indian-style trousers a stunning complement to the flowing kurta of three shades of green that covered his broad chest. They were all so familiar with Darcy’s eccentric uncle’s chosen way of dressing that none had even blinked when he strutted into the dining room that morning proudly modeling his “Christmas ensemble.” George had been visibly deflated at the lack of response, prompting Darcy to take pity upon him and mutter grumpily that, “In this one instance, it is fortuitous Elizabeth’s illness prevents me the embarrassment of attending church with you and witnessing the elderly ladies fainting in fright.” George had beamed, his mood instantly improved.

“Apparently our son agrees with Georgiana’s opinion.”

All eyes swung to Alexander, still sitting in Darcy’s lap, but now seriously intent upon the task of pulling sock puppets onto his chubby legs. The elegant, ball gown dressed lady puppet encased his left leg, but the grandfather puppet was not cooperating as well. Alexander frowned, deep creases between his thick brows, azure eyes squinting with concentration as his dexterous fingers manipulated the knitted edges from between his toes where they kept getting caught.

Everyone laughed at the humorous picture. Darcy reached to assist but was given an irritated glare and elbow nudge.

“I do it! No he’p, papa!”

Darcy buried his face into his son’s wild, curly locks, shaking with laughter. Present opening shifted to gifts for the adults as Alexander refused to veer from placing sock puppets onto the stuffed, gangly extremities of his gibbon. He approached the procedure with the single-minded focus inherited from his father, finally managing to garb the ape before turning to the next glittering box.

Alexander next acquired a miniature kaleidoscope, the brass tube gripped and twisted with glass lens pressed against his eye for a full ten minutes. The wooden wagon was tremendous fun for three fast-paced circuits about the parlor after which his disenchantment was obvious when he exited the moving vehicle with a nosedive onto the floor. No permanent damage was done, hugs and sympathetic kisses by a remorseful father restoring his good humor.

Each pair of the twenty species of painted animals had to be positioned in a precise line awaiting entry on Noah’s balsa-wood Ark ere Alexander was satisfied enough to pay heed to anyone in the room. Only then was the grand finale carried in by two footmen: a three-foot tall, six-foot square, to-scale replica of a medieval castle jointly created by Darcy and George. It was complete with functioning drawbridge and portcullis, crenellations, towers at each corner, arrow slits, and a painted moat. Tiny cannons and catapults were manned by enough tiny knights of shiny tin that, if added to the tin Regimental soldiers stored in the playroom, Alexander’s army could withstand a pretend Saxon siege for years.

Lizzy watched it all from her comfortable roost on the chaise. The effort to control the persistent tickle in her throat, ignore the pain in her chest, and keep her eyes open sapped her already depleted strength, but Lizzy fought the impulses. She sipped the medicinal tea brewed by Dr. Darcy, smiling brightly whenever Darcy pierced her with his hawk-eyed gaze. If some of her sparkle was due to a fever, it was enough to placate her overprotective husband.

Darcy smiled in return, frequently reaching to tenderly caress her quilt-covered body or stooping to kiss her hand or forehead. He wasn’t fooled by her brave act but knew it was fruitless to argue, yet he kept one joyful eye on his son and one sharp eye on his wife as the Christmas merriment unfolded.

As the maids gathered up the debris and Georgiana and George organized the gifts, Alexander stood up and toddled toward his mother. The movement was disjointed due to the clutter on the floor and the long limbs of the primate entangling about his legs, Darcy assisting the process.

“M’key, Mama.” He held the stuffed toy out for his mother’s inspection.

“He is a beautiful monkey, my sweet. Help him up, William, please.”

Darcy lifted Alexander onto the chaise, the baby instantly snuggling onto her chest with thumb in his mouth and the gibbon clutched tightly. “I think Dog may have competition,” Darcy said. “Is he too heavy, love?”

“No. He feels so good.” She kissed his curly head. “Cuddling is not a top priority these days so I must take it when I can get it.”

Darcy chuckled. “That is true.”

“He is a man of action like his father.”

“Perhaps, but I never pass up a chance to embrace his beautiful mother.”

Lizzy started to laugh but the sound caught in her throat, inciting a violent coughing episode. Within seconds Alexander was grabbed by George and a breathless Lizzy was gathered into Darcy’s arms. She tried to protest as he strode briskly from the room but simply did not have the energy or free air to do so.

“You will rest for the remainder of the afternoon and I shall have dinner brought to you. Do not argue with me, Elizabeth!” But an argument was not forthcoming as she pliantly melted into his stalwart embrace and succumbed to her need for sleep before he reached their upper floor chambers.

Christmas Addition

It was nearly midnight on another Christmas Eve. The halls, as always, were faintly illuminated with spaced lamps burning low. Darcy and Lizzy crept down the stairs, heading toward the parlor.

“Explain to me again why we are being so stealthy when the boys are soundly asleep in our room? And why we are adding more presents to the sky-high pile in the first place?”

“Very funny, Mr. Darcy. Just because you were too lazy to leave our bed, do not pretend you have forgotten this was your idea in the first place.”

“Can I help it if sleeping cuddled with you and our boys is preferable to traversing freezing corridors in my bare feet?”

“You are tough. Now, put those packages right there in front where the boys will see them first off. No, no! Stack them nicely, William!”

She leaned over to meticulously arrange the presents he had dumped onto the carpet, Darcy kneeling beside. He grinned and nudged her shoulder. “You know, I do not recall ever making love on Christmas Eve before the Yule fire.”

“If we had, I am sure you would remember it.”

“No doubt of that. Seems quite remiss of us, do you not agree? And it is almost Christmas, so I believe it is obligatory. I think it is a commandment in the Bible.”

She laughed and shook her head. “Unbelievable. I shall do my best, but considering the condition I am in, I may well fall asleep midway through.”

He nuzzled kisses to her ear, one hand caressing the swell of her belly. “I am confident I can find ways to keep you interested.”

“Arrogant,” she teased, turning to kiss his lips.

“Hmm… Absolutely. But you forgot virile, wildly handsome, supremely masculine, and crazily in love with you.”

“I shall consider the notion after you help me with these and only if you do an excellent job.” She smiled and patted his cheek. “It really was a fine idea, Fitzwilliam. Alexander thinks he is so smart and has all his gifts figured out. Discovering new ones delivered by the mysterious Father Christmas will shake his composure.”

“I would not count on it. I have been reading him all the stories so he knows that Father Christmas does not bring gifts but brings good cheer, although I have tried to gloss over the fact that spirits are usually the impetus for all that cheer. I made up a few bits here and there since he cannot read all that well yet, but I am not sure he is convinced about Father Christmas toting presents all over England in the dark of night.”

“Well, either way, the boys will be happily surprised. And they did not have enough presents anyway.”

“Ha! Tell me that after my aunt and uncle arrive for dinner. You would think with Richard now adding to the Fitzwilliam flock they would not shower our children with trinkets.”

“There,” she declared, sitting back on her heels. “It looks beautiful.”

Darcy paused to survey the scene, including his gorgeous wife in the tableau, and had to agree. The flickering glow from the perpetually burning Yule log cast a ruddy sheen over the array of colorful tissue and rag-paper wrapped packages stacked on the plush velvet drape spread nearby. It was the perfect corner with the window above kept partially uncloaked so any starlight or moonbeams could enter in. The fire added to the illumination and the holiday atmosphere was further accented by the bundles of mistletoe and holly branches strategically hanging over everything. The newest acquisition was a three-foot tall Father Christmas carved and painted by George Darcy that sat on a small shelf above. It was as if the historical Yuletide visitor was watching over the collection, his mischievous grin casting some doubt on his intentions!

They tarried in the parlor to enjoy the holiday scene, comfortable atop a layer of cushions, and snuggled under a fire-warmed blanket before the burning log. Darcy caressed Lizzy’s abdomen. Approximately two or three weeks away from the anticipated birth, her belly was smaller than in previous pregnancies. Lizzy was carrying this baby completely different than she had with their two boys, joking with some irritation that she resembled a pear. Darcy thought it was wonderful, convinced that the pronounced deviations meant it had to be a girl! Lizzy thought that was ridiculous. Even this close to her date of confinement, the overall growth and weight gain was far less than previously. George assured them that it was still within normal parameters and that the baby appeared quite healthy if constant activity was any indication!

Finally, as the mantel clock chimed one o’clock, they rose to return to their bedchamber. They knew they would be woken in a mere four or five hours, Alexander catapulting onto his father with all the exuberance of a youngster anxious to open his presents.

Darcy halted her at the top of the Grand Staircase, pulling her into a firm embrace where they stood just under the enormous kissing bough that was yearly redecorated with fresh greenery and polished until gleaming.

“One kiss under the Darcy bough,” he whispered, lowering his mouth to brush over hers. “It shall bring us luck.”

“You are a superstitious man, Mr. Darcy.”

“Or simply grasping onto another opportunity to kiss my stunning wife.”

Who knows how long the kiss may have continued if not for the strange popping sensation Lizzy felt from the recesses of her loins that was followed by a gush of warm fluid streaming down her thighs into a puddle on the marble floor. She gasped, jerking out of Darcy’s arms, and exclaimed a shrill, “Oh my!”

Darcy was perplexed for about two seconds before processing the information and meeting his wife’s embarrassed and startled eyes. He was jubilant! His eyes sparkled, the grin spreading over his face reaching from ear to ear. “A Christmas baby! Ha! Once again, my dearest, I am immeasurably thrilled that you never do anything as it is expected of you!”

And with a booming laugh he swept her into his arms.

“The boys will be disappointed that I ruined their Christmas!”

“Nonsense. They will consider their sister the best gift of all.”

And he was correct on both counts. The boys were overjoyed to greet their newest sibling later that afternoon, loving her wholeheartedly and forever, even if Noella Holly Jane Darcy would prove in time to be puckish, high-spirited, and fiery as often as she was loveable, generous, and jocose.

Christmas Morning

The bed curtains were drawn tightly with only a mere slit allowing Lizzy to see the darkness of the chamber. There was nothing within her eyesight to hint toward the time of morning, but an internal clock gave the impression of a pre-dawn hour. For a few seconds she wondered what had roused her. Surely it was too early for the children to be awake, even as anxious as they were to open the presents in the parlor. No, it wasn’t the patter of feet and shouts of tiny voices raised in enthusiasm. Rather, it was the muted sounds of her husband adding a log to the fire and then the metallic click of the door’s bolt being thrown that woke her.

She smiled, stretching her limbs under the sheets still warmed by his body. Christmas guests and customs varied, and new traditions were added each year, but the one established on their first Christmas together had been kept. Whether later in the day due to their children sharing the bed with them or before being disturbed for the Christmas festivities, they allotted time for intimacy.

Lizzy may have wanted to sleep longer and was certain by the stealth employed as Darcy tread about the room that he did not propose to wake her quite yet, but she discovered that she was more than ready to greet their eighth Christmas as a married couple, even if the sun was hiding below the horizon.

Darcy gingerly pulled the heavy burgundy velvet drape aside and carefully slid his tall, muscular body under the thick coverings so as not to lift them off his wife’s bare skin. He slithered across the cool expanse until reaching the burrow created by where he had lain nestled against her back. Fully intending to resume his customary sleeping position with Elizabeth clutched within his arms and legs, snuggling on the edges of sleep for an additional hour or two, he was surprised when she rapidly flipped over and pulled his face down for a hard kiss.

“Merry Christmas, my dearest,” she breathed minutes later.

“I apologize for waking you. I did not mean to.”

“I am happy you did, intended or not. I find that I want you far more than sleep.”

He chuckled. “I love the increased ardor of pregnancy.” His lips traveled over the sensitive skin along her neck while one hand caressed the soft abdominal swell barely palpable under his palm.

“I am not convinced it is primarily due to pregnancy. It may simply be that you are so desirable that I cannot resist you.”

“If you insist that is the reason I will not argue. But I have noticed a pattern after three previous children. When you are not leaning over a chamber pot, that is.”

Lizzy grimaced. Like with Noella, her morning sickness for the first trimester had been horrific. Doing anything besides vomiting was nearly impossible. Darcy smugly announced that the similarity meant they were blessed with another girl, a declaration Lizzy was willing to accept primarily because she was too unwell to argue. Now, with perfect health restored, she was making up for lost time—in every aspect.

After fulfilling tradition, they dozed for a few more hours, Lizzy rousing when the clock chimed six o’clock. She nudged Darcy’s inert side, earning a weak grunt. “We should dress in our night clothes before the children arrive pounding on the door.”

“Mrs. Hanford will not let them invade us until seven at the earliest,” he muttered. He cupped the bulge that was more prominent when she lay on her side, wishing the baby were large enough for him to feel when moving. “Did you hear that Richard felt their baby move last week for the first time?”

“Yes. Apparently he was as ridiculous as you always are, and as ridiculous as he was with Emery.”

“I honestly never thought I would be sharing these paternal moments with my cousin. And the fact that you and his wife seem to conceive at roughly the same time is a nice bonus.”

“Indeed it is, for all of us. I am so happy they are here this year. I think our Noella has decided Hugh Pomeroy is her personal knight.”

“He is a fine lad to put up with our volatile daughter. The soul of a saint, I believe, and he sure knows how to calm her temper. I should take lessons.”

“Don’t be silly. She melts around you, love.”

“She has me firmly wrapped about her fingers, and she knows it,” he said affectionately. “I cannot believe she is three today. And already such a little lady. Beautiful, smart, and spunky like her mother.” He kissed the nape of her neck, his hands instinctively caressing.

A mere fifteen minutes later loud knocks sounded upon the door separating their bedchamber and private sitting room. Solid oak did not greatly mute the three voices demanding immediate entrance. Darcy laughed, sweetly kissing his wife before rising. He tossed her the nightgown lying on the chest and then donned the trousers and robe left just for this occasion. He unlatched the lock, Noella and Michael nearly tumbling face first onto the carpet when the door was opened.

“Papa! We knocked and knocked for ages!”

“Mama, today I three!”

The two youngest Darcys dashed to the bed, climbed the steps like little monkeys, and leapt into their mother’s outstretched arms. All the while they jabbered about presents and birthdays and food and dreams. Alexander stood with slightly more composure but was grinning and bouncing excitedly. Darcy bent and swept his eldest son into his arms, the smaller arms encircling his neck as soft kisses were planted to cheeks and lips. Together they walked to the bed, joining Lizzy and Michael and Noella, who were chattering non-stop.

“Mrs. Hanford made us dress and drink our juice,” the six-year-old said with disgust. “She said we had to wait until seven-thirty.” Alexander’s tone conveyed astonishment at such a baffling commandment, but then he brightened. “Uncle George saved us early. He came to the nursery and said it was time to wake Eros and Psyche. He brought us here. Were you and mama reading Mr. Adlington’s translation of Apuleius?”

“No. Nor should you be reading that! Your uncle likes to tease and exaggerate, son. And cause trouble.” He tweaked Alexander’s nose, the serious boy’s dismay at the very idea of doing something wrong etched upon his face. “Relax, sweetling. Mrs. Hanford was performing her duties as I ordered, but it is fine that Uncle George rescued you from the nursery. Mama and I were waiting for you three. We need special Christmas hugs and kisses from our children before we join the others.”

“The new baby cannot kiss yet, can she mama?”

“Not yet, but you can give kisses and happy Christmas wishes.” This they did, tenderly touching the soft swell of Lizzy’s abdomen. The reality of a baby in her belly was mysterious and comprehended to varying degrees by their immature minds, but they all knew a sibling was to join them and they were eager.

“Christmas kisses need mistletoe, yes, Papa?”

“It isn’t a requisite, miss, but it does add to the fun.”

“Mr. Rothchilde must think so. He was kissing Miss Betsy for a long time outside the ballroom.”

Noella nodded in agreement with her brother. “Samuel too, Papa. He and Marguerite were kissing yesterday.”

Lizzy laughed aloud. “Now that is a shock. Not Rothchilde and Betsy…”

“No?”

Lizzy squeezed her husband’s knee, chuckling. “They have been courting for months now, darling, but it does not surprise me that you are unaware! I am more surprised that Marguerite managed to waylay your valet. Poor Samuel must have been red as a beet.”

Darcy grunted. “Be that as it may, what I am curious about is how you two seem to be catching so many clandestine kissers under mistletoe. Wandering the halls freely after escaping your nannies?”

“Yep!” They declared simultaneously with nary a hint of remorse. “We saw Aunt Mary kissing Uncle Joshua. Caleb kissing Miss Cassie. Aunt Giana kissing…”

“Very well,” Darcy dryly interrupted the flood, “I believe we get the idea.”

“And Uncle George showed us the hidden passageway behind the King Arthur tapestry!”

“Oh did he now?” Darcy growled, Lizzy bursting into laughter.

“Be calm, dearest. It only leads to the music room so no harm can be done. I have never understood what the purpose of that secret route could be.”

“Mysteries of Pemberley aside, you two are hereby forbidden to evade your caretakers and wander the halls, understood?”

“Yes, Papa,” they quickly agreed, heads nodding in unison.

Lizzy chuckled under her breath and Darcy briefly closed his eyes, both knowing the admonishment would be as ignored as the promise. Prim Alexander sat on his father’s lap through the whole commentary with his lips pressed tightly together and brows knitted. Lizzy ruffled his curls, leaned for a kiss, and whispered for his ears only, “Occasional misbehaving is healthy, Alexander. You should give it a try now and again.” But he truly looked aghast at the idea, Lizzy only laughing harder and pulling her firstborn onto her lap for a snug embrace.

“Can we go now? Please!” Michael and Noella pleaded, bouncing on their knees, for once not irritating each other in their agreement over Christmas entertainments.

“I am hungry.”

“And I have Christmas presents and birthday presents and cake!”

“It’s not fair that she gets more presents,” Michael grumbled, the truce obviously over as he glared at his sister.

“It’s my birthday!” Noella smugly declared, smirking as she added, “Christmas is my special day, not yours.”

“Christmas is everybody’s special day. It’s Jesus’ day, not yours, silly!”

“Today is God’s day first,” Lizzy interrupted what promised to be full-scale war. “But we will manage to celebrate both special events. Just as Alexander’s birthday falls on mine and your papa’s anniversary and we always celebrate both.”

“But…”

“No ‘buts’ young man,” Darcy caressed the thick brown locks so like his. “Look at it this way, son: You have a birthday all your own. A day not shared with any other holiday or person.”

“So can we open presents now?” Noella asked, ignoring Michael’s cheery expression and protruding tongue.

“Your birthday will be celebrated later today, after church and Christmas.”

“But I am three!” she wailed, tears instantly forming.

“Technically you will not be three until late this afternoon, Noella, because that is when you were born.”

“But, Papa! That is silly. Today is my birthday and today happened at midnight!”

“You cannot argue with that logic,” Lizzy murmured with a smile.

Darcy laughed. “All right, Miss Three Years Old, let your mother and me get dressed…”

“Dressed?” Michael whined. “That will take forever!”

“My goodness, such high drama. Wonder where you two inherit your theatrical tendencies from?” She glanced sidelong at her husband, who grinned and blushed. “You can go ahead to the dining room. I am sure others are there and will assist, although apparently you have supreme dominion of the entire Manor. We shall be along shortly. And don’t even think it, you two,” she sternly interrupted with their mouths half open for an objection, “presents are never opened until after church. You may as well accept it.”

They frowned for approximately two seconds until Alexander nudged and reminded of Mrs. Langton’s famous Christmas breakfast pastries. Significantly cheered by that news, fresh hugs and kisses were administered before they clamored off the high bed and exited the room with as much noise and energy as when they entered.

Christmas Storytelling

“‘The grate had been removed from the wide overwhelming fireplace, to make way for a fire of wood, in the midst of which was an enormous log glowing and blazing, and sending forth a vast volume of light and heat: this I understood was the Yule clog, which the squire was particular in having brought in and illumined on a Christmas eve, according to an ancient custom. Herrick mentions it in one of his songs:

“Why does he call it a ‘clog,’ Papa?”

Darcy paused in his reading and smiled at his eldest daughter. “It is an older term for a large, heavy piece of wood, Noella. Not so commonly used today, but one of the reasons I adore Mr. Irving and encourage you to read him is his command of our language.”

Michael snorted, muttering disdainfully, “Everyone knows what a clog is.”

Noella flared, piercing her brother with a withering glare. “I bet you did not know it! You are more stupid than me!”

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“Children,” Darcy interrupted the familiar exchange with his patented tone: calm and quiet but with a firm edge that clearly conveyed the penalty for disobeying. “You will refrain and hold your tongues. It is Christmas Eve and we will have a lovely family time. Understood?”

“Yes, Papa,” they intoned meekly, ducking their heads. Darcy, however, knew his children well and did not miss the smirk on Michael’s lips or the elbow nudge Noella gave her brother.

Neither did Alexander. “Bets on how long peace reigns?”

He spoke in French, his father responding in the same language, “Five minutes? Ten?”

“Ten what?” Michael asked.

“If you attended to your French lessons then you would know more than merely counting to ten,” Darcy answered in English, reaching to pinch his second son’s nose.

“I can count to more than that,” he countered churlishly. And then he brightened, turning his crooked grin upon Alexander. “You win in languages, brother, but I can still wrestle you to the ground in seconds.”

Alexander shrugged, unconcerned. Nor did he deny it since it was the truth. Alexander was nearly two years older than his brother and a foot taller, having inherited his father’s stature, but Michael was brawny and incredibly strong. Lizzy lovingly referred to him as her bear. Noella said he resembled a block, always following the slur with a comment comparing his intellect to a stone. Practically from the moment Noella could talk the two had grated on each other’s nerves. Yet underneath the incessant pestering and insults, the two Darcy children closest in age were deeply devoted to each other. Of course, they would deny the affection vociferously! Nevertheless, denials aside, the fact that they clearly enjoyed the bantering and baiting and were forever together revealed the truth.

Such as now.

Michael and Noella sat cross-legged next to each other, their shoulders and knees touching. The family congregated in their parents’ bedchamber, the enormous bed large enough to accommodate all seven of them with ample space to sprawl out. Yet Michael and Noella chose a position next to their father’s long legs, bodies brushing together as they proceeded to irritate each other.

The family held a tradition started upon Michael’s first Christmas Eve. Alexander joined them in their bedchamber while Lizzy nursed Michael, Darcy cuddling his two-year-old son against his chest and opening a book to read a story. Naturally, given the date, he chose the Bible and a collection of Robert Herrick’s Christmas poems. Both boys fell asleep to the comforting sound of Lizzy humming carols and Darcy reading poetry, neither parent having the heart to return them to the nursery. The special interlude of holiday celebrating was unplanned but thoroughly enjoyed, the perfect memory of Christmas Eve play and storytelling thus becoming a tradition.

The addition of more children only enhanced the delight, so the once-a-year event continued. Following a lavish dinner and entertainment with carols in the parlor with whatever guests were dwelling at Pemberley, they dressed in sleeping attire and reclined upon their parents’ enormous bed in the fire-heated chamber while Darcy read a collection of Christmas themed stories. Songs were sung, prayers were recited, and upon occasion, everyone slept in the room rather than returning to their own chambers.

The story choices varied year to year, but always concluded with a Bible reading of Christ’s birth. This year Darcy chose the writings of Washington Irving from The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon. After disappointing Michael and Noella by refusing to read the tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, he began with “Christmas Eve” and had not gotten far when the first of what would probably be several sparring interruptions had occurred to discuss the origins of clog.

Lizzy laughed from her comfortable location leaning against Darcy, propped on a large goose-down pillow and holding the youngest Darcy asleep on her chest. She met her husband’s eyes and smiled, and then she winked at her eldest son. It certainly was annoying at times, but the antics of Michael and Noella were amusing. Alexander smiled, bending his head to nuzzle a kiss to the head of the fourth Darcy offspring who sat curled on his lap.

“Papa, finish the story, please.” The four-year-old’s tiny voice, sweet and velvet, brought instant tranquility to the room. Everyone smiled, even Noella and Michael, tender eyes alighting upon the fragile child encased in her protective brother’s embrace.

“As you wish, angel.” Darcy resumed his reading, the tendrils of peace touching all of them as if a spell had been cast.

Such was the natural power of Audrey Faine Bethann Darcy.

She was born under tremendous stress, with Lizzy experiencing the most traumatizing birth of her five children. Dr. Darcy’s superior skills were sorely tested to deliver a living baby. The combination of malpositioning that impeded her easy descent and a severe gush of blood that signified a premature detachment of the placenta led to the birth of a limp, weakly gasping infant requiring swift intervention. Darcy and Lizzy did not doubt for a second that if George had not been present their second daughter would have died either before her arrival or in those critical moments after. Perhaps Lizzy as well, as she bled profusely, was delirious from the pain, and could not help with the final stages of the delivery in any way. The physician’s professional deportment and staggering mastery in any crisis saved both of them, but it would be some months before they knew their daughter had not suffered brain damage along with the left-sided partial paralysis that was a permanent fixture.

Her name was chosen carefully to reflect their hope for her future and thankfulness in her survival. It also presaged her unique character. Audrey was a favorite name of Lizzy’s since reading Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Darcy loved the tale of the seventh-century Anglo-Saxon Cambridgeshire Saint Æthelthryth, or St. Audrey in the common tongue, since reading of her life in a Latin translation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle while at University. But primarily they agreed that the name’s meaning of “noble strength” was apropos. Faine was an Old English name meaning gladness, joy, and good nature. Bethann, obviously, was a tribute to Elizabeth and Darcy’s mother Anne.

In time it became clear that she not only was mentally sound but incredibly bright. Her intelligence promised to rival Alexander’s. Audrey was already able to speak French and Latin quite well, could read above her level, and possessed a phenomenal memory. The muscle damage that disfigured her face by causing a droop to her left eyelid and mouth, and weakened her arm and leg so that grasping was difficult and walking a chore, was unable to mar her dainty beauty and saintly disposition. She truly was an angel—a miracle child with features delicate and fair. Her body was waiflike, hair like fine silver, eyes pellucid blue, and skin of snow. Her temperament matched her appearance. She was gentle, lovable, and soothing. Serenity surrounded her, the aura so strong that it touched all who encountered her.

She and Noella were polar opposites in every way. Noella was darkly beautiful with olive-tinged skin, lustrous ebony curls, eyes the color of fire-glazed raw umber, and bold features. She greatly resembled her mother, her temperament taking Lizzy’s stubbornness and wit to extremes. Michael and Noella combined were a definite challenge to parenting skills! Darcy was convinced that God in His wisdom and grace had granted them the steady Alexander and halcyonic Audrey to buffer the severity of the middle Darcys.

The baby, just four months of age, was probably their most “normal” child. The personality of Nathaniel Marcus Charles Darcy was still emerging, but he did not seem to live on one or the other edge of the spectrum as his siblings always had.

Darcy managed to read through all four of Irving’s Christmas related essays, but with several interruptions for questions, two more arguments between Michael and Noella, and a half dozen bursts of laughter.

“I want to learn to play the guitar,” Michael declared when the instrument was mentioned, jumping up to prance about the bed while pretending to strum. He sang the stanza of Herrick’s “Night Piece to Julia” as just read by his father, dramatically and comically serenading Noella and Audrey as if a lover. Audrey gave her brother a soft kiss of thanks but Noella punched him in the knee, stating firmly that she would sooner die a spinster than allow anyone like him to woo her. Laughter rang out, minor wrestling ensued, and order was difficult to restore.

Audrey interrupted only once, her euphonious voice commenting that having peacocks running free as they were in the story would be nice. “Pemberley is stately and magnificent. Peacocks are pretty, don’t you think, Papa?”

“I think that is a marvelous idea!” Lizzy agreed. “How does one obtain peacocks, William?”

“I know several gentlemen who have them on their estates. Purchasing a few would be an easy task. I am sure Mr. Holmes or Mr. Burr would know how to care for them. If it is peafowl you wish for, princess, we can find them.”

Irving’s mention of minstrels playing during the Christmas dinner was appealing to Alexander. “A harper or violinist playing softly in the background is a nice touch. How about hiring one for next year, Father? He could play hymns and carols.”

Darcy and Lizzy nodded, sharing an approving glance, but Michael enthusiastically burst in. “Oh! I can play my guitar! I will have all year to learn, yes, Papa? Or, better yet, we can hire the fiddler who plays at the Village pub! He plays a hardingfele and is amazing…”

“When have you had occasion to hear the fiddler at the pub? And know what type of viol he plays?”

Michael paled, eyes wide as he stared into his father’s stern face.

“This will be good,” Noella murmured, her eyes glittering.

“Be silent, miss. Michael?”

“Only once, Papa, I swear it. Mr. Drake is Howard and Milton’s cousin and they kept on about him, dared me, they did, to come listen! I only peeked through the window, I promise! Then Mr. Drake came out and talked about his instrument. It was carved and decorated with roses, and it was rounder than your violin, and—”

“While I am impressed by your sudden wealth of knowledge regarding stringed instruments, I believe you have failed to mention that you would have needed to leave the house after dark to hear Mr. Drake. Since this is incredibly difficult to accomplish given how well we secure the Manor and the abundance of servants guarding, I can only surmise you have a clever way to sneak out? Care to illuminate us, Michael Darcy?”

“William,” Lizzy lightly laid her hand on his arm, “perhaps we should discuss this on the morrow?”

Darcy frowned but nodded. He fixed his delinquent son with a harsh glare. “We will be discussing this, young man, and do not forget it.”

“Yes, sir,” Michael mumbled, knowing very well that the “discussion” would undoubtedly involve a lashing. Darcy administered corporal punishment rarely, but when he did it was memorable!

The reading resumed with Michael quite downcast. His self-pity increased under Noella’s snickers that he could not retaliate against without incurring fresh displeasure from his father. Of course Noella knew this, the subtle taunting continuing until Darcy reached the paragraph where the Christmas delicacy of peacock pie was detailed. This information made the tenderhearted Audrey—who was still dreaming of colorfully plumed peacocks strutting across Pemberley’s vast lawns—burst into tears. Everything stopped at this point with everyone offering comfort to the stricken girl. Only Darcy’s sworn oath never to harm one of their peacocks or ever serve a peafowl pie, along with dozens of kisses, finally calmed her and the reading recommenced. The mood-vacillating, Michael forgot his impending punishment in the midst of assuaging his beloved baby sister and gaiety ruled for the remainder of the story.

An interlude of play and treats broke up the Christmas storytelling. Warm spiced cider and gingerbread cookies were served. Nathaniel woke at the sound of rambunctious laughter and Lizzy permitted him to suck on each sibling’s finger dipped in cider. Michael and Noella jumped and tumbled on the firmly stuffed mattress. Nathaniel and Audrey were passed about for hugs and cuddles. Alexander retrieved his flute and entertained, even loosening up enough to pipe a couple of rollicking, non-Christmas tunes.

Eventually Darcy called them to order, reaching for the dog-eared Bible to read the original Christmas story. He opened to Matthew, removing the worn bookmark and handing it to Audrey for safekeeping.

“Mama’s bookmark has frayed on this edge, Papa.” Audrey lifted it for his inspection, her eyes sad and his disturbed.

“I suppose I need to store it in one of my memento boxes for safekeeping, but I hate to part with it.” He looked at his wife with a soft smile. “It is precious to me. The first gift I ever received from your mother, after her heart and love, that is.”

“Oh! Tell us the story again, Papa! Tell us about your birthday surprise with Uncle Charles and Aunt Jane and how Mama made you a cake with a candle! And how mama embroidered your names in the hearts! And how…”

“You’ve already told the entire story, Noella!” Lizzy said with a laugh. “We have told it and others dozens of times. Now it is time to read about Christ’s birth.”

Darcy agreed, turning his gaze from the loose stitches on his bookmark to the page of Scripture. However, before finding the beginning verses he was stayed by Alexander.

“Mother, Father, this year the Darcy children wish to bring you the Christmas story. We have prepared a theatrical entertainment for your enjoyment.”

“And we want you to see it first before we perform for Uncle George, Grandmama and Grandpapa, and the family tomorrow,” Noella threw out, already dashing toward the sitting room where they had secreted their props and costumes unbeknownst to their parents.

It was a surprisingly bravura enactment with dramatically delivered lines, rehearsed acting, authentically designed costumes, and cleverly used props. Alexander narrated and acted as Joseph. Audrey was the perfectly cast virginal Mary, a tiny pillow at her abdomen the unborn baby Jesus, and she sat astride the rocking horse that served as a donkey. The “donkey” was pulled about the room, arriving at the inn where Noella informed them there was no room except for in the barn. The birth went amazingly easily, glossed over considerably with the Christ child played by a large Nathaniel who was not particularly thrilled to lie on his back in the doll cradle. Stuffed animals—many of the jungle rather than barn variety—functioned as witnesses. Noella and Michael stole the concluding act as the exalting angel and worshipping shepherd, high drama an inherited forte.

Applause was loud and enthusiastic. Parental kisses and hugs were lavish. And the longcase clock in the corner struck the twelve o’clock hour before the final skirmish over Michael and Noella sharing covers—sleeping side-by-side of course—was quelled by a stern rebuke from Darcy with peace and slumber finally reigning.

Christmas Merrymaking

Lizzy stared out at the spitting of snow falling from a sky dotted with pale-gray clouds. She frowned and bit her lip while absently fastening the lacings of her thick wool coat. Years living in Derbyshire had given her a sense of typical weather conditions so she was fairly certain the weak clouds would disperse once they squeezed the last drops of moisture into the frigid air, leaving behind a cold but clear day. Traveling to Matlock over the frozen roads should be easy and the sturdy coach packed with seven bodies would remain warm. Yet they had decided it best to leave their youngest child, Thomas, not quite two and recuperating from a minor respiratory affliction, in the care of Mrs. Hanford for the day rather than expose him to the winter chill. It was a wise decision, Lizzy knew, but it was always difficult to leave her children behind.

“We will only be gone for the day,” a deep voice interrupted, the speaker divining her thoughts. She nodded, turning toward her husband where he sat on the nearby bench assisting Audrey with her gloves and fur-lined bonnet. He wasn’t even looking at her or the weather outside, focusing instead on his youngest daughter’s accessories for proper placement to protect against the bitter cold, continuing without a pause, “And I assure you the storm, if it can be called that, will pass within an hour. We will be home before dark and Thomas will not even miss us.”

“Are you sure the snow will not worsen?” Darcy glanced up then, lifting one brow and delivering a you-must-be-joking look. “Well, someday you may be wrong in predicting the weather, Mr. Darcy! What if today is that day and we are stranded at Rivallain?”

“I am not wrong. We will not be stranded at Rivallain. We will be home to celebrate our family Christmas Eve with all the children. And Thomas will remain largely oblivious to the fact that we were away.”

“Will we bring his presents back home, Papa?” Audrey’s question halted Lizzy’s sharp retort, Darcy chuckling as he again focused on his daughter.

“Of course we will, princess. You can help him open them tomorrow. He is too young yet to accomplish the task alone, nor is he old enough to be fully aware of the festivities surrounding him.”

“He loves to look at all the decorations. He laughs and tries to touch everything. Yesterday he escaped Nanny Lisa and climbed onto the table while we were mixing the dough and fell face first into the bowl! He was covered with flour and molasses. Oh, you should have seen him, Papa. It was very funny.”

“I heard about it. Another reason to keep him here rather than running amok at Rivallain. Here he will be safe, warm, and happily playing with his toys between naps and meals.”

She nodded her agreement, but then stayed his hand with a gentle clasp of her delicate, gloved fingers. “But you are wrong, Papa. He will miss us.”

Darcy flashed a warning glance to Lizzy while answering. “Perhaps a little, but it is the wisest decision.” Lizzy snapped her lips shut, knowing he was correct but remaining disturbed at the idea. “His grandpapa and Uncle George will dote upon him while we are away. And then we shall make it up to him with an abundance of kisses and hugs when we return. How is that?”

“Ow! It is too tight! You pinched me on purpose!”

“I did not. And you wouldn’t have been pinched if you would just hold still!”

Darcy engaged his wife’s eyes for a brief reaffirming exchange, Lizzy smiling and nodding before rolling her eyes and indicating he deal with the squabbling duo. With a smile of relief that his wife was appeased followed by an exasperated sigh at the bickering Noella and Michael, he rose from the bench. “Enough, you two. Michael, help Nathaniel with his coat. Here, Noella, let me button that.”

“He did do it on purpose, Papa. Is my neck red?”

“Not in the least. Flawlessly beautiful, as always.”

“Good,” she said, lifting her chin so Darcy could finish clasping her bonnet, “I must look my absolute best.”

“And why is that?”

“Hugh will be there.”

“Ah, yes. Young Mr. Pomeroy. Still sporting a crush on your cousin, are you?”

“Papa,” she sighed, piercing him with her patented longsuffering look, “Hugh is not my cousin, not really. And I do not have a crush,” her tone clearly conveying her derision for that definition.

“Of course not,” he smiled, brushing her cheek with a soft kiss. “How foolish of me.”

“I intend to marry him.”

Her announcement was firm and completely matter-of-fact, Darcy stammering slightly in a combination of amusement and surprise. “Do you now?” He finally managed, noting Lizzy’s attempt to refrain from bursting into laughter. “And is Mr. Pomeroy aware of this arrangement? After all, he may not be so pleased at betrothal to an eleven-year-old.”

“I will be twelve tomorrow,” she informed him flatly, as if that made all the difference in the world, “and will tell him eventually.”

“Perhaps I should break the good news to him,” Alexander interjected dryly. “He may need the next eight years to prepare for the concept. Bolster his fortitude, practice the proposal speech, save up for the ring, and so on.”

But instead of erupting into a tirade, as they all expected—Michael dying to chime in on his opinion of poor Hugh’s bleak future—Noella merely shrugged and calmly pulled on her gloves.

“Well, since I do not foresee any of my children becoming engaged in the next day or so, I say we put the topic aside and get into the carriage so we can arrive at Rivallain for breakfast as planned. Mrs. Darcy?”

Darcy’s prediction proved correct. The feeble snowfall ceased before they reached Beeley, and clear, crisp skies remained throughout the day. Their celebration with the Fitzwilliam clan and local friends at Lord and Lady Matlock’s grand estate was lively, entertaining, and wholly wonderful. The wrapped gifts, hampers of Mrs. Langton’s favored holiday fare, and baskets of Christmas cookies and pies baked by the Darcy women were exchanged for fresh piles of gifts, restocked hampers of feast remnants, and different cookies and pies.

To the fascination of the adults, Noella utterly ignored Hugh all day!

“Strange way to capture your chosen man, don’t you think?” Darcy asked the group in general.

“She is a female and who can understand the subtle intrigues of a woman?” Richard responded, winking at his wife and Elizabeth, who laughed.

“Noella’s declaration apparently isn’t trammeling Mr. Pomeroy’s roving eye,” Lady Matlock pointed out with a chuckle, indicating the object of Noella’s infatuation. The handsome nineteen-year-old Hugh was one of several unattached gentlemen brazenly flirting with a cluster of young ladies sitting near a far window. Alexander had shared his sister’s intentions with his friend, Hugh laughing so hard that tears sprang to his eyes. Whether it was his flippancy at the idea or some female machination on her part was unclear, but Noella pointedly pretended he was invisible, even to the degree that she endured Michael’s taunts in stoic silence. It made for a humorous afternoon amid the typical holiday festivities.

Just as the sun touched the horizon, the seven Darcys said their adieus and crammed into the spacious coach that was rapidly becoming too cramped even with the smaller children sitting on laps. They embarked on the hour-long ride back to Pemberley with hearts and stomachs filled to bursting. It was Alexander’s idea to play a memories-and-forfeit game reciting “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and using evenly distributed candy canes as the “payment” for blundering in remembering the proper sequence. The first round made it as far as “seven swans a-swimming” when Michael, who possessed a memory as reliable as a rusted bucket holding water (according to Nathaniel), stumbled over what came after “four colly birds.”

“Three French hens! How could you forget that?” Noella dramatically wailed, collecting her hard sugar cane and taking a bite just as the carriage rocked ominously, causing them to collectively gasp and grab onto the nearest body.

The occupants had no time to process the aberrant break from the normal rhythm of bobs and sways when the loud crack of splitting wood was immediately followed by the strident sound of twisting, scraping metal. Mr. Anders, the coachman, shouted a warning to Mr. Darcy and barked an order to the horses just as the carriage abruptly lurched to the right. An audible crunch shuddered through the walls and ceiling of the carriage, mixing with the loud snap of a leather strap on the roof and the crash of a dozen packages as they tumbled onto the solid ground. The carriage came to a sudden stop, careening dangerously off-balance as it continued to shake from the stress.

“Be still!” Darcy bellowed, his voice rising above the shrieks. Relative silence fell as a blanket, harsh breathing and muted whines low enough to hear the coachman and footman warily leap to the ground. Darcy scanned the white faces of his family before cautiously shifting his weight and unlatching the window shade. “Mr. Anders? Watson?”

“Here, sir. Hold fast and don’t move. The rear felloe shattered and the wheel is bent beyond repair. We need to brace before I trust ye to move. Those rocks there, Watson. The bloody thing is sittin’ on the axle. Can’t fathom how it happened…” And his voice lowered into mutters of disgust at what the proud coachman would perceive as a failing on his part.

Eventually, he was sufficiently satisfied with the carriage’s stability for the family to disembark. It was a procedure, with Darcy personally lifting his wife and children to the ground and sending them well away from the precariously perched carriage. Darcy took one look at the damage and knew they were stranded.

Lizzy and the children gathered the scattered packages, amazed that most appeared to be intact. Darcy surveyed the surrounds, immediately recognizing where they were. “Mr. Anders, unhitch the horses and ride to Pemberley. Bring back the other coach. Watson, I request you stay here with the carriage and horses on the off chance thieves are about on Christmas Eve. Elizabeth, we cannot stay out here in the dark and cold. It will take near two hours for Mr. Anders to return from Pemberley.” He pulled her gently against his side, brushing a light kiss over her temple and whispering softly, “I know you are distressed, love, and I am sorry for the delay. But we will be home with Thomas before he falls asleep for the night.”

She smiled through the tears that threatened to spill, bravely shoving the emotion aside. “‘Accidents happen. That is why they are called accidents,’ as I always say to the children. He is safe and warm, but we are not. Do you have a plan?”

“We seek shelter until Mr. Anders returns. A bit of a walk will do us good.”

“There isn’t much here, William.” She nodded toward a cluster of faintly lit buildings off to the east a good quarter-mile. “Is that a village?”

“Of a sort,” he answered. “This is Haversmith’s land and that is Hogslow.”

“Hog’s Low? You’re joking? That hardly sounds reassuring.”

Alexander laughed. “It isn’t as it sounds, Mother. Mr. Spane works this parcel, does he not, Father?” Darcy nodded, the prideful expression at his fifteen-year-old heir knowing the residents this far south of their lands evident even in the gloom. “That is his cottage there. The village isn’t much and there isn’t a pub, but it is clean and I am sure we can find warmth and shelter.”

“That building is well lit. See, Papa?” Audrey pointed to a large barn-shaped building set apart.

“Indeed. Perhaps they are having a Christmas celebration. Good eye, princess.” He bent to pick her up, holding securely to his chest. “I have Audrey. Nathaniel, Alexander can carry you.”

“No, Papa! I can walk!”

Lizzy chuckled. “Of course you can. But mama insists you hold Noella’s hand. No letting go. Boys, grab those baskets. If we are going to barge in on a party the least we can do is bring a gift.”

And thus the small company of marooned travelers walked into the shadowy farmland, thankful for the moonlight when it appeared in the cloudless sky. It was difficult to discern in the growing twilight, but as they neared the structure indicated by Audrey, it was obviously not a barn but a large assembly hall. It was also obviously the site of a gathering of merrymakers! The festive scene unfolded before their dazzled eyes, far removed from the more sedate and spiritual celebrations offered to the Pemberley tenants on a yearly basis.

Enormous three-foot logs split down the middle and crisscrossed in a stack burned within a stone ringed pit, the bonfire blazing in a clearing before the wide-open doors. The snap of fiery pitch, reek of rising smoke, and heat of hungry flames was evident from yards away, yet did not deter the bustling bodies moving in a flood of enthusiasm between the dirt expanse and inviting building. The flickering illumination of candles and fireplaces glowing from within promised additional warmth from the steadily chilling air.

Children dashed amongst the adults, laughing and chasing one another while blowing whistles, ringing bells, and banging drums. Folks of all ages circled the flames, dancing and singing in time with the rollicking music filling the air. The sound of lutes, guitars, fiddles, and assorted pipes brought an instant grin to Michael’s face, but they all unconsciously responded to the lively rhythm as they drew closer.

The scene of merrymaking outside the assembly hall was a preview to the play visible inside. From holly-draped wall to mistletoe-adorned corner, the Darcys absorbed wonders.

Six musicians were upon a wooden dais, some sitting and some standing, feet stomping and heads bobbing to the beat they created. The line of dancing couples only vaguely remained straight as frequent errors in the steps or exaggerated twirls led to unrestrained laughter. Other couples did not even bother with the line, dancing together in whatever free space was available. One old gentleman in well-worn breeches and shirtsleeves danced a jig all by himself, the circle of cheering observers clapping out the tempo.

Clusters gathered along the walls playing an assortment of games. A group of eight played blind-man’s bluff to the right with an animated charades tournament a few feet away. At a line of tables and chairs to the left sat people playing loo, whist, and gleek. Other coveys segregated into ages were talking, laughing, and flirting, especially those near the mistletoe.

It was a sea of humanity joyously commemorating the season.

One body separated from the overwhelming whole, noticing the new arrivals just as Michael spied an entertainment more intriguing than anything he had ever seen.

“Mr. Darcy! What a surprise! What brings you to my lands?”

“Mr. Haversmith,” Darcy greeted the rotund, flushed, and sweating man before him with a slight incline of his head. “I apologize for barging in uninvited. Our carriage broke an axle and we sought shelter until a replacement vehicle can arrive from Pemberley.”

Haversmith was already waving away Darcy’s explanation with a hearty welcome and shouted orders to bring mugs of ale and spiced cider to their honored guests. Elizabeth was greeted with profuse flattery and hand kissing—Darcy and Alexander hiding identical frowns of irritation—as they were herded toward a raised platform with a trio of white-linen covered tables. The Haversmith family, mostly male and liberally partaking of the wassail, tipsily received the newcomers, shuffling chairs and place settings amid raucous laughter and Christmas best wishes.

The baskets containing pies and Rivallain feast remains were taken amid generous thanks, but it was instantly apparent that food was not lacking. Long tables groaned under the weight of roasted turkey and pheasant, haunches of beef and mutton, mince pies, plum-puddings, wooden bowls of wassail, casks of malt-brewed ale, loaves of grain breads, rounds of cheeses, freshly roasted chestnuts and apples, cakes decorated with fruits and berries, and dozens of platters heaped with steaming vegetables.

Space for seven Darcys was readily made and platters of steaming food plopped down by smiling servants before the introductions were complete. The merriment continued unabated and such was the tumult that no one noticed the missing Michael.

Michael Darcy, thirteen, mischievous, and curious, had slipped away to investigate the activity taking place on the far side of the room in a darkened corner.

Resting on a crude wooden table was a shallow, wide-mouthed bowl filled to the brim with brandy, almonds, and large raisins. The brandy was ignited, the eerie blue flames flickering and dancing over the surface of the amber liquid as the raisins glistened and swelled and the almonds sizzled. Brave lads approached the fiery bowl while the girls observed with tense excitement. Their faces illuminated dramatically as they rapidly reached into the bowl and snatched a burning raisin. Quickness was the key. One must grab the fruit and pop it into the mouth to instantly extinguish the flame. Fingers had to be licked clean as well or the brandy would continue to burn. But for a split second the strange blue fire engulfed the fingertips, highlighting eyes that were wide and sparkling devilishly, the boys’ faces demonic in the play of shadow and flame.

The awed onlookers cheered and clapped. After the first daring trio snatched their plump, hot raisins without major mishap, several others stepped forward. Their eyes glittered and waves of bluish light swept over their cheekbones as they searched for a gap in the flames. Someone in the growing crowd of spectators began a song that was rapidly taken up by all:

Michael did not hesitate for a second, stepping boldly up to the fiery bowl and unerringly plucking an almond from the middle. He watched the capering flames lick over his fingers for a span of heartbeats before extinguishing behind his lips, chewing the crispy nut with delight. Two girls inched toward the bowl and Michael wasn’t the least bit surprised to note that one was Noella. She glanced to her brother, her grin and dark eyes fey in the lambent light, and proceeded to shoot both hands into the flames, grabbing not one but two raisins from the bowl! She made sure he saw her catch, only then popping them into her mouth. The barest tightening at the corners of her eyes was the only indication that the hot fruit scorched her palate.

Michael threw back his head and laughed. Contending with his sister was second nature, and he would gladly suffer stinging burns to prove he was braver and tougher than she, but secretly he knew that the main reason he so enjoyed taunting Noella was because of her fearlessness.

The game was on! Snapdragon competition raged for a good while. Fresh batches of fruit and nuts were added as more people, young and old, entered into the contest. Alexander was content to retrieve an almond once, just enough to prevent ceaseless jibs of “coward” from his younger siblings, before moving on to more sedate entertainments. Lizzy flatly refused to allow Nathaniel to play, earning his deep displeasure for the remainder of the evening.

At an appointed hour, all activity and music stopped and everyone in the hall was called to order by Mr. Haversmith. His deep bass reached each ear, his speech of welcome and praise to God for Christ’s birth delivered in practiced oratorical tones until the end, whereupon he turned to Darcy with a devilish twinkle in his eye. “And now if those Cambridge alumni among us will pardon the boasting, we here on Haversmith lands yearly uphold a tradition this Oxford man holds dear to his heart.”

He paused, inclining his head humbly in Darcy’s direction. Darcy laughed out loud and lifted his tankard of ale as a salute. “Carry on, Mr. Haversmith. We Cambridge men can appreciate traditions, even those with dubious origins.”

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. However, all who walk the hallowed halls of Queen’s College in Oxford know the legend to be true.” And abruptly his voice dipped into a dramatic timbre with a perfected storyteller fluency that would rival Dr. George Darcy at his best. “It is a well-known fact that in 1341, an Oxford student walked through the forest of Shotover on his way to Christmas mass, innocently reading Aristotle as he strolled, until”—his voice rose on the last word, a smattering of gasps heard in the spellbound crowd—“suddenly he was viciously attacked by a wild boar! The slathering beast bore down upon the hapless youth, all snarling maw and sharp tusks designed to maim and kill. The unarmed man was doomed. Then, inspiration struck! With outstanding presence of mind he slammed the huge, metal bound tome shut and rammed philosophy into the open mouth of the advancing animal. He held on tight, pushing with all his might, bravely ignoring the wrenching strain to his arms, until the book was securely lodged. Then he leapt away as the raving monster thrashed about, tearing apart bushes, gouging the turf, and knocking over trees as he choked to his death. It was a fair kill. The courageous cadet shared his bounty in a Yuletide feast with the boar’s head dressed and displayed in honor. It is this event commemorated yearly to this day at my alma mater.”

And he bowed, hand lying against his heart. Applause burst forth, Darcy shouting “Bravo!” as loudly as the rest.

“In honor of that resourceful Oxford student and the subsequent tradition, or, if you wish, in remembrance of our Anglo-Saxon ancestry with their Norse rituals in sacrificing a boar to Freyr for blessings in the coming year, or perhaps Saint Stephen whose feast day centers on the mightiest of men slaying the savage boar, this year I give you”—he swept his hand toward the front entrance and lifted his voice to a booming roar—“the head of the boar felled by my son!”

A blast of trumpets heralded the procession of four servants carrying an enormous, ornately designed silver platter upon which rested a massive rosemary and bay garnished boar’s head with a gleaming red apple stuck in its mouth. Mr. Haversmith’s eldest son stood, his expression proud as he gazed upon the soused head, initiating the boar’s head carol in a clearly heard chant:

On the heels of the boar-toting servants came a roisterous troupe of mummers costumed elaborately, as everything from animals to medieval characters and from royalty to peasants. They pranced about, banging hand-held drums and clashing cymbals, and pantomiming comically until the platters were safely placed and the food served. Then, once silence reigned, they acted their allegorical play for the enraptured audience. Always in rhyming verse, sometimes serious and ofttimes humorous, they spun a unique offering of the standard theme of triumph over death and the battle between good and evil.

The Darcys spent about two-and-a-half hours celebrating with Mr. Haversmith’s tenant farmers and staff before Watson arrived to inform his master that Mr. Anders had returned with the other carriage, after thoroughly inspecting all undergear for potential problems. Lizzy continued to fret over Thomas being asleep before they arrived home, and Darcy fretted over her unhappiness, but they both pushed the worst of their emotions aside. The entertainments were too varied and delightful not to enjoy and the food too delicious not to partake of.

They arrived home to discover Thomas happily playing with Alexander’s castle in the playroom. The collection of soldiers now numbered in the hundreds and included Prussian troops, Napoleon’s Armée du Nord, a handful of Spartan warriors, Royal Scots infantryman, medieval armored knights complete with lance and horse, the odd Celt and Viking and Mongol, and a partial regiment of Crusaders to augment the dozen different English regimentals. Alexander had no problem sharing the castle with his siblings and even managed to bite his tongue when the pretend wars did not follow the truth of history! Grandfather Bennet and George sat in the midst of fallen soldiers as Thomas proceeded to kill every last one of them with his lone Spartan.

In fact, King Leonidas had to complete the job ere Thomas would allow his parents to carry him into their bedchamber and lavish him with kisses and hugs, whereupon he promptly fell asleep in his mother’s arms. Whatever entertainments Darcy may have planned for that particular Christmas Eve were left undone. Even the obligatory reading of the Biblical first Christmas was rendered hastily before they collapsed in exhaustion, after rehashing the day’s events.

Christmas Grief

“You are beautiful, dearest,” Darcy spoke from the doorway, gazing at his wife where she stood before her mirror.

“I should wear black, but I just cannot bring myself to do so on Christmas day.” Lizzy’s voice trembled, her hands unsteady as they clasped the ebony earrings in place.

Darcy entered her dressing room, pausing beside her. “Your father would understand. He would not wish his daughters to be grief-stricken to the point that Christmas was not celebrated properly.”

“I know.” She sighed, smoothing the fabric of her dark blue gown over her slim waist. “But it feels wrong nevertheless. Black is appropriate for my current mood, but I rather hoped the blue would cheer me slightly.” She smiled weakly at his reflection. “It is not working thus far.”

Darcy said nothing, choosing instead to gently caress her back and bestow a tender kiss to her brow. He watched her closely, waiting for the flood of tears and heavy sobs he had been expecting for weeks now.

Lizzy’s eyes moistened but her whisper was restrained, “Two weeks, Fitzwilliam. If only he had lived another two weeks, he would be here now as we planned.”

“I know, love. I know.”

“But, as you have rightly said, we were all here before the end. That meant so much to him. He was happy, was he not?”

“Very happy. He knew his girls were here, and all his grandchildren. He even bested Uncle at chess just days before.”

Lizzy chuckled lightly. “I believe George forfeited.”

“Perhaps. But they argued and taunted as ever. Mr. Bennet gave it his all, called Uncle a cheat, and gloated the requisite number of hours.” He paused, both of their thoughts affectionately resting upon the departed Mr. Bennet. When he again spoke, it was softly but with a hint of reproach. “He spent several wonderful years with us, Elizabeth, and was pleased to do so. Pemberley was home. His grandchildren from you and Jane were a daily part of his life, and Kitty and Mary visited frequently. The previous two Christmases were here with the bulk of his family. He was content and, I believe, ready to go, waiting only until all of his daughters were with him to say his good-byes. We must grieve, naturally, but life does move on.”

“He told us to lift our wassail to the heavens and sing a special carol just for his ears.” She smiled, brushing the escaped tear from her cheek. “Ridiculous, really, since he was not particularly religious.”

He withdrew his handkerchief, daubing at her face. “Whether he hears or not is irrelevant. He was telling you to celebrate. Celebrate this day and celebrate his life. I sometimes think the Irish have the wiser attitude in holding a raucous wake to remember the departed loved one.”

“My father would love that idea!” She took a deep breath, shook her head, swiped irritably at her watery eyes, and straightened her spine.

Darcy continued to observe her face, wishing she would finally succumb to her sorrow and have a long cry, but also recognizing that this moment was probably not the best time for her composure to be lost. They had a house full of family, Christmas and Noella’s birthday to celebrate, and church to attend.

As he expected, Lizzy regained control and gave her appearance a last brief inspection in the mirror before turning fully toward her husband. “Very well. I cannot promise to laugh in utter joy, but my sisters and I will take advantage of our time together and toast the memory of our father. Shall we, Mr. Darcy?”

He offered his arm, Lizzy linking through the bend of his elbow, and leaned down for a thorough kiss. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Darcy. Did I yet tell you that you are beautiful?”

Lizzy smiled, steering him toward the door.

The manor had been decorated with a lesser degree of glittering opulence than in year’s past due to the shadow of mourning, but it was far from somber. Darcy and Lizzy had agreed to restrain the quantity of greenery, festive candles, and multi-hued ribbons, but not erase all indications of the holiday. The heirloom pieces were in place and of course the presents that had grown in number over the years were colorfully wrapped and glittering.

It had been a number of years now that these gatherings were relegated to the massive formal dining room in the north wing. The immediate Darcy family could comfortably fit into the smaller dining room, but Pemberley so often played host to visiting relatives and friends that the once dusty, disused larger chamber was frequently utilized throughout the year. This year the guest list only included Lizzy’s mother, aunt and uncle, and four sisters with their families. However, even that added up considering how prolific the Bennet girls were! This fact also made it utterly impossible to maintain an atmosphere of mourning, children not typically able to remain downcast for long.

Nevertheless, all except for the youngest children knew their beloved grandfather was dead. Voices were hushed, laughter dimmed, and indoctrinated manners frequently ignored were flawlessly expressed on this day. The latter miracle may have been commented upon, but it remained difficult to jest amid the sadness.

Jane’s tears, freshly rekindled when greeting Lizzy with an embrace in the upper hallway, pooled in the corner of her blue eyes. Mary sat at the tiny pianoforte playing a light but solemn tune. Kitty performed the motherly duties of assisting one child with cutting a slice of ham while shoveling steady spoonfuls of mashed squash into her baby’s mouth, but with an occasional wipe of a handkerchief to an escaping tear. Even Lydia, still wayward and egotistical after three marriages and a dozen personal imbroglios, was sitting sedately and absently chewing a slice of jam-smeared toast.

“Maybe it was not a wise idea to place Papa’s portrait in the room,” Lizzy mumbled.

Darcy nodded, glancing at the ornately framed painting of Mr. Bennet commissioned shortly after he settled at Pemberley nearly four years ago.

Longbourn Manor and the surrounding lands gradually became unmanageable and too isolated for the elderly gentleman, whose vision was failing. Nevertheless, pride and stubbornness kept him tied to his familiar environment despite Mrs. Bennet’s incessant complaining about boredom and loneliness with all her daughters married and busy. Her long absences to dwell with her brother and sister-in-law in Cheapside brought him a measure of peace but led to further isolation and the estate’s decline.

A broken leg resulting from a minor stumble upon the stairs prompted George Darcy to drive to Hertfordshire to rescue his friend. He goaded the cranky older man into a heated shouting match while the physician reset the bone misaligned by the local hack; verbal insults and expletives were flung back and forth with anger masking the residual pain not dulled by heavy draughts of brandy. George’s nagging and harassment persevered for days until finally convincing Mr. Bennet to relocate to Pemberley, which, of course, was the main purpose of the trip. Lizzy and Jane were profuse in their thanks, which George also quite enjoyed!

The years that followed were joyful ones for all the inhabitants of Pemberley. Mr. Bennet delighted in exploring the vast library that appeared to have a magically inexhaustible supply of new books. His friendship with Dr. Darcy was a sincere one that brought pleasure when the busy physician was available. And the immensity of Pemberley meant that privacy and quiet were easy to find even with the ever-increasing number of Darcy children, constant visitors, and a shrill wife, when Mrs. Bennet chose to reside at Pemberley rather than in London. Thus the skillfully wrought portrait depicted an aged, snowy-haired man with twinkling, intelligent eyes and a faintly mischievous smile.

“Mother, I have your tea poured and sweetened as you like. Noella is filling a plate with your favorites.” Alexander bent, planting a soft kiss to his mother’s cheek.

“Thank you, darling.” Lizzy clasped her son’s offered hand, smiling into the face that was a youthful image of her husband’s.

“Happy Christmas, Father. Aunt Jane, I believe Michael and Ethan are yet fighting over who should be allowed to bring your breakfast, but Charlie has your tea waiting.”

“He won that battle, did he?” Charles laughed, glancing to Jane’s designated table placement where their second son stood behind the chair, steaming cup of tea waiting.

“Only because Michael and Ethan were too busy arguing over boiled or scrambled eggs.”

“I never eat boiled eggs.”

“And of course Michael knows this, Aunt. Irritating cousin Ethan is the impetus, but I am sure he will relent before you perish from hunger.”

“Let us pray so,” Darcy murmured. “I would hate to be forced to publicly admonish my ornery son on Christmas Day.”

“Do not worry, Darcy,” Charles said. “Ethan is far too gullible. Michael is good for him.”

“Perhaps, but I rather doubt Michael has Ethan’s best interests at heart.”

“Merry Christmas, Mama! Papa! Your plate is ready, Mama. Shall I dish yours, Papa?”

“Thank you, Noella, but I can manage. A hug would be appreciated,” he said with a smile, opening his arms as Noella readily embraced him. “Happy birthday, holly berry.” He kissed her head, whispering for her ears only, “I have a very special gift for you.”

“Oh! What is it, Papa! Tell me, please!”

“Christmas first. One party at a time, as we always do, and then this afternoon I will reveal. No pouting, miss,” he tugged on her protruding lower lip, “and the sad eyes shall not sway me.” He winked at his wife, Lizzy smiling and shaking her head, well aware that Darcy was pathetically vulnerable to weepy manipulation from his daughters.

Noella knew this as well, but she laughed, tossing her head and causing her black curls to bounce prettily. “Oh, very well! I shall be patient. Does not Grandpapa’s portrait cheer the room, Mama? I still feel as if he is here, and Audrey said she knows he is watching over us. Do you think that is true?”

“Only God knows for certain,” Darcy answered, “but he lives on in our hearts to be sure.”

He glanced to the table setting nearest Mr. Bennet’s easel-propped painting where Audrey sat, her lips moving in a steady stream of quiet conversation to her adored grandfather’s image, relaying the antics of his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Nathaniel sat beside his sister with Mary’s oldest girls across, all of them adding to the observations as had become a custom due to Mr. Bennet’s diminished far-sight. The gift of descriptiveness with colorful language and exaggerated recounting was possessed by all of them to varying degrees, their talents perfected via theatrical performances on a regular basis and later used to entertain their grandfather. It appeared to be an ingrained habit that would be slowly relinquished.

Lizzy left to assist Thomas with his plate while Darcy crossed to the breakfast sidebar where his Uncle George stood talking with General Artois, Kitty’s husband; Mr. Joshua Daniels, Mary’s husband; and Mr. Gardiner. Greetings and holiday well wishes were extended as Darcy poured his coffee.

“Is the birthday girl still clueless as to her present?” Artois nodded toward Noella, who now sat between Michael and Nathaniel, inhibiting the latter from pouring a sixth spoon of sugar into his porridge, a pronouncement he was clearly not pleased about.

Darcy nodded his head. “As far as I know. I have been most adamant that she cannot have a full-grown horse until she is fifteen, so she is not expecting it. And thank you again for supplying the headgear. Cleo is quite small, that being why I chose her for Noella, and none of our bridles or halters fit her. The decision was a sudden one—”

“And displeasing to Mrs. Darcy,” George added with a chuckle.

“—and I did not have time to order a new one from London,” Darcy concluded, ignoring his uncle’s remark. Lizzy had relented all opinions ages ago when it came to the boys riding horses with their equestrian obsessed father, but she fought the notion with Noella. However, the reality that Noella was far more enamored with and competent on a horse than Michael could not be denied, so Lizzy was gradually learning to accept defeat. Nevertheless, they had argued over gifting Cleo, and it was only the mare’s smaller stature that convinced Lizzy to agree, albeit reservedly.

“My pleasure,” Artois said. “It will be fun to see her face. Cleo is an excellent mount for a first horse. Thankfully the weather is pleasant enough for her to ride today.”

“Pardon me, Mr. Darcy,” the ever-polite solicitor to the Pemberley Estate began, Mr. Daniels forever maintaining his formality despite years as a brother-in-law, “but when is the birthday party to commence? Mrs. Daniels wanted to take the children to Mr. Bennet’s graveside sometime this afternoon but we do not wish to place a damper upon the festivities.”

“Not until after present opening is completed and luncheon has been served. I think Elizabeth has arranged three o’clock with the kitchen staff for Noella’s portion of the day. At teatime, more or less, with birthday cake and sandwiches. Elizabeth already discussed visiting the cemetery before the party. Grief is a part of this Christmas, as it is often a part of life. The two frequently coexist—a reality the children need to learn.”

“Perhaps the stark combination will finally be the catalyst to Elizabeth’s proper grieving,” George said softly.

Darcy nodded. “I pray so. She needs to release her grief. I worry for her.”

“She will, William. Soon. Elizabeth takes her duties as Mistress and hostess too seriously. Her responsibilities have given her a structure to hold on to, but that task is almost done, with Christmas here and the family returning to their dwelling places in the next week or so.” George squeezed his nephew’s shoulder. “Just be there, as you always are, when the dam breaks. I do not envy you!”

Darcy said nothing. Observing tears from any of the women he loved was never easy, but when it came to his wife he preferred her grief manifest with him there to comfort.

George’s chuckle brought him out of his reverie. “I suppose there is no point taking bets on what Michael and Charlie are harassing Alexander about?”

The men’s eyes returned to the table. Alexander sat in perfect repose, calmly dining, and, if not for the slight color to his cheeks, presumably oblivious to the smirks and gibes directed his way. Lizzy, sitting several chairs away, was clearly trying not to laugh and pretending not to hear what the younger boys were saying as she conversed with her mother and Kitty.

“It might help if he did not carry Miss Lathrop’s card in his jacket pocket and take it out every few minutes,” Mr. Gardiner said.

“I honestly do not think he cares,” Darcy said with a faint laugh. He looked at his brothers-in-law, explaining, “You should have seen his face when the Royal letter carrier delivered it yesterday. It was like he was witnessing the most brilliant, heart-piercing sunrise of all time. He actually smelled the envelope—it was perfumed—and his eyes lost focus for a solid ten minutes! Even I could not resist joining the taunts. I am still not sure when that relationship shifted from friendship to love but they seem certain. Time is needed to be sure for the future, however.”

“He reminds me of James with Anne,” George interjected, his old eyes misty in remembrance of his brother. “They knew almost instantly and never questioned. Merely bided their time until your mother was old enough. Of course, we tortured him as mercilessly as they are Alexander.” He grinned, years dropping from his countenance as the devilry of youth took over. “All part of the fun!”

“How are Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop accepting the arrangement? The two are quite young.”

“Indeed, Mr. Daniels, you are correct. At this juncture we are maintaining our peace. None of us have any misgivings to the match. In fact, it is delightful to think of our children married. However, they are far too young.”

“In years Alexander is young, yet he has ever been mature for his age. A serious and tenacious lad as I have never seen. I was not at all surprised when Lizzy wrote us that he insisted on enrolling at Cambridge at sixteen and after only two years at Harrow. I surmise this is a young man with a goal in mind, and that may not just be to co-manage Pemberley with his father.”

Darcy frowned at Mr. Gardiner’s comments. “Alexander’s studies at University keep him too occupied to dwell upon affairs of the heart.”

“So you hope.” George winked, his grin downright salacious. “I tend to agree with Mr. Gardiner as to his diligent application. The sooner he pleases his parents and himself with all that book learning, the sooner he can please other appetites.”

“Precisely why Lathrop is keeping Fiona at home. Alexander may be starry-eyed, but his sense of propriety is more rigid than mine. She, on the other hand, is fiery like her mother.” Darcy shook his head. “God knows I adore her, but we all feel it best to limit contact to censored letters for now, as distressful as that was for Lathrop to allow for his un-betrothed daughter. Elizabeth reports from Mrs. Lathrop that the pleading was fervent and highly dramatic. Poor Stephen was doomed to acquiesce.”

“Seems we have our fair share of headstrong women in this family, with the probable exception of your three daughters, Mr. Daniels.” The solicitor blushed, but appreciatively inclined his head at the General Artois, who then turned to Darcy, continuing with a smile. “I overheard Noella exuberantly sharing with her cousins a recent encounter with Mr. Pomeroy. I daresay it was highly embellished, but the females were appropriately swooning.”

Darcy shook his head and grimaced. “My stubborn daughter has her mind so set, and Hugh pays her scant heed. I truly do not know how she will cope when he finally marries. At least that does not seem probable any time soon, according to Richard. Hopefully she will mature out of her infatuation and set her sights on another, since he apparently quite enjoys his bachelorhood.”

“Well,” George declared with a deep breath and broad grin, “all this youthful zeal and drama keeps us young, yes?”

“Indeed it is amusing. Quite difficult to wallow in sorrow when the children persist in theatric entertainments. Now I think it is time I play my part as disciplinary figure before the teasing turns to physical blows. By now I am certain the playful harassment is bordering on provocation. Alexander is losing his composure and as proud as I am of my eldest’s strength, he is no match for Michael in a brawl.”

“This you know from experience, I take it?”

Darcy grunted, pouring more coffee as he answered Kitty’s husband. “Years of experience. Michael applies equal commitment to athletics, especially pugilism, as Alexander does to books. I fear that only on a horse would he prevail over Michael.”

“They could joust.”

Darcy lifted a brow as the men laughed at Artois’ sally. “Not a bad idea. I shall suggest it.”

The Christmas hours ticked by with standard events transpiring alongside the unusual. First, church at the Village chapel with the requisite Scripture readings followed by a nativity themed play starring the children of the community and orphanage. The opening of gifts was barely finished before luncheon at one o’clock.

A somber walk to the Pemberley cemetery followed.

The ancient family burial ground was situated to the southeast, beyond the maze and rock pond, in a gated greensward surrounded by trees. The gardeners kept the flowers blooming as long as possible, although there were few to be found in December. Still, the sacred area was immaculate and oddly peaceful, even in the midst of winter’s gloom. Mrs. Bennet broke into loud sobs before they opened the gate, leaning heavily on Lizzy and Jane as they wound past the desultory plots, to where Mr. Bennet was buried. The fresh mound of overturned dirt was lightly dusted with snow, the marble gravestone glaringly recent compared to all the others. Sniffles and coughs were plentiful, a few weeping anew, but none as strident as the widow. Soothing Mrs. Bennet required every ounce of Lizzy’s absorption, and the flood of lamentation Darcy both dreaded and hoped for did not occur at this predictable moment.

Noella’s birthday celebration overshadowed the previous hour of woe. Mr. Bennet’s portrait traveled into the orangery where the party was held, his grandfatherly gaze cherished as an angelic onlooker, before being permanently hung in the portrait hallway with due pomp. The late afternoon passed in outdoor activities. The younger children napped or played together in the playroom under the supervision of their nannies while the adults walked Pemberley’s gravel pathways zigzagging the manicured gardens and hedged maze. Noella on Cleo led the adolescents on a vigorous ride across the moor, returning to the warmth of the manor well after sunset.

Through it all, Lizzy fulfilled her role as the perfect hostess. Darcy kept one eye upon her, but she never once lost her composure. Finally, as darkness fully enveloped the land, and with stomachs filled to bursting with Mrs. Langton’s fine cuisine, their guests retired to the largest parlor for subdued conversation, music, and games, and he relinquished his vigilant concern.

Of course it was then, to the surprise of all, that Lizzy’s grief would overwhelm her.

“Aunt Elizabeth? Forgive me for forgetting to return this to you as soon as we arrived. It was in with my other hair combs, wrapped safe in your handkerchief. Thank you for lending to me. I was the only girl at the Michaelmas banquet with Michaelmas daisies adorning. It was perfect.” Deborah stammered to a stop, glancing toward her mother in confused concern. “Aunt Lizzy? I am sorry…”

“Lizzy?” Mary leaned forward, touching her immobile sister lightly on the knee. “Deborah was careful with it, I assure you. She meant no disrespect in her delay to return it…”

“No,” Lizzy choked, shaking her head and rapidly blinking her eyes to clear the sting of hot tears. “Deborah, dear, it… it’s fine, truly.” Her voice cracked and she swallowed a dry gulp. All moisture had vacated her mouth and throat, traveling, apparently, to her palms and lachrymal ducts.

Stupefied, the seconds stretching, she stared at the white linen draped over her trembling hands and the item cushioned therein. The four-inch long hairpin was silver, embedded with tarnished spots that were impossible to polish, aiding the appearance of antiquity. The cluster of lavender Michaelmas daisies covering the top were exquisitely detailed, but the color was faded in places with tiny chips in the porcelain petals and one of the yellow garnets set in the center of each flower was newer and scratch-free. It was a lovely hair accessory, obviously well used and finely wrought, although a close inspection by anyone moderately familiar with jewelry would reveal a piece of no great worth.

Yet Lizzy stared as if hypnotized, emotions assaulting her in a deluge. She did not see a shabby hair clip. She saw shiny, brilliant lavender daisies with centers of sparkling garnet nestled in a tiny velvet-lined box resting on a broad palm. She saw her father’s face caught between a loving smile and teasing grin as he said, “Lavender because it is your favorite color, Lizzy, and Michaelmas daisies because they mean ‘farewell,’ although in your case not because I am saying good-bye, but because I know you shall always fare well in your life. You are my brightest daughter and have the greatest potential.”

“I remember that clip!” Lydia’s slurred voice boomed from over Lizzy’s shoulder, shattering the echo of Mr. Bennet’s voice. “Papa brought each of us a flowered hairclip that year when he returned from Town. Mine was buttercups, if I recall, and Jane, yours was carnations. Or was it chrysanthemums?” She shrugged and took a hasty gulp of wine. “That was ages ago. I can’t believe you still have it. Look how tarnished it is!” She leaned over the sofa back and pointed to the splotched silver filigree leaves, and then hiccupped loudly, spilling a drop of red wine onto the end daisy. “Oops! So sorry…”

But Lizzy had risen to her feet, the flowered clip clutched to her chest. Her shimmering gaze swept over the expressions on the faces of the women sitting in a circle around her: Lydia annoyed that the abrupt action had caused her to step unsteadily backward and splash wine onto her bounteous exposed bosom, her other sisters sympathetic, and her mother baffled. Beyond their intimate circle of chairs the remaining family members carried on unaware, including Darcy, who was scowling intently at the chessboard located between him and George.

Yet Lizzy barely registered any of it, not even Charles Bingley’s questioning look. Focusing on any one person was impossible. A vise was tightening about her chest, making breathing difficult. She struggled viciously against the images of Mr. Bennet that slammed over everything in the room and the gruff timbre of his voice that drowned the laughing children. Her efforts were in vain and the Christmas merriment faded into a background shadow and murmur, yielding reality to the plethora of visions and conversations spanning years past with her father.

The final shred of hope that dignity might be retained was dashed when Mrs. Bennet declared with a disgusted sniff, “Why you would bother with that old piece when you have a closet full of jewels to rival a queen is beyond my comprehension. Mr. Bennet brought me one with roses along with you girls’. It was nice enough, I suppose, and he commented when I wore it, but my goodness, it was tarnished and bent! I couldn’t wait to part with it once he was gone.”

Lizzy stifled a cry, wet, blazing eyes piercing her mother before she mumbled an apology to the group and rushed toward the exit.

“Darcy.”

“Hmm?”

“I think something is wrong with Elizabeth.” Darcy’s head snapped up at that, his eyes swinging to where she had been sitting last he looked. “No,” Bingley answered before his friend could ask, “she left the room visibly upset.”

Darcy reached the empty hallway, hesitating briefly, then taking a chance that she had headed toward their private chambers. His guess was correct, but his wife had halted midway up the sloping staircase. She was leaning into the wall, her body bent at the waist, arms hugging her torso as she shook with silent sobs.

He paused for a moment, his heart painfully twisted. He empathized wholly with her suffering, having lost both his parents and a grandfather who was dear to him. Yet he knew that it was not words she needed. Only his love and support. He took a deep breath, ascending to where she hunched, gathering her gently into his arms just as she released her pent agony in a keening wail and her knees buckled.

The final hours of their nineteenth Christmas as a married couple were spent alone in their bedchamber. Darcy held her before the fire, rocking gently until her gasps diminished, cries turned to whimpers, and speech lowered to levels a human could hear. Then the stories came. Lizzy related dozens of conversations with her father, humorous incidents from her youth, books they read and discussed, arguments and debates, their unspoken communications at the antics surrounding them, his earthy witticisms, and the numerous gifts he gave his favorite daughter.

“He hated Town,” she whispered, “yet every time he was forced to travel there he purchased presents for us.” She opened her hand, running one fingertip over the petals. “I was thirteen when he gave me this. I can’t say why it became so special to me, but I love it.” She glanced up at Darcy’s face, snuggling deeper into his firm chest and smiling softly. “Do you remember when I feared I had lost this at Caister-on-Sea? After we made love on the sand?”

“Of course,” he answered, cupping her cheek and rubbing the pad of his thumb over her lower lip. “That was a magical morning high on my list of special memories.” He bent to kiss her lightly. “And not only for the obvious reason. I knew how precious this clip was to you and I am glad I found it.”

“And also why you had the garnet replaced when it fell out. Did I thank you adequately for that, William?”

He chuckled. “Indeed. You profusely expressed your thanks. But only after sternly chastising me for stealing it away to surprise you, leaving you frantic that you had lost it. I believe that lesson is indelibly etched in my mind.”

“Well, I do like most of your surprises.” She smiled, pulling him in for a slow kiss and then looking back at the old clip. “It is odd how small, insignificant items become vital. The mundane happenings or casual remarks that now linger as momentous.” She inhaled, pressing knuckles against her trembling lips. “They are priceless now, and I wish…”

“What do you wish?”

“There were so many other… gifts. Trinkets that I did not value… gaps in my memory… words that should have been said… his personal effects that… Oh William! I do not trust Mama to…” She waved her hand frantically, breathless sobs falling faster between the gasps and sniffles as she tried to talk.

“Cry, dearest. You need to let it out. You are safe here with me to share your pain. Fret not over Mr. Bennet’s personal effects. I haven’t allowed anything to be touched until you are ready. The staff has orders.”

“What if I forget? I feel… already as if I…. have to force the memories. As if they are slipping from me and… all I see is his face…. His cold face lying there… How old he was!”

He tightened his arms as shivers raced through her body and the cleansing weeping continued. “Only because that was your last images, love. Trust me. That will fade in time as you grieve, to then be supplanted by images of your youth. All of your memories and devotion to your father will carry you through and be with you forever.”

And then he began to speak of his parents, his richly resonant voice and vivid remembrances reassuring and pacific. She listened, her weeping lessening gradually as his stories mingled with her own past remembrances. Sadness washed away with the tears he tenderly dried, and grief-coiled muscles released their tension. Finally, sleep claimed her.

He carried her to their bed, nestling close all through the night. And within his stalwart embrace, gentle caresses, radiant heat, and enduring love, her emotions began the necessary journey of settling into a balance of sorrow and joy.

Christmas Present

“Ouch! Damn!”

The whispered curse forced her to burrow her face into the pillow, stifling the giggles that finally erupted after the past five minutes of listening to her husband attempt to sneak quietly about the dark room. He had already missed the chair back when tossing his robe onto it, the plop of heavy velvet hitting the floor surprisingly loud in the silent room. And the noises rendered by an ungainly one-legged hop and frantic rescue of the oil lamp that tipped when he lost his balance while taking off his shoes and stockings still echoed across the ceiling’s beams. She felt some sympathy for what she knew was a toe painfully jammed into the solid wood of the bed’s frame, but the humor of the situation overruled her pity. When would he learn?

“A single candle would have saved your poor foot, you know.”

After a long pause and bumbling search for where the edges met, the bed curtains parted and the vague outline of his head appeared in the gap. “Forgive me, dearest. I tried not to wake you.”

She laughed, rising up on one elbow to better see his face. “Amongst your many talents, stealth is not one of them. I would have thought that evident by now. Next time you choose to prowl about the halls in the middle of the night, please take a candle. I may still waken from the light but it will prevent damaged digits leaving blood on the carpets.”

“As you wish, Mrs. Darcy. Although in this case it is not the middle of the night but nearly dawn, and may I remind you that the halls of Pemberley are well lit? Only in here is it pitch dark.”

“What induced you to leave our warm bed at this hour anyway?”

“I wanted to ensure the tree had been properly erected in the ballroom as ordered.”

“And was it?”

“All twelve impressive feet of it. I daresay it is rather lovely and festive, despite my misgivings at the notion of a tree inside the manor.” The curtains opened further as he leaned in to kiss his wife.

“So now that you have satisfied your curiosity, how about you and your injured toes join me in bed?” But before he could answer, she balled her fists around the loose linen of his shirt and yanked him flush onto her body, a position he did not protest after the initial startled grunt.

After a long kiss he whispered huskily, “You are so demanding and impetuous, love. A trait I much admire although in this instance a modicum of restraint would have allotted me the chance to remove my clothing and join you under the blankets.”

“I’ll release you long enough for that task, but try not to injure yourself further.”

With a speed and precision at odds with his earlier clumsiness, he lit the bedside candles, disrobed, and was under the blankets nestled against her bare skin in record time. The faint glow of the rising sun mixed with the light from the candles, igniting the fiery red strands of her hair as he buried his fingers into the mass spilling over the pillow. He inhaled her scent and kissed the soft bend of her neck repeatedly.

“Happy Christmas, Alexander,” she murmured into his ear.

“I love you, Fiona,” he responded, burrowing deeper beneath the covers and preparing to establish their own Christmas tradition.

Far on the other side of the upper floor of the enormous manor house, the master’s chambers were silent. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the Master of Pemberley, was soundly asleep and dreaming.

Christmas was one of his favorite seasons of the entire year and this one promised to be particularly spectacular and joyous for a number of special reasons. This indisputable awareness was why a sliver of his unconscious mind recognized how odd it was that his dreams were troubled. As the unsettling dream escalated to a true nightmare, that sliver of consciousness began to exert more force, sending signals to his twitching muscles and pounding heart, urging him to wake up.

However, it would not be his own will that ended his sleep and shattered the disturbing images.

“Hmmm… You’re moving finally. Are you waking up, William? It is dawn and I tire of waiting for your touch and kisses.”

Even his distressed, sleep-fogged brain dimly perceived the moist, full lips raining kisses over his bare shoulder and up his neck while a small, firmly caressing hand traveled over his chest. The jumble of negative dream sensations and visions collided with the pleasant impression of a woman possessively touching his skin with the utmost tenderness.

“Elizabeth? Is that you?” His rough voice cracked, one hand grabbing the tiny fingers winding a determined path down his chest. With the other he scrubbed at his gummed eyes, turning toward the face that was now floating above him and laughing.

“After three and twenty years you expected someone else? For that, I should leave in a huff and make you suffer.” But she only laughed harder and brushed a kiss over his slack mouth. “I shall forgive you, my dearest husband, as I know what a deep sleeper you are. Unless, of course, you confess to dreams of another woman in our bed waking you with kisses? In that case your punishment will be severe.”

She was still smiling, an impish quirk to her brows as she stared into his gradually clearing eyes. She was not the slightest bit concerned about his dreams involving another woman, knowing with full certainty that even in his sleeping state, only she appeared.

He exhaled in a gush, blinked, and pressed two fingertips tightly against the bridge of his nose as he shook his head. He then brought the slim hand he yet held to his lips, kissing her wrist and palm, and finally opening his eyes to focus on her face. His naturally sapphire-blue eyes were dark in the shadows, but they were lucid, piercing her with his familiar intensity.

Now that he was fully awake he snorted at her teasing and draped his free arm around her shoulders until his fingers were entwined in the hair at the nape of her neck, the rest spilling over his arm. “Never,” he answered decisively. “Rather I was enduring a nightmare where you were not a part of my life. I was old and wrinkled, grayer than my uncle, shuffling my body arthritically through the empty corridors of Pemberley, depressed and lonely. It was horrible.”

“I am sorry for your nightmare, love,” she said with true sincerity. “You should not suffer unpleasant dreams of that sort. I am your wife now and always.” She played with his thick, brown hair, trailing her fingertips over his features as her rich voice caressed and soothed. “We are all here as we have been and will be for a long while to come.”

She paused for a long interlude of tender kisses, withdrawing to continue reassuring, only with a playful lilt to her voice. “And you, my darling, are as robust and healthy as the day I married you. I only see three or four grey hairs—”

“Each placed there by Michael, I am sure.”

“—and tiny laugh crimps at the corners of your eyes are the only wrinkles on your perfect body. Fifty-one is far from old and considering how active your uncle still is, I doubt your virility will be an issue for many years to come, if ever.”

“Well, when you clarify it in those terms, the nightmare fades into oblivion.” He pulled until she lay completely atop him with limbs entangled.

“Since it is Christmas morning, we have a tradition to uphold,” she reminded him.

“Breakfast with the family?”

“Before that.”

“Waking the children before they pound upon our door?”

She giggled. “You know they will head directly to the ballroom and the tree sparing no thought of their parents. Try again.”

He continued the teasing questions. “Bathing together so your back will be adequately cleaned?”

“Now that is a fine idea! What say we squeeze that in between dressing in our Christmas finest and attending to our customary private celebration?”

She wiggled her brows, Darcy erupting in laughter and flipping her onto her back. “You are insatiable. I love you, Elizabeth.”

“And I love you, Fitzwilliam. Now how about showing me your abiding devotion and passion.”

“As you wish.”

It was over three hours and one extended bath later when a whistling Darcy exited his dressing room. Hair trimmed, face shaved and splashed with cologne, and garbed in an impeccable, fashionable suit of dark blue wool, he exuded dignity and refinement. The jaunty spring in his steps as he headed toward the staircase flowed naturally and did not mar the aura of authority he wore. At the bottom of the stairs he paused, a wide grin spreading over his face before he quickly dashed to hide around the corner.

“Stop! Would you two listen to me? When I catch you there will be hell to pay! Are you listening to me?”

Darcy held his chuckle inside. His sister’s unheeded commands mixed with high-pitched peals of laughter and the stomp of small, running feet. The sounds grew louder by the second until two bodies barreled around the corner. Darcy shouted and leapt into their pathway. They shrieked in unison, but smoothly veered to either side of his legs, their wild rush not slowed in the slightest as they raced by. “Happy Christmas, Uncle William!” floated on the air behind them as they plunged down the corridor, still laughing.

Georgiana rounded the corner seconds later, pulling up short before crashing into her brother’s much larger body. “You didn’t stop them?”

“I tried, but…”

“Never mind! Oh thank God. Richard! Harry! Grab those two ruffians please.”

Yells and laughter rang out as the two men jumped into the fray, making a grand procedure out of capturing the two five-year olds. With a kicking and squirming boy tucked securely under an arm, Richard and Harry walked toward Georgiana and Darcy.

“What is the penalty, Aunt Giana? Twenty lashes? The rack?”

“Mr. Burr was talking about a huge ant hill he discovered,” Richard offered with a wink not seen by the twins, who were now limp and quiet. “I hear that is an ideal form of torture.”

“Mama! We promise to be good!”

“We just want to see the tree!”

Georgiana rolled her eyes. “Everything is ‘the tree this’ and ‘the tree that.’ Whose idea was it to have a tree?” It was a rhetorical question, as the three men knew, and they all laughed. “Just take them to the dining room if you don’t mind.”

“But Mama!” They cried with identical whines and pouting faces.

“We will take you to the ballroom first, how about that? But you must promise not to try climbing the tree, agreed?”

“Yes, Uncle Richard.” Pledged in tandem, and after merry Christmas wishes and proper good morning greetings, Colonel Fitzwilliam and his son jogged away briskly with the cheered boys dangling from their hips.

“Those two will be the death of me, I swear. Why me? The girls are so dainty and mild. Then I am cursed with twin hellions. Now I find out that their father was a crazed child before he became the sedate man I married. Why did he not tell me this beforehand?”

“Would it have changed your heart, my Lady Essenton?” Darcy asked with a laugh.

Georgiana flushed prettily. “Unlikely. But I would have been forewarned!”

“Where is your husband anyway?”

She grunted. “Leaving me to flounder while he hides in the music room practicing the piece we wrote for today.” She brightened, squeezing her brother’s arm as they strolled the wide corridor leading to the north wing. “It is very good, William, if I say so myself.”

“I have no doubt it will awe and delight, dearest sister. And the tree is a fabulous idea, despite the overzealous enthusiasm displayed. Your frequent excursions abroad for concerts and study have paid off in numerous ways, this German custom only the latest inspiration.”

“This ‘German custom’ has been practiced by our royal family for years. Queen Victoria has written of her fondness for a decorated tree. You wait, my skeptical brother. Soon everyone in England will have a tree for Christmas. Once the Pemberley tree is decorated with the glass ornaments we obtained while in Lauscha and the German lametta, silver tinsel, in addition to the ornaments the family has made, the ribbons, and candles, you will be as awed as we were while living in Hamburg and Vienna. The Christmas markets, they call them weihnachtsmärktes, are incredible. I have trunks of ornaments at home, but brought a large box of my favorites.”

“You misunderstand me, Georgiana. I am quite delighted at the concept of a tree. I personally chose the Scots pine hewn and now erected in the ballroom. Days spent on horseback scouring the woods, mind you, before we found a gorgeous specimen that may not contend with your German varieties, but is stunning and will decorate nicely.”

“Are we talking about the Christmas tree? It seems to be the prime subject these days, even to the point of wandering dark hallways and injuring body parts.”

Georgiana and Darcy turned at the sound of Fiona’s voice, noting her amused smirk and Alexander’s wince. Lizzy was walking alongside her faintly limping son and by the twitching of her lips it was clear she was privy to the story behind Fiona’s remark.

“Our son may look exactly like you, my love, and we know his temperament is remarkably similar. But apparently he did not inherit your uncanny ability to sneak quietly.”

“Oh? I have never noticed. He is adequately stealthy when we hunt.”

“Very well! Since I know my humiliation will be publicly broadcast, I may as well recount my clumsiness to the entire family all at once and get it over with.”

Fiona nodded and continued to smile brightly. “Indeed it is a perfect Christmas story. My father will love it!” Alexander blanched, immediately remembering what happened minutes after his embarrassing stumble. Fiona merely laughed and lifted to kiss his cheek. “Do not fret. I promise not to mention how I alleviated your pain.”

Her dimpled smile and wink made Alexander groan and redden. The others burst out laughing.

The formal dining room was nearly filled to capacity. Between the recent wedding of Alexander and Fiona, Noella’s eighteenth birthday, and the advent of the Christmas tree to this year’s holiday, nearly every relative and friend of the Darcys had been invited to celebrate this Christmas at Pemberley. Most were housed in the manor, with every bedchamber in use for the first time in memory. Other friends from the neighborhood would be arriving after church for the tree decorating and luncheon birthday extravaganza. Due to the multitude of people anticipated and the size of the tree selected by the Pemberley groundsmen and Master, the massive ballroom had been converted into a comprehensive parlor, music room, and gift repository.

Breakfast was an organized affair, unlike the usual free flowing manner, with food kept at the sidebar. Place settings were assigned and courses served in a regimented schedule. Of course, this controlled timetable in no way meant that calm and serenity reigned.

The Master and Mistress of Pemberley entered the room arm-in-arm, taking in the gay atmosphere with happy smiles. But before either could speak, the birthday girl’s voice interrupted their thoughts and cut through the lively air.

“As far as I am concerned, Hugh Pomeroy can fall off a cliff. Good riddance, I say. He better not say a word to me or I will give him a piece of my mind!”

They turned to see their eldest daughter flouncing angrily toward them, her face a thundercloud. She was talking to Jane and Mary, both women trying hard not to laugh.

The object of Noella’s harsh dismissal stood several paces inside the door talking to Michael. He glanced up at the irate declaration, but instead of looking worried he grinned and started chuckling. Michael grabbed his arm and forcefully propelled him across the room to a curtained alcove.

“All right, what did you do to my sister now?” He looked at his friend with murder in his eyes. “I saw you two sneaking away last night but trusted your honor, Hugh Pomeroy. I can and will beat you to a bloody pulp if you hurt my sister.”

Hugh pointedly stared at the colorful bruise encircling Michael’s swollen right eye. “That I am well aware of, my friend. Your beating me, I mean. Your success in the boxing ring leaves me no doubt of that. But quit glowering at me, will you? I think it is rather what I didn’t do that has her up in arms.” And then he began to laugh. He snuck a peek through the drapes to see a visibly furious Noella ranting on to Audrey and several of her female cousins. “Oh, this is too rich!”

“What in blazes are you talking about?”

Hugh opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by the abrupt parting of the curtains. “Are you two hiding in here?”

“Go away, little boy. This is a man’s conversation.”

Nathaniel merely rolled his eyes at his brother, ignoring the severe glare, and stepped into the alcove. “You might want to stay out of sight for a while, cousin. Unless you enjoy tongue-lashings. Noella may well sear the skin off your bones this time. What did you do anyway?”

Hugh shrugged. “Miss Darcy may have been informed by a reliable source that she was to be proposed to last night.”

“She did?”

“And you didn’t?”

“Yes,” he nodded to Nathaniel, “and no I did not,” he directed to Michael, who whistled and shook his head.

“Who told her that?”

Hugh flushed slightly but flashed a cocky grin. “I might have mentioned my intent to Hannah and Audrey, and Deborah and Margaret, who probably shared the secret information with Noella. Just speculating.”

“And then you didn’t propose? Are you insane? If you want to die an early death, let me do it. It will probably be less painful.”

“Thanks,” he said dryly, “I’ll keep that in mind. Relax, I have a plan.”

“Napoleon had a plan too. Look how well that turned out.”

“I am confused,” Nathaniel frowned. “Have you spoken to Father yet? I mean, we all know Noella’s been after you for ages, and frankly I think you’re a loon to marry her, but are you or not?”

Hugh stared at Nathaniel, weighing carefully before speaking. “Listen, Nat. This is serious, so you must remain silent. Your sister’s happiness depends on it.” Suddenly sober and exhibiting maturity beyond his ten years, Nathaniel nodded. Michael looked as solemn as his younger brother. “Here it is. I spoke with Uncle William and my father months ago, before Noella’s debut in Town, as a matter of fact. Your father was firm on waiting until after Noella experienced one Season.” He grimaced, the momentary flash of pain as the confident cast fell from his face more telling than his words. “Blast, that was awful. Her dancing at Almack’s, flirting with those blighters, watching them fawn over her. I wanted to wring their scrawny, lily-white necks!” He clenched his fists, then coughed and gathered his wits, finally shrugging again and relaxing, although his voice remained strained. “He wanted me to wait until she was eighteen. I didn’t want to hear it, but he was correct. Plus, it gave me time to prepare and establish myself. Father has helped with that, so by the time we marry I will have a proper home for her.”

“So…” Michael scratched his temple, “Does that mean you are going to propose today then? Last night was a diversion?”

“Nope!” And the arrogant grin was back. “At the Cole’s Twelfth Night Masque!”

Both Nathaniel and Michael stared, more confused than ever. Hugh threw back his head and laughed. Then he clapped them on the shoulder. “Just wait and see. I have it all planned, with the help of Aunt Elizabeth and my mother. What is grander than a spectacular proposal at the preeminent ball of the holiday with all of Derbyshire’s elite witnessing? It shall be epic. Miss Darcy will be the shining star, envied and honored, stealing the limelight from everyone, the crowning glory of the evening. And I will be the luckiest man in England when she says yes.”

“If she doesn’t kill you between now and then. I think it may be the longest twelve days of your life, my friend.”

Hugh’s dreamy expression and broad smile were assured and slightly lewd. “Trust me. I know how to handle Noella Darcy. I am probably the only man on earth who can. By the time we return from church, she will have forgiven me and will be expressing her adoration fervently.”

Nathaniel muttered something about that being disgusting while Michael renewed his threat to pummel Hugh black-and-blue if he touched his sister. Hugh merely laughed as he bravely exited the sheltered alcove.

Noella’s glare may well have burned Hugh’s skin with its intensity—her choler not aided by the gleaming smile he flashed in her direction—but the nonverbal exchange was quickly interrupted by the appearance of Audrey. The dainty girl was dwarfed between the towering Dr. Darcy and his burly apprentice, Dr. Vaughan, yet all eyes instantly fixed upon her face. Tranquility radiated from her core, a glamour of peace and innocence that none could resist when she was near, or even in the same room. Her ethereal beauty was breathtaking and wholly untarnished by the slight sag to her left eye and mouth. She was mesmerizing, in a multitude of ways, and none escaped the spell she cast.

“Michael, we have a poultice of arnica, comfrey, and parsley for you to place onto your eye. It will reduce the swelling and diminish the bruising.”

“Audrey prepared it herself,” Dr. Darcy interjected, the aged but spry physician gazing at his niece with overwhelming pride. “Excellent work by the best assistant I have ever had. No offense, Dr. Vaughan.”

“None taken, sir. And I agree with your assessment. Miss Darcy’s apothecary skills and knowledge of herbals exceed any I have seen, even those at college.”

Audrey pinked under the praise and penetrating look from the young doctor. But her voice was firm and clinical as she instructed her brother. “You must apply this as a compress as often as possible. If you keep it fresh and in place, your eye will be almost normal by evening.”

“Why would I want to do that? I won the fight fair and square, and wear my only wound with honor. Received a purse of twenty sovereigns for the win and plenty from private betting.” He winked at his uncle, “I told you not to bet against me, Uncle George.”

George winced, glancing nervously at Audrey, who smiled sweetly at her uncle. “Fear not, Uncle George. I won’t tell Mama or Papa. But Michael, your wound distresses Mama and we cannot allow that.”

Her tone remained dulcet and nonjudgmental, but Michael cringed, glancing guiltily toward his mother. “Oh, very well,” he grumbled, “give it here. Probably smells foul and stings to boot.” He yanked the bowl out of her tiny hands and slapped the wet cloth against his left eye. “Making a mountain out of a molehill if you ask me. It’s just a stupid bruise. I hardly feel it. Now I look the fool and everyone will be laughing.”

“No one will laugh, and if they do, you have my permission to punch them. I have plenty more where this came from, after all.” She patted his cheek, her angelic face sunny. Then she turned to Hugh, her countenance and voice compassionate, “Cousin, I will arrange a place for you next to Noella in church so you can atone for your mischievousness. Try not to frustrate her beyond measure. She truly does love you deeply.”

Hugh hung his head, shame drenching him as he stole a glance Noella’s direction. She looked up as if sensing his regard. Her flinty eyes engaged his repentant ones for a moment, flickered to Audrey, and then back to Hugh. Even from across the room he could see their chocolate depths melting, the sparkle brightening their darkness to warm umber. He sighed, lost and lovesick as he had been for two years now.

“Nathaniel, Grandmama has apparently forgotten that Thomas is no longer three. Help me rescue him before he dies of embarrassment?” And then she glided away, her elfin form supported by a polished wood crutch that in no way diminished her grace. Dr. Vaughan sighed, for one unguarded moment his mien showing the rawness of his affection before settling into a mask of neutrality.

The modest chapel in the village burst at the seams with the number of Pemberley guests attending this year. The dusting of snow from five days ago was largely melted and the weather fair enough to permit most of the visitors to walk, a fact the estate’s groomsmen and coachmen were fervently thankful for. Of course the number of conveyances driving into the spacious avenue after the service were considerable, but as always the efficient Pemberley staff rose to the challenge.

Sofas, chairs, chaises, and settees were scavenged from every room to accommodate the army flooding into the mammoth ballroom. A cluster of thickly cushioned couches arranged for optimal tree viewing was reserved for the oldest guests, Lady Catherine choosing the middle armchair and imperiously draping her voluminous skirts as a queen. That she was then flanked by the loquacious Mrs. Bennet and outspoken Mrs. Gardiner—both now widows—on one side and the ornery George Darcy on the other added amusement to an already entertaining afternoon.

For once the children were not in a frenzy to open their presents. Rather, the exuberance was centered on the tree. Footmen hauled dozens of boxes and trays into the room, setting the precious ornaments onto waiting tables. The women took charge, doling out the decorations to the children in an age appropriate manner and assisting in the hanging. The men supported the ladders needed to reach the higher branches and assumed the responsibility of wisely placing the tiny candles that would be lit that evening. It was a production to be sure, but one filled with merriment. Background music was provided by those talented with instruments and singing. Snacks and drinks were replenished steadily, and gradually the tagged gifts were distributed and opened. Surprisingly there were no mishaps beyond a few broken cookie ornaments.

The only interruption to the flow was the delivery of an enormous painting. The family gathered close and everything halted when Darcy opened the crating and the masterpiece was unveiled.

The nearly five-foot square canvas, painted in brilliant colors, showed the front façade of Pemberley with Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth standing regally on the topmost step of the columned portico. They were turned slightly sideways with Elizabeth in front of her husband in a semi-embrace. Alexander, equally noble and the image of his sire except for his coiled brown curls, was positioned one step below with Fiona by his side, her flaming red hair tumbling over one shoulder. Michael, dark and brawny, stood with one arm flung over raven-haired Noella’s shoulders, their devilish grins identical. The younger Darcy siblings were spaced evenly in between.

The painter had resided all summer at Pemberley, dwelling with the Darcys in order to properly capture their personalities on canvas. The result was amazingly accurate and awe-inspiring.

Lizzy slipped away from the boisterous crowd some minutes after Darcy excused himself to ensure the painting’s safe delivery to his office. She quietly opened the door to discover him gazing at the framed canvas propped on a sofa. He did not turn from his serene contemplation of their family, but she knew he was aware of her entry—they always sensed the presence of the other—and sidled up to him, arms naturally embracing.

“I plan to hang it there,” he nodded toward the wall above the settee. “As much as I love Gainsborough’s landscape, I would prefer to have you and our children watching over me as I work. Someday it can join the others in the Portrait Gallery, but not yet.”

“I concur. We look wonderful here. It is an amazing portrait, arriving at a perfect time.”

“How true. It induced me to reflect on Christmases past. All of them have been wonderful since you came into my life.” He looked at her then, blue eyes tender and inundated with love.

“All of them?” she repeated, memories flashing through her mind and her tone only partially teasing, but her eyes were full of the same deep love when they locked with his.

“Even those Christmases that were sad or difficult were special, my heart. My life is complete since we married and I would change nothing. This Christmas is the most recent in a very long line of incredible memories.”

“It is not over yet!” She reminded him, both of them laughing as they returned their gazes to the painting.

Silently, in sweet harmony, they admired the canvas testimonial to what they, through God’s grace, had achieved in the long years of their marriage. They studied the painted images, each beloved beyond measure. The portraitist had easily identified the individual characteristics, capturing them brilliantly. Especially manifest was the love, unswerving commitment, and supreme happiness verily shining from their faces as proud parents to the next generation of Darcys.

She broke the quiet contemplation, tugging gently on his waist. “Come, love. Our family awaits and I have a special present for you.”

“I thought we were finished exchanging gifts this year.”

“It is something special I have held in reserve.”

“Secrets?”

“Of course! It is Christmas after all!”

With laughter and a final glance at the mute and fixed images, they exited the parlor to rejoin the animated reality.

The party had continued unabated, none even noting their absence. Lizzy squeezed his laced fingers, steering him toward the tree and the table where a handful of ornaments yet waited to be hung. She reached into a segregated box, unwrapping the tissue paper from a thin, narrow object, and handed it to her spouse.

“I saved this one for you to place,” she said softly, her eyes shining.

Darcy stared at the bookmark in his hand, swallowing past the lump in his throat as more memories washed over him: Elizabeth Bennet, his then betrothed, surprising him with a party on the occasion of his twenty-ninth birthday and gifting him with this bookmark, embroidered and sewn by her hand, tucked into a first edition copy of Milton’s Paradise Lost. Both were among his most cherished possessions. The bookmark maintained the placement in hundreds of books for some ten years, then was relegated to his bedside Bible for several more years, until he had finally been forced to store it in one of his many memento boxes before the frayed cloth disintegrated completely. Now here it was, restored with the embroidered silk sewn onto a new backing and edged with lace that looped, for hanging onto the tree’s branch. The meticulous stitches from so long ago were freshly reinforced, Lizzy’s delicate hand spelling out their names inside linked hearts with a scripture from Genesis scripted above: The two shall become one flesh.

He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “And so we have, my heart.” He placed the bookmark onto a prominent front branch at eye level, turning back to his wife.

“Merry Christmas, Fitzwilliam.”

“Merry Christmas, Elizabeth.” And the kiss he gave her went on long after everyone in the room began clapping and cheering.

The End