Read Online The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins - Free Book Online

couple she had ever had the pleasure of knowing. She could only pray that their future would be as blessed as the present.
Later, Darcy and Mr Gardiner joined them. Sensing the unspoken query in Lizzie's eyes, Darcy explained that Jane and Mr Bingley had sat down with Georgiana and Dr Grantley to a game of whist. "Whist!" exclaimed both ladies together, unable to believe that anyone had sufficient energy left at the end of this day for a game of whist.
"Indeed," said Darcy, "a somewhat merrier version of it than usual."
"I was just saying to Mr Darcy how well Lizzie and Miss Darcy have done in putting together the entertainment this evening. No one would believe that most of the children had never sung in a choir before," said Mr Gardiner.
Darcy agreed enthusiastically and, putting an arm around his wife, said, "I am very proud of them, especially Lizzie, whose idea it was. I have never enjoyed a better Christmas Eve, and what's more, my dear, Dr Grantley is so impressed, he has asked that they sing when he takes Evensong in the chapel, tomorrow."
Lizzie and Mrs Gardiner were delighted. "Now that is an honour, indeed. Knowing the reputation of the choir of St John's, I must say it is very kind of Dr Grantley," said Lizzie, adding that the four young Gardiners had made a vital contribution to the success of the evening. The Gardiners gently disengaged themselves on the pretext of getting their lively children to bed. Darcy and Elizabeth smiled and did not try to keep them from going. Much as they loved the Gardiners, it was the first time in almost twenty-four hours that they had found themselves alone together, and the pleasure was as sweet as it was unexpected.
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    A light snowfall overnight created a picture book Christmas scene as the family and guests went to church in the village below the Pemberley Estate, where Dr Grantley joined the resident curate, Mr Jenkins, in conducting the service. The little church was full with the young "choristers" sitting together at the front. The singing was sweet and strong. Elizabeth was delighted to hear the voices of the children in natural harmony. Exchanging glances with Mrs Gardiner and her husband, she vowed to carry on the Pemberley Children's Choir, "We'll make a tradition that Pemberley will be proud of," she thought, as she listened.
    Later, the young curate congratulated her, "I've never had such fine singing here before, Mrs Darcy. I believe we have you to thank."
Elizabeth blushed. "Oh no, Mr Jenkins, many people including Miss Darcy and my sister Mrs Bingley helped. And ultimately, it was the children themselves; they were so keen to learn to sing."
"Well, it looks to me we could have the beginnings of a proper choir at Pemberley," said Mr Jenkins, who was Welsh and heir to a fine tradition of choral singing.
"I think we should build on this excellent foundation," Elizabeth agreed, and her husband added, "I think you have started something here, my dear." They invited Mr Jenkins to join them at Pemberley for Evensong that night and stay to supper, an invitation that was readily accepted by the young clergyman.
Christmas dinner was a splendid feast. Mrs Reynolds excelled herself, and the cook had produced delectable dishes of game and poultry prepared in the traditional style, as well as a range of side and corner dishes to tempt the palate on a cold afternoon. Punch and mulled wine were served before, and hock and claret accompanied the courses, until finally Christmas pudding and a festive centrepiece of fresh fruit and syllabub, with small bowls of nuts and preserved ginger, were placed on the uncovered table.
Elizabeth was so pleased, she thanked Mrs Reynolds and asked to be taken to the kitchen so she could thank the staff and especially the cook for the splendid meal. No previous Mistress had done such a thing. The staff was surprised and gratified at the gesture and thanked Mrs Darcy for her appreciation. It was clear that she had made an excellent debut at