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Authors: Rebecca Ann Collins
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Pemberley.
The festive mood seemed to affect everyone--as the diners rose and proceeded to the music room to sing and play, while the children played Hunt the Slipper and Hide and Seek--their voices ringing through the halls and corridors of the house. The often awesome atmosphere of the stately building was lightened with an infusion of fun overlaying generations of formality and tradition.
Darcy, too, appeared to have shed the shyness that masqueraded as a serious and taciturn disposition and revealed a whole new aspect of his nature. His hospitality and concern for his guests were impeccable and moreover, were warm and sincere. Jane, tiring a little of entertaining the children, came over to where Elizabeth sat, a little apart from the company. "You seem tired, Lizzie," she said, as she sat down beside her.
Lizzie nodded but added, "Yes, but, oh so happy, Jane . . . I cannot believe that a year ago we were all so sad and despondent." Jane smiled as only the truly contented woman can and said, "I know exactly how you feel, Lizzie. Mr Bingley and I have noticed how much Mr Darcy has changed--he is so much more sociable; he does not seem to stand apart as he used to before. We are quite sure it is all due to you, Lizzie. He is happier and therefore more at ease with everyone. Bingley is very pleased." Elizabeth smiled and wondered at the perceptive comments of her sister; she knew in her heart that Jane was right but was reluctant to accept all the credit for herself. She hastened to say that Darcy had always been amiable and had no improper pride; his shyness and uncertainty of acceptance had led to a reputation for hauteur, which was, for the most part, undeserved. Jane put an arm around her, "I have no need to be convinced of this, dear Lizzie, Mr Bingley has always told me that his friend was the best of men, and I know you would not have accepted him if it were not so."
Afterwards, Georgiana came to sit with her; as they watched Darcy move among the guests, she said, "Lizzie, I cannot tell you what a lovely Christmas this has been," and spoke with such warmth and sincerity that Elizabeth had to believe this was more than a polite expression of thanks. "I have no memory of enjoying myself so much, and I am sure that my brother feels the same. You only have to look at him to see how happy he is. Lizzie, it is all due to you, and I am so very grateful." Elizabeth coloured with pleasure and some embarrassment; she had not expected all these compliments, and much as she enjoyed the appreciation, it troubled her a little to accept so much praise. Darcy, seeing them together, came across and put his arms around them both and hugged them in full view of everyone. It left no one in any doubt that the Master of Pemberley was having his happiest Christmas in many years.
To complete a wonderful day, after everyone had exchanged gifts, they filled the little chapel at Pemberley for Evensong. This time, the choristers were joined by the family and visitors, Mary, Kitty, and the Gardiner children together with the resounding Welsh tenor of Mr Jenkins making the place ring with the loveliest sounds ever heard in this great house. Darcy, standing beside his wife, felt for the first time that he was making his own mark as the Master of Pemberley; with Elizabeth beside him, he was confident this was only the beginning of a new era. Elizabeth sensed his happiness and gently pushed her hand into his to share a moment of tenderness. Bingley and Jane looked across at them, and, catching her sister's eye, Elizabeth smiled, her felicity there for all to see.
J
On the morning of Boxing Day, the traditional Christmas boxes were handed out to the servants and farm workers of the Pemberley Estate. Darcy's generosity was now clear, with the very substantial rewards he gave to people who had provided services to the family through the year. Through the day, they were visited by the tenants and their children. Later, Mr Darcy and Georgiana invited
The festive mood seemed to affect everyone--as the diners rose and proceeded to the music room to sing and play, while the children played Hunt the Slipper and Hide and Seek--their voices ringing through the halls and corridors of the house. The often awesome atmosphere of the stately building was lightened with an infusion of fun overlaying generations of formality and tradition.
Darcy, too, appeared to have shed the shyness that masqueraded as a serious and taciturn disposition and revealed a whole new aspect of his nature. His hospitality and concern for his guests were impeccable and moreover, were warm and sincere. Jane, tiring a little of entertaining the children, came over to where Elizabeth sat, a little apart from the company. "You seem tired, Lizzie," she said, as she sat down beside her.
Lizzie nodded but added, "Yes, but, oh so happy, Jane . . . I cannot believe that a year ago we were all so sad and despondent." Jane smiled as only the truly contented woman can and said, "I know exactly how you feel, Lizzie. Mr Bingley and I have noticed how much Mr Darcy has changed--he is so much more sociable; he does not seem to stand apart as he used to before. We are quite sure it is all due to you, Lizzie. He is happier and therefore more at ease with everyone. Bingley is very pleased." Elizabeth smiled and wondered at the perceptive comments of her sister; she knew in her heart that Jane was right but was reluctant to accept all the credit for herself. She hastened to say that Darcy had always been amiable and had no improper pride; his shyness and uncertainty of acceptance had led to a reputation for hauteur, which was, for the most part, undeserved. Jane put an arm around her, "I have no need to be convinced of this, dear Lizzie, Mr Bingley has always told me that his friend was the best of men, and I know you would not have accepted him if it were not so."
Afterwards, Georgiana came to sit with her; as they watched Darcy move among the guests, she said, "Lizzie, I cannot tell you what a lovely Christmas this has been," and spoke with such warmth and sincerity that Elizabeth had to believe this was more than a polite expression of thanks. "I have no memory of enjoying myself so much, and I am sure that my brother feels the same. You only have to look at him to see how happy he is. Lizzie, it is all due to you, and I am so very grateful." Elizabeth coloured with pleasure and some embarrassment; she had not expected all these compliments, and much as she enjoyed the appreciation, it troubled her a little to accept so much praise. Darcy, seeing them together, came across and put his arms around them both and hugged them in full view of everyone. It left no one in any doubt that the Master of Pemberley was having his happiest Christmas in many years.
To complete a wonderful day, after everyone had exchanged gifts, they filled the little chapel at Pemberley for Evensong. This time, the choristers were joined by the family and visitors, Mary, Kitty, and the Gardiner children together with the resounding Welsh tenor of Mr Jenkins making the place ring with the loveliest sounds ever heard in this great house. Darcy, standing beside his wife, felt for the first time that he was making his own mark as the Master of Pemberley; with Elizabeth beside him, he was confident this was only the beginning of a new era. Elizabeth sensed his happiness and gently pushed her hand into his to share a moment of tenderness. Bingley and Jane looked across at them, and, catching her sister's eye, Elizabeth smiled, her felicity there for all to see.
J
On the morning of Boxing Day, the traditional Christmas boxes were handed out to the servants and farm workers of the Pemberley Estate. Darcy's generosity was now clear, with the very substantial rewards he gave to people who had provided services to the family through the year. Through the day, they were visited by the tenants and their children. Later, Mr Darcy and Georgiana invited
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