A short story for Christmas. I've never written anything in the Regency time period before, so there will probably be some inaccuracies. I've also taken liberties with the P&P timeline by making the events of Hunsford not too distant from Christmas. Please just imagine that and don't try and fit it with anything you know of P&P. It will be more enjoyable that way.

And for those who read Humbug Alert, no I haven't forgotten about that Grinch, who may make a reappearance in the future.

Happy reading!

"What's this?" Darcy scowled as he accepted the envelope from his cousin.

"Your invitation to the annual Christmas Eve ball, of course."

"Wonderful," he huffed. "I'm sorry, but I'm not in the mood, Richard. Please give your mother my apologies. I'll make a donation, but I won't be attending this year."

"Come on, Darcy. Don't be like that. I know you'd prefer not to be stuck in a crowd, but it's Christmas, and it's for a good cause."

"I know that."

"Well? Where's your Christmas spirit?"

"I don't have any."

"I'll say! What's wrong with you? You've been like a bear with a sore head for weeks now. Even allowing for your normal disposition, this really isn't like you."

"Well we can't all be like you, Richard. You and Bingley are a good pair. You are each capable of providing more than enough entertainment for everyone. You don't need me there."

The two men stood on opposite sides of the room, an invisible battle line drawn. Darcy started to slowly pace in front of the roaring fireplace, a slight frown visible in the flickering light. Richard flopped onto a chair several feet away and stared at him. Richard was not easily intimidated, and even less so when faced with his serious and stubborn cousin.

"You're being a right royal pain, Darce."

"Thank you."

"That wasn't meant to be a compliment."

"I didn't think it was. I was merely acknowledging your comprehension of my intentions."

"Oh, good grief! Darcy! What about Georgie?"

"She arrives on Friday. We will have a quiet dinner together on Christmas Eve. I've already written to her and she is quite happy with that plan."

"This is ridiculous. You attend the ball every year. Both of you. It's the one night of the year Georgie is allowed to participate, get a taste of what is to come, and do so with plenty of family present."

"You know she doesn't enjoy the ball any more than I do. If she wanted to go I would ensure she did, but as it stands she is perfectly amenable to not participating."

"This is hardly the event of the year. You've both been numerous times before. What's changed? It's for charity, and you know mother depends on us all to show our support."

A slight wave of guilt hit Darcy, but it wasn't enough to make him change his mind. Nor was it enough to stop Richard's remonstrations.

"We celebrate every year. It's Christmas for goodness sake!"

"I told you, Richard, I'm in no mood for celebrations. Go and celebrate yourself, I'm not stopping you, but please leave me alone."

Darcy walked to his desk, and started shuffling through a stack of papers. His dark head was bent low, a sign he was immovably determined. The discussion was over.

Richard threw his arms in the air in despair, and turned for the door. He'd done all he could. He would simply have to tell his mother it was no use, Darcy had reverted to being a plain old humbug. She could try, certainly would try, and change Darcy's mind, but he had done his best.

Just as he was about to close the study door behind him, Richard remembered something, and with a wry look, poked his head back through the gap for a final attempt at shaming his cousin into attendance.

"Miss Bennet was correct in her assertions about you. You are a man of sense and education, and yet you steadfastly refuse to make any effort. Yes, cuz, I know you're shy, and that you have some insane notion that you ought to be in love before making someone an offer of marriage, but how on earth you think you will ever find a woman to marry when you won't trouble yourself to speak to them, to truly get to know to them, I have no idea."

Darcy's head whipped up in shock at the mention of Elizabeth Bennet, but he couldn't get his mouth and brain to cooperate and reply. Besides, Richard hadn't waited for a response.

The telling off Darcy had received from Elizabeth Bennet, and the time he'd spent since then meditating on her words, and his behaviour, were enough to jolt him into action, particularly when combined with Richard's farewell comment.

Two days after Richard's visit, a rather nervous Darcy called to see Charles Bingley. He unburdened himself to Bingley, confessing his part in keeping Jane Bennet's presence in town from him.

"I apologise unreservedly, Charles. I can only say I thought at the time that what I was doing was in your best interests, but it was something I now know to be wholly arrogant and presumptuous. It was inexcusable. I cannot apologise enough, and I will not blame you if you wish to break from me completely."

"Darcy, I'm ..." Bingley was speechless for several minutes. "I'm shocked that you would …" He shook his head in disbelief. "You of all people! I know you think I am fickle, falling for many a pretty girl, but Jane Bennet was different. She is the only woman I have ever wanted more from, and you told me she was not interested!"

"I'm sorry, Charles. If I could change my actions, or turn back time, I would."

"You say she does feel something for me? Truly?"

"I believe so."

"How did you come by this information?"

"I … I saw her sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, when I visited my aunt at Rosings. "

Bingley ranted and railed for some time, questioning and re-questioning Darcy about what had happened, and the involvement of his sisters, in whom he laid the better part of the blame. Being a naturally affable and optimistic man, and one who saw a glimmer of promise in the news he'd received, Bingley eventually voiced forgiveness for his friend. Though it did little for Darcy's state of mind, he did feel a measure of guilt lifted from his shoulders.

Over the following ten days, Darcy dined at his club once or twice, but for the most part remained secluded at home. He kept himself occupied in his study with business matters, though was often to be found by his staff in silent contemplation, staring into space. A conscientious and private man, Darcy engendered loyalty in those who worked for him and they were concerned about what they observed. Despite the visible signs of melancholy, none of the servants would have guessed what troubled their master. Having the experience of Elizabeth Bennet in his life, however fleeting, he could no longer imagine marrying anyone else. In truth, he was grieving, not just for the loss of the woman he loved more than he had realised, but also the loss of hope.

Darcy was visited several occasions by his Aunt Sophia, Richard's mother, who was determined to have him in attendance at the Christmas Eve ball, and tried every argument and trick she knew to convince him. She pleaded and cajoled, but to no avail. Darcy steadfastly refused to comply.

Georgie's arrival was the single bright spot in the days leading up to Christmas. Her unwavering love for her brother, and heartfelt joy in their being together again, were a comfort to him. As Christmas drew nearer, the quiet, serene sound of Georgie at the piano was a musical balm that helped Darcy forget for a while the memories that haunted him, and released some of the tightness which had wrapped itself around his heart.

Has Darcy had enough punishment and redeemed himself a little?