AN - I want to apologise. I had hoped this would be finished by Christmas Eve, thus the title. Then the date became New Year. Unfortunately both have come and gone, I'm feeling better after a protracted viral illness and am now back at work. During the school holidays (all of January in Australia), I work full time so I'm not getting the time to write. Please forgive me. I'm trying to get this finished as a matter of priority. I promise to get back to Deceived and Something as soon as possible. Both stories are on my high priority list.


The following day, Elizabeth Bennet woke with a headache. She'd spent the night restlessly, considering the question of Mr Darcy and his effect on her heart. She'd not come to any conclusion while her confusion increased.

How can I not know my own heart? What should I do if he asks for my companionship with regard to his sister? Would it be beneath me to consider such an offer? What if I were to go to Pemberley as a friend of the family? Would that be entirely proper and what would I learn of Mr Darcy in his own home? Even in the light of day, Elizabeth questioned her motivations. I must find Jane for her advice. She is so much better than I, considering everyone's opinions before coming to a conclusion. Many think her dull and dim witted when she is more astute than anyone else in this family. It is just her serene countenance that makes people believe what they see. If only people looked beneath her surface and listened to her carefully chosen words.

'Lizzy,' Jane poked her head around the door of the bed chamber as if called by her sister's distress. They had been linked like this since childhood when they both realised what an embarrassment their family could be to them. 'I did not see you at breakfast. Are you well?'

Miss Bennet understood she'd left her sister with a compelling question last night. Lizzy, often the most strong willed and stubborn of the five sisters found it hard to change her opinion once formed. Indeed she believed herself capable of taking likeness on first impression. This dichotomy between Mr Darcy's two distinct and varied behaviours would drive Elizabeth almost to distraction. Jane knew her sister walked a fine line between love and loathing for the proud and somewhat arrogant man.

I know my sister needs such a man to keep her heart beating and her mind active. She would become bored with Colonel Fitzwilliam within a year of marriage. No Mr Darcy is a much better match in temperament and wit. Although she might not agree, Lizzy deserves all the riches in the world, but more than that, she deserves to be happy. I know Mr Darcy will make her so for they are more alike than either give credit. Sighing, Jane wondered how to approach this situation without creating offence.

'Lizzy, you must not make yourself unwell,' she did not need to act concerned, it came naturally to Jane.

'I am only confused,' Elizabeth found the strength to smile slightly and look up into a pair of troubled eyes. 'I confess, I did not sleep well last night and am now feeling the effects of it. However, the sun is shining and we will have visitors this afternoon for tea.' Suddenly frowning, Lizzy added, 'I am not looking forward to the event.'

'The event,' Jane quizzed, holding her breath for the answer to appear of her sisters face, 'or the presence of a particular Gentlemen?'

'Jane,' Elizabeth cautioned with the tone of her voice.

'You must learn to trust in fate. It will lead you where you should be,' the wise words escaped before Jane could consider them. Elizabeth glared at her sister. 'You need to have faith that all will turn our as it should be. Truly Lizzy, I mean it. You think too much. Let the conversation and actions of other's around you dictate your response, not your preconceived notions.'

'Are you saying I'm too quick to judge?' Elizabeth asked. 'That I take a likeness of new acquaintances too soon?'

'Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley have never given you a moment to doubt they consider you a gentle woman,' Jane spoke softly, quietly to press home her point. 'They treat you with respect, even admiration on Mr Darcy's part. He has singled you out at every social function. I can name at least three instances where he chose to dance with only you. How can you question his devotion when I see it so clearly?'

'Because,' Lizzy found amusement in Jane's heartfelt speech, 'I am not you. Let me rest until luncheon then we will walk before our visitors call. Really Jane,' she stood and took her sister's hand into her own, 'you are so much kinder than I. Until I have your goodness, I shall never have your happiness.'

'Then let us hope,' Jane smiled, 'for a good outcome for both of us. As Mama says, perhaps she will have at least two daughters married by Christmas.'

'One perhaps,' Lizzy smiled genuinely. 'Then again, I have hope Lydia may catch Mr Darcy's eye.'

'Lizzy,' Jane almost rolled her eyes before exiting the room.

Refreshed by something to eat and the walk, Lizzy's mind settled, somewhat. A deep breath of the fresh country air solved many problems, as did her sister's good advice. Returning to the house, Elizabeth immediately lamented the loss of sunshine. She still felt puzzled by her feelings about Mr Darcy but resolved to think no more on the subject.

'Oh there you are,' Mrs Bennet tittered as her two eldest finally entered the parlour. 'Go and get dressed, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy will soon be here.'

So much for that idea, Lizzy rolled her eyes without her mother noticing.

'Gracious child,' Mrs Bennet continued in a tone loud enough for the entire house to hear, 'what am I to do with you? How am I to get you married when you insist on traipsing across the country side?'

'Mama,' Jane distracted their mother, 'are we to serve the Lemon Biscuits or the Curd Tarts? I must tell Mrs Hill so she can set the tray.'

'Thank you,' Lizzy mouthed with a smirk, leaving the room and her sister to Mrs Bennet's nerves.

Sighing, Elizabeth went above stairs to change her gown. Unaccountably she failed to select a dress immediately. Becoming annoyed with the indecision, Lizzy finally laid her hand on the nearest while closing her eyes. Rolling her eyes, she deliberately hid this monstrosity at the very back of her closet.

A little deeper in colour than true ivory, her mother insisted on a pink ribbon at the waist and embroidered hearts and flowers at the hem. Dearest Jane unpicked all of Lizzy's work to make the embellishments perfectly flawless and evenly spaced. Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth hoped no one would notice the decorations and comment on them.

What could Mama been thinking, Elizabeth shook her head. As if I don't know. My mother only ever thinks about marrying off her five daughters. As if a hem embroidered with hearts and roses will do the trick.

'At least the colour suits my complexion,' she stated trying to find some redeeming quality in the gown. In the back of Lizzy's mind, she wondered why it mattered. 'It's not as if this is very special company or I am expecting the gentleman to be so bowled over he will make an offer.'

'Elizabeth,' Georgiana greeted, coming into the parlour moments after Lizzy took her seat.

'Georgiana,' Lizzy went to the girl, ignoring the gentlemen standing behind her. An overwhelming feeling of apprehension washed over Elizabeth, undoubtedly caused by her considerations the evening before. And this infernal dress! I detest it so.

Darcy's presence left her unusually tongue tied and a faint red stain on Lizzy's cheeks. Mrs Bennet, more practiced with matters of the heart noticed the blush and smiled tightly. She did not want her least favourite enticing the very eligible gentleman. Shrewd eyes narrowed as Fanny Bennet comprehended Mr Darcy's slight partiality. As much as she would have liked him to fall in love with Lydia, he was so rich he could have any of her daughters to save them from the hedgerows, Lizzy included. When a second lady entered the parlour, Mrs Bennet frowned, especially on the arm of the man she considered her future son in law.

'Miss Bingley,' Jane commented at her sister's side while curtsying. 'It is so good of you to come. Are your sister and Mr Hurst well?'

'Yes,' she stated in a haughty manner. Behind her, Mr Bingley looked furious. Standing in the door way to the room, he could not pass and greet his Angel.

Jane and Elizabeth shared a look of despair. With Miss Bingley as part of the party the visit would not be long or pleasant. So far she had refused to join the outings to Longbourn, much to everyone's delight. Nothing they could do would stop the ladies snide remarks leaving their mother in a foul disposition upon her departure. Until then the sisters would have to save the situation as best they could.

'Are you to attend the assembly next Tuesday, Sir?' Mrs Bennet forced into the conversation before Miss Bingley could add to her succinct answer. She glared at Mr Darcy who simply dropped her arm. Ensuring his sister's comfort on the chair beside Miss Elizabeth, he took up a position by the window. There he stood for the entire call, watching the vista like a sentinel.

'Indeed we will,' Charles, always cheery answered. An elbow in the ribs forced a nod of assent from his sister. He could not force Darcy to answer standing across the room.

'Well, that is good,' Mrs Bennet simpered, her eyes darting around the parlour. 'Kitty, ring the bell and have Hill served the tea.'

'Am I to understand,' Caroline used an insincere smirk, 'this is to be just an assembly and not a ball?'

'It is September,' Mrs Bennet looked shocked as if the situation were self-evident.

'And that is important,' prompted the haughty woman.

'Balls,' Jane explained in her soft tone, 'are only held in June, July and August. We are so far from town it makes Meryton feel they are celebrating the season. For the rest of the year Assemblies are organised, bringing together five and twenty families.'

'Indeed,' Miss Bingley raised an eyebrow at the information.

Jane and Elizabeth, with the aid of Mr Bingley kept the conversation going and on topics suitable to polite society. Often after a few exchanges, the three shared a look before attempting to gain the rooms attention. Tea appearing allowed them to fall into an awkward silence. Miss Bingley made eyes at her brother the moment her cup emptied. They prepared to leave after only half an hour.

'I'll have Mr Hill send for the carriage,' Lizzy couldn't keep the relief from her voice.

'Will you walk tomorrow, Miss Elizabeth?' Mr Darcy all but whispered as they approached the entry hall. Somehow he'd managed to keep both his sister and Lizzy towards the back of the party. When she nodded, he seemed to relax significantly. 'My sister is to spend all day alone at Netherfield. I will be riding to London as soon as may be. I have several matters of business which require my urgent attention. It would relieve my mind greatly if you were to spend the day with Georgiana.'

'Without,' a smirk covered Elizabeth's face, 'the superior sisters in attendance.'

'Miss Bingley could not be prevailed upon to offer a proper or polite invitation,' Georgiana supplied, looking a little embarrassed. 'My Cousin Fitzwilliam is to stay tonight but he has duties with the new Colonel tomorrow and my brother is anxious I have appropriate company.'

'This you do not find with Miss Bingley?' she questioned. Georgiana answered with a deeper blush while Mr Darcy's expression hardened.

'If you do not wish to walk to Netherfield, I will make other arrangements,' he sounded suddenly harsh.

'Then, Miss Darcy,' Lizzy supplied tongue in cheek while ignoring Mr Darcy's comment, 'I shall hope it is a fine day for walking tomorrow and staying in the garden out of the way of the main house.'

'Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst are to call on an old acquaintance staying seven miles toward London. They will be gone most of the afternoon,' Georgiana supplied with a smile. 'We will have Netherfield to ourselves.'

'Then perhaps we will be able to practice the duet you have promised me,' Lizzy returned the happy banter.

'I will have the stable manager await your order for the carriage so you may ride home in comfort,' Darcy stated before ushering his sister towards the coach.

Confused by this behaviour, Elizabeth stood back and waved her goodbyes. Watching the vehicle roll out of the courtyard and onto the open road, Jane came to stand by her side. Linking arms, the sisters ambled over to the small garden for a moment of privacy and contemplation before their mother's nerves took effect.