A/N: I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/whatevs, man holiday season. Sorry this could not make it in time for Christmas. I dream of a day when I can sit at home, drink wine and write ff for a living. No really. Thanks to everyone who reviewed in the last chapter. I could tell it tickled you.

Recap: Elizabeth, Georgiana and Darcy go on a sleigh ride at night. Elizabeth and Darcy light a Christmas candle in an empty gallery hall. Tender feelings are (internally) recognized. Bingley has been invited to Xmas eve dinner at the Gardiners'.

Chapter 21 - Transparent Desires on Christmas

Pemberley was bustling with preparations for Christmas breakfast. Several maids had readied the breakfast chamber and a strapping footman named Peter, who all of the unmarried (and some of the married) maids admired, carried in dry logs from the cellars for a splendid Christmas day fire. Mrs. Reynolds had risen earlier than she would have liked; her old bones now welcomed her counterpane with joy and detested its removal. But today was special to Mrs. Reynolds as much as it was to her master and mistress. Today she would present her Christmas puddings and eat among Mr. Darcy and Miss Georgiana as family. It had been that way since their father had died. She eagerly awaited the invitation though every year she made a tremendous show of turning them down. Georgiana would wheedle and whine and eventually she would give in. With Miss Elizabeth Bennet's presence at Pemberley this year she was unsure if the invitation would come. Perhaps the young lady would not want a humble servant at her table. But Miss Bennet's rejoinder was as impassioned as her mistress's.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet," she called softly as the young lady walked into the breakfast room. "I trust you slept well."

Elizabeth, who had not in fact slept well, was too polite to allude otherwise. Her mind had been filled with thoughts of the master of the house and the unlikely union between the two of them. The fact that she still could not believe Mr. Darcy would look upon a girl such as herself rallied her to the improbabilities of such a match. She spent half the night abusing herself for being so stupid as to see things that were not there. She spent the other half doubting her doubts. "I thank you, yes. Has Miss Darcy awakened?"

Mrs. Reynolds chuckled. "That girl, she would be asleep for hours yet if we were in town and it were proper. When she was a girl, we could get her awake with the mere promise of Christmas presents. Now, she knows she will get them either way."

Elizabeth laughed. "I cannot tell if that delights me or if I should reprimand her. I suppose it is just what I would have done so I must be charitable and give her pardon." She smiled broadly at Mrs. Reynolds. "I am so pleased that you will be joining us today Mrs. Reynolds. As I understand it you are very important to the Darcys."

"That she is," a deep voice called from the doorway.

Elizabeth blushed and pinched the delicate skin of her inner wrist. She collected herself and pasted a cheerful smile to her face. The pasted smile transformed to genuine delight as she witnessed the embrace of servant and master. She saw Darcy duck his head and whisper something into the ear of Mrs. Reynolds. The old woman's face lit up and Elizabeth was certain she spied tears glistening on her lashes.

"Mr. Darcy," the old woman scolded, swatting his arm. "What am I to do with you?" Mrs. Reynolds was looking up into his eyes and Mr. Darcy was not comfortable with the affection, but pleased nonetheless. He could not resist looking at Miss Bennet and his pleasure grew to see her appraising his interaction with Mrs. Reynolds. She looked beautiful in a silver and soft blue gown with dark blue ribbons ringing her wrists and waist. He supposed it was another of his sister's effects. He spied ribbons and pearls dotting her elaborate coiffure and tipped his proverbial hat to Georgiana. Elizabeth raised an eyebrow which he read immediately as her desire to know what he had said to his housekeeper. He turned fully to her and bowed. "Miss Bennet." He took a few steps towards her and said under his breath, "You are transparent, madam."

Elizabeth's lips screwed up in confusion. Transparent? Whatever could he mean? Before she could ask he was away and helping himself to toasted buns and currant jam. She watched him pour a cup of coffee and he turned to her before leaving the sideboard and held up his cup in question. She held her own aloft to indicate that she had poured some for herself and he nodded briskly.

Mrs. Reynolds tutted softly. "Your parents would be so proud of you Master Darcy. You are the best master and landlord. Ask any of his tenants, Miss Bennet. He is loved by all."

Elizabeth thought a blush on this man was most becoming. He busied himself with his coffee while his housekeeper smiled at him in adoration. "Georgiana is certainly taken with him," Elizabeth said archly.

Darcy tried to frown but the grin that threatened his lips overtook the malevolent gesture. A maid entered to replenish the buns and Mrs. Reynolds entered into a hushed conversation with her at the sideboard.

Elizabeth could not resist asking and so whispered, "And why am I so transparent, sir?"

"I know what you desire. You would like to know what I said to Mrs. Reynolds. Your curiosity shines in your eyes."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "You claim to know my desires?" she asked impishly.

Darcy blushed and took a bite of his bun. How he wished to answer that question.

"Fitzwilliam, this is from Elizabeth and me, though Elizabeth did most the work." Georgiana handed Darcy a small parcel wrapped in a deep red ribbon. The three had gathered in the drawing room after breakfast. Georgiana had finally joined Elizabeth, Darcy and Mrs. Reynolds after she had been summoned - twice - by a maid. She was dressed in a magnificent green gown and her hair was done very similarly to Elizabeth's. "However, she insisted that we share the credit."

Elizabeth laughed bashfully. "If credit can even be claimed for this. I warn you, Mr. Darcy, it is destined to disappoint."

Mr. Darcy looked at her with a gleam in his eye. "Is that so? I am sure I will enjoy my handkerchief as much as Mr. Porter."

She chuckled. "Then you are to be doubly dissatisfied," she lamented. "For, I did not craft a handkerchief for you. I saw how you scoffed at my work at the Porters'. I was not willing to put myself up to such scrutiny. Surely, I could not live up to the expectations of a handkerchief worn by Mr. Darcy. You must have silkworms in your conservatory that you monitor for only the first quality production."

"Are you quite done with your imaginings, madam?" he asked. Darcy was supremely amused. "I would like to open the offering."

Elizabeth nodded primly. "Do as you like."

Georgiana smiled like a cat that garnered the last bit of cream. She was vastly contented with this Christmas day.

Darcy undid the ribbon and unfolded a piece of embroidery. Several books were displayed and Darcy could read their spines: Shakespeare, Cowper, Coleridge, Wordsworth. He looked up at two faces: one strikingly eager and one becomingly shy. "You gave me books," he said quietly.

"It is to be a footstool," Georgiana explained. "It was Elizabeth's idea. You can place it in your library and put your feet upon it as you read. Mrs. Reynolds helped us to arrange a man in town to fashion the base and turned legs. It will be ready in a few short weeks."

He looked at his sister and gave her a genuine smile. "It is wonderful." He turned his eyes to Miss Bennet. "Thank you," he said simply.

Elizabeth bowed her head and nodded, her cheeks pinking with pleasure.

Mr. Bingley knocked nervously at number twenty-three, Gracechurch Street. Last night was like a dream. He had such a wonderful evening on Christmas Eve with the Gardiners and Miss Jane Bennet. They had done so much to make him feel welcome and he found himself smiling and laughing in spades.

This visit was giving him unease because of his growing and he feared, obvious, attraction to Miss Jane. (He had tried to think of her as Miss Bennet - she was the eldest after all, and propriety dictated he call her such. But though his tongue may be so, his thoughts could not be governed. Miss Bennet was his past, not his future and so he conveniently reconstituted the moniker the elder would have been given should she had been the second Bennet.)

He had arrived to their Christmas Eve dinner early and with some embarrassment was shown into a parlor full of children. He made conversation nervously with a young lad of six until Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Jane entered. Bingley then apologized profusely for having arrived so early. Mrs. Gardiner and Jane assured him that there was no offense and told of the theatrical that was staged by the children earlier that day. "I must apologize to you, Mr. Bingley, for receiving you in such chaos" Mrs. Gardiner had replied. "Our drawing room is filled with painted scenery. Normally we stage such things in the nursery, but as it is Christmastime..." she lifted her hands in surrender.

Jane was pleased to see how he engaged the children in questions about their dramatization. He even went so far as to promise to participate in a future staging. "We are woefully short of men to play parts," the older boy of ten said, glancing meaningfully at his mother, cousin and sisters. The family had eaten a large Christmas Eve meal together and then attended late night services at their local parish. Bingley had ample opportunities to converse with Miss Jane. He learned that she loved to collect flowers and herbs and dry them in the antechamber to the dry cellar. He shared his fears about managing an estate on his own. They had talked and laughed until late into the evening.

And when Mr. Bingley was invited back for Christmas dinner the next day, he was more than willing to accept, even though he feared he was transparent in his intentions. He was shown into the parlor and waited a few moments until Mr. Gardiner entered the room. "Bingley, attend me in my study, will you? We will join my wife in a few minutes."

Bingley swallowed and nodded. "Of course, Mr. Gardiner." The two men made their way down the wide hallway and entered a small but well-appointed study.

"Sit," Mr. Gardiner said kindly. "Would you like something to drink?" Bingley responded to the negative. "We enjoyed your company last night. I suppose that is evidenced by your invitation for this evening."

Mr. Bingley laughed nervously and replied how much he had enjoyed dining with the family the night before.

Mr. Gardiner leaned across his desk and put both forefingers to his nose. "Well, let me speak plainly. What are your intentions with my niece, sir?"

Bingley felt the warmth creep over his neck and up to his cheeks. He was tempted to ask, "which one?" but did not feel that Mr. Gardiner would appreciate the request for clarification. He surely meant Miss Jane Bennet. His behavior last night must have been just as obvious as he feared. Though, could he mean Miss Elizabeth? Mrs. Gardiner had alluded to his close friendship with Miss Elizabeth several times. Bingley coughed and cleared his throat, formulating his answer. "I have high regard for your niece, Mr. Gardiner." He could easily say that about either Miss Bennet.

Mr. Gardiner eyed him. He was not precisely satisfied with the answer but did not wish to frighten the young man. "I know it is odd for me to be asking, but while she is under my protection I must be circumspect as to her acquaintances. I trust you plan to further the acquaintance."

Miss Jane! He is speaking of Miss Jane Bennet. "Without a doubt."

Mr. Gardiner nodded. "Well then, why do we not seek her out so you can do just that?"

"Mr. Darcy?" The butler stood in the doorway. "I do hate to disturb you, sir, but an express has just arrived for you from Rosings Park." Darcy rose and crossed the room in a few strides. "An express has also arrived for Miss Bennet from Longbourn." Darcy looked over at Miss Bennet, who rose quickly and followed Darcy's path to the door. She reached out a trembling hand to grasp the letter. What could it be? Papa? I am sure that Mary said he was in excellent health. Her blood ran cold as she considered the possibilities.

Darcy watched Miss Bennet's face and demeanor with concern. "If you wish to retire to read your letter we will understand, but perhaps it is best if you read the letter immediately so that we may be of assistance if required."

Georgiana jumped up and grabbed Elizabeth's arm to guide her back to the sette. "Oh, yes. Please do stay. We will not intrude upon your privacy but simply be available if you need us. Fitzwilliam can read his own letter while you read yours." Georgiana smiled encouragingly at her friend.

Elizabeth nodded numbly and put a cold finger under the seal to break open the letter. "It is from Mary," she announced in a trembling voice. "She says that everyone is well but something extraordinary has happened." Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. With everyone well, hopefully the extraordinary news was welcome. She scanned the next few lines and put a hand over her mouth in shock. "Oh my."

Georgiana's eyes bulged. "Elizabeth, what is it?"

"It is about the marriage of my sister and Mr. Collins. It did not take place." Elizabeth's eyes did not leave the missive as she continued to read Mary's narrative.

"Oh how dreadful. Was there too much snow?"

Elizabeth shook her head. She had finished the end of the letter. What could she say to her friend. The contents of the letter were tragic though they contained no news of death. They would surely preclude the continuation of her friendship with Miss Darcy. She glanced quickly at Darcy who was absorbed in his own express, his brows knit. "I am afraid that Mr. Collins was no longer available for marriage."

Georgiana was simply perplexed. No longer available? For marriage? "How can that be, Elizabeth?" She paled as her thoughts raced. "Did he jilt her? Did he perish? Was there a scandal?"

Elizabeth opened her mouth, willing out the words that would be factual yet conceal the unhappy truth. Oh, she should have read this letter in private. She shook her head. That would not have done. She snuck another glance at Darcy who had gone rigid. He was staring through his letter and she could see his mind working. His eyebrows flicked from side to side and a muscle in his jaw twitched slightly.

"Elizabeth!" Georgiana prompted.

Darcy's attention was caught by his sister's plea and he looked at Miss Bennet. He read the discomfort, bordering on desperation in her eyes. He observed the bottom lip between her teeth and the white knuckles which gripped the letter. He knew his sympathy should be roused and yet primal feelings - indignation, familial pride, preservation - surrounded him like armor and obliterated all compassion. The sunshine that had persevered over the past weeks suddenly darkened with clouds. How could I have entertained such thoughts? It is fortunate that this has come now. The truth will out. Thank God for the truth. I will no longer be blinded. "Tell her," he commanded.

Elizabeth's nostrils flared at such an attack. She squared her shoulders. "I do not think it proper for her to hear this, sir."

"Tell her," he repeated, his voice dropping into a lower register. Georgiana looked between her brother and Miss Bennet. She had no idea what was going on.

"Mr. Collins was unavailable to marry my sister Kitty," she started and paused to take a deep breath. Darcy sighed and narrowed his eyes at her and Elizabeth's ire rose. "He is unavailable because he has... or rather he plans to... oh, I do not know the details but he has proposed marriage to another woman."

Georgiana clapped her hands over her mouth and gasped. "No, Elizabeth. That cannot be true." She sat for a moment processing the information. "Has this come as a surprise to Kitty? Poor girl. And what you must be feeling at a time like this!"

Elizabeth nodded, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "Mary says she is quite distraught. Though I do not think she loved him, she was developing an affection... of sorts. I cannot imagine what she must be feeling."

An unseemly snort drew the attention of the two women. "Why are you concealing the entire story, Miss Bennet?" Darcy asked, a manic glint in his eye. "My dear sister simply must know more about your charming family." Elizabeth flinched. "Surely then she would feel no pity."

He has lost his mind, she thought. Why is he doing this? I thought we... I thought he... "Sir, I implore you to keep your peace. Surely this can be communicated in another manner; at another time." Elizabeth felt her anger transforming into despair.

"What Miss Bennet hesitates to tell you, dear sister, is that her cousin, her near relation, that toad of a man, Mr. Collins has run off to Scotland with our cousin Anne." Georgiana gasped and looked at Elizabeth whose eyes had filled with tears. "Our aunt suspects she has been abducted by the erstwhile rector and has sent men in search of them both. Either way, our cousin is ruined. To think that someone like him could ever aspire to marry someone of her station... of our station. It is unfathomable. It is unnatural." A sob escaped Elizabeth's lips and Darcy closed his eyes for a moment. He took a steadying breath and continued, " Lady Catherine begs my assistance and so it appears that our Christmas party will be cut short." Darcy stood up and walked to the door. "Tell me, Georgiana. Do you still feel pity for Miss Bennet and her sister?"

A/N: Leopards don't change their spots that quickly, I guess. I always imagined this scene as a pseudo Hunsford, even though its the ran-off-together trope which would place it as Lambton/Pemberley. I promise that he'll realize what he has done soon enough and will be taken to task!