ec27

Emily's Chronicles: Part 27: Christmas At New Moon
By Trish and Tammy
Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction. Emily of New Moon was created by L.M. Montgomery and is the property of her, her estate, and her heirs, not me. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit was made.


Emily and Ilse raced out of the school house and down the steps as if they
were afraid they were going to miss something. They had barely taken the
time to button their coats against the cold, or tye on their warm woolen bonnets,
and their mittens still remained in their pocket keeping places. The other
children left for the afternoon as usual, however most were a bit more
excited today. Today was the day before Christmas Eve, and school would be
out until after the New Year. It felt good to free to frolic in the newly
fallen snow that blanketted Blair Water, and turned the nearby sea into a
mirror of frosty glass. The cold was as biting as any Prince Edward Island
December but somehow today it was minded less, and tolerated more,
especially
by the children.

The girls had reached the end of the lane before they remembered they had pr
omised to wait for Perry and Teddy. Impatient, Emily and Ilse stopped and
looked behind them.

"Come on you two. Everything will be gone." Ilse yelled, her hands cupped
against her mouth.

"Well slow down, and maybe we could keep up." Teddy teased.

"Yeah, don't why you're in such an all fired hurry, the general store ain't
goin' nowhere." Perry said as they boys finally reached the girls standing
on
the side of the road.

"But their going to be all sold out by the time we get there thanks to you
two." Emily indignantly declared.

"I wouldn't worry about it, Emily. None of us has much money to buy anything
with anyway." Teddy said.

"Speak for yourself, thank you very much." Ilse shot back."I've been saving
my allowance since summer and I'm going to get my father and Laura something
really special."

"Yeah, Aunt Elizabeth let my have the dollar that Great Aunt Nancy sent me
for my birthday, and Cousin Isabel gave me a whole quarter for helping her
put some canning up for winter." Emily smiled, feeling very wealthy.

"Well, gee. That makes two of you." Teddy said realizing that his pockets
were nearly empty.

"Yeah, I guess we're in the presence of Greatness, ain't we Teddy?" Perry
mocked.

"Yeah. That's right." Ilse tossed her hair back to exaggerate the point.
"And
we wouldn't dream of walking to General Store with two commoners like you.
Come on Emily." She grabbed her best friends arm and and the two ran down
the
road laughing.

Teddy and Perry stood shaking their heads, trying to hide their poverty.
"We'd better go see that they don't buy the whole store." Perry said shoving
his bare hands deep into his jacket pocket.

"Yeah, come on." Teddy said as the boys walked off to try to keep pace with
the girls.
__________________________________________
Mrs. Stuart rolled her eyes to the ceiling as Emily and Ilse nearly knocked
over a few customers on their way into the store. "You two watch out. You
ain't be causin' no harm to any of my paying customers today." This wasn't
the first time that Misses Starr and Burnley had reaked supposed havoc upon
her place of business and she was not going to take any risks today with all
the fragile Christmas decorations spread about. "Just go on home now, both
of
you."

"Oh, but Mrs. Stuart we are paying customers." Emily announced.

"Yeah, we've come to do our Christmas shopping." Ilse smiled.

Velma Stuarts mouth nearly watered at the prospect of profit, even the
pawltry sum these two urchins would bring in. "Well, just be careful or
you'll be handin' yer money over fer repairs. You got me?" Emily and Ilse
didn't answer they just looked at each other as they turned to browse. They
barely saw Teddy and Perry come through the door, followed by Rhoda who in
her mother's opinion had taken far too long returning from school. She was
hastily put to work behind the counter.

"Oh look Ilse, this would be perfect for Aunt Elizabeth." Emily said,
holding
up a beaded chain on which to suspend a pair of spectacles. "She only needs
hers for reading, and she's always leaving them somewhere."

"And what about this for Mother?" Ilse said referring to Laura as she showed
Emily a lovely lavender muffler emroidered with white and gray flowers.
"She'll need to keep extra warm what with the baby and all, and she'll look
so pretty in it."

"Oh, she'll love it, Ilse." Emily smiled. "And this for Cousin Isabel."
Emily
added delicately fingering a handblown glass ornament with two perfect baby
angels, one clad in pink and one in blue."

"They look just like the twins." Ilse laughed.

Teddy and Perry watched from a safe vantage point near the pot bellied
stove.
Even if they could not afford much in the way of gifts, it was nice to how
excited the girls were, and it was even nicer to be in out of the cold.
Teddy wished he could get Emily something special. He wanted to give her
something meaningful that she could keep forever. He had thought of
painting
her a picture, but he had already given her tons of drawings and paintings.
He thought of some special paper on which to write her stories, but he knew
she would go through it in no time. He had even considered some perfume, but
it somehow seemed a bit too familiar even for them. For some reason his
mind
just would reveal a perfect gift to him.

"Emily look at these." Ilse beckoned staring at the display case. When Emily
neared she pointed to a beautiful pair of tortoise shell combs.

"Those are so pretty, for whom?" Emily asked.

"For me." Ilse said. For some reason she could not even explain she had been
paying much closer attention to her looks lately. Maybe it was all the
attention and guidance she was getting from Laura, or maybe it was just
getting older, but she suddenly was becoming very aware of how she looked,
and she wanted to feel pretty. Those combs would look magnificent in her
stunning blonde hair.

"Ilse we're not here to shop for ourselves. That's not the Christmas
spirit."
Emily rebuffed her mildly putting her arm around Ilse's shoulder.

"I know, but they are pretty." Ilse sighed.

"Maybe later." Emily smiled guiding her friend from the little treasure.

Ilse was not the only one who had suddenly become aware of her looks,
although he would not have admitted it even under threat of death, Perry too
had seen how his friend was changing, and how pretty and ladylike she was.
He
had heard the girls' conversation and moved over toward the display case to
see just what it was that had captured Ilse's fancy. Lost in thought, Perry
did not notice that he was cluthing the side of the case, and had his nose
nearly pressed against the glass.

"Perry Miller, you're hands are nearly raw." A voice startled him back to
reality. Rhoda was standing over him, a look of concern on her face.

"Uh, oh yeah. Lost ma dern mittens." Perry smiled a bit embarrassed. "Can
you
imagine that. I ain't even told the missus. She'd give me what for fer
sure."

"Oh, well you can't go around without something on your hands. You'll get
frostbite." Rhoda said. She reached behind the counter and pulled out a pair
of thin inexpensive gloves. She glanced sideways and seeing that her mother
was too busy with customers to even care what she was doing looked back at
Perry. "Here take these. They're not much, but they'll keep out the wind, at
least."

Perry smiled and was truly thankful but refused saying. "No, thank you
anyway
Rhoda, but I'll pay fer what I get, and if I ain't got money I'll go
without."

Rhoda sighed. "You know I think the phrase could go Miller Pride too, you're
every bit as proud as the Murray's. I just hope that pride doesn't get you
in
trouble some day." She put the gloves back and walked away to wait on an
impatient lady with four equally impatient children at her heals. Across the
room Ilse had seen how Perry had refused to accept the charity. She hoped he
wouldn't refuse to accept a gift, and slipped a spool of gray yarn in among
her purchases.

The afternoon passed quickly with the girls delight growing and the boys
patience growing thin. Finally after purchasing gift for everyone, and four
large peppermint stick Emily,Ilse, Teddy, and Perry walked toward the lane
that led to New Moon. They were singing and laughing as they said goodbye to
Teddy who hoped his mother would understand his being late for his chores,
and who also was still trying to think of the perfect gift for Emily. It
had
been a wonderful day, and as Perry headed off to the barn to see to his
neglected chores, the girls made their way to the garrett to wrap their
bounty of gifts. Tomorrow would be a magical day at New Moon.
________________________________________

The next morning Christmas Eve dawned with a spectacularly bright sun
shining
over the frozen white landscape. Emily jumped out of bed and ran to the
window and threw open the sash. She stood looking out over New Moon and
filled her lungs with frigid air, too excited to be cold. She dressed
quickly
and hurried downstairs where she could already smell rich sausages, warm
coffee, and fresh muffins cooking. Aunt Elizabeth may have been a rather
stern woman, but Christmas was the one time of year that she spared no
expense, held nothing back, and lectured no one. She said it was because
everyone should be joyous on the day of the birth of our savior. However,
Emily suspected that the change in her demeanor around December 25th was
due
to the fact that Aunt Elizabeth simply loved the holiday. This year was
going
to be even more special now that she had Joe to share it with. The two were
planning to be married on New Years day, and Emily had been daily shocked at
the changes this kind and gentle giant of a man had brought to her aunt's
life. Elizabeth no longer seemed hard and unreachable, she smiled more, and
even laughed. She was happy, and Emily was remembered the day that she
realized Aunt Elizabeth not only seemed, but acted younger. New Moon had
become such a happy place, a far cry from the forboding and dreading facade
that had greeted her when she first arrived.

Elizabeth had decided that since the Murray family was so large, and the day
so festive, that their Christmas celebration would last over two days.
Jimmy
and Eve along with Judith and Gussy Dan would be coming over from the Collie
Farm. Laura, Allen, and Ilse would be making the trip from their place to
New
Moon, and Isabel and Francis would be bringing the twins and Uncle Malcolm
along the short path from the cottage. Even John and Sarah would be coming
from Charlottetown to join in the festivities. They were to all have brunch
today at New Moon, and then the men would go chop down a tree which would be
decorated in the late afternoon. The ladies were going to make a day of it
baking cookies and sweets and preparing for the grand feast that would be
held on Christmas Day after church. Even Laughing Water, Silver Fox, Star
Dancer, and Buffalo Child would be joining the festivites. Emily was
fascinated by Eve's Nez Perce friends who had found a comfortable and safe
home in Blair Water. Of course there were still stares and veiled comments
from the town's people, but they little family was fast becoming a part of
the little island community. Star Dancer,
had even started attending school, and Emily throughly enjoyed getting to
know her new friend and the ways of her people. Today they would learn
about one of the Murray traditions, a big family Christmas celebration. Eve
had promised a special surprise for that evening, and Emily could hardly
wait. She wished the next two days would last forever.
_______________________________________
Emily found Christmas Eve even more wonderful than she had expected.
Laughter
and happiness filled New Moon as the family gathered to celebrate the
holiday. She couldn't remember a time when the house seemed so festive and
alive. It felt as though they were the only people in the world, and that
everything angry and harmful was kept just down the lane out of reach of
them. By the end of the day Emily's cheeks actually hurt from all the
smiling and laughing she had done that day.

Ilse, Laura, and Allen had been the first to arrive that morning. Ilse
barely knocked Aunt Elizabeth over as she ran into the house with an armful
of gifts. Elizabeth simply laughed and tried her best to step aside. A
beaming Laura,now in her third month, stepped gingerly from the buggy
assisted by her husband Allen, and gave her sister a huge Christmas hug.
Emily came running over to receive one as well. She thought how good it was
so see her Aunt Laura so happy, and said a prayer for a joyous new year for
her and her new little family.

Isabel and Francis were the next to arrive. The twins now nearly two months
old were bundled tightly against the cold, were lounging in their mother's
arms taking in all the wonderful sights of their first Christmas. John and
Sarah were overjoyed to see everyone again, and had armloads of gifts to set
in the parlor. Malcolm had even brought his pipes along for an impromtu
carol
or two later. New Moon was fast filling with the large and extended Murray
family.

It was Jimmy and Eve who were the last to arrive. Eve, also three months
along, and showing just as much as Laura was helped down from the carriage
by
her ever attentive husband. Judith and Gussy Dan hopped down behind them.
They then turned their attention to their guests still seated in the buggy.
Elizabeth stood on the porch a bit apprehensive. However, this was Christmas
and she would turn no one away. Beside from what Emily and the others had
told her, these were very nice people, and she would consider them friends.
Slowly the Native American family descended from the wagon, and stood
staring
up at the mistress of New Moon. Joe had taken his place beside her, with his
hand placed reassuringly on the small of her back. He was smiling a warm
welcome at his old friends. Elizabeth was glad he was there.

"Go on. It's alright." Joe whispered to her.

Elizabeth took a tentative step forward, not used to being so uneasy in her
own home. To her surprise he footsteps were matched by those of Laughing
Water who also moved forward. The soon to be Mrs. Samuels extended her hand
in greeting and the beautiful native woman met it with a friendly shake.

Elizabeth cleared her throat. This was her home, she should be the first to
speak. "Welcome to New Moon. I'm so very glad you could come to share out
holiday."

"Thank you for having us. You honor us by inviting us." Laughing Water said
with a huge smile. At that the tension seemed to disappear and Elizabeth
motioned for everyone to follow her inside. Eve and Jimmy exchanged huge
grins, and Joe stepped aside to accompany an obviously uncomfortable Silver
Fox into the house. Inside the celebration was just beginning.
____________________________________________

Emily spent the day with the ladies helping to prepare the holiday treats
and
the meal for tomorrow. She enjoyed it very much but she had to admit that a
part of her also wanted to accompany the men in their hunt for the perfect
tree. She would have loved to have a turn swinging the axe. However, there
was plenty for a young writer to absorb at New Moon and Emily soaked it in
like a sponge. Elizabeth did her best to explain mixing and measuring
gadgetry to Laughing Water, and Emily wondered why she never seemed to have
as much patience with her, although she did not say anything. Laughing Water
had even found some ingredients to make some traditional Native American
delicacies which Emily couldn't wait to sample. Judith was busy making all
sort of wonderful pies, and trying to keep Ilse from snatching every bite of
fruit and sugar. The twins were passed around between Eve, Laura, and Sarah
so much that Emily marveled at Isabel's patience at having almost no time to
spend with her children. She did not seem to mind, though, as was proud of
all the attention her son and daughter were getting.

By the late afternoon the men had returned and set the tree up in the
parlor,
right infront of the large bay window. The children were finally set to work
decorating it with strung popcorn and cranberries, and homemade ornaments
along with some family heirlooms. Cookies and warm cider were served
unendingly. They sang and teased and laughed until well into the evening.
Then everyone was called into the dining room for a large dinner. However,
it
would surely be dwarfed by the feast Emily knew was planned for tomorrow.

After dinner everyone sat in the parlor nearly exhasted and nearly bursting
from the delicious meal. Emily sat with Ilse, Perry, Gussy Dan, Star
Dancer,
and Buffalo child on the rug by the fire while the adults lined the
overflowing davenports and chairs. Malcolm was playing a few tunes softly on
the bagpipes, and everyone was lost in conversation. It came as a shock to
everyone when the clock struck nine. It was then that Elizabeth spoke.

"Everyone. It is a Murray tradition that gifts are exchanged on Christmas
Eve, and since everyone is with us I think it is one we should continue."
Everyone smiled in agreement. "It is also a tradition that the person who
has
done the most special thing for the someone else in the past year open the
first gift. I think we would all agree that we have one person to thank for
so many blessings this past year. Even though at times we didnt' realize it.
This person has played such a large role in bringing us all her together
today. That is why I thing it would be appropriate for Emily to open the
first gift." Elizabeth smiled and handed Emily a small but heavy package
from
under the tree.

"Thank you, Aunt Elizabeth." Emily stared at the pretty wrapping for a
moment, everything seemed so special that she felt one more thing would ruin
it.

"Go ahead and open it Sparrow." Jimmy smiled.

Emily carefully read the small tag attached to the parcel. To Emily, From
Aunt Elizabeth it read. She smiled and just as carefully began to open the
paper. She was careful to save it, she could use it later for writing on.
Peeling back the paper she nearly stopped when she realized what the gift
would be. There in her hands, from Aunt Elizabeth was a large stack of
writing paper and several neatly sharpened pencils. From the woman who had
forbade to write at all, now was coming just the very thing she longed for.
Not only was Aunt Elizabeth giving her paper to write on, but it was
unspoken
as the woman looked knowingly at Emily that she was giving her permission to
write.

"Oh, Thank You, Aunt Elizabeth." Emily smiled as she jumped up and ran to
her
aunt. Throwing her arms around the woman.

Elizabeth pulled Emily's chin back so she could see her eyes, and held the
girl's face in her hands for a moment. "You are most welcome, my dear." She
smiled back.

A moment of touched silence passed through the room as everyone watched the
newfound closeness between Emily and Elizabeth. It was Malcolm who broke the
moment and lightened the mood. "Well Elizabeth Murray you do know how to
quite a room. Now, where's mine?" The old man smiled.

"Father." Isabel laughingly rebuked him, understanding that he was only
joking.

From there the gift giving melay began. Laura loved the scarf that Ilse had
bought for her, and wore it the rest of the evening. Emily thought Isabel
would cry when she saw the ornament with the two little angels that looked
just like the twins. Elizabeth attached her glasses to the beaded chain
Emily
had given her and seemd quite relieved to finally be free of worry over
losing them. The twins received sweaters, and toys, stuffed animals, and
other little items that every baby should have. Buffalo Child and Star
Dancer were each given beautiful knitted bonnets just like Emily and Ilse
wore, along with some heavy wool stockings for the winter, and a lovely
handmade doll for each of the girls.

Isabel gave Francis a new pocket watch engraved with the words. 'To our
greatest treasure. Love Isabel, Byron, and Lucy.' He gave her new pair of
leather gloves. However, he whispered in her ear, "I have something else for
you at home. I hope you'll like it." Her eyes glimmered with anticipation as
she kissed him.

Allen gave Laura new warm winter coat, ever vigilent of the special care she
would require for the next few moths. She loved it, and she had purchased a
new medical bag for him. His old one had become warn with use, and he had
never seemd to notice. Hewas thrilled to get the new one. Laura also
promised
her husband that she had something else she wanted to give him later.

Then Eve gifted Jimmy with an usually roundly-wrapped gift, she said,
"Honey, this is for you."

"For me," asked a puzzled Jimmy, as he studied it, wondering what in the
hick it was.

"Well, go ahead, dear, and open it," urged Eve, getting somewhat exasperated
with her husband.

"OK," said he, teasingly, as he winked at everyone else. Then he slowly
begun to pull the wrapping paper from off of it. "Well, look it there.
It's a snow-shoe. But, isn't it a tadbit too small for me...and where's the
other one?"

Everyone laughed at that comical scene taking place before them, between Eve
and Jimmy. "Well, no dear, that isn't a snow shoe." remarked Eve, as she
began to explain exactly what the object is. "It's called a Dream
Catcher."

"A Dream Catcher," asked Jimmy? "What, may I be soo bold as to ask, is it
supposed to do?"

Both Laughing Water and Silver Fox were bursting at the seams, dying to tell
Jimmy the story behind this wonderful gift. "Honey, as the legend goes..."
Eve began, "If you hang the Dreamcatcher over your bed, it will catch all
your dreams...while you sleep the Dreamcatcher filters the dreams. The bad
dreams become trapped in the web, while the good dreams come to you! When
the sunlight hits the Dreamcatcher, all the bad dreams disappear!!!"

"Hmmm, I see," said he. "Great gift it is, you gave me, my dearest Queen
of Romania." With that, Jimmy lovingly planted a kiss on his wife's cheek.
"Now, here is my little something for you," as he handed a small wrapped box
to Eve.

She, getting the bright idea of also funning with her husband, Eve looked
the small package over, asking "Hmmm, I wonder what this could be?" as she
glanced teasing back at her husband. Just as he did, she too slowly began
to unwrap it. "Wonder if this could be another wedding ring or something?"
Then she finally got it unwrapped, laying the paper down on her lap, she
opened the small velvety box, to her surprise she saw the most beautiful
cameo she had ever seen. "Why! Darling! It's sooo beautiful!!!", she
exclaimed, as she turned the opened box around for everyone to see, she
said, "It's even a silhuoette of a mother and child on it!" Giving her
husband a loving hug, she at the same time said, "Ooooh, thank you sooo
much, Jimmy darling! I'll treasure it always!"

During a moment when everyone seemed enthralled in their own conversations,
Ilse pulled Perry aside and handed him a small hastily wrapped box. "I
wanted
to give you this." She said in uncharacteristic shyness. "It's nothing much.
I just thought you could use them."

Perry smiled. "Well, what is it, Ilse?" He asked.

"Open it." She urged.

Perry who had already recieved a new pocket knife, brand new boots, and
shaving mug that evening tore open the brown paper wrapping to reveal a pair
of poorly constructed woolen mitten. The little pair of mittens seemed
almost
sad against the other finery in the room. The stitching was uneven, the
thumbs did not match, and they may very well prove to be too small. Perry
looked at them in wonder.

"I made them myself. Well, mother helped a little with the stitching. But
like I said they're nothing much. I'll understand if you don't like them."
Ilse said trying to hide her embarrassment.

Perry was truly shocked. No one had ever taken the time to actually make him
something before, especially something as useful as mittens, and something
he
truly needed. "Oh, no. Ilse. This is the best present anyone could have
given
me. I love 'em." He smiled. "Thank you." For some reason thank you just
seemed too little to say, and before he realized it Perry had bent down and
kissed Ilse on the cheek. They both turned beat red, and quickly changed
the
subject. However, Ilse noticed later that night when Perry went out to bring
in some more firewood that he wore her mittens, and she noticed that he wore
them for the rest of the winter.

Sarah and John had also received lovely gifts from everyone and were
thuroughly enjoying being so welcomed into such a large and happy family. As
the others were encircled around the parlor John noticed his wife, who was
holding little Byron, walk silently over to the tree lost in thought. He
quietly slipped from the group, and stood beside her. Putting his arm around
her, he smiled as she looked up at him. "I think it's about time we work of
one of our own." He grinned wondering if she would understand his meaning.

"One of what?" Sarah looked up at him, a confused smile on her face.

John said nothing, but looked down at Byron sleeping peacefully in his
aunt's
arms. He stroked the little babies head and answered. "What do you think?"

Sarah eyes grew wide with happiness. "Oh, John." She said, and leaned her
head against his shoulder. "I agree." They laughed together.

Across the room Isabel nudged Francis with her elbow and motioned for him to
look in the direction of his brother and sister-in-law. "I think we've given
a few others some ideas." She said as they watched John and Sarah
formulating
their plan.

"Good, it's about time." Francis smiled to Isabel.

Malcolm and Judith sat together near the fire trying to make what would appear to the others as polite small talk. The truth was that there was much more to their converstation than that. They knew that everyone suspected a growing relationship between them, but no one could have imagined just how much their feelings had grown in the short time they had known each other. It was a shock to Malcolm that he could feel that way about someone else so soon after losing his dear Megan, but somehow Judith made him smile again, made him want to see what the future held. As for Judith who had known so much misery in her marriage, she could scarecly believe that she was letting someone else into ther life, with Malcolm however, she found it easy.

Malcolm could lean over and whisper to her, "My special gift for you can't be found underneath this tree, my dear Judith, but I want to show you your gift either tonight or tomorrow."

Looking most puzzled to say the least, Judith says to him, "Really, Malcolm? If it can't be found underneath this tree, then where is it?"

"You will just have to be patient my dear." He said taking her hand for a moment. Neither of them saw the smiles of knowing that passed between Isabel and Francis, and Jimmy and Eve. There secret it seemed was far less secret than they realized.

From outside came a soft tapping at the front door. "I'll get it." Emily
volunteered. Racing to the door she was surprised to see Teddy standing on
the other side.

"Teddy." She gasped, trying not to flash too bright of a smile, no matter
how
glad she was to see him.

"Hi, Emily." He said, suddenly struck with a terrible bought of shyness. "I
don't want to interrupt. I just wanted to give you this." He handed her a
little box tied in a red ribbon.

"Oh, Teddy. You didn't have to get me anything." Emily said. She knew he did
not have very much money, and had not expected him to give her anything. His
smile in her direction everyday was gift enough.

"It's just something I thought you might like." He kicked at the snow on toe
of his boot.

"Well, I have something for you too." She grinned, and rushed inside to her
coat which hung by the door. Upon returning she said. "I was hoping to give
it to you in church tomorrow. But since you're here..."

"Thank you Emily. I don't know what to say." Teddy's face began to grow red.

"You don't have to say anything. Just open it." Emily smiled.

"Ok, lets open them together." Teddy laughed.

Together, with hands slightly trembling the two openned their packages.
Together they pulled from boxes two shining stars. Teddy had clipped Emily's
out of a piece of tin, and hung a ribbon through it. Emily had cut Teddy's
from a lovely old piece of cloth that had once belonged to her mother,
starched it, stuffed it, and covered it in glitter. The smiled at each other
both remembering the early morning when Teddy had raced to New Moon and
dragged Emily out to the beach eager to show her something. That was when he
proclaimed that the first star to be seen in the morning and the last to be
seen at night was their star, and would always watch over them and keep them
together. As they looked at each other their breath mixing in the cold air
Emily could see the star shining over Teddy's shoulder.

"It's perfect." They both said together. Suddenly before either of them
realized it, they had kissed each other in the moonlight.

"Who is it Emily?" Elizabeth called from the parlor.

Shaken back to herself. Emily answered. "It's Teddy. He's come to wish us a
Merry Christmas."

Elizabeth appeared in the doorway. "Well, don't leave him to freeze in the
cold, invite him in." She smiled at ther neice.

"Yes, please come in and have some hot cider and cookies with us, Teddy."
Emily's said hopefully.

He could not refuse the look in Emily's eyes and accepted with a huge smile.
Walking into the parlor next to Emily, felt normal and natural as everyone
greeted him warmly and offered him a seat. Emily's face beamed proudly.

Everyone was enchanted with their gifts and the family love that enveloped
the room. The warmth in the little parlor seemed to glow well out into the
cold night. It was then that Eve spoke up. "Everyone. The Kinch family also
has a tradition that I would like to continue tonight. I would like to read
to you from the Bible the story of the first Christmas to remind us all why
we are here tonight, and in honor of our new friends and family who have
found their place with us."

Eve went to the stand where the Bible was kept and openned it to the book of
Luke. She then returned with it to her seat beside Jimmy as the family found
their place. Sarah retuned Byron to the waiting right arm of his mother, her
left already filled with his twin sister. The adults found seats, and the
children settled in on the floor. Then Eve began to read...

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: when as his
mother Mary was
espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of
the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing
to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while
he thought on those things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him
in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee
Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And
she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shal
l
save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying 'Behold, a
virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call
his name Emmuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.'"

Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the
Lord had bidden
him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had bought forth
her first born son: and he called his name JESUS.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of
Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was
Joseph,
of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came
in
unto her, and said, "Hail, thou art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among women." And the angel said unto her, "Fear not,
Mary:
for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy
womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be
great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall
give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the
house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Then said Mary unto the angel, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"

And the angel answered and said unto her, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon
thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also
that
holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

And Mary said, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to
thy word." And the angel departed from her.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Ceasar
Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ( And this taxing was first
made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every
one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the the city of Nazareth, into
Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of
the house and lineage of David,) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife,
being great with child.

And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that
she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and
wrapped him in swaddling-clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there
was
no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and
the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
And
the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day, in
the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. and this shall be a
sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in
a manger."

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
and
good will toward men." And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away
from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go
even
unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord
hath
made known unto us."

And they came haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a
manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which
was told them concerning this child. And they that heard it, wondered at
those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they
had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, there came *wise men* fro the east to Jerusalem. Saying, "Where is
he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and
are come to worship him."

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and
scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be
born. And they said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is
written
by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least
among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall
rule my people Isreal."

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them
diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and
said, "Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found
him, bgirng me word again, that I may come and worship him also."

When they had heard the king, they departed: and lo, the star, which they
saw
in the east, went before them till it came and stood over where the young
child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his
mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their
treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod,
they
departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to
Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod
will seek the young child to destroy him."

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed
into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt
have I called my son."

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding
wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and
in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the
time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream
to
Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and
go into the land of Isreal: for they are dead which sought the young child's
life."

And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the
land
of Isreal. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room
of his father Jerod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being
warned of God in a dream:, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: and he
came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which
was spoken by the prophets, he shall be called a Nazarene."

************
As Eve came to the end of the story, Laura began singing that beloved all-to
familiar Christmas carol, "Silent Night, Holy Night. All is calm, all is
bright..."

Soon she was joined by most of her relatives (and soon-to-be relatives) in
song, "Round yon virgin, mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace."

As the Nez Perce family listened to this beautiful song, they thought to
themselves 'Even this baby Jesus and his parents had to flee for their
safety, just as they did.'

Ilse, thought to herself, 'So this is who Jesus was, who's words of her
cousin-in-law, she first heard his name spoken." Then she too, began
mouthing the words to this beautiful song, as she turned to Eve smiling.

Then Emily got up from off of the floor, to stand amongst her family, she
began singing, "Away in a Manger, No crib for a bed. The little Lord Jesus
lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky look down where he lay. The
little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing the poor baby
wakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus,
look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle 'til morning is nye." Just
then, Malcolm began playing the music of Emily's song with his bagpipes, as
she continued onto the second verse, "Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to
stay. Close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children
in thy tender care, and take us to heaven to live with thee there..."

Then most everyone joined-in with her, for the last words to that delightful
song, "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed. The little Lord Jesus lay down
his sweet head. The stars in sky look down where he lay, the little Lord
Jesus asleep on the hay."

The evening had passed so happily and peacefully that Emily almost hated to see it come to an end. At nearly midnight, with everyone's eyelids heavy and their hearts full the little gathering began to slowly break up. Teddy had gone home just after the singing of the Christmas carols, afraid his mother would be worried about him. Jimmy, seeing how tired Eve was becoming urged her to return home, and they left along with Gussy Dan, Judith, and Laughing Water, Silver Fox, and the girls. The twins had given up the celebration long before and were sleeping silently in their parent's arms Isabel, Francis, and Malcolm, along with Sarah and John made their way back to the cottage through the cold night air. Laura was eager to help Elizabeth clean up, but was herself unable to hide her mild fatigue, and Elizabeth nearly forced her to go home and go to bed for which Allen was grateful.

As Perry began to head for the barn, collecting an armful of firewood as he went he was stopped by a firm but gentle hand. A little surprised he turned to see Elizabeth's face smiling at him. "Young man, where do you think you're going?" She said.

"Uh, to the barn. Just like always, Missus." Perry said confused.

"Oh, no you're not." She said, as Joe joined her putting his arm around her with a smile.

"But I always sleep in the barn." Perry objected.

"No member of this family is going to sleep in the barn anymore." She said trying her best to feign an air of sternness.

"What?" Perry asked, realizing what she was saying.

"You, heard me." Elizabeth repeated, but this time her smile softened her face and her tone. "No Murray is going to to sleep in the barn again. You'll take Jimmy's old room upstairs from now on. That is, if it suits you."

Perry's eyes gleamed with happiness, gratefulness, and disbelief. "Oh, yes ma'am, it'll suit me just fine. Just fine." He grinned from ear to ear.

"Good, then it's settled." Elizabeth smiled knowingly at him, and went back into the house.

As Perry went upstairs Emily,and Ilse who had insisted upon spending the night, hugged him warmly. It was true Perry could not have been more a part of the family if his last name really was Murray. He was a Murray in heart and spirit and that is where it mattered most. As he openned the door to his new room, Perry was surprised once more to find not only fresh clean linens on his new bed, but also that all of his things had been moved in from the barn. He fell asleep warm and secure, finally a part of a real family.
___________________________

At the cottage Isabel returned to the bedroom she shared with Francis after checking the twins one final time. They had been moved into the nursery only a week ago, and it was still hard for her to be seperated from them, even with both doors left open. She softly climbed into bed to find herself wrapped in her husbands warm and comforting arms.

"How are they?" He asked kissing her neck.

"Perfect." She smiled, melting toward him.

"Well, I could have told you that. Perfect, just like their mother." He smiled at her.

They held each other for a moment, needing no words. The evenings events had touched them both deeply, and neither of them would ever forget just how close they came to losing each other, or how truly happy they were together with their little family. After a few moments Francis reached over, retireved a package wrapped in plain brown paper from the bedside table and handed it to Isabel. "This is for you." He smiled.

"What is it?" Isabel asked.

"Open it." Francis laughed.

Isabel complied, carefully removing the wrapping. Beneath was a stack of slightly worn paper, she looked closely at it in the dim candle light. There was writing on it. She leaned against Francis's shoulder and held the parcel up to the light. It readm "The Heart Knows", By Francis Carpenter.

"Your novel!" Isabel gasped. "You finished it." She was not as surprised as she tried to seem. She had seen him working nearly every night by dim candle light at the small desk she had brought into their room especially for him. He had thought she was sleeping. But she loved to watch him through the late night hours as he penned his work. She would also see him turn to watch her sleeping, and often he would leave his thoughts to lay beside her and just hold her in the darkness. This gift meant more than anything he could have given her. "You're giving it to me?" Isabel questioned.

"Of course." Francis said. "It's about you, about us. I want you to have it. I hope you like it."

Isabel looked at him with such joy and love in her eyes that he was speechless. She lifted her hand to his face, and without moving her eyes from his said. "I know I will love it." Together they reached for each other, and their kiss was one of true, deep and abiding love.

Isabel rested further against Francis's shoulder, openned the pages and began reading. Every so often when the words evoked a memory, or when she found them more touching than she could say a tear would roll down her cheek, only to be brushed away by his caring hand. She finished the entire story that night, and she loved every word.
______________________________________________

Laura was nearly asleep by the time Allen finished locking up and checking the house. He had been much more diligent about keeping the home safe since Laura had joined him there as his wife, and especially now that she was carrying their child. She was very tired from the day's activities, but forced herself to stay awake. There was one more gift she wanted to give.

"Are you still awake, my dear?" Allen asked her as he climbed into bed next to her.

"Yes, I just couldn't go to sleep yet." Laura smiled.

"Why, is something wrong." Allen asked alarmed.

"Oh, no everything's fine." She smiled resting her hand on her expanding middle. " I just wanted to give you this." She said as she handed him a small box wrapped only with a piece of silver ribbon.

"What on Earth could this be?" Allen joked.

"Well, open it and find out." Laura laughed.

Allen Burnley opened the small box his wife had given him, and stared at its contents for a moment, unable to find words. Laura watched her husband, knowing what he was thinking. She was certain it was the perfect gift.

"I don't know what to say." Allen finally found the words. He lifted from the box a small gold locket on a long chain. It was the one Laura had given him nearly a year ago to keep safe until they were wed. The one he sent back to her.

"This is for you to keep forever this time." Laura smiled.

"I should have known before. I should have kept it then." Allen tried to apologize.

"That is in the past. What matters now is that we are together forever. Nothing will ever tear us apart again." Laura smiled so sweetly and lovingly at him that Allen thought tears would come to his eyes. He reached for her, and she gladly complied. Neither had ever realized just how deeply they could love someone.

Laura had no way of knowing that far across the Atlantic in a seedy disease infested boarding house in London, the only person in the world who could threaten her happiness, the person who had thought it best not to challenge her wedding to Allen, her first husband Ian Bowles had just drawn his last breath. She was truly free.
____________________________________

Upstairs in her room at New Moon, Emily sat by the window with her writing pad in her hand as Ilse sighed quietly in her bed. She stared out through the clear night deep in thought. Then almost instinctively she began to write...

'Dear Father on the road to Heaven,

I never dreamed that New Moon could become my home all those months ago when I came here. I was so fearful and young then. So many things have happened since then, and finally I can say that New Moon truly is my home. I love it's walls, I love it's fields, I love it's secrets. Most of all I love it's people, and I am so blessed to be one of them. Oh, father. What a perfect Christmas this was. I still miss you and mother with all my heart, but I know now that I am truly home.

Your loving daughter,
Emily Byrd Starr