Hi everyone! Another chapter!
I have posted a few chapters in the last week or so. Please go back if you have not read them yet.
Thank you to the readers who have stayed with me. Special mention to these reviewers:
Guest, MK543, Gaeilge, ChrisM0519, Colleen S, Lisa, Levenez, midnitewanderer, Guest, Jansfamily4, liysyl, PDS1, Motherof8, Strawberry, TiaMaria710, Maria Teresa C
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Christmas morning came and everyone at Longbourn was in high spirits. Breakfast was a lively affair, with Lydia and Kitty chattering and giggling all throughout. The Bennets attended the church service, as did the Netherfield party. Mrs Bennet had set the Christmas dinner to start earlier than their usual evening meals in order for the Gardiner children to be part of the festivities.
In the hours between the church service and dinner, the Bennets and the Gardiners exchanged presents. This included articles that showcased the ladies' skills in knitting and embroidery, such as shawls, scarves, and handkerchiefs. The young ladies were thrilled to obtain the latest copy of La Belle Assemblee, a leading women's monthly magazine which featured fashion plates, needlework patterns, short stories, poetry, music and others subjects of interest. The Gardiner children, much to their delight, also received gifts like books, toy soldiers, and dolls.
"I have been meaning to have a chat with you, Lizzy, but it has been very busy since we arrived here. Will you come to my room before you get dressed for dinner?" asked Mrs Gardiner. Elizabeth readily agreed for she was very fond of her aunt and valued her opinion.
"How are you, Lizzy?" her aunt asked her as they settled on one side of the bed.
"I am very well, aunt," she replied.
"Good," Mrs Gardiner gave her a small smile. "I hope you do not mind me asking. How is your courtship with Mr Darcy coming along?" Mrs Gardiner spoke in a pleasant manner.
"It is going very well," Elizabeth said but did not elaborate.
"He is very handsome and seems to be very taken with you, Lizzy," her aunt watched her reaction closely.
Elizabeth blushed and bowed her head down.
"Do you like him?" her aunt asked gently.
"I do. Very much. I did not always feel this way though. In fact, I really did not like him at all in the beginning of our acquaintance," Elizabeth admitted, without going into detail about the events that had transpired.
"He appears to be genuine in his intentions. He is very attentive to you," her aunt offered her observations. Elizabeth just smiled. "Mr Darcy comes from a reputable family. Growing up in Lambton, I have heard only good things about them. You know very well that he has money and connections. I daresay everyone would consider him a most eligible bachelor."
Elizabeth raised her head and met her aunt's eyes. "I know, aunt. But… I do not want to marry for convenience. My wish is to have a union with mutual respect and affection, and of the lasting kind. Not like… I mean, I see the way uncle regards you, and it is not the same as… well, the two of you seem very happy and comfortable with each other." Elizabeth could not help but see the contrast in the relationship her parents had to that of her uncle and aunt's. Despite being her father's favourite, she was not blind to his indifference towards their family and general lackadaisical attitude. Over the years, her mother's nerves had also become a more regular complaint, and the interactions between her parents could sometimes be frustrating to watch.
"Do you think Mr Darcy respects you?" her aunt enquired.
"Yes."
"Do you respect him?"
"Yes, I do."
"Do you think he loves you?"
"I – well, he has not said so…"
"But do his actions show that he cares for you?"
"Y-yes."
"And do you care for him too?"
"Yes… I do."
"Is there anything that you find disagreeable with him?"
"No. Not anymore."
"Do you find him lacking in anything?"
"He can be shy and reserved, but not so with people he is familiar with. He has very recently started to tease me," Elizabeth recalled with fondness.
"He is learning. That is a good sign. I think your liveliness and charm would complement his more reticent, thoughtful disposition quite nicely," her aunt added.
"But what if… I mean, people… and feelings change. I guess sometimes people fall out of love… or grow tired or resentful of each other."
"A successful marriage does not just happen, Lizzy. It needs both parties to want to make it work. Believe me, your uncle and I have had numerous disagreements. But we take the time to listen to each other and consider the feelings and thoughts of the other," her aunt explained.
Elizabeth nodded and considered her aunt's words.
"Think about how Mr Darcy is with his female relations. That may give you a good indication of how he would treat his future wife and family. Do not allow your fears and worries to hinder you from finding happiness, Lizzy. Let your heart be your guide," Mrs Gardiner spoke with tenderness and gave her niece a warm embrace. "Your handsome suitor will be here soon. Let us get you ready," she said as they pulled apart.
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The dinner guests of the Bennets arrived, all dressed in fine clothes. The ladies looked fashionable and elegant, and the men dapper in their tailored outfits.
Soon after arrival, Lydia indicated to Mr Bingley and Jane that they were standing under the mistletoe. Not needing to be persuaded, the man readily kissed his angel on the cheek, and plucked a berry. This was enthusiastically received by all except for Mr Bennet, who had not yet officially announced the engagement. Though Darcy would love to have every chance to kiss Elizabeth, he did not want to make her uneasy if she was not comfortable with such a display in view of her entire family and guests.
It was no surprise that Darcy was seated next to Elizabeth, and Charles next to Jane. There was an abundance of well-prepared dishes, which were thoroughly appreciated by everyone, especially the roast beef and goose. Mr Hurst particularly enjoyed the boiled potatoes, claiming that they were excellent and that "it has been many years since I have had such an exemplary vegetable".
The Gardiner children joined them for pudding, with their favourites being gingerbread and sugar plums. The Christmas pudding proved to be another popular offering with everyone.
Before dinner ended, Mr Bennet proposed a toast to the season, and he followed this with the happy news of the engagement of Mr Bingley to his eldest daughter. As he expected, the level of noise around the table escalated as soon as he finished this announcement. Beaming with joy, the betrothed couple graciously accepted the warmest felicitations extended by their family and friends. Once the ladies and children had withdrawn to the parlour, Jane became the recipient of tight hugs and numerous questions.
"Oh, this is the best news! And on Christmas day! You have made your mamma so happy, dearest Jane! This day could not get any better!" exclaimed Mrs Bennet.
Some moments after, the men entered the parlour and the children provided some entertainment by way of singing carols.
"Excellent performance, children. Such lovely, melodious voices you have," Mr Bennet spoke after the clapping from the audience had died down. "Now, Mrs Bennet, I hope your nerves have calmed down enough for I have some more news to share. The Darcy family has very kindly presented these gifts to us," and the man gestured towards some parcels, neatly wrapped in brown paper and secured with sealing wax and twine.
"Oh, thank you, Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy! That is very generous of you indeed!" Mrs Bennet expressed her gratitude most sincerely.
"But before you open and enjoy the presents from the Darcy family, allow me to just make one final announcement," Mr Bennet added. "Mr Bingley, in his exuberance after being engaged to Jane, has devised a scheme that I reckon will bring you unparalleled delight."
"Well? What is it, then?" his wife prodded.
"Very well. I shall no longer suspend any pleasure of yours, dear wife. Mr Bingley would like to organise a trip to Bath to include the members of his family, ours and the Darcys," Mr Bennet declared.
Suddenly all the ladies started speaking simultaneously, and Mr Bingley waited before he could be heard over the noise.
"Is it true, Mr Bingley?"
"Are we all going to Bath?"
"Can we all go, papa?"
"When is the trip?"
Smiling widely, Mr Bingley addressed the group, "Yes, it is true. I would like to invite you all for a quick visit to Bath. I am thinking perhaps we could spend a week or two there in January. Mr Bennet has agreed to help me with planning this event. Consider it my present to your family and the Darcys. There is a good variety of entertainment in Bath, and I am sure the ladies would not be averse to doing some shopping."
"Oh, how wonderful!"
"We are going to Bath in January!"
"Maybe we could attend a ball or an assembly!"
"Thank you, Mr Bingley!"
Georgiana turned to her brother and asked,
"Are we going, Fitzwilliam? And Anne too? It might be good for her to take the waters."
"I do not see any reason not to. Do you want to ask your friends if they want to open their presents now?" Darcy encouraged her sister.
Lydia and Kitty eagerly led the unwrapping of the parcels. There were several fancy boxes with supplies for activities such as writing, drawing, painting, and needlework. In turn, the Bennet sisters also gave Georgiana, Anne and Louisa some handmade purses.
Before long, the Gardiner children requested to be able to play with their new toys. Jane and Elizabeth and Darcy followed the children to the adjoining room where they could have their own amusement. Charles could not easily escape the parlour due to people wanting to talk about the proposed trip to Bath. Emma and Isabella proudly showed Darcy that they had created other animals out of pine cones and sticks.
About an hour later, it was noticeable that the children were getting tired and sleepy.
"I think we should start putting your toys away. It is time for bed," Jane stated.
"I am not yet sleepy," Isabella yawned.
"Yes, you are," Elizabeth laughed. "We can play again tomorrow. You still have five days here before you return to London," Elizabeth said.
"But I still need to fix the legs of my baby cone cows," Isabelle said.
"Do not worry, Isabella. I can help you fix them," Darcy assured her.
"Will you be here tomorrow?" asked the young girl, now scratching her eyes.
"I will come and visit as long as I am welcome," Darcy replied, glancing at Elizabeth.
"Well, you are welcome to come everyday so we can play," Isabella answered.
"That is good to know. I shall see you tomorrow then," Darcy smiled.
Elizabeth was about to help Jane lead the children upstairs but her sister insisted that she and their maid can make sure they were ready for bed. When they had no other company, Elizabeth turned to Darcy and said, "I thank you for your thoughtful presents. They are all things that we could use."
"I am glad that you like them," Darcy held her hand and kissed it.
"You have chosen materials of the finest quality. You are far too generous," Elizabeth added.
"I admit I had some help from my aunt Eleanor. Your father did not agree to individual presents. I understand that it would not be appropriate for me to give you a separate gift," Darcy explained.
"You do not need to give me anything else, sir. Your sister and cousin only received handmade presents from us," Elizabeth remarked.
"That makes them even more special, because you spent time making them. It takes less effort to purchase items than to make them. Alas I do not possess your accomplishments so I took the easier route," Darcy said.
"I think we can now stop discussing the merits of the presents. Just know that your presents are very much appreciated. Poor Mr Bingley, to be left to contend with my mother's and younger sisters' questions about the trip to Bath. It is a good thing he is such an amiable man. Shall we return to them, Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth asked her suitor.
"Very well. Will I see you in the morning?" Darcy kissed her hands again and eyed the open door.
"Yes, sir --" and she was interrupted as Darcy bestowed a tender kiss on her cheek.
"Happy Christmas, Miss Elizabeth," he spoke softly in her ear, causing her skin to tingle.
Afterwards, he slowly stood up and waited for Elizabeth who was smoothing her skirt down. When they were one step away from the doorway, Darcy felt Elizabeth's hand on his arm. As he turned to her, she whispered,
"Mistletoe."
Before he could look up, Elizabeth brushed her lips ever so gently against his.
"Happy Christmas, Mr Darcy," she greeted him with a shy smile.
Still in shock, he watched as her figure disappeared into the other room, then he absently plucked a berry from the mistletoe.
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Well then…
Was that too bold? I first planned it to be just a kiss on his cheek... I'll change it back if you think it's too much.
I read the replies to my last question, and I was really impressed. Thank you for describing how you picture the characters. I think most see Darcy as dark haired with blue eyes, and Lizzy as dark/brown haired with green or hazel or brown eyes. I really enjoyed reading your comments.
Collins was described as "tall, heavy looking young man of five and twenty. His air was grave and stately, and his manners were very formal". Quite different to the 1995 and 2005 choice of actors. Does anyone know why orange is often associated with Caro?
Next question (could be the last one): Completion type— I wish Character A did/did not….
Yes, we know a lot of things will change in the story if that happened.
e.g. I wish Charlotte did not accept Collins; I wish Lizzy did not believe Wickham at the start; I wish Jane did not accept Bingley so easily when he returned; I wish Darcy confessed his mistake to Bingley sooner; I wish Darcy Sr saw through Wickham's deception; I wish Mr Bennet did not allow Lydia to go to Brighton…
I think I would go for—I wish Darcy did not just leave Elizabeth in Derbyshire without an indication of his continued affections. That was heart-breaking for both parties.
I will try to write the conclusion within a week or two.
Thank you all!