A/N many thanks to my beta reader/editor, goclimbatree / Ann


Chapter 33

The invitation was issued, and letters flew between London and Pemberley to arrange for the Gardiners to retrieve Lydia along the way. Again, a second carriage from Darcy House was offered to help transport all those coming from London and parts along the way, and that offer was readily accepted.

The anticipation for Christmas at Pemberley grew as the invited guests made their way to the grand estate. Lord and Lady Matlock arrived first as they had the least distance to travel. Lady Matlock also intended to help Elizabeth with the plans for the holiday, assuming that she would be feeling the burden of so many guests arriving so soon after the birth of the twins. Following closely behind were the newly married Bingleys, accompanied by Mary Bennet. The Bingleys had offered to bring Mary with them, allowing the Gardiners to travel directly to Northampton to collect Lydia from school. Jane and Mary had much to say to each other, as they had not spent much time together since the former's marriage. Much of what they shared had to deal with their parents and their very different reactions to the events of the last year.

Elizabeth had continued to try to persuade Mary in letters to remain at Pemberley after Christmas. However, Mary had continued to be adamant about remaining, as she enjoyed the work she was doing at Longbourn, having complete control over the estate. Mrs Higgins was a great help to her, both in instructing her and as a companion, escorting her to social events within the community as she could. Despite the disinterest from both of her parents, Mary really had found her place at Longbourn.

In another carriage, the Gardiners were travelling with Lydia on the way to Derbyshire. Keeping in mind the events that had led to Lydia's reformation, Mrs Gardiner had taken Lydia under her wing as they travelled. Mrs Gardiner utilised the time in the carriage to speak to her about what she had learned during this time and what she intended to do about it in the future.

When their paths finally merged, the two groups arrived at Pemberley together. When the doors swung open, revealing the breathtaking sight of Pemberley adorned with festive decorations, a collective gasp of awe escaped the lips of Mary and Lydia. These two, who had only heard tales of its grandeur, were amazed at the large manor house and lovely grounds, not only at the grandeur but the fact that their sister was the mistress there.

Darcy and Elizabeth, ever the attentive hosts, stood at the entrance to welcome them with a warm smile. They welcomed the groups into the opulent halls of Pemberley, where the flickering glow of roaring fireplaces cast a cosy ambience. The air was filled with the familiar sound of laughter as the guests all greeted each other, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. Elizabeth, ever the gracious mistress of Pemberley, radiated warmth and hospitality. Her presence immediately eased the minds of Mary and Lydia, who felt a sense of belonging and acceptance in her presence. Elizabeth's genuine affection for her sisters and her easy charm put them at ease, erasing any lingering nervousness they may have felt, especially Lydia, who had been uncertain about her welcome.

Lydia, lingering in the background, watched the warm exchanges with curiosity. Elizabeth turned her attention to her youngest sisters, instantly putting them at ease.

"Lydia, Mary, how wonderful to finally have you both here," Elizabeth greeted her sisters, her voice filled with warmth.

Lydia's eyes widened, her uncertainty fading away. "Truly, Lizzy? I wasn't sure how I'd be received. Pemberley is utterly breathtaking, Lizzy. I am so excited to spend Christmas here,"

Elizabeth embraced Lydia, her voice gentle yet firm. "You are always welcome here, dear sister. We are family, and nothing could change that. I have been pleased to learn of the changes you have been implementing."

The group was offered refreshments and moved into a cosy drawing room, and tea was ordered. Soon, the twins were brought down, and their arrival sparked an immediate burst of delight from the family. Their cherubic faces and innocent expressions captured the hearts of all who laid eyes upon them. Her sisters all surrounded Elizabeth, eagerly vying for a glimpse of the precious babies, showering them with affectionate smiles, coos, and gentle touches.

Lydia, unable to contain her excitement, leaned in closer to get a better view of the twins. "Oh, Lizzy, they are absolutely precious! Look at those tiny little noses and those chubby cheeks!"

Elizabeth smiled, her eyes filled with adoration for her children. "They truly are a blessing, Lydia. We could not be happier with our precious blessings."

Mary, standing beside Lydia, observed the twins with a gentle gaze. "They're so small and delicate. It's fascinating to see how they bring such joy to everyone around them."

Lydia, her impulsive nature taking over, reached out her hand to touch one of the twins' tiny fingers. "Can I hold one, Lizzy?" Elizabeth nodded and handed baby William over to her

Mary, more reserved but equally captivated, watched Lydia with a soft smile. She approached Elizabeth hesitantly. "May I...may I hold one, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth's eyes filled with warmth. "Of course, Mary. They would love to meet their aunt." With gentle hands, Elizabeth carefully placed Roseanne in Mary's arms. As the baby settled against her, a wave of tenderness washed over Mary. Her eyes filled with tears, and a radiant smile spread across her face.

"Oh, my little darling," Mary whispered softly, her voice filled with affection "You are simply perfect. Welcome to our family."

The room fell into a hushed silence as the guests watched Mary, captivated by the love that emanated from her. It was a tender moment and one that all the ladies watched with joy.

Two days later, on the twenty-first of December, the carriage arrived from Kent, bringing with it the Fitzwilliams, and as the last of the guests arrived, Darcy and Elizabeth warmly welcomed everyone to Pemberley. Their joyous smiles reflected their happiness in hosting such a gathering, and their hearts swelled with gratitude for the presence of their loved ones.

In the days leading up to Christmas, Pemberley came alive with the spirit of celebration that permeated their guests. The grand rooms echoed with the sound of lively conversations as they gathered in small groups, exchanging stories while laughter filled the air. The crackling fireplaces provided a cosy backdrop for cheerful banter while the scent of pine and cinnamon wafted through the halls, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The twins were often present during these events, adding much to the celebration as they were passed from guest to guest.

Amidst the joyful ambience, the guests engaged in various activities, each bringing their unique talents and interests to the forefront. Games of charades became a favourite pastime, with laughter echoing through the hallways as players eagerly acted out clues and guessed the answers. Lady Matlock, at times, held back during these instances but eventually began to become more comfortable with the lively displays. Lord Matlock found solace in the lively debates and discussions that took place by the fireside, where differing opinions were met with respect and intellectual curiosity.

The sprawling gardens of Pemberley, now transformed by a glistening blanket of snow, beckoned the guests to venture outdoors. They explored the enchanting winter wonderland, the crunch of snow beneath their boots accompanying their delighted footsteps. Snowball fights ensued, with shrieks of laughter echoing through the serene landscape. All were amused when the formerly staid Darcy joined in, especially as his cousin was frequently his particular target. Some guests, particularly the newly wedded couples, bundled up in warm coats and scarves, strolled hand-in-hand, enjoying the peacefulness of the season.

On Christmas Eve, the guests at Pemberley gathered in the drawing room for traditional holiday games. Snapdragon, a game of daring and excitement, took centre stage as a large shallow dish filled with raisins was placed on a table, and brandy was poured over it. The room was dimmed, and the guests gathered around the table, anticipation in their eyes.

Darcy, as the host, ignited the brandy, creating blue flames that danced atop the dish. One by one, the guests reached into the fiery depths, snatching a raisin while trying to avoid the flames. The crackling of the fire, the scent of warm brandy, and the sound of laughter filled the room.

With the flickering blue flames of the Snapdragon game dying down, Darcy stepped back, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Well, my friends, I must say, that was an impressive display of bravery and nimble fingers. I hope you all managed to snatch a raisin without getting singed!"

Laughter erupted from the guests as they exchanged stories of their daring attempts. Charles Bingley chuckled, his eyes alight with mirth. "I must admit, Darcy, it was quite a sight to see everyone diving into the flames like a pack of hungry wolves. But we emerged victorious!"

Elizabeth joined in the laughter, her voice filled with amusement. "Indeed, Charles. Snapdragon is always a spirited tradition, and you all embraced it with gusto. Now, is anyone interested in a game of spillikins?"

Delicate wooden sticks, intricately carved and coloured, were quickly scattered on a table. The goal was to carefully remove one stick at a time without disturbing the others. Each player's steady hand and strategic thinking were put to the test as they delicately manoeuvred the sticks, trying not to cause a cascade of movement. It was a game of patience, concentration, and friendly competition, bringing both moments of triumph and lighthearted laughter.

Lord Matlock delicately plucked a stick from the pile, her brow furrowing in concentration. "I used to play this game when I was younger. It requires steady hands and a keen eye for balance."

Fitzwilliam nodded, reaching for a stick of his own. "Indeed, Father. It tests our patience and strategic thinking. Let us see who among us has the most delicate touch," he replied as he not-so-subtly nudged him off balance.

The room fell into a peaceful hush as the guests focused on their task, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. Each player gingerly removed a stick, trying not to disrupt the delicate equilibrium of the remaining sticks. Concentration etched their brows, and friendly banter filled the air as they shared tips and tricks.

Lydia, always eager for a challenge, playfully teased Charlotte. "Careful, Charlotte! One wrong move and the whole table might come crashing down. Don't let the sticks defeat you!"

Charlotte smirked, her eyes narrowing in mock seriousness. "Oh, Lydia, I shall not be defeated by a bunch of sticks. Watch and learn."

As the game progressed, a chorus of laughter erupted whenever a stick wobbled, or a player's hand slipped, causing a cascade of movement. It was a delightful blend of skill and chance, creating moments of triumph and lighthearted laughter.

As the clock struck midnight, signalling the arrival of Christmas Day, the guests set aside the spillikins, their faces flushed with merriment. Darcy called for their attention. "My friends, it is time for us to make our way to Kympton for the midnight services. Let us bundle up warmly for the ride to the chapel; I have arranged for sleighs to transport us all."

The guests donned their coats and scarves, the wintry air invigorating their spirits. They stepped out into the night, guided by the soft glow of lanterns, their laughter and chatter blending harmoniously with the sound of crunching snow underfoot.

As they settled into the cosy sleighs, Elizabeth leaned toward Mary, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "Mary, I do hope you'll enjoy the midnight services. There's something quite magical about attending them on Christmas Eve."

Mary smiled warmly, her heart filled with anticipation. "Thank you, Lizzy. I'm looking forward to experiencing this beautiful tradition with our family."

Inside the cosy sanctuary, the air was filled with a hushed reverence. Candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the wooden pews and stained-glass windows. The choir sang angelic hymns, their voices intertwining in melodic harmony. The congregation joined in, their voices rising in unison to celebrate the birth of Christ. Prayers were whispered, and the timeless story of hope and love unfolded through scripture readings.

In that sacred space, surrounded by loved ones and fellow believers, a sense of peace settled over the hearts of the guests. The midnight services in Kympton served as a gentle reminder of the deeper significance of Christmas—the message of faith, love, and the hope that resides in the birth of Christ. The serenity of the moment enveloped them, allowing them to reflect on the blessings in their lives and the joy of being in each other's company during this special time of year.

After the services, the guests returned to Pemberley, their hearts brimming with a renewed sense of peace and goodwill. They gathered in the grand drawing room, where the soft glow of the fireplaces welcomed them back. With cups of hot cocoa and eggnog in hand, they exchanged stories of their experiences at the midnight services, relishing in the beauty of the traditions that bound them together.

The family slept late on Christmas Day after attending the midnight services the night before, and all gathered together in the breakfast room mid-morning. After a sumptuous breakfast, they all gathered in a drawing room again for games and laughter. The twins were present for much of this gaiety, and they spent much time looking around at their family. A few small gifts were exchanged, and the twins were the recipient of several new things – some simply toys, a few children's books, and little gowns embroidered by the ladies.

A grand dinner was served that night in the dining room, with all manner of delicacies and holiday favourites. The meal, which lasted more than three hours, was thoroughly enjoyed by the company, both for the quality of food and of conversation. More stories were shared about past Christmases by everyone in the party, and while there was a variety of experiences represented, all had special memories to share. The Bennet sisters were reminded of some of the traditions they had enjoyed most as children, and all at the table were a bit wistful when they remembered those who were no longer at the table with them. Despite this one melancholic note, the dinner was enjoyed, and everyone left the table having eaten their fill.

Elizabeth and Darcy woke early the next day and followed the tradition they had revived the year before of visiting their tenants and delivering baskets to each. These baskets contained many needed items, as well as treats for the children, and were well appreciated by the recipients. Each basket also contained a few coins as an additional Christmas gift for the families. A similar gift had been arranged for the tenants at Rosings, and the steward, Mr Shaw, had been assisted by the Morrises to ensure the baskets contained needed items for each household.

The week after Christmas passed in a similar fashion to the week before. A hunt occupied the men for a day or two, and the animals they killed provided meat for many on the estate. Elizabeth and the other ladies used the time together to sew and to chat and generally enjoyed the opportunity to be in the company of each other. The sisters were aware that this time together was unique, and Charlotte, Georgiana, and Anne had become a part of that sisterhood in the last year or so. Along with Lady Matlock and Mrs Gardiner, they had many conversations as a whole group and in smaller groupings. The twins and the Gardiner children were often with them, and they provided much entertainment to them all.

Elizabeth took the time to speak with each of her sisters individually, focusing particular attention on Lydia and Mary. In particular, she had several serious conversations with Mary about remaining at Longbourn. However, Mary was determined and reiterated the reasons she had already given for staying. In a quiet corner, hidden away from the rest of the guests, Elizabeth was finally able to coax the real reason from her reticent sister.

"I like Robert Goulding," she blurted out. "And I think he likes me too. He has begun visiting, and while he says he is there to speak with Papa, he spends most of his visits with me. We speak about Longbourn and books that we have both read. He just finished at Oxford in the spring, and he has been working with his father to learn about their estate, although his older brother will inherit it."

A mix of surprise and curiosity filled Elizabeth's eyes as Mary admitted to her feelings. She could not help but be genuinely interested in her sister's admission; however, she felt she needed to raise some concerns, delicately reminding Mary of the entailment and the financial matters at hand.

"Mary," Elizabeth began gently, "I do not want to dissuade you at all, but Robert does know that you will not inherit Longbourn, that the estate is entailed to Mr Collins, does he not? And you have not spoken of the money you are investing with our uncle?"

"No, Lizzy, I have not. Uncle warned me most carefully that I should not speak of that to anyone, including our parents. Papa does not know that I have significantly cut on costs of the estate and that the profits are up. William's suggestions, combined with those from the steward, have allowed us to save a large part of Longbourn's profits, and that money was invested with Gardiner for a ten per cent return. It is not a significant amount yet, but it is far more saved than Papa has ever managed," Mary told her proudly.

"It is significant, Mary, and I hope you know that all of us are proud of you for what you have accomplished," Elizabeth replied, the pride evident in her voice. "You have done an excellent job with little help from our father. And I am glad for you – how serious are things between you and Robert?"

"He has asked for a courtship, and I told him I would answer once I returned from this trip. I … I wanted to talk it over with my sisters, mostly with you, before I replied," Mary said, seeking advice from her sister on this matter, a matter she had not wanted to commit to paper.

"Do you love him? Or do you think you could love him?" Elizabeth asked.

"I do," Mary replied. "He is so very kind and seems to care for me as well. He has not said as much, but it is in his look and in the way he treats me. He asked to speak to our uncle Gardiner about investing a small legacy he received from his paternal grandfather; it was unexpected, but he says it will make it easier for us to marry. He wants to purchase a small home nearby, but I was wondering… do you think we could remain at Longbourn after we married? We could continue to run the estate, and Robert has many ideas about increasing the profits."

"As long as Papa does not mind, I cannot think of any objections to the plan. He would have to approve, and you realize that he will likely do to you what he did to me once you are married. And you will be living with him," Elizabeth warned.

"I do realize that, and I do not mind because, well, I expect nothing less from him," Mary confessed. "I have never thought Papa cared for me beyond what I could do for him. He never favoured me as he favoured you, and it was obvious I was just someone to occupy him."

Elizabeth hugged her sister, pleased at the evident admiration that lit her face as she spoke of her beau. After the two spent a few more minutes discussing Longbourn and their father before Elizabeth called away to feed the twins in the nursery. Mary went with her, but since there were several others in the room, the conversation shifted to something far lighter.

Mrs Gardiner likewise spoke with each of her nieces but spent significantly more time with Lydia. In these conversations, Lydia disclosed that she did not want to return to school, but neither did she want to return to Longbourn, as she worried if she would be able to resist the influence of her mother. Recognizing that Lydia needed guidance, something she would not receive at Longbourn, her aunt invited her to accompany her to London and to stay with them for a while, as Elizabeth and Jane had done. This invitation was eagerly accepted; she had been invited to remain at Pemberley as well, but she had not wanted to add to Elizabeth's burden since she already had two children to care for, along with Anne, Georgiana, and Kitty. No, Lydia would return to London with the Gardiners to learn to care for their children and to learn from Mrs Gardiner how to be a lady.

The day after the new year began, the guests began departing. The Gardiners, accompanied by Mary and Lydia, began their trek toward London, intending to stop for a night or two at Longbourn along the way. Lydia had not liked this plan originally but had been convinced that it was necessary for her to let her parents know of her plans. They would not let Mrs Bennet dissuade her from her purpose, though, and would provide the support she needed to break away from her mother.

Mary was glad that the Gardiners were accompanying them, as she wanted her Uncle Gardiner to speak with her suitor as he had requested. While her father would be the one to ultimately give his consent, there were things that Mr Gardiner was aware of that Papa was not. Another consideration for Mary was that she believed her Aunt and Uncle truly cared for her and for her happiness, unlike her parents. Her mother would be unconcerned that Mary was marrying, especially to one as 'low' as Robert Goulding. Likewise, her father would likely care little so long as Mary continued to run Longbourn as she had done. After speaking to Elizabeth, Mary had finally been willing to share her thoughts with her uncle, and the two had discussed what would likely take place after her marriage. With the savings she had amassed, they could create a second master suite for the couple in a separate wing of the house, enabling them to have some privacy in their marriage. Of course, they would have to seek Bennet's permission, but given his lack of interest, Gardiner felt certain he would agree. After all, it would make little difference in Bennet's life if another man occupied his place instead of a daughter.

Fitzwilliam and Charlotte left next, and Anne accompanied the couple who were now living in the renovated manor house nearly thirty miles from Rosings. While Anne had no desire to live there again, after all, she had heard from her cousins, she wanted to view the estate again and was even willing to spend a night or two in the home while she was in the area. The Matlocks went with them, as the Fitzwilliam would go first to the Matlock estate to visit for a fortnight before travelling to Kent.

Finally, the Bingleys departed to visit the Hursts at their estate near Bath. Louisa had not been able to attend the wedding as she had been entering the final months of her confinement and could not travel. However, the Hursts had invited their brother and new sister to visit after the new year and to meet their new niece. The couple would remain there for a few weeks before returning home to Netherfield. Bingley had extended the lease for an additional year, and he and Jane needed to stay there for a few months before they decided if they would remain or search for another estate to purchase.