These are some vignettes that take place immediately after the end of the series. With some bits and pieces from canon applied as I see fit. I also gave Peter a last name (and first names for his parents) because I did.
For example, Amelia seemed to have a crush on Mr. Carrisford, but was shut down by her sister, as well as the sheer amount of disrespect Sara got for wearing a black ribbon to mourn her father, as well as the disrespect Miss Minchin talks about Captain Crewe. Like, jeez, let the girl grieve. I've been rewatching the series, you see. (Thank you, Licca Fansubs)
I know Christmas isn't for like 4 months, but consider it an early Christmas present. It is a little long, though, so don't read it while driving or whatever. I usually don't write long chapters like this.
I have to draw the OCs I've mentioned at some point too. Oh, and £5000 in 1885 would be worth about £714,122.14 in 2022, and in US dollars, it would be worth $844,555.12.
Before leaving London, Sara had her plans with her newly restored fortune.
First, she was to take Becky out of that house. If Sara was the Diamond Princess, shouldn't a princess have a lady-in-waiting? Mr. Carrisford didn't fight this, and had Ram Dass travel across the roofs to tell Becky her reverse of fortune: instead of slaving away under a hateful shrew of a woman, Becky was to now be Sara's companion. And when Sara came back to school the next day, Becky could hardly believe such good fortune had come to her, breaking down in happy tears on the stairs.
Of course, Becky was so excited, she packed her things and headed next door, missing the Christmas party at school to settle into her new life. But she also suspected Miss Minchin wouldn't have allowed her to attend the party anyway, so she felt it fit to not attend, and a sisterly maid of about sixteen named Lucy helped her settle in to her room.
"It's fitting you have a room so close to your friend, Becky. It's a lot comfier than an attic." Lucy set the girl's suitcase onto the bed. "Of course, it helps that the fires are lit, doesn't it?"
Becky looked at the girl, shocked, "How do you know?"
Lucy shrugged, "Servants talk to each other. I heard from Dolly, she's the cook here, and she heard from Ram Dass, Mr. Carrisford's man, Dolly also talked to the cooks at the school. James and Molly...something..." She couldn't be bothered to remember their last name as she continued, "Anyway, from what Dolly tells me, they are some of the most rude, spiteful people. Of course, I haven't met the headmistress, but I heard she's a nasty piece of work herself." Lucy tucked a flyaway blonde hair behind her ear as Becky filled her in about Miss Minchin's character.
"Oh, so Dolly's right then. That headmistress is quite vulgar. Suppose it's lucky she has no children of her own." Both Becky and Lucy shuddered at the horror of the thought of Miss Maria Minchin as a mother.
"I suppose she is. She was so cruel to Sara lost when she her money, and acted as if nothing had happened when Mr. Carrisford gave her all those wonderful things..." Becky sighed, "And she still probably sees me as I were nothing but a cockroach, and wouldn't have let me attend the party anyway..."
Fortunately, Becky had Sara to fill her in that afternoon after tea, having saved her a piece of Christmas cake and told her about how James and Molly dressed as Father and Mother Christmas. Becky could only laugh at the very unfitting image, but inward held some grudge against them. How dare they disgrace the image of Father Christmas that way, she thought to herself. Besides, it was only the 21st. They would have their own Christmas together, anyway. That's much better than any party.
After Becky was settled that night and she and Sara were introduced to all the servants properly, and a suitable wardrobe was to be made for the girl, and Mr. Carrisford took Sara and Becky to the tailor's the next day, with him picking up several dresses for Sara, as well as having Becky's measurements taken for her dresses. Though, only dresses for every day, two dresses for Sundays, and a thick wool coat were made for the girl for now. It was so many more dresses she thought she'd ever need.
Of course, Becky still had her own things, but much of them were quite worn, especially the stockings and boots. Those were the first to be replaced. Still, she couldn't say no to such a luxurious wardrobe. Fortunately for her, Becky's old dresses were not replaced, though she had to wear Sara's clothes for the next several days until her own were ready.
The next day, the day before Christmas Eve, Sara decided to go along with Mr. Carrisford to get presents for the seminary girls. Everyone from Lottie up to Lavinia was considered, and gifts were chosen with care. Still, one girl had not been considered just yet: Becky. It was a good thing Becky had stayed home, for Sara wanted her gift to be extra special. She thought and thought as she and Mr. Carrisford decided to take their lunch in a small tea shop, along with Peter. Then, the idea struck her.
"Uncle Tom, do you suppose Becky has ever had a companion, like I have Emily?" The man shook his head, "I don't believe so. From what you tell me, her family isn't very well off, barely getting by on only her salary. Speaking of, I should send her family something on the express..." He turned his attention back to his young ward, "But yes, you could get her a doll, if that's what you wish to get her." Sara nodded and expressed her gratitude, "Oh, thank you. I want Becky to have a happy Christmas with me."
They decided to look in several doll shops. Sara struggled to find the right doll for Becky. A girl's doll was very important, of course she had to choose carefully! They went through several toy shops, but eventually, one stood out enough. She had soft brown hair just reaching her chin, bright blue eyes, and a closed, smiling mouth, and was dressed in a coral dress with white trimmings and a matching lacy white bonnet. Something about her looked so sweet and docile.
"She shall be Becky's present, Uncle Tom. I know Becky will take such good care of her." She spoke to her guardian as the clerk rung them up, interrupting only when she stopped, "You know if you're curious, there are clothes patterns for this little dolly. Of course, we do have a few ready-made clothes for her, too." Sara looked at Mr. Carrisford with a slight pleading look. He nodded, "Alright, since this is a present for Becky..."
Sara turned to the clerk and agreed to the extra purchases, both the book of clothes patterns and the additional dresses. She had taken extra care to have them gift-wrapped as well.
They left the toy shop as Sara held the precious cargo, "I hope Becky will be happy." Mr. Carrisford smiled at the girl, "I believe she will, Sara."
When they got home and placed most of the presents they'd bought in the coat closet (A few were meant for Peter and his family, and he took them home with him, while the gifts for the seminary girls were to be sent out in the morning.) Sara found Becky pouring over some books, not even noticing Sara's presence until her name was called. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Miss... I was reading some of these books that Mr. Carrisford had brought up. Oh, I love these stories so!" Becky proudly showed off the cover, and Sara recognized the gold-plated name on the cover. "I see you've discovered the company of Elsie Dinsmore, Becky."
"Oh, I have! I just want to jump into her world and take her away from her cruel father!" Becky almost brought herself to tears as Sara laughed, but not out of meanness. "I'm happy you like them, Becky. I read the first few books when I was little, but it hurts me to read now, not because it's bad, but I know I feel things so... intensely, that I can... overwhelm myself. That, and her father is nothing like my papa at all."
"He's not like my da either..." Becky realized what she'd said, and trailed off, setting the book down on the table. Sara looked at the girl with concern, "Becky, you never told me about your father. I only know he died... Do you want to talk about it?"
"Oh, Miss, I don't want to impose..." Becky was cut off by Sara taking her hand. They both sat upon the bed, "Becky, if you don't want to tell me now, it's alright, but... I want you to trust me."
"I do trust you, Miss. I just... I feel like I'm enough of a bother..." Becky looked away, quite shy and ashamed, as if she were somehow insulting this girl with her presence. Sara kissed her cheek, "I'm not forcing you, I could never. Just, when you're comfortable, I'll lend you an ear." Becky only nodded as Lucy came back up, alerting the girls that supper was ready.
Downstairs, Sara sat at the table, assisted by Becky. When Becky herself was about to leave, Mr. Carrisford got her attention, "Becky, where are you going?"
"Oh, uh... downstairs, to eat with Lucy." Becky fumbled a bit with her words as Mr. Carrisford continued, "As Sara's companion, you're more than welcome to eat with the two of us, Becky." Perhaps out of fear this privilege was to be taken away, Becky sat down next to Sara immediately, as a pretty brunette maid filled their plates. Both thanked the girl, and ate a relatively simple dinner of beef stew, hot rolls, and tea.
The meal was a quiet one, but as soon as it was over, Mr. Carrisford perked up, "Perhaps, Father Christmas shall visit us tonight." Both Sara and Becky giggled, and the tension was loosened a good deal. As they went off to bed, Tom sighed as he smiled to himself, "Poor dears... I know Father Christmas will come for you."
As the two girls were quite tired and went almost immediately to sleep, they were unaware of the magic taking place downstairs.
When they woke at dawn on Christmas Eve (some habits die hard), they looked out the window and watched the snowflakes gently land on the street. Around this time, the streetlights would have been put out as dawn rose, but as winters in London tended to be dark and foggy, they were obliged to be lit the whole day.
At seven, the brunette maid from supper was to dress them for the Christmas service at church. Sara was dressed in her red velvet dress, while Becky was dressed in an olive green merino wool dress. Downstairs, they found Mr. Carrisford already dressed. Though still obliged to walk with a cane, he was clearly in much better spirits from last week. A special breakfast of pancakes with cream and raspberry jam, sausages and tea with extra sugar and cream was served to the girls, while Mr. Carrisford was content with the leftover stew from the previous night and unsweetened tea.
"You're spoiling those girls, Mister Tom." Dolly gently chided him the night before, but Thomas was insistent, "They deserve to be spoiled a little, after what they've gone through, Dolly. Of course, I know they can't eat pancakes every day, but tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Surely such a rich breakfast on this day will not do them any harm." Dolly resigned, "You're right. I still can't fathom who could be cruel to such sweet girls." (And with that, the Headmistress had gained an enemy.)
After breakfast, they put on their coats, and rode to church. The service was nothing out of the ordinary, telling the Nativity story as was traditional on this day, but Sara and Becky couldn't help smiling, as they had found their light at the darkest point of their lives, just as the Savior was the light of the world.
After the service, they didn't go straight home, instead, decided to visit Peter's family. Sara and Mr. Carrisford waited outside their home as Peter announced their visit, while Becky was giving small gifts like stockings and sweets to the small children gathered around the carriage (It was Sara's idea to give the children some sort of small comforts for Christmas). When Peter allowed them to come in, his mother was in bed, propped up by a very luxurious-looking pillow and a thick quilt covered her (they were her Christmas gifts from Sara).
"Oh, Miss Sara, you're looking quite well now." She smiled weakly as Sara nodded, "I'm quite well, thank you, Mrs. Harrison." Peter's father, wrapped in a quilted robe and holding a new cane (Sara's gifts to him), walked from the workshop, to a chair and sat down, sighing out, "Yes, and you've taken back Peter as your carriage driver again. He really does care for you, you know." That last statement made Peter blush and cover his face with his hat. Sara could only giggle at this display, turning back to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, "I wanted to give you something else for Christmas."
"Oh?" They looked confused as Mr. Carrisford continued, "I've set up a trust fund for Peter for when he comes of age, which is worth five thousand pounds."
"Oh my... five thousand?" They looked up at the man in shock. Peter having a trust fund?! Mr Carrisford continued, smiling, "It was Sara's idea, as a thank you for taking care of her."
"Oh, you're too kind, Miss..." Mrs. Harrison took Sara's hand and smiled warmly as Sara looked at her, "It really is no trouble, I wanted to show my gratitude to you somehow."
"In addition, considering your health, Mrs. Harrison, we've considered purchasing a home for you in the suburbs, where the air is more healthful. Nothing is set in stone yet, as we didn't want to impose, but-" He was interrupted by Peter's father, "Oh, um... I appreciate it, but..."
"Dad, we can't just turn down a gift from Miss Sara!" Peter interrupted, almost indignantly.
"I'm more than happy to pay for any moving expenses, Mr. Harrison." Sara looked up at the man. She really didn't intend to wound his pride. Mr. Harrison thought a moment before looking at the girl.
"Alright. After Christmas, we'll find a place. But, I'd still like to keep my shop."
"Of course, Mr. Harrison." And Sara kissed his cheek. "Write to Mr. Carmichael your expenses." Just then, Becky came in carrying some soft bundles, "Everything's given to the little ones, Miss."
"Oh, I almost forgot. It's Peter's pay for the next few months. After Christmas, I'm going to India, so I can visit my parents' graves, and I wanted to make sure you wouldn't go without." And she gave them six months' worth of income, as well as a bit extra. Becky then walked over and presented the gifts to Peter. "And I wanted you to have something too, Peter. I... I don't know what boys like, but I bought you some stockings, boots, and clothes for summer. It frightened me how much you were sweating, I thought you would melt. and you get so cold too. You bear so much, and I thought it would be a little easier if you were more comfortable."
Peter blushed and smiled gallantly, "Oh, Miss Sara, you worry too much about me. Still, I do appreciate the stockings. It does get frightfully cold..." Then, Sara kissed his cheek, making him blush bright red, and making the others laugh.
Peter, now dressed in the new clothes Sara had given him, drove them home later in the afternoon, Just before three o'clock. They went in the parlor and found a Christmas tree decorated with dried fruits, paper garlands, holly, glass ornaments and tiny angels, making the children gasp in wonder and delight.
"There's supposed to be candles, but Dolly said no." Lucy curtised respectfully and Ram Dass bowed to Mr. Carrisford as the children laughed. "Oh, and the Carmichaels are going to come soon, Sahib."
"Of course, thank you Ram Dass." He turned to the children, "The party will begin in a little bit. Peter, you may stay if you like." Peter agreed, and soon enough, the Carmichaels had come. All of their children had tagged along too. The oldest and youngest of the children, who were either away at school or in the care of their nanny. Everyone from Dorothy and Dominic (the oldest away at school) to the baby June adored and fawned over Sara, and Becky by proxy, as she was so close to their "Little Match Girl".
The close-knit party was going well, gifts were exchanged, carols were sung, and a rich supper of roast goose and chesnut stuffing, mashed potatoes, mincemeat pies, and plum pudding. While the plum pudding was served, it was in Becky's portion where the coin was found, signifying good luck for the year. All the attention made Becky quite nervous, but something about their warm smiles and voices made any fears she may have had be put to rest.
When all the guests left, including Peter, as he didn't want to miss dinner with his family, Sara presented her gift to Becky, which was surprisingly quite large. "I know you don't like much fuss over you, so I waited until after everyone was gone. I hope you like it." Becky opened her gift from Sara. Not only the lovely doll Sara picked out, but also several dresses, a wardrobe, and patterns for even more clothes.
Becky was on the verge of tears, "Oh, Miss... I... I've never had a doll so pretty before..." and hugged the doll tight, making it utter a soft "Mamma..."
"What will you name her. Becky?" Mr Carrisford sat in his chair, smiling at this scene.
"I think Elsie's a good name. don't you, Sara?" Becky looked up at her friend.
"Yes, I think so to. but she's yours, you can name her whatever you want." Sara sat upon the sofa as she took a sip of hot cocoa. After Becky thought amoment, she announced, "Her name shall be Elsie Eugenia. It's quite a respectable name, isn't it?"
"Indeed it is, Becky."
The clock struck nine. After a kiss, Sara and Becky went to bed.
The next day, Christmas Day, they decided to visit Becky's family in Ashfield. The train took a little long, but Ashfield was covered in a thick layer of snow, so some delay was understandable.
"Are you sure you're alright, Uncle Tom?" Sara looked up at the man but he was quick to reasure her, "I'm quite alright, Sara. This is the most well I've been in months."
When they got to Ashfield station, Becky walked home alone as Sara, Mr. Carrisford and Ram Dass decided to go to the market. Mrs. Morris was in for a shock when Becky appeared at her door, "Oh, Becky! What a nice surprise!" The two little children, Teddy and Martha peeped from behind their mother, smothering their sister whith hugs.
At that moment, Mrs. Morris had a horrible thought as they went inside, "Wait, were you fired?"
"Not exactly, Ma... I... I have a new job. remember Sara, the girl I told you about?" They all sat down at the table as Granny got the girl some hot tea.
"Of course... Poor thing, I hope she's not all alone this Christmas..."
Becky smiled happily, "She's no longer poor, Ma, or alone. The diamond mines were real, and she's the owner of the largest diamond mine in India!"
"WHAT?!" The whole Morris family was in shock as Becky continued, "Not only that, but she's taken me in as her companion, so I don't have to work at Miss Minchin's anymore. Oh, this is for you." Becky took a piece of paper out of her pocket, "This is for you, for Christmas." Mrs. Morris unfolded the paper, finding it to be a check for £5,000. At this realization, Mrs. Morris nearly fainted, but her mother-in-law caught her, "Easy, Clara, easy..."
"B-Becky... I..." She was trembling as Martha got her a cup of tea, "This is enough to buy the land outright... And so much more... Becky, did Sara make a mistake?"
She shook her head, "Nope. It was actually one of my presents from Sara, it was a trust fund, but I wanted to give it to you. I already get a nice salary from her, Ma. Da said he wanted us to be self-suffiecient. And, with me working for Sara, I... I think we can do it. Even if I didn't work anymore, this should be enough..."
Clara looked at her daughter with happy tears in her eyes, "Oh Becky..." and hugged her firstborn daughter. "Your father would be so proud of you." And kissed her cheek. Just then, a knock was at the door. "I'll get it!" Teddy yelled out, and answered the door.
Mr. Carrisford, Ram Dass, and Sara were there, holding bundles of gifts.
"Oh, my, what's all this?" Granny asked, seeing the strangers.
"Missee Sahib wanted to give you all presents for Christmas." Ram Dass salaamed to the Morris famly as he and Sara give them all several gifts. Warm clothes, shoes and stockings, toys and blankets... Lots of pretty, comfotrable things were given to the family not much used to even basic comforts. Mrs. Morris teared up, profusely thanking the girl.
"You're a little angel, Miss, to treat us so kindly. Oh, If only we had something to give you in return..." Sara only smiled, "It's no trouble at all, Mrs. Morris. I care a lot about Becky, and she cares about you too. She worries about you all, espcially with the snow." Sara then explained that Becky was to accompany her to India, and they would be gone almost a year. "But I promised Becky that I would make sure you're all comfortable while we were away."
"You're going to 'Nindia?" "Lucky!" Teddy and Martha clamored to their sister.
"We won't be gone long, under a year." Sara began, "If you're in need of anything, send a line to Mr. Carmichael in London, he's my and Uncle Tom's solicitor, and I'll gladly cover the expenses from my own pocket." (Mr. Carrisford couldn't help smiling at Sara's use of banking vocabulary.) "I'll make sure Becky is well taken care of, Mrs. Morris. I know Bombay quite well."
"Oh, I know you will, Miss Sara. Thank you... for everything." After a few kisses and goodbyes, the the four of them were off, back to London to make important preparations for their trip to Bombay. Sara and Becky had fallen asleep twice: once on the train, and once in the carriage. Today was quite a busy day for them.
