How could he show Elizabeth that he cared for her? Darcy paced back and forth in the master bedchamber, a circuit around the fireplace, into the sitting room, then back into his bedchamber.
"Sir? Is there something I may do for you?" Adams, his valet, stared at him quizzically, probably because he rarely showed his agitation in front of servants. He had come in response to Darcy ringing for help in order to go to bed.
"Help me change," Darcy snapped, ignoring what Adams really wanted to know.
"Yes, sir." His valet said in a wooden tone.
"I apologise, Adams…I am not myself tonight."
"Yes, sir." The man said, in his normal tones. He fetched Darcy's night things and helped him change, also pouring a large glass or port without being asked and offering it.
"Thank you," Darcy muttered. He sat in his blue banyan in front of the fireplace in his chambers. "That is all for the night."
"Sir, if I may say something?" Only his valet could look dignified, holding another man's breeches. Darcy nodded his permission. "Miss Bennet is a very nice young lady, sir. The staff at Netherfield could not praise her or her older sister enough for all they did to help the Longbourn tenants and those at Netherfield before Mr. Bingley leased it."
Darcy's eyebrows shot up. It seemed he was more transparent than he thought. That was also high praise indeed from his close-mouthed valet. "Thank you, Adams."
"You are welcome, sir." Still holding the breeches, the man managed an elegant bow.
"Goodnight, Mr. Darcy."
"Goodnight, Adams."
His valet picked up the rest of his clothing and boots and retreated into the dressing room.
Darcy sipped his port. If the fastidious Adams liked Elizabeth, then the rest of his staff would adore her given the chance. Fate, or God, had allowed him a second opportunity with the second Bennet daughter. He would be a fool to waste it.
23 December 1811
Lizzy's bedchamber at Pemberley
Mr. Darcy was courting her. There could be no other explanation. Lizzy smiled into the mirror above the dressing table as Martha dressed her hair for the morning. It was the day before the ball and the past week he had been paying her very marked attentions. Every day they had done an activity based on her preferences, everything from walks on the grounds to a picnic at the folly. Aunt Gardiner had spent most of the time confined to her bedchamber or sitting room, with various friends attending her as they were available.
Lizzy and Georgiana had also spent time with Lady Matlock and Mrs. Reynolds going over the plans for the ball. Lizzy had demurred about being included, but the countess had insisted. Today Lady Mary, as she had asked to be called in private, would be coming over and they would be decorating the house and the ballroom.
The previous day had been a glorious excursion for things to decorate the house. They had selected a tree to set up and decorate like the royal family did: greenery, holly, mistletoe, and a Yule log that would be brought into the house later that day but lit during the pre-ball dinner. Would they make kissing boughs? Would Mr. Darcy attempt to kiss her?
"Miss Bennet?"
"Hmm?" Lizzy had been so lost in her thoughts she did not realise Martha had been trying to get her attention.
"Is your hair all right?"
"Oh, yes it is lovely, thank you." Martha did not have Maggie's hand with her curls, but her chignon was neat and suitable for a day of decorating. She had also put on a dark blue, serviceable morning gown so she would not have to worry about any stains from the greenery.
"You are welcome, miss. Will there be anything else?" the maid asked carefully. Her accent and speech had been improving over the past week.
"No, thank you." Lizzy smiled in dismissal. The girl curtsied and left her alone. "Well, my girl, let's see what happens today," she said to her reflection in the mirror.
Lizzy went down to the morning room and Mr. Darcy and Georgiana were there. "Good morning."
"Good morning." Mr. Darcy stood and pulled out a seat to his right hand for her to sit. She suppressed a smile and moved to the chair. He seated her and she thanked him.
Conversation was easy among the three of them as they broke their fast.
Lady Matlock arrived before they were finished and urged them to finish quickly. "We have a lot to do today, girls," she said briskly.
"Yes, Aunt," Georgiana said dutifully. She finished her tea.
Lizzy obediently finished her chocolate and toast. "I am ready, Lady Mary."
"Very good. Darcy, we shall see you later. Stay out of our way," Lady Matlock instructed.
He raised an eyebrow. "As you say. Just remember…."
"No kissing boughs in the ballroom or supper room. I have your instructions, Darcy," she said in exasperation. "You may rely on me to carry out your wishes. Although, no one can claim compromise from a kissing bough."
He sighed. "Neither do I wish to be caught under one by the wrong person." He glanced sideways at Lizzy, who flushed and looked down at her hands.
Georgiana stifled a giggle and Lizzy heard a strange sound. Wait, was Lady Mary doing the same? She risked a glance at the countess who was smirking at her.
"A kissing bough in the family parlour, I think," was all the lady said.
"I think that is a fine place for one," Darcy declared. "I will be in my study attending to my correspondence. Ladies, I wish you a good day." He rose and bowed to them all.
"Come along, girls, we have a lot to do." Lizzy and Georgiana followed the countess to the ballroom. Rough tables had been put in place for them to work upon, which awaited the greenery, holly, mistletoe, ribbons and apples. Mrs. Reynolds was in attendance along with what seemed half the footman and maids on staff.
Lady Mary issued her instructions and put everyone to work. Lizzy found herself and Georgiana creating ribbons big enough for the wreaths that the maids were creating under the supervision of Lady Matlock and Mrs. Reynolds and that was only the beginning.
It took until dinner to transform the ballroom, entryway, and public rooms.. On the morrow they would do the private, family areas with only their personal maids, Darcy and Uncle Gardiner for assistance as Lady Matlock and Mrs. Reynolds would oversee the final decorations of the ballroom to include fresh flowers that would be brought from the hothouse.
"I did not know decorating could make one so tired," Georgiana moaned. She looked exhausted as she attempted to eat some roast beef.
Lady Matlock laughed. "You do not have to decorate the family rooms, tomorrow," she teased.
"No! That is, I am confident that I will recover."
Darcy shook his head. "I do not see why you did not start yesterday."
"We are already breaking tradition by bringing the greenery in early, Darcy," the countess scolded.
He shrugged. "As you wish. I do not believe in that silly superstition, but I know not everyone thinks that way." He looked at Georgiana. "Perhaps an early night?"
She nodded. "Yes, that sounds like a good plan. I hope none of you mind?" She looked at Lizzy and Lady Mary who shook their heads. The Gardiners were dining above stairs and the earl and his two sons would not arrive until the next afternoon.
Lizzy found herself accompanying Georgiana upstairs shortly after dinner. She was also tired after a long day of decorating. They went to Georgiana's private sitting room to talk and plan the next day.
Once they were seated on a pink settee, Georgiana directed her attention to Lizzy. "Do you know how to make a kissing bough?"
"I have helped make one or two," Lizzy hedged, blushing. Kitty and Lydia always insisted on more than one but did not have the patience to make them, so it was left to Jane and Lizzy since Mary claimed they were immoral and ungodly.
"If you do not wish for one, we do not have to have one," Georgiana said kindly.
"Let us see how much we get done tomorrow and leave enough time to rest for the ball," Lizzy suggested.
"Oh yes! I am so looking forward to it! William has claimed my first set and my other guardian, Colonel Fitzwilliam, has claimed my supper set. According to my brother, I may only dance with my family and Mr. Gardiner."
Lizzy smiled. "I will make sure my uncle asks you for a set." That was a big sign of trust from Mr. Darcy. They spoke of other things until Georgiana could not contain her yawns.
Lizzy laughed at her younger friend, hugged her, and then went to check on her aunt. Finding her sleeping, she went to her own room, rang for Martha, and got ready for bed.
Sleep was a long time coming, but once she drifted off, the morning could not come fast enough. When she awoke, it was with a smile. It was the day of the ball and she could not wait for the evening and to dance with Mr. Darcy. It was going to be a wonderful day.
Darcy did his best to play footman and hang wreaths and garlands, and whatever else his sister demanded of him in the main drawing room, library, dining room, and family parlour. The last thing to be hung was the kissing bough.
"Lizzy, come here and tell me what you think," Georgiana coaxed.
She blushed and shook her head. "I can see it just fine from here. I think it is a little crooked on the right side, Mr. Darcy. Perhaps a little higher?"
He obliged and she nodded, and then Mr. Gardiner helped secure it. "Thank you, sir. I do not think we would have been able to do all this without you."
The older man laughed. "I have a lot of experience helping my nieces. My sister always decorates Longbourn, although I have never seen a tree." He looked admiringly at the tree done up with candles, oranges, apples, bows and small bags that contained paste jewellery that would be gifts for the ladies for Christmas.
Lizzy laughed. "I am sure we will have one next year, Uncle."
"I am sure you are right. I must go check on my wife. I am not sure if she will be able to attend the ball beyond the first few sets but she made me promise to sit out the first two with her."
Darcy nodded. "I hope Mrs. Gardiner is up to attending the ball but if she is not her health and that of the babe must come first."
"Thank you, sir. Lizzy, do not forget you promised me the third set."
"I remember."
"Well, what's all this?" the earl boomed.
"Uncle Matlock!" Georgiana squealed. She ran to her favourite uncle, and he picked her up in a hug. Darcy's uncle was a hale man of some fifty-five years who kept himself healthy through vigorous riding and fencing. Although he had started to slow down the last few years.
"You did a tree again, Darcy?" Stowson asked in disgust. The viscount shook his head.
"No one asked your opinion, Stowson," the colonel said in an annoyed tone.
"Darcy, will you please introduce us to your guests?" his uncle asked.
Darcy winced. The Fitzwilliam brothers could not be together for two minutes without bickering. He hoped they would behave at dinner and for the ball. "Of course, sir. Lord Matlock, Stowson, Fitzwilliam, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire and her uncle Mr. Edward Gardiner of London. My uncle the Earl of Matlock, his oldest son Viscount Stowson, and youngest son Colonel Fitzwilliam,"
"I am pleased to meet you, my lords and Colonel Fitzwilliam." Miss Bennet gave a perfect curtsey while her uncle bowed and echoed her greetings.
"This is very well done," the earl looked around and gave his approval."Now where is my wife?"
"I believe she is in the ballroom, sir," Darcy replied. He caught sight of his butler Reynolds in the hallway who gave him an apologetic shrug. Darcy just nodded. He well knew his uncle's way of insisting on surprising family at times. "Would you care to refresh yourselves?"
"Only if there's brandy in my chambers," Stowson said with a grunt.
"No, but you may come to my study and have a drink," Darcy said evenly. The viscount had a bad habit of getting drunk at Pemberley and, after the time Darcy had forbidden his staff to place decanters in Stowson's rooms. If his cousin brought his own liquor, there was nothing he could do but the man was too cheap to travel with any.
"Lizzy, let us go attend your aunt," Mr. Gardiner suggested.
"Of course, Uncle." She dipped another curtsy. "It was lovely to meet you, gentlemen. I shall see you later." Mr. Gardiner bowed and made his own excuses.
"You were being rude to our guests, Stowson," Georgiana scolded her cousin with a glare. "I shall go see if my aunt needs any help and then rest before dinner." She curtsied and left.
"Impertinent chit," Stowson muttered.
"Georgiana was right," the earl said sternly. "You will watch your liquor and behave tonight or I will have you forcibly removed from the festivities. Do you understand me?"
"As you say, sir." Stowson made a curt bow. "Darcy, could I have that drink now?"
Darcy sighed. "Come along." He led the way to his study and hoped he could be rid of his cousin soon. He hoped to have a chance to check on Georgiana before the ball, but it all depended on how long his relatives insisted on drinking.
"Evening, miss," a familiar voice said.
"Maggie!" Lizzy cried in astonishment, seeing the redheaded maid. "What are you doing here?"
"Mrs. Gardiner hired me to help you get ready for the ball. With Miss Darcy's permission, of course."
"I am happy to see you," Lizzy said truthfully, but she gave an apologetic look to Martha who was hovering in the background.
"Maggie is going to show me how to do your curls, Miss Bennet," Martha said cheerfully. "I am still learning, you see. Now let's get you in the bath."
What followed was the most pampered experience of Lizzy's life. There were three maids waiting on her and assisting her in getting ready. She shook her head. "I feel like a fraud having so many of you here!"
Maggie laughed. "I think you might need to get used to it, miss."
Lizzy blushed, and the other maids giggled behind their hands. "Annie, would you see if my aunt is coming to the ball and ask if I may visit her when I am ready?"
"Yes, Miss Bennet." She curtsied and left.
"Let's get you dressed, miss," Maggie said. Martha went to get her ballgown of white crape embroidered with white leaves and red roses and green leaves around the hem. A matching red sash tied around the waist. It was the perfect dress for a Christmas Eve ball.
Both of the maids carefully helped Lizzy into her dress, and then Maggie repinned two of the pearl-tipped hair pins. Pearls were added to her ears and around her throat courtesy of her aunt, and she pulled on her white gloves. "There, miss. Take a look."
Lizzy turned to the mirror and gasped. Who was that stranger? "Is that really me?" she asked wonderingly. She looked like a dark-haired version of her mother and Jane.
"You look perfect, Miss Bennet," Maggie said loyally.
"Thanks to you both, well all three of you," Lizzy said with a laugh as Annie came back.
"Oh miss! You look a treat you do," Annie said with a sigh.
"Thank you."
"Your aunt said for you to see her when you're ready," Annie remembered to say.
Lizzy smiled brightly. "I am ready now." A red fringed shawl completed the look. She had never looked or felt more beautiful in her life. She hoped Mr. Darcy liked her dress too. "Thank you all, again. I will not forget this."
The three maids curtsied. She would have to distribute generous vails for all their extra work and attention. "Maggie and I will be in the ladies withdrawing room downstairs if you need us, miss," Martha told her.
"Thank you, but I hope you will get to eat first."
They assured her they would eat when she did, but available at any time.
"Very well." She squared her shoulders and left the room to go see her aunt.
She knocked and the door was opened by a maid. "Mrs. Gardiner is expecting you, miss," she said with a curtsy.
"Thank you." Lizzy entered the room. Her aunt was dressed in a red silk dress, wearing a parure of rubies Lizzy had never seen. "Aunt Madeleine, you are stunning!"
Aunt Maddie twisted around and her jaw dropped. "Lizzy," she said in awed accents, "you are the stunning one, my dear. I should have let you wear this jewellery."
"No, those rubies are perfect with your dress," Lizzy insisted, blushing.
"Who are these lovely ladies I am privileged to escort tonight?" Uncle Edward asked jovially. "My dears, I have never seen you both look so beautiful. It must be something in the air here at Pemberley."
"Perhaps you are right, Mr. Gardiner," Aunt Gardiner said coyly. She held out her hand and he rushed over to her. He bowed and kissed the back of her hand before helping her rise. He whispered something in her ear that made her blush and swat at him.
"Are you ready, my dear?"
"Almost." Aunt Maddie put on her gloves and her maid adjusted her shawl. "Now I am ready."
"Then let us go stun our host," Uncle Gardiner said with a wink. He offered his arm to his wife and niece and they took it.
As they descended the grand staircase at Pemberley, Lizzy's heart started beating faster. The evening was finally here. What would it bring?
Richard's whistle of appreciation alerted Darcy to turn around. His jaw dropped. Elizabeth looked like a princess, nay a queen. He rushed to her side and offered his arm immediately.
"Thank you, sir," she said demurely, a small smile on her face as she took his arm. Minx. She knew how beautiful she looked and how she was affecting him.
"Lizzy! You look wonderful!" his sister cried rushing over to her friend.
"Thank you, Georgiana, you look beautiful."
"You both do," he said huskily. His sister did look very well in a white muslin dress.
"Thank you, Brother," she said, smiling widely.
He offered his other arm to his sister and escorted them over to the earl and countess. He introduced them to Mrs. Gardiner and the neighbours who would be joining them for dinner as they arrived.
They were given the signal to go into dinner and Darcy offered his arm to Lady Maxwell, the baronet's widow who had the property adjoining Pemberley to the east. Lady Matlock as hostess escorted her husband since he was the highest ranked man in the room.
Dinner seemed interminable and Darcy watched the colonel laughing and flirting with Elizabeth through half of the dinner and very politely speaking with Mrs. Hunter during the rest of the dinner. He was relieved when Lady Matlock signalled for the ladies to withdraw.
Reynolds poured drinks, and cigars were lit.
"Darcy, tell me about Miss Bennet," Fitzwilliam drawled. "She's magnificent. Please tell me she has a big dowry to go along with that beautiful face and body."
Darcy scowled fiercely. "She is the second of five daughters from an estate entailed to Lady Catherine's parson. I understand she will have a thousand pounds after her mother's death." He did not mention the relatives in trade, as he did not wish to insult Mr. Gardiner.
His cousin shuddered. "I can only imagine what kind of man he is."
"He introduced himself to me at Bingley's ball."
Fitzwilliam started. "You jest. Is the man so lost to common decency he would not even seek out an introduction?"
"He is above such mortal things as a man of God and having the favour of our aunt," Darcy said sarcastically.
Stowson loudly demanded a refill and Reynolds looked to Darcy for direction.
"I think we've all had enough," the earl said loudly.
Darcy stood. "Gentleman, let us join the ladies." He looked at the clock. The ball would start in thirty minutes and the ladies had withdrawn over forty minutes ago. A little early but acceptable. Besides, he was eager to secure Elizabeth's hand for the supper set and last set. He hoped she would see his intentions with such significant sets.
Dinner had been long. The colonel had been a jovial companion but her other partner, Mr. Stevenson spoke only of horses. Lizzy pitied his younger sister, the girl was about Georgiana's age and so timid she whispered answers when asked a question.
Lizzy took a dainty sip of tea and set it carefully back in its saucer. She did not wish to do anything to soil her new gown.
"Miss Bennet, where are you from?" Mrs. Hunter demanded.
"My father's estate is in Hertfordshire, madam," she said politely.
"Well that's something," the woman grumbled. "I do not know what Darcy was thinking to have people in trade here tonight!"
"The Gardiners are the very best of people, madam," Lizzy said, glaring at the rude woman. "My Aunt Gardiner's mother, Mrs. Howard, was a very good friend of Lady Anne Darcy before she passed away."
"Mrs. Gardiner is the Howard girl?' Lady Maxwell interrupted the conversation.
"Indeed, my lady," Lizzy said with dignity.
"I thought she looked familiar." Lady Maxwell scowled at Mrs. Hunter. "Be quiet, Esther. Your own grandson is a barrister."
"A respectable occupation for a gentleman," she said with a sniff.
"And your granddaughter married a man in trade," Lady Maxwell went on as if the other woman had not spoken. "I believe she and her husband attended a dinner party at Pemberley last summer when they visited you?"
"Ladies, would any of you care for some more tea or biscuits?" Lady Matlcok interrupted them.
"I would like more tea. I shall just take my cup to Georgiana." She hurried away and heard Lady Matlock softly scolding Mrs. Hunter as she left.
"I am sorry, Lizzy. Mrs. Hunter is awful," Georgiana whispered as she refilled her friend's cup. "Brother will not be pleased at the way she insulted you or Mrs. Gardiner."
Lizzy smiled thinly. "I have to admit, I enjoyed how Lady Maxwell put her in her place."
They giggled together and looked up as the door opened and the gentlemen came in. Mr. Darcy immediately came over to them. "Ladies, how is your evening going?"
"Better now you are here, Mr. Darcy," Lizzy said playfully.
He smiled. "Mine has improved as well. Miss Bennet, would you grant me your supper set and the last set?"
"Oh yes, I shall be very pleased to, Mr. Darcy." She blushed with pleasure.
"Good."
"Darcy, a word," Lady Matlock said.
"Excuse me, ladies." He bowed to them and followed the countess to the far end of the room.
Georgiana was smiling happily. "What?" Lizzy asked, blushing again. Too bad Mr. Darcy had not asked her for the sets more privately. But she did anticipate them very much. She looked at the clock, the ball would start at half past so less than thirty minutes to go.
"Nothing," the younger girl said with a smirk. "I am going to see if Lady Maxwell needs a refill. Perhaps you should check on your aunt?"
Lizzy nodded and went to check on her aunt, who had an old friend from childhood sitting near her along with Uncle Gardiner.
"Sit and do tell us how you get on, Lizzy. Did Mr. Darcy ask you for a set just now?" Aunt Maddie asked knowingly.
"Yes, he did. May I bring you anything, Aunt?" She did not want to reveal that he had asked for two sets with her aunt's friend sitting there.
"I would like another cup of tea, thank you, Lizzy." Lizzy picked up the cup and saucer and fled to Georgiana. She checked the clock again. Only a few minutes had passed. Oh, when was the ball going to begin?
"Mrs. Hunter is unhappy you have a tradesman dining at your table," Aunt Matlock told Darcy sarcastically.
He frowned. "I had her daughter and husband to dine last summer and he is in trade."
"So Lady Maxwell pointed out to her. I also reminded her that Mrs. Gardiner was the daughter of Mrs. Howard, one of your mother's closest friends. I may have hinted that you would not care to invite her to further functions if she could not behave."
Darcy snorted. "She may get invited to bigger functions like a ball, but I do not believe I shall have her to dine again any time soon. I do it as a kindness out of memory to her husband who was a friend of my father's. She has not even invited me to dine in over a year, even though she has the means to do so."
The countess smiled grimly. "She's upset you did not marry her daughter and is trying to send a message."
"Well, I can send the same message to her," he declared. "Petty woman."
"Indeed. Have you secured a set with Miss Bennet yet?"
"The supper and last set."
"That is tantamount to a declaration from you, Darcy. Are you certain you wish to do that?"
"I love her, Aunt Mary. I will declare myself tonight if I can find a way to do so."
"Go to the family parlour now and I will contrive to have her meet you there."
"Now?" The ball would begin in twenty minutes.
"You would rather snatch five minutes on the terrace later?"
His aunt had a point. "Very well."
"I shall let it be known you are checking on arrangements," she said calmly. "Now go. I will make sure to send Richard to you in time."
Darcy stifled a groan. His cousin would adore interrupting any alone time with Elizabeth.
"Thank you, Aunt." He swept her a bow and decamped the room, eager to obtain the family parlour. He just hoped his aunt could find an excuse to send Elizabeth to him.
"My dear Miss Bennet, I do not believe I told you how much I adore your dress, but I am afraid you have a small tear in it. Perhaps you should get it repaired before the ball starts," Lady Matlock suggested. "Come, I shall show you where to go."
"Yes, my lady." Lizzy looked down at her dress. It looked flawless to her, but she obediently followed the countess to the door.
Lady Mary led the way to the small parlour. "Darcy is within and would like a private word if you are amenable?" she asked softly.
"Oh, yes!"Lizzy said eagerly.
The older lady smiled. "You have ten minutes and then I shall send my youngest son to find you," she warned.
"Yes, my lady." She entered the room, and Mr. Darcy was inside waiting as the countess said he would be.
"Miss Bennet, you are under the kissing bough," he said with a smile.
She looked up and laughed. "So I am, Mr. Darcy."
He walked over, but instead of plucking a berry, reached for her hand. "Miss dear Miss Bennet, I have fallen in love with you. Would you do me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage?"
She gasped, tearing up. "Yes, Mr. Darcy, I would be honoured to marry you."
"Elizabeth," he murmured. He bowed his head and brushed his lips against hers and then plucked a berry, handing it to her. "How many berries shall we go through, dearest?"
"Let us find out, sir," she said with a giggle, eagerly anticipating more kisses.
"My name is Fitzwilliam or William, if you prefer."
"William it is."
He kissed her again and for each kiss, plucked a berry off the kissing bough until her small hand was filled.
The door opened. "I think that is enough kissing, Darcy," the colonel said in a jovial voice.
Her beloved ignored his cousin and gave her one last kiss.
"William?" she said.
"Yes?"
"I love you too," she said softly.
He could not let that pass by without a final kiss.
"I think you have put the kissing bough to good use, cousin. Am I to congratulate you?" Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.
"Privately, yes. I still must speak to Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet," Darcy said. "When are you of age, my love?"
"In April."
"Perhaps we should have a double wedding."
"William?" she asked, starting to get excited. Did he mean what she thought?
He smiled. "I received an express from Bingley earlier. If I am not mistaken he is engaged to your sister."
"Oh! That is the most wonderful news!" she said happily. Jane deserved happiness.
"Next to ours." Darcy grabbed her hand and kissed it.
Colonel Fitzwilliam groaned. "Both of you, please come before Mother sends my father or even worse, Stowson."
"As you wish, cousin." Darcy tucked her hand into his arm and took the berries from her. He placed them in his pocket.
She glanced at him curiously. "I shall reuse them later," he whispered.
She blushed, and with a laugh, he led her to the ballroom.
Darcy pulled Elizabeth onto the terrace after the first dance of the last set. It was empty due to the cold, but he knew his beloved would not mind. He took one of the berries from the kissing bough and held it up overhead. She giggled. "You do not even need that, William."
"Ah, but I want to, Elizabeth." He leaned down and kissed her. "Happy Christmas, my love."
"Happy Christmas," she whispered back. She took the berry from him and stood on tiptoe to try to hold it over his head, but she was too short. With a laugh, she kissed him anyway.
A star winked, and then a shower trailed against the night sky. "Did you see that?" Elizabeth asked in awe.
"I did. Thank you," he said into the dark night. His sister had been right. God had indeed brought his beloved to Derbyshire to give him a second chance, right in his own ballroom during the Christmas Eve Ball at Pemberley.