I am so sorry for the long wait. This chapter was a bit of a struggle for me, but I hope it translated well.

Although Elizabeth hoped Lady Matlock would see reason and write to Darcy or Georgiana, she had done all that she could without physically restraining the Earl's wife and kidnapping her for Pemberley.

Christmas quickly approached. With the ground frozen hard and painted white, they were kept indoors most of each day. The days stretched long, especially when Richard returned to Matlock Manor to celebrate the holiday with her parents and elder brother's family.

Elizabeth, Darcy, and Georgiana were once again alone in the large house, and each tried to find enough tasks to fill one's day. Although with the holidays so near, Elizabeth found herself somewhat melancholy.

One morning after breakfast during a particularly nasty bit of weather, Georgiana found Elizabeth in her drawing room, watching the sleet rain down upon the grounds. She slipped her arm through her sister's and Elizabeth smiled in greeting. They both looked through the glass together for several minutes in silence before Georgiana sighed. "You seem unhappy, dear sister."

Elizabeth shook her head in disagreement, but it was a long moment before she replied. "No, Georgie, I am well enough. Please do not think otherwise." She paused again before adding, "I am rather homesick though, I'm afraid." She chuckled to lighten the mood and gave Georgiana a small smile. "I am curious when I will remember that I am now, in fact, home here in Pemberley."

Georgiana slowly nodded and digested what she had said. "Of course you are homesick, Lizzie. You are very close to your family, and after recently reuniting with Jane and this being your very first Christmas away from Longbourn, it's a wonder you haven't allowed yourself some semblance of sadness before now." She gently tugged Elizabeth's arm with hers and met her eyes. "You need not be so aloof, Lizzie. As you said, you are home and as such, you are allowed to be yourself."

"You are quite right, of course, Georgiana," she replied quietly.

Georgiana grasped her arm tightly and smiled wide. "I simply cannot wait for you to experience the Christmas morning tea charades we shall play, as I have repeatedly announced it as mandatory."

Elizabeth smirked in reply. "And your brother has repeatedly groaned into his coffee every morning since."

Georgiana giggled. "Just wait, Lizzie. Fitzwilliam may pretend to hate the game, but he is the most competitive player every year. Only George could -" She immediately quieted, her throat suddenly parched.

Elizabeth turned to her, her heart breaking at the look of anguish she found on her face. "Are you well?"

Swallowing hard, Georgiana answered. "I cannot seem to forget Mr. Wickham," Georgiana admitted softly. "What transpired between us is long over, as children and recently, but the offenses against Fitzwilliam and your family, Lizzie, I'm afraid I can't let it go. My guilt, my anger, it keeps me awake at night."

"Tis only natural, dear girl," Lizzie replied. "You were not given the chance to confront your feelings to him yourself. Your disappointment in him, the fear, the rage you must feel at being taken advantage of at so young an age." She grasped Georgiana's hands tightly. "I have a solution, however. It may not be the redemption you deserve, or the scolding he absolutely requires, but it is an outlet of sorts."

Elizabeth walked to her desk and retrieved some paper and a spare pen. She handed them to Georgiana who took them with a quizzical look in her eye. "My father recommended to me at quite a young age to write a letter to those who inspired great feelings, usually anger or frustration." She smiled coyly. "I am sure you are unaware, but I possess quite a sharp tongue that would often get me in trouble with my mama."

Georgiana laughed along with Elizabeth, but waited for her to continue. "Put your feelings on paper to Mr. Wickham and then burn the letter. Allow the words to flow, and then let them go. I have written many a letter that most ended as ash, save for my father who allowed me to vent my frustrations whenever I found him too yielding toward my younger sisters." Elizabeth paused as she recalled one other correspondent with whom she did not burn the letters she wrote to them. The gears in her mind began to work overtime.

Georgiana interrupted her internal dialogue. "Does this method work, Lizzie? Do you find comfort in it?"

Elizabeth smiled cheekily. "Oh yes, it has worked wonders for me. If you could only imagine the letters I wrote to Miss Bingley. I admit to being somewhat reticent in burning those."

Georgiana giggled. "It must work then, as you are all politeness to Caroline when she deserves quite the opposite."

The pair began to walk together out of the room. "On a happier note," Elizabeth continued, eager to change the topic, "Have a told you of my family's Christmas morning tradition at Longbourn?"

Georgiana grinned widely as the matched each other's slow pace, their arms intertwined. "Please do tell me it's quite silly and there will be much laughter."

Elizabeth grinned back mischievously. "Although my father and Mary would disagree, the annual Longbourn gift scavenger hunt brought us much laughter and I can assure you is immensely silly."

The day before Christmas arrived bright and clear. The snow sparkled upon the grounds, and Elizabeth watched excitedly from the door as the groundskeeper cleared a path around the manor. Eager to finally complete a walk, even sequestered to the immediate gardens, was music to Elizabeth. As she waited for her cloak to be retrieved, the butler gave her a letter that just arrived for her. Recognizing the handwriting, Elizabeth grinned, but quickly slid the paper into her fur muff when she heard footsteps behind her.

Darcy walked up to stand beside her, giving her a small smile, after helping her don her cloak. "I see that Darby made it a priority to clear the gardens this morning."

Elizabeth grinned back, allowing him to clasp the cloak by her neck for her. "I consider it an early Christmas gift, but I fear mine in return will not do justice for his kindness."

Darcy cleared his throat before asking, "May I accompany you?"

Elizabeth flushed, pleased. "I would like that very much." As Darcy requested his coat and hat, she attempted to place her fur muff back on the table, patting it down safely. She turned toward him and smiled. "Ready?"

Darcy nodded, and they both braced themselves for the cold outside. It turned out to be quite lovely and refreshing, but he noticed immediately that she had forgotten her muff. Retrieving it from the table before stepping out, he held her hand down the stairs in case of ice before handing her back the fur. "You almost forgot this, madam." The letter escaped and fluttered to the floor.

Darcy picked up the missive, eyeing the handwriting briefly before handing it to his wife, his mouth set.

Elizabeth smiled tightly as she slid her hands back inside the fur, slipping the letter back inside. "Thank you, sir." She cleared her throat awkwardly. "Tis from my Aunt Philips."

The tension in Darcy's shoulder visibly drained. He sighed and offered her his arm, which she took gratefully. They walked outside. Darcy watched as Elizabeth happily closed her eyes to the sun, soaking in the warmth it provided. He had to grin. "I was not aware you are close to your aunt. I have only heard you speak of Mrs. Gardiner."

Elizabeth opened her eyes and gave him a smile. "Alas although she is my mother's sister and she lives within brief walk away from Longbourn, I admit my Aunt Gardiner is my very favorite relation, outside Jane and my father, of course. I wrote to Mrs. Philips seeking gossip."

A laugh escaped Darcy's mouth and her smile grew hearing it. He could never resist her playful side. "Idle gossip? Madam, I fear I am all astonishment."

Elizabeth laughed in reply. "Well, you must understand my predicament, sir. I can not count on my younger sisters to properly report to me. It will be all ribbon, lace, or sermons." She quickly discussed her options thoughtfully. "My mother can only focus on her own situation, and my father would rather dance a quadrille than take part in anything so taxing."

Darcy grinned. He could picture Mr. Bennet perfectly, having gotten to know the older man. All gruff and sour, begging his leave for his latest book. "You must miss your family," he finally said.

Elizabeth pursed her lips in thought for a moment, focused on walking around a patch of ice, before she responded. "Yes and no." Darcy's eyebrows rose, listening. "Yes, I miss my father, Jane of course, and the gardens I know so well." She turned to look out to the vast acreage around them. "But I shall see my family again, and soon, and one could not be thrilled with the land here. I could explore a new route every day for the rest of my life and it could be different every time." She paused before blushing, hardly looking at him from the corner of her eye. "And my life is here now. My family - you - are here."

Darcy startled slightly, and Elizabeth felt his arm tightened into hers, but he did not respond. Her face remained flaming, but Elizabeth did not regret her honesty. Clearing her throat, she continued. "Although I will force you and Georgiana to partake in Longbourn's finest Christmas tradition."

Darcy groaned good naturedly, equal parts relieved the moment had broken and longing for it to return. "Georgiana told me of this ruse."

Elizabeth smiled wide and giggled. "Followed of course by the traditional Darcy round of charades." Darcy groaned again, but he had to smile. "Of course we shall need to adapt and set the rules for each, but we shall make them our own." She blushed again couldn't look at him. "Let us make our own traditions now, together."

He felt his heart hitch and stutter, the smile falling from his face. A warmth spread through him at her words, his blood racing and reigniting into his chest. He opened his mouth to reply, but found he could not. He took a breath and allowed himself a small semblance of hope that what his wife had said could still become a reality.

Christmas dawned bright, sparkling, and cold. But Elizabeth was not chilled, for she had been scampering throughout the manor for the better part of twenty minutes, attempting to hide Georgiana's gift.

Careful not to bump into the others, she had already snuck Darcy's gift to him into an inconspicuous corner of a rather old and seldom used bookcase of the library. She figured it should take him at least an hour before finding it. Now she ran as primly as possible toward the ballroom, a neatly wrapped parcel in her hands.

As soon as she arrived to the piano forte, she skidded to a halt at Darcy's figure there, bent inside the instrument, cursing softly when he banged his head on the top. "Darcy!" Elizabeth hissed. "Whatever are you doing?"

Darcy gave her a look with a single raised eyebrow. He slowly pulled a rather intricate and beautiful parasol from inside the piano. "Writing to my solicitor, of course."

Elizabeth barked out a laugh but she frowned. "You cannot hide her gift there. That is my hiding place for her gift from me!"

His eyebrow raised further. "I do believe I was here first, madam."

Elizabeth crossed her hands, the toe of her silk slipper tapping. "I am giving her new sheet music. It belongs inside the piano forte." She gestured to the parasol. "That belongs in the foyer as you well know!"

Darcy extradited Georgiana's gift and clasped it behind his back as he stepped closer to his wife. "I do not recall any rules stipulating that the theme of a gift must reside within its natural habitat when hidden before the recipient opens it." He gave her a smirk. "The foyer is too easy. I shall hide her gift here."

She narrowed her eyes and attempted not to stamp her foot. "This hiding place makes no sense for a parasol!"

Darcy tutted, having absolutely too much fun. "Madam, you must lower you voice. She shall hear you."

"Are you both done?" Georgiana called from the doorway, causing both Elizabeth and Darcy to jump and turn to her while hiding their respective gifts behind their backs. Georgiana gave them a look. "I do hope I can count on you both not to hide my presents anywhere near the piano." She rolled her eyes and started to walk away. "How very obvious that would be!"

They waited a movement until she was out of earshot before both dissolving into loud giggles. Darcy had to lean against the piano once more, and Elizabeth found herself leaning toward him, gasping for breath.

They laughed together several minutes before finally sobering, catching each other's gaze. Elizabeth had to blush at the look he was giving her. It was so very familiar, yet she hadn't seen it in what felt like ages. Darcy, on the other hand, almost swept her into his arms before blinking. Clearing his throat, he stepped back with a chuckle. "I shall endeavor to find a more suitable place for Georgiana's gift."

Elizabeth nodded slowly, her face still flaming, still unsteady on her feet. "As shall I."

They stared one another down for another long moment before Elizabeth gave him a coy grin before bolting for the north facing door. Darcy gasped dramatically and ran to follow her, their combined laughter echoing throughout the halls of Pemberley.

Once the hiding was complete, the actual hunt had begun. Those who found their gifts first, won the coveted title of winner, while the person who returned to the drawing room last would be the one to set up the stage for charades.

Elizabeth had quickly found Georgiana's gift to her - handsome stationary with the Darcy emblem, and she had just returned to the drawing room with the book Darcy had given her. Inside, he was already waiting, alone.

She smiled wide and sat across from him. "However did you acquire this?" she asked, gesturing to the worn novel in her hand.

Darcy smiled back at her. "Your father allowed me to bring it back here for you. I wished to surprise you." He then held up a new leather bound book from the wrapping. "Although I have been given a much nicer but not so well loved copy."

Elizabeth leaned forward and took the gift from him, reading the golden letters, The History of Tom Jones, a foundling. She smiled softly looking at it. "Although my father's copy never quite looked as well as this one, I did wish to provide you with some comfort the next time you fall ill. You recall, you were quite impossible to deal with, so I hope this novel finds you comfort when the inevitable trifling cold arises."

Darcy smiled but then sat in thought a moment before replying. "It seems we are of the same mind." Suddenly he stood, and then offered his hand to her. After a moment's hesitation, Elizabeth took it and rose to stand next to him. After a moment's pause, he released her hand, although it seemed to pain him to do so. "I have something else I wish to give to you."

She clutched the book she gave him to her chest tightly. "I also have something else I wish to give to you, but please, show me the way."

Elizabeth walked silently side by side with Darcy until they reached his personal office. She looked around warily as she hadn't been inside since the night of Jane and Bingley's engagement - and Darcy's curt dismissal of her words of love to him.

Now she watched as Darcy leaned toward a small, but ominous black safe, tucked into the corner. She had not yet noticed it before now, and she abruptly ignored it as soon as her husband stood up straight once more and turned with a parcel in his hands.

Darcy placed the velvet covered tray on his desk before removing the top layer of fabric. Elizabeth gasped. She could not help it. Inside the tray was a variety of necklaces, rings, and more, ordained with exquisite gems, diamonds, and she could not name what else. She placed a hand on her chest and attempted to recover. She gestured to the book in her hands. "Tis not even a first edition, Darcy."

Darcy gruffed out a laugh before gently touching the jewels on the table. "I am not attempting to outdo your gift to me, madam. I only wish to provide you with what is truly yours - the jewels of the family home." He swallowed nervously. "They belong to Mrs. Darcy and she alone."

Elizabeth stilled and she could not help a tear slide down her cheek. "I did not think you would ever call me that. Mrs. Darcy," she added on quickly.

Darcy pursed his lips in thought before answering truthfully. "I did not think you wished to be referred to as such."

A pang pierced her heart at his confession, but Elizabeth took a breath and stepped toward Darcy, ignoring the jewels shining nearby. With shaky hands, she held up the novel that was now Darcy's and removed a thick wad of paper from inside the back cover. She placed the book on the table and held the papers out to him.

Clearing her throat, she watched him take them. "I could not burn them," she admitted quietly as his eyebrows rose and then fell as he read the opening line of the first letter. "I am unsure why exactly, only that as soon as you and I were destined to be wed, I could no longer burn my letters to you."

Darcy looked up at that. "You have written to me since Kent?"

Elizabeth nodded, her hands clasped behind her back in an effort to stop her nerves. "Oh yes, and well before. I often write out my feelings toward a person if they are not fit for proper communication." She smiled shyly. "It would not do for you to read anything dated the night you slighted me at the Meryton assembly, nor my first visit to Netherfield when Jane had fallen ill. In fact, I am afraid the first letter you see here does still possess a passionate level of annoyance with you." Darcy chuckled at that, imagining it must be true. Elizabeth smiled at the sound but continued. "Although the very first letters may pain you, sir, I wished to give these to you so that you may truly see how my feelings have since changed." Darcy met her eyes and she found she could no longer look away. Her voice began to wobble. "And I hope that with this transparency, I may no longer need to write letters to you as I will painstakingly subject you to every honest thought that goes through my head."

Darcy found he could not speak for several long moments before finally clearing his throat. "I, uh, I thank you, madam. I am not sure if gratitude is what is warranted for such a gift - I know not what to say."

She gave him a tentative smile, knowing how awkward he must feel as she also felt it. "No need to say anything. I only hope -" She coughed nervously. "I only hope they can bring you some peace."

Darcy and Elizabeth stared at one another, the air between them thick and charged. Darcy took a tentative step toward her and opened his mouth, but the moment was broken when Georgiana walked into the study.

"Ah!" she exclaimed, happily. "I have just come from the drawing room. It seems I am the victor!"

Elizabeth blushed silently, but caught Darcy's eye before he smiled to his sister. "Alas, you are correct. Lead the way, Georgiana. There are many shenanigans I must suffer through and the sooner the better so that I may beg mercy before dinner."

Georgiana gave them both a bright smile, and she chattered nonsensically as they walked together from the room. Elizabeth chanced one more look through her lashes and found Darcy's eyes still on hers.

How dare you, sir. How dare you allow your feelings to run away with you, to act upon them in such a way to force us into marriage. Was this truly your desire? I highly doubt your love for me. I am simply alluring to you as I would not simper after you as most other women. Mark my words, you shall forget this feeling you think is love.

I am angry to be sure, but I must admit much of this anger is directed at myself. How could I have allowed your kiss? That magnetic pull in your eyes has turned my world on its head; I can only hope it will not happen again.