by Teg
Elizabeth shook her head. She wanted nothing more than for her mother to go away. Under other circumstances Dolores Bennet’s inability to perceive her own foolishness would be amusing but Elizabeth didn’t want to hear what
other advice was about to be offered. “Jane,” she called. “Can we take that box upstairs?”
“You’d like to go through it now?” Jane hurried over, retrieving the box from its hiding place. “It will still be a while before the men are satisfied that the tree won’t fall over. Mom,” she said, turning to Dolores. “Could you keep an eye on the stove while I help Lizzy?”
“Of course,” was the hurried reply, their mother having no idea what kind of help her daughter required at the moment but sure it wasn’t anything she could do.
Jane carried the box up to Elizabeth’s room, her sister following. She deposited the item on the bed and waited.
“Some of it will stay here for your tree,” Elizabeth quietly said. “Some I will share with Will and Georgiana.”
Jane sat back to give her sister some space. Elizabeth lifted the tissue paper out and set it on the bed beside her. Several fragile ornaments were next, carefully arranged so as not to touch one another. One by one, Elizabeth brought each to light until several dozen surrounded them and the box was empty. A huge pile of tissue had accumulated and fallen to the floor.
“Where would you like to start? I’ll wrap up the ones you’re going to take with you tonight.” Jane pulled a handful of the packing toward her.
Elizabeth knew exactly which ornaments she intended for Will’s tree. She handed Jane a glass ball first. It was a delicate item etched with snowflakes which shimmered rainbows of reflected light. A filigreed porcelain angel was next, ivory white with a tiny crystal heart held between its hands.
“These are beautiful,” Jane exclaimed before wrapping a pair of silver doves.
“You’ve always had the best taste, Lizzy. Not like those gaudy things Mom
brings home every year.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I remember you were always excited to find out what
she’d bought. How much of that stuff ended up coming here with you? Last
year there seemed to be quite a lot of it on your tree.”
“More to come, too, I imagine. You haven’t seen the presents she’s already stuffed into my closets and you know we’ll each get a new ornament just like when we were kids.”
With a sweep of her arm, Elizabeth gestured toward the bed. “There’s my
collection. The good, the bad and the ugly.” It was colourful and varied, the assortment representing examples from every taste imaginable. Jane picked up a small bear, its fur matted and worn. Elizabeth’s voice was expressionless.
“You can have that.”
“But Lizzy, Dad gave you this and I remember when, too. That was the year
you were really sick and missed a lot of school.” That Elizabeth wanted to give up this item was disturbing to her sister. It had brought the little girl such comfort while she was confined to bed day after day.
“I don’t need it anymore.”
Jane heard what she hadn’t said, however. “Okay, but when you want it back just ask me.” She was saddened to think that Elizabeth and their father would persist in silence.
“Here. These are for your tree.” Several small Victorian styled decorations were pushed toward Jane. “I want you to keep them.”
“Oh, Lizzy! I can’t accept these! They must have cost you a fortune.”
They cost me a lot more than money.
“Finally! Where’s Jane?” Charles wiped his brow with one hand, reluctant to loosen his grip on the tree with the other.
“She’s upstairs with Lizzy. They took that box of decorations up there to pick through it.” Mary was eyeing the other boxes in the room, eager to get started with the lights.
“I’ll go get them.”
No sooner had Charles left than the doorbell rang. Will went to answer it but found Dolores was there first.
“You must be Dr. Georgiana!” She had taken the young woman’s hand in hers and was pulling her into the house. “You and your brother look so much alike!
I’m Dolores Bennet, Lizzy and Jane’s mother. Oh, there you are Will! I was just telling your sister that the resemblance between you is unmistakable.”
He nodded. “Georgie, you’re just in time. Charles managed to get the tree
settled into place at last.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Bennet,” Georgiana said before addressing Will. “I put our tree together without breaking a nail or severing an artery. Wait until you see where I put it.”
“Come in and sit down,” chirped Dolores. “Will, I think it’s okay to bring out the wine and other drinks now. Could you look after that? I don’t know where Charles keeps everything.”
Despite feeling he could really use a drink, Will suggested that they wait another few minutes until Charles himself returned to take care of the hosting duties. Dolores was easily convinced, scurrying back to the kitchen while
exclaiming something about pots boiling over.
“Is she for real?” Georgiana whispered.
“Wait until you meet the rest,” countered her brother in as quiet a voice. “Ah,”
he said more loudly, catching sight of Ted watching them. “This is Elizabeth’s father, Ted Bennet. My sister, Dr. Georgiana Darcy.” Will felt some satisfaction seeing the expression on the older man’s face grudgingly change to respect as he took Georgiana’s hand to shake it firmly.
“You must be very proud of Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet. I am amazed at the progress in her recovery. She’s quite the fighter!” Georgiana’s smile was confident but not challenging.
That she caught him by surprise was evident. Ted’s features softened until he looked almost vulnerable. “Lizzy was the most strong willed child I’ve ever seen. When G... when she was hurt I was afraid all that strength was gone.”
“What a relief for you that she still had that willpower to bring her to where she is today.”
“Yes,” he said, wondering if the young woman’s choice of words was
deliberate.
“Hi, I’m Mary.”
“Another sister,” surmised Georgiana, smiling warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mary.”
Will persuaded everyone to return to the living room, casting one longing look up the stairs before taking up a position next to his sister’s seat. He was well aware that it could have been worse; he might have had to deal with Ted alone while they awaited the others to join them. Georgiana, however, was able to defuse the tension with her genuine interest in promoting her new
acquaintance. Grateful for her timely appearance, Will was content to remain silent. Fortunately, it was not long before Charles, Jane and Elizabeth returned.
“Let’s get started!” Mary was impatiently fingering the boxes of ornaments.
It seemed that there was a method to decorating a tree and each Bennet had a specific task. Mary was the first with the lights. Once arranged to her
satisfaction, she began exchanging the bulbs to ensure that the colours were evenly distributed. She stepped back to inspect her work, flushing with
pleasure when the others expressed their compliments.
All three sisters participated in the hanging of ornaments. Elizabeth entreated Will to join in, for which he had no objection. It provided many opportunities to lure her behind the tree for a more private reassurance of his partiality. If Jane noticed, she said nothing and seemed to be directing Mary to the opposite side more often than not. When the last item was in place, the angel atop the tree, it was their parents’ turn to contribute.
“Lovely,” exclaimed Dolores, her hands clasped together under her chin.
“I think you’ve outdone yourselves this year, girls.” For the first time since he’d arrived, Ted looked and sounded genuinely pleased.
“Now,” his wife continued, “everyone into the dining room becaus
e dinner is ready and we don’t want the food to get cold.”
“It’s just an excuse to get us out of the room so she can park the presents under the tree,” Jane whispered to Georgiana.
“Would you like some help, Jane?” she offered.
“All hands are appreciated with this crowd!” She laughed and led the way to the kitchen.
Chapter Nineteen
It had been many years since Will and his sister had spent Christmas with more than just the two of them. Even then it had been only their parents, for there was no other family close enough. Familiar as he was with Jane’s style of
setting the table, it caused him a moment’s pause when they entered the dining room. The centrepiece was a large affair, too big to be called attractive. Will reasoned that it must have been Dolores’ doing.
Elizabeth was quick to choose a seat at the table as far from her father as possible. When everyone was finally seated, Will found himself between her and her mother. The three sisters were happily arranged at one end of the table.
Georgiana was opposite her brother, between Mary and Ted. This proved
fortunate, as the latter was unable to see over the huge arrangement in the middle to observe Elizabeth’s every expression. It did not stop him from
watching Will, however. Perfectly aware of the scrutiny, Will made no effort to disguise his own feelings. Georgiana attempted to engage Ted in conversation in order to ease the situation, successfully.
After more than an hour at the table, during which not one unpleasant scene arose, it was time to return to the living room and hope to further avoid
argument. Charles lit a fire at the request of his mother-in-law.
“Oh, there is nothing like a fire on Christmas Eve. I really wish we had a fireplace,” Dolores said as she peered over Charles’ shoulder in fascination.
“Do you think we could have one put in, Teddy? It would be so pretty to watch in the evenings.”
“I don’t think you can add a wood fireplace to your house,” cautioned Charles.
“A gas fireplace wouldn’t be a problem, though.”
“Oh, no!” she objected, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “That’s not the same at all. There wouldn’t be that nice woodsy smell.”
“Wouldn’t be any smoke, either,” her husband added. “No risk of sparks flying out and burning the house down.”
“Dad!” Elizabeth was glaring at him. “Are you trying to frighten Jane?”
“No,” he quickly assured them. “No, I wasn’t. I’m sorry, Jane.”
“Gas fireplaces are quite nice, actually.” Georgiana addressed her comment directly to Dolores. “I have two in my apartment in Vancouver.”
“Two!” The other woman was in awe. “Where did you have them built?”
Georgiana ignored the reactions from the others. “They were already in the place when I leased it. One is in the living room, of course, but I also have one in my bedroom.”
“Oh, in your bedroom! My, that sounds romantic, don’t you think so?” She
nudged her husband with her elbow. “What about your home, Will? Do you
have any fireplaces?”
He shook his head, worried that it might mean Dolores would want to visit in order to suggest a few nice locations. Perhaps his own bedroom would be one.
That was one area of discussion he wished to avoid. Elizabeth was also
impatient to get away. She suddenly remembered that there was a bare tree at Will’s place, providing the perfect excuse to make an escape. At the first opportunity she reminded Georgiana of their plans. Immediately, it was
announced that they would need to leave in order to complete their project before the hour grew too late.
Dolores fussed as Will assisted Elizabeth with her coat. “Don’t stay out too long, Lizzy, or you’ll still be in bed when we get here tomorrow!”
“What time are you coming in the morning?” Jane asked.
“Why, for breakfast of course!” her mother replied, as if amazed such a question was necessary. “Jane, you haven’t changed your mind about wanting me to make breakfast like I always did at home?”
“No,” she slowly answered.
“Dolores,” suggested Charles. “We don’t tend to get up very early since there are no children to appease. Could we make it more of a brunch than breakfast?
Will and Georgiana could join us, then.”
Momentarily distracted by the mention of children, Dolores did not
immediately reply. “Oh, it has been too long since we’ve had children around at Christmas. I cannot wait until we have grandchildren to spoil!” She looked directly at Jane with these words.
Elizabeth felt her sister’s unease and caught Jane avoiding her gaze. Admitting to herself that she had wondered at the Bingley’s childless state once she had left the hospital, Elizabeth had been afraid that such a question would be too personal. She was more aware than anyone else just how much the couple
wanted children but Jane’s behaviour with their mother’s ill expressed remarks raised a suspicion. Had she and Charles delayed parenthood while Elizabeth’s fate was unclear?
The thought of the sacrifice that entailed made Elizabeth draw a sharp breath.
Her mother’s attention shifted.
“I wish we’d known our grandparents, then,” said Georgiana before Dolores
could form a sentence. “Will and I never met them. Only one was still alive when I was born but she lived in England.”
Unwittingly distracted, Dolores expressed her sympathy for them. “You must have a very small family, then.”
“It’s just Will and myself, really. There are a few cousins in England but we never saw much of them.” Georgiana glanced toward the door. Elizabeth’s
fingers were already on the handle.
“Alright, let’s go,” decided Will.
“Goodnight Will, Georgiana.” Dolores gave each a quick hug, then looked at her daughter apprehensively before clasping her close. Elizabeth appeared
surprised, although her expression softened and she seemed to welcome the
embrace. Her mother whispered something then stepped back and wiped away
a tear.
Outside, Elizabeth inhaled the cold air. Exhaling slowly, she felt her head clear of confusion and reached for Will’s hand. He watched her carefully as if unsure what to say. She looked down to see that Jane had not forgotten the small box of ornaments that was to leave with them. Will had it in his other hand.
Relieved, she smiled at him. “Let’s go home.”
A warm smile spread over Will’s face despite the wistful nature of his thoughts. Home. I wish it was our home, Lizzy, and not just mine.
Crystal sparkled, the lights glittering in the branches. Elizabeth knew she’d never seen a more beautiful tree. Everything was white and pure. Her own
ornaments shone brilliantly where she and Will together had placed them. Her favourite, the angel with a heart delicately balanced in her palms, was
prominently displayed near the top. Georgiana had chosen a location that
showed the tree off to perfection. Against a backdrop of dark walls in the dining room, the sight was breathtaking.
Elizabeth listened to the quiet voices of Will and Georgiana as they shared with her their memories of past Christmases. It was so different from anything she had experienced. Accustomed to a large and boisterous crowd, the elegant and relaxed atmosphere of the Darcy home was a refreshing change Elizabeth
welcomed after the emotional scenes and confrontations of the day. She lost herself in imagining what the future might hold; several small children, faces lit up with excitement and surrounded by bits of coloured wrapping torn from the gifts they’d just uncovered....
Squeals of delight filled the air, the children babbling in their eagerness to show one another each new treasure. Elizabeth and Will looked on. His pride was never disguised where his sons and daughters were concerned and it made his wife laugh at h
er own past foolishness in thinking his pride was offensive.
There could not be a more loving man; husband, brother or father.
“Elizabeth, what are you thinking?”
She started at the touch upon her arm. Will was looking at her, amusement in his eyes. Elizabeth’s cheeks grew hot. “I was just.... it’s silly.” She suspected he had an idea of where her thoughts had been.
The hour had already grown late; much later than Elizabeth had been staying up recently. She had no desire to sleep yet, however. The pleasant feelings her imagination fuelled were far too satisfying to abandon. Georgiana was
yawning, whether in earnest or as an effect to lend credibility to her
announcement that she was going to bed. Will and Elizabeth continued to sit in silence, lost in the comfort of each other’s presence. A whispered comment finally disturbed the quiet.
“I could almost believe you are here to stay, Lizzy. Selfish as it sounds, I don’t want you to go back to Jane’s next week.”
She snuggled against his chest, closing her eyes and allowing imagination to take over again. “There’s nothing selfish about it, Will. I don’t want to leave, either. You and Georgiana have made me feel like this is my home.” Elizabeth touched his cheek with her fingers. “How is it you chose me? Why me when
almost every other woman in this city, this country, would gladly fill my shoes?”
He shook his head, taking her hand and pressing it against his lips. “You know that answer. They want the money, the places my name can get them into, my house, my car. They don’t want me and they certainly don’t want my children.”
Eyes sparkling, Will softly kissed her. “We’ll have beautiful daughters, just like their mother. Six of them.”
“Four,” she amended. “Sons, and as handsome as their father.”
“If we must argue then I’m glad it’s about the children,” he laughed.
Elizabeth suddenly grew solemn. “What if I can’t have any?”
“Then I shall be content to spoil you, and you alone.” Pulling her close, Will held her tightly. “I love you, Elizabeth; children or no children, other family members notwithstanding.”
“For better or for worse?” she quipped.