by Kara Louise
Mrs. Reynolds shook her head slightly, a blush covering her cheeks. “Oh, but it is you that we all appreciate working for. There can be none finer!”
More staff arrived. Some merely walked from the servants’ wing in Pemberley, while others came from their nearby homes. They were greeted by the trio and were each given a word of thanks and appreciation for all they did in the Darcys’ employ.
Once the guests all arrived and there had been a sufficient amount of time to allow them to visit with one another – on a social level rather than as fellow workers – they were ushered to the tables that were set up at the far side of the room near the Christmas tree. At the head table sat Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Rollands, Mr. Haywood, the two ladies’ maids, Darcy’s valet, Edwards, a few other upper staff, and their spouses.
Darcy walked over and stood before everyone. He welcomed them again and said, “Let us ask the Lord's blessing on this meal.” Speaking softly and reverently he said, “Heavenly Father, grant that on this day we would be mindful of all the blessings You have bestowed on us and thankful for friends and family. We are thankful for Your provision for us each day, and especially at this Christmastide we are thankful to You for sending Your Son, as Your gift to us. Thank you for the provision of this food; bless it to the nourishment of our bodies. Amen.”
Everyone echoed with an “amen” of their own, and as the voices around the tables raised, the outside help came in from the main kitchen bearing serving bowls and trays. Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana walked into the ballroom kitchen and picked up the trays of the special foods that the two ladies had prepared. They had walked into the kitchen as hosts, they came out as servants.
When they stepped back into the dining room carrying plates of food, a murmur spread across the room. Many broke out in a smile, others’ mouths merely dropped in awe.
Mrs. Reynolds looked at a tray arranged with slices of caraway cake and a serving bowl containing a crusted vegetable pie, and knew that these were dishes Elizabeth had made just for them. She looked up at her and gave her a knowing smile.
When everyone had been served – with a great deal of help from the additional outside staff – and there was a respite from their duties, the three returned to the smaller kitchen, took a plate of food, and walked into the small dining parlour to eat.
Elizabeth was not inclined to eat very much, as fatigue seemed more prominent than hunger, and she slipped away to the nearby drawing room to sit down. She felt as if she had worked without stopping for three days and needed a rest.
She sat down in an overstuffed chair and let her head drift back, just for a moment…
*~*~*
A rustling noise prompted Elizabeth to quickly open her eyes. In her sleepy state, she looked about her, wondering what she was doing there. She saw her husband standing at the door, arms folded, with a half-smile on his face.
“Is the help sleeping on the job?”
“Oh dear! Have I been asleep long?”
“Not more than a few minutes, I am sure.”
She pushed herself up out of the chair as Darcy quickly came over to assist her. He steadied her with his hands upon her shoulders when she began to sway.
“You are tired, my dear, and it is not surprising. Do you have the strength to finish out the evening or should I make your apologies to everyone?”
“I need but a moment.” She gave him a weak smile. “I hope everyone is enjoying the dinner. Thank you for indulging this whim of mine.”
“You have done very well tonight, Mrs. Darcy, and I congratulate you. The dinner is progressing admirably.”
“I am so pleased.”
He looked at her and smiled. “May I be so bold as to tell you how charming you look tonight?” He reached out and fingered a few strands of her hair that had come loose. “Quite irresistible, in fact.” He drew her tightly against him and kissed the top of her head.
“Please, sir!” Elizabeth felt a little more of her strength return, and she looked up at her husband with a wry smile. “I believe the Master of Pemberley strictly forbids fraternizing amongst the staff! We could find ourselves in serious trouble if we are found out.”
“What he does not know will not hurt him! And I am willing to take that risk.” He continued to kiss her, touching his lips gently down her neck. Elizabeth closed her eyes, enjoying the attention her husband was lavishing upon her.
“Ahem!” Darcy and Elizabeth quickly turned and saw Georgiana standing in the door.
Darcy looked to Georgiana and then back to Elizabeth. “But I think it is the Master's sister that we really have to be worried about! I understand she can be most severe to those who dare disobey the rules of the house.”
Georgiana was used to finding her brother and Elizabeth in situations like this, although it still caused her to blush. “If you would be so kind as to come, it is nearly time to serve the desserts,” she said with a mischievous smile, and added, “and I am much more lenient toward the staff when they exhibit the expected punctuality!”
When everyone had finished eating the delicious Christmas pies and gingerbread cake, they gathered around the pianoforte, where Georgiana treated them to a concert of hymns and Christmas carols. Darcy walked over to stand next to his wife as they sang songs of the season. His baritone voice was very soothing to Elizabeth as she relaxed against him. She sang softly, so she could hear his voice resonate through her. It was not often that he would sing, and she savoured each time he did. As she closed her eyes, enjoying this respite from their work, she felt as if she were being drawn into heaven itself, with choirs of angels welcoming her.
At the close of the evening, each family received an overflowing basket of foods, clothing, and toys.
As everyone departed that night, they were most profuse in their thanks, having appreciated all that the Darcys had done for them that evening. Mrs. Reynolds, who was the last to leave, could not praise her master, his wife, and Georgiana enough, knowing what this kind of thing did for the morale of those in Pemberley’s employ. “I think I speak for each one who was here, you are by far the best master. We could not be employed by one more gracious or more giving.”
“Mrs. Reynolds, we appreciate your words. But I must direct the credit where it is due.” Darcy looked at his wife. “It was the sole idea of my wife for us to be as involved as we were. It is she that should receive the thanks.”
Elizabeth shook her head in protest. “But I could not have done it without the two of you.” She slipped her arms through her husband’s and Georgiana’s. “Without the support of both of you, it would not have happened.”
That night, Elizabeth spent little time getting ready for bed. She crawled into bed and put her head on her pillow as her husband readied himself. “My dear,” he said. “I must admit that although this was by far too much work, and at first I had been inclined against it, I think everyone appreciated what we did tonight.” He walked over to his side of the bed and blew out the last candle that had been lit. “You have brought so much life to this place.” He crawled into bed and looked over at his wife.
“Elizabeth?”
He smiled. She was sleeping soundly. He wondered how much – or how little – she had heard. “You have brought so much joy into my life. I love you,” he whispered, and placed his head on the pillow next to Elizabeth's, being content to silently watch her before he, too, gave in to his fatigue.
A Christmas Surprise
Darcy woke early the following morning and quietly went downstairs. He had given strict orders to the servants who returned to morning duty to work as silently as possible, allowing his wife and sister to sleep as long as they wished. He knew they needed their rest.
Instead of going into his study, he took a cup of coffee and a book to the east sitting room to read. He occasionally looked up at the small tree and experienced a great sense of contentment, treasuring the holiday joy that had returned to the household – and his life. He smiled as he contemplated the gifts he had purchased for Elizab
eth and hoped that she would be overjoyed with the surprise he had for her.
Later in the day, when both Elizabeth and Georgiana finally rose, they were still greatly fatigued, but they had plans to visit several families who were tenants of Pemberley. These were families who were not employed at Pemberley, but who earned a meagre living elsewhere. The two young ladies set out to give them their annual holiday basket.
The families greeted Georgiana warmly and received the acquaintance of the new Mrs. Darcy with enthusiasm. The two ladies distributed toys for the younger children, books for the older children, and a large basket of food and clothing for the family.
When they had finished passing out the baskets, their exhaustion caught up with them, but each felt an overpowering sense of gratification in how they spent the past few hours. Elizabeth had especially enjoyed watching Georgiana converse with these simple people in such a natural and unaffected manner. Her shyness appeared to evaporate, and she displayed a natural tendency for care and compassion that everyone seemed to appreciate.
All the families they visited were profoundly gracious in their thanks for the abundant gifts and profuse in their appreciation for all the Darcy family had done for them over the years. Elizabeth felt a swelling sense of pride in the generous reputation that her husband, Georgiana, and several generations of their family had amongst these people.
When they returned home, both young ladies spent the remaining part of the day resting, reading, and recuperating from the past week’s flurry of activity.
*~*~*
Darcy awoke the following day just as the sun was making its appearance in the east. He looked over at Elizabeth and smiled. She was sleeping soundly, and he decided he would let her sleep as long as she needed.
Coming downstairs and noticing the Christmas greenery, he savoured the contentment within him. It was four days until Christmas, and he was not angry and disconcerted as he had been last Christmas, nor was he depressed and withdrawn as he had been on Christmases past. He sat in his study drinking a cup of coffee, and a satisfied smile crept upon his face as he contemplated the joy of spending Christmas with his beloved wife at his side.
Later that morning, after eating a leisurely breakfast together, Darcy went to his study and Georgiana proceeded to the music room to practice on the pianoforte. Elizabeth walked through the halls, feeling somewhat disheartened that things were so quiet. She had been so busy the past week, but now she found herself with leisure time on her hands and she could not help but reflect on what everyone might be doing at Longbourn. She smiled as she recollected all the hustle and bustle and noisy commotion in the expected arrival of guests, and her mother's nerves very nearly as tumultuous as they could be, but with the joyful anticipation of Christmas. There was never a moment too dull.
She walked into the sitting room and admired all the greenery, ribbons, and especially the tree. Sitting down, she opened the book she had currently been reading, losing herself in a seafaring adventure.
At length, however, she became restless. The house was so quiet! How she wished for something lively to do!
She got up and walked to the study, knocking lightly before entering. Darcy calmly looked up from his book and welcomed his wife in.
“What can I do for you, Elizabeth?”
“Oh, nothing.” She rubbed her hands together and bit the corner of her bottom lip.
“Is something amiss?”
“No. Well, I suppose it is just that it seems so very quiet. It would be nice if we could do something!”
“I suggest you just enjoy the day and rest. You have been so busy the past week.”
“I am actually not fatigued in the least. I merely wondered if there was something we could do!”
She sat down in a chair and interlocked her hands, looking around her as if trying to find something in his study that would give her some inspiration. Darcy’s eyes were upon her, and he waited for a few moments in silence. He finally said, “Is there something in particular you would like to do? What did you find to keep yourself busy at Longbourn as Christmas neared?”
“Nothing in particular. We always had so many people around at Christmas that things would just happen. For days!”
“Are you sorry that you are not spending Christmas with your family?”
“Oh, no,” she offered softly. “I know we shall see my aunt and uncle in London after the New Year.” She continued to sit, looking a little unsure of what to do.
Darcy looked at her for a moment in silence as if thinking. Suddenly he stood up and walked over to her, taking her hand and cradling it in his palm. “Would you wait here a moment, Elizabeth? I shall return directly.”
He leaned over to kiss her hand and then abruptly left the room, leaving Elizabeth to wonder what had stirred him so unexpectedly. When he finally returned, he had Georgiana with him, along with two presents. “Here, these are for the two of you.” He handed one gift to Elizabeth and one to his sister.
“Fitzwilliam, I did not mean for us to open any presents today!”
“No,” he said, waving his hand. “You will understand when you see them. These will give us something to do!”
As the two women eagerly opened their gifts, Darcy stood back, holding his breath. Georgiana opened hers first, and with a great exclamation of glee cried, “Oh this is wonderful! My old ones were so worn!”
Elizabeth curiously looked over, but could not see what Georgiana had opened. She struggled to get the paper off her gift and finally succeeded, eagerly pulling the lid off of the package. She reached in and pulled out a pair of shiny, new…
“Ice skates!” Elizabeth ran her fingers over the silver blade of one of the skates. “Thank you!”
“Can we really go ice skating now? Is the pond frozen over?” entreated Georgiana.
“I have been checking the pond for over a week now. As it is more shallow than the lake and does not get the direct sunlight, it is completely frozen. The winds have calmed, and although it is quite cold, I think we best take the opportunity to skate now before anything more frigid does blow in. Now, go put on your warmest clothes!”
Georgiana practically skipped out of the room. Darcy looked at Elizabeth and asked, “Are you pleased with them?”
“Uh, yes!” Elizabeth let out a nervous laugh. “But my dearest, I fear I have never skated on ice before. I do not know how!”
“Ahh, that is all the better then.” He came over and put both of his hands upon her shoulders.
“Better?”
He leaned over her and whispered in her ear, “Certainly. That means you will have to hold on to me… tightly!”
Elizabeth’s eyes lit up. “Does that mean you will skate, too?”
“I assure you I would not miss it!” He picked up one of the skates. “Now, you had better go find something warm to wear. Make sure you put on your boots, knit muffler, bonnet, and gloves.”
Darcy and Elizabeth met Georgiana in the sitting room when they had finished getting ready. All were bundled up as warmly as they could possibly be.
They went out through the courtyard and towards the back woods to the pond, which was an easy walking distance from the house. In all the beautifully practical things the Darcy family had done around the grounds, one of the things Elizabeth enjoyed most were the benches that had been placed in areas where one might be inclined to sit and enjoy the scenery. There was one such bench on the edge of the pond, and this was where the three of them sat to put on their ice skates. Darcy helped Elizabeth attach the skates to the bottom of each boot. Georgiana seemed to know exactly what to do, and she quickly had hers on and was walking carefully over to the ice.
Elizabeth watched her sister-in-law as her strides across the ground suddenly became glides when she stepped out onto the ice. She continued to watch Georgiana’s graceful movements while Darcy sat down and put on his own skates. She looked down at the narrow sliver of silver that was to hold her up and she was not sure she would be able to stand, let alone take a s
tep on them. Going out onto the ice seemed formidable, at best.
As soon as Darcy had secured his skates on his feet, he stood up and gently took her by the elbow. “Now, concentrate on keeping your ankles straight. Try not to let them turn in or out, as that will cause you to fall.” He gently pulled her up, and she did all she could to keep her ankles from turning. She leaned against him as she struggled to remain upright.
He let out a pleasant laugh and then suggested she simply stand for a few moments and try to get the feel of being on the skates. He continued to hold on to her until he felt she was ready to take her first step. She wanted so much to be able to step out on the ice and skate as beautifully as Georgiana, but knew she would probably not be able to do that for quite some time.
“Are you ready?”
“I am ready, I think, to sit back down. I truly do not think I can do this!”
“I beg to differ. I am quite certain you can do this!” He put a little pressure behind her elbow and said, “Now, take a step with me.”
As she took a step, she felt herself wobble, but was steadied by his strong arms. “Remember, keep your ankles straight. Now take another step.”
With each step she wobbled, and knew immediately this would be a disaster once they got on the slick ice. She could not imagine it any other way!
“Now, one last step.”
With that step she was on the very edge of the ice. Darcy put one arm behind her, wrapping it tightly around her waist. With his other hand, he grasped hers. “Now allow me to do the skating, and you try to get the feel of your feet on the ice.”
She was grateful that he held on to her tightly. She felt her legs occasionally start to slip one way or the other, but he would not allow her to fall.
“If you are able, watch my feet and try to follow with yours.”
Elizabeth cautiously looked down and watched as his feet moved forward and then out to the side. She felt that if she lifted one foot up off the ice at all, she would be down in a second. For each pair of smooth gliding steps he took, she barely made one clumsy step. They made several circuits around the pond, Darcy coming to her rescue more than half a dozen times, grasping her tightly so she would not spill onto the ice. On more than one occasion, she frantically reached over with her free arm to grab his shoulder as she felt herself start to lose her balance. He skated effortlessly and nothing she did seemed to affect his poise.