Jump to new as of November 30, 2003

Posted on Thursday, 23 December 1999

I will tell you all at this very moment, I should not be writing this, because this was supposed to be a companion piece to "With Angelic Intervention", but I have been bothered by my muse and am doing this anyway. The characters of Tess and Monica are the property of CBS and are not being used for any purpose other than the entertainment of by Dear Readers. Thanks lots, Your Gentle Author

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when a house has been long without a woman's touch, it suffers greatly, especially during the holidays, and most especially during Christmas. Thus was Pemberley at Christmas, but this Christmas, it was different, for the Master had married and Pemberley was to have a Mistress at last, for Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy had married at the end of November. All of the staff of Pemberley had rejoiced the day that saw the Master and Mistress return to Pemberley that bright, but cold December morning.

When a house has gotten a new Mistress, the first thing she must do is learn all about the running of it, and what its traditions are, and that was what Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, neeBennet was asking of the redoubtable Mrs. Reynolds. "How is Christmas celebrated at Pemberley, Mrs. Reynolds?" This question surprised the housekeeper greatly, for it had been many years since Pemberley had kept Christmas in any special fashion, and it had been thus ever since the death of Lady Anne Darcy, the Master's Dear Lady Mother.

"It has not been celebrated here since Lady Anne died. That was when Miss Georgiana was still a girl. We, the staff, that is have tried to make it festive, but it never was the same after Lady Anne died." replied Mrs. Reynolds.

"Well we will just see about that." thought Lizzie to herself. "Thank you Mrs. Reynolds, I will just go and speak to Mr. Darcy about celebrating Christmas." said Lizzie, as she rose from her chair in Mrs. Reynolds snug little parlour.

Leaving Mrs. Reynolds parlour, she hurried to her Dear William's study, where she knew she would find him busy with estate matters. Lizzie knocked on the door. "William, are you very busy? I have just discovered something, you have not celebrated Christmas in quite a long time, would you mind very much if I ask you how you celebrated Christmas before?" asked Lizzie, as she entered her husband's study.

"No Dearest Elizabeth, I do not mind. I was just about to ask you if you would like to discuss the Christmas festivities here at Pemberley" replied Mr. Darcy.

"How did you celebrate Christmas, before, when you were young?" asked Lizzie.

"Christmases at Pemberley were wonderful, Family affairs. All the Family came here, well most of the Family. Aunt Catherine never came, but she always sent Anne to Uncle Matlock's and she always came with Marcus and James. There was always a ball on Christmas and everyone went to church on Christmas Eve. There were sleds for the children and young people. It was always enjoyable. My Father and I always helped My Mother deliver baskets to the tenants, and there was always caroling. Does that sound like the Christmases at Longbourn, Elizabeth?" asked Mr. Darcy.

"Something like that and besides the sleds, we all were invited to Lucas Lodge to Sir William's skating pond. Does your pond freeze for skating in the winter?" asked Lizzie.

"Yes it most certainly does, and it appears to me that the pond's ice will be frozen hard by then." replied Mr. Darcy.

"William, would you truly like to celebrate Christmas this year?" asked Lizzie.

"Yes, if you would like to, My Dearest Loveliest Elizabeth." replied Mr. Darcy.

"I would like to celebrate Christmas, truly celebrate it this year." said Lizzie.

"I will send out the invitations right away." said Lizzie, with a smile, as she left her husband's study, but not before gently kissing him on the cheek.

"I believe there are decorations in the attics, and we will want holly, mistletoe, and a Yule Log and such. We might go out for them after nuncheon. I am sure that Georgiana will wish to accompany us." said Mr. Darcy.

Posted on Monday, 27 December 1999

Not too many days after their discussion, Jane Bingley nee Bennet received the following letter from her sister Elizabeth:

Pemberley, Derbyshire

11, December, 181_

Dearest Jane,

William and I would be honoured if you would come to Pemberley to celebrate the holidays. I have discovered that Christmas has not truly been celebrated here since Lady Anne, Mr. Darcy's Mother died. We are determined to bring Christmas back to Pemberley, and we would be remiss if we did not invite you and Charles. Please reply to this as soon as you are able. As always, I remain.

Your Dear Sister,

Lizzie

On the receipt of this invitation, Jane hurried to find Charles. She showed the letter to her husband, who replied, "It is a wonderful thing, Darcy celebrating Christmas after all these years. I remember going to Pemberley during Christmas holidays from school, and found it to be somewhat somber. I expect that Lizzie is behind this particular change, as she was behind the changes in Darcy, himself. I would like to go." Jane happily responded to her Sister's letter, and informed her that they would arrive on the twentieth.

Of course there was a great uproar at Longbourn at the receipt of the letter from the Darcys inviting the rest of Lizzie's family to Pemberley. Exclamations such as "Mary! Kitty! Make haste! Make haste! We must go to the dressmaker for just the right gowns for you. For surely there will be a ball! Oh Mr. Bennet, How you make my nerves suffer. How will our two remaining unmarried daughters meet any rich men if they do not have the proper gowns?" filled all of Longbourn.

The reaction was somewhat subdued, but not by much, when a similar letter arrived in Gracechurch Street, which went as follows:

Pemberley, Derbyshire

12, December, 181_

My Dear Aunt Gardiner,

William and I would be honoured if you and My Uncle and all the cousins would come to Pemberley to celebrate Christmas with us. I have discovered that Christmas celebrations have been sadly neglected here since the death of Lady Anne Darcy. We are determined to keep the holidays properly this year, but we will not feel it complete without you and the cousins. I would imagine that Maria Elizabeth would like to see William again. I was quite surprised that he has been a saviour to many members of my family. Please let me know by return post if you are able to come. As always, I remain.

Your loving niece,

Elizabeth Rachel Darcy

Posted on Wednesday, 29 December 1999

It was not too many days after, that Lizzie had her reply from Gracechurch Street. It read as follows:

Gracechurch Street

London

My Dearest Lizzie,

We will be delighted to help you and Mr. Darcy revive the Christmas celebrations at Pemberley. Maria Elizabeth was most especially excited to know that she will be seeing Miranda's "knight" once more. I am wondering if Lord and Lady Matlock will be among your guest at Pemberley, for it was lovely to make my Dear Rebecca's acquaintance once again. Lizzie, Dear, your invitation has put us in a delicate situation, would it be too much of an imposition on you and Mr. Darcy if you make room for nine, instead of six, for Dear Catherine, Henry, and their baby Emily are with us. I imagine that seeing Pemberley will be an adventure for Dearest Catherine, though Dearest Henry has explained, as have I, that there is nothing dark or foreboding about Pemberley. I am afraid that she is not altogether free of the influence of Miss Isabella Thorpe. I await your reply, and until I receive it, I remain.

Your Loving Aunt,

Maria Gardiner

Posted on Wednesday, 29 December 1999

When Mr. Darcy found his Dearest Elizabeth, she was smiling sweetly to herself. "I take it, your Aunt, Uncle, and Cousins will be able to come to Pemberley?" asked Mr. Darcy.

"Yes William. Maria Elizabeth was most especially excited to see Miranda's "knight" once more. Never was I more shocked to discover that you were not once, but twice saviour to my Family.

Author's Note: If you wish to read about this, if you have not, see "With Angelic Intervention" Section I. Thanks lots, Your Gentle Author.

" William, I have been asked to ask you if it would not be too much of an imposition on us if we make room at Pemberley for nine, instead of six, as My Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have guests with them in Gracechurch Street. My Aunt's third cousin twice removed, Catherine, her husband and baby. Catherine is Mary's age, and she visited in Gracechurch Street at times when we were girls. She was just a normal kind of girl, but she visited Bath under the aegis of some neighbours, and unfortunately fell under the influence of a girl who did nothing better than read Gothic Novels and go to balls and such. Now I am not decrying novels, I love to read about lonely, scary castles in far-away lands, but Catherine was somewhat easily impressed by them, and unfortunately believed that what happened in them, happened in real life. In spite of this, Catherine has married a most sensible, if witty clergyman. They have recently become parents to a baby girl called Emily, I believe that was Catherine's choice. I have not seen Catherine since her marriage to the Reverend Tilney, but it would be nice to see them once more." replied Lizzie.

"I believe that we might just be able to find room for all of the party from Gracechurch Street. I was just about ask you if we might invite the Knightleys to Pemberley, as I know that you did enjoy Emma's company." asked Mr. Darcy.

"I would love to see George, Emma, and baby Susanna Rose." replied Lizzie. "Thank you Dearest Elizabeth. I am going to write my letters to Uncle Matlock and Marsden." said Mr. Darcy, as he gently kissed Lizzie on the cheek, and left his wife's little parlour.

Posted on Thursday, 30 December 1999

Darcy returned to his study, sat down at his desk, took up a sheet of paper, and began his letter to his uncle. A letter which read as follows:

Pemberley

Derbyshire

My Dear Aunt and Uncle,

It would appeared that My Dearest Elizabeth is determined to revive the Family Christmas celebrations at Pemberley. I am not adverse to these plans, and would be honoured if you would join us at Pemberley, as you did while my parents were alive, and if by chance, Aunt Catherine has sent Anne and Miss Jenkinson to stay at The Court, they of course will be welcome. Please reply to this as soon as possible. Until I receive your answer, I remain.

Your Nephew,

Darcy

After sanding, folding, and sealing his letter, Darcy took up another sheet of paper and began a letter to his cousin, the Viscount Marsden, a letter which read as follows:

Pemberley

Derbyshire

Marsden,

I write to inform you that My Dearest Elizabeth is determined to revive all the joys of a Pemberley Family Christmas. I am not adverse to these plans, and Elizabeth and I would be honoured if you, Kate, and the children would join us here. Please reply to this as soon as possible. As always, I remain.

Your Cousin,

Darcy

After finishing his letter to his cousin, Mr. Darcy began one more letter, which read as follows:

Pemberley

Derbyshire

Knightly,

I write to invite you, Emma, and the baby to Pemberley to help us revive all the joys of a Pemberley Family Christmas. My Dearest Elizabeth is determined that we should, and has asked that I invite you and your family especially. Please reply to this as soon as possible. Until then, I remain.

Your friend,

Darcy

While all of Pemberley turned out to prepare for the revival of the grand Christmas celebrations, there was all the flurry of last minute preparations for the removal of the Longbourn party to Derbyshire. In the midst of all this madness, Mary Bennet took time to update her journal

From the Journal of Mary Athena Bennet

In a few short days, we leave for Derbyshire to celebrate Christmas at Pemberley with my Sister Elizabeth and my new Brother Mr. Darcy. My Mother is, as always in a state of confusion, and My Sister Catherine is nervous, as I must confess that I am. I must confess that I am most curious to see the house, especially the library. In the midst of all the noise and clatter, I received a letter from America today. My Cousins Naomi and Ruth write of news about both Lucas and Daniel. Lucas has just returned from Boston, where he had spent some time with his maternal Grandfather, I believe the surname is Lawrence. Naomi and Ruth also tell me that he has begun to take up some of their Father's more taxing duties, such as riding the circuit. Daniel has returned from the west and his travels with Mr. Lewis and Mr. Clark. Daniel went with them as a surveyor, mapmaker and artist, as they need someone to make sketches. Naomi and Ruth also tell me of the wedding of our friend Temperance Starbuck and Lucas and Daniel's friend Caleb Whittier.

I must close now, My Mother is calling. I do believe that the kittens are underfoot again. I am bringing three of the best kittens with us for Lizzie, for what is Christmas without kittens? Will write again soon.

Over the next days, the Darcy's guests began to arrive. First to arrive was the party from Gracechurch Street. The first thing Lizzie had to do was make a great fuss over Miss Emily Tilney. After the Gardiner children had been freshened up in the nursery, and returned downstairs to greet Lizzie and Mr. Darcy, Maria Elizabeth, that most intrepid of children, with her doll Miranda in her arms, tugged on Mr. Darcy's coat. "Mr. Darcy, Miranda wishes to give her "knight" a kiss. Today, she is not sick at all, it is because it is Christmas." announced Maria Elizabeth. As always, not wishing to appear to tower over the little girl, Darcy knelt on one knee, so that Maria Elizabeth might hold Miranda's lips to his. Lizzie smiled, as Maria Elizabeth made the sound of a kiss.

"What do you smile at, My Dearest Loveliest Elizabeth?" asked Mr. Darcy, seeing the tiniest hint of mischief in her fine, dark, sparkling eyes.

"Why sir, I have just tried to picture the Master of Pemberley in a tree. For surely climbing trees, even to rescue damsels, albeit, very small damsels-in-distress seems to me an undignified practice for someone as dignified as the Master of Pemberley" replied Lizzie, the mischief now in her tone.

"Nor is it one that is proper for Pemberley's Mistress, but I believe that Pemberley's new Mistress is well versed in the art." countered Mr. Darcy.

Posted on Monday, 3 January 2000

The next guests to come to Pemberley were the Earl and Countess of Matlock. With the Matlocks came Miss Anne de Bourgh and her companion, Miss Jenkinson. They also brought Mrs. James MacLeodnee Fitzwilliam, and her twins, James Alexander Fitzwilliam Darcy MacLeod and Margaret Jean MacLeod, who, Mr. Darcy explained were his and Georgiana's godchildren.

"Rebecca's Father was my Grandfather's younger brother's eldest son. She sometimes came to visit at Pemberley. If you hear Rebecca refer to James as Thomas, that is because her late husband was James. I knew James MacLeod at University, and let us just say that Macleod's fists were very well acquainted with a connection of yours who shall remain nameless. MacLeod was in James' Regiment. He was killed on the Peninsula, and by the way he was acquainted with Kate, in their childhood years. James was named the twins' guardian." explained Mr. Darcy.

"Noted." replied Lizzie, who also noted that the Colonel, her Dearest William's Cousin and best friend looked upon his distant cousin with more than just care and concern. This brought a sweet, mischievous smile to the Mistress of Pemberley's rosy red lips.

The next guests came from Essex. As soon as the Marsdens' carriage had stopped, the door opened, and the steps let down, before Lord Marsden could hand his Lady out, Kate jumped out in a characteristically Kate style jump. "Kate! can you not behave in a Ladylike fashion even once a day." said Lord Marsden in a teasing tone

The Marsdens and their children, Marcus Edmond, Baron Fitzwilliam, the Honourable Nerissa Fitzwilliam, and their long suffering nurse soon entered the house, where they greeted and were warmly greeted by Lizzie, Darcy, and Georgiana.

"Lizzie! you have begun to work wonders with this house, it looks positively festive." exclaimed Kate in an excited tone.

"Thank you La. . . . . . Kate, but as you can see we have only begun. We need all the able bodied souls we can muster to gather greenery." replied Lizzie. Kate smiled back at the seemingly simple country girl who had turned out to be a kindred spirit.

Before the Marsdens' children were taken up to the nursery, they made their curtseys and bows to their Grandparents, who returned the greetings with warm hugs and kisses.

"Rebecca, I still cannot believe how much Marsden's Kate resembles poor Dear Mary, even in her adventurous spirit, much to the sometime dismay of Marsden." said Maria Gardiner to Lady Matlock over cups of tea.

"A spirit, I am afraid Marcus will never repress in her, but then I believe that is something that Marcus loved in Kate from the start. Maria, I suppose that you have heard about poor Charis?" said Lady Matlock, referring to Lady Paxton, who had been Godmother to both Lord and Lady Marsden.

"I did hear of that. I remember thinking how tragic. Charis was so young." replied Maria Gardiner.

Posted on Monday, 3 January 2000

When the Matlocks arrived, Colonel Fitzwilliam asked Mr. Darcy that as soon as his brother arrived, that he wished to speak with him on an important subject. As soon as Marsden had Kate settled in the drawing room with the Ladies, he joined his Father, brother, and Cousin in the library, where Colonel Fitzwilliam made the announcement that he and Rebecca MacLeod had entered into a quiet betrothal, and planned to marry at the end of The Season. "There is just one problem, it would appear that a certain person, I hesitate to refer to him as a gentleman, has been making overtures of a most vulgar sort to Rebecca. This person is a danger to Rebecca and the twins, but then there is the minor danger in that Aunt Catherine is trying to convince Rebecca to bring the twins to Rosings to live." said the Colonel. "We must act accordingly, then." replied Mr. Darcy. "Until then, our betrothal must be kept secret." said Colonel Fitzwilliam.

The Darcys next guests to arrive were the Bingleys, who were happy to report that the Hursts and Miss Caroline Bingley were keeping Christmas in Scarborough with an Aunt and Uncle. Lizzie greeted her oldest Sister with a warm embrace and hugged her Brother warmly. Mr. Darcy greeted his friend with bear hugs and back slappings on the part of Mr. Bingley.

Lizzie informed Jane that the Tilneys were at Pemberley, with the Gardiners, so Jane did her share of exclaiming, cooing, and fussing over Miss Emily Tilney, behaviour that was greatly appreciated by both proud Mama and Papa.

Posted on Tuesday, 4 January 2000

Next to arrive were the Bennets and the Phillipses, and as each of the families' respective carriages made their way through the park, two minor miracles of a sort occurred. Mrs. Daniel Bennet and Mrs. Amos Phillips were rendered speechless by the magnificence and splendor of Pemberley. This particular occurrence was both to the liking of the two aforesaid ladies spouses and to the liking of the Misses Mary and Catherine Bennet. When the Bennets' and the Phillipses' carriages pulled up in front of the house, the doors opened, and the steps let down, and as each respective husband handed their respective spouse down and Mr. Daniel Bennet handed his daughters down, Mary showed great presence of mind.

"Kitty, do you go and help Aunt Phillips, while I help Mama." said Mary, in a quiet tone to her next younger Sister.

Instead of arguing with her next older Sister, Kitty walked over to Amos Phillips' carriage and offered her arm to her Dear Aunt Matilda, as Mary did the same for her Mother.

"Mama, do not worry, we will soon be inside, and safe in Lizzie's arms." said Mary, patting her Mama's arm in a comforting gesture.

Miss Catherine Bennet echoed her next older Sister's gesture's and speech in acting the same towards her Aunt. Mary carried with her a large covered basket with her, a basket that showed signs of great activity beneath its lid. Mary helped Mama up the steps with great care. At Mary's knock, the door was thrown open. Mary discovered Lizzie, Mr. Darcy, Jane, and Mr. Bingley in the foyer.

Lizzie, immediately recognising the puzzled look on the face of her next younger sister, she asked Mary what was wrong with their Mama. Mary quickly relayed the information that both their Mama and Aunt Phillips were in this speechless state.

"I believe it began as soon as we entered the park, Lizzie. Kitty will be along with Aunt Phillips, with Father and Uncle Phillips just behind them. I thought that Mama and Aunt Phillips would wish to get in out of the cold and maybe to bed." said Mary.

"I will just have Mr. Reynolds send someone up to ready their rooms and build up the fire, and have Cook send up hot possets for them. Ah, here are Kitty and Aunt Phillips. Mama, Aunt Phillips, welcome to Pemberley. If you just go with Mrs. Reynolds, she will see to it that your rooms are ready, and I will have Cook send hot possets up to you." said Lizzie, at which news both women smiled weakly, but still did not say anything.

"Mrs. Reynolds, please send two maids and two footmen up to the rooms we have given to my Mother and My Aunt. Then ask Cook to send hot possets up to them." said Lizzie.

"Yes Mrs. Darcy." replied the redoubtable Mrs. Reynolds. With her Mother and Aunt in capable hands, Lizzie was able to greet her Sisters, Father, and Uncle with great warmth.

"Mary, I am sure that you and Kitty will wish to go upstairs and refresh yourselves after such a journey that you have had. You may even wish to visit the nursery, for the Tilneys are here and you have not seen Emily yet, and I am sure you wish to exclaim and fuss over her as everyone else has been doing." said Lizzie, smiling at her next younger Sister.

"Lizzie, I brought you and Mr. Darcy a present, but it needs to be opened right away." said Mary, as she offered the basket to her next older Sister.

Mrs. Reynolds, having returned from seeing to Mrs. Daniel Bennet and Mrs. Amos Phillips, Lizzie put her next younger Sisters into that woman's capable hands, and as Mary was about to mount the stairs, she suddenly recalled something. "Kitty, you go upstairs and wait for me. I forgot to give this to Lizzie." said Mary, opening her reticule, to take out a folded sheet of paper.

"What is this Mary?" asked Lizzie.

"I received this two days before we left Longbourn and thought to share it with you." said Mary, before hurrying to join Kitty.

"I must say your Sisters showed a great deal of sense today." commented Mr. Darcy, surprised that he would see his Dearest Elizabeth's Sisters behaving in a less than silly manner, but he must be careful, for it was his first impressions of her family that almost lost him his virtuous woman.

"That really is not too surprising, by that I mean My Mother and My Aunt do not travel well. Since Jane and I have left the nest, so to speak, it falls to Mary and Kitty to help Mama, though Mary did show great presence of mind. I must confess surprise at My Mother and Aunt being rendered speechless by Pemberley." said Lizzie.

"Were you rendered speechless by Pemberley, My Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth?" asked Mr. Darcy, in a tone that carried a hint of challenge, as the Master of Pemberley smiled at its Mistress.

"Perhaps." replied Lizzie, answering challenge with challenge with a similar smile.

"What has your Sister given you, that she delivers in this very large basket, that must be opened now?" asked Mr. Darcy, eyeing the activity under the basket lid.

"I do believe that Mary has brought us kittens. Just two days before our weddings, our kitchen cat, in the midst of all that chaos, gave birth to a litter of kittens. Mary will inform us that these are the best kittens." replied Lizzie, as she removed the basket lid to reveal three sleepy -eyed kittens.

"They are my best kittens, they are Marion's grandchildren are they not. I even chose the best names for them, for I knew I was giving them to the best of my Sisters. Their names are: Hero, Lysander, and Niagara." said Mary, as she rejoined her Sister and Mr. Darcy, and took each kitten out of the basket to present he or she to their new home and owners.

"Thank you, Mary. Your gift is appreciated. If there is anything you might need, just ask one of the maids or footmen, or was there anything you needed at this moment?" asked Mr. Darcy.

"Actually, I was wondering if there might be ink, paper, and pens in the library, as I wish to write a letter and perhaps write another entry in my journal." replied Mary.

"You will find all that the library is well equipped with all that you will need to write a letter or update your journal." replied Mr. Darcy, as he pointed the way to his library.

"Thank you sir." said Mary, as she took the path indicated by her brother. As she did this, she found she noticed with great amusement the three little shadows following her.

As Lizzie and Darcy watched the kittens follow her Sister to the library, Lizzie noted the amusement in her Dearest William's eyes.

"What do you find that is so amusing, Dearest William?" asked Lizzie.

"Your Sister's choice of names for the kittens. Hero and Lysander, I understand, knowing that your Sister has a great love of the Classics, but Niagara is such an odd name." replied Darcy.

"Mayhap she is an odd kitten. Mary, you will find has a rare talent for finding just the proper name for each kitten that finds its way to Longbourn. For example, these kittens' Grandfather, Marion came from a litter that included a pair named for their Majesties, and because of a guest we had at Longbourn at the time, the Washingtons, though My Mother was not happy to hear that a kitten was given her name, and threatened to put Mary in her room on bread and water. Marion was from one of the American generals, Francis Marion, he was the one referred to as "The Swamp Fox". Hello, Anne, was there something you needed?" this Lizzie addressed to Miss Anne de Bourgh.

Posted on Wednesday, 5 January 2000

"Nothing actually, I was just on my way to the library. I wish to discover if my cousin might have a book on the latest methods of crop rotation." replied Anne

"You will find it on one of the tables. I am sure that you will discover that it is most helpful, Anne." replied Mr. Darcy, as his cousin made her way to the library.

"Crop rotation? Anne? I suppose that when Anne is away from Rosings, she feels a bit more free." said Lizzie.

"Yes, she does. Anne has been learning about estate management from myself and Marsden. Anne will need to be prepared for when Aunt Catherine dies." said Mr. Darcy.

Yes, Miss Anne de Bourgh, described by some as pale, sickly, and cross, enjoyed what could only be called the forbidden pleasure of freedom when she was away from Rosings. Her mother had sent her and her companion, Miss Jenkinson to Matlock Court with the understanding, however mistaken, that the Earl and Countess would not be going anywhere near Pemberley, of course, as the head of the Family, he could gainsay his older Sister.

"I do not have acquiesce to your Mother's wishes Anne, and I will not." Her Uncle had told her, after reading the letter that she had brought to Matlock Court with her.

"I do not mind, Uncle." she had told him, for she had the fondest wish to get to know her new Cousin-in-law better. Elizabeth had been the second person she had ever met that had been brave enough to stand up to her Mother. The first had been her cousin Marcus' wife Kate. Miss Anne de Bourgh wished that she was that brave, she had truly wished that she had been brave enough to tell her Mother that she never had wanted to marry her Cousin William, no matter how much she blamed Elizabeth for ruining her plans. She never had wish to be Mistress of Pemberley. The Mistress it had gotten was just the one it needed.

As Anne entered her Cousin's library, she realised that she was not alone, as she recognised one of Elizabeth's sisters. "Hello." said Anne, in a quiet tone.

"Hello." said Mary, looking up from her letter.

"You are Mary? I am Anne. Am I disturbing you?" asked Anne.

"No you are not disturbing me. I am writing a letter in answer to a letter I received from my cousins in America." replied Mary.

"You have cousins in America? How fascinating" asked Anne curiously.

"Yes I do. They are distantly related to me from my Father, though they are first cousins to Mr. Collins, unfortunately for my cousins in America. When I was a girl, my cousins' oldest brother came to England to visit, before he began college at Harvard. Lucas is not like Mr. Collins at all." said Mary.

"There is no one in the whole world like Mr. Collins, no one in the world." replied Anne, matter-of-factly.

"That is true." said Mary, the mischief, that did not always show itself, glinted in her silver-grey eyes.

"I came to the library to find a book my Cousin William said was on one of the tables. Ah, here it is. Do not mention a word of this. My Mother does not know that I have been learning about estate management from William and Lord Marsden, one of my other cousins. My Mother would become most upset, because she tells me that I am too sickly to do anything. I wish that I could be as brave as your sister Elizabeth was so that I could stand up to her, as she did." said Anne, as she picked up the book from the table and took one of the chairs in front of the fire and began to read.

Anne had just made herself comfortable, when one of the kittens jumped into her lap. "Oh Dear." said Anne, in a most puzzled tone.

"What is wrong, Anne?" asked Mary, in the tone of one trying to help.

"One of your kittens has jumped into my lap. My Mother has never let me have either dog or cat because she said that they would make me sneeze. I know that dogs do not make me sneeze, because I liked to play with Georgiana's spaniels, Perseus and Andromeda, but I have never held a cat or kitten this close before, but Mary, I am not sneezing. I believe my Mother was wrong, kittens do not make me sneeze." exclaimed Anne.

"I have discovered that Mothers can be very wrong about a great many things. replied Mary.

"Does this kitten have name, Mary?" asked Anne, holding up the kitten so Mary could see it.

"She is Niagara. She was the smallest kitten in the litter. I had to take care of her myself, just as I took care of her grandfather. Her Sister and Brother, whom I also brought to Pemberley for Lizzie are called Hero and Lysander. I gave two more her sisters to my Sister Jane, they are called Dinah and Philadelphia, and they have one more sister at Longbourn called Alleghany. I name all the kittens myself." replied Mary.

Posted on Thursday, 6 January 2000

"You do? You certainly have given your kittens most interesting names. Niagara is in America, is it not? I have heard of it." said Anne, smiling. It was nice that she had made a new friend. Mary Bennet seemed an interesting person, not at all vulgar, as her Mother had intimated.

"Oh yes, I do. I do like the names of places in America. Some of the names come from the Red Indians. My Cousins Lucas and Daniel have both seen the Falls. Lucas told me that it is a wild and beautiful place. I am going to go there one day. I like to read traveler's journals from America." said Mary.

It was about then that Mr. Darcy entered the library to check on his Cousin and Mary to see if they had found all that they had needed. "Did you find the book you wished to read, Anne?" asked Mr. Darcy.

"Yes I did, William. This is just the book I wished to read, after hearing of it from Marsden." replied Anne.

Darcy, noticing the kitten in Anne's lap, he smiled at his Cousin. "You have found new friends, I see."

"Oh yes, William. I have discovered that Mother was quite wrong about cats and kittens making me sneeze, just as she was wrong about dogs and puppies. This is Niagara. She jumped into my lap, as soon as I was comfortable in this chair. They are Mary's kittens. She told all about the place that Niagara was named for. Mary has cousins in America. They are Mother's Mr. Collins' first cousins, but Mary told me that she met one of them and he is not like Mr. Collins at all. I do wonder what Georgiana's Perseus and Andromeda will think of the kittens, though?" replied Anne, referring to her cousin's spaniels.

"How is your letter coming, Mary? I suppose that you are telling your correspondent much good of Pemberley?" asked Mr. Darcy.

"Yes I am telling them much of Pemberley and both my Sisters' weddings. They are my Cousin Lucas' sisters. I write to them. They write to me news of him. I miss Lucas at times." replied Mary.

Author's Note: The Dear Reader will forgive this little bit of shameless foreshadowing in another of my little divertisments, but as soon as I get on with "Lucas' Visit", the Dear Reader will soon discover that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy Esq. of Pemberley is going to make the acquaintance of Mr. Lucas Isaac Collins, of Western Pennsylvania, America. I do hope the Dear Reader does not mind it. Thanks lots, Your Gentle Author.

"Oh yes, I imagine that you would miss him. He was very brave in the way he assisted me in stopping those thieves, and you, yourself showed great presence of mind in the manner in which you assisted us. Miss Bennet, you will find on the shelf to your immediate left, the fourth book in from the right, is a diary that my Great Uncle Phillip kept while he was in America. He fought under General Burgoyne. You may find his observations on the people and country most fascinating." said Mr. Darcy.

"My Cousin is not wrong in this case, if it is the book I am thinking of. My Cousin refers to his Grandfather Darcy's younger brother. He had many adventures when he was in America. I have read some of that diary myself." interjected Anne.

"Thank you, Brother. I will look for it as soon as I finish my letter. Lucas' sisters wrote much news of him in the letter I brought to share with Lizzie." replied Mary.

Mr. Darcy left his Cousin to her book and his sisterin-law to her letter. Exiting his library, he discovered Lizzie, Georgiana, and Kate, apparently waiting for him in the hall, each Lady noted the amused look on his face.

"William, what do you find that is so amusing?" asked all three Ladies at once.

Posted on Friday, 7 January 2000

Mr. Darcy, of a sudden, felt as if he were a boy once more, and he had been caught in mischief, for he did not know precisely how to answer, for he did not wish to insult his Dearest Elizabeth.

"It is your sister Mary. I am becoming more amazed by her great presence of mind and her kindness. She has just made Anne's acquaintance, I have never seen two more disparate persons make friends. They have made friends over the kittens Mary brought to Pemberley." Mr. Darcy finally replied.

"William, for all attempts at acquiring accomplishments, Mary has good qualities, such as kindness and compassion. I would not be at all surprised if in the short time they were together, Mary helped Anne discover something she never knew about herself, or something opposite of what she has been told time and again by her Mother." replied Lizzie

"As a matter-of-fact, I believe that is the case here. Most of her life, Anne has been told by her Mother, that she could not have a dog or cat because they would make her sneeze. Anne knows that dogs do not make her sneeze, for she has played with the dogs and puppies here at Pemberley or at Matlock Court, or Marsden Close, but until now, Anne has never been able to discover if it was the same with cats and kittens. Today Anne discovered that kittens do not make her sneeze." stated Mr. Darcy.

"William, it stands to reason that if dogs and puppies do not make Anne sneeze, as Aunt Catherine has told her they do, than surely cats and kittens should not either." stated Georgiana, logically.

"That it is true, but Anne would not have discovered that if it was not for the kittens that Mary brought here to Pemberley." countered Darcy. Your cousin would never have discovered that at all if you had not been properly humbled by your virtuous woman. Darcy heard his conscience say.

Hearing his conscience prick at him like that, Darcy, to the feigned shock of Georgiana and Kate, embraced Lizzie warmly and placed a kiss upon the Mistress of Pemberley's rosy red lips.

"William, I was just taking this letter back to Mary, then inquire as to whether or not she and Anne might like to come with us and help gather greenery." said Lizzie, as she opened the library door.

Upon entering the library, Lizzie discovered that the two young Ladies were definitely reading or writing a letter, but watching and laughing at the antics of the kittens. "Best kittens indeed! Marion's grandchildren!." thought Lizzie to herself, remembering just how troublesome the aforesaid cat had been as a kitten. Most especially the day he had succeeded in climbing her sister's favourite tree, and became stuck. She also remembered how Mary had become stuck when she went to his rescue, and how Lucas had rescued them, of course.

Posted on Saturday, 8 January 2000

"Mary, I am returning your letter. It would appear that Lucas and Daniel have been very busy. I also wished to enquire as to whether you and Anne wish to go along to gather greenery for the house." said Lizzie.

"Lizzie, Anne and I have been having a wonderful time conversing. I could share Naomi and Ruth's letter with her, and I will look in on Mama and Aunt Phillips." replied Mary.

"Thank you Mary. I really must commend your great presence of mind, in the way you took care of Mama and Aunt Phillips this morning. I believe they are still resting, but if you wish to check on them, you may. I think it would do them a world of good. I must confess that I am somewhat worried about them still. They still have not said a word as yet. Perhaps a good nights rest is all they will need." said Lizzie, as she left the library and rang for her pelisse and bonnet to ready herself for gathering Christmas greenery.

"Anne, Lizzie just returned the letter I received from our cousins in America, I brought it to Pemberley, for I thought that Lizzie might enjoy reading it. Would you like me to share it with you?" asked Mary.

"Oh yes Mary, please do, I would love to hear what they wrote. Do your cousins live in a city, such as: Boston, New York, or Philadelphia?" asked Anne, curiously.

"Actually, they live in a settlement in Western Pennsylvania, on the frontier. Lucas' father has his mission there." replied Mary, as she unfolded her letter, and read the following:

Letter from Naomi and Ruth Collins to Mary Bennet

"Our Dear Cousin Mary,

We have much news to tell you of since our last letter. Our first news is of Lucas. He has just returned from a journey to Boston, where he stayed with Our Grandfather Lawrence, while he carried out some commissions for Our Father, Mother, and Naomi, Myself, and Hannah Grace. As you already know, Lucas, having completed his studies at Harvard, and returned to us, he has begun to take over some of Father's more taxing duties, such as riding the circuit. Just yesterday we saw Lucas off to perform a wedding in a settlement twenty miles away and a funeral at a settlement seventy miles away to the north.

Our next news is of Daniel. As you already know, he has been traveling west of the Mississippi River with Mr. Lewis and Mr. Clark as surveyor, mapmaker, and artist, so it is with the greatest of pleasure that we can announce that Daniel has returned safely to the bosom of his family. He told us some of his adventures, but the most amazing story is of the truly courageous young Red Indian woman who accompanied the expedition as guide and translator. She was most brave, but the most amazing thing of all was that she carried her infant son with her on one of those backboard carriers we have told you about. Daniel told us her name was Sacajawea.

We are well, as are Mother, Father, and Hannah Grace. Our last news is of our friend Temperance Starbuck, she has been recently married to Lucas and Daniel's friend Caleb Whittier. We, Naomi and I predict that Tempe will lead Caleb a merry dance, even if members of the Society of Friends do not dance. That is all our news for now, 'til we write again, we remain.

Your Dear Cousins,

Naomi and Ruth Collins"

Posted on Saturday, 8 January 2000

Finished reading her letter, Mary noticed a very wide-eyed Miss Anne de Bourgh. "Oh my, what adventures your cousins have had. You are correct in saying that your cousins in America are not like Mr. Collins at all. I just cannot picture him on a horse or riding twenty or even fifty or seventy miles to perform services. I most definitely cannot see him traveling so far from "civilization". Do your cousins truly know any Red Indians?" asked Anne curiously.

"Yes they do. The mission was originally began by our Father for them. Lucas and Daniel made friends with a few of the young men. One of the young mens' mother made my moccasins, or slippers for me. Actually, moccasins are more like shoes. They ones like mine for warmer weather and they make warmer ones for the winter. I think that the beadwork on them is beautiful." said Mary, as she raised her skirts so that she could show her new friend.

"They look soft, they are made of deerskin?" asked Anne.

"Doeskin to be precise. These long beads are made from the quills of a most curious animal, which is something like our hedgehog, but they only live in America, they are called porcupines. As I said, they are like a hedgehog, but larger. They have spines, instead of fur. When they are calm the spines stay flat, but when they feel threatened by something they bristle their spines. My cousins Lucas and Daniel have removed many porcupine quills from some of their dogs that they had been training" said Mary.

"They look comfortable." said Anne. "Oh yes they are most comfortable." replied Mary.

The young Ladies played some more with the kittens, as if they were the true reasons why they had sought the library in the first place. "Anne, do you have any riband in your reticule, I cannot seem to find any. I had hoped to find some to for the kittens to play with. Kittens like to play with ribands." said Mary, as she took the piece proffered by Anne. Mary soon began to trail the piece of riband along the floor and wiggle it. Anne smiled as she watched the kittens stalk her bit of riband.

Yes the kittens antics were funny, but Mary noticed that her new friend laughed the most, and the heartiest when Niagara finally pounced on the riband and in the process, her Sister and Brother. "Oh my, I have not laughed as hard as this since. . . . . . since. . . . . I suppose I have never laughed that hard, because My Mother told me that it was not good for my health. I suppose that is something else she was wrong about." said Anne, as she wiped the laughter induced tears from her grey eyes, that truth be told were the same shade as Miss Mary Bennet's.

"Anne, I am going to ring for a pot of tea and perhaps some biscuits. Then I will tell you all about the summer my cousin Lucas visited at Longbourn. How we helped your Cousin, my Brother Darcy." said Mary, as she rang for a footman.

This brought one of the footmen readily. "I am Benjamin, miss. What does miss require?"

"Miss de Bourgh and I would like a pot of tea and some biscuits." said Mary

"Right away miss." replied Benjamin, and departed the library.

Mary, after having heard some of the things Anne's Mother, the truly obnoxious Mr. Collins' Great Lady Patroness had said her daughter was not able to do because of her so-called poor health, decided to sow some seeds of rebellion in her new friend.

Posted on Wednesday, 12 January 2000

While Mary was beginning the process that she hoped would one day eventually incite Miss Anne de Bourgh to rebel against her Mother, the greenery gathering party were thoroughly enjoying themselves out in the cold and the snow. Mr. Darcy, especially enjoyed watching as the cold brought a most wonderful tint of red to his Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth's cheeks.

Colonel Fitzwilliam, by merit of his great organizational skills and leadership abilities oversaw the greenery gatherers. He made the children, who had come with the grown-ups laugh by making a great show of checking on what had been gathered so far.

"It appears we have a great mountain of pine boughs, and another of holly, but it also appears that we lack something important, but for the life of me I just cannot recall just what that could be." said Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"We do not have the mistletoe for making kissing boughs." announced Miss Kitty Bennet

"Ah yes, thank you Miss Kitty, now I recall," replied Colonel Fitzwilliam, as he pretended to tick off the items that they had made this "dangerous" trek out to wilderness for, on his fingers. "Yes, I believe we are lacking mistletoe. Do you know what Wellington would have said were he faced with just such a situation?"

Which brought in answer a loud chorus of, "No, what Cousin Thomas? What, Uncle James? We do not know, sir." could be heard from the youngest troop of greenery gatherers.

"It is a disgrace, I tell you, a disgrace. How can a proper army win a battle properly, without the proper supplies?" said the Colonel, in a mock stern tone.

"Yes, we need mistletoe, and if memory serves, Pemberley has some fine old oaks that always had some growing on them." said Lord Marsden, giving his Dearest Kate a knowing look.

"James, I am convinced to whom you should give the order to gather it, for I am sure that Marsden has the best climbing skill of the three of you. Author's Note: Another bit of shameless foreshadowing here. At some point in Kate's and Lord Marsden's story will be making a prodigious climb. I am certain Marcus will oblige us." said Kate, teasingly.

The party soon found its way to where the oaks were and sure enough, there was plenty of mistletoe, and to mumblings of "Blasted parasite." on the part of Lord Marsden he began his ascent of a likely looking tree.

Posted on Thursday, 13 January 2000

Lord Marsden, having achieved a height where a hopeful clump of mistletoe grew, he found it to be just tantalizing inches from reach, and he came ever close to the thin end of the branch that he sat upon.

"Blasted parasite," he thought to himself, as he tried to get something like a toehold on the trunk of the ancient oak his Bonny Kate and his younger brother had sent him up.

"Sweet Kate of my consolation, if I fall and kill myself, be warned that I shall haunt you the rest of your days." Lord Marsden called down to his Lady, who stood with her hands spread out as if to catch him, and had called up to him that he should 'Be careful. '

"I shall have them carve as your epitaph: A Brave Knight, He Died In The Service Of His Most Gracious Lady." Marsden's "Most Gracious Lady" called up to him, in a laughing tone.

Marsden, having finally gotten his hands on a hopeful clump of mistletoe, realised that he had only one feasible option way back to the ground, the same way he, his brother, and Cousin had used for years, he jumped. He landed on all fours on the soft snow, and received a face full for his pains.

"Are you all right, Marcus?" called Kate, from a safe distance of about three feet.

"You are so full of concern, My Darling Kate." said Marsden, as he rose to his feet, but when he turned to face his Dear Lady, she had the temerity to giggle. Seeing that her Gentle Lord had both the clump of mistletoe in his hands and his face full of snow, Kate guessed what might just be coming next, so she took an almost instinctive step backwards.

"Oh no, My Bonny Kate, actions have consequences. It was by your suggestion to James that I was sent up after this blasted parasite, so you must take your punishment, and I must claim my reward. A most appropriate punishment indeed." said Marsden, as he took a step towards Kate, for every step backwards she took, until Marsden had her back against one Pemberley's ancient oaks.

Kate knew that if she looked up she would see that her husband held the mistletoe above her head. "You realise that you have tricked me under that "blasted parasite" as you call it." protested Kate, just before Marsden lowered his head slowly to his Darling Kate's, and covered her mouth with his in a most delicious kiss.

"Thief, rogue, you realise, Marcus that I am honour bound to take my revenge, and just you recall what Moliere had to say about that." said Kate, as soon as her mouth had become disengaged from her husband's.

"Oh yes I recall. "A woman always has her revenge ready." But what has My Bonny Kate planned for me, I wonder?" asked Marsden.

"You will just have to be on your guard, my Dearest Rogue." replied Kate, teasingly.

Posted on Saturday, 15 January 2000

At this point, Dear Readers, I shall leave the greenery gathering party, Lady Marsden's contemplating just how best to take her revenge, and return to the library and the comfortable little coze between Miss Mary Bennet and Miss Anne de Bourgh. "Oh My! Your Cousin was very brave to fight with that hideous person, and you say that you both helped my Cousin Darcy?" asked Anne in an eager to hear more tone.

"Oh yes, we did. But Lizzie does not know that I remembered that it was Mister Darcy that we helped, so it must be a secret." replied Mary, as the library door opened. This heralded the arrival of Miss Jenkinson, who had come to the library to see how Miss de Bourgh was, for she had been way over schedule for the nap that Lady Catherine had insisted her Daughter take every afternoon.

"Miss Anne, why have you not come upstairs for your nap?" the companion asked.

"Oh Jenky, I am having a wonderful conversation with one of Elizabeth's sisters. She is telling me all about the summer one of her cousins from America came to visit at her home in Hertfordshire. Miss Bennet's cousins are My Mother's Mr. Collins' first cousins, but they are not like at all. The cousin who visited was very brave. He still is very brave, he rides twenty, fifty, even seventy miles in every direction to perform services. His brother has been west of the Mississippi River. I am not tired. Look Jenky, Mother was wrong, kittens and cats do not make me sneeze. Miss Bennet brought them for a present for Elizabeth and Cousin Darcy." replied Anne, in a surprisingly happy tone, which, in point of fact actually made Miss Jenkinson smile, for she had in her way had aided and abetted Miss Anne de Bourgh in doing things that had been proscribed to her by her Mother because of her so-called poor health.

"Would you like some tea and biscuits, I could ring for a fresh pot and you could join us?" offered Mary, in a very civil tone.

"I would love to join you, I do think that this will be a very constructive conversation." replied Miss Jenkinson.

Mary rang for a fresh pot of tea and another plate of biscuits, after making sure that she sent Pemberley's Cook her commendations on them.

"Oh yes, My Cousin's Cook bakes the best biscuits." agreed Anne, as Mary continued with her story of her cousin's visit in Hertfordshire.

The ladies spent another half an hour's conversation, when once again the library door opened, this time to let Messrs. Daniel Bennet, Amos Phillips, and Edward Gardiner into the library.

"Good afternoon Papa, Uncle Gardiner, Uncle Phillips. How are Mama and Aunt Phillips doing?" asked Mary, in a concerned tone.

"Your Mama and Aunt are well, and are still resting. You showed great presence of mind this morning, in the assistance of your Mama and Aunt. Your Uncle and I wish to thank you." said Daniel Bennet.

"Your welcome Papa." replied Mary. "What have you been telling Miss de Bourgh, Daughter?" asked Daniel Bennet.

"I have telling her about the summer Lucas came to stay at Longbourn. How he helped Mr. Darcy." replied Mary.

Posted on Tuesday, 18 January 2000

Mary, realising that her Father and her Uncles might wish to be private, suggested that they have their wraps fetched and go out and catch up with the greenery gatherers. This suggestion brought a puzzled look to the face of Miss Anne de Bourgh, "But Mary, I cannot go outside." was Anne's reply to Mary's suggestion.

"Why?" asked Mary, in a voice that carried something of a challenge.

"Because My Mother sai. . . . . . Oh I see. I would love to go out. Jenky, you come with us. I have not been out to walk or even play in the snow in a very long time. Miss Bennet, when I was a girl, and I came to Pemberley with My Uncle, Aunt, Marsden and James, we would play in the snow if there happened to be snow for Christmas. I have always loved it when there was snow for Christmas. My Mother does not even need find out that I was. William will not tell my Mother that I was out in the snow and cold. Mary do you know something, I am hoping that the pond will freeze for skating. Do you know how to skate?" asked Anne.

"Oh yes, I love to skate. We always went to skate on one of our neighbors ponds at Christmas. It was always fun. My Sister Lizzie can skate very well. I can, but I have not done it in quite some time. We have not had a winter cold enough for skating. I would like to go skating." replied Mary.

"My Cousin William has plenty of skates, in case someone has none. I to have not gone skated in quite sometime, but for other, most silly reasons. Thank you for reminding me that if My Mother can be wrong about dogs and cats, she can be wrong about skating and walking in the snow. That was something that I most especially loved to do when I was a girl and we came to Pemberley for Christmas." said Anne, as the three women went upstairs to fetch their pelisses, bonnets, boots and gloves. As soon as they were ready they soon were making their way down a likely path.

"I think I hear them." said Mary, as they had gone about half way.

"I believe you are correct, Miss Bennet. I think I hear Lady Marsden." said Anne.

Miss Anne de Bourgh was correct, as the trio made their way around a bend they found themselves walking into a great battle, as snowballs flew left and right.

"Miss de Bourgh, I believe we have walked into the middle of a war. Would you like to know the proper way to make a snowball? For I believe we are going to need to defend ourselves if we are going to make our way along this path." asked Mary.

"Oh I am well versed in the art of making snowballs. I recall being in many such battles when I visited at Pemberley." replied Anne, as both women bent down to gather handfuls of snow to form into snowballs.

"Will you surrender, Marsden?" asked Kate, in a most purposeful tone.

"Never, My Bonny Kate." replied Lord Marsden, in a good natured tone.

"Be warned My Dear Rogue, I have just got some new recruits." said Kate, seeing Miss de Bourgh and Miss Bennet.

Posted on Wednesday, 19 January 2000

Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was standing next to his brother and having seen who one of his sister-in-law's new recruits happened to be, suggested that his brother make a strategic retreat. "It would appear that Kate has brought in the Fourth Rifles." he said, referring to Miss Anne de Bourgh, who if truth be told, could throw snowballs with a deadly accuracy.

As the gentlemen made their retreat, Kate explained her rules of engagement. "You can throw snowballs at any of the gentlemen, but Marsden. If you do happen to throw a snowball in the direction of My Darling Rogue, do not aim for the face, that is for me."

This explanation brought looks of mischief to the faces of both Miss Anne de Bourgh and Miss Mary Bennet. "This will be very exciting, Mary. I think that Kate and Marsden are behind this. Kate is most probably out for revenge for some reason, and anyway I love snowball fights." said Anne.

"So do I." replied Mary, as once more, the battle was once more engaged.

Elizabeth, seeing Mary, whispered to Kate that her next younger sister had a great aim with snowballs. "As has Anne, though you would not expect that of her." replied Kate, throwing a snowball back at Lord Marsden who just happened to throw one that hit her on the shoulder. Kate's returning shot hit Marsden in the face, which brought out good natured laughter from both combatants.

"Do you surrender now, My Dearest Rogue?" called Kate, to Marsden.

"I will not give up Kate. We will never surrender, Sweet Kate of my consolation. We will win the day." countered Marsden.

All this talk between combatants was in truth a ploy, for Mary and Anne had spoken, and were in the process of sneaking behind the enemy line, with just as much stealth as Lucas had taught her. As soon as they had situated them selves, Mary and Anne began to attack from behind.

"Blast! Anne!" exclaimed Colonel Fitzwilliam, as a snowball hit him on the back of the neck, and all the snow started to melt down his back. This brought good natured laughter to all the combatants, which finally brought the battle to an abrupt halt, and the two main combatants, who were laughing the hardest, once again were hugging.

The Great Snow Battle ended, the adult members of the greenery gathering party began to portion out the holly among themselves, as Darcy had decided to have a wagon bring the pine boughs. As they were making their way back to the house, two of the younger members of the greenery gatherers who were still in such high spirits after the snowball fight, plopped themselves down on a patch of snow that had not been trodden on.

"Look at us, we are angels." called out Miss Maria Elizabeth Gardiner and the Honourable Nerissa Fitzwilliam. "Perfect angels at that." called Lord and Lady Marsden and Mr. Darcy.

"Yes, perfectly cold little angels." said Lizzie, as she helped her cousin and her husband's cousin's daughter up from the snow. The party, having soon arrived back at the house not noticing the strange, bright light that shone near the spot where the two little girls made the snow angels, or the appearance of two figures dressed in white.

"Tess, why are we back at Pemberley. Mr. Darcy has found his virtuous woman. I thought my assignment was finished here." said the younger of the two figures, in a puzzled tone.

"You have been chosen for a very special assignment, Monica. You are going to be the Darcys' Christmas Angel." replied Tess.

Posted on Saturday, 22 January 2000

"Why Tess? Why do they need me again? Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are happy, now that they both discovered that they truly loved each other." asked Monica, in a puzzled tone.

"Look around you Angel Girl. Not all is as it might seem. This is the first time all the Families are together in one place." replied the older Angel.

"They need to get used to the fact that their families have been joined. That is hard, but I see how the Darcys wanting to celebrate Christmas again like this would be a way of bringing all the members together, though I thought I noticed some members are already helping, Tess." replied Monica.

"Yes, Angel Girl. Miss Mary Bennet and Miss Anne de Bourgh have the right idea, but there are others that need the right push." The older Angel reminded the younger.

Chapter 2

The next and last guests to arrive at Pemberley came from Donwell Abbey in Surrey. As the Knightley's carriage made its way through the park Mr. George Knightley had this important advice for his wife: "Remember Emma Dear, no matchmaking until after you have had at least one good night's rest."

"But George, will there be anybody that needs to be matched?" asked Emma KnightleyneeWoodhouse, in a mischievous tone.

"I do not know, best wait until we arrive, Darling. Darcy wrote in his letter that his wife's family will be at Pemberley, as will the Matlocks, the Marsdens, and perhaps Miss de Bourgh." replied Mr. Knightley.

"I will be glad to see Lizzie again. I liked her. She was just sort of woman I would have chosen for your friend. All liveliness to his somber seriousness." said Emma.

"Emma!" said Mr. Knightley in an exasperated tone, as the carriage pulled up in front of the house.

Posted on Wednesday, 8 November 2000

As the Knightleys' carriage was making its way up the drive to the house, after passing the gatekeeper's cottage, was when the new snow began. What they or the Darcys, or the other guests were not aware of was that this particular snow would have a lasting effect on all who were gathered at Pemberley, for this, Lizzie and Darcy's first Christmas as husband and wife. As George Knightley handed his wife and baby daughter down from their carriage, a brisk wind had begun to blow.

Emma whispered to her "Sweet Little Susanna Rose" that they would soon be safe and warm inside, where she would surely have her dinner, for Emma knew that her baby was about to wake from the nap she had begun, just as they were entering Derbyshire.

"Emma, Darling, are you very cold?" asked George Knightley, as he helped his young wife up the front steps.

"Not really, but Sukey is going to wake soon, and will want her dinner." replied Emma, as her husband applied the knocker.

Mr. Reynolds, Pemberley's stalwart butler opened the great door, and informed the Knightleys that the rest the family were in the drawing room, and if the just came upstairs, he would announce them, which he did.

Lizzie and Darcy welcomed their friends warmly," Oh Emma, you and the baby must be freezing. Come sit by the fire, and warm yourself." said Lizzie, as she brought her new friend over to the fire, and a comfortable chair.

Mr. Darcy, having looked out the window, had noticed the snow, and had heard the wind begin to blow, was beginning to be a bit concerned about the state of the roads, and asked his friend about their journey to Pemberley.

"The roads were still in drivable condition in our way here, but I am not so sanguine about the state of the roads in the morning." replied George Knightley, as he to, found a warm place by the fire.

Posted on Friday, 10 November 2000

After Emma had had a chance to feed Susanna Rose, and freshen up, Lizzie had a light nuncheon served. After which, the Earl of Matlock, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Gardiner gathered in the library to discuss the current state of affairs of the world. The younger Gentlemen: Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Marsden, the Reverend Henry Tilney, and Mr. George Knightley all gathered in Darcy's billiards room for some friendly competition and discussion of subjects similar to the older Gentlemen, while Lady Matlock, Mrs. Gardiner and a recovered Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips all gathered in Pemberley's drawing room, and spoke of Christmases past and the coming Season in Town.

The younger Ladies and the children were gathered in the music room, where Emma, Kitty Bennet and Catherine Tilney played Ring-a-Ring o'Roses and Oranges and Lemons with the children in one corner. Lizzie, Jane, Kate and Rebecca sat in another corner watching the children playing, while doing some work. Georgiana sat at the pianoforte playing quietly, while Mary Bennet, Anne de Bourgh and Miss Jenkinson played with the kittens and Mary planted more seeds of rebellion in Miss Anne de Bourgh.

After a bit, the Spirit of Christmas, as was its wont came upon Georgiana, and she began to play Christmas carols.

"God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen, let nothing you dismay." began Lizzie, Kate, Rebecca, Catherine Tilney, Kitty, Georgiana, and Anne de Bourgh, in their sweet sopranos.

"For Jesus Christ our Saviour was born upon this day." answered Mary, Jane, Emma and Miss Jenkinson in their altos, after which, the children began to chime in, in various stages of musical ability, all in chirping voices. This brought laughter to the older Ladies in the room.

When the carol was finished, Mary came over to where Lizzie was sitting and whispered something in her next older sister's ear.

"Why Mary, that is a wonderful idea. We have not sung our duet in quite some time, and there is a score here at Pemberley, I will just fetch it off the shelf." replied Lizzie, excusing herself from the other Ladies and quickly found the "Messiah" score, and brought it to Georgiana and explained to turn to the Recitative," Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind Be Opened." , she did so accordingly, and soon struck an opening chord.

"Then shall the eyes of the blind be open'd, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing." Mary began, and soon continued," He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, with His arm, He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and gather the lambs with His arm, with His arm, and gather them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young, and gently lead those, and gently lead those that are with young." finished Mary.

Posted on Saturday, 11 November 2000

As Mary finished, Lizzie began, "Come unto Him, all ye who labour, Come unto Him ye that are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Come unto Him, all ye who labour, come unto Him, ye that are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Take His yoke upon you and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest, and ye shall find rest, and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

Georgiana, having heard Lizzie sing in summer, when she and the Gardiners had come to Pemberley, knew that her Sister -in-law had a beautiful soprano voice, she had also heard, and this, unfortunately from Caroline Bingley that one of Lizzie's sisters was possessed of a hideous singing voice, this really puzzled her, for Mary Bennet was possessed of a very lovely, strong alto, then it occurred to her that Lizzie's next younger sister kept her real talent under the Biblical bushel basket. Georgiana smiled, and thought to herself," Mary must really be as shy as I am, when it comes to displaying her true talent."

"Lizzie, will you sing your solo? Mister Wilford always said that you could silence a room and bring it to tears, with just that aria, besides everyone knows that is the most beautiful part of Mr. Handel's work. Please Lizzie?" pleaded Mary.

"Yes, please Lizzie." came the pleading tones of both Jane and Kitty.

Which were followed by pleas from the other Ladies and the younger Gentlemen, who just happened to find their way to the music room from the billiards room, and the most convincing plea came from Mr. Darcy," Please, My Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth."

"But you do not seem to understand, and Mary seems to have forgotten, as has my other Sisters, that Mister Wilford was exaggerating about my voice, but it is a beautiful aria and it is a favorite of mine, I will sing, but Mary must sing her solo, also." replied Lizzie, as she whispered to Georgiana, who turned to the appropriate page in the score, and struck an opening chord, and Lizzie began." I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth."

The whole room show their enjoyment of Lizzie's song with great applause, after which, Mary whispered to Georgiana who turned to the appropriate page, and Mary began," Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and call His name Emmanuel, God with us." and then Mary continued with "Oh thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountains." This piece too, was well received.

When Lizzie and Mary were finished, Emma, Kitty, Catherine Tilney, and the children obliged the room with a happy rendering of "Christians awake! salute the happy morn. Whereon the Saviour of the world was born."

The children singing, reminded Lizzie of something very important that had occurred to her. Something that reminded her of when she and her sisters were growing up in Hertfordshire.

"Of course! that is what is missing, a Christmas pageant. A retelling of the Christmas story for the children to act out and sing for." exclaimed a very excited Lizzie.

Posted on Wednesday, 15 November 2000

Having remembered the Christmas pageants that she and her sisters acted out and sang in for their parents, gave Lizzie an extremely good idea.

"Jane, Mary, Kitty, I have just had the most wonderful thought and I have a plan. Do you remember the Christmas pageants we were used to act out for Mama and Papa?" asked Lizzie, in an excited tone.

"Oh Lizzie, what a wonderful idea. I always helped with the Christmas pageants at home when I was growing up. They were always fun. We made the costumes, and Papa would read the Gospel of Luke, and we acted out the Christmas story. Henry is quite good at Christmas pageants. He did one last year, and all the children of the parish enjoyed it. Were you thinking of having one at Pemberley?" asked Catherine Tilney, in an intrigued tone.

"I remember acting out the Christmas story for Papa with my sister, and Miss Taylor's help." said Emma Knightley, also intrigued by Lizzie's idea.

"Oh yes, Rebecca, we must have a Christmas Pageant. Lizzie, I do think that is a very splendid idea." said Lady Marsden to her cousin-in-law.

"Yes, and James and Marcus have such sweet voices, have you noticed that Kate. They will make lovely angels, and perhaps some of William's neighbor's children might like to join in so we have enough children to play all the roles. It seems to me that we tried to have a Christmas pageant here at Pemberley once when I must have been about eight years old, but I seem to recall that we just did not have enough players, and some had to play more than one role." said Rebecca Macleod in a reminiscent tone.

"Yes, Darcy was a shepherd and an innkeeper, I was a wiseman and a member of the multitude of the Heav'nly Host, as I was possessed of a sweet voice. I also seem to recall a fight over who would play the leading characters, and it ended up that Aunt Anne and Papa played Mary and Joseph." recalled Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"You would have to remember that, James. I was another innkeeper, with Cousin Anne as my wife, much to the dismay of Aunt Catherine, and as I recall, that was one of the few Christmases that she did come to Pemberley." exclaimed Lord Marsden, in a mock complaining tone.

"I remember that too, but we did give a most 'exhilarating performance. '" said Anne, with a mischievous smile.

"Yes, that was just what Uncle said, after we finished mangling the story." replied Mr. Darcy, as he recalled another memory of the time before he became the sober, serious Master of Pemberley.

"William, do approve of my plan for a pageant. Perhaps we might have The Reverend Mr. Reeves announce it at vespers tonight." said Lizzie.

Posted on Thursday, 29 November 2001

The idea of a Christmas pageant at Pemberley, as presented by its newest Mistress was, in the opinion of its Master, another proof of his good fortune in discovering his "Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth", and since it was now Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy's main object in his life to give his bride of just over a month all her heart's desires, he agreed that the news of a Christmas pageant to be held at Pemberley was to be announced that evening's vespers service. Deep down in his heart, he had enjoyed the Christmas pageant that he had been part of, and was determined to enjoy this one.

The Ladies soon began to organise everything, so that all had an aspect of the pageant to work on. Jane, Emma, Anne de Bourgh and Miss Jenkinson were to work on costumes. Georgiana and Mary were to work on music, Kitty and Catherine Morland were to work on scenery, while Lizzie and Kate worked on a simple script for the children to use.

The following morning, after it had been announced at Lambton Church, that a Christmas pageant would be held at Pemberley, and all neighbourhood children were welcome to participate. A group of children and their parents arrived at Pemberley to join the other children in the rehearsals.

Posted on Monday, 24 November 2003

The next few days at Pemberley were filled with a great flurry of excitement and activity such as was not seen since Lady Anne Darcy was alive. The young children of Mr. Darcy's neighbours were all gathered either in the music room or the ballroom for rehearsals, or costume fittings. Of course, all this activity was "draining on Mrs. Bennett's nerves", but she actually enjoyed sitting in Pemberley's ballroom giving suggestions to her daughters, that were politely accepted and expeditiously ignored. Above all this activity, it would be surprising to note that Mr. Darcy could be heard to laugh and be seen to smile at the children's attempts at telling the story of the first Christmas.

When Lizzie and the older young ladies who were at Pemberley were not working on the Christmas Pageant, they were making up Christmas Baskets for all of Pemberley's tenants. Lizzie made up a special basket that was to go to the Dane Family, as she knew that Mrs. Dane would soon be delivered of her baby. The baby could very well arrive on the Blessed Day itself, so Lizzie wanted the Dane Family to have all that was needed for the arrival and the baby.