Mr. Darcy's Christmas Carol by Carolyn Eberhart Page B

vision you spoke of earlier? It must have been a very convincing one. Do tell me about it.”
    â€œSomeday perhaps. It is a rather long and somewhat fanciful tale, too much to relate just now. The afternoon sky has darkened and I can see a servant has been sent out to search for us. I will say that the vision served to reinforce the wishes and desires I already possessed and gave me the courage to pursue them.”
    They headed back to Bingley’s house. Elizabeth entered before Darcy did. Alone in the garden he spoke aloud, “Thank you, Father and all the Spirits. I appreciate what you did for me and I will remember it always. I will do my best to see that Elizabeth is happy, for in her happiness is mine. I shall be worthy of the gift you have given me.”
    As Darcy entered, he saw that Elizabeth was standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments. And his eyes lit up.
    â€œElizabeth, do you realize where you are standing?”
    Elizabeth looked up for a moment. “Certainly, I have very good eyesight.”
    So Darcy gathered Elizabeth in his arms and used the kissing bough for it proper purpose. So engrossed were they in the activity, neither heard the approaching footsteps.
    â€œElizabeth Bennet!” cried her shocked mother.
    â€œMr. Darcy!” exclaimed the equally shocked Miss Bingley.
    â€œAt last,” Bingley said as he winked at his wife, who smiled happily in return.

Epilogue
    Christmas 1843
    â€œLook at Grandmama and Grandfather under the kissing bough,” cried young Master Timothy Darcy from the top of the stairs.
    â€œIt is a long-standing Christmas tradition,” his father, Bennet Darcy, informed him.
    â€œIs everyone here? Will there be dinner soon?” Timothy asked.
    Several Bingleys made their way into the hall. “Are we the last to arrive?” asked Jane.
    â€œWe are only awaiting the arrival of Uncle Gardiner. Now, Timothy—and is that Belinda and Bettina?—why don’t the three of you run along to the back parlor and visit with your other cousins,” Elizabeth told them.
    â€œYes, Grandmama, but will he be here soon?” he called out.
    â€œVery soon, my dear, very soon.”
    â€œDo you ever find yourself losing track of who’s who among our minor relations? Lord, there are more of them every year it seems,” declared Charles Bingley.
    â€œWell, you would have a large family,” Darcy reminded him.
    â€œIt is not all my fault you know; between our children and grandchildren, the Gardiner progeny and your sister’s offspring, family gatherings can get overpopulated rather quickly.”
    They made their way into the parlor where the adult members of the party had gathered. Darcy thought it a good thing that not all the connected relations were able to come. The ballroom would have had to have been opened to accommodate them all for dinner.
    Jane and Elizabeth lingered in the hallway, wishing each other a Merry Christmas and exchanging tidbits of family news when the front door opened and Mr. Gardiner entered.
    â€œThe most extraordinary thing happened today,” Mr. Gardiner exclaimed as a footman helped him remove his coat. “A most extraordinary thing.”
    â€œAnd a Merry Christmas to you also, Uncle,” Elizabeth cheerfully greeted them.
    â€œI apologize, my dear,” returned her uncle with a twinkle in his eyes. “The very best of Christmases to you both. You are looking well, very well indeed. And best wishes on your anniversaries. Neither of you look older than when you were brides.”
    â€œYou are a flatterer, sir, but my appearance is appropriate for a matron of my years.”
    â€œYou cannot be that old, Elizabeth, for that would make me ancient.”
    â€œI regret to inform you that you are indeed ancient”—Elizabeth smiled at him—“and I am glad to have it so. Shall we join the others in the