Mr. Darcy's Christmas Carol by Carolyn Eberhart

of. Kate told them that morning she had seen a lady and a lord, and how the lord “was much about as tall as Robert,” at which Robert pulled himself up as tall as he was able and, walking on his toes, bowed grandly before each member of his family, who laughed in delight. All this time, the chestnuts and the punch went round and round; and by-and-by they had a song or two.
    There was nothing of high mark in this. They were a happy family—grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time; and when they faded, and looked happier yet in the bright sprinklings of the Spirit’s torch at parting, Darcy had his eye upon them until the last.
    By this time it was getting dark and snowing pretty heavily; and as Darcy and the Spirit went along the streets, the brightness of the roaring fires in kitchens, parlors, and all sorts of rooms was wonderful.
    The children of the house were running out into the snow to meet their married sisters, brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts, and be the first to greet them. Here, again, were shadows on the window-blind of guests assembling; and there a group of handsome girls tripped lightly off to some near neighbor’s house, where the single men saw them enter in a glow!
    And now, they stopped in front of one particularly grand house.
    â€œMy uncle’s house?” asked Darcy.
    A light shone from the window of the mansion, and swiftly they advanced towards it. Passing through the wall, they found a cheerful company assembled around a glowing fire. An older man and woman, with their children and their grandchildren, were all decked out gaily in their holiday attire. The Earl was singing them a Christmas song; and from time to time, they all joined in the chorus.
    Georgiana, who had been playing the piano accompaniment, stilled as the song died. Col. Fitzwilliam came over to the piano and suggested that Georgiana play the new music she had received as a Christmas present. Georgiana began to play.
    â€œI hope you are pleased with your gift?” the Colonel inquired.
    â€œYes, very much, thank you. And are you pleased with your gift? Fitzwilliam said that you could use it to ward off your many female admirers.”
    Fitzwilliam eyed the beautifully carved ebony walking stick. “I would never be so ungentlemanly. Who am I to deny their admiration, especially as it feeds my own vanity?” Colonel Fitzwilliam heaved a great sigh. “Though it is a terrible burden to be the object of so much admiration.”
    â€œPish-tosh!” cried the Countess.
    â€œFish toss!” echoed his young niece and nephew. The adults broke into uncontrolled laughter.
    Darcy smiled in amusement himself.
    â€œWhat is the name of this piece?” the Colonel asked.
    â€œ Ode to Joy by Herr Beethoven,” Georgiana replied with a sad little sigh.
    â€œYou do not appear to be very joyful, my dear,” observed the Colonel softly.
    â€œIt is just that I do not believe that I shall get the present that I want the most for Christmas.”
    â€œAnd what present would that be?” inquired the Colonel.
    Georgiana leaned over the piano to whisper into Colonel Fitzwilliam’s ear, “A new sister. A particular new sister.”
    The Colonel whispered back, “Now that is peculiar, for I wished for a new cousin for Christmas. A particular new cousin.”
    And though they spoke in whisper, Darcy could hear their wishes as if they were whispering into his ears.
    The Spirit did not tarry, but bade Darcy hold her robe, and passing on above the city sped on to the sea. To Darcy’s horror, looking back, he saw the last of the land, a frightful range of rocks, behind them; and his ears were deafened by the thundering of water, as it rolled and roared and raged among the dreadful caverns it had worn, and fiercely tried to undermine the earth.
    The Ghost sped on, above the black and heaving sea until they lighted on a ship. They stood beside the helmsman at