“I confess. It’s an old man’s ploy.” He cupped Elizabeth’s chin. “You are loved, my Lizzy,” he said softly.

“As are you, Papa.” Elizabeth teared. “Miss Darcy and I shall return in a few minutes. We must address the staff. Save me a place by your side.”

“I’ll anticipate the pleasure.”

Elizabeth watched him casually walk away. She’d not imagined that her father would ever age, but he’d done so over the past two years. His step was a bit less stable, and lines showed around his eyes. Reluctantly, she turned to Georgiana. “We should hurry. Fitzwilliam must be waiting for us.”

They managed to escape before anyone else could delay them.Working their way through Pemberley’s hallways, Elizabeth good-humoredly said, “It wasn’t the kiss you sought, but Papa meant well.”

“I didn’t mind Mr. Bennet’s chaste kiss,” Georgiana said mischievously as she scampered along beside Elizabeth. “Your father’s was actually my third kiss this morning.”

Elizabeth came to an abrupt halt, and Georgiana skidded to a stop beside her. “Edward kissed you?” Elizabeth whispered. “A real kiss?”

Georgiana blushed, but she met Elizabeth’s gaze. “Yes, a very real kiss. Oh, Elizabeth, it was everything I ever imagined.”

Impulsively, Elizabeth caught Georgiana up in a hug. “I’m so happy for you. Later, you must tell me everything. Shall he ask your brother for your hand?”

“That’s just it. The kiss held no professions of love.” Georgiana frowned. “My brother had summoned Edward to assist with Her Ladyship. We had no time to discuss what comes next, but he did ask me to meet him later in the conservatory.”

“The colonel is a man of honor. He wouldn’t have kissed you if he’d no intentions of an offer of his hand,” Elizabeth assured. Hastily, she hugged Georgiana again. “This is wonderful, but we don’t wish to make an explanation to your brother. He is still waiting for us.”

They clasped hands and hurried briskly along. As they entered the ballroom, Darcy gave them a questioning look, but Georgiana simply said, “Mistletoe delay. We apologize, Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy’s frown lines met. “Papa,” Elizabeth assured. “My father claimed the first kisses.” She stepped beside Darcy and prepared to greet the Pemberley staff. Georgiana took her position on Darcy’s other side. This could very well be Georgiana’s last Christmas at Pemberley. The possibility struck both Elizabeth and Georgiana at the same time, and their sisterly gazes found each other. Many questions remained. If the colonel proposed, would he leave the service early? Would Edward take a buyout? Where would Edward and Georgiana choose to live? Would it be far away from Pemberley? Would Darcy even allow the match? Above all these questions, one truth held true: The deepest regard bound them as “sisters.”

Her husband turned to his patient servants. “The Darcys are honored to have you as part of the Pemberley family,” he began.



Edward’s mind still reeled from the excitement of Georgiana’s kiss. He could taste her sweetness and a bit of cinnamon tea, and it was all he could do to maintain the conversation with Bingley’s family. He wanted to speak with Georgiana again — to determine her feelings. She kissed you, his mind repeated with a rhythmic drumming.

He wanted to follow her when Georgiana accompanied Elizabeth to the ballroom. He wanted to meet with Darcy immediately and claim Georgiana as his own, but he needed to secure her agreement first. What would the family say? Would they approve of the joining?



“I need to speak to you,” Kitty caught Georgiana in an upper hallway.

“Can it wait until after the meal?” Georgiana kept walking. “Fitzwilliam has sent me to fetch Her Ladyship. He wants to release the staff after supper, and the meal cannot begin without Lady Catherine.”

Kitty followed along beside her friend. “You shan’t forget. This is important, Georgiana.”

“I swear on my mother’s grave, Kitty. We’ll speak for as long as you need. I promise, but Fitzwilliam shall be unhappy if Lady Catherine isn’t downstairs shortly.”

As Georgiana rushed on, Kitty called out, “I’ll count on you, Georgiana.”



Darcy stood at the table’s head with a glass held high. “Mrs. Darcy and I are pleased to have you share this Christmas with us. It’s been too many years since we have shared Pemberley’s table with our family and friends. So, to each of you, Happy Christmastide! To my sister Georgiana, you remain my life’s center; and to my wife Elizabeth, my eternal devotion!”