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Anne chuckled. “My mother sees to it that she is hard to forget. She is as different from Lady Anne as night is from day.”

“I like your mother. She asks too many questions; however, I do not mind. She speaks fondly of my Grandmother Carlton.”

“That is correct. My mother and your grandmother were friends when they knew each other years ago. I am sorry for your loss. You have suffered much for a child so young.”

“Thank you, Miss Anne. Though I never met my Grandmother Carlton, I am sure I would have loved her. I do miss the thought of her.”

“Thank God you have a mother who loves you more than anything on this earth.”

“And what of your mother? Do you miss her?”

“I suppose I do. Though, I am quite certain she is upset with me for choosing to live here at Pemberley rather than returning to Rosings Park.”

“I wager she misses you even so.”

Satisfied with the fruits of his efforts thus far, the young lad headed off in search of the person whom he knew would further aid him in his quest. “There you are, Ben! I have been searching all over for you. I even spoke to Samuel to ascertain your whereabouts. He said you missed your riding lesson this morning.”

“I am glad you found me, Aunt Georgiana. I am on a special mission. I must a have a word with you.”

“Certainly. In fact, we might both be of use to each other.”

“How might I help you, my lady?”

“I am about to begin my afternoon practice on the pianoforte. I thought you might join me and turn the pages.”

“I should like that very much.”

“Capital! How might I assist you?”

“I am gathering fond Christmas memories. I have so few of my own and with Christmas just around the corner…” Ben’s voice trailed off.

“I am sorry to hear you have so little recollection of past Christmases. I am older than you by twelve years, and, sadly enough, I can admit to having very few fond Christmas memories myself.”

“But Miss Anne said Lady Anne did everything in her power to make Christmas here at Pemberley special.”

Georgiana sat on the settee and took Ben’s hand in hers. “Ben, I never truly knew my mother. She passed away soon after my birth.”

Ben’s wide eyes filled with tears. “I am sorry, Aunt Georgiana.”

“You are very kind.” She read the pain in his eyes. “I am sorry to convey such sad tidings.”

“Indeed. I am saddened to hear you never knew your mother. I never knew my father.”

“Yes, I know. We have both suffered great losses. Thank God we have people who love us; who help in keeping us strong and looking forward, rather than regretting our pasts.”

The two wiped each other’s tears away before sharing a long embrace.

“I say that is quite enough of that, what say you?” Georgiana asked. She wiped any remaining tears from her eyes, stood, and offered her hand to Ben. They resumed their walk to the music room in silence. Upon their arrival, the bright, shining sun that bathed the room immediately revived their spirits.

“Aunt Georgiana, about my mission⁠—”

“—Yes, Ben.”

“I need your help.”

Hours later, Georgiana and Ben sat across from each other at the table. “Your scheme is most agreeable and I shall do everything I can to help you bring it to fruition. With that said, I urge you not to expect too much. It is rather late in the year to take on such an endeavour.” Georgiana perused the list of names she and Ben had compiled. “Many of our desired guests will have already settled on their plans for Christmas, by now.”

“I should not be surprised if our relations are agreeable to changing their plans. Who would forego a chance to visit Pemberley? It is magical here!”

“Of course you are correct, Ben. Pemberley is indeed magical, especially now that you are here.” She placed the tip of her dainty finger atop his nose. “Let us embark on our letter-writing campaign. Mind you, this is an arduous undertaking. The first order of business is to recruit additional resources to carry out the tasks.”

“Who do you have in mind? I mean for this to be a surprise for Mama and Da!”

“Yes, I understand. Your father and mother must not know what we are about. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to rally only those we can trust to maintain this confidence. I am thinking of Mrs. Reynolds. I am sure she can be trusted; do you not agree?”

“I agree.”

“Then let us proceed.”