Part 52: Tidings of Comfort and Joy

The hour was late, but James was loathe to retire before sharing a private word with Catherine. There had been crowds of well-wishers after the banns were read, well and above those drawn by the parsonage's usual festivities. Everyone wanted to offer their congratulations. Catherine still glowed like the embers on the hearth long after it was just their small family party gathered in the parlour.

Richard began carolling of all things, though after a few attempts their mother advised they choose something less noisome or be required to get the children to bed again should they stir. This warning was enough to keep the four eldest Morlands quietly merry after their parents went upstairs.

Eventually neither of their brothers could keep from yawning, and so James and his sister were quite alone when the clock chimed.

"It is very close to midnight." Rather than laugh like a girl, Catherine only smiled with a lady's deeper contentment.

"Yes, and almost Christmas," James agreed, wondering at his sister's transformation once again. Little Cathy, who toddled after them in mud and rolled about the hill, had not left them, but she was so much more now. Even without the vows exchanged he realized she was already become Mrs. Tilney in spirit, and said as much.

"Oh! that is quite the most wonderful thing you have ever said to me." She spoke with the same beautiful earnestness that had entranced them all from the start, but far better spoken than he could remember.

He kissed her head with fond affection, wishing her joy with all his heart. "I have not always been the brother I should have," he admitted, glad the dim light hid the embarrassment still felt on those remembrances, "but I promise henceforward to stand both your friend and his." And this shared love, different but no less sacred, made him smile too.

Title from the traditional carol "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen."