Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane roamed through a copse of trees outside their home. A dusting of snow covered the ground, but the sky was clear. Bright sunlight chased away the chill.
Using a slender garden saw, Lizzy cut away a pine bough the thickness of her thumb. The fresh, woodsy fragrance of the needles and sap spiced the air. She breathed deeply, enjoying the festive scent.
She looked forward to Christmas. It was one of her favourite times of year—a time to spend with extended family. This year would likely bring new guests to their entertainments—in the form of the militia officers overwintering in nearby Meryton.
Her mind wandered to George Wickham. The lieutenant had caught her fancy, but there was no future in it. She had known that all along.
His engagement to Miss Kin
