17 Pleasant Prospects

CHAPTER 17 Pleasant Prospects The weeks leading up to Christmas were peaceful. Mr. March sent word he'd be home early in the new year. Beth was improving every day. Amy was home from her aunt's. Everyone was busy preparing for a very merry holiday. Christmas Day itself was crowned with good feeling. Beth was able to stand by the window and admire the brilliant snow

maiden Jo and Laurie had built for her. Presents were distributed, and all were pleased with their gifts. Beth said, "I'm so happy. If only Father was here." The other girls heartily agreed. The impish Laurie poked his head through the parlor door and called, "One more present for the March family!" Suddenly, their beloved father appeared. In an instant, all pairs of loving arms embraced him. There were hugs, kisses, giggles, and even a few happy tears. There was never such a Christmas dinner as they had that day. Hannah had cooked a big, juicy turkey. The dinner table was filled with all the trimmings. Mr. Laurence, Laurie, and Mr. Brooke joined the March family. "It was just a year ago that we all complained about the miserable Christmas we expected," Jo pointed out.

"The year ended up being pleasant on the whole, didn't it?" Meg asked as she quietly thought about Mr. Brooke's handsome eyes. Then Amy said, "It's been a very hard year, too." "I'm so glad it's over," Beth commented, looking at her father, "because now we have you back." Mr. March smiled at his brood of lovely daughters. He congratulated each for working hard and overcoming her faults, and for being kind and considerate. But most of all, he praised them for loving each other and truly becoming his "Little Women." Before Beth played the piano, she recalled reading about a pleasant green meadow where lilies bloomed all year. This loving mood continued with the singing of hymns. The air was filled with happy voices and fond wishes for a Merry Christmas to all.

The next day, regular chores were neglected as mother and daughters tended to Mr. March. Jo grumbled at the umbrella Mr. Brooke had left behind. Poor Meg was absentminded, shy, and silent, blushing whenever John's name was mentioned. The underlying question weighed heavily upon Mr. And Mrs. March. Meg and Jo had a heart-to-heart talk after they watched Laurie stagger around outside the window, pretending to be a wounded lover. "What would you say if he did ask?" Jo wondered. "Well, I'd be calm. I'd say, 'Thank you, Mr. Brooke, you are very kind, but I'm too young to be engaged.' "Jo laughed. "I don't think you'll say that!" "Yes I will. Then, I'll walk out of the room with dignity."

Meg rose to show Jo exactly how she'd leave— only to bump into Mr. Brooke. Jo slipped out to give Meg the chance to make her speech. "Good afternoon," Mr. Brooke said calmly. "I came for my umbrella and to see how your father's doing today." Meg said, "It's very well, he's in the rack. I'll get him and tell it you were here." In her nervousness, she had confused her father with the umbrella! "Are you afraid of me, Margaret?" Mr. Brooke looked so hurt that Meg blushed. "How can I be afraid of you?" she said. "You've been so kind to my father. I wish I could thank you." "Should I tell you how?" He held tightly to her small hand. Meg desperately tried to withdraw her hand. "Oh, please don't."

"I just want to know if you love me a little, because I love you so very much." This was the time for the calm, proper speech. Only Meg forgot every word! Instead, she stuttered, "I'm far too young." Annoyed by his assumption of success, Meg pulled her hand free and said, "Now please, go away!" If a broken heart could be reflected in a face, then that's how poor Mr. Brooke looked. "Is that really what you want?" "Yes. Father thinks I shouldn't worry about such things. And I don't intend to." "Could you change your mind? I'll wait if you need more time." Meg's eyes blazed and her tone changed. "I would rather you didn't think of me at all!" He turned very pale. Meg felt her heart relenting, but Aunt March walked into the house at that moment. She saw the pair and