Like sunshine after a storm, several
Peaceful weeks followed. In
Washington, Mr. March was getting
Stronger every day and Beth was soon well
Enough to come downstairs and lie on the
Study sofa
Christmas Day dawned mild and
Sunny. Laurie ran in and out with presents
and Jo made ridiculous speeches as
she presented each one.
“I’m so full of happiness, that if only
Father were here I couldn’t hold one
More drop,” sighed Beth.
“So am I,” agreed Jo, gloating over
One of her presents, a brand-new novel.
“And me,” echoed Amy, looking at a
delicate framed print from her mother.
“I know I am!” said Meg, admiring
The silvery folds of her first silk dress-
a gift from old Mr. Laurence.
Laurie looked so excited he could
Hardly contain himself. “Here’s another
Present for the March family!” he cried
And there stood a tall man, muffled
Up to the eyebrows, supported by
Mr. Brooke. “father!” the girls cried. In
an instant, the house was in uproar.
Mrs. March was half-laughing, half-crying,
Jo almost fainted and Amy fell on her
Father’s feet and hugged his boots.
When they had recovered themselves,
Mr. March was settled in an easy chair,
Beth on his lap, and Christmas dinned to
Perfection and the plum pudding melted
In their mouths.
Old Mr. Laurence and Laurie joined
Them, along with John Brooke, who kept
Sneaking admiring glances at Meg. She
Blushed and smiled back. Jo spent most
Of the meal glowering at the unfortunate
tutor, much to Laurie’s amusement.
They ate and drank and talked and
Laughed. The day ended with Beth
Playing carols and everyone singing.
The following afternoon, Aunt March
Arrived to visit her nephew and surprised
John Brooke and Meg talking quietly
Together. “Bless me, what’s this?” she
Cried, looking from the pale young man
To her blushing niece.
“This is Laurie’s tutor and father’s
Friend,” stammered Meg. John nodded
“He’s not thinking of proposing
I hope?” boomed the old lady.
“He’s not nearly
Good enough
For you.”
“Why not” Meg demanded.
Aunt March sniffed. “He’s a poor
Wretch and probably after the money he
Thinks I’m leaving you in my will.”
Meg was so indignant that her voice
Soared louder than Aunt March’s.
“John’s not like that! He’s good and
Kind, which matters more than riches.”
In the study, John heard every word.
His heart swelled with happiness.
“Perhaps though I don’t have
Any money,” he thought.
“Highty tighty!” said Aunt March.
“You’ll soon tire of love in a cottage.”
Firmly. “John and I work hard. We’ll earn
Our way and be proud of it.”
As Aunt March stormed off in a huff,
In his arms. Not long after, Jo entered
The drawing room to see her sister
Sitting on John’s lap.
Meg jumped up but John smiled.
“Congratulate us, Jo. We’re engaged.”
Appalled at the thought of losing Meg,
Jo raced upstairs and begged her parents
To do something. But Mr. and Mrs. March
Were thrilled at the news and so were Amy
With an enormous bunch of flowers for
Them as soon as he heard.
“What a year this has been,” said Mrs.
March, “but it’s ended well.”
“Hm,” murmured Jo, not liking the
Thought of her family breaking up.
Laurie always have me.”
Jo grinned.
“Don’t you wish we could see into
The future?” Laurie asked.
“No,” said Jo, looking at her family.
‘I might see something sad and I don’t
Believe any of us could be happier than
We are this vere minute.