Very nice story! It's very poignant and in keeping with the Christmas spirit that Matthew and George want to help Stan Pearce. Was that a pun about society "turning a blind eye"? ;-)

Really enjoyed this chapter! Your comparison of the less well-off poor and the well-to-do set attending the Downton party was especially poignant. Then there was the independence of Matthew and Mary's children George and Elinor- nice touch on the tightrope parents walk in raising responsible children! Excellent chapter.

Loved this so far. What a cliffhanger!

I’m happy to find George’s vision hadn’t worsened, and too see that Matthew and Mary are living a happy life with their family in spite of Matthew still being blind.

You’ve weaved the historical facts and fiction seamlessly, as always. The Depression had to be even worse than it was for those with afflictions.

The scene at the breakfast table with Mary keeping her brood in line was priceless. Loved it.

Looking forward to more.

Well done.

What a nice story! Really enjoyed reading this final Christmas epilogue. Happy New Year!

Cute and happy ending, as they deserved!

I like the heart to heart talk between Matthew and George. I agree thst staying at school is the best option.

Nice exploration of Mary's motivations at charity.

I liked the mention and memory of Anthony Strallan.

Oh, what a perfect conclusion to this Christmas story! I can just picture the scene with Robert at the reins and Matthew as Father Christmas arriving, and the children exclaiming! I'm glad Elinor is getting her horse, and what a wonderful Christmas present for George that he'll be with his cousin at Rugby. So happy to have Pearce being given another chance. Thank you for this Christmas present!

Wonderful! Happy Boxing Day to you! Thank you so much for all the happiness and tied up lose ends. I'm glad Pearce got another chance and George will have a friend at Rugby!
I hope this is not The End, but if it is it it's a lovely ending to a wonderful journey!

So sorry it has taken me so long to read and review this chapter and the next! But what a Christmas treat! I love how Elinor and Sybbie are versions of their mothers, and Mary's honest appraisal of herself in comparison to Sybil, Matthew, and George. Matthew's account of his time at Rugby was wrenching, but good that he could share it with George. And how awful for George. Hopefully, as George gains confidence in himself through his work at the hall, he'll be able to push back against the bullying he himself is facing. And poor Pearce! I know that whatever he did has to be something he was justified in doing. I hope he gets a second chance. Good for George standing up for him and for Matthew being willing to listen!

Thank you. Your story is really nice Christmas present.

I love how you’ve expanded this universe. Matthew is such a good father, I love him so much. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Happy holidays!

Ah, hopefully all will work out with Pearce's situation, and I always enjoy a nice little Dickens "Easter Egg," especially in a Christmas story. Looking forward to it - thanks!

So happy that you set your Christmas story in this universe! I love seeing the teenaged Elinor interacting with Mary and George with Matthew. As always, you seamlessly weave historical events with the story. I’m betting that the redemption and lesson you mention in your author’s note concerns Pearce, and I can’t wait to find out his story. Looking forward to Part 2!

So glad to see this. Thank you!

Mary and Isobel interactions were delightful.

I am glad you mentioned that George won't be hurt.

So they had another boy and another girl.