Night Before Christmas (2018) - full transcript
♪ ♪
- Elizabeth, are you ready?
- Yes, Caroline.
- Green binder,
we have all the logistics
for Senator Green's
Christmas party.
Red binder is the museum's
annual "Rudolph the
Red Nosed Reindeer" Gala.
- Okay.
And the white binder?
- Oh, this is
for Lambton's annual
Christmas Festival next week.
It's snowy and white
for Christmas.
- Hmm, you are something else,
Elizabeth.
Christmas is not here yet,
ladies.
Holiday cheer on your own time.
Lambton, now,
your friend is the mayor?
- Yes, George.
We met in college.
- You pushed hard to get me
to agree to let you do this
under Elite Events' banner.
Is there something I should
know about this George?
- Oh, no, he is just a friend.
- And do we
want something more?
- With George? No.
Although I did just
write a letter to Santa
asking to meet my true love.
- You what?
- My five-year-old niece
didn't want to write a letter
this year, so I said
I would do it if she did.
- You're good about getting
people to do things
they don't want to do,
aren't you?
- I've been known
to get my way on occasion.
- Well, this is the first time
you'll be taking the lead
on an event like this.
I know you're tenacious
when you sink your teeth
into something,
but you're really more
of a behind-the-scenes
binder type.
Are you sure
you're up for this?
- Yes, I am.
I have learned so much from
you over the last few years,
and I'm ready
to take the next step.
- Okay, just know I will
be busy with my own events.
I don't have time
to worry about some
small-town holiday party.
- I've got everything
under control.
- Good, but if anything
goes wrong in Lambton,
it will reflect badly on me.
- I understand.
- I hope so.
Your job depends on it.
- Merry Christmas to you too.
- And we have to set up a call
with the department heads
about the Christmas bonuses.
- Yes, Mr. Darcy.
- I told you,
you can call me William.
- Okay, sorry, Mr. Darcy.
I'll write that down.
- Travis, stop.
Relax. Take a breath.
It's your first
week as my assistant.
No one expects you
to know everything.
You're doing fine.
- Thank you.
It's an honor
to be working for you, sir.
- You say that now.
Wait until I have you
working through Christmas.
- Oh, it's not a problem.
I can video conference with
my family to open presents.
It's just like being there.
- Timing's not ideal, I know,
but I have to complete the sale
of my late uncle's estate
before the first of the year,
otherwise--
eh, I might get it
done before Christmas.
- It's Pemberley Manor, right?
- Yes, Lambton, Connecticut.
- I saw pictures of Pemberley.
It looks like a nice
place to celebrate Christmas.
- It is.
I spent several there as
a boy with my aunt and uncle.
It's always very--
it's always very nice.
- A big Darcy family holiday?
- No, my father was usually
traveling on business.
- Well, what about
this Christmas?
- I always work
on Christmas, Travis.
Morning, Matt.
What's wrong, Travis?
- I've never been
in a helicopter before.
- Relax. It's only scary
when they fly upside down.
That's a joke.
- Oh, it was very funny, sir.
- Yeah, that's usually
the reaction I get
when I try to make a joke.
That's why it doesn't
happen very often.
Come on, Travis.
Pemberley awaits.
[cheerful music]
[helicopter blades whirring]
♪ ♪
- George, you're
the mayor of Lambton now.
Can't you talk him out
of selling Pemberley Manor?
- I've known William Darcy
since law school.
Once he makes up
his mind about something,
it is virtually impossible
to talk him out of it.
- Tearing down
a place like that
to build condos
isn't right.
I remember when they used
to decorate it for Christmas,
and we'd all go
caroling up there.
Pemberley Manor is a huge
part of Lambton's history.
- Jane, it's been empty
for years.
I mean, there's really nothing
we can do about it, okay?
Anyway, we've got to focus on
this year's Christmas Festival.
It's my first one as mayor,
and I want this thing to be
the biggest and best yet.
That's why I hired
Elizabeth to do it.
- Yes, her plans
are ambitious.
A tree lighting
on the night of the 21st,
Santa's Village on the 22nd--
- That's Elizabeth's best idea.
It's a great
addition to the festival.
- A concert on the 23rd
followed by a traditional
reading of "The Night
Before Christmas" on the 24th
and ending with
a toy giveaway.
- Did you hear,
Elizabeth got Stan Findlay,
the anchorman from the news?
I love the way he says,
"Action News."
- Hopefully
he'll leave that part
out of the Christmas reading.
George, we usually
just do one night,
a tree lighting and the story.
- I know, but I campaigned on
making big changes in Lambton,
and this is a way to show
that I'm actually
serious about that.
- Are you sure your friend
can handle all of these events?
- Yeah, I'm sure.
She's great.
She's, uh,
she's pretty amazing,
an amazing friend
who's gonna be here soon,
so make sure she has
whatever she needs
and you can be her
right-hand, so to speak.
- I will be happy to help.
- It's gonna be
a great Christmas.
[cheerful music]
♪ ♪
- Thank you.
- So far, I have
about 15 volunteers.
I think if we get just
a couple more we'll be all set
to get going on the--
- George.
- Elizabeth.
Oh, my God,
it's good to see you.
- It's so good to see you too.
- You look fantastic.
- Thank you.
- This is Jane Lucas.
She pretty much
keeps the town running.
- He's just saying that
because he doesn't know
where we keep
the takeout lunch menus.
- Hi, it's so great
to meet you.
- Hi.
- George, this is so perfect.
I'm already seeing it.
I can see the Christmas tree
over there,
Santa's village over there.
- Elizabeth, take a breath.
You just got here.
- Well, you know me, once
I get my mind set on something,
it's impossible for me to stop.
- You have not changed a bit.
- You two met in college?
- Yeah, in the classic
literature section
of the campus bookstore.
We bonded over our
love of British authors.
He actually asked me out.
- No, no, no, no.
- He asked me out
by writing a dinner invitation
inside the front cover
of a copy of "Jane Eyre."
- You two dated.
- Just once,
and then we decided
we were better off friends,
right George?
- That's right.
Well, why don't we go
get some coffee
and then we can take you
on a tour of the town.
- Sounds great.
- Ah, I should know
this already,
but how do you
take your coffee?
- Black.
- Okay, I won't let you down.
- Good, because
your job depends on this.
Travis, that was a joke.
Oh, Darcy, just accept the fact
that you're lousy at jokes.
- Excuse me.
Sorry. Excuse me.
I'm sorry,
I'm in a huge hurry.
Can I just get one
cup of black coffee?
- Um, excuse me, sir.
There's a line.
- I know, I'm so sorry.
It's for my boss,
and it's my first week, and--
- Hey, it's okay.
I know what it's like
to have a demanding boss,
but you really shouldn't
let him get to you like this.
- If I don't get this right,
I'm gonna lose my job.
- He threatened to fire you
over a cup of coffee?
- Yeah.
- Wait, is that him
in the Town car?
- Yes.
- Elizabeth?
- I'll be right back.
- No, no, no--
I'm so fired.
[knocking]
- Hi, excuse me.
- Hello, can I help you?
- Did you really
tell your assistant
that his job depended
on a coffee order?
- Yes, but I wasn't serious.
It's his first week,
and he's still adjusting.
- Well, do you know
how you can help him adjust?
- Hmm?
- Don't threaten to fire
him over a cup of coffee.
- Right, but you see,
it was a joke.
- Well, clearly,
he didn't get it.
- No, he didn't,
because he is young and new,
and perhaps I have
a reputation that precedes me.
- As being a demanding boss?
- Of caring about my business.
- Well, I know what it's like
to work for a boss
who says things like,
"Your job depends on it."
- Wow, if your boss said
that to you, shouldn't you be
talking to them through
a car window instead of me?
- Okay, I'm--
I'm merely suggesting that
with holiday spirit upon us,
perhaps we could all
be a little kinder
to our fellow man.
- I'm sorry,
is this just at Christmas
or is this all the time?
I'm just wondering if
I can ask for a cup of coffee
in January or if I'm
out of luck all year round.
- You know what,
I think I've proven my point.
- To recap, I should be nicer.
- Precisely.
- Duly noted.
- Good.
Merry Christmas.
- And to you.
- I am in so much trouble.
- I can't see
who she's talking to.
- William Darcy.
- Don't worry, Travis.
I'm not going to fire you.
- Okay.
I didn't tell her to do that.
I don't even know who she is.
- That's too bad.
- Do you know who that was?
- No, but I'm really glad
I don't ever have
to deal with him ever again.
- Yeah, but, Elizabeth,
that was--
- George, I feel really good
about what I just did.
Is what you want
to tell me gonna ruin that?
- Probably.
- Keep it to yourself.
- Now, I know why you want her
to plan the Christmas Festival.
She gets things done.
- Hello. Welcome.
- Hi, there. I'm William Darcy.
- Yes, yes, you are.
It's so nice to meet you,
young man.
And who's this?
- Travis Payne,
Mr. Darcy's assistant.
- It's nice
to meet you as well.
- Tell them no.
- Welcome to
the Pemberley Manor.
- I'm sorry, and you are?
- I'm the caretaker.
You can call me Kristopher.
- I thought the caretaker
was a Mr. Willoughby?
- He was for many years,
but when he retired
I was more than happy
to take over for him.
- And why are you putting up
Christmas decorations?
- Because it's Christmas.
- We're only going to be here
for a few days
until the sale is final,
and after that the new owners
are going to tear it down.
- I know, but that doesn't
mean it can't be cheerful
while it's still here, does it?
She's a grand old lady,
she is.
- I'll take a look at it
and call you back in 40.
- How long has it been since
you had a visit, Mr. Darcy?
- Not since I was a kid.
I spent a few holidays here.
- That must have
been very special.
- It was a long time ago.
- Why did you decide
to sell it now?
- My uncle left it
to the Darcy Corporation,
so it wasn't my decision.
It was the Board of Directors'.
It didn't make sense
to hold on to a house
that's been empty
for so many years.
- Why don't we go inside
and let you have a look around?
Oh, we could use some light.
- Yeah, that's better.
- It's quite a staircase,
isn't it?
Well, I guess this
brings back fond memories.
- Well, many more fond memories
will be made by the people
living in the condos
they're gonna build here.
- I'm sure that's true.
Let me show you to your rooms.
- I'm so proud of you, George.
Mayor?
You always wanted
to get into politics.
- I mean, I would
have done it earlier,
but my law practice
kept me too busy.
Then the previous mayor
announced she was retiring,
and here I am.
- Today Lambton,
tomorrow the world?
- I think mayor is
enough for me right now.
What about you?
What's it like working those
fancy, New York parties?
- It's not as
glamorous as it sounds.
I do logistics,
so I'm usually in the back
making sure
everything runs smoothly.
- You were always the most
organized person in college.
The color-coded binders.
- Oh, I still use them.
I've always believed that life
would be so much easier
if you could color code
everything, family, work, love,
although that one would be
pretty thin right now.
- So no one serious?
- There was, but we broke up,
so no, not right now,
but you never
know what might happen.
- But you like your job.
- I love my job, actually.
My boss can be a little--
- Demanding.
I mean, at least
that's what you told
the terrified guy
at the cart today.
- Right, but I'm learning
a lot from her and, hopefully,
one day, I'll be able
to have a company of my own.
- I wish I would have
just hired you directly
instead of going through
Elite Events.
- Well, having
Caroline on board,
even if it's just for her name,
is a good thing.
Thank you so much
for giving me this opportunity.
It's going to be great.
- With the two of us together,
nothing can go wrong.
- What happened?
- Water main break last night
right underneath
the town square.
- What town square?
All I see is a big hole.
- Where's the gazebo?
- In the big hole.
- This is a disaster.
There is no way they're
gonna get this fixed
in time enough
for the Christmas Festival.
- Well, is there
somewhere else we can do it?
- Yes, I have spent the last
few hours compiling a list
of places that
have the adequate space
and requisite infrastructure
to accommodate the festival.
- Bowling alley parking lot.
- Mr. Dudley's cow pasture?
- We would have to move
some calves to use that one.
- There's no way that
anything on here comes close
to the magic that the town
square creates at Christmas.
- We could put some lights
on the big hole.
- Come on, in a town
as charming as Lambton,
there's got to be a better
place than the field behind
Chester's Bait and Tackle Shop.
What about the beautiful estate
I saw when I drove into town
with the white fence
and the huge lawn?
- That's Pemberley Manor.
We used to have
events there all the time,
but it's being torn down.
- When?
- After the first of the year.
They're putting condos
in its place.
- Well, if it's not happening
until after Christmas,
maybe we convince them to let
us use it for the festival.
- It's worth a shot.
Come on, it's this way.
- [sighs]
- It's perfect.
It's so beautiful and there's
plenty of room out here.
George, imagine it all done up
for the Christmas Festival.
- Sure, we can string
Christmas lights
on the big wrecking ball
that's gonna be here any day.
- I thought you said
it wasn't being torn down
until the first of the year.
Who owns it?
- It was Fred and Edith
Darcy's house,
but they passed away
a few years ago,
and now their nephew
William Darcy is selling it.
- Wait, Darcy, as
in Darcy Worldwide, that Darcy?
- As in the hotels,
the airline,
and a bunch of other things.
- Yeah.
- That's the guy I saw earlier.
I'm gonna go talk to him.
- Aren't you gonna
tell her that William Darcy
is the same guy she was
yelling at in the limo earlier?
- What's the fun in that?
- George.
- Okay.
[doorbell chimes]
- Elizabeth, there's probably
something you should know
about William Darcy.
- Don't worry,
I'll turn on the charm.
It won't be a problem.
[door opens]
Okay we have a little problem.
- Yeah.
- So sorry to keep you waiting.
- Oh, it's all right.
Hi, Mr. Darcy,
I'm Elizabeth Bennett.
- Yes, we've met.
And, of course,
you know my assistant Travis.
- Can I get anyone anything?
Coffee?
Or, no, maybe not coffee.
- We're fine, thank you.
- So what can I do for you,
Ms. Bennett?
- I'm planning this
year's Christmas Festival.
Are you familiar with it?
- Yes, of course.
I remember it
from when I was a kid.
It was very festive.
- Yes.
Well, usually, it's held
in the Town Square,
but there's
been a water main break,
and now we're desperate
to find a new location.
- Okay, how can I help you?
- We were hoping
that you would let us use
the front lawn of Pemberley.
- I'm sorry,
that's just not possible.
Pemberley's being sold.
- And being torn down
to make way for condos.
I heard.
- You don't approve.
- [chuckles]
I mean, look at this place.
George and Jane said
it's a really important part
of Lambton's history.
How could you approve
tearing it down?
- No one's lived here
for a very long time.
You prefer it just sit empty?
- No, but it's so beautiful.
Why not sell it to someone
who'll preserve it,
or you could donate it
and turn it into a museum.
Do something that
will benefit the community.
- Like host
a Christmas Festival.
- It's not being torn down
until the first
of the year, right?
- Yes, we're hoping to close
before Christmas though,
if everything goes
according to plan,
so we don't want to do
anything to jeopardize that,
and having the entire town
traipse all over
the front lawn,
I'm afraid that creates
liability issues.
- Well, I'm sure we could
figure out something
with insurance, right, George?
- Elizabeth,
I know the festival's
important to you, but--
- Yes, it's my first big event,
but it's also important to you.
It's your first
impression as mayor,
and it's important to Lambton.
- I am so sorry.
I'm afraid
it's just not possible.
Now, if you'll excuse me,
I have a conference call
that I'm late for.
- Do you remember the part
where we talked
about Christmas spirit?
- Vividly.
- You refusing to save
Christmas for the entire town
is going to get you
on one of Santa's lists.
I just don't think
it's the right one.
- I can't believe this.
My first real event
on my own and it's ruined.
Good thing Caroline's
not paying attention
to any of this.
- It's gonna be fine. Look,
we can still make this special.
- You're mayor,
isn't there some way
you can make Darcy do it?
Eminent domain or something?
- Making him host
the Christmas Festival
on land that his company owns?
I hardly think
that's eminent domain.
I'm so late getting a tree.
What about this one?
- No, too scrawny.
You're a lawyer.
We could sue.
- [chuckles]
On what grounds?
- I don't know,
lack of Christmas spirit?
- I don't think
there's a law for that.
- Okay, well then, now,
we're back to you being mayor.
Have the town
council pass a law.
- Elizabeth,
you got to let this go.
How about that one?
- Ugh, too fluffy.
George, we are not doing
the Christmas Festival
in a bowling alley parking lot.
- Chester said his
field's still available.
- No, Christmas is
supposed to be magical.
It's the time of year where
people believe
anything is possible.
It's visions of sugar-plums,
not a bait and tackle shop.
- Yeah, but isn't that
the thing about
the magic of Christmas,
you can find it anywhere
as long as
you believe it exists?
- Okay, you know what, you
did the same thing in college.
You would take my arguments
and then you would throw it
back at me to make a point.
- Look, I appreciate
your tenacity, I do,
but I just don't think
we have a choice on this.
- Do you know the company
that's buying the place?
- Yeah, they're based
out of Seattle.
- Oh, so that means
they're still open.
- Once Darcy makes up his mind,
it is impossible to change it.
- Nothing is impossible
at Christmas.
- Well, apparently finding
a perfect Christmas tree is.
- That one.
- How do you do that?
- I have a gift.
So about this company
in Seattle?
[jazzy version of
"Deck the Halls" playing]
♪ ♪
- Kristopher.
- Oh, Mr. Darcy.
I hope I didn't disturb you.
When I was puttering around,
I came across
this record player
and a bunch of these
old Christmas albums.
I just couldn't resist.
- I remember these.
My aunt used to play these at
the holidays almost non-stop.
- That must have
been very festive.
- It was.
She taught me how to dance.
- Really?
- She was a very
patient woman.
I wasn't very good.
- Well, I doubt that
she minded in the slightest.
- No, it didn't bother her.
She loved Christmas.
- Who doesn't?
Now, if only
we could find a way
to help out the town and have
the Christmas Festival here.
- I agree, but as I told the
mayor today, my hands are tied.
- Well, there's always hope.
What we need is something of
a Christmas miracle
that would untie your hands,
so to speak.
- Mr. Darcy,
I'm sorry to interrupt.
- That's okay, Travis.
What do you need?
- This email
just came in for you.
It's from the company
that's buying Pemberley.
- What does it say?
- They received
a vociferous complaint
about their plans
to tear down the manor.
They'd like us to try to
engender some good will
with the town
before the sale goes through.
- Make it seem
like they're not
just a bunch of heartless
land barons.
- Well, there is
a way to engender good will.
[doorbell chimes]
- Miss Bennett.
- Mr. Darcy.
Come with me.
[upbeat music]
Okay, over there is where
we'd have the Christmas tree,
with as many lights
and ornaments as it can hold
without toppling over.
- Miss Bennett.
- And then over here
on this stage,
this is gonna be
Santa's Workshop.
This is where the kids
can tell him
everything
on their wish list.
Oh, imagine a choir singing
"Deck The Halls."
- Yes, of course,
but it--
- Okay, and then right here,
right here with Pemberley Manor
all lit up in the background,
this is where Santa will
hand out toys to the kids,
and they can listen
to the reading of
"The Night Before Christmas."
Doesn't that sound amazing?
- Yes, it does.
- So, Mr. Darcy,
can we please have
the Christmas Festival here?
- Yes.
- I don't understand why you
won't save Christmas
for an entire--
Did you just say yes?
- Yes.
- We can have
the festival here?
- At the risk of sounding
like a broken record, yes.
- Well, I had
a whole speech prepared.
- And I would love
to hear it at some point,
but it's awfully chilly
outside right now,
and so I'm gonna give you
my one condition
before I head back inside
to get warm.
- What's that?
- Assuming you're the one who
logged the vociferous complaint
with the company
who's buying Pemberley?
- I prefer
strongly worded, but...
- It's one thing
to have them on board,
but Darcy is more
than just my name.
It's a brand,
and I don't allow my brand
to be used for things that
I don't personally oversee,
so I would appreciate it
if you kept my name out of it.
Deal?
- Deal.
- Maybe this will get me
on the nice list.
- You know, I'm not
actually in charge of that,
but I'll put in a good word.
- I appreciate that,
Miss Bennett.
- You know, since we're
saving Christmas together,
I think you can call me
Elizabeth.
- Good night, Elizabeth.
- Good night, William.
♪ ♪
It's taken us a few days to get
all the I's dotted
and the T's crossed,
but we're finally ready
to get started setting up
the Christmas Festival.
[all cheering]
- We have one week
until Christmas,
which means we have three days
to get everything done,
but I think we can do it.
Are you ready?
all: Yes!
- Wonderful.
Jane has
everyone's assignments.
If you guys have any questions,
come and find me.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- Okay, bring it in.
- You brought
an army with you today.
- Well, you know what they say,
it takes a village,
especially when
the lawyers take four days
to get me my paperwork.
- Yes, sorry about that.
Are you going to be able to get
everything set up in time?
- Absolutely.
Well, almost absolutely.
I've never been in charge
of something like this before.
- I'm sure you'll do fine.
Let me know if there's
anything I can help you with.
- Wait, where are you going?
- I have some work to do.
- You just offered to help me.
In this state, that's
a legally binding contract.
- I must have missed
that class in law school.
- Well, we have a lot to do.
We've got to get wrapping
paper, decorations, ornaments.
- Okay, and I'm
legally obligated
to help you in what way?
- I don't have a car.
- Hmm, don't have a car.
I'm sure one
of the volunteers here
would be happy to help you.
- It's a lot of supplies.
Like, a lot.
So we need to get
some more lights.
- You have enough lights
to make Pemberley Manor
visible from outer space.
- You can never have
enough Christmas lights.
- [stammers]
You really like Christmas,
don't you?
- Who doesn't?
Oh, that makes sense.
You don't.
- Oh, no, just because
I don't put out every light
in existence doesn't mean
I don't like Christmas.
- What do you do to celebrate?
- I'm usually working.
- You own the company.
I'm sure you could take
the day off or something.
- My father probably would have
disagreed with you about that.
- His name was Phillip, right?
- How did you know that?
- I may have read an article.
- Did you really?
- I needed to know
who I was dealing with.
- What did you read?
- I read a lot of things.
I don't know how
much of it is true.
You know the Internet.
- Okay,
how about you tell me
what you read
and I'll confirm or deny?
- Okay, you went
to boarding school in England.
Harvard. Columbia Law.
- All true.
- You took over your father's
company after he passed away,
which I'm really sorry about,
by the way.
- Thank you.
- You're a workaholic,
and you rarely take a day off.
- I don't really
like the way that sounds,
but, yes,
most of that is true.
Come on, let's get
to the good stuff.
I'm sure you read
all kinds of good stuff
about my personal life.
- Did you really
date two models?
- Not at the same time.
- Well, that's good to hear.
- Yeah.
You have me at a distinct
disadvantage right now.
Everything you're said and done
hasn't been displayed
all over the Internet
for all to see.
- Well, I'm sure there are
embarrassing videos
floating around, but I have
kept a relatively low profile.
- Well, then, educate me
about Elizabeth Bennett.
- Oh, I will.
I'm gonna tell you
all about her
while we're shopping
for more supplies.
- More?
- Mm-hmm.
- Are you joking?
- No.
- Hold this.
A little to the right.
No, my right.
- How's it going over here?
- On schedule.
- I would expect nothing less.
You are giving them
breaks though, right?
- Very funny.
- Excuse me.
I'm Mr. Darcy's assistant.
Have you seen him anywhere?
- No.
- I remember you.
Yes, he went with Elizabeth
to get supplies.
If they stick to the schedule,
they should be back
in 52 minutes.
- That's precise.
- Of course. How else can
you expect to get things done?
- I'm pretty new at this job.
I'm lucky if I remember
to put on my shoes
before I come to work.
- You just need a system.
- Right.
- I could teach you how.
- Really, you wouldn't mind?
- Are you kidding? I think
that's her dream come true.
- I'm Travis.
- Jane.
I'm--uh--
- [stammers]
See you later.
- [stammers]
- Okay, bye.
- Bye. Okay.
What?
- There's really
nothing better
than spending the holidays
with your family.
Well, I mean,
it's not for everybody.
- Are you gonna miss
all of that this year
because of the festival?
- No, I'm planning
on staying until the end
of the Christmas Eve Festival
and drive to my parent's house.
It's only a couple hours away.
- Perfect.
Wait, who's doing the reading?
- The local anchorman.
Unless you want to do it.
- No, I don't really like
public speaking.
- Wait, a man
in your profession?
I mean, I feel like
you'd have to talk
in front of people
all the time, no?
- It's a little bit different.
Yeah, there's usually
charts and graphs
and all kinds
of colorful slides
for people to focus on other
than me and far fewer children.
- Do you not like kids?
- No, it's not that.
I just, um--I'm--
I'm unaccustomed to them.
- Well, you realize
there's gonna be a lot of them
around the Christmas tree
on your front lawn this year.
- Yeah, seeing as how that
will be the only tree
at Pemberley this year,
I'm fine with it.
- Wait, you didn't
get a tree for yourself?
- A tree for just me?
Why would I do that?
- Okay, there are so
many things wrong with this.
["Joy to the World" plays]
♪ ♪
- You didn't have to help me,
you know?
- Well, I forced you to get it,
so I kind of did.
- True.
- Okay, I think we're ready.
Want to get the lights?
- Yeah.
♪ ♪
- Ah, wow.
It's beautiful.
- Very well done.
- "Very well done?"
Careful now, people might
mistake that for enthusiasm.
- I've found that most
of my business associates
frown upon it when
I jump up and down in glee.
- You're funny.
I didn't read that
about you on the Internet.
- That's because
I've never been referred to
as funny before.
- That was a compliment.
- I know, I took it as one.
[gentle music]
It looks good.
- It really does.
- I remember the tree
in this very same hall
when I was a kid.
- Your aunt
and uncle lived here?
- They did, yeah.
My mother passed away
when I was young,
and I spent the holidays
here a few times.
My father was
traveling on business.
- And you would
decorate the tree.
- I did.
It's probably
the closest thing I had
to a traditional
family Christmas.
♪ ♪
Anyway, thanks again
for the tree.
- Uh, yeah, of course.
It's my pleasure.
♪ ♪
- I should probably
get back to work.
- Oh, yeah, no, of course.
I understand.
♪ ♪
- Good night.
- Good night.
♪ ♪
- And then he just
threw me out of the house.
- He threw you out?
- Okay, well, he didn't
actually throw me out,
but he gestured emphatically.
I don't know what happened.
One second we were talking
about his Christmases here
as a kid and then next thing
I know he was just shut down.
I mean, you know him.
Did I say something wrong?
- I have no idea,
but, honestly,
it's not really my place to
talk about William Darcy, so.
- George, come on,
help me out here.
Christmas is in six days
and the festival's in two.
I don't want to do anything
to jeopardize it.
Ugh, no.
- That's all that
this is about, the festival?
- Yeah, of course.
- Okay, well,
when we met in law school,
he found out
I was from Lambton,
and he talked about
Pemberley with, like,
a great deal of affection.
I think he loved
spending the holidays here.
- Oh, that's why he's
approving tearing it down?
- He's his father's son
in many ways.
- Did I tell you
that he demanded
that we leave his name
off of the Christmas Festival?
He's not exactly
the charitable type.
- He's more charitable
than he lets on.
- What do you mean?
- Okay, look, I shouldn't
be telling you this,
but if you're going to be
working with him,
you should probably know
who he really is.
William Darcy
does a lot of charity,
but he does it all anonymously.
The town's new library,
the after-school program
at the community center,
look around.
- Darcy pays for this?
- His foundation does.
He doesn't like the spotlight.
He's--he's a very private man.
[jazzy version of
"The 12 Days of Christmas"]
♪ ♪
- Is there anything you need
before I retire
for the evening?
- No, thank you, Kristopher.
- [sighs]
- Was there anything else?
- Oh, no, no, no,
I was just thinking
about how much fun the children
are gonna have
at the Christmas Festival.
Miss Bennett's just doing
a wonderful job
putting it together.
- Yes, it's very merry
out there.
I don't think
the grounds are big enough
for that much Christmas cheer.
- Haven't even touched
the grounds behind the manor.
It's beautiful back there.
- My aunt and uncle
used to take me
for sleigh rides back there.
- That sounds nice.
- Really, it wasn't a sleigh.
It was just a carriage
that they fixed up,
but they would bring blankets
and hot chocolate
to make sure I stayed warm.
- Your aunt and uncle sound
like they were a lovely couple.
- They were.
- Well, I'll let you
get back to work.
Good night, Mr. Darcy.
- Good night, Kristopher.
♪ ♪
[dramatic music]
♪ ♪
- Elizabeth.
- William.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I hope I'm not keeping you up
with the lights.
- No, no.
What are you doing out here?
- The tree lighting is
less than 48 hours away,
and there's still
so much left to do.
- Are you gonna do it
all by yourself?
- No, but running through
the to-do list helps me relax.
- Hmm.
- See, you're not the only
one who rarely takes a day off.
- When there's no to-do list,
what relaxes you?
- Well, there's always
a to-do list.
I don't know, I, uh--
It's the week before Christmas,
so I'd probably
baking Christmas cookies
or something
if there was
a kitchen out here.
- Pemberley has a kitchen.
- I can't believe you
had all of these ingredients
just laying around.
- Kristopher went shopping.
He wants to make sure
that we're prepared
for just about
any Christmas emergency.
["Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
plays softly]
Okay.
- ♪ Hark the herald
angels sing ♪
♪ Glory to the newborn king ♪
- You have a nice voice.
- Thank you.
You know the things
that were no big deal
when you were a kid
and then suddenly became
super intimidating
when you were an adult?
- Mm-hmm.
- That's singing for me.
I'm more of a behind-the-scenes
type anyway these days.
- There's nothing
wrong with that.
- What about you?
What did you want
to be when you grew up?
- The head of Darcy Worldwide.
- Really?
You never fantasized about
being a cop or a cowboy?
An astronaut?
- No.
It was impressed upon me
from a very early age
that the choice
of what I wanted to do
when I grew up was
already made for me.
I would take over the company
for my father, so...
- Well, what about now?
If you weren't William Darcy,
captain of industry,
what would you do?
- Bake cookies.
[gentle music]
- [laughs]
Okay, well, you know,
you might want
a back-up career
just in case.
- Why, what's wrong
with these?
- Nothing, no, they're, um--
they're very creative.
Hopefully,
they're gonna taste good.
- Are you mocking
my cookie decorating skills?
- No, let's just hope
Santa doesn't have his
glasses on when he sees these.
- Okay, you're
definitely mocking
my cookie decorating skills.
[laughter,
indistinct talking]
- You want me to choose?
- Yeah, do it. Here we go.
- Mmm.
- Ahh, it's good?
- It's good, here.
- Okay, so the festival
starts tomorrow
with the tree lighting.
Everyone knows
it's at Pemberley
and not the Town Square, right?
- We put up signs, newspaper
ads, TV ads, social media.
- Great, so if anyone
shows up at the big hole,
they have no one to blame
but themselves.
- Right.
- Oh, hi, Elizabeth.
- Hi.
- Jane?
- Right, you have your
meeting about Pemberley.
Sorry, we'll get
out of your way.
- Oh, no, that's okay.
Why don't we go
get some hot chocolate?
- Wonderful. Ladies.
- Bye, Jane.
- Bye, Travis.
- Travis is kind of cute.
- Is he?
I hadn't really noticed.
- Really?
I saw the way you guys
smiled at each other.
- It was just a smile.
I was being friendly.
Do you think he smiled at me?
- Definitely.
- I don't know,
we're very different.
I'm very organized
and he's not.
- You know what they say,
opposites attract.
- Is that what's going
on with you and Mr. Darcy?
- No, he's not just opposite,
he's like a different species.
- Mm-hmm.
A very handsome one.
- Well, there's nothing
going on with me and Mr. Darcy.
- Well, there's nothing
going on between me and Travis.
- Okay, then.
I'm glad we got that settled.
- Me too.
- [chuckles]
Okay, so, here we are.
[cheerful music]
- I got the draft of the final
documents from the bank.
There're here somewhere, sorry.
- Relax, Travis,
you're doing great.
- You're just saying that
'cause you don't want Elizabeth
coming after you again, right?
- Probably, yeah.
That was a joke,
that was a joke.
- Jane is trying to teach me
how to be more organized,
but I don't know.
- Jane, she seems
like a lovely young woman.
- Oh, she is.
She's--
She's very nice.
- So, yeah, I have
to review the final draft
and then the sale
of Pemberley will be complete.
I should have it all wrapped up
by Christmas Eve.
- You sure you want
to go through with it?
- Of course.
Why wouldn't I?
- I don't know, I just
feel like you maybe be feeling
a little nostalgic about
being back at the old place.
- No room for nostalgia
in business.
- Okay. I just want
to make sure you considered
all your options about
how the estate could be used.
I mean, it's got
a lot to offer.
- Yes, it does.
This will do.
- ♪ Town of Bethlehem ♪
♪ How still we see the lie ♪
♪ Above thy deep
and dreamless sleep ♪
♪ The silent stars go by ♪
[both chuckle]
Sorry, Kristopher.
- You have a beautiful voice.
You should do it more often.
- Oh, well, I love to sing,
but there's not a lot of time
for that these days.
- Well, maybe
the opportunity will arise
for you to do it again.
Things we love
are never far away.
- That's beautiful.
Did you come up with that?
- Me? No.
Listen, I better
get back to work.
I don't want the boss
to catch me.
- All right.
[chuckles]
- Is everything
ready for tonight?
- Yeah, I think so.
I've got my list right here.
- Checking it twice?
- Checking it three
or four times, actually.
I have to admit,
I'm a little nervous.
If this doesn't go well,
I'm gonna have to find
a new career.
- You just need to relax.
- What do you suggest,
making more cookies?
- No, but I may know
something else that could
distract you
for a few minutes.
May I show you?
- Sure.
Okay.
- Okay.
- Can I open them?
- Yeah.
I thought it was
something else
we could offer
at the festival,
horse-drawn carriage rides
around the property
or even the town.
- This is incredible.
- We're gonna have to fix
it up a little bit, you know,
some paint, maybe add some more
Christmas decorations, that is,
if there's any left in town
after you bought them all.
- I'll go see what I can find.
- I can't remember the last
time I took a carriage ride.
- I do.
Kind of wish I didn't.
- Wasn't a good memory?
- It was just
my ex-fiancé Jeff.
- Oh, well, I'm sorry
I brought that up.
- No, it's fine.
I mean, we loved each other
and that's not a terrible thing
even if it doesn't work out,
right?
- How long were
you two together?
- Two years.
I wish I could say that
there was something big that
made us break up, or something
dramatic that I could point to
and be like, "Yeah, that,
that's the reason."
Like, he loves pineapple on his
pizza, and I can't stand it.
- Oh, yeah, that would
be grounds for a break-up,
as far as I'm concerned.
- Yeah, really, we just--
we lost each other
and we couldn't seem
to figure out our way back.
- I'm familiar with that.
- One of your models?
- No, she was a teacher,
and it was a similar thing.
It was great until it wasn't.
- But you want that again?
I mean, the great part?
- Of course, you?
- Yeah.
I actually--you're gonna think
it's ridiculous,
but one of my nieces
didn't want to write
a letter top Santa this year,
so I wrote one to convince her
it was worth doing.
- What did you wish for?
- Okay, you promise
not to laugh?
- I promise.
- I asked for true love.
- Why would I laugh at that?
- Well, hopefully,
my niece has more luck
with her wish
than I did with mine.
- It's four days left until
Christmas, so, you never know.
- [chuckles]
You never know.
- Elizabeth, the reporter
for the Mansfield press
is here for you.
- Okay, great.
I'll be right up.
- The Mansfield Press.
Fancy.
You've hit the big time.
- Anything for publicity.
Hey, thank you for this.
This is a really good idea.
[indistinct chatter]
- Oh, there you are.
Just look at all those people.
- It is quite a crowd.
- The water main break may have
been a blessing in disguise.
George says that there's
more people here than last year
'cause everyone wants
a last look at Pemberley.
- I'm happy to hear it.
- Well, we're just about
to start our tree lighting.
Do you want to come outside?
- No, I can have
a great view from in here.
- Yeah, but you
could see better out there.
- I think it's best
if I keep a low profile.
We want people to pay
attention to the tree, not me.
You've done a remarkable job,
Elizabeth.
- Thank you.
I couldn't have done it
without your help.
[gentle music]
♪ ♪
- Elizabeth, we're ready.
- Okay. Thanks.
- Hi, Jane.
- Hi, Travis.
I have a great spot figured
out to watch the tree lighting.
Do you--would you
want to watch with me?
- Sure.
♪ ♪
- Are you sure you
don't want to come outside?
- Yeah, I'm sure.
Have fun.
- Okay.
♪ ♪
Ready, George?
- Let's do it.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
Welcome to the Lambton
Christmas Festival.
[cheers and applause]
- I haven't missed it,
have I?
- No, not yet.
- Good, I do love
a good tree lighting.
Aren't you coming?
- No, I'm gonna watch
from in here.
- Mr. Darcy,
this is not the way
to get in your
Christmas spirit.
- Oh, there's lots
of Christmas in here.
- This?
Christmas is about
more than decorations.
It's about people,
people you care about
and who care about you.
You don't want
to miss that, do you?
- I want to thank
all the volunteers
who helped pull this
thing together,
but especially,
my assistant, Jane Lucas.
[cheers and applause]
And woman of the hour,
Elizabeth Bennett.
[applause]
All right, here we go.
I'm gonna need
a countdown, ready?
all: Five, four, three,
two, one.
[cheers and applause]
- It's beautiful, isn't it?
- It sure is.
- We made a good team.
- Yes, we do.
♪ ♪
- All right, well,
just follow the plan.
Thank you.
There should be
12 tables on the left
and 12 tables on the right.
It's in the binder, people.
[laughter, chatter]
[soft knocking]
- Mr. Darcy, Miss Bennett's
here to see you.
- Oh, thank you, Kristopher.
- I'm sorry about
your picture in the paper.
- Oh, it's all right.
- No, it's not.
You asked me to do one thing
and I couldn't even do that.
If this was event planning
school, I would have flunked.
- Elizabeth,
it's not your fault.
You didn't know they
were gonna take pictures,
and, frankly, if I didn't
want my picture to be taken,
I shouldn't have gone outside.
- Promise you're not
gonna become one of those
crazy rich guys that
never leaves his house.
- [chuckles]
I promise.
- You know, if I'm honest,
I'm a bit happy
that you're getting
the credit you deserve.
The headline was right.
You saved Christmas.
- Oh, hardly, no.
Regardless, I don't
need that kind of credit.
- You allowed the festival
to take place here so that
the town felt better about what
was happening at Pemberley.
What's wrong with
taking credit for that?
- Well, that was more for the
company buying it than for me.
- William, there's nothing
wrong with people knowing
that you're a good guy.
- Elizabeth.
We have a problem.
- Oh, good. I was wondering
what else could go wrong.
- The man who was going
to play Santa Claus
has come down with the flu.
He's not going
to be able to make it.
- What are we going to do?
We have a line of kids out
there waiting to talk to Santa.
- Well, we're just gonna
have to find a new one.
If only there
was someone around here
who looks like Santa Claus.
- Me?
You think I look like Santa?
- Yeah.
- Kind of.
♪ ♪
- I don't see it.
- Kristopher, you're
just a couple of reindeer shy
from being a Santa Claus.
Please,
will you do this for us?
- I'd be delighted.
- Yes.
- What about a costume?
- Um, I probably have
some things that will work.
- What about an elf helper?
- Me?
- Hello, young lady.
Would you like to tell Santa
what you want for Christmas?
Bicycle and a doll.
Nice choice.
Merry Christmas.
- Are you sure you
don't want to go out there,
join in on the fun?
- No, I'm fine.
You don't have to stay
here and keep me company.
- That's okay.
I sent in my wish list
to Santa already, so...
- Anything interesting on it?
- Oh, you know, car, boat,
second term as mayor.
- Right, so nothing big.
- No, just the usual.
[chuckles]
- Everyone's done a fantastic
job with this festival.
- Yeah, well, Elizabeth,
should get most of the credit.
She's--she's remarkable
- Yeah.
So you two dated in college?
- One date.
But I can't help wonder
what it would be like
if she would have said yes
for a second.
- What happened?
- She wanted to be friends.
You know,
and I wanted her in my life,
so at the time,
that was good enough for me.
- What about now?
- Now?
I can't help but wonder
what she would say
if I asked again.
Maybe it would be different.
- Okay, so we're making
some good progress,
and we found almost everything
that the kids asked for.
- Good, good, good.
How much do we have left?
- I think half the list?
- Stop it, half?
If we put anything else
in this car, we're gonna
have to sit on top.
- It worked
for the Christmas tree.
- Do you always
see the bright side?
- I mean, it's three days
until Christmas.
It's a beautiful night.
It's a beautiful town.
We're buying presents for kids
who don't often get presents.
It doesn't get
much better than that.
- Point taken.
- What do you
want for Christmas?
- I have everything I need.
- Okay, what do you want?
You can't possibly
have everything you want.
- The same thing
everyone else wants,
to be happy and satisfied
in a job well done.
- So family, friends, love?
- Of course.
- Well, maybe you should put
that in your letter to Santa.
- Perhaps.
- Oh, hey, do you think
George would like this scarf?
What do you think?
- It's very nice.
- He's been so good to me.
He's taken such a huge chance
on me with this festival.
- Yes, he's very fond of you.
- Well, I'm very fond
of him too.
[bell jingles]
Well, thank you so much
for all your help today.
- I'm beginning to think you
only appreciate me for my car.
- I mean, that and you're
really good at carrying things.
- But that's it, right?
- I mean,
what else could there be?
- I'll see you tomorrow.
- Carriage rides
and the concert, yeah.
Good night.
- Good night.
[engine starts]
[gentle music]
♪ ♪
[knocking at door]
- Caroline.
- Elizabeth.
Why didn't you tell me
you were planning an event
for William Darcy?
- Because I wasn't.
He just donated the use
of the manor
after the town square
fell through, literally.
- Darcy Worldwide makes Blair
Industries, our largest client,
look like a mom and pop shop.
Do you know how long
I have been trying
to plan an event
with his company?
- Yeah, but it's not
with his company.
It's with the town of Lambton.
- Elizabeth,
your picture is in the paper
as Darcy's event planner.
- That was a mistake.
- Oh, I'll say.
Do you know what that
picture makes me look like?
- Smart for hiring
such capable people?
- It makes me look irrelevant.
Someone who works for me
is planning an event for one
of the world's richest,
most powerful men,
and I'm not even mentioned.
I should be the face of this.
- Caroline, I'm really sorry,
but the festival's
already started
and everything's
already been planned.
- I just--
Order some coffee
from room service.
We'll be up all night
if we have to.
- Doing what?
- I'm gonna go over every
single detail of the plan
of this event and
see how I can salvage it.
- But the festival's
going great.
Everyone seems
to really love it.
- I am not talking
about the festival.
I am talking about
my company's reputation.
Elizabeth,
you know I love you,
but you are putting
that in jeopardy.
- [sighs]
Okay, so over here
we have the stage.
This is where
we'll do the reading
of "The Night
Before Christmas."
- Okay, it's not exactly
what I would do,
but it's not terrible,
and we don't have time to
change it anyway, so moving on.
- Okay.
Well, over here,
this is where
we'll serve hot chocolate
and people can sit and relax,
mingle with their neighbor.
- Hay? No, Elizabeth, people
can't sit on hay, no, no, no.
We need tables,
silver tablecloths,
white chairs--it all needs
to be much more elegant.
Are you writing this down?
- Yeah.
- Okay, great.
Moving on.
- What are you doing?
- Wrapping the kids'
Christmas gifts.
- Are you angry at the gifts?
- I've just never done
something like this by myself,
but there's nothing wrong
with the way
these gifts are wrapped,
provided my intention was
to frighten the children.
Are you going
to help me or not?
- I need to
tell you something.
- Oh-oh,
what else did I do wrong?
- No, it's actually
something that I did wrong.
My boss Caroline is here.
- Why?
- She's a little concerned
with the extra attention
the festival's getting.
- Because of the photo
of us in the paper.
- Yeah, so she's
gonna be taking the lead
for the rest of the event.
She's outside making changes
and talking
to George right now,
and then
I'll introduce you to her.
- But you've
been doing a great job.
- Oh, thank you
for saying that.
I mean, I'll still be here,
I just will be a little
bit more behind the scenes
where I belong.
- I don't think you
belong behind the scenes.
I think you belong out front.
I'd be happy to tell her that.
Perhaps I should knock on her
car window and remind her
about being kind
to the people who work for her.
- William, no.
Don't, okay?
Let's just focus on making
Christmas wonderful
for everyone
and it'll be fine.
- Mr. Darcy, there's
someone here to see you.
- Mr. Darcy,
I'm Caroline Bingley.
Such a pleasure to meet you.
- Hi. Likewise.
- Let's chat
about this amazing festival
and how we can truly
make it spectacular.
[clears throat]
- I guess it looks nice.
- Yes, it's very elegant.
- Caroline likes
things to look tasteful.
- Has anyone seen Mr. Darcy?
- Not since he and Miss
Bingley got back from lunch.
- He's at lunch with Caroline?
- Yes.
They seem to be
getting along well.
Oh, there he is.
- Hi.
- Oh. Hi.
- Hey. Has anyone had
a carriage ride yet?
- Travis and I did.
- You haven't?
- No, I'm supposed
to stay here
in case Caroline
needs help with anything.
- Well, that's not right,
come on.
- Mr. Darcy, would you like
to take a carriage ride?
- I was actually just
about to accompany Elizabeth,
if that's all right.
- Oh, of course.
I'll just radio
the driver to come back.
- That's all right.
I'm happy to wait.
Do you mind, Elizabeth?
- No, not at all.
- Okay, let me know
if you change your mind.
- Thank you.
So how do you feel
now that Caroline's
taken over the festival?
- I mean, she knows
what she's doing.
I'm actually surprised
she hasn't changed more.
How was lunch with her?
- It was good.
She tried to get me
to be more forthcoming
about my involvement about my
involvement with the festival,
but I made it very clear that
I don't want any publicity.
- Hasn't that ship
already sailed because of me?
- Any more publicity.
- Right.
How did she take it?
- She can be charming when she
wants to be, but don't worry,
I didn't say anything about
her taking over the festival.
- Thank you.
- But you should be very proud
of what we've accomplished.
Here we go.
- Oh.
- All right.
A special ride
for a special V.I.P.
- Thank you.
- Okay.
- I think we can
take it from here.
- Of course.
Elizabeth, let's have a chat
when you get back, okay?
- Ooh.
- Are you cold?
Do you want a blanket?
- No, I'm--No, I'm good.
Thank you.
- Okay.
- Wow, everything's
happening so fast.
Tonight's the concert.
Tomorrow we read
"The Night Before Christmas."
Then Santa hands out the gifts.
- And you're staying through
the end of the festival still.
Right?
- Yeah.
I'll head to my parents' house
right after we wrap up.
- Christmas morning
with your family.
- Mm-hmm.
- That sounds perfect.
- Mm-hmm.
What about you?
Are you still
working that day?
- I don't know, maybe
I'll take the day off for once.
Possibly. We'll see.
- Really?
- Maybe one last
Christmas at Pemberley.
- Well, is that why you
decided to come here personally
instead of sending someone
who works for you?
- I guess it is.
Pemberley has a lot
of powerful memories for me.
I couldn't let that go without
at least saying good-bye.
- Why are you
selling it at all?
- The Board of Directors
decided that our company
needed to sell it.
- Yeah, but I'm sure
you could talk to them
and change their mind.
Why not tell them how
important it was to you?
- Well, the board has been
there forever, and my father--
[chuckles]
he would never
have let something
like fond childhood memories
interfere with
a business decision.
- You're not your father.
- But sometimes
I need to be.
- Well, maybe
a Christmas at Pemberley
will change your mind.
If it doesn't,
I don't know what else will.
- Me neither.
- Welcome back.
How was your carriage ride,
Mr. Darcy?
- It was lovely.
- Oh. Excellent.
Well, perhaps,
I should give it a go.
Would you mind accompanying me?
I don't want
to do this by myself.
- Oh, I think perhaps we should
let the other people
have a chance.
- Oh, they're fine.
Yeah, come on.
Driver.
- ♪ Deck the halls
with boughs of holly ♪
- Merry Christmas.
- ♪ 'Tis the season
to be jolly ♪
- Wow, this is quite a turnout.
- Ah, trust Caroline to turn
a little Christmas concert
into the hottest event
of the year.
- Do you think she's the reason
all these people are here?
- She sent out
an email blast this morning
and had the social media
team working on overdrive.
People even came
from New York
because she said it
was gonna be spectacular.
- Your concert would
have been just as good,
maybe better because it
was coming from your heart.
[both chuckle]
- That's very sweet,
Kristopher,
but I'm content
being in the background.
She's the one that belongs
out front.
- Well, you never know,
Elizabeth.
You might be more important
to this evening than you think.
- Elizabeth, our soloist
has a sore throat.
- Oh, no, is she able to sing?
- I don't think so,
and now we don't have anybody
to do the finale.
- Ugh.
- Hey.
Why don't you do it,
Elizabeth?
You have a lovely voice.
- You do?
I didn't know you sang.
- I don't really.
Not in front of people.
- Elizabeth, this concert
is important to Lambton.
It's part of the spirit
of Christmas.
You don't want
to disappoint them.
- He's right.
I'm desperate.
You're in.
- Caroline, no.
- Elizabeth, if you're
looking for a way
to make up for
the whole Darcy thing,
this would be
a great way to do it.
I'm gonna go tell George.
- You're gonna be great.
Yeah.
- ♪ Soul felt its worth ♪
[humming]
- Hi.
- Hi. What are you
doing out here?
You know there's photographers
in the crowd, right?
- I couldn't miss
the grand finale.
- You heard.
- I did.
You're gonna be great.
- I haven't sung in front of
people in a really long time.
- What did Kristopher say?
The things we love
are never far away.
[cheers and applause]
- Ladies and gentlemen,
for our grand finale tonight,
please welcome to the stage
Elizabeth Bennett.
- Break a leg.
[cheers and applause]
- Thanks.
[cheers and applause]
- ♪ Oh holy night ♪
♪ The stars are
brightly shining ♪
♪ It is the night ♪
♪ Of our dear Savior's birth ♪
♪ Long lay the world ♪
♪ In sin and error pining ♪
♪ Till He appeared ♪
♪ And the soul
felt its worth ♪
♪ A thrill of hope ♪
♪ The weary world rejoices ♪
♪ For yonder breaks ♪
♪ A new and glorious morn ♪
♪ Fall on your knees ♪
♪ Oh hear the angels' voices ♪
- She's amazing, isn't she?
- Yes, she is.
- ♪ Oh night divine ♪
- I think, uh--
I think I'm gonna ask
for that second date.
What do you think?
- I think you should.
- ♪ Oh night oh night ♪
♪ Oh night divine ♪
[cheers and applause]
Merry Christmas.
Thank you.
- Well, that went well,
I think.
- Yes, it did.
Elizabeth is fantastic.
- Yes, she is.
- I think I'm
gonna go tell her that.
- Yeah, before you do,
I think now might be a good
time to discuss Elite Events
working with Darcy Worldwide.
Come on, come in.
- My God, that was fantastic.
- Oh, thank you.
- So good.
Thank you so much
for doing this.
Seriously, you--
you saved the night.
- Caroline, hi.
I was just looking for William.
- Mr. Darcy is in his study.
We were just talking
about the possibility
of Elite Events
working with his company.
- That's great.
- Yes.
And he made it very clear
you played a big part
in his willingness
to work with us.
- Well, I'm really happy
I could help.
- I think though that
it might be a good idea
for you to take a step back
at this point.
- Wait, what do you mean?
- I need to establish
a relationship
with Mr. Darcy myself.
I need him to understand
that it's my company
and that I can provide for his
needs better than anyone else.
- Are--are you firing me?
- No.
- Okay.
- Of course not.
- Good.
- You're an invaluable part
of Elite Events,
but you said it yourself,
you shine in
a behind-the-scenes capacity.
Mr. Darcy
is someone I should be
dealing with directly
from here on.
- Oh, yeah.
- Don't look at
this as a failure.
You did a fine job
taking the lead.
It's just not
where you belong.
As a matter of fact,
why don't you take
a Christmas vacation
a little early?
Head out tomorrow morning.
- But tomorrow's Christmas Eve,
and it's the last night
of the festival.
- Oh, I can handle it.
I have your binder.
Merry Christmas, Elizabeth.
- Merry Christmas.
[instrumental
"Deck the Halls" plays]
♪ ♪
- Is everything all right?
- Yes, yes, it is.
- Pardon me for saying so,
but it doesn't seem like it.
- Well, it is.
The sale of Pemberley
is almost final,
and the Christmas Festival
has been a big success.
- Thanks to Elizabeth.
- Yes, I made sure
to let Caroline know
how much I valued
her contribution.
- And have you let
Elizabeth know that?
- Yes, I think so.
- And have you let Elizabeth
know how much you value her?
- She is very special,
but I think she and George are
better suited to each other.
- Perhaps you should let
Elizabeth make that decision.
Mr. Darcy,
it's almost Christmas.
It's time to believe
in the magic of the holidays.
You can get
what you wish for,
but you have to ask.
[gentle music]
♪ ♪
- On the bright side,
I guess this means
I get to go home early.
- You're really not going
to come to the toy giveaway
or the reading of "The Night
Before Christmas?"
- I mean, I was gonna leave
straightaway afterwards anyway.
This means I get to spend
a little bit more
of Christmas Eve
with my family.
- Well, at least you don't have
to deal with Caroline anymore.
I tried talking to her, and
she would not budge an inch.
- I told you she wasn't
gonna listen to you.
- I don't know,
maybe we can get Darcy to--
- No, no, I don't want
to involve him in this
any more than I already have.
I feel terrible for
dragging him into this mess
in the first place.
- William Darcy is a grown man.
You do not drag him
into anything.
- I'm really sorry
I let you down, George.
- You didn't.
- So does that mean
we're still friends?
♪ ♪
- Friends. Always.
♪ ♪
- Okay.
♪ ♪
- All right, good night.
- Good night.
♪ ♪
- Mr. Darcy, the final
paperwork for the sale
of Pemberley is here.
It just needs your signature.
- Thank you, Travis.
Have them prepare
the helicopter.
- We're leaving?
- Tomorrow.
No reason for us
to be here any longer.
♪ ♪
- Caroline, what's happening?
Why are they tearing
everything down?
- The festival is over.
- What? Why?
- It's been cancelled.
- No, it's Christmas Eve.
The gift giving
and the reading
of "The Night Before
Christmas" is tonight.
- The sale of Pemberley
is complete,
and the company that bought it
doesn't want the liability,
so they pulled the plug.
- Well, no, I actually
spoke to them personally.
They said they wanted
to inspire
some goodwill
for the community.
- That was to close the deal,
and now that it's done,
they don't care
what the town thinks.
- Well, we have
to talk to William.
He can fix this.
- Mr. Darcy left, Elizabeth.
- What do you--
what do you mean he left?
- He went back to New York.
- [sighs]
I just can't believe he left
without saying goodbye.
- Well, he must have had
a good reason.
- The sale of Pemberley's done.
You're right,
he's all business.
He doesn't care
about anything else.
- Elizabeth...
over the past
couple of weeks,
I saw a different man.
I mean, it's--
it's clear that he cares
about something more.
- George--
- No, it's--it's okay.
We're friends, right?
- You care about him too,
don't you?
- Yeah, but it's too late
to do anything about that now.
- No, it's not.
It's Christmas.
What better time to ask
for a Christmas miracle?
- You're right,
but I'm gonna use that wish
on the festival.
Let's go save
Christmas together.
[phone buzzes]
- Sorry.
I'm just gonna--
I'm gonna take this.
Hello? Jane?
You--you want me
to do what?
I can't lie to him.
I can't.
You really think I can do it?
Okay, you can count on me.
Mr. Darcy, that was the company
that bought Pemberley.
- I signed their contract.
What else do they want?
- They just want to make sure
the contract
is completely done.
You know, done done.
- Done done?
- Their term, not mine.
- Okay, yeah,
the contract is done done.
Pemberley is theirs,
except for the ratification.
- The what?
- The Darcy Board of Directors
has to ratify the contract.
It's just a formality.
We'll take care of it
with a simple vote
when I get back to New York.
- So until you get back to the
city and the board votes on it,
technically you
still own Pemberley.
- Technically, yes.
- Got it, good.
- Oh, while I was out there,
the pilot said it would be
a while before we can take off.
- The weather?
- Right, yes, the weather.
So should we go back
to the manor to wait?
- No, there's no reason
to go back there.
We'll just wait here.
- Okay.
- Back online. Yeah,
we need some volunteers.
Are you able to?
[phone buzzes]
Mm-hmm.
Okay, how many people?
- Guys, we're a go
for Pemberley.
- Yes.
- Yes!
- Caroline,
I thought you left.
- I got a call saying that
someone told the workers
to stop dismantling
the festival.
- Yeah, that was me.
- Elizabeth, I know how
important this event is to you,
but out hands are tied.
- I actually just untied them.
I don't have time to explain
because I got to put
this entire Christmas
Festival back together.
- Look around.
You don't have time to put it
back together all by yourself.
- I won't be by myself,
I called some friends to help.
[cheerful music]
Caroline, look, I know
that you said that I belong
behind the scenes,
but this festival
is more important
than the both of us.
It's about making sure that
this entire town experiences
the joy of Christmas,
and I can make that happen,
as long as you'll let me.
- What can I do to help?
- There you go.
- This is getting ridiculous.
- Where are you going?
- I'm gonna go talk
to the pilot,
find out what the delay is.
- The weather, remember?
- It's barely even snowing.
Helicopters
can fly in the snow.
- I'll do it. I can do it.
- I'm gonna go get an update.
- I'll do it. I can do it.
- No, it's fine, I got it.
- It's not the weather.
- It's not?
- The helicopter's ready.
It has been for a while now.
- Well, why haven't
we left yet?
- Because you're
not supposed to leave.
- I'm not?
- No, you're supposed to
remember that it's Christmas,
and that anything is
possible at Christmas,
and that you
shouldn't sell Pemberley,
and that you love Elizabeth,
and she loves you.
So I had to pretend that
the helicopter wasn't working
and keep you here until
you did remember all that.
- You think Elizabeth loves me?
- I know she does.
And I know I don't know you
very well yet, Mr. Darcy,
but I know that
you could really use
someone like her in your life,
especially at Christmas.
That's what it's
all about, right?
- We're going back
to Pemberley Manor.
We have a Christmas
Festival to get to.
♪ ♪
Thank you, Travis.
- Have you seen Kristopher?
I can't find him anywhere.
- Well, he's our Santa.
- Yeah, bad news.
Stan Findlay, the anchorman
who was gonna read
"The Night Before Christmas,"
his wife just went into labor.
- Okay, nobody panic.
George, you hand out
the toys to the kids,
and I'll read the story.
- I don't have a Santa suit,
and they're expecting
a celebrity to read to them.
- I know it's not perfect,
but unless there's
a Christmas miracle,
it'll have to do.
- Still no luck.
I can't get a signal.
The snow must have knocked out
all the cell towers.
- I'll try mine.
[bells ringing]
Kristopher, is that you?
- Yes, William.
I've come to give you
a lift back to Pemberley.
- Did you drive
your car out here?
- Uh...[chuckles]
something like that.
You'll see.
You know, I thought
it was all set up.
Elizabeth wrote her Christmas
letter looking for true love.
The two of you should have
been able to figure that out
on your own,
but here I am,
it's Christmas Eve,
needing to drop everything
to make sure that you
understand that Christmas
is not just sitting in a big
house watching the festivities
through the window and that
she gets her Christmas wish.
- What are you talking about?
- Well, it's a long story.
Come on, come on.
[indistinct chatter]
- Elizabeth,
we can't wait any longer.
- Okay, let's do this.
[bells jingling]
- William.
- It's Kristopher too.
- So sorry we're late.
We had a little,
uh, car trouble.
Right, Mr. Darcy?
- Yeah, car trouble.
- But we're here now,
ready to read "The Night
Before Christmas"
and hand out some presents.
- Well, the guy that was
supposed to read it
never showed,
so I'm taking over.
- Actually, you know what,
Elizabeth,
may I do it?
I think it's time
that I partake
in the Christmas festivities
instead of just
watching them from
the window of my house.
- Your house?
I thought you were--
- I talked to the Board,
the sale's off.
[laughter]
- Okay, well, everyone's
waiting, so are you ready?
- Remember what
Kristopher said,
"The things you love
are never too far away."
- Okay.
- Ladies and gentlemen,
reading "The Night Before
Christmas,"
William Darcy.
[cheers and applause]
- All right.
- "Twas the night before
Christmas when all through
"the house not a creature
was stirring, not even a mouse.
"The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care,
"in hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there.
"The children were nestled
all snug in their beds,
"while visions of sugar plums
danced in their heads.
"And mamma in her 'kerchief,
and I in my cap,
"had just settled down
for a long winter's nap,
when out on the lawn there
arose such a clatter..."
- Thank you, Kristopher.
- It's my pleasure,
Elizabeth.
And I hope that you get what
you wanted for Christmas.
- I already have.
[both chuckle]
- "He sprang to his sleigh,
to his team gave a whistle,
"and away they all flew
like the down of a thistle.
"But I heard him exclaim,
ere he rode out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night."
[cheers and applause]
- All right.
- Merry Christmas, everyone.
[gentle music]
- Merry Christmas!
Who wants some presents?
Ha! Come on up.
[indistinct chatter]
How 'bout you, my friend?
- I thought you didn't like
speaking in public.
- Had to try and make it
onto the nice list.
- Well, I think you did.
♪ ♪