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Chapter 21

Posted on Monday, 25 November 2002

So it had come to this, mistress of this whole house. What a change it was, what a place Darcy had taken her from the scared, lost young woman she had been so many months ago during her escape from the officer's ball back in Meryton. It seemed a lifetime ago. Jane would love this place.

But she must quit comparing everything to Jane. All of these memories led her back to Bingley, and he was to become someone else's, and she could not begrudge him that, or his new love. She would not give up his friendship, regardless of whom he attached himself to, and he must know that she approved his choice and did not hold Jane against him. Mr. Darcy needed to know that there was not a ghost in her past motivating her actions.

August passed peacefully and uneventfully, a wonderful happening for Elizabeth and Darcy, who took great pleasure in each other's company, and seemed to enjoy Georgiana and Bingley even more. Mrs. Annesley wisely gave the lovers as much time together as they needed.

The friends gradually resumed their habits of living that they had adopted at Pemberley before their untimely removal to town in the spring. Georgiana spent much time in the music room and hither went Mr. Bingley almost daily. He had to go through a period of readjustment with Georgiana until she was comfortable, once again, playing with him in the room. Elizabeth looked on with pleasure. They were certainly a shy couple, if they could be called a couple. Yes, she would call them a couple, even if they were not ready to acknowledge it. In an effort to help them along, Elizabeth would leave them alone in the music room, so that when she finished playing, they would have time alone.

On one of these occasions, Bingley had some news for Georgiana.

"Georgiana, I have been told by my solicitor that my inquiries into an estate in Derbyshire have finally been successful. Lord Beecham and his family have inherited property in Wales and will be removing hence almost immediately. They have offered Hillcock Manor for sale, and I have purchased it."

"Oh Charles, that is wonderful. Is not this exactly what you were hoping for, a place here close by Fitzwilliam?"

"Yes, it had been my wish to live here since Darcy brought us here in the winter." He would not touch on Jane. Only happy memories for Jane.

"When do you take possession of the house?" Georgiana ask hesitantly. She was not happy with the idea of him going. Not happy at all.

"I can take possession beginning October 21st. On that day, I will have furniture and things moved from London to Hillcock and my servants will move in. My housekeeper in London has agreed to take the post at Hillcock and she will see about staffing the place and getting it ready for me. I would anticipate being able to move sometime in late November."

"I am very happy for you Charles," she said with a pout.

"You do not seem very happy."

"It is just that I am used to your company. I enjoy having you here, having us all together, and if you are to leave us, I would miss you and your company, your good humor, and the way we all get along so well, that is all."

"Georgiana, come sit with me."

She joined him on the sofa. He surprised her by taking one of her hands in both of his.

"I know I have been something of an indifferent lover, sending you mixed signals over the past several months. I confess it has been difficult for me to resolve myself to loving another after having loved Jane, and then seeing her die, but I can say that I have done so. I did so back in June, and since then I have been trying to understand my feelings for you, what they are, what they should be, and what they could be. And I know that I have come to love you. I want to be with you. I do not want to enter that huge mansion at Hillcock by myself. It would not do for me for a minute. I bought that place for you, so that you would have a home, here, near those you love, near your brother and his new wife. I agree it was presumptuous on my part. I had no assurance that you would accept me, but I thought if I showed you that I could provide you a home, that I could take care of you, that you would see that I did truly love you, and that I did care for you, and that I wanted to protect you and grant you your wish of being by your family. I love Darcy and Miss Elizabeth dearly. Marrying you is a selfish thing for me. Not only do I love you, but also I love your connections. Having Darcy for a brother and Elizabeth for a sister, there could not be greater happiness. The four of us, as friends and couples, could always be together, and we would soon by joined, hopefully, by children, that would increase our joy. Our homes are so close we can have a daily intercourse with each other, if we wanted, and surely weekly visits. I offer to you every advantage I have. I have a sufficient income to support you. Having purchased Hillcock from my late father's savings, my income will nearly double, and I will need your active help in running so large an estate. I need a partner, an equal." Bingley paused, licked his dry lips and continued. "Georgiana, please, will you marry me?"

Georgiana thought for a moment. Her heart was admittedly confused. His declaration was not expected. He was right, he had not been a consistent lover, but he spoke well, and he made sense. She felt a bond between them, and all he said about their connections and friendship with Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth was true. Feeling dominated by her brother for so long, the offer of being his equal was attractive. But most importantly, did she love him? Elizabeth told her to marry only for reasons of the deepest love and affection. She was not sure what that meant, Charles being the first for whom she felt anything at all. But if she gauged it as how she would feel if she said no, and let him walk away, then she knew she loved him. She could not do without him. She would join him at Hillcock Manor. She would become his wife.

"Yes, Charles, I will marry you."

"Oh Georgiana, I promise you that you will never regret it. I promise you that I shall love you and take care of you for the rest of my life."

"Charles, I am afraid."

"Of what, my love?"

She was surprised to hear him call her 'my love.' She had to say she liked it. It made her feel close to him, and she needed that security right now.

"I am scared of leaving my brother and Lizzy, of growing up so fast. I do not know how to be a wife."

"I do not know how to be a husband, but we shall learn together. If you like, we could take an extended honeymoon someplace to get to know each other better before we move to Hillcock and the duties that await us there."

"I would like that. Please hold me, Charles."

He stood up and took her hand and raised her from the sofa. He stepped towards her and put an arm around her back and pulled her gently against his chest, his other arm around her waist. Slowly, hesitantly, she put her hands up on his forearms, then around his shoulders. He pulled her closer to him. She responded in kind. They stood there for what seemed like infinity to them as their bodies became acquainted for the first time.

"Georgiana, may I kiss you?"

Shyly, she said, "Yes, Charles."

He released her back, but kept his arm around her waist. He raised his hand to her chin and stroked the skin below it. Holding her chin upwards, he lowered his lips to hers, touching them lightly, lingering for just a moment.

She leaned back against his chest, and stayed there for quite some time, until they heard a noise in the hall that caused them to separate.

That noise happened to be Elizabeth, who had come across them, and was giving them privacy in what she knew must be the aftermath of a proposal, as it reminded her of her own situation with Mr. Darcy. She was going to allow them as much time together as they required, until she heard Darcy's footsteps on the staircase. She decided to interrupt them discretely, to avoid any embarrassment. No doubt Mr. Bingley would have an errand with Mr. Darcy very shortly.

It had been many days since the ladies had separated from the gentleman after dinner. Darcy could see no reason to be away from Elizabeth, he did not like cigars and Bingley had no objections. On this occasion, today, Bingley asked if they could remain behind, or preferably go into the library.

"Certainly, Bingley. What is on your mind?" Darcy had a pretty good idea of what was on Bingley's mind. He had been paying quite a bit of attention to Georgiana lately. His announcement of the purchase of Hillcock Manor, and her sudden interest in it beyond what would be considered normal curiosity only led him to one conclusion. He was happy that this conclusion, the only logical conclusion for both of them, had finally been reached. He would send a thank you note to his solicitor, whose wife was a friend of Lord Beecham's housekeeper, for letting him know in advance of the inheritance, and of the sale of Hillcock, so he could 'accidentally' tip off Bingley's solicitor. He would enjoy having him and Georgiana so close.

"Could I have some brandy?" asked Bingley.

"No."

"What?"

"No, Bingley, I would like you to get to the point. I would like to hear what you have to say so that I can join my fiancée in the drawing room."

"Well, sir, I..."

"Bingley, you never call me 'sir.'"

"Sorry, Darcy."

"Come on, Bingley, out with it."

"Very well. Today I asked your sister to marry me, and she agreed, and I am now seeking your consent."

"See? That was not too hard, was it?"

"It was horrible, Darcy, and you are not making this easy for me. I thought you were my friend."

"The best one that you have. Let me see. Do you love Georgiana?" Bingley couldn't tell if Darcy was serious or not.

"With all my heart."

"Are you recovered from Jane's death and able to give that heart freely to Georgiana?" Darcy was dead serious.

"Yes. I realized in June that I must overcome those feelings if I was ever to be happy again. I will always hold fond memories of her, but my heart and my commitment belong to your sister."

"Are you able to provide for her?" Darcy knew the answer, but he was acting as Georgiana's father now, and he wanted Bingley to understand his proper place.

"As you are well aware, my income from my father's businesses is £5000 a year. My father left me nearly £100,000 to buy an estate with. Hillcock cost me £90,000. Run properly, the annual proceeds from Hillcock will be at least £3000. That gives me £8000 per year, plus £400 per year from the rest of my father's savings at 4% annually. With Georgiana's dowry of £30,000, I will have another £1200 at 4% annually, giving me an annual income of £9600. Of course a lot of that I will be reinvesting in Hillcock in improvements to both the house and tenant properties to further its income possibilities, but I will have sufficient left to maintain the lifestyle for your sister that she has been brought up in." Bingley stood up and went to the sideboard and poured himself a drink despite Darcy's injunction against doing so.

"I do not have to release her dowry until she is age 30," Darcy stated

"I am aware of that. I am hoping to marry her with your consent and that you would be willing to do so now." Bingley was nervous. This is not what he had expected at all.

"I see."

"Will you be providing her with an appropriate settlement?"

"I will take your advice on this matter, as I have no experience in such things, and I really do not know what to do. As far as taking care of her, I intend to be quite generous with her pin money. She deserves the opportunity to purchase what she wants for herself and what she feels the estate may need without worry of money. She will have a large apartment there, with a bedchamber, dressing room, sitting room, nursery and a room for letter writing, all connected together, where she may remain in privacy, if she wishes, as a refuge from the rest of the house. She will have a personal maid at her disposal. There will be a footman in waiting outside her door at all times. I intend to purchase another barouche and four as her personal means of transport so that she is not confined to Hillcock if I should be out. Whenever she wishes, she will be responsible for the accounts, of which my housekeeper currently takes care. She will train Georgiana and relinquish that duty to her."

"Bingley, it sounds as if you plan to be very generous with her. She is young. Are not you worried about spoiling her?" This was a question Darcy had asked himself as well.

"I realize she is young. But I intend to treat her as an equal. She will learn what she needs to do, and I am patient and will love her through it. Society in this neighborhood already loves her, and as mistress of Hillcock she will be able to do no wrong in their eyes. I will be the one they look to for mistakes. Miss Elizabeth will continue to love her and help her. We will depend on your society very much. No, I do not think she will be spoilt. Do you?"

"No, not if you do what you say you will." Darcy had to smile. Georgiana would be very happy. He knew she would be, but he was gratified to hear it spoken.

"Bingley, I can see no objections to the match. I see only advantages, both to Georgiana, Elizabeth and to myself. I will enjoy having you as a brother. You cannot imagine the gratitude I feel in the fact that you acquired Hillcock and will keep Georgiana, and yourself, so close to us. I am sorry for all the questions, Bingley. I just wanted to make sure you loved her, that is all. And I can see that you do. I give you my consent." Darcy paced the room a moment. "Do you think I should talk to Georgiana for a moment?"

"That might be nice. To give her equal time, though perhaps not as rigorously as you questioned me." Bingley laughed.

"Please go out and entertain Elizabeth for me and ask my sister to join me here in the library."

Georgiana did not expect such a long interview between Darcy and Bingley. They were close friends and had been for years. What could her brother possibly want to know that he did not know already? And now he wanted to speak with her? There was only one topic that would interest him. She always felt that Fitzwilliam would be in favor of a match between her and Charles. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe her brother felt she was too young. Maybe he felt she was making a foolish decision like she had with Wickham. But it seemed so different this time. No one was trying to steal her away. She was not running away. Bingley was his best friend, for Heaven's sake.

She knocked on the door.

"Come in," he boomed. She became even more nervous.

"You wanted to see me, brother?"

"Sit down, Georgiana. I have a matter of great importance to discuss with you. Please do not be nervous or afraid of me."

Easier said than done, Georgiana thought to herself. This must be about Charles. He does not want me to marry Charles.

"Bingley came to me just a few minutes ago and told me that he has asked for your hand in marriage, and that you have accepted him. Is this true?"

"Yes, it is." Darcy could barely hear her voice.

"Why?"

"Why? Because I love him, that is why. Because when I think of doing without him, I cannot bear the thought. I want to be with him. I want to go where he goes, do what he does, listen to the things he says, be his lover, be his friend, and his companion."

"What about Hillcock Manor?"

"What about it? That is where we shall be living. I have never been there, except for the dance. The ballroom seemed nice enough. I have not seen the rest of the house, and it was dark both when we got there and when we left."

"Will it not be nice to live independent of me on all of Bingley's money and do whatever you want?"

"I do not know how much money Charles has. I have never even thought of it until now. He told me he had enough. I probably should have asked, to make sure he was able to take care of me. I just assume that when he bought Hillcock Manor, and offered it to me as my home, that he would be able to support me. As for doing what I want, I will do what Charles wants me to do!" she said angrily. She had never spoken to her brother like this before, but she considered herself fighting for her life with Charles.

"Please do not be upset." He was surprised at how angry she had suddenly become. This was a side of her he rarely saw.

"Fitzwilliam, I am upset. I do not know what you said to Charles, but as your best friend, it should not have taken so long for you to give him your consent to marry me, if you did give him consent. And you know the kind of man he his. I know that he may not love me as much as he should, but I know that he does love me, and as we spend our life together, he will come to love me even more. And that love will develop quickly. I do not fear for myself, I only fear for your disapproval. I choose Charles of my own free will and choice. This is not a Wickham scandal. No one is trying to steal me away for my money. I am not trying to run off in the night. Our relationship has stood the test of time, his remorse for Jane, and his dealings with Wickham himself. I beg of you brother, to let me have him. Do not deny me this happiness. Please, do not." Georgiana was crying.

"Georgiana, the purpose of the questioning was for me to be able to gauge the depth of your love for Bingley, your consciousness of the situation you are marrying into, and your sincerity. I have already given Bingley my consent for your marriage, and now I give it to you. Please do not cry, and please forgive me if you felt I was harsh. I am seeking your happiness, and I suppose I am sad that I must pass that responsibility on to someone else, as much as I love and respect Bingley.

"Oh brother, everything will be fine, you will see."

"Come, Georgiana, let us tell Elizabeth the good news."

They entered the drawing room. Elizabeth was at her work. Bingley was pretending to read a book. Darcy knew he was pretending because he never turned a page.

"Elizabeth."

"Yes, Fitzwilliam?"

"I would like to announce the engagement of Georgiana to Charles Bingley."

Elizabeth gasped. "Oh, that is so wonderful. I am so happy for you two. You both deserve such happiness." She ran to Georgian and gave her a hug. "You know what this means, do you not? We shall all be brothers and sisters. Is that not wonderful?

"Georgie, when and where shall you be married?"

"We would like to be married with you two, if you do not mind. We do not want to leave you alone with Mrs. Annesley, nor do we want to be left with her."

"Well, the soonest I can be married is Saturday, November 28th. We intend to be married at the Lambton church."

"Then we shall, too. Will that plan please you, Charles?"

"Yes, very much so."

The rest of the evening was spent discussing wedding plans, trousseaus, honeymoons, new clothes, and all of the pleasures and enjoyments that are part of such a happy occasion. Darcy saw an occasional shade of darkness pass across Elizabeth's face from time to time. He knew she must be missing Jane most of all, and perhaps her father and her family. They most likely will not be there for her wedding, and certainly will have no part in the preparations. She is nearly alone in the world. The three of them, and in part her aunt and uncle in Gracechurch street, are all she has.

Rather than travel to town again, Georgiana felt they could rely on the modiste in Lambton for their needs, and send away to town for what could not be had in Lambton. Mrs. Gardiner volunteered her services as far as they would go. By the time they were finished, both ladies were very satisfied with their purchases.

Chapter 22

Posted on Friday, 29 November 2002

Wednesday, August 5th from Pemberley

Dear Papa,

The day you left from your visit to me in town last month, Mr. Darcy proposed marriage to me and I accepted. I have to thank you for your matchmaking, which furthered our understanding of each other's feelings and led to our engagement. I am so happy, Papa. He loves me so dearly, and I love him. I cannot describe the freedom I feel in my heart, knowing I shall have a home at Pemberley. It is so beautiful here, the walks, the gardens and the park. The house itself is stately and fine, yet it is such a home. I have been allowed to redecorate some of the rooms that had not been in use, but that Mr. Darcy and I agreed will be in use now, namely the nursery, the large dining room, the large drawing room, the morning room, and I am going to have the entry way refinished at well. Mr. Darcy says he is grateful for the feminine taste I am adding to the rooms. I am so glad he lets me decide what to do without arguing with me. He is a wonderful man, Papa, and I am so lucky to have him.

I want you know that I am now allowing him to financially support me in all my needs and wants, so I no longer require or desire you to send me any allowance money. Please use it on your family. Please tell Mama of my wedding. Perhaps she will accept me again when she knows I am going to marry well to a man of £10,000 per year. The wedding will be as soon as possible after Jane's year of mourning, on Saturday, November 28th, at the Lambton church, and it will be a double wedding. Mr. Charles Bingley is to marry Mr. Darcy's sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Mr. Darcy and I are very pleased with their attachment, and Mr. Bingley has purchased a large estate not an hour's drive from here called Hillcock Manor, the former residence of Lord Beecham.

You are all invited to the wedding and to stay at Pemberley. This house has many guestrooms, quite enough to hold my whole family, and you are very welcome to stay there for as long as you wish. Mr. Darcy and I will be hosting a wedding breakfast at Pemberley for the wedding guests and the house servants. We shall only stay a short time, then will be off to the London townhouse for a few days, then on a trip to the sea resorts for two weeks, then back to Pemberley and our daily routine until Mary's wedding, which we plan on attending. Do you know the date and place yet?

Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper, has promised to carefully teach me my duties as mistress of such a large estate. I promised to be an eager student. We shall also do our best to look after the new Mrs. Bingley in her efforts to learn her duties as mistress of Hillcock Manor. She seems quite uncertain and almost afraid. She and Bingley will be taking an extended honeymoon before returning to Hillcock.

I have spoken to Mr. Darcy, and if you wish, Kitty is invited to stay with us during the spring and summer. That would take away from you your last daughter.

Please let me know where I stand in the family.

Yours, &c. EB

What a letter to write, thought Elizabeth, having to beg her family to attend her own wedding. This was all wrong, of course. They should be eager to attend, and demand that she be married from Longbourn church, which was her right. But Mr. Darcy would have none of it. There were to be no more disappointments in her life, and a marriage in that church would be one if her family did not attend. Better to have them travel the two-day journey to Pemberley, and stay there. Mr. Darcy was right of course, but it will still be a disappointment. However, the real disappointment is not having Jane there with her. She always imagined that Jane would stand up with her. That is what they had talked about for so many years, late at night in her room, when Jane would sneak out of her bedchamber and they would talk about such things until the early hours of the morning. But Jane was gone. It was not to be. She still cried for Jane, when she was alone, when she was sure of not giving alarm. But now, at the writing desk in the drawing room, she could not stop the tears that were falling from her eyes.

Mr. Darcy had been watching her write a letter, presumably to her father, though occasionally she wrote to her aunt. He had noticed her shoulders start to sag, her head lean forward, and now he saw some tears. It had to be her father, and it had to be about her wedding. He hated the fact that her marriage to him caused some sadness in her life, but it could not be helped. He knew she was missing Jane, and the breach in her family was now like a fresh wound. He walked over to her.

"Elizabeth."

He knelt down on the floor, to match her height as she sat in the chair and took her in his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder and cried softly with the pain of a confused heart, both happy and sad at the same time. They stayed this way until Elizabeth raised her head.

"Thank you, Fitzwilliam. Thank you for just coming to me, and for not saying anything, but just holding me."

She then kissed him, rather passionately, he thought, given the occasion. How he loved this woman! He was so grateful that she was willing to share her pain with him. He took the letter from her, folded it and posted it for express delivery.

"Fitzwilliam, it does not need to go by express."

"If it caused all that emotion to stir in your heart, it deserves the attention."

"You are very kind, sir."

And so the letter was off.

Mr. Bennet was surprised to receive an express letter from Pemberley. At first, he was worried that something might be wrong with his favorite daughter, but as he read the missive, he found that she was well, and that there was cause for great joy. He would share the letter with her mother, and see what kind of response he received from her.

"Mrs. Bennet, I have received an express letter from Elizabeth."

"Mr. Bennet, I told you I do not want to hear her name mentioned in my presence."

"She is to marry a man of £10,000 per year. Is that not wonderful?"

"Who is this man?"

"Why, it is Mr. Darcy. You must remember him, do you not?"

"I remember him as a proud, disgusting man. He slighted Lizzy at one of the assemblies. Well, if she wants to lower herself as to marry such a man, I suppose she is getting what she deserves, after her treatment of poor Jane. I shall never forgive her for killing Jane."

"Mr. Darcy loves her very much. I know him well. He is a kind, generous man. He will care for her very well. I think you should join Mary, Kitty and myself at their wedding."

"They cannot get married, she is in mourning."

"They are to be wed on Saturday, November 28th, the first day she can after her mourning is over. We are all invited to stay at Pemberley and to attend the wedding, which will be at the Lambton church. Her friend, Mr. Bingley, is going to wed Mr. Darcy's sister at the same time."

"WHAT! But he loves Jane! How can he do this to Jane, marry someone else? He ought to remain faithful to Jane."

"Mrs. Bennet, Jane is gone, and he must move on with his life, something you ought to do.

"Hm!"

"Miss Darcy is a sweet, loving, kind girl, who in many ways is like Jane. He could not make a better choice of wife."

"I cannot believe it. Everyone is forgetting poor Jane just as soon as they can."

"They will marry in a double ceremony with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Will you go with us?"

"I have a mind to go there right now and scold Mr. Darcy out of his plans to marry Elizabeth. She deserves no such attention. And Mr. Bingley, too."

"You will do no such thing, Mrs. Bennet. You will leave the young people alone."

"You are well aware, Mr. Bennet, that you cannot stop me, that I can do whatever I want, so please be careful how you speak to me. You and the girls go. I shall not go. Mr. Bingley is a traitor. Elizabeth sent Jane to her grave. She will have no attention from me. I am disappointed that you would even consider going. But I should have known better. You have always considered Elizabeth to be without fault, your darling girl, better than all the rest of us. You love her and hate me, your wife, who you are bound to for the rest of your life. You see that your favorite will be married shortly and no longer yours. You will then be all alone. I shall have nothing to do with you. I hope you enjoy your library, Mr. Bennet."

"I enjoy it quite well, Mrs. Bennet, and have for many years. Please excuse me."

Thursday, August 6th, from Longbourn

My dear Elizabeth,

It was a pleasure to hear from you. I was surprised to receive your missive by express, but by so doing, you insured that it stayed out of the hands of Mrs. Bennet.

Thank you for your invitation to Pemberley and your wedding. Mary, Kitty and I will be able to accept it. In order to visit with you, just a little, since I know your time will be taken up with preparations for the wedding, I propose that we come on Tuesday, November 24th. We shall stay until the Monday following your wedding, and then return to Longbourn. I need not say how excited we are to come and visit you.

I am sorry to say that your mother has no intentions of coming. She is still full of anger towards you, and now directs some of it at Mr. Bingley (because he is to marry Miss Darcy), for not remaining faithful to Jane's memory. I told her he has to move on with his life, and that this is a wonderful match for both of them, but she will not listen to me.

Perhaps you will receive a visit from her. She threatened to go to Pemberley and scold some sense into Mr. Darcy so that he would not marry you. I do not for a minute believe that she would have the slightest chance of success. Perhaps relieving her anger may do her some good towards healing the breach. I do not know if she will follow through on her threat, but I thought you should know. I can do nothing to stop her from her endeavor, should she undertake it.

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding, my dear. You will be a very happy woman. You two are very suited for each other. You will be able to soften his manners and make him easier and more comfortable in the company of strangers. Because of his status in the world, his information and knowledge, he will teach you things you have not known or had access to and that will increase your importance. Be generous with your wealth. You have the power to do much good in the world. I do love you very much, my child. &c. Your father.

When Elizabeth received this letter, she immediately went to her sitting room upstairs for privacy. She was very pleased to hear that her family would be attending her wedding. She was not surprised, though, that her mother was still angry with her. The question was, would she ever stop being angry? Would her mother ever recover from Jane's death and move on with her own life? She was shocked to learn that her mother even considered a visit to Pemberley to try and persuade the future bridegrooms out of the decision to marry their chosen lovers. It was almost laughable to consider that Darcy would be motivated by anything she had to say. Elizabeth was worried about Bingley. She knew that Mrs. Bennet could say enough to make Bingley feel guilty if he was not as resolved to Jane's death as he appeared to be or not as in love with Georgiana as he claimed to be. Elizabeth hoped these things were not true. She hoped her mother would not come, but she resolved to talk to Darcy about it. Long ago he had told her that she should trust him, and she had for all this time, and he had helped her without fail. This seemed to be a time when she needed to trust him.

But first she needed to find him. She went through the house looking in all of the usual places where he might be: the library, the billiard room, she knocked on the door of his private sitting room with no answer, he was not in the drawing room or the kitchen. She asked Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Reynolds, but they had not heard from him. Puzzled, she went outside and circled the house, thinking perhaps he may have gone for a walk, or even for a ride. Usually, though, he told her if he went out riding. And there he was, sitting on a little used bench, in an out-of-the-way alcove.

"Fitzwilliam, what are you doing out here all alone? Are you well?"

"Yes, Elizabeth, I am well."

"What is wrong?" She sat down next to him.

"I am thinking about all the changes that have occurred in my life during the past year, and I am feeling a little insecure, I suppose, and a little guilty for feeling this way."

"You should not have to suffer guilt because of feelings of insecurity."

"I suffer these feelings of guilt, because there is one who has suffered far more than I have, and I am ashamed to admit that my own mind is troubled."

"What troubles your mind, Fitzwilliam?"

"I am soon to be married to a woman I have loved for almost as long as I have known her."

"And does that trouble you?"

"No. I am just afraid that somehow I will disappoint her. That as we become used to each other's company, that the feelings of love will wear away and perhaps I may not love her like I do now, and she may not love me. And my heart breaks at the thought."

"I can see how that would upset you. I am sure that she would be concerned as well. What will you do?"

"I am trying to decide what to do. I do not know yet. But I cannot allow that to happen. I love her too much. I shall never take her for granted. Never."

"I think that is a wonderful place to start. How will you do that?"

"I will renew the memory of our wedding day every day by greeting her each morning with a kiss and holding her close every night."

"What if she becomes angry with you. That might happened at some time. Then what will you do?"

"She is a very strong-willed woman. On the other hand, she is very intelligent. Combined, you come up with someone who is determined to be right, and very likely is. I have my pride to worry about. Will I be willing to let her be right, especially when she is, especially when it matters, and even more so when it does not? I cannot, I will not let anger and bitterness ruin our love. I just hope she feels the same."

"I am sure she does." Elizabeth was both touched and amused by this conversation they were having, Darcy talking to her as if she was not there. That being the case, she could not help asking him,

"Fitzwilliam, tell me about this woman you love."

"Her name is Elizabeth Bennet, and she is from Hertfordshire. I met her when she was staying with her sister at my friend's house. Her sister was gravely ill. Elizabeth stayed with her night and day, loving her and nursing her. I could see it in her eyes, the desperation setting in as the end approached for her sister. What made it worse was that her mother blamed Elizabeth for her sister's ill health. When her sister died, Elizabeth's mother would have nothing further to do with her, would not even allow her to return to her home. Elizabeth is loving, caring and gentle. I have seen her with my sister, Georgiana, when she has emptied her heart and soul, and Elizabeth helped her unload a burden that had been weighing on her shoulders for months. No one else could have done that. She has made me smile when I never thought to smile again. She has made me love when I thought I would never feel such a feeling again. She has also caused me to fear."

"How did she do that?" said Elizabeth, quite concerned now. This was not at all what she had expected to hear from him.

"One day while her sister was ill, there was an assembly near my friend's home. While there, she was confronted by her mother, and forced to flee the room. She ran off in the direction of the house, in the dark, in the cold. I went after her, finally catching up with her. She was scared, cold and disoriented. I cannot bear to think what would have happened to her had I not found her. I knew I had strong feelings for her, but it was at that moment that I knew that I loved her, and it was also at that moment that I knew I could have lost her."

"Oh Fitzwilliam."

"And in the spring, she became ill, I believe it was with some sort of nervous complaint. It was very serious. She could not speak, and I believed she could not understand. She could follow some instructions. If left to herself, all she would do was sit and stare out the window. By now, I knew that I was just waiting for her mourning period for her sister to be completed before I asked her to be my wife. And all of the sudden, she was taken from me. I was scared. How could this have happened? How could Elizabeth be inside that body, but be unable to talk, to act, to think, to be with me? But no matter. I was determined. I knew that I loved her, and so I would take care of her. She would stay with me for the rest of her life. I would sit with her and talk to her. I told her all about my feelings for her. I thought she could not hear me, so I spoke every word. One day, all of the sudden, she came back. She turned to me, she touched my cheek and said, 'Thank you for finding me.' I almost cried."

By now Elizabeth had tears running down her cheeks. She never knew this about Darcy. She had never imagined how he must have felt. Everything that had hurt her had hurt him. He had a kind, tender heart, easily affected, not like the hard image he sometimes showed to the world in general. How could she ever love him enough?

"So you see, she means the world to me. I cannot live without her. I do not know how to treat her well enough. I always want her to love me the way she does now." He looked at her with just the hint of a smile at the corner of his lips.

"Fitzwilliam, if you always tell her you love her, and kiss her every morning, and hold her close every night, I think you will do a lot towards having a long lasting love affair with her."

"Thank you for listening to me, and for your advice. May I ask for one more thing?"

"If it would be proper."

"May I kiss you?" He leaned towards her. She could feel his breath on her cheek.

"What would your lover say to that?" Her heart was pounding in anticipation of what was to come.

"I don't think she would mind." He took her chin and turned it towards him and brought his lips so close to hers they were touching as she said,

"I don't either."

Chapter 23

Posted on Friday, 6 December 2002

"Fitzwilliam," said Elizabeth to him one day, "I find myself troubled regarding news I received recently from my father. I do not know what to do with it, or if anything should be done."

"Would you care to share this news with me, my love?"

"Well, yes I would. My father told my mother about our wedding. He accepted our invitation, and he and two of my sisters will be coming."

"That is good news, Elizabeth. What can be wrong?"

"He told me that my mother may intend to travel here to confront you with all the reasons why you should not marry me in hopes of breaking off our engagement. She intends to talk to Bingley also, to accuse him of being unfaithful to Jane, to fill him full of guilt, in hopes of breaking off his engagement to Georgiana. I am afraid of the results."

Darcy stood and went to Elizabeth and took her in his arms.

"Elizabeth, nothing in the world that anybody can say will make me change my mind about loving you or wishing to marry you. Please do not fear. That ring you are wearing belonged to all of the Darcy wives for the past three generations and you will be the fourth. Do not be afraid on my account. She has treated you horribly. She should be worried that she may not gain admittance to the house. I will not allow her to continually be hurting you in the manner that she does. When she does come, I will not let her see you, is that agreed?"

"Yes, I will stay away and not come down unless you send for me. But what about Bingley? I fear he could be hurt by what she could say about Jane. I do not want anything to happen to disturb his happiness with Georgiana. They do not deserve this. They have dealt with Jane in their own way, but the topic is delicate, and they do not need it raised in such a harsh manner."

"I will not allow Georgiana to see your mother, either. You two remain in your apartment when she comes. I will speak with Bingley. And remember Elizabeth, my love," he smiled at her and kissed her nose, "she may never come, you know."

Elizabeth crinkled up her nose and laughed. "Of course, Fitzwilliam, you are right, I guess I am overreacting. It is just that I feel we, all of us, have found so much happiness here at Pemberley, that I do not want it ruined by anyone, even if that person is my mother."

"Elizabeth, I will protect us and ensure that our peace of mind is not affected. She cannot be any worse than my aunt Catherine, whom you have thankfully not met yet."

"Thank you, love."

All worries regarding Mrs. Bennet had long been forgotten, until one day in the middle of September, she came. Since the problem with Mr. Tuesby, the servants had been instructed that any callers were to be asked to wait in the entryway until Mr. Darcy could be found, and that he alone would receive callers. But Mr. Darcy could not be found, and this woman insisted that she was Miss Bennet's mother, so the servant felt it would be harmless to show her into the drawing room, where Miss Bennet sat with Miss Darcy. Later that day, this servant had a new position in the stables.

"Mama!" said a very surprised Elizabeth.

"Well, it is the proud Miss Lizzy, too good to take care of her own sister! And who do you have there with you, Miss Lizzy?" Mrs. Bennet asked with sneer.

"Mama, this is Miss Georgiana Darcy."

"Ah, the little chit that is trying to take Mr. Bingley away from Jane. He will never love you! Never! His heart is lost to my daughter Jane! For your own good, give him up. You are nothing to him." Mrs. Bennet could not believe her good fortune: the opportunity to put that conniving girl in her place before it was too late for Jane.

"Mama! Please do not speak to Miss Darcy is such a manner! None of that is true! Mr. Bingley loves her very much, and they are to be married in November. He loved Jane, but Jane is gone, Mama. He cannot love her forever."

"Mrs. Bennet, please...I...it is not my...I do not mean...If Jane..." Georgiana stammered, looking Mrs. Bennet as if she had seen a ghost. "Oh, Lizzy, it is true, is it not?" Tears began streaming down her pale cheeks. "He does not love me. He cannot love me." Georgiana sat back down on the sofa. "Oh, my life!" she whimpered.

Elizabeth moved to sit by her. How could she let Georgiana think such things, but how could she stop her mother? She felt wretched. Where was Mr. Darcy?

"Miss Lizzy, let her suffer. She deserves it."

"Mother, I insist that you leave this place immediately. No one wants you here. I do not want you here. Please leave. I shall call for your carriage immediately."

"Oh, no Miss Lizzy. Not until I have had some words with Mr. Darcy. I must warn him of the trouble he is inviting on himself by this sham of a marriage to you. How dare you raise your eyes to him? He deserves a wife worthy of his admiration and respect. No one can respect you. You ignore the wishes of your family, allow your sister to die while you are out dancing and shamelessly flirting with officers. If not for you, Lydia would never have thought to run off with Wickham, and now she is taken away from me because my brother Gardiner arranged for their marriage and your father allowed it to happen. But of course, you were always your father's favorite. But who gets the last laugh now? You are gone from the house and he remains with no one now. He shall certainly receive no attention from me."

"Mother! You know that none of those things are true."

"Do I? Is Jane still alive? Is my Lydia still at home? Tell me that!" demanded Mrs. Bennet bitterly.

"Jane was too ill. I stayed with her night and day. I did everything for her. Lydia made her own choice with Mr. Wickham, you must see that."

"See that? I do not see that! All I see is a disobedient, disagreeable daughter living in undeserved luxury that should be turned out..."

"THAT WILL DO, MADAM!" roared Mr. Darcy.

The room fell silent. Mrs. Bennet turned to face him with a triumphant look on her face. Elizabeth was shocked to see him. Georgiana stopped crying and looked at him expectantly, not knowing what to do or say.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, again, Mrs. Bennet. If you have anything further to say, please direct it to me. My sister and Miss Bennet will not be able to hear any more of it, as they will be leaving the room now, to go to Miss Darcy's private sitting room. Ladies?" He motioned with his hand to Elizabeth and Georgiana. They obediently and gratefully stood and walked quickly from the room, nearly running by the time they passed Mrs. Bennet, who was standing near the door of the drawing room.

"Please sit down, Mrs. Bennet. Let me call a servant for some tea." Mr. Darcy stood and walked to the door. He motioned to a footman and said two things.

"Please ask Mrs. Reynolds to bring tea to the drawing room. Then find Mr. Bingley and summon him to the library. Tell him that I need him, but cannot attend to him directly."

"Yes, sir."

He returned to the drawing room.

"Mrs. Bennet, I believe you were about to apologize for some unkind remarks that you made to my sister. I have not seen her so distressed in quite some time. I am sure you did not mean it, but I would like to hear your explanation nonetheless."

"Your sister cannot marry Mr. Bingley. I told her so. He is in love with Jane and can never love her. She is nothing to him and never will be. He will always love Jane." Mrs. Bennet said, not quite so sure of herself in Mr. Darcy's presence.

"Mrs. Bennet, she is engaged to my friend. I have given my consent to their marriage after carefully interviewing both of them to determine that they are marrying because of affection for each other, and no other reason. They are to be married on November 28th, at the Lambton church. He loves her dearly. Yes, he did love Jane, and in his heart I believe there is a part of him that still does, but unfortunately, your daughter has passed away, and life must go on without her. She would have wanted him to be happy. She was a happy person herself, one of the best people I know. Do not take that memory from her by denying my friend his own new happiness."

Mrs. Reynolds brought in tea and poured out a cup for each of them.

Mrs. Bennet continued on, but in a subdued tone, "You must know, sir, that Miss Lizzy allowed Jane to die. She did not care for her. You will be marrying someone unworthy of you, undeserving your attention. Please do not lower yourself. Please do not ruin your reputation. Please do not honor her. She did nothing I asked. She was out dancing when her sister was dying. How could she do such a thing? Tell me that, sir. How could any sister do such a thing? She killed Jane!" Mr. Darcy seemed to unnerve her, to captivate her. She was unable to remember all that she was going to say to him. She was unable to preserve her anger. He charmed her, like snake before it bit its prey.

"Mrs. Bennet, in marrying your daughter Elizabeth, I will be marrying the best person I know. But please, Mrs. Bennet, please sit back for a moment. I know this distresses you. I can tell you why my fiancée", he stressed the word, "was dancing that night." Mr. Darcy paused, took some tea, and paused again, allowing Mrs. Bennet time to relax back on the sofa and to calm herself. She submitted to his silence and power. She was unable to speak.

"Miss Jane was being attended by a physician from town, as well as the local apothecary. Miss Elizabeth was acting as their nurse. She was with Jane at all hours of the day and night, day after day, night after night. She was ceaseless in her efforts at helping and loving Miss Jane. At one point, there began to be concern over Miss Elizabeth's health, and the physician from London thought an evening out at the officer's ball would be enjoyable to her. The physician, the apothecary, and one of the housemaids sat up with Miss Jane while Miss Elizabeth was gone. Miss Elizabeth really had no desire to go to the ball, but she had been instructed to go by the physician from town, to refresh herself, so that she could better serve Miss Jane. That is all."

"Mrs. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth was very hurt by the things you said to her that night. Distressed and appalled would be better words. When she ran out of the assembly room, she was on her way back to Netherfield, on foot, cold, and alone and in the dark. If I had not gone after her, I do not know what would have happened. She was not in a good condition when I finally caught up to her. She was crying, yelling your name, her skin was cold to the touch, and she was disoriented. I do not think she would have made it back to Netherfield. I think you would have had two mourning rings to wear, and the first one would have been for Miss Elizabeth. You did a terrible thing that night, Mrs. Bennet."

Mrs. Bennet was discomfited. She was not used to being rebuked, let alone by a person younger than her, but she held her tongue. Mr. Darcy was too intimidating to challenge, and Mrs. Bennet's conscience was beginning to be pricked.

"Miss Jane was very ill. The physician did all in his power to save her, but to no avail. He said her ailment was of a peculiar kind that a person was not likely to recover from. There was never any hope. Miss Elizabeth did all she could to make Jane comfortable. She loved her, cried with her and stayed with her. There was nothing else that Miss Elizabeth could do more than that."

"Mrs. Bennet, I love your daughter very much. She is the kindest, gentlest, sweetest woman I know. Almost all of this must be to your credit as a mother. I am grateful to you for raising such a daughter. It grieves me that you two are alienated from each other, particularly at such a sad time. I know you both loved Jane very much. I have been a daily witness to what Miss Elizabeth has had to suffer from as a result of Jane's death. I can imagine that as a mother, it has been horrible for you, and that words do not describe it."

Mrs. Bennet started to weep. Darcy watched her in silence, allowing her to feel her pain and regret, knowing there was no other way for her heart to begin to heal.

"Oh Mr. Darcy, I loved her so much," she said between sobs. "She was so beautiful. I am sure she was to marry Mr. Bingley. She always was so kind. Everybody loved her. I miss her so much." She continued crying. Darcy could not help but be touched at the feelings of a desperate mother. "Oh Mr. Darcy, what have I done?"

"Mrs. Bennet, nothing that sincere conversation and true love cannot repair. Miss Elizabeth has equally grieved over her estrangement from you. She has never understood it. She has come to accept it, however."

"Do you think she would come back with me to Longbourn?"

"I will not allow it. She will remain with Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley until we are married, but you are very welcome to attend our wedding. I am sorry, but I cannot part with her. Not now. And frankly, I do not believe that you deserve her."

"I suppose you are right, Mr. Darcy. Please apologize to your sister for me. I do not think I should stay any longer. I am going to return to Longbourn now." And with that, she left the house and entered her carriage, which had been called for by Mr. Darcy, before he had first entered the drawing room.

"Georgie, please, sit down with me." Georgiana had been pacing the floor, crying to herself. She had been overwrought with grief. Elizabeth was shocked at her reaction. She seemed to be mourning Bingley. She sat down on the sofa with Elizabeth, who leaned over and gave her a hug, then held her hands.

"Georgie, you can listen to three people: my mother, Bingley, or you. I remember you once told me that I should not listen to my mother, that she was only trying to hurt me, and that I should trust you, instead. Remember? You told me to trust you,"

Georgiana nodded.

"Now, what does your heart tell you about Bingley?" asked Elizabeth, softly, slowly and carefully.

"That he loves he." Georgiana whispered.

"What about your brother? Do you trust him?"

"Yes."

"Your brother never would have consented to Bingley's proposals if he was unsure of Bingley's regard for you. Do you doubt that?" asked Elizabeth.

"No."

"And what about me? Do you trust me?"

"Oh yes, Lizzy, you know I do."

"Very well. Then I want you to know that I am convinced of Bingley's love for you. He adores you." Elizabeth let this news sink in. "And most importantly, do you trust Bingley? Be honest with yourself. Because if you do not, you should not marry him."

"Oh Lizzy..." Georgiana burst into fresh tears and ran off into her bedchamber.

Elizabeth did not go after her. She stayed seated, and felt a tear trickled down her cheek, as she began to fear for herself and Mr. Darcy. Oh why, oh why had her mother come and ruined everything? Why was her family always taking away everything that was dear to her?

"Bingley, Elizabeth's mother was just here. She confronted Elizabeth and Georgiana, alone, and I am afraid she hurt them both deeply. When I finally found out that she was here, I hurried to intercept her, but it was too late. Georgiana was in tears, looking absolutely shocked. Elizabeth was trying to comfort her, and Mrs. Bennet was going on about how Elizabeth was a disagreeable, disobedient daughter."

"Where is Mrs. Bennet now?"

"She is on her way back to Longbourn. I did talk to her, and I think she did soften her feelings somewhat. She has been overcome with sadness due to Jane's death, and acknowledges that she has not acted reasonably with regard to Elizabeth. She asked me if I thought Elizabeth would go back with her to Longbourn. I told her that I would not part with her, and that she, Mrs. Bennet, did not deserve her. Surprisingly, she agreed."

"Now that is a miracle. What about Georgiana and Miss Bennet?"

"I interrupted Mrs. Bennet's tirade and sent them off to Georgiana's sitting room. I am quite concerned for them both, more so for Georgiana than for Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet was trying to convince my sister that you were in love with Jane, that you could not possibly love her and never would."

"But that is not true! I must see Georgiana. Would you send for her, please?"

"Very well. Be gentle with her, Bingley." Darcy warned.

Elizabeth opened the door and took the note from the tray. It was addressed to her, and was written in Darcy's strong hand. She was relieved to see it. She shut the door and sat back down.

My dearest Elizabeth,

I want you to be reassured of my love for you and want you also to know that there is nothing that can ever be spoken by anyone that will ever change that. You are precious to me above all the treasure of the earth.

Your mother has returned to Longbourn. Please feel that you can move about the house safe and unmolested.

Bingley is heartsick for Georgiana. I have related to him some of what your mother said to her. He asks you to convince her of his love for her, and begs her to join him in the library, where he will wait for her all night, if he must.

I remain forever yours,

FD

If Elizabeth felt relief at the sight of his missive, she felt a complete weight off of her shoulders at this assurance of his love for her. She was secure in the knowledge that he had not been affected by her mother's words. She was safe, her future happiness untarnished. She felt her loyalty for him increase at the thought of him confronting her mother and defying her accusations. She began to cry out of sheer relief and joy.

But poor Georgiana. Bingley wanted to see her. Elizabeth knew that Georgiana must see him, that it was absolutely necessary, that her faith in him would be restored, that he could disprove her mother's horrible words, that Georgiana's troubled heart could be stilled. Elizabeth composed herself for the task at hand. Georgiana must not see her cry. She would interpret it the wrong way.

"Georgie, I have received a note from Fitzwilliam. My mother has left the house to return to Longbourn. She will not bother you again."

"I am glad she is gone, Elizabeth, but she has hurt me. Does my brother still love you?"

"He sent his me a note with two purposes. One is to reassure me that he loves me, and the other to ask me to convince you that Bingley loves you, and to tell you that Charles is in the library waiting for you, and that he will stay there all night, if he must, in order to see you."

"Lizzy, do you really think he does love me? How can he? Jane was so beautiful, so kind. Of course he loves her. How can he possibly think of me?"

"Georgie, you once told me that you did not want to take his life away, but wanted to share his life. A small part of that life will include Jane, I imagine. He will not pine after her. He is committed and devoted to you. It is not worth wondering about what about what would have happened if Jane had not died. Both of our lives would be different, but she is gone, and now Bingley is yours."

"As for myself, I have to wonder if Fitzwilliam would have noticed me long enough to have fallen in love with me and find me at Longbourn. What if he had not? Could I have ever loved another? But it is a question I must not try to face, even though it requires me to ignore Jane's death. Jane is gone and I am to marry your brother. There are no 'ifs.'"

"I suppose you are right. It just hurts. I wonder if he would still love me if she were alive, or if he regrets loving me, or if I am not as good of a person as she was."

"Georgie, those are hard feelings to deal with. The only thing that may help you is time. Time spent with Charles. You should not feel pressed to marry so soon as November if you are not comfortable. Perhaps a longer engagement would be better, to give you a longer time to know your heart. But I believe that if you were to search the rest of your life for love, you would not find it in such a loving, devoted man as you will find it in Mr. Bingley."

"He is a wonderful man, Lizzy."

"He is waiting for you, Georgie. Would you like to see him?"

"Yes, I would."

Chapter 24

Posted on Monday, 9 December 2002

Bingley paced between the fireplace, the door, and the window. He had not an idea how Darcy was able to just stand there and look out the window, but it was a habit of his. Would she come? Had Mrs. Bennet ruined his best chance for love? Miss Bennet and Darcy were strong people. This disturbance would not upset their relationship. If anything, it would give them a chance to escape into a corner of a room, supposedly unnoticed, to 'talk' about it. But Georgiana was a delicate person, full of thought and reflections. Bingley felt she had suffered much in her young life. He was worried that Mrs. Bennet had poisoned her against him. Well, he would keep on loving her until she changed her mind.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Bingley said.

A servant opened the door, and Georgiana timidly walked in, followed by Elizabeth. All four were frozen to the floor. Elizabeth was looking at Bingley, and Darcy was looking at Georgiana. Darcy broke the silence by walking over to Elizabeth. He took her hand, kissed it gently, opened the door and led her through it. He shut it behind them.

"Georgiana, please. I love you. Mrs. Bennet is wrong. She had no right to be here, no right to disturb our happiness."

"But Mr. Bingley, how can you love me after having loved Jane?"

He winced at her formal address. "I have committed my life to you, Miss Darcy. I cannot help you with what might have happened. All I can help you with is what is happening now."

"What is happening now, Mr. Bingley?"

"I am scared to death that I am losing you. That somehow, you no longer love me or trust me. That Miss Bennet's mother has somehow come into this home and ripped you from my side. And that through that means, two people that belong together are going to be alone. And it is a crime that this should happen."

Georgiana started to cry. It was a crime. And she felt like the victim. As he crossed the room to take her in his arms, she turned her back on him. She did not mean to. She had been rocking herself back and forth on the balls of her feet, and had tripped over the hem of her gown. Her foot became twisted in the material and she ended up facing the other way. It was to be a tragic mistake. He stopped his progress towards her.

"I thought you loved me, Miss Darcy." He spun on his heel, left the house, and ran to the stables, saddled his horse and road off. He had not said a word to anybody. When later asked, nobody knew where he had gone.

'I thought?' What does he mean? "Charles, I do l..."

And then the door slammed shut, and Bingley was gone.

Georgiana ran to the door and threw it open, but he was nowhere to be seen. She ran down the hall to the entryway. She asked the servant there if Mr. Bingley had passed by. He replied that Mr. Bingley had just ran passed. Georgiana went outside, but could see no one. She waited for a moment, and then from the far left of the house a rider came out of the stables and who went up the road towards Lambton. It had to have been Mr. Bingley. What happened? She sat on a bench and cried bitterly, swearing to herself she would never love again, that the pain it brought on was just too great.

The good servant became alarmed. Miss Darcy never behaved in this manner. He left his post and walked towards the drawing room. He cleared his throat and Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy parted rather quickly from each other.

"Mr. Darcy, please excuse the interruption, and forgive me, but may I speak a moment with you in private, in the hall, sir?"

"Yes, of course," said a flustered Darcy, still straightening his cravat.

As he moved through the door, he shut it behind him.

"Sir, your sister is on the bench in front of the house, crying. I believe it concerns Mr. Bingley, who took his leave, just prior to her coming out, without saying a word. He did not ask for his horse or carriage, but went to the stables himself. I saw him riding off towards Lambton."

"Thank you."

Darcy walked quickly to the front of the house. There was Georgiana. She did not even notice him as he came near her. He sat down on the opposite bench.

"Georgiana." He said softly.

Between sobs, she said, "I do not know what happened. He suddenly left the library. I was going to tell him I loved him. He slammed the door and left. I saw him ride away."

"Did he say where he was going?" asked an alarmed Darcy.

"No, he just left. What have I done, brother? Why did Mrs. Bennet ever have to come? Why is everything ruined?"

"Everything is not ruined. There is some kind of misunderstanding. It is has been a day of high emotions. I will find Bingley. All will be well in a few days. Let me take you to Elizabeth."

Elizabeth was shocked to hear what happened, especially after seeing their reaction to each other when she entered the library. Eventually, Georgiana stopped crying, but there was little that Elizabeth could say to comfort her. She just did not know what to think. And she was worried about Bingley. She was shocked that he would dare think of leaving in such a manner and not tell anyone where he went. Darcy had immediately gone after him, towards Lambton, but it was getting dark. Hopefully the cool air would clear his head. Of all the things that could have happened as a result of her mother's visit, this is the one she feared the most. She always felt that she and Darcy could weather any kind of opposition to their relationship that Mrs. Bennet could throw in their way, but Georgiana was not so strong. Neither was Bingley. Their relationship had not stood the test of time and struggles. This was just too much too soon. Mrs. Annesley joined them in the music room while Elizabeth played on the pianoforte. Georgiana was too shaken to do anything other than sit under a blanket. She refused to go to bed, saying that she did not want to be alone.

Darcy knew that Bingley had quite a head start on him, but it was getting dark. This was not at all like Bingley. But then, he had never seen Bingley in love before. He had no idea what happened, but it had to do with Mrs. Bennet. He had never seen two people so happy together as Georgiana and Bingley. He remembered how she had fought for his consent when they were discussing her marriage. Yes, she loved him. And from the conversation of that same evening, he knew that Bingley loved her. Things could not be allowed to go along like this, and these two obviously were not going to be able to work it out alone. No surprise, they did not get into it alone. Curse that Mrs. Bennet.

Darcy stopped at the Inn at Lambton. He went inside and inquired after Mr. Bingley. He was lucky. Bingley was in a room upstairs. Darcy showed himself the way and knocked on the door.

"Go away, Darcy."

Darcy opened the door to find a half-dressed Bingley nursing a bottle of brandy, sitting next to the fire. Nursing was not the right word. He had drunk half the bottle.

"What happened, Bingley."

"Why do you care? You have your Elizabeth. Nothing bothers you."

"I love you and my sister and want to see the both of you happy. You will live close to us at Hillcock Manor."

"I am going to London tomorrow. I will find a new solicitor to sell the place. I am not coming back here, ever." Bingley was working very hard at holding back his tears.

"Bingley, tell me what happened?"

"We were talking. She started crying. I started to go to her, and she turned her back on me. I told her, 'I thought you loved me, Miss Darcy.' And then I left as fast as I could."

"Well, when you were leaving, she was turning back to tell you that she loved you. She had tripped over the hem of her gown. You were so upset, Bingley, you did not give her a chance."

"Oh, Darcy," said a dejected Bingley. "I am so sorry. What have I done now?"

"What am I going to do with the two of you? How can you let Mrs. Bennet take away your happiness?"

"She will be happier without me. All I do is cause her pain."

"No she will not. You have caused her some pain this evening, but Mrs. Bennet is the source of all the problems. Put that bottle down and get dressed. I am taking you back to Pemberley right now."

"I cannot bear the thought of seeing her, Darcy."

"Well, you are going to have to, because this misunderstanding has got to be cleared up. She is devastated, and so are you. She has come to realize that wondering what would have happened if Jane were alive is not an exercise that matters. And I hope that you are going to learn to trust her and give her credit for being a mature woman, regardless of her younger years. You two are perfect for each other. You have got to maintain the 'each other' at all costs."

"If Fitzwilliam can bring back Bingley tonight, will you agree to see him? I think you should. I think you neither of you should not go to bed with this hanging over your heads. I am so sorry about my mother, Georgie. I know you do not deserve it. Let us go to the drawing room and see what luck Fitzwilliam has."

"Very well, Lizzy"

It took about and hour and a half to get back to Pemberley, due to the lateness of the hour. The ladies heard the gentlemen come, but their footsteps receded up the staircase. A servant brought a note to Georgiana.

Miss Darcy,

I beg of you to please forgive my hasty departure earlier. I know I gave you great pain, and I know it was all a misunderstanding. My friend Darcy found me at the Inn at Lambton and has brought me back. We are cleaning up and will be down to you shortly, unless you send me word that you do not wish to see me.

Georgiana, I apologize for all my immature behavior. I am sorry for not loving you enough that you have had cause to doubt me today. I will do better. Please forgive me.

I promise to love you always.

Charles

Georgiana took the note and handed it to Elizabeth with tears in her eyes. Elizabeth read it with a smile. Finally! She went over and hugged Georgiana and told her that everything would yet be fine.

The gentlemen came down to the drawing room. Bingley decided that the less words spoken today, the better. He walked over to Georgiana, put an arm around her waist, a hand on her face, and kissed her like his life depended it. She responded to him willingly, knowing her life depended on him. Darcy and Elizabeth left the two alone, satisfied that this struggle would soon be over.

Bingley broke away from her first. "Georgiana, you must let me ..."

She put a finger over his lips. "Shhh. Please kiss me again, Charles."

Charles leaned his head down to her willing lips and kissed her again. He felt her love course through his body, confirming what Darcy had told him, that she loved him, that she no longer entertained any thoughts of what things would be like if Jane were still alive. Her kiss told him that she thought only of him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself close to him. She parted her lips and allowed him to deepen the kiss. She felt as if she had never kissed him before. The sensations of being loved by him were so new, so wonderful. How could she ever have doubted him. As he ran his hands slowly over her shoulders and back, she resolved never to doubt his love again, never to challenge his commitment to her, never to wonder again if he really loved her.

"Charles, I am so sorry. Please allow me to tell you this. Please allow me to stay how sorry I am that I confused you and made you angry with me. It was not my intention to hurt you. I am sorry I was uncertain about your love for me. I promise I shall never be again. Please forgive me, please do not leave me again."

He left one hand around her waist and with the other began to stroke her cheek.

"My love, it is all my fault for trying to be angry, for not being willing to listen to you, for not giving you a chance to talk to me. I did not realize the torment in your heart. I did not trust you. I did not love you enough. I will spend the rest of my life proving to you that I do love you and that I am worthy of your love."

"Charles, I do love you." She leaned into his open arms. Her mind finally felt at peace. As for Bingley, his pride was humbled by the love and trust being showed to him by this woman in his arms. He would ever be grateful to her brother, who with much patience, pulled him out of his selfishness, and brought him back to his sister. Darcy trusted him with his sister. He would live up to that trust.

Both couples were grateful that the rest of September passed away quietly. October was to be an exciting month, for on the 21st, Bingley was to take possession of Hillcock Manor. Georgiana was familiar with the road between Hillcock and Pemberley. She and Bingley had taken Darcy's curricle there many times to look at the place from the outside. It was a new home, only 50 years old, built in the Palladian style. Henry Repton had left his touches on the house and grounds. It would be a pleasure to live there. Georgiana considered herself to be the most fortunate girl in the world. During one of these rides, Bingley asked her,

"Do you think you will miss Pemberley? You have lived there all your life."

"Well, I have spent a considerable amount of time in London. But I will miss Pemberley. I have such memories there of my father and brother. I never knew my mother, you know, but my father would tell me all about her."

"You will have no memories at Hillcock."

"I know. But I will have the chance to start making new ones. There will be you, Charles, and all our children. There will be so many things that we shall do together, and I will strive to remember them all. I will tell the children about their grandparents. It is sad to think they will have no Grandpapa to hold them on his knee and tell them stories of his youth. Fitzwilliam will have to do as well."

"Yes, I bring no grandparents to our marriage, either, and unfortunately, I am not too happy about their choice of aunts, at least on my side of the family. You should know that I have not invited any of them to the wedding."

"Charles, you did not!"

"It is true. I become ill watching Caroline fawn over Darcy, and I am not going to subject Miss Bennet to such treatment on her wedding day. I am sure we will all meet in London, and they will of course be invited for short stays at Hillcock along with the Darcys, but I am not going to tolerate that behavior from her any longer."

"Well, Charles, I have always been uncomfortable with her behavior towards Fitzwilliam. I know he does not like it."

October 21st finally came, and the four friends traveled by coach to Hillcock manner, where they were met by the housekeeper and several servants, all who had traveled from London. Bingley gave them a tour of the house, or at least as much as he could remember, then they explored around the rest of it. There were plenty of guestrooms, and the master suite was wonderful. It appeared that it had not been redecorated in many years and Georgiana and Bingley agreed it must be refinished before they could comfortably occupy the rooms. While they were drawing up their designs, Elizabeth and Darcy continued on alone.

"Elizabeth, would you not like to have a new house?"

"Yes."

"You would?"

"Of course, sir, I would not want to remain at Longbourn for the rest of my life."

"But you have not been at Longbourn for almost a year now."

"But it is still the only house I have. I have only remained at the places where I have lived as a guest, at the will of the owner, without any rights or privileges. Yes, I would very much like a home of my own."

"I have never considered you as anything but the mistress of Pemberley since the day you arrived there."

"That is very generous of you, Fitzwilliam, but hardly the case."

"But still, that is the power you have had over me."

She walked over to him, put her arms around his neck and spoke to him in his ear, "Then I am glad of it, Mr. Darcy." He started to kiss her neck. She began to squirm a little until they heard their names being called out by Georgiana.

"You will absolutely love our rooms when they are finished, Elizabeth. We decided to leave all the furniture, and just do the walls and the floors in lighter colors. Charles thinks they can have all the work done in a few months. We will find someone to help us while we are in London on our honeymoon. Is that not wonderful?"

"Yes it is, Georgiana. How do you like your new home?"

"I like it very much indeed. It is a wonderful place to live. Oh, I shall miss Pemberley, but I shall like being Mrs. Bingley and living at Hillcock very much." She took Bingley's hand and kissed it with a gleam of love in her eyes.

Darcy just smiled at her. He was sad, though. His little sister had grown up.

Chapter 25

Posted on Monday, 16 December 2002

Bingley traveled daily to Hillcock, usually with Georgiana. He had decided, at least for now, to retain the steward and principle staff members of the household. He met with them for hours to catch up with the affairs of the estate so he could assume his place as its master. And Georgiana decided to be bold and began to visit the tenants in the parish. At first she was shy and had to force herself to speak. Some people thought her proud, but found that a confusing idea, because if she was, why had she come to visit? Gradually, and with practice, she taught herself a series of questions to ask, and how to respond to some anticipated answers. It was not the fluid conversation one would expect from a lady, but Georgiana was making an attempt to enter the lives of the people she felt she would be responsible for, and was going to lengths to know them.

Eventually, some of the tenants caught on to what she was doing, but the question still remained, why was she coming if she was not sincere? They could only attribute it to shyness. They began to pity her, and started to go to great efforts to make her feel comfortable. Georgiana understood this to mean that they were desirous of being her friends and was immediately able to relax in their presence. From that time forth, her visits were anticipated with a true desire to see her, and when a tenant family stood in some sort of need, they felt comfortable asking her for help or direction. She would take no action on her own, but would take their troubles to at first Mr. Bingley, and later, to her husband, to let him decide what was appropriate. She knew to not interfere in the business of the estate, but would rely on him and the goodness of his heart when she came to him with the personal matters of troubled tenants. The sweetness of her heart endeared her to these new friends, who found her a welcome change to the proud Lady Beecham, whom they did not miss at all.

"Bingley, I have something I would like to show you."

"I would love to see it, Darcy."

"Good. Please come with me to the library."

They walked into the library. Darcy motioned for Bingley to sit down as he bolted the door. Darcy went to a set of books on a shelf and removed them to a table and opened a panel. Inside the panel were several boxes, which he brought out and set down before Bingley.

"These are my mother's jewels. They belong to Georgiana, except for this necklace and ring. My mother left them to me to be a gift from her to my wife, whoever she may be. I will give Elizabeth the necklace the night before we are married, so that she may wear it at our wedding. She already has the engagement ring. This ring goes with it."

"They are beautiful, Darcy. I do not know what to say."

"These jewels have been in our family for many years. They came with my mother on her marriage from her father, and now they go with Georgiana on her marriage to you. These jewels are nothing compared to her, Charles. Please take care of her."

"I will, Darcy."

November passed quickly. The days were full of preparations for the wedding or assisting Bingley at Hillcock. Tuesday was to bring the arrival of her father, Mary and Kitty.

"Fitzwilliam, tonight is to be our last evening of peace and quiet until we are married. Do you not find it strange that we should be taken from each other by the demands of other people, as we come close to our wedding, instead of being allowed to spend more time together, in preparation for the sacred state of matrimony?"

"It is strange, if you say it that way. I am very selfish, and have not had to share you with anyone for the past months, and I am not looking forward to the demands other people will place on you, even if they are your family."

"I am so glad they are coming, Fitzwilliam, I have not seen them in so long. Please do not think I love you any less."

"Of course I will not," he said, drawing her close to him. "Let me show you." He kissed her, with love, yearning and with a little fear. Fear that somehow she might disappear, and that all of this might be a dream. Every night he prayed that it was real.

The carriage that Elizabeth had been waiting for finally was heard approaching the house. She hurried out to meet it. As it came to a stop, the door flung open and Kitty came flying out, then Mary and her father.

"How wonderful it is not to be cooped up in that carriage. I thought we would never get here. Lizzy, what a wonderful house this is, and this is all to be yours?" asked Kitty.

"I am very glad you are all here. You are all very welcome." responded Elizabeth.

"I am very proud of you, Lizzy," said her father.

"It is so good to see you again. Thank you for coming." She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"How are you, Mary. Does your Mr. Collins still love you?" asked Elizabeth.

"Yes, very well. I am looking forward to your wedding so I know what to expect at my own," said Mary.

"I know what you mean. I felt the same way at Lydia's wedding."

"But you were not engaged to Mr. Darcy then."

"No, I was not. But I had great hopes that I would be. Let us all go into the house so I can show you to your rooms."

"Miss Georgiana Darcy, this is my family, Mr. Bennet, who you have met, Miss Mary Bennet, and Miss Catherine Bennet. They will be staying with us at Pemberley through next Monday. They know that we will both be leaving on Saturday after the wedding breakfast."

"It is a pleasure to meet you. You are all welcome to Pemberley. I am so happy that you could attend Elizabeth's wedding, and that you will be there for my wedding, also. Miss Mary, I understand that you are to be married soon. I hope that this is a special occasion for you as you anticipate your own wedding. Miss Catherine, I hope that we can be friends. Elizabeth tells me that you are to stay with her and Mr. Darcy during the spring and summer. I hope you will often visit us at Hillcock Manor."

"Thank you, Miss Darcy," responded Kitty.

As for Mary, she felt like she had peers in Elizabeth and Miss Darcy, as a bride-to-be in a short time herself. Her wedding was scheduled for the middle of December.

"Mr. Darcy is out on estate business right now. Perhaps you would take pleasure in the library, Mr. Bennet. Let me take you there right now," offered Georgiana.

"Thank you, Miss Darcy. I have heard a great deal about the library at Pemberley."

The four ladies removed to the drawing room. Georgiana called for tea.

"Miss Mary, I understand that you will be marrying Mr. Collins, the rector of my aunt Catherine's parish."

"Yes. He is my cousin. He is very proud of his relation to your aunt. He is quite attentive to me. He visits about once a month, from a Monday to a Saturday, so I see him as often as possible, though not as often as I would like. I have not yet been to Kent, to his home in Hunsford, which is next to Rosings Park, as you know. I will not see it until we are married. He tells me it is a nice parsonage, and that he is making improvements to it for my comfort. He has said something of shelves in the closets for the rooms upstairs. I hardly know what he means, but I am grateful for the attention, all the same."

"I am so glad you are marrying him for affection. There are so many who marry for convenience or are forced into arranged marriages. I understand it is a good match for your family, also. I am pleased for you. To marry for love and make a good match as to fortune is the best there is. I congratulate you. I am sure you will be very happy. My aunt can be a little overbearing, but she means well, and will treat you well. I think you will be happy in your situation. It is a long way from Hertfordshire, fifty miles I believe. But even that distance can be traveled from time to time."

"Thank you, Miss Darcy. Yes, we hope to be able to visit still in Hertfordshire, and hope that my family will visit us. The parsonage is not large, but will admit one of my sisters and her husband at a time."

As this was a message to Elizabeth, who had no intention of taking Darcy into Kent, at least to the parsonage, she changed the topic. "Kitty, have you heard from the new Mrs. Wickham?"

"Only on two occasions. She says that married women are too busy for writing much. She is always in a violent hurry to be off to this place or that. She did mention the dinner with General Rothwell. She said that is was rather dull, but hoped that officers would be more lively without the General around."

"Lydia is Lydia still, I see," commented Elizabeth.

"I am shocked that she would still be chasing after officers now that she is married. I find it to be inappropriate, Lizzy. When I look back at my own behavior over the past year, I am not satisfied with it," said a repentant Kitty.

"Well, Kitty, all of us have much to learn in our lives, and some lessons are harder than others. I am pleased to see you have changed. And I agree. Mrs. Wickham's behavior is not quite right."

"How did the wedding go, Lizzy. I wish I had gone," said Georgiana.

"I believe it went well. I was very distracted with my own thoughts," said Elizabeth with a smile.

Georgiana looked at her with a confused expression on her face that quickly changed to one of understanding.

The rest of the week passed by with preparations for the wedding breakfast. Mary and Kitty jumped right in with Mrs. Reynolds, leaving Elizabeth with as little to do as possible so that she could enjoy Mr. Darcy. To get away from all the noise of the preparations, they often joined Bingley and Georgiana on their daily excursion to Hillcock.

"Elizabeth," said Darcy, "Jane died one year ago today."

"I know. I cannot believe it was so long ago. So much has happened to me since then." She turned to face him. "Fitzwilliam, I could not have survived this year without you. I know that you have saved me on more than one occasion, and that all my happiness is due to you. Thank you very much. Thank you for loving me. I do not deserve it."

"It has been a difficult year for you. I admit I am very much looking forward to seeing you in the new clothes you bought you for your trousseau. I think you will be very pretty in the light, colorful patterns. As far as having saved you, somehow I know you would have survived without me. You are a very tenacious woman. What dependence you placed on me at the beginning of our relationship is a testimony to me of your early trust and affection, even if unknown to yourself. I was extremely grateful to be able to help you in any way I could. I was so happy to be connected to you in just the smallest ways. To have shared a part of your life in any way possible brought me the greatest satisfaction. I loved you then, and all those things, became for me, endearments from you.

"It must have been horrible for you," cried Elizabeth.

"I love you enough to get beyond anything for you. As far as you not deserving it, you are the most deserving woman there is. I could not imagine myself ever loving another. I feel bound and committed to you already, for I took my vows for you at Wickham's wedding. I repeated the words of the ceremony, but substituted our names instead of theirs. I remember looking at you the whole time."

"Fitzwilliam, I did that, too. In two days we will have our second wedding, then. You are too good to me, Mr. Darcy, just too good. I do not know what I would do without you."

But she did know what she would do with him. And so did he. He gathered her up in his arms and began to kiss her ears and cheeks. She reached around his neck and pulled herself close to him.

Their lips met in a tender kiss that expressed their love and commitment, and seemed to last...

...and last. Finally, the priest had to clear his throat to get their attention. With a final quick kiss they parted, though still holding hands.

The priest continued: "O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual Grace, the Author of everlasting life; send thy blessing on these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made (where of this Ring given and received is a token and a pledge,) and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

"Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder."

Then the priest addressed the congregation. "Forasmuch as Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, and Charles Bingley and Georgiana Darcy, have consented together in holy wedlock, and witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

She was now his. The wait for her was over. He could bear with patience the prayers and scriptures of the remainder of the service.

Elizabeth never would have imagined the joy that she now felt was possible a year ago. The day after Jane's death had been so black, the pain so great. She had a new best friend now, someone who loved her even more than Jane ever could

Mr. and Mrs. Bingley led the way down the center of the chapel to the doors. Elizabeth was walking behind them when she heard someone say to her,

"Congratulations, Mrs. Darcy!"

She reveled in the appellation. She was proud of her new name, of her new husband. How could she not? For he was the best man that she knew.

Darcy handed her into the carriage waiting for them outside the church, and sat next to her for the five-mile trip to Pemberley.

"Elizabeth, my love, thank you for marrying me," said her husband.

"Oh, Fitzwilliam. You have made me so happy." He put his arm around her and she leaned her head against his shoulder. He took her hand and drew circles on the back of it with his fingers. She felt a penetrating warmth from his touch. Her skin tingled where he touched her. Elizabeth's thoughts took her, with a smile, to places that would formerly have been forbidden. She thought he did not notice her blush as they passed through the shade of the large trees marking the road to Pemberley.

"Mrs. Darcy, may I ask of what you are thinking?"

Elizabeth was caught. What could she say to him? She reached up and stroked his face. He was hypnotized by her touch. All he could think of was the sensation of her fingers as they moved around his face and neck. Her skin was so white. He let his finger glide across her shoulders and along her collarbone, and up along her chin, and behind her ears. She looked up to him with a complete sense of trust, surrendering herself completely to him. He was overwhelmed.

"Elizabeth, you are the greatest of all of God's creations, and once again I say, thank you for marrying me."

She took his hand with both of hers and kissed it. She kissed each finger, gently and slowly, never taking her eyes off of him. When he could stand it no more, he collected her in his arms and gently pressed his lips to hers, whispering to her how much he loved her and appreciated her. With a tear in her eye, she greeted his kiss with anticipation and gratitude. Gratitude that he loved her despite her faults, gratitude that he would choose to marry her and accept her into his life, gratitude for the passion he so willingly expressed for her that she could not get enough of. She opened her lips and he deepened the kiss as his hand freely roamed the curves of her body.

The ride to Pemberley had never seemed so short before.

Epilogue

Posted on Monday, 16 December 2002

The Darcy's left the wedding breakfast as soon as they could. They were only interested in each other, and this interest could not be satisfied in the company of others. The ride to London passed like a dream. Mrs. Darcy entered the townhouse as its mistress. Somehow it seemed different this time, not arriving as a displaced guest. The joy she felt in the embrace of her husband cannot be described.

Mr. and Mrs. Bingley stayed in London for a month before returning to Hillcock Manor. Georgiana stepped into her roll as its mistress without difficulty. When Darcy had estate business that could not be put off, Elizabeth went to Hillcock to visit Georgiana and help her with her duties, and accompany her on visits. Georgiana was loved by every one in the parish and soon excelled at her duties. The estate flourished under Mr. Bingley's careful attention.

The Darcy's attended the wedding of her sister, Mary, in December. Elizabeth did not want to share Darcy with anyone, so they arrived at the Inn at Meryton only the day before the wedding. Her mother said very little to her. Mrs. Bennet was quite wrapped up with the wedding, and Elizabeth was unsure of what to say. Darcy was determined to prevent a recurrence of anything like the scene that occurred at Pemberley in September, so he refused to allow them to be in the same room together without his presence. Elizabeth did not mind. She could hardly do without him. They returned to Pemberley after two days.

Elizabeth gave birth to a daughter the following year. Mrs. Bennet did not travel to Pemberley for the occasion, though her husband did. Before Elizabeth's second child was born, Mrs. Bennet died. She and Elizabeth were never reconciled. Elizabeth did not ever return to Longbourn again. Her father came to visit her and the children at Pemberley.

Elizabeth and Darcy kept their marriage fresh by remembering their wedding each morning with a kiss and holding each other close at night. For them, the magic of early love never wore off, and to each other, they always remained dearly beloved.

The End