Epilogue
Pemberley, four months later
A large carriage loaded with luggage rode along the path towards Pemberley House. Inside, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, together with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, spoke animatedly while the children looked outside with curiosity and impatience.
“I cannot believe how large this park is,” Mr. Gardiner exclaimed.
“It is one of the largest and most beautiful I have ever seen,” Mrs. Gardiner replied. “And you cannot imagine the beauty of the house. I have been inside only once, when I was a child, but I never forgot it.”
Mrs. Bennet glanced through the window and breathed in deep satisfaction.
“Well, the Collinses and the Lucases keep talking about Rosings Park, to which they are not even connected. Surely, it cannot compare with Pemberley —which happens to belong to my daughter. I cannot wait to tell all this to Lady Lucas!”
“I look forward to seeing Lizzy,” one of the children exclaimed.
“As we all do, my dear. We have not see them since they were in Town two months ago. Oh, Sister Bennet, what a wonderful ball Lady Matlock hosted for her and how beautiful Lizzy was. Lady Hardwick was also in attendance; only Lady Catherine de Bourgh was missing from Mr. Darcy’s relatives.
She and Jane were the most beautiful ladies there —and you must know there were at least fifty people, all from among the ton! ”
“Lady Catherine is very angry with Lizzy and with Mr. Darcy. Lady Lucas has told me that many times, as she hears it from Mr. Collins and Charlotte. I could not care less for her since my Lizzy is now the mistress of Pemberley. But a ball, dear sister, I would have loved to participate. Sadly, my nerves would not allow me to go by myself, and Mr. Bennet is so opposed to balls that one would think he is a savage!”
“I am not a savage —only a reasonable man who does not travel in the winter through blizzards and snow for a ball. I was perfectly content that Darcy and Lizzy stopped to visit us on their way home, though for only two days.”
“Indeed, I cannot understand why Lizzy remained in Town only a month instead of enjoying the entire Season. Even Mrs. Philips declared that it was rather strange.”
“They are newly wedded, sister. “It is only natural that they wish to be by themselves. I believe they would never leave Pemberley were it not for the social obligation of introducing the new Mrs. Darcy to London Society.”
“I wish that at least one of my daughters would stay in Town for the entire season, and Kitty and Mary join them. Having two such wealthy brothers-in-law and such lovely connections, I am sure they would easily find good husbands. I look forward to seeing them both —I cannot believe they have not been home at all since Christmas.”
“Well, they visited Pemberley for almost two months. And now that Jane and Mr. Bingley have purchased an estate in Derbyshire, it is only natural they would help Jane to accommodate, especially since she is expecting her first child,” Mrs. Gardiner said warmly.
“Of that, I am very glad,” Mrs. Bennet declared.
“I cannot wait to visit Jane next week. And I am so happy that Jane invited Lydia and Mr. Wickham too! I have missed my youngest daughter exceedingly. Mr. Wickham, not so much since I know he was ungrateful to Mr. Darcy and Lady Hardwick. I do not need any details to remove him from my heart.”
“I wonder whether Lizzy is at home,” Mr. Bennet said.
Mr. Gardiner glanced at him suspiciously.
“Brother Bennet, you did inform Mr. Darcy that we would arrive a week earlier, did you not? I specifically asked you about that several times.”
“Not quite. I thought we should surprise them. After all, he sent me the carriage.”
The Gardiners and his wife were all astonishment.
“Surprise them? We are four people and two children barging in!”
The gentleman waved his hand.
“Do not worry. Darcy told me I might come whenever I want without any special invitation. So I find it only natural to came when he least expects us.”
The unexpected arrival of Elizabeth’s family took everyone by surprise, but the joy and the warmth of their reception were not lessened in the slightest. Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as Georgiana and Lady Hardwick, were happy to see them.
From the first day, Mr. Slade became a familiar presence and an equal favourite of the ladies and gentlemen in attendance. They were soon joined by Colonel Fitzwilliam, and the party was completed by the visit of the Bingleys, Mary, and Kitty.
To everyone’s delight, Elizabeth had planned balls and parties for Easter time.
Even Georgiana —comfortable in the midst of the extended family, more self-confident, and wrapped in her brother and sister’s felicity —happily took part in all the plans. There was only one exception to the universal excitement —or perhaps two.
Mr. Bennet spoke little but paid attention to everything around him.
Aside from the beauties of the estate, his heart was touched by the loveliness of his favourite daughter and the special glow in her eyes, enhancements that could come only from happiness.
He noticed the way Elizabeth and Darcy escaped the others as often as they had a chance, stealing private moments away from everyone.
They were always close so they could touch, whisper, and smile at each other, and their gazes searched for and held each other’s across the room if they happened to be apart.
The face of the once aloof and haughty gentleman brightened when he glimpsed his wife, and Elizabeth beamed under the intense stare that bothered her so in the past.
His concerns forever vanished, Mr. Bennet wished little but to be left in the seclusion of the Pemberley library, and his son-in-law joined him whenever he could escape from his responsibilities as host. Neither of them liked large gatherings, and neither enjoyed balls and parties, but both bore everything bravely for the sake of their loved ones.
One day as they hid from the party and enjoyed a drink and a little conversation, Elizabeth entered with a large smile and a playful glance and sat between the two favourite men in her life.
“Have you come to scold us for our absence, my love?” Darcy kissed her hand.
“No indeed; I came to spend a little time with you both. Papa, I hope you are enjoying your time with us. You are always so silent that I am not certain of your thoughts.”
“You may be certain, my dear. Can you not see how content I am —and how proud of you? Almost as much as I miss and grieve your departure when I am at Longbourn.”
Elizabeth embraced her father and placed a kiss on his cheek.
“Papa, I miss you too. Fitzwilliam might tell you that I speak of you constantly. If I had you here with us all the time, I would wish for nothing more.”
“You should not say that too often, as I might give you another surprise,” Mr. Bennet joked tearfully. “Although I doubt your mother will ever leave Meryton unless she can bring Mrs. Philips and Lady Lucas with us.”
Elizabeth stayed with them a few minutes, continuing the same teasing conversations they used to have at Longbourn, then she returned to their other guests.
Darcy accompanied her to the door, and before they left, their lips touched briefly in a kiss that Mr. Bennet pretended not to notice.
Darcy resumed his place near his father-in-law and poured him a little more brandy.
“You and Lizzy are still a surprise to me, Mr. Darcy. I know you explained to me all the details of your past when you were last at Longbourn, but I still find it hard to believe that you complete each other so well. You have both changed —in a good way. I would dare say you have found excellence in marriage.”
Darcy smiled; a private thought brightened his eyes and softened his handsome countenance.
“I would rather say we found happiness in marriage, Mr. Bennet.”