Epilogue
T he matter with Kitty took time to resolve. She protested her ill-use vehemently, causing her aunt no little distress at the upset in her household. Mr. Gardiner worked diligently to find a man who would take a ruined miss with a dowry of only five thousand pounds. Finally, after two weeks of searching, an acquaintance directed him to Mr. Josiah Turner, a forty-year-old mill owner from the north. Mr. Gardiner arranged a meeting with the man.
“Tell me of the young lady,” Mr. Turner said. He spoke solemnly, with no hint of emotion.
“Miss Catherine Bennet is a lively girl, though misguided. She has been indulged by her mother and ignored by her father.”
“And the man who ruined her cannot be induced to do his duty?”
“I am afraid he deserted his military post and is being punished accordingly.”
Mr. Turner nodded. “No doubt you wonder why I might agree to this match. After years of hard work, I have become very successful. My mills provide enough that I may seek a wife. I understand from my friend that Miss Kitty has connections to the first circles.”
“Not exactly,” Mr. Gardiner hedged. “Her half-sisters are the nieces of an earl and engaged to a wealthy men.”
“That is enough. The connection might be slight, but it will do nicely to further my consequence. A gently born wife will help, as well.”
“Will you treat her kindly?”
Mr. Turner nodded. “She will have duties to attend to, and I expect her to fulfil her obligations. But I will not harm her, if that is what you wonder.”
“She is still very young. I beg you to be patient with her as she learns her place.”
Mr. Turner agreed, and the marriage articles were signed. Mr. Bennet informed his wayward daughter of her fate himself. She protested loudly, but eventually agreed to marry a stranger rather than be sent away forever.
Elizabeth and her sisters attended the wedding. It was a small, patched up affair, and neither the bride nor the groom smiled. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley came as well, much to the ladies’ delight. Viscount Mavery also made an appearance. Mr. Turner seemed pleased to meet so exalted a person and demonstrated his gratitude adequately.
“Well, that is over,” Elizabeth muttered to her betrothed as the couple boarded a carriage and departed. “Papa says they will visit Longbourn for a week before returning to the north.”
“Mrs. Bennet will be pleased,” Darcy replied. “Is Miss Younge to return home?”
“My father has agreed to allow Jane to stay until after we marry.” She turned to him and beamed. “Shall we wager how long it takes for Mr. Bingley to come to the point?”
“It will not be long now.” Darcy nodded. Across the chapel, Bingley had taken Jane’s hand and escorted her out the side door. When they returned, their faces were wreathed in smiles.
Elizabeth made Georgiana Darcy’s acquaintance, and they formed a fast friendship. The quiet, shy young lady blossomed under Elizabeth’s attention, and soon they were inseparable.
Jane and Mr. Bingley married in town just four weeks later. Elizabeth and Mary attended with their betrotheds. Bingley asked Darcy to stand up with him, and Jane extended the same offer to her stepsister. Mrs. Bennet came from Longbourn with her husband, complaining that she had not been allowed to plan the wedding. The groom’s sisters came as well, along with Mr. Hurst. Mrs. Gardiner hosted the wedding breakfast. Her large dining room was perfect for the intimate gathering.
Anne de Bourgh also married that summer. She looked resplendent in her wedding clothes and blissfully happy to be marrying the man she loved. Elizabeth attended, as did Mary, much to Lady Catherine and her daughter’s delight.
Colonel Fitzwilliam found much to admire in Lady Mildred Tipton and married her before the summer ended. Her dowry allowed him to sell his commission, much to Lady Matlock's relief. They purchased a small estate and pursued their love of horses, breeding some of the finest mounts in England.
Mary and Elizabeth shared a wedding day, marrying in September. Lord and Lady Elmwood hosted an elaborate wedding breakfast for their nieces. The double wedding was the talk of the ton for months.
As Elizabeth and her husband journeyed to Pemberley, they came to know each other intimately. Her new husband never ceased to amaze her with his love, his honor, and his dedication to her happiness.
Elm Grove was only thirty miles from her new home, thus ensuring that Elizabeth’s happiness was complete. Now she would be close to everyone she loved.
“I am mistress of all this?” she said incredulously as the carriage stopped on a rise above the manor.
“Surely, your aunt and uncle taught you to manage a large household. Are you frightened, my dear?” His teasing brought a smile to her face.
“Not at all. You know my courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me. I can see now that you have every reason to be proud.”
“Ah, but improper pride has no place within me now.” He leaned over and kissed her gently. “But for you, I would still be the same proud, haughty gentleman I was. You have given me everything, dear wife, and I mean to show my gratitude for the gift of your love every day for the rest of my life.”
“Well said.” She tenderly caressed his face. “And may we have many years to revel in our joy!”