Epilogue
Pemberley, December, three years later.
Darcy watched the large gathering, his eyes falling upon his wife, as usual. Elizabeth’s beauty and her presence still took his breath away. She glanced back at him, holding their son — a beautiful baby who had just turned one year old.
With her was Jane, holding her beautiful daughter of the same age.
Elizabeth was surrounded by their extended family, as happened every year, in summer and for Christmas.
Amongst all the others, one special addition had shyly accepted the invitation issued after a long hesitation.
Lost in his thoughts, Darcy heard the admiral’s voice and turned to him.
“Thank you, Darcy.”
“You thank me, sir? I have reasons to thank you for at least two lives,” Darcy said.
“I know it was not easy for you to invite Laura and her children to Pemberley.”
“It was not. I admit to my heart still feeling heavy. But not because of her. It is my burden, and I must learn to carry it.”
“And that is why I thank you. The scandal around my daughter has finally calmed down, and even my sister has put aside her grudge. Elizabeth’s support has been of great help to Laura and to me. Only Catherine will never forgive either one of us.”
“That subject is of no concern to me, sir. Whilst I often send my regards to Anne, through Richard, I only have a cousin in Kent, not an aunt.”
The admiral laughed. “Yes, I know you are resentful and that your good opinion once lost is lost forever. Elizabeth teases you often about it.”
“She does, and it is well deserved. I hope my son will resemble her more than me.”
“You mean my godson? Yes, I hope that for him too!”
They watched the scene before them in silence for a few moments, then Darcy said, “Admiral, do you remember when you told me that I should marry a woman who pleased all my senses? Years ago, when we were at Netherfield.”
“Yes, of course.”
“At the time, I did not know what you meant, but now I do. I have felt it every day of my life since I married Elizabeth.”
The admiral smiled bitterly.
“I am happy for you, Darcy. Few men know what it means, and even fewer are blessed with feeling it. I am one of those who does not know, as I have never felt it.”
“I am sorry to hear that, sir.”
“Do not be. Just be happy for you and Elizabeth. So, you agree that, in the end, your hasty marriage was to the advantage of both?” The admiral smiled.
Darcy glanced at his wife, then looked back at his companion. “I do agree, Admiral. Most heartily!”