Epilogue #2
The dinner that night proved pleasant, with Georgiana returning from her musical excursion full of enthusiasm about the Viennese pianist and his innovative compositions.
Her confidence in expressing her opinions, even when they differed from conventional assessments, illustrated how thoroughly she had flourished in the past year.
“Herr Müller’s interpretation of Bach was most unconventional. Some listeners found it excessively emotional, but I thought it revealed aspects of the composition that more traditional approaches might miss.”
“Innovation in interpretation keeps music alive,” Jane said. “Though I confess my own playing has been neglected of late. It is difficult to practice when one can no longer comfortably reach the pianoforte keys.”
This drew sympathetic laughter from the table.
The conversation flowed comfortably through topics ranging from local affairs to London gossip to agricultural innovations Bingley was considering for Netherfield.
Throughout the meal, Elizabeth caught Darcy watching her with such tender concern that she feared their secret might be obvious.
However, both Jane and Georgiana appeared too engaged in their own conversation to notice his particular attentiveness.
After dinner, Georgiana offered to play for them in the music room.
As she performed a piece by the composer she had heard that afternoon, Elizabeth observed the tableau before her: Jane resting comfortably on a chaise, Bingley beside her with his hand protectively covering hers; Darcy standing near the pianoforte, his expression reflecting genuine pride in his sister’s accomplishment; Georgiana herself playing with emotion that transformed the room through the power of her music.
This was what she had come to value.
Later, when their guests had retired and Georgiana had gone to her chambers, Elizabeth found herself drawn once more to the rose garden where everything had changed a year earlier.
The night was clear, stars scattered across the velvet darkness, their light supplementing the nearly full moon that silvered the landscape.
She had been there only a few minutes when she heard familiar footsteps on the gravel path. Darcy appeared, having shed his formal evening coat for a more comfortable dressing gown.
“I thought I might find you here. Are you well? You should not catch cold in your condition.”
Elizabeth smiled at his immediate concern. “The night is quite warm. I wanted a few moments in this place.”
They sat in companionable silence for a time, the gentle splashing of the fountain providing soothing background to their thoughts.
“I received a letter from Lady Catherine yesterday.” Darcy’s tone was carefully neutral. “She has asked permission to visit Pemberley in August.”
This news startled Elizabeth. Since their confrontation during the early days at Pemberley, Lady Catherine had maintained frigid distance, ignoring their existence except for occasional barbed comments reported through Colonel Fitzwilliam or other relatives.
“That is unusual. Did she offer any explanation for this sudden desire for reconciliation?”
“She cited Georgiana’s coming debut next spring. She feels obligated to provide guidance on the London season despite her continuing reservations about our marriage.”
“How generous of her.” Elizabeth couldn’t quite keep irony from her tone. “Though I suppose any movement toward reconciliation should be welcomed, particularly with a new generation about to join the family.”
Darcy’s arm tightened around her at this reference to their child. “I have not yet replied. I wished to consult you first, as her visit would affect you at least as much as anyone.”
Elizabeth surprised herself. “I believe we should allow her to visit.”
“Really?” he asked.
“It should be immediately apparent if her intentions are as she says or if she schemes to drive a wedge between us. I doubt she wants Georgiana to ‘dishonor the family’ among society, no matter how much she may despise our union.” Elizabeth rubbed his hand.
“We have limited time to spend on the follies of conflict between blood relations now. If Lady Catherine has decided to see reason or at least stay silent in her judgement of our marriage, then tolerating her presence on occasion will be easier than dealing with her starting fires of disapproval all over England. However.”
“However?”
“Should she insult us directly, she must leave. I will not tolerate her disrespecting our family.”
“Her visit may be a short one, then.”
“So be it.” Elizabeth said this with more finality than her vows.
Darcy pressed a kiss to her temple. “I shall insist on certain conditions regarding her behavior while at Pemberley. Your comfort and well-being take precedence over family duty.”
“We should return inside.” He rose, offering his hand to assist her. “I would not have you catch cold in your condition.”
“Such concern. I am with child, Fitzwilliam, not made of sugar that will dissolve in the first raindrop.”
“Indulge me.” A smile that still made her heart beat faster. “I have only just begun to accustom myself to the idea of fatherhood.”
“Very well.” Elizabeth slipped her arm through his as they began walking toward the house. “Though I warn you, I shall not tolerate excessive coddling in the months ahead. I intend to remain active as long as my condition permits.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
The End.