Epilogue
From his library window, Darcy looked outside at the large party gathered by the lake. Laughter and joy sounded all over the house and surrounding grounds, like never before. So much din, so much unrestrained cheerfulness and festivity had rarely been seen at Pemberley in its entire history.
The Bingleys, the Bennets and the Gardiners had arrived at the end of May, bringing all the animation that Pemberley lacked. Liveliness was all that Pemberley needed–all that he needed–and Elizabeth generously offered it as part of herself.
His marriage to a completely unknown daughter of a waggish country gentleman had been a shock to his family and to everyone in town who was acquainted with him.
There had been rumours and speculations; thus, Elizabeth was received with reservation.
He could not blame their reluctance, as the marriage had been a surprise even for him.
When he had left London for Netherfield he never imagined he would return married.
But he did – and that had been the best decision – for him and for many others.
Elizabeth was kind, joyful, determined to learn from everyone and everything, diligent in complying with her duties, and fair and generous with their staff and tenants.
She genuinely loved Georgiana–who simply adored her–and she grew close to the rest of his family too.
Reserved at first, the Matlocks grew fond of her and Lady Matlock’s support in the face of London’s society had been strong and steady during the two and a half years of their marriage.
Now, Elizabeth needed no help to prove her worthiness.
She was Mrs. Darcy–accepted and admired, honouring her name and her position.
To him, Elizabeth was his love, his pride, his joy, the better half of his soul, the better half of his mind.
For a whole year he had selfishly kept her mostly to himself.
He valued and fought for their privacy, whether at Pemberley, in London or in Hertfordshire.
They fulfilled their duties, they made calls, joined parties and balls and hosted several others, but each other’s company was their best means of happiness.
Now, for almost five months, he had shared Elizabeth’s love with the wonder of their lives–their son, William George Darcy, who was now laughing, nestled in his mother’s arms.
Young William had melted even the bitter, frozen heart of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who had refused to speak to any of them for a long while, until the news about the new heir was sent to her.
Only then did she agree to visit Pemberley briefly, while she stayed with the Matlocks.
She even held the beautiful, smiling boy and declared he looked exactly like the Fitzwilliams–a statement that made everybody smile, since he was the image of his grandfather, the late Mr. Darcy.
Lady Catherine did not forget that Elizabeth had stolen her nephew, but Anne kept a regular–yet secret–correspondence through Georgiana with both her cousin and his new wife.
Startled by a new burst of voices and laughter, Darcy saw Mr. Bennet holding young William and caressing his other two grandsons–the Bingleys–who were enjoying the sun.
After 5 daughters, he was now content to have 3 boys around and gladly made the effort to play with them for a while, when he could bear to abandon his books.
Every time he came to Pemberley, Mr. Bennet barely left the library, unless he was pushed outside by his favourite daughter or his grandsons.
Darcy’s relationship with Mr. Bennet became even stronger over time and their affection and mutual respect were as powerful as a true bond of blood.
Darcy helped Mr. Bennet improve Longbourn’s situation, but not too much–as the gentleman insisted in jest. He refused to leave Mr. Collins–now married to the former Charlotte Lucas–a too successful estate.
Mrs. Bennet was still the happiest woman in the world, with two most worthy son-in-laws and three lovely grandsons.
The youngest Bennet sisters were good friends to Georgiana and they all benefited from that companionship.
Mary was now wedded to a Mr. Harry Price–a worthy, hardworking young lawyer, acquainted with Mr. Gardiner. Lydia and Kitty spent their time either in London or at Pemberley with Georgiana, or with the Bingleys–who had purchased an estate only thirty miles away from Pemberley.
Under Elizabeth’s example and guidance, Georgiana’s old shyness turned into a most charming reserve and modesty much admired by everyone.
And–most importantly– Georgiana learned how to laugh–loudly, wholeheartedly–and to enjoy life.
She seemed to have forgotten the sad incident with George Wickham–a man whom she had lost track of two years ago.
On the same day that he proposed to Elizabeth, Darcy disclosed the truth about Wickham’s character to his colonel at that time, as well as to Mr. Bennet and to Elizabeth.
Wickham had not been allowed around Longbourn ever again but, despite Colonel Forster’s careful observation, he managed to elope with Mary King, a young lady who had inherited a dowry of ten thousand pounds.
Her uncles followed them and helped with discovering the couple and Darcy offered his support in that quest. Mary King had not been allowed to marry him and her uncle was determined to kill Wickham.
From that day, he ran away and he was not found, despite Darcy’s insistent searching.
Darcy praised the Lord every day that his sister’s indiscretion had not ruined her future, although it made her reluctant to seek any man’s company.
She showed no sign of intending to marry, although many eligible young men struggled for her attention.
Georgiana was now pleased to spoil her new nephew and to lie on the grass, surrounded by the two Bingley toddlers and the Gardiners’ children.
Both Georgiana and Elizabeth noticed Darcy at the window and, while the former took William in her arms, the latter slowly walked towards the house.
He smiled, waiting for her. With each moment, he felt her come closer and thrills chilled his spine in anticipation of seeing her. In that, nothing had changed since they married. He loved her so much that he often wondered if he deserved so much happiness.
The door opened and she entered. Her sweet scent made him dizzy; before he had time to rise, she walked to him. She stopped near him and his arms closed around her. For a moment, she glanced outside, to be sure everything was well, and then slowly drew the curtains and sat on his lap.
“I need only a moment of silence and peace; a moment with you alone,” she whispered, lowering her lips to his.
“I need a lifetime with you,” he replied, their lips joining in a passionate, breathtaking kiss that only left them yearning for the privacy of the night.
“I have some important news and I wish for your opinion before telling the others. However, I hope you will approve of it, as I have already taken the first steps,” he said, caressing her back.
“What is it, my love?” Elizabeth smiled, her fingers playing with the curls on his temple.
“Dearest, I asked my solicitor to make enquiries and I have received a positive answer. I want to purchase Netherfield and the owners are willing to sell it.”
Taken aback, she withdrew so she could look into his eyes. His arms were still holding her tenderly.
“Netherfield? Why do you need Netherfield?”
He smiled and kissed her again.
“Since Bingley has given it up, it will likely be leased again soon. And I would rather have it. We will still spend time with your family in Hertfordshire, and Longbourn is too small and too crowded for all of us. We need a large place to accommodate so many families. Besides, it is a good estate and I can make it quite profitable. I will ask Price and Mary to move there and to take care of it. He seems very well suited for the job and I trust him.”
Elizabeth was still surprised, trying to understand his reasoning.
“What do you think?” he enquired.
“I could not be happier about your decision. I love Hertfordshire and I hope to visit it as often as we can. And having Netherfield as a second home would be wonderful for everyone. But… are you certain there is nothing more? I can sense you are not telling me everything. I hope there is no reason for concern behind your decision?”
This time he laughed and covered her face with sweet kisses.
“I could never keep any secret from you, even if I intended to. You know me so perfectly well.”
“I should know you, as I have become proficient through practising,” she smiled teasingly. “Since we spent so much time misunderstanding each other, we should compensate for those disturbing times.”
“And so we are, my beloved.”
He kissed her again but she stopped him.
“So? What is the real reason, husband?”
His lips rested on her ear, tantalising it, tasting her skin and slowly moving towards her lips.
“The truth is, Mrs. Darcy, that I am still very fond of Netherfield’s library and I cannot bear the thought that someone else will own it. I plan to spend many other wonderful moments there–and I am sure I can find a way to lock that door again!”