Epilogue
Pemberley, nine years later
The bright redness of the roses was the first thing Elizabeth noticed. The flowers were stunningly beautiful, but she closed her eyes, smiling at the handsome image in her mind.
Her maid was pacing around, preparing her gowns, but Elizabeth was not yet ready to abandon her bed. It was empty, but his shape, his scent, his trace were still there on the sheets, on her body, within her mind and soul.
They had awakened together earlier, just when the first sunshine lit the windows. He wanted to be the first to offer her his birthday gift, but she imprisoned him in her arms, and he gladly allowed his wish to be overcome by her desire. She did not need—nor want—any gift but his presence.
He had been by her side for nine years, and every day she wondered at her felicity.
The blessing of their two children—Robert now seven and Cassandra just turning four—increased their responsibility and duty but never diminished the restless passion that enhanced their deep and powerful love.
The children were the centre of their lives, but few days passed without stealing a few private moments for themselves.
Elizabeth could count the instances when they had been separated, as the sorrow of his absence was as vivid as the bliss they shared.
In nine years, she never requested anything from him, as he gave her everything.
She hoped and prayed that she repaid him—at least slightly—and that their marriage had been to the advantage or both.
He often told her that he and Pemberley were fortunate to have her and that she brought liveliness and warmth to the beautiful but cold stones of the manor as well as to his heart.
But Elizabeth knew she was the one who benefited infinitely more—not from his wealth, but from his affection, his wisdom, his knowledge, and his kindness.
His generosity was almost a fault, as he never refused any request even slightly related to her.
He provided advice and support to Bingley, who had purchased an estate for Jane and their three children only thirty miles from Pemberley.
He helped Mary and her husband—a clergyman with a good heart, common sense, and education—to find a living in Hertfordshire.
He even pretended ignorance to her sending part of her pin money to Lydia whenever she had a chance.
Over the years, under Elizabeth and Jane’s support and with the benefit of Georgiana Darcy’s support, Kitty changed and improved, becoming a most admired young lady.
Even Mr Bennet declared his astonishment and approval.
She ended by marrying Mr Hugh Wilson, Bingley’s friend and a successful lawyer.
The Gardiners were close to them in every way. They often visited Pemberley, and when in London, there was rarely a full week without getting together. The boys were now at school under Darcy’s supervision and protection, studying and working dutifully.
Her parents were still at Longbourn with only Kitty close by. Mrs Bennet refused to leave her sister and friends in Meryton, as well as the opportunities to boast about her daughters and their excellent marriages.
Mr Bennet, however, divided his time between Longbourn and Pemberley. Darcy had offered him a large, comfortable carriage by which he could travel comfortably to Derbyshire whenever he pleased.
Darcy claimed he did all of this for selfish reasons. Making his wife happy was his happiness, so he actually did everything for himself. In nine years of marriage, he still had not learned to accept gratitude and refused to admit his generosity to her family and everyone else in his care.
She knew he was doing everything for her—just as she did everything for him.
Over the years, their love flourished—as did their passion for each other.
Their ardent feelings deepened and grew.
They learned to read each other’s thoughts by a mere glance and guess each other’s desires from a little smile.
Their opinions were different on many occasions, and they argued about all kinds of things. But in essentials, they always agreed.
Only one situation ever ended with a fight and two nights of tortuously sleeping apart.
It was related to Georgiana, who had grown to be one of the most admired, talented, and elegant heiresses in Town.
With a crowd of suitors, their darling sister was twenty when she fell deeply in love with Robert Felton, Earl of Surrey and eldest son of the Marquess of Penrith.
He had excellent riding skills, was exceedingly handsome, and had a great inclination for ladies’ company—according to Darcy.
The earl’s admiration and affection for Miss Darcy seemed genuine, but Darcy was strongly opposed to the match.
When Colonel Fitzwilliam—now happily married to the former Miss Emma Godwin—attempted to speak in favour of Lord Surrey, he only began a heated debate that ended unsuccessfully.
In vain, the colonel explained that the earl was too rich and had too good a situation in life to be suspected of dishonourable intentions, but Darcy’s opposition remained strong, as he feared Georgiana’s delicate soul would be hurt by such an insensitive man.
Torn between Georgiana’s silent suffering and Darcy’s stubborn opposition, Elizabeth quickly recollected her own torment from the time she began falling in love, so she hastily chose.
Several times, she tried to convince her husband to at least give Lord Surrey a chance to prove his affection and his worthiness; however, for the first time since they married, she regularly failed.
He accused her of allowing herself to be charmed by the earl’s easy manners and handsome features, while she accused him of being absurd and jealous, and he spent two nights in his own apartment.
Neither of them slept, and neither of them gave up—until the third day at dawn when he entered her room and found her awake, trying to read to overcome her fury.
He put his arms around her, and she could not oppose him for an instant.
The passion they shared till daylight released their bodies and minds, and exhaustion left no room for arguing.
He confessed his fears of seeing Georgiana unhappy; she kissed his worries away with tender lips and comforted him with soft whispers and passionate care.
She eventually won the little war, and Lord Surrey was allowed into their home, but from that moment, eager to protect her husband and sister-in-law from harm, Elizabeth became the earl’s severest critic.
She studied his every glance, word, and gesture towards Georgiana and every other lady with whom they were in company, demanding assurance of his sincere affection.
The couple married three years ago—after a twelve-month engagement—and had a blissful marriage, fulfilled by the birth of their daughter.
Cheerful voices outside interrupted Elizabeth’s musings. She went to the window, smiling at the image of joy spread in the backyard of Pemberley. Children frolicked along the paths at the edge of the lake, carefully guarded by governesses and parents.
Her birthday was always a time of celebration—Darcy insisted on that.
And now that she was turning thirty, even Pemberley seemed crowded with their friends, families, and children: Georgiana and her husband, her parents, her sisters, even Lydia with her two sons—as her husband remained unwelcome—the Gardiners, the Matlocks, and the Bingley sisters with their husbands, some enjoying the lovely weather while others took advantage of refreshments inside the house.
From the garden, Darcy observed her at the window and pointed to her for Robert and Cassandra.
The children cheered and waved, and she responded with all the joy that filled her heart.
Then—as she expected—she saw her husband instructing the children, and they and their governess moved decidedly towards the entrance.
Just as ten years earlier, the thought of soon having him near her caused her heartbeat to race. She glanced at her image in the mirror; she was still in her nightgown with her hair falling loose.
She expected the knock on the door but still startled. Darcy entered; his smile reached his eyes, and she shivered.
“Good morning,” his dear, husky voice said. The maid quickly bowed and left. He stepped closer to Elizabeth and took her hands in his, covering them with soft kisses.
“Maud is still frightened of me?” he asked with amusement.
“Not at all; but she is wise enough to know that, when you enter my chamber, she is not needed any longer.”
“Wise indeed. I hope you need no one else when I enter your room, Mrs Darcy.”
“I have needed no one else since the day you entered my life ten years ago, Mr Darcy.”
His face lit with delight, and his thumb caressed her chin, brushing the corner of her mouth. Her eyes closed, and her lips parted, welcoming his intoxicating taste.
“We are expected downstairs, and I am already late,” she whispered against the sweet assault of passionate kisses.
“Indeed we are…” he admitted.
“And the party for the tenants will start in a few hours,” she continued to oppose weakly.
“True…should I call Maud back?”
“No…not yet,” she replied. “The roses are beautiful. Did I thank you for them?”
“I told you many years ago that I do not wish your thanks, Mrs Darcy. I just want to know they pleased you.”
“You know they do. You know perfectly well what pleases me, Mr Darcy. But I hope you have learned by now that nothing makes me happier than your presence.”
He stopped and looked at her, earnestly and intently.
“My darling Elizabeth, being near you is a privilege for which I am grateful every day. You gave meaning and bliss to my life with your affection, your support, and your kindness—and enhanced it with our beautiful children. I hope you have learned that by now.”
“I have,” she said, smiling and caressing his face tenderly.
“Then I shall leave you now; my selfishness interferes, but I must share you with our guests today. I can only pray for the night to come quickly.”
“I have rarely seen a less selfish man than you, Mr Darcy. But yes, you should leave now; staying even a moment longer would put both of us in danger of ruining your carefully arranged party.”
He kissed her hands and hurried to the door then returned, a slight frown on his face.
“I forgot to inquire: How are you feeling since you turned thirty, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth?”
She replied instantly. “I feel exactly as I have the last ten years, my dear, handsome husband. Ardently loved.”