Epilogue
Pemberley, five years later.
The windows of the master suite were open, and the din of voices and laughter from outside caught the attention of the master and mistress. It was a warm, bright September day, perfect for staying outdoors.
Still, Darcy and Elizbeth were inside. He embraced his wife tightly and claimed another passionate kiss before they walked out onto the balcony.
Even with the house full of guests, they were careful to snatch some time for intimacy and always stole some private moments.
Their appearance brought more joyous cries and waves from the children that were playing under the supervision of their governesses. Near them, on comfortable chairs, Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Jane Bingley and Mrs. Gardiner were watching.
The gentlemen were all out, fishing, only Darcy preferred to remain at home, spending a little time with his wife.
His preference was already well known by his family and accepted by everyone with a smile of understanding.
Mr. Darcy never neglected his guests, his family, his duties—but his wife was always the most important to him.
Only his son—the young master Andrew Bennet Darcy, now four years old—occupied a similar place in his heart.
The former Miss Georgiana Darcy was absent from Pemberley, as she had just married Lord Crawford and joined her husband at his estate. She was dearly missed, but her happiness in marriage was a comforting compensation.
Mary was also happily married to the clergyman at Lambton. Sharing her steady nature and love of books and music, Mr. Dawson proved to be an excellent match for Mary and they were expecting their first child.
Lydia was already the mother of two, and she often visited one of her sisters, together with her children, spending more time with her family than with her husband, who was always too busy to travel.
Jane and Bingley had purchased an estate only thirty miles from Pemberley, making Derbyshire their new home, much to Mrs. Bennet’s displeasure.
In the five years of their marriage, the Darcys’ love for each other had deepened and strengthened, while their passion and yearning for each other had never diminished.
Their complete understanding and mutual support helped them carry all the responsibilities that they never hesitated to take upon themselves.
With the help of their friends and family, and the support of the charitable ladies of the ton, they succeeded in building and running two boarding schools—one near Oxford, on Lady Matlock’s estate, and the other one near Lambton, in an old house purchased by Darcy.
There were a total of 25 children—boys and girls—as well as some family members, under Darcy’s protection.
What made these places different from other similar locations was that the children, either orphans or from poor families, were not just offered shelter and food but also an opportunity to learn and to acquire skills that would be useful in making a future living.
And even more importantly—they were offered care and affection and taught how to share it further.
The six children saved from Lord Walford’s house had all been reunited with their families.
Darcy provided the parents and eldest siblings employment in the new schools as gardeners, maids, cooks and seamstresses, to the advantage of all parties involved.
With patience, affection and protection, the children improved and slowly opened themselves to a new way of life.
However, despite playing and learning to read, write, or sing, growing stronger and more confident, they never spoke of the tormenting times of their life to anyone, not even to each other.
It was a time of sorrow that only time and prayers could heal.
Darcy and Elizabeth visited both schools as often as possible and they were always received with joy and gratitude. Mr. Darcy, a man once considered severe, cold and aloof, was as kind, warm and affectionate as the children’s protector, as he was the best master and the best landlord.
The Lambton School benefited from its proximity to the Darcys. Mary was a regular teacher and supervisor there, while Elizabeth, Jane and Georgiana—before her marriage—were regularly present.
Mr. Barrington's youngest son was assigned to manage the Matlock School. As the son of Darcy’s old solicitor, the young Mr. Barrington—a lawyer too—worked hard to raise the school to the level expected by the trust granted to him.
On one visit to the Darcys’ home, he had met Miss Kitty Bennet—who had come to visit with Miss Darcy—and had been immediately charmed by her beauty and joyful disposition.
He properly courted her, with Darcy’s approval, and they became engaged a year ago.
They were ready to marry soon, releasing Mrs. Bennet’s last trace of concern.
Lord Walford had never returned to England, and his whereabouts were still unknown.
He had travelled to France, then to Italy and that was the last Darcy had heard of him.
Madame Claudette had remained in London, but moved to a more modest shop.
Despite the rumours, she managed to keep her business and had slowly regained some of her clients, although the most honourable ladies never visited her again.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh never accepted her nephew’s marriage.
She and Anne met the Darcys only once, on Andrew’s third birthday, but even then they stayed at the Matlocks’ estate.
However, Anne secretly communicated with them, through Georgiana and Lady Matlock, proving she was not holding any grudge.
“Come, we should join them,” Darcy told his wife.
Elizabeth watched the image of joy for another long moment. On a blanket, surrounded by the other children, Emily—now a young lady of thirteen years old—was reading and explaining something to the younger ones.
“Andrew is fascinated by Emily,” Elizbeth smiled. “And she is as caring and affectionate to him as a sister.”
“All children are fascinated by Emily, it seems,” Darcy replied with the same large smile. “Mary told me that every time she goes to school, the other children are cheered by her presence. Mary suggested that Emily has a desire to become a teacher.”
“I am sure Emily would be able to do anything she set her mind to,” Elizabeth said. “She excels at science as much as at the pianoforte or at horse riding.”
“I confess I am amazed at the accomplishments she has acquired at such a young age. She has an extraordinary aptitude for learning and desire to improve herself.”
“But I believe what is even more praiseworthy is her big heart and the affection she so readily spreads around her. Do you know that she still checks on Andrew during the night, as she used to do when he was an infant? Just to be sure he is well.”
“Yes, I know. I have caught her several times,” Darcy smiled.
“I am very pleased to see the bond between her and Andrew. I could not hope for a better companion for him, even if she is much older. Emily has grown to be a remarkable young girl, and it is all due to you, Elizabeth. She always says you are her guardian angel—and it is true.”
“No, my love, it is entirely her own merit. I have done little but allow her good traits and excellent character to grow freely. That was the inheritance left by her mother. Although she has never returned for her daughter, Patty Moore has reason to be proud. I still hope she will return one day.”
“We will pray for that. Until then, we will keep our promise to her and give her the affection and care she deserves and that she so readily returns to us. I am glad she does not doubt that anymore.”
“Emily has long learned to never doubt your word, Mr. Darcy. We all know you always keep your promises, you have proved that so many times” Elizabeth said, reaching for another kiss.
“Elizabeth?”
“Yes, my love?”
“I still fear to imagine how my life, Georgiana’s life, Emily’s life and the lives of all the other children would have been if I was not blessed with your love.
If you were not my wife. When I think of everything that has happened and how easily I could have ruined everyone's chances at happiness...”
“And why would you imagine such a thing, my dear Mr. Darcy? Did I not share with you my philosophy about the past the day you proposed to me for the second time?”
“You did, and I must learn to follow it thoroughly,” he replied hoarsely. Then he captured her lips twisted by a teasing smile into a final kiss, just before they left the apartment.
In the corner of the empty room, hidden under an armoire, there were a pair of boots—manly boots but of small size, as if for a woman’s feet.
He had promised to order them for her in the first week of their marriage, and he had done so.
She was already on her third pair, as she had ruined the first two on long walks around Pemberley Park—just as he had told her she would.