Epilogue
A Profusion of Happy Couples
The unexpected connection of Bingley’s family to the tale Darcy had heard regarding Captain C.
S. Rotter had proved one of many reasons for the kidnappings.
Money, revenge, and a desire to move up in the world had all played their part for both Bingley and Wickham, though evidence discovered in the days following proved that Bingley possessed a far darker character; his first kidnapping two years prior ending far less happily than this, and a string of innocent young ladies he jilted and men he had beaten each serving to blacken his character.
Naturally, Bingley, Wickham, and Ian found the full effect of justice to be unpleasant: their trials and those of the men who worked with them brief; the verdicts of guilt abounding in sentences of deportation or worse.
Only John, who had helped Mary and Richard time and time again, was spared such judgements, his sentence limited to a year in prison, the couple having done their utmost to have it lessened.
Yet, though the trials held both relief and worry, they, just as the seasons, had their end. A time of joy came with the spring, and before another year passed everything had answered their hope.
“Any sign of them?” Darcy asked as he entered Pemberley’s drawing room, his steps flowing naturally to his wife before he wrapped his arms around her, a soft kiss laid on her hair.
“No,” she smiled up at him, “though with how many travel to be here, I would be astounded if they arrived anytime in the next two hours–my guess would be nearer four.”
“A wager?” Darcy asked, a playful smirk forming. “I should be loath to obtain money from my bride, but a gift to the winner? Such I would accept.”
“I said nothing of a wager,” she stated, her eyes twinkling, “though I agree to your choice–a gift to the winner–but how shall we determine the winner? I think it shall be four hours or more before they arrive, and you?”
“Believe they shall be here within the next three.”
“It seems I have the advantage with such a bet,” she mused, “though I happily accept it. Very well, if they arrive any time between now and a quarter to three, you are the victor. If they should arrive between then and the next hour, we shall count it a tie. And anything after, I earn the victory.”
“Agreed!”
Shaking hands to seal the wager and with a desire for good sportsmanship on both sides, the two set to the task of enjoying what time together they might before their houseful of guests would arrive.
Yet, as their eyes ever drew toward the nearby clock, it appeared neither would set aside their wager fully.
“They have been spotted coming down the drive,” Mrs. Reynolds breathed heavily as she rushed in. “Young Lionel in the gardens observed three carriages.”
Turning toward the clock in unison, Elizabeth let out a light groan as Darcy grinned, the time reading half past two–a mere fifteen minutes having provided him with victory.
“I concede you win,” Elizabeth admitted as she stood, her petulant lips drawing his attention, “though only just. What it shall be remains to be seen, but you, sir, shall receive your prize.”
Drawing her hand to his lips, he whispered, “You are worth more than any prize.”
Her eyes growing soft before brightening in a wicked plot, she lifted her chin, “Then no gift is required? Or perhaps you would accept a twig, or a pebble, in payment?”
Opening his eyes wide in playful shock, he gasped, “A breaker of promises? However can a lady abide that thought? A twig indeed? Let it at least be a branch I receive, if only to keep myself warm by a fire.”
Shaking her head, she wound her arm around his before leading them toward the grand entry.
“I shall do better than that; a breaker of promises indeed. You would have my character thus shamed by your musings? Whatever would my father say when he arrives, or indeed, the rest? Remember, I have protectors in great numbers, and each is to remain under our roof. You sir, had best keep an eye on your lips, for they are bound to get you into trouble.”
“But I would so much rather watch yours,” he confessed as he leaned into her ear, a gasp and playful pinch following.
“And those are the words of a gentleman?” she laughed as they exited their home, the sight of the carriages nearing allowing only one quick response.
“No… those are the words of a man in love.”
Straightening, he made his way to the first carriage, the space inside filled with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and the two youngest Bennets, though Darcy risked a glance back at his wife before welcoming his extended family.
“Welcome to Pemberley,” he greeted, the family disembarking and awing over the house and Elizabeth in turn as Darcy made his way to the next group; the sight of his cousin, Lightcliffe, and their Bennet brides a delight.
“Fitz! Lightcliffe!” he elated, “I see you have brought my sisters safely here… and in time to win my wager at that. I thank you for both.”
“What?” Peters asked as he made his way from the third carriage. “No greeting for me or my Charlotte? Not even one for poor Aldry? We really must find him a wife; he has proven hopeless on that front.”
“Can you believe this man?” Aldry interjected before Darcy might respond. “Two months of marriage and suddenly all the man does is talk.”
“At least one of us has something useful to say,” Peters hushed as he passed, his eyes crinkling as he led his wife toward her dearest friend, the two ladies falling into each other's arms with joyful words.
“A lot has changed,” Darcy awed as everyone began to make their way indoors, the laughter of Aldry ringing beside him.
“Four marriages in five months, that is more than a change, that is anarchy; everywhere I turn there is a profusion of happy couples. Indeed, I fear for the safety of we few single persons amongst us, for love and marriage appear unavoidable.” Taking the stairs quickly, he looked down at Darcy, “A pleasant disease I grant you, though still catching.”
“I shall do nothing to assure you catch it… however, between Mrs. Bennet, Peters, and likely more besides, I cannot promise to protect you. That,” Darcy said as he ascended the five stone treads, “is beyond any man, even our dear Colonel.”
“How can a man in love protect another against it? You and Fitz are crushingly lost!”
“Amusing,” Fitz remarked as he joined them. “Talk like that may well have us putting you in the line of fire.”
“I repent,” Aldry chuckled before turning to Darcy, “Keep this as much as a family affair as you might with myself and the Peters here and I shall be in your debt; for how can love strike if I am not introduced to any young ladies?”
“Brother,” Georgiana said as he entered the house, the jaw of Aldry slackening at the sight of her. “The footman, Rodgers, has hurt his hand–a broken glass it seems. Should I see to him so Elizabeth may enjoy this time with family? It is her role, of course, I only wish to help.”
“I am certain Elizabeth would take no offence,” he answered, his gaze shifting to the happy laughter of his wife as she conversed with family and friends.
“Might I be of assistance?” Aldry offered with a bow, his eyes cutting toward Darcy for approval.
“I assume Mrs. Reynolds will keep you company?”
“She shall,” Georgiana answered, her eyes taking in the man beside him with interest–A pity she had been out a month already; if they had held the house party sooner, this would not have been a consideration.
“Well then,” Darcy sighed. “Georgiana, this is my friend, Mr. Fredrick Aldry. Mr. Aldry, this is Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
“A pleasure,” each agreed, Georgiana turning to take care of her charge, “Follow me.”
Leaning toward his friend before he could leave, Darcy warned, “She is just out, and you know of Wickham… A single action deemed ungentlemanly and I, Fitz, Lightcliffe, and I suspect even Peters and Bennet will see that something as simple as walking is made a challenge. Do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly,” Aldry answered solemnly, though his eyes sparkled softly after Darcy’s sister, “And I would never do anything to harm her… or allow anyone else to for that matter.”
Hurrying after Georgiana, Aldry slowed by her side, an arm proffered in an instant and light words and laughter soon to follow, the man unfortunately, every inch a gentleman; for if he had been otherwise, Darcy might have found cause to tuck his sister safely away, ever to remain a little girl.
But she is no longer a girl, he had to remind himself, his thoughts wistful as he joined their family and friends, and life is never to be the same again.
Viewing his wife with a smile, his heart eased, Change, it would seem, had proved no ill thing. In fact, it had proved rather fine.
No. Not fine.
Perfect.
In all ways, perfect.
THE END