Chapter XXI #3
“If you wish it,” replied Darcy, “I am amenable to delaying our arrival. I rarely arrive before March anyway.”
“Perhaps we should consider it,” said she.
As the carriage crested the rise on the hill and the house came into view, Elizabeth sighed with contentment. “That view will enthrall me every time we return.”
“No doubt it shall,” agreed Darcy.
“Then, I suppose I must prepare,” said she.
Reaching for her bonnet, she settled it on her head and tied the ribbons, making herself presentable again.
Darcy, who was of the opinion that she looked beautiful regardless of her state, watched and appreciated the view.
Within moments, the carriage stopped before Pemberley’s entrance, and Darcy stepped down before turning to assist his wife.
Mrs. Reynolds, who was waiting for them, stepped forward when Elizabeth’s feet touched the ground.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Darcy,” said she, warmly and without fanfare.
Elizabeth smiled, knowing that his housekeeper had suspected much when they had been there in August. “Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I cannot tell you how happy I am to be here.”
Delighted, Mrs. Reynolds led them into the house, where Gates, the butler, greeted them.
No one else was on hand—the new Mrs. Darcy would meet the rest of the staff later when not fatigued from three days on the road.
Eager as a boy of five, Darcy led her up the stairs to the master suite, but before they entered, he turned to her.
“Welcome home, my dear.”
“You know, when I came in August, I thought that being the mistress of Pemberley would be something, indeed.”
“And now?” asked Darcy, convinced of her love.
“Now, I think that girl was correct, but saw little of the truth. I am so happy to be here, William. My love for you is sure and true—the promise I saw when I accepted you has been fulfilled in every particular.”
“As is mine,” said Darcy.
Then he bent over and scooped her into his arms, carrying her into their chambers, their laughter mingling as they embarked on their new life together.
THAT CHRISTMAS, THE entire extended Bennet family came for the holiday celebration. Mrs. Gardiner was effusive in her pleasure at the invitation, which led the new Mrs. Darcy to tease her in response.
“Did you not request Christmas at Pemberley, Aunt? I am only fulfilling your desires.”
“You did well, Lizzy,” said Mrs. Gardiner with affection. “Very well, indeed.”
The holiday was marked by good food, excellent company, and the joy of the season.
Mr. Bennet, entranced with the library, set the tone for the ensuing years by emerging from it as little as possible.
He made it a point to visit his favorite daughter as often as he could.
Mrs. Bennet was no less eager to visit her daughters than her husband, though she distributed her attentions more evenly, often preferring Jane’s home to Elizabeth’s.
The Bingleys attended that Christmas gathering with everyone else, but by the time they left they had gained a new appreciation for Derbyshire.
Mr. Bingley did not renew the lease on Netherfield after that year, instead purchasing a home in Derbyshire at an easy distance from Pemberley.
That made Mrs. Bennet’s visits more difficult than when they had lived at Netherfield—which was their intention—though not impossible.
Mrs. Bennet did not meddle too much in their lives, so on the whole, two such complying people could not but be content.
The growth of the younger Bennet sisters came by degrees and not in a straight line.
Miss Lydia was determined, but even she eventually yielded to the inducements offered in return for improved behavior.
In time, she came out with Georgiana and Kitty, and the three girls cut a swath through the young gentlemen in society.
Even Mary came out of her shell to a certain extent and participated, though she always preferred solitary pursuits.
In time, Mary discovered that others enjoyed speaking with her when she spoke naturally instead of giving a sermon.
Mr. Bingley’s family attended the wedding, though it was clear that Miss Bingley wished to be anywhere else.
The Hursts appeared genuinely pleased for the happy couples, but Miss Bingley, though she offered Jane every appearance of pleasure and friendship, contented herself with cool civility to Elizabeth.
It was no surprise to anyone when Elizabeth accepted this and did not consider it further.
Lady Catherine never entirely forgave them, though Mr. Darcy’s prediction about her curiosity proved correct.
This was not until after time had taught her that objecting to a marriage already blessed with children accomplished very little.
Fortunately, they were not required to endure her often, for they did not visit Kent, and she seldom came to Pemberley.
From Miss de Bourgh, they received a carefully worded missive congratulating them and nothing more.
Of Mr. Wickham there was not much to say, though no one repined at his absence.
After the militia extracted its pound of flesh, they agreed that there was no place in England for one of his ilk.
Thus, he was shipped away to Van Diemen’s Land to toil away at the bottom of the world.
No one in England, least of all Miss Lydia Bennet, mourned his departure.
As for Elizabeth and Darcy, they lived forever after in felicity, enjoying their family party, which grew in the years that followed. If some in society wondered at Darcy’s choice of an unknown country miss for a wife, Darcy did not care enough for their opinion to give heed to anything they said.
Instead, he appreciated what he had gained, and Elizabeth was relieved that she had seen the true man behind the mask.
And they were both grateful to her aunt and uncle, who by taking her into Derbyshire, had made their happiness possible.
Above all, Elizabeth wondered if she should also thank her youngest sister.
Though she had made a foolish choice, her actions had also led to a shorter period of suspense and hastened Elizabeth’s happiness.
Though the notion was a curious one, Elizabeth decided to concentrate on helping Lydia learn to become the gentlewoman she ought to be.
With her husband at her side, even reforming Lydia must be possible.
After all, Elizabeth had already learned that the most unlikely prospects could sometimes lead to the greatest happiness.
THE END