Epilogue
Elizabeth awoke, warm and cosy in her comfortable bed.
The first rays of morning were beginning their ascent outside, shining through a sliver of the bed curtains.
Climbing out, she hurried to pull a soft wool robe over her nightrail against the chill of the morning.
The view beyond the window called to her, so she padded silently over and pushed aside the half-closed drapes to perch on the window seat.
Anticipation kept her eyes focused on the dawning sky, waiting for the early sunshine to dance and shimmer over the expansive, snow-covered lawns.
She never tired of the breath-taking sight.
During the stillness of the moment she reflected on the last six months, starting with the day of Fitzwilliam’s proposal. It had been a shocking, but wonderful surprise to find Jane in the Gardiner’s drawing room.
“Jane, what do you do here? We had no word you were coming.”
“Lizzy!” Jane rushed to her and pulled her in close, hugging Elizabeth tightly.
Jane’s husband approached them with an indulgent smile. “Sister, Jane became distraught after receiving your last letter. She would not rest until I promised we would travel to London. Jane insisted on seeing for herself that all was well with you.” His eyebrows arched.
“Welcome, Brother. Thank you for bringing my favourite sister. Just in time to hear our happy news, too.”
She turned to Darcy, took his hand on both of hers, and bestowed an adoring look on him.
“Eli- Miss Bennet, will you do me the honour of introducing your family?”
“Mr Darcy, this is my sister Jane and her husband, Mr Brent Lawford. They have just arrived from his family estate in Bedfordshire. Jane, Brent, this is Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, my betrothed.” She concluded with the biggest smile, her eyes sparkling with delight.
Darcy had managed to request a short meeting with Mr Gardiner, but her uncle cautioned the young man. “I am the least of your worries. Mr Bennet is the one who will run circles around you for having the temerity to request his favourite daughter’s hand.”
Darcy quickly kissed her hand before rushing out of the room in Mr Gardiner’s wake.
Her aunt enveloped Elizabeth in a warm embrace. “Lizzy, my dear girl. I am so happy for you. I admit to being hopeful after he came knocking on our door. He looked practically wild when he thought you had already left London.”
“Oh, Aunt, how shall I bear so much happiness.”
“You shall be an inordinately happy bride. For such a serious young man, I believe he loves you, ardently.” She gave Elizabeth a knowing look, making her blush.
A celebration dinner took place that night at Darcy House. The Darcy and de Bourgh families were delighted to meet more of Elizabeth’s family, and Georgiana could not cease marvelling over her good fortune.
“I shall have five sisters. Five!”
“Now Georgiana, we are each of us different from the others. Pray do not get your hopes raised for five bosom friends. You will be more likely to quarrel with at least two of us, if not three. I know I have, over the years.”
“Oh, Lizzy,” Jane admonished in her innate gentle manner.
“Indeed. I must inform you Jane is the worst of the lot.” One look at Jane’s sweet, blushing countenance gave proof of Elizabeth’s tease.
Brent laughed. “The two youngest are an acquired taste, though they are growing in maturity, if somewhat slowly. Why, in ten years they may even be ready for an introduction in Town.”
If laughter and celebration had set the tone for dinner, the following day had been dedicated to making plans.
Gardiner had given Darcy temporary consent, and Bennet had been applied to by way of an express asking her father to come to town and meet her betrothed.
She had stressed over the thought of exposing the Darcy family to her more voluble one, especially all at once. Her mother’s conduct alone could extend past the confines of polite society and decorum.
They eventually met, but only after Bennet laid the fear of God and loss of allowance on Mrs Bennet and Elizabeth’s younger sisters.
Lady Catherine surprised her relations as well.
Meeting Mrs Bennet and taking in that lady’s inappropriate comments, one might have expected the ever-proper Lady Catherine de Bourgh to dish out a public set-down.
However, instead of devolving into a stern lecture, Lady Catherine took Mrs Bennet aside and discreetly spoke to her for some length.
The results were a quieter Mrs Bennet. She was even heard to shush her two youngest when they became too exuberant.
What had been said between the two ladies remained private.
Elizabeth heard a noise behind her and turned to see her husband–her dear husband–shifting position in their bed.
She watched, a smile on her face, as his arm reached for her even in his sleep. How innocent his handsome face appeared, relaxed in peaceful slumber.
Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth had wished to wait long to marry.
Both had had their fill of Town and an early autumn wedding at Longbourn seemed the perfect option.
It granted her enough time to purchase her trousseau, before returning to Longbourn.
Since he would be losing his little Lizzy soon to the wilds of Derbyshire, Mr Bennet had not permitted her to attend the summer house party at Rosings.
Anne had happily sent her detailed reports with the promise of planning another for the next year.
Lady Rosamund’s letter had contained details of Abigail and Mr Vernon’s betrothal.
Lady Catherine’s surprising behaviour had continued.
She had ordered Elizabeth to call her Aunt Catherine, and the strident woman became Elizabeth’s greatest ally.
Her support had proved necessary when Lord and Lady Matlock were less than pleased with the match.
Lady Catherine rode roughshod over them and their objections.
Elizabeth hoped they would eventually thaw towards her, but her happiness did not require their approval.
The newlywed couple had started their marriage with a wedding tour.
Their travels took them through Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, staying at the Darcy estates doubling their tour as an inspection survey.
She had loved every minute and cherished the opportunity to travel, and to see new places, meeting new people.
Her husband, naturally reticent, was more than pleased to let her do most of the talking.
His only requirement was Elizabeth on his arm, at his side.
The conclusion of their travels brought them to Pemberley in time for the Christmas season festivities.
During the tour, the young couple had considered their living arrangements.
Both had agreed they were happy to reside at the beautiful Pemberley.
It was Darcy’s home, but it would also allow the young couple to learn from his parents the ins and outs of running the large estate, and all its concerns.
Mr Darcy and Lady Anne were overjoyed by this decision. They had arranged for a suite of apartments to be redecorated for the young couple’s use. It was situated in a separate wing from both the family and guest wings. The surrounding empty rooms would be convenient, should future need arise.
As for her dear husband, what he would not do for her happiness. Occasionally she had to put her foot down, or he risked becoming too high-handed. Their disagreements never lasted long. They were both too eager for reconciliations, which were just as passionate as their disagreements.
She giggled quietly to herself. Thank goodness Jane and Aunt Gardiner had taken the time to discuss marital duties with her.
Her mama had been useless at explaining what to expect.
Elizabeth sighed. The first time or two she had been so shy and embarrassed, but their joined passions pushed all awkwardness aside.
Indeed, there was nothing Elizabeth liked more now than the private time she and her husband took for themselves hiding away in their apartments.
She looked forward to the spring and summer when he could show her Pemberley’s lands.
Picnics would be packed, and she imagined them disappearing for hours into glens and other hidden spots throughout the grounds.
Some moments were less humorous. Elizabeth buried her head in her hands remembering one incident.
The young couple had arrived at the evening meal, tardy and blushing hotly. Lady Anne spoke to Elizabeth discreetly when they separated from the men.
“My dear, do not be uneasy. Of course, you and Fitzwilliam wish to spend private time together.”
Elizabeth blushed and stammered, unable to speak coherently.
Lady Anne laughed. “I think that is the first time I have ever seen you at a loss for words. We shall not speak on this again unless you wish to, but such was the reason those apartments were made over for you.” She patted Elizabeth’s hand and rose to greet her husband and son.
Poor Darcy was as red in the face as Elizabeth, having undergone a similar conversation with his father.
Seeing Darcy’s restlessness, she returned to bed. Facing him, she watched him slowly wake. Her eyes welled. Every fibre of her being overflowed with love for this man.
His transformation after the engagement and wedding was astounding, as much as he had altered during their time in town, he completed it from within the safety of her love and devotion, removing all his stresses and fears related to the ladies of the Ton.
Their shared love and trust were apparent for anyone to see.
His devotion made it clear no one could divide them.
She had become his fortress. He called her his beautiful reward at every turn.
Elizabeth recollected Darcy telling her about a conversation he had with Richard shortly before his departure from England.
“Darce, I know you love your wife, the whole Ton is aware of it by now. Why do you call her ‘your beautiful reward’?
To this Darcy responded, “It is a reminder of my struggle to become a better man. Elizabeth was the impetus for my change, and she is my reward for having done a creditable job of it. She makes me want to be a better man, every single day.”
Darcy’s eyes opened and upon seeing her watching him, he slowly grinned. When he reached for her, he saw her tears. “My heart, are you crying?” He rolled her onto her back and rested on his elbows as he wiped her tears with his thumbs. “What has happened?”
“These are joyful tears. I am deliriously happy to be your wife.” She wasted no time wrapping her arm around his shoulder, feeling his warm, strong back under her palm.
Their lips met in a soft kiss, which quickly became heated leading to the physical affirmation of their love.
“’Lizabeth…” came a soft mumble, once they had curled into each other’s embrace.
“I love you, Fitzwilliam,” she whispered.
“Mmmm,” he pulled her in tight and nuzzled her hair, “My beautiful reward…”
The End