Epilogue #3
Not long after their discussion, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam welcomed a son, George Fitzwilliam Bennet Darcy, after his father and grandfathers.
Elizabeth was not surprized to find that her mama was relieved to learn that Pemberley finally had an heir!
Two years later, his brother, Alexander Richard Edward Darcy joined their family—of course he was to be her delight as much as the other two!
She had not fallen with child again for five years when they were quite surprized to learn Elizabeth was once again increasing.
Their daughter, Madeline Elizabeth, completed their family. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were blessed.
* * *
Darcy’s sister’s hand was eagerly sought by many of the wealthy young men of the ton, but Georgiana was in no hurry to marry.
She promised herself she would only marry a man who would love her as her brother loved Elizabeth—a gentleman who was kind and intelligent.
Two years after her debut, she was having tea with Lady Matlock when she was introduced to the son of one of her uncle’s colleagues in the House of Lords.
John Beecham, Viscount Harcourt, was immediately smitten with this charming young woman and soon asked for her brother’s permission to call on her.
Darcy, being the protective brother he always had been, had the man and his family thoroughly investigated before he gave his approval.
Darcy found out that Harcourt had lost his mother when he was a young boy, and his father, Lord Riverton, married a woman much younger than himself.
On John’s first visit home from Cambridge, his stepmother entered his bed chamber late one night and told him she preferred John’s bed to her husband’s.
Young Harcourt sent her away in the strongest terms possible and never slept in the same house as Lady Riverton again.
Darcy was enraged on the young man’s behalf—this reminded him too much of Lady Beatrice’s youthful indiscretions.
When John and Georgiana married, they moved into Stockton Hall until such time as the viscount became Lord Riverton and his stepmother would be banished to the dower house.
As could be expected, there were frequent visits between the Harcourts’ home and Pemberley, and Darcy and John became as brothers should be.
Shortly after Georgiana gave birth to her first child, Darcy and Elizabeth were her first visitors.
As Elizabeth held her new niece in her arms, she asked, “And what is our sweet girl’s name? ”
“Elizabeth Anne. We shall call her Beth to avoid any confusion.”
“Oh Georgie,” she replied with tears in her eyes. Darcy was standing beside his wife and was too emotional to speak.
The new mother smiled. “Her middle name is Anne in honour of the woman who gave birth to me. Elizabeth, you are the woman whose love saved my dear brother’s life and gave me the family I always prayed for.
” Darcy squeezed Elizabeth’s shoulder in agreement.
“John and I never thought of naming her anything else.” Tears filled everyone’s eyes as they admired the beautiful new addition to the family.
* * *
The close relationship between the Darcys and Fitzwilliams continued throughout the years.
Jane and Elizabeth saw each other regularly and their close connexion endured as they, along with their husbands, weathered life’s storms as each other’s best friends.
The highlight of the Darcy children’s lives were the frequent visits of their three cousins from Willow Hall.
Richard often consulted Darcy about estate matters and in time, he became an excellent master.
Willow Hall thrived and the Fitzwilliams expanded their holdings and increased their income.
* * *
Mrs. Bennet continued to boast to everyone in Meryton how very well her oldest daughters lived. “Of course, Lizzy has a larger home, but Jane is married to the son of an earl.” Darcy could not complain. His mother by marriage was proud of his wife, and he was as well—even if for different reasons.
* * *
Elizabeth and Darcy’s love deepened as the years passed. As in every life, they had suffered losses but emerging from such sad times made their love stronger. Over time, they travelled to the continent and when back in England, spent many holidays near the sea.
To Darcy, Elizabeth was life itself. He thanked G-d every day for Elizabeth’s beauty, wisdom, and love.
She gave him joy and laughter as well as her decided opinions.
He marvelled at how she enhanced the lives of their children and everyone around her.
The young Darcys bore witness to the love their parents shared—most importantly their children knew their parents loved them in the same way.
* * *
To Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam was the perfect husband and father. He treated her with affection and respect even when they disagreed. Her husband made certain Elizabeth felt how much she was loved and secure, and she never stopped thinking he was the very best of men.
The moment Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam began to look at each other through the eyes of love, they found a refuge from the world in their enchanted cottage and at Pemberley where they raised their four children.
Their passion and desire for each other never waned and their marriage was a success because of their mutual understanding and support.
True to his word, Fitzwilliam kissed her every day, a kiss that promised the enchantment of their love would last for the rest of their lives.