by Leenie Brown
On cue, the musicians began to play the music for the first dance, and the four young couples lined up with Lord and Lady Matlock to open the ball. Elizabeth smiled at the man who stood across from her as she took his hand, and for the first time in her life, she thanked the good Lord for her mother’s nerves that had caused her to be sent away for her father’s peace of mind.
Epilogue
Darcy looked up from the book he had been reading and smiled as his wife entered the library at Darcy House. She had changed from her travelling clothes and was once again wearing the lovely gown she had worn that morning as she stood next to him in the church. He lay his book aside and rose to greet her. “You look refreshed.”
“I am, thank you.” She walked to where he had been sitting and flipped a few pages of his book. “And you?”
“Quite.” Darcy gave a nod of his head to the footman who had escorted Elizabeth to the library. “Kindly inform us when dinner is ready.” The man gave a small bow and turned to leave. “We should not be disturbed until then,” continued Darcy.
“Of course, sir.” The man’s features remained composed, but his eyes twinkled with amusement.
Darcy took two steps toward the man and lowered his voice slightly. “As always, your discretion is greatly appreciated.” It was both a compliment and a warning.
“As always, sir.” A smile threatened to break his solemn mien.
Elizabeth strolled toward the library window. “It was a lovely service, was it not? And the breakfast was delightful.”
He came to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her back against his chest. “It may have been. I truly only know that you were lovely, and your presence by my side was delightful.”
She sighed and leaned back into him. “Might I ask you a question, Fitzwilliam?”
“You may ask whatever you wish, my love.”
“When we first met…” He groaned. “Shall I not ask?” she inquired.
“Please continue. I am only dismayed at the remembrance of my behaviour.”
“It was not so bad,” she said weakly.
“Yes, my loving wife, it was, but I thank you for attempting to spare my feelings. Now, what did you wish to know? I shall answer whatever you ask.” He kissed the side of her neck.
She shivered slightly at the touch. “When you said what you did about me being merely tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt you; were you speaking in haste, in an attempt to quiet your friend?”
“Yes and no.”
She turned slightly to look at him inquisitively.
He smiled sheepishly at her. “I did speak in haste but not only to quiet my friend. I wished also to quiet my mind.”
“Your mind?” Her eyebrows drew together.
He took a deep breath. “Perhaps I should have said to quiet my desires.”
“Oh.” She spoke softly and a faint blush crept up her cheeks.
“I do not…or did not…believe in love at first sight. Infatuation at a glance was perfectly rational, but a deep desire to know and be known by another based on the merest of acquaintance seemed improbable, even foolish. Yet, I saw you and all rational thought fled. Within moments of our meeting, I was enchanted by your laugh and smiles; I was bewitched by your eyes. And your figure…well…it was quite tempting. I had not experienced any sensation quite like it. I was convinced it was nothing more than my base desires clouding my perception, playing tricks on my mind─for what else could it be?”
“So you refused to dance with me and spoke an untruth…”
“Because I was afraid. I had been taught from my youth to always keep myself in good regulation, to stand above the crowd, to guard the Darcy name. If I had to think meanly of others to do so, so be it. It is shameful, is it not? To elevate yourself in such a fashion.”
“Did you think meanly of me?”
He pulled her closer. “I did. Can you forgive me? I even spoke ill of your family. My behaviour shocked Bingley. I had never been so disagreeable.” She stood quietly before him. He waited for her response.
“I also spoke ill of you,” she said softly. “I am sorry.”
“It is no more than I deserve.”
She laughed. “Mary would say not to repay evil with evil but with grace and mercy.” She peeked up at him and smiled. “She would be glad to know some of her sermonizing found its way into the mind of one of her listeners.” She turned in his embrace. “No, you did not deserve my spiteful words. What you did may not have been right, but my reacting in kind did not mitigate the first offense.”
“What I did was not right; I deserved no kindness in return, I can assure you.”
She shrugged. “Is that not what grace is? Receiving that which we do not deserve.” Her eyes twinkled.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Mary?”
She nodded. “I should really write to her and congratulate her on her success.” She reached up and cupped his cheek. “I shall not ask you what you said about my family, for I am well aware of their shortcomings. I will trust since you have attached yourself to my family, you have amended your opinion at least slightly?”
He nodded.
Her thumb stroked his cheek.
“If I am to be honest,” he said, “I will have to tell you that I still find your mother and youngest sisters silly. However, after your explanation about your brother, I feel I understand them more fully. Otherwise, nearly every other impression has been revised.”
“Nearly every other impression has been revised? Which have not been?” Her hand moved from his cheek, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I still believe Jane smiles too much, but now after seeing her help you unman Wickham in the park and feeling her wrath having been found in a compromising position in the carriage the night of our betrothal, I find her smiles make me nervous for I do not know what she hides behind them.”
Elizabeth shook her head and laughed.
“And Mary is still far more severe than I should like to see in a young lady, but her thoughts run deep and true. A more steady moral light to follow may never be found. Her husband’s parishioners will be blessed by her guidance.” He closed his eyes. “Her husband is still odious.”
She smiled up at him impertinently. “No redeeming qualities for Mr Collins?”
He shook his head. “I am afraid his only good quality is his wife.”
Again she laughed.
“And then there is my impression of you.” He kissed her lightly on the forehead. “It has never wavered. Your eyes still enchant me, your laugh and smile are still bewitching, and your figure still tempts me beyond all rational thought.” He bent his head and kissed her softly. “You remain now as you were then, the loveliest of all women.” He again kissed her gently at first, then deepening it. His hands moved of their own volition caressing her back and pressing her closer to him. His lips trailed along her jaw and down her neck. “My sweetest, loveliest Elizabeth,” he murmured as she sighed with pleasure. Reluctantly he drew back and rested his forehead on hers.
She tightened her grip on him, holding him as close as she possibly could. To be here with him, encircled within his arms was the most comforting of places. She could not imagine why her mother had ever told her a man’s affections must be endured. To her, the attentions of her husband were something to be relished, and, she thought with a contented sigh, she had not yet experienced all of them. Her cheeks grew rosy at the thought, and she considered what she might talk about to keep her mind from wandering down that path. Before she could decide, he had scooped her into his arms and carried her to a chair where he sat with her in his lap.
She giggled as he arranged her in his arms.
“What do you find so humorous?” he asked.
“I was thinking of Jane, and that night in the carriage.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “You only heard a small portion of the lecture I received. She is nearly as good as Mary at giving a moralizing sermon.”
He chuckled. “As I said
, I fear what she hides behind her pleasant facade.”
Another giggle escaped her. “Do you suppose your friend has learned to be so wise?”
“No. He often sees only the good in people. Rarely does he recognize their faults until they are shown to him.”
“And that is why he values your opinion so highly?”
Darcy shrugged. “Perhaps. Or perhaps it is why I value his companionship as much as I do. He helped me see the world from a brighter perspective when times were very dark indeed.”
Elizabeth lifted her head and gave him a quizzical look. “When your sister fell victim to Wickham?”
He nodded. “And when my father passed. And when Richard was sent to war for the first time. Had I not had a light-hearted friend to cheer me, I might have turned into a very foul-tempered gentleman. Richard has likewise filled that role amiably. I could not ask for two better friends. They are more brothers than friends.”
“They are very pleasant company, and I do enjoy how your countenance lightens when they are around. I imagine you might even tease each other and such when others are not around?”
“We do.”
“I should like to experience that.” Noting his look of confusion she clarified. “I would not be averse to your teasing me on occasion.”
“You wish for me to tease you?”
She nodded. “On occasion. But, you must realize that teasing will lead to retaliation at times.”
“Very well. I shall attempt to tease you on occasion and will strive not to be too cranky when the favour is returned.”
She laughed. “I imagine you are a very patient gentleman. You have not only endured your cousin and friend for so many years; you have also survived Miss Bingley.”
“Not without grumbling and an occasional drink, I can assure you.”
“Well then, I shall make sure the cabinet never runs dry. I did not know I had married a man given to such vices.” She gave him an impertinent smile.
“Mrs. Darcy…” he began but was stopped by her fingers being pressed against his lips.
“Say it again,” she said. “But this time with less scolding in your tone.” She lifted her fingers slightly.
“Mrs. Darcy…” he began only to be stopped once more by her fingers upon his lips.
She sighed. “I do like the sound of that. Especially when it is you saying it.” She lifted her fingers and pressed her lips against his instead. “Now, what did you wish to say to me, husband.” She sighed again. “I do like the sound of that, too. Husband.”
“Hmmm…” he kissed her. “I have never been a man given to vice, my dear. I do not over indulge in spirits except on occasion. And those occasions usually involved my cousin.” He kissed her again. “I do believe you may have come upon an even better remedy for my aversion to being teased.” He was about to kiss her yet again when there was a scratching at the door, and Elizabeth quickly climbed off his lap. “They will not enter until I have allowed it.” He stood and pulled her back into his embrace. “And I shall not allow it just yet.”
When the third scratch came at the door some minutes later, Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. “Shall we go to dinner?”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Elizabeth rolled to her side and watched the rise and fall of her husband’s chest. She sighed and snuggled into her pillow just a little more, pulling the blankets closer to her chin. She had enjoyed a peaceful moment of awakening and watching him sleep for nearly eight months now. She reached out a hand and traced his bottom lip with her finger. He smiled and captured her hand, kissing it before holding it against his heart.
“Good morning, my love,” she whispered near his ear.
“Mmmm. Good morning.” His eyes slowly opened, and he tugged her closer to his side. Letting go of her hand, he began to rub her arm, stopping to trace the scar. He kissed her forehead. “Morning can never be anything but good with you to greet me.”
She giggled as his hand slid around her waist tickling her in the process. “Have you forgotten we are not at home? There may be much to distress you this morning no matter how determined you are to be content.”
“Aunt Catherine can be a challenge, but as long as she treats you well, I shall be satisfied.” He released his hold on Elizabeth and sat up. “However, there is no need to deliberately vex her. She was insistent last evening on breaking her fast with us, so I suggest we appear in the breakfast room soon.” He sighed loudly. Although he had, upon Elizabeth’s insistence, made peace with his aunt, he found it hard to forget the way she had treated Elizabeth. “I do not know why she cannot breakfast at the dower house and call upon us later.”
Elizabeth scooted behind him and wrapped her arms around his chest, propping her chin on his shoulder. “Are you sure you do not wish to vex her?” She ran her fingers softly across his chest.
He laughed and shook his head. “It may not be the choice I prefer, but I do believe it to be the wisest choice.” He threw the covers back and removed himself from her embrace. “Have you forgotten that your mother and sisters are to call today? You may wish to have some sustenance before enduring your mother’s raptures. Especially since you have news which will increase them.”
She shrugged. “I had hoped to avoid them completely by hiding in my room with my husband until she returns to Longbourn. Then I could put my news in a letter. I am sure I would still hear the shrieking from here, but it would be considerably more bearable.”
“Ah, where is my brave Lizzy?” he asked bending to give her a kiss. “I promise to be your second should you require it, which you will not.” He crossed the room to the bell pull. “You may wish to sneak into your room before my man comes.”
“Or you could hand me my robe.”
“I could.” He took the robe from the chair beside him. “Here it is.” He held it out but made no move toward the bed.
“But I cannot reach it from here.”
He grinned. “I know.”
“And I am not…” she looked down at her state of undress.
His grin grew. “Yes, I know that, too.”
She let out a huff and scurried from the bed to where he stood holding her robe open for her. He wrapped it around her and kissed her very soundly before pulling the bell. “I knew my brave Lizzy was in there.”
She hurried toward her room but turned to give him a playful glare. “You do realize I shall make you pay?”
“Well, I had hoped you would.”
Laughing, she opened the door to her room.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Elizabeth snuggled her nephew close rubbing his head and murmuring in his ear.
“You look quite content, Lizzy,” said Mary taking a seat next to her. “John is a good baby. William and I have indeed been blessed.” She gave her sister a knowing look. “Have you told Mama yet about your little one?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I intend to tell her this visit, but I am not sure I am ready for her elations.”
Mary chuckled. “Or her advice. She has as much advice as Lady Catherine and none of it is terribly useful.” She patted her sister’s knee. “Lord Bladen was unable to suffer the constant stream of advice and had Lady Catherine moved to the dower house within a month of the announcement. Anne has fared much better since. I had feared for her at first, she was so sickly. And as you can see, she is looking well.”
Indeed, Anne was the picture of a glowing mother-to-be. She sat in the shade. Her feet elevated on a cushion and her hand resting lightly on her very round belly. “She has three months?”
“Yes, there shall be a new heir by Christmas.” Richard followed by Darcy brought chairs close to join the ladies. “It seems none of us will win any bets. Our child will not be here until after twelfth night and Bingley’s just before. Who would have thought Anne and Thad would be first?”
“Not I,” said Elizabeth. “But you forgot to list one. It seems Pemberley will have an heir in March.”
Richard looked between Eliza
beth and Darcy before letting out a whoop.
Mary took her crying son from Elizabeth walked toward the edge of the garden, jostling him and attempting to calm the startled child.
“Richard Fitzwilliam, you had better learn to not shout so around a sleeping child before ours arrives,” said Charlotte as she and Anne made their way to where Elizabeth sat. “You told him your news?”
“I did.”
“You knew?” Richard questioned his wife.
“Yes, there are things women speak about that they do not share with their husbands.” She smoothed his hair away from his eyes. “Trust me, my dear, you do not wish to know about them.”
“Off-putting are they?”
“Quite.”
Spotting his brother and Bingley just making their way back from the fish pond, he called out to them. “Darcy will have an heir in March.”
Elizabeth cringed at the delighted shriek she heard from her mother.
“You no longer need to wonder how to tell your mother,” said Darcy. “Are there any other announcements, Richard, the town crier of Rosings, can make?”
“I can think of none which will distract my mother from her mission.” She wound her arm about her husband’s. “Are you ready to be my second and rescue me?”
“I shall plead for you to be allowed a rest in a quarter hour.”
“Will I be allowed to hide in our room with my husband?”
“For as long as you like.” He rose and bowed. “Mrs. Bennet, you may have my seat next to your daughter.”
Elizabeth grabbed his hand. He smiled reassuringly at her. “Quarter hour,” he said.
She nodded and turned to begin listening to her mother’s elations and advice.
