The Ruin of Elizabeth Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Page 30
Distracted as she had been by thoughts of the children, Lizzy did not realize Miss Tulley was standing before her until the lady spoke.
"You must allow me to thank you again for my sister's happiness," she said.
"Only if you allow me to thank you again for my happiness," Lizzy returned.
After the service Miss Tulley had rendered Darcy, Lizzy had stayed in contact with her by post. Though Miss Tulley refused any show of gratitude for herself, she had revealed a desire to see her younger sister's secret beau, Mr. Norman, elevated by some means. Thus when the village of Kympton found itself in want of a clergyman, Darcy appointed Mr. Norman.
With his position in life secure, Mr. Norman had felt sufficiently able to support a wife and had applied for Charlotte Tulley's hand which was immediately granted. This left only the forsaken Lord Bancroft unhappy, but Lizzy had recently heard that rogue had found comfort in the arms of none other than the scheming Lady Celia so she supposed the matter was resolved satisfactorily for all parties.
Later that evening when the ball was at its peak, Lizzy stood off to the side of the dance floor politely listening to the babble of a group of older matrons.
"Dance with me, Mrs. Darcy," a voice filled with dark desires whispered in her ear.
A playful smirk set upon her lips. "Mr. Darcy would you deign to dance with a lady who is only tolerable?"
Darcy frowned. "If only I had not been a fool I might have secured your heart sooner and spared us so much pain."
Lizzy shook her head. "I have told you before and I will tell you again: All happened as it should have. Our bitter story has led us to the sweetest of lives, the happiest of endings."