by Brigid Huey
Jane and Lizzy had one last moment together upstairs as they changed out of their elaborate wedding gowns and into their new traveling dresses.
“When shall we meet again, Lizzy?” Jane asked, her voice quavering with emotion.
“Oh, my dear Jane!” Elizabeth said, feeling full of emotion herself. “Very soon, I imagine! You must come to Derbyshire. You will love Daisy, and I cannot wait to show you Pemberley, though I barely know it myself.”
“And you will come to Netherfield, will you not?” Jane asked.
“Of course I will. We shall always be close even if we are not together in one home any longer.”
The sisters embraced one last time then made their way downstairs where their new husbands were waiting. They each said a tearful goodbye to Kitty and Mary and received many emotional hugs from their mother. Mr. Bennet waited a little apart from the others, nearer to the waiting coaches.
“Well, my dear,” he said when Elizabeth came at last to say her farewell. “I daresay you will be very happy.”
“Thank you, Papa. I believe I shall.”
“I shall miss you, my dear. Write to your old Papa, will you not?”
“I shall write, Papa. And you must come and visit us. The library at Pemberley is without compare, you know.”
At this, her father smiled, though his eyes glistened still. He kissed her forehead then ushered her off toward Mr. Darcy, who stood waiting near the coach door. He took her hand and helped her into the carriage. When the door closed behind him, muffling some of the congratulatory noise outside, Elizabeth looked at him in some wonder.
“Well, Elizabeth?” her new husband said.
“Well, Fitzwilliam?” she countered, laughter in her voice.
***
Darcy looked at Elizabeth sitting across from him, smiling with joy. He laughed as the coach started forward, the sound filling the small space.
“I am so very happy!” Elizabeth said as she reached a hand out across the coach to hold his.
He smiled back at her, his Elizabeth. Her cheeks were rosy, her face full of genuine happiness. He could scarcely believe that she was his at long last. Impulsively, he pulled her across the coach, sitting her next to him on the soft bench. He held her close, dropping a kiss on her lips. She startled but soon relaxed into his embrace.
“I am only happy to bring you such joy, my dear,” he said.
“The day has been perfect, Fitzwilliam, absolutely perfect.”
She turned to look out the coach window, and he followed her gaze. The weather had turned cool, but the autumn sunshine lit the countryside with a golden glow. The journey to London would take but a few hours. And then they would be comfortable at home at Darcy House. He would be pleased to show her their new home, to share what was his.
“We shall stay at Darcy House for a few days,” she confirmed, “and then on to Derbyshire?”
“Yes,” he replied. “Just as we planned.”
“Oh, my dear Fitzwilliam. I cannot believe this day has finally come.”
“Nor I, my Elizabeth.”
She turned to face him, and Darcy was reminded of that day in Pemberley Woods when he had encountered her so unexpectedly. How much had changed since that day! “I shall be forever grateful to Daisy,” she said, “for bringing us together.”
He smiled down at her. How often her thoughts echoed his own.
“As will I.” He laced his fingers through hers. “I love you, Elizabeth Darcy. So very much.”
Her delicate hand came up and cupped his cheek. “And I you.”
He bent his head to hers, their lips coming together in a kiss of profound love and affection—a kiss that spoke of devotion, loyalty, friendship, and the deepest kind of passion.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the entire Meryton Press team. I especially acknowledge Nicole Clarkston, my editor. Your unfailing support and enthusiasm has been so helpful as I’ve stumbled my way through this process. Thank you for being patient with me! Thanks also to Ellen Pickels. Your sharp eye for detail has made this book the best it can be. A special thank you to Janet Taylor for her beautiful cover design and additional behind-the-scenes help. It has been such a pleasure working with you!
I would like to thank my family for their continual support. Thanks also to Nikki and the entire staff of White Oak Coffee House. Your coffee shop is my happy place.
And lastly, I would like to thank Jane Austen herself. Her stories continue to inspire us all, and for that I am profoundly grateful.
***
About the Author
Brigid has been in love with Jane Austen since first seeing the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice as a young girl. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids, and spends her free time reading and writing. This is her first Pride and Prejudice variation though many others live in her imagination.
