“Though if Lydia were here,” Elizabeth said dryly, “she would insist on being the first Bennet sister to marry, wearing crimson and gold, and declaring herself the bride, regardless of who was actually getting married.”
The room rippled with laughter.
As tea continued, Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth and murmured, “I shall send my letter to your father this afternoon, but perhaps…you would prefer to write as well? I believe he will value your words most.”
Elizabeth turned to him, surprised but touched. “Yes, I should like that.”
Mrs. Gardiner, ever perceptive, gestured discreetly to the small writing desk in the corner of the room. “If you wish to use it, my dear,” she said gently, “you may. Mr. Darcy can sit with you, of course. I shall be as unobtrusive as a shadow, I assure you.”
And indeed, she was true to her word. Mrs. Gardiner settled herself by the window with her work basket to do a bit of mending, giving the three young couples a measure of privacy—her presence quiet and reassuring, and noticed only by Elizabeth.
Elizabeth seated herself at the desk and drew forth a sheet of thick cream paper. Darcy sat beside her, his presence a steadying comfort. She dipped the pen, paused, and began.
My dearest Papa,
I write with news I hope you will receive with joy. Mr. Darcy has asked for my hand, and I have accepted him. He means to write to you himself with the proper request for your permission, but I wished to tell you with my own words. I believe you now will better understand my morose behavior last winter.
Mr. Darcy is the best of men, Papa, and I love him. I have taken your lessons to heart and looked past outward appearance to see the kind, genuine soul within. He makes me very happy, and I could not have asked for anyone better than him. Pray give us your blessing, Papa.
Out of necessity, my return to Hertfordshire will be delayed. Sir William will retrieve Maria as previously arranged andis delighted to carry with her news of the Bennet ladies’ felicity. Pray, comfort Mama when Lady Lucas brings word of my engagement to Longbourn. And pray, attempt to temper the flood of words—whether reproachful or effusive—that will doubtless follow.
Your affectionate daughter,
Elizabeth
She let the ink dry, folded the letter neatly, and sealed it. Darcy offered to have it sent by express that evening.
Their fingers brushed as she passed him the letter. “There. If that does not win my father over, nothing will—though I dare say your fortune may help tip the scales. Do take care with it. I should not like to rewrite the whole thing if you drop it in a puddle.”
Darcy laughed, warm and unstrained. “Minx. I shall endeavor to keep it dry, Elizabeth, though I suspect even soaked through, your words would prove persuasive.” He took the letter with exaggerated care. “I shall guard it as I would the deeds to Pemberley.”
Then, leaning forward to whisper in her ear, he added, “And if your father is not swayed, I shall remind him that I am quite accustomed to difficult women.”
Her eyes danced. “Then let us hope he sees that, like you, I improve upon closer acquaintance.”
Mrs. Gardiner glanced up from her mending just once, smiled to herself, and returned to her needlework.
The room hummed with cheerful talk and teasing banter, teacups clinking gently on saucers, and the occasional laugh ringing like music through the space. It was a perfectly ordinary moment—yet for Elizabeth, it felt like the beginning of something extraordinary.
And perhaps it was.
Epilogue
April, 1812
Longbourn
Elizabeth
Happywasthedaywhen Mr. Bennet gave away his three eldest daughters in marriage. Their respective betrotheds had earned both his respect and approbation, for each owned a sterling character and a heart of pure gold. Mr. Bingley and Jane did not mind sharing their wedding day with the others; indeed, they preferred it, for the attention that might otherwise have rested solely upon them was divided between three joyful couples.
The knowledge that Mr. Darcy was exceedingly wealthy tempered Mrs. Bennet's dismay at Elizabeth's engagement. She quelled her tongue—especially after Elizabeth reminded her of the consequences should she ever again demean him. Mrs.Bennet agreed and kept her distaste to herself, going so far as to threaten Kitty and Lydia with punishment if they dared utter a word against their new brother-in-law.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss de Bourgh attended the wedding, along with the rest of the Earl of Matlock's family and Miss Darcy. Elizabeth quickly adored her new sister and the countess, finding kindred spirits in both. Lady Matlock's love for her husband was obvious. The earl also bore a crimson stain on his face—less prominent than his nephew's or niece's—but his wife and family paid it no heed. The denizens of Meryton whispered behind their fans at the odd couple, speculating how such a match had come about. Long accustomed to murmurs, the earl and countess simply ignored them.
"Anne and I are to marry at the end of the summer," Colonel Fitzwilliam told Darcy and Elizabeth during the wedding breakfast. "Do say you will come. I have already begun the process of selling my commission."
Darcy and Elizabeth agreed with heartfelt pleasure.
