“Mrs Wickham, the former Miss Hareton, was secretly engaged to her doctor before Wickham ruined her reputation and her uncle forced them to marry. Mr Lockwood continued to see her as his patient after Mr and Mrs Wickham removed to Bath, and he was with her when Fitzwilliam gave Mr Wickham my challenge. We never did learn for certain whose idea it was, the lady’s or the surgeon’s, but he presented himself to Fitzwilliam so that he could be sure Wickham died of any injury I inflicted. However, since he brought a pistol of his own, I can only surmise that he hoped for the opportunity to dispatch Wickham himself should the opportunity present itself.”
“There was little chance the wound you caused was fatal?”
“The wound was severe enough to end the duel, but Wickham would have recovered.”
“And when Wickham attempted to murder you after the duel was concluded, the surgeon shot Wickham to save you? How extraordinary! You do not think he will be prosecuted, do you?”
Darcy coughed and became interested in his boots. “It was suggested to Mr Lockwood and Mrs Wickham that they leave England immediately. They might be on their way to Ireland.”
Elizabeth knowingly smiled. “Is there an estate in Ireland where they might stay while they consider their prospects?”
“I am sure I do not know their plans. I do know that Mrs Wickham’s servants were happy to oblige her now that her dishonourable husband was dead. My own servants are keen to tell anyone who asks that I bested Mr Wickham in a duel of honour. Mr Kenneth, compensated for his trouble by Mrs Wickham, told everyone that, after I left the field, Wickham was disconsolate after being defeated by me and suffered an unfortunate fatal accident with his own pistol. At least that is the rumour circulating amongst Bath’s residents.”
“Indeed? I say there was nothing done in this whole affair that you did not do yourself.” She picked up his letter. “I would not have married your cousin, whatever my situation. I would not have forgotten you so soon.”
“That is just as well, since he was disinclined to have you,” he replied with a smile.
“Why did he come with you to Hertfordshire?”
“He said, after this miserable business in Bath, he was going to deliver me into your hands, see me wed, and be glad to be rid of me. Your sisters are escorting him to Meryton where he is to collect what remains of Wickham’s debts so I might discharge them.”
They sat quietly together until the grass beneath them had nearly dried. Darcy broke their silence. Although he wished he could express himself sensibly, the tumult of his mind only permitted him to ask the simplest of questions.
“Marry me, Elizabeth?”
She pulled one of her hands out from under his and raised it to his cheek while offering him a glowing smile. “I am sorry that I gave you any reason to doubt me. I was only devastated by the thought of losing you. Though we have reason to think my opinions of you not entirely unalterable, they are not, I hope, quite so easily changed as you imply.”
“I never doubted you. What I mean to ask was whether you would marry me tomorrow. The banns are read, the articles are signed, and I have already asked Fitzwilliam to enquire at the church.”
“Tomorrow? That is impetuous.”
“Elizabeth, after all that we have suffered, I know not how much longer I can wait. I want you to tease me and laugh with me. I want to fall asleep every night with you in my arms. You must know how urgently I wish to begin my life with you.”
She smiled softly at him. “What would the world say if they knew, as I do, that you are an impulsive romantic?”
“None would believe you.” Darcy stared deeply at Elizabeth, hoping that his desire to move his life forward with her came through in his gaze.
“Fitzwilliam, I should very much like to go home.”
Disappointed not to have the reply he wished, he nodded and rose, offering his hand. “Certainly, you have been out in the cold for hours.”
Elizabeth stood in front of him with bright eyes and the wide, loving smile he knew she gave only to him. Her hair was loose and now tangled around her shoulders, and her eyes were still red from her earlier tears, but to Darcy, she appeared lovely. “We have misunderstood one another yet again. We will be the happiest couple in the world, and we ought to begin as soon as possible. Let us marry tomorrow and leave for London from the church door. I want to go home—to Pemberley.”
Darcy’s smile upon hearing these words matched hers. He tugged Elizabeth firmly against him and kissed her with wild abandon. When he released her mouth, he held her close to him, relishing in the joyous excitement of knowing they would finally be together, able to appreciate one another’s worth and make one another truly happy until the end of their days.
Epilogue
Ellendean Grange, near Dublin
3 January 1813
My dear Lizzy,
I hope you had a lively Christmas with the Gardiners at Pemberley. What a relief it is to be situated in Ireland, although I am a fine size by now. Darcy’s estate here is much smaller than Pemberley, but it is still fine, and if it were not so far out of the way, I would be happier. I suppose it little matters that we are so far from Dublin because Mr and Mrs Lockwood have asked me not to leave the house. They hope to pass the child off as their own. Mrs Lockwood says I may stay with them after the child comes for as long as I please. I am glad that it will have such a mother. I could never love it enough. It would always remind me of W., but the Lockwoods will adore it. Mrs Lockwood is shy, but we get on well. If I stay in Ireland, the Lockwoods will tell everyone that I am a companion to Mrs Lockwood because she is an invalid. But she happily spends all of her time with Mr Lockwood, so as soon as my lying-in is over, I shall be able to go out as I please. Mr Lockwood asks me to add his thanks that Darcy is generous enough to allow him to let his estate’s lodge at such a reasonable expense. Speaking of expenses, I have little allowance of my own, and I do look forward to being out in society again. Any money you could send me would do because, even if I am to act as a companion, I ought to have nice things. However, do not speak to Darcy about it if you had rather not.
Your loving sister,
Lydia
