"Fitzwilliam," she interrupted softly, using his Christian name for the first time. His eyes widened. "You need not thank me. I am the one who is grateful."
"Then we are both grateful," he said, smiling—an unguarded, joyous smile that transformed his face.
Elizabeth's own smile answered his. "I suppose we are."
Ahead, Mr. Bingley and Jane had turned and were watching with unmistakable delight.
"I should speak to your father," Darcy said. "Properly."
“He will give his consent,” Elizabeth replied. “He already considers you something of a hero for saving my life. And more than that, I believe my father has long held you in particular regard, though he may not always have shown it.”
"And your mother?"
"She has decided you are the very best sort of gentleman. You need not fear her disapproval."
He laughed softly. "And your other relations?"
"The Gardiners already hold you in high esteem. My aunt has been praising you since Bath."
Relief softened his features, though a trace of apprehension returned. "There remains my family."
"Lady Catherine," Elizabeth said.
"Yes—and my cousin. Richard will rejoice; he has long told me I required someone to challenge me. But my aunt—"
"Does not think highly of me," Elizabeth finished.
"I do not care for her opinion on this subject," Darcy said firmly. "She may approve or not as she chooses, but I will not allow her disapproval to influence my decision. You are the woman I love, and I will not relinquish you to please anyone."
Her heart swelled. "And Miss Darcy? Does she know?"
"“When I left Bristol for Pemberley, I wrote to her,” he said. “I spoke of you—of my hopes. Her reply was swift; she confesses herself most eager to make the acquaintance of the lady who has so entirely captured her brother’s heart.”
Elizabeth blinked away tears. "I hope I do not disappoint her."
"You could never disappoint her. Or me." He pressed her hand gently. "You are everything I could have wished for, and far more than I deserve."
"Stop saying that," she said, laughing through her tears. "You deserve happiness as much as anyone."
"Then I am the happiest of men," he said simply, "for I have you."
Ahead, Mr. Bingley had abandoned all pretence of discretion and was grinning broadly, while Jane's eyes shone with quiet joy.
"I believe our chaperones have noticed," Elizabeth said.
"Let them," Darcy replied, his smile turning mischievous. "I have waited months for this moment; I mean to savour it."
"As do I," she whispered.
EPILOGUE
The morning of the wedding dawned clear and bright, as though even the weather conspired to celebrate. A double wedding had been Elizabeth's suggestion—Jane's ceremony was already planned, and it seemed foolish to put the household through the ordeal twice. Mrs. Bennet had wept with joy at the prospect of marrying off two daughters in one magnificent event that would be the talk of Hertfordshire for years.
The church at Meryton had never been so crowded. Elizabeth processed down the aisle on her father's arm, her eyes finding Fitzwilliam immediately. He stood beside Mr. Bingley, looking more handsome than she had ever seen him, his expression one of such open joy that her heart swelled.
Beside him stood Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had greeted Elizabeth the previous day with warm enthusiasm, declaring that his cousin had at last displayed unassailable discernment. In the front pew sat Georgiana Darcy, her shy countenance softened by unmistakable affection as she caught Elizabeth’s eye. Having already welcomed her as a sister upon their first meeting, she now smiled through bright, unshed tears, as though the happiness of the day were almost more than she could bear.
Elizabeth's family filled the opposite side. Her mother wept tears of joy while Kitty, Mary, and Lydia sat nearby. The Gardiners and the Phillips smiled with warm approval.
