Page 87 of Through the Eyes of Love

The new mother smiled. “Her middle name is Anne in honour of the woman who gave birth to me. Elizabeth,youare the woman whose love saved my dear brother’s life and gave me the family I always prayed for.” Darcy squeezed Elizabeth’s shoulder in agreement. “John and I never thought of naming her anything else.” Tears filled everyone’s eyes as they admired the beautiful new addition to the family.

* * *

The close relationshipbetween the Darcys and Fitzwilliams continued throughout the years. Jane and Elizabeth saw each other regularly and their close connexion endured as they, alongwith their husbands, weathered life’s storms as each other’s best friends. The highlight of the Darcy children’s lives were the frequent visits of their three cousins from Willow Hall. Richard often consulted Darcy about estate matters and in time, he became an excellent master. Willow Hall thrived and the Fitzwilliams expanded their holdings and increased their income.

* * *

Mrs. Bennet continuedto boast to everyone in Meryton how very well her oldest daughters lived. “Of course, Lizzy has a larger home, but Jane is married to the son of an earl.” Darcy could not complain. His mother by marriage was proud of his wife, and he was as well—even if for different reasons.

* * *

Elizabeth and Darcy’slove deepened as the years passed. As in every life, they had suffered losses but emerging from such sad times made their love stronger. Over time, they travelled to the continent and when back in England, spent many holidays near the sea.

To Darcy, Elizabeth was life itself. He thanked G-d every day for Elizabeth’s beauty, wisdom, and love. She gave him joy and laughter as well as her decided opinions. He marvelled at how she enhanced the lives of their children and everyone around her. The young Darcys bore witness to the love their parents shared—most importantly their children knew their parents loved them in the same way.

* * *

To Elizabeth,Fitzwilliam was the perfect husband and father. He treated her with affection and respect even when they disagreed. Her husband made certain Elizabeth felt how much she was loved and secure, and she never stopped thinking he was the very best of men.

The moment Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam began to look at each other through the eyes of love, they found a refuge from the world in their enchanted cottage and at Pemberley where they raised their four children. Their passion and desire for each other never waned and their marriage was a success because of their mutual understanding and support.

True to his word, Fitzwilliam kissed her every day, a kiss that promised the enchantment of their love would last for the rest of their lives.