Page 136 of Triumph at Pemberley

Jasper’s familiar had never come into the house before, at least as far as Darcy knew. But Fire Eyes had climbed the steps behind him and apparently intended to follow him in, so he could hardly complain.

The butler said, “If it would not be asking too much, sir and madam, the staff downstairs would be very glad to see you home safely. They are confused by what little they have heard.”

Elizabeth said, “I would be happy to, but perhaps I should wash my face and refresh myself first.” She gave a rueful glance at her skirts.

Mrs. Reynolds said fiercely, “Those are your badges of honor. I pray you to let the servants see them.”

Elizabeth gave him a teasing look. “Well, then, let us do it.”

Darcy hesitated, but then he nodded. There was no point in delaying. He would have to break the news to them about Georgiana sooner or later.

Elizabeth finally made her way into the drawing room to the sound of clinking glasses and happy chatter. First she had washed and changed her clothes, and then she had stopped by the nursery to attempt to see how Lady Anne and her baby were doing. Not that she had succeeded; she had been met by a scowling Nelly who told her not to bother her poor nursemaids, and asked pointedly if there was not another tyrant Elizabeth could slay instead.

She had tried to check on Granny next, but the old lady was seeing no one.

Darcy met her eyes as soon as she walked into the room. Clearly he had been waiting for her. She wished he could have the time alone he clearly craved, but she was glad of the chance to relax with their friends. For the first time since she had arrived at Pemberley, there was nothing for them to fear.

It was unbelievable.

She had expected Jasper, Richard, Frederica, Jane, and Mrs. Sanford to be there, but it was a surprise to see Mrs. Reynolds and Hobbes, both holding glasses of champagne. It was well deserved; they had kept Pemberley running while she and Darcy had been busy with dragons and planning. Fire Eyes and Jasper’s fox were in opposite corners, eyeing each other. Platters of cold meats, cheeses, and fruit stood around the room, making Elizabeth realize she had eaten nothing since breakfast.

She hurried to her sister, eager to embrace her. “Jane dearest! You did it! Are you well?”

Jane’s expression warmed. “Completely unharmed, and quite ridiculously proud of myself. Going through the Gate was the strangest sensation! I can hardly believe my little sister had the power to pull me half way across England in an instant.”

“You are a heroine,” Elizabeth said. “To walk into Napoleon’s presence like that!”

“I can hardly believe it myself!”

Mrs. Reynolds materialized by Elizabeth’s side. “I hope you do not mind, Mrs. Darcy. I thought no one would be ready to sit down to a long meal. Cook will be happy to send a full dinner to you later.”

“This is perfect. I have eaten nothing since breakfast!” Elizabeth excused herself from Jane to pick up a small plate and began filling it.

She had only taken a few bites when Frederica called out, “Quickthorn says we should go outside and look up.”

Regretfully Elizabeth set her food aside and followed Frederica out the glass doors into the garden. Then she gasped.

A ray of sparks raced up hundreds of feet until it fountained out in all directions. More followed, green and blue and red, like an enormous dance in the night sky. Distant booms accompanied each awe-inspiring burst of light. “I have heard of fireworks in London, but there was never anything like this in Meryton.”

Frederica sounded awed. “I have seen fireworks at Vauxhall and on royal occasions, and I assure you, they were nothing like this. The fireworks masters in London would die if they saw this. Did they use dragon magic to add colors and make them so big?”

“Astonishing,” Darcy agreed.

“Ah,” Frederica said. “Quickthorn informs me they make fireworks like this in India. Apparently Rana Akshaya told the Indian dragons to prepare them. She wants the entire world to know the Pemberley Nest played a role today. Rather a powerful statement, would you not say?”

Elizabeth laughed. “If there is anyone within miles who has not already been let into the secret of dragons here, they will know soon!” Rana Akshaya had been more or less ignoring the dragon Covenant of Concealment since founding the Nest, but now she was shattering it.

And she was glad of it. Everyone should know about the wondrous dragons among them.

Darcy knew, rather than felt, that the fireworks were remarkable and beautiful. Just as he knew his two great enemies had been defeated. Yet he was struggling to accept it, after so much time fearing the terrible possibilities. He could not believe it was over.

And Georgiana was gone.

Everyone else was happily chatting. Only Fire Eyes seemed to recognize Darcy’s mood, staying close to his side.

Elizabeth slipped her arm around him. “So astonishing to see the dragons make such a public show.”

It was a comfort to have her close. “After all those bindings they forced on us to keep their presence secret. Do you suppose they will remove them now?”