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“That is the greatest news, ever! Oh, I can hardly wait,” said Ben.

Ben’s enthusiasm also reminded Darcy of another thing that he longed for: returning to his beloved home with his family. They had been away for far too long. Darcy and Ben embraced. “Neither can I, son. Neither can I.”

Elizabeth was not at Netherfield Park when Darcy arrived with Ben in tow. He rightly supposed she was at Longbourn. When she arrived, hearing the news of all that had transpired while he was away was uppermost in her mind. The subject of the newlyweds and all the disapprobation their situation entailed nearly exhausted, Elizabeth sought a more agreeable discussion. “You mentioned that the colonel was involved in your recovery of my sister.”

“Indeed, Richard proved quite instrumental in helping to persuade Wickham to remain in town as his wedding day approached.”

“Then I must express my gratitude to him as well. Did he say whether his plans would bring him back to Hertfordshire?”

“No. I imagine we will not see him again until Christmas.”

“Oh, dear! How does that affect your hopes for an alliance between him and Anne?”

Widening his eyes, Darcy said, “Were my wishes in that regard so obvious?”

“Indeed, my dear husband. I am afraid you are an unabashed matchmaker.”

“One might argue I am not a very good matchmaker.”

“Do you speak of your unsuccessful attempt with Anne and Richard, or your disappointment as regards Georgiana and Bingley?”

“I do not deny that both matches would have suited me but, alas, it seems neither is destined to be. Georgiana and Bingley scarcely acknowledge the other exists, and while I believe Anne may have welcomed Richard’s attention, he does not feel the same. He never has, and I doubt he ever will.”

“If it helps you recover from your disappointed hopes, I would say that any disappointment that Anne may have suffered in that regard is a thing of the past.”

“Did she tell you that?”

“Indeed, soon after Richard took his leave of Hertfordshire, she and I discussed the matter at length.”

“It warms my heart that you and Cousin Anne can speak freely on such matters. While she is at liberty to remain a part of our family circle for as long as she wishes, I do hope that she will find the happiness that comes with being the mistress of her own home.”

Elizabeth placed her hand against his cheek. “Fear not, my love, for you have next Season to make matches for all four of them—Anne, Georgiana, Richard, and Bingley.”

Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand in his and brushed a kiss against her knuckles. “I think not. From this point on, I shall think only of my own advantageous alliance, if it is all the same to you.”

Elizabeth smiled. “Indeed, I like the sound of that.”

He led his wife to the sofa and persuaded her to sit beside him. He swept his fingers through her loosened hair. “The Gardiners asked me to give you their best wishes.”

“Thank you, my love. I have not kept up with my writing to them as I ought. I do miss them so.”

“Then you will be delighted by my next pronouncement.”

“Oh, do tell.”

“You will recall that your aunt has acquaintances in Lambton.”

“I did not know you were aware of that.”

“Indeed. I had ample opportunity to visit with the Gardiners, what with the part they had in accommodating your sister during the days leading up to the wedding.”

“Again, you must allow me to thank you for the mortification that must have attended the task of recovering my sister.”

“You have no need to thank me. You are my wife, which makes Lydia my sister.”

Elizabeth placed her hand upon his and squeezed it gently.

Darcy said, “You have not heard my happy news.”