24. Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

The carriage rolled to a smooth halt before the grand entrance of Pemberley, and Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat as she gazed up at the imposing fa?ade of the house. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; —and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste.

Darcy alighted first, turning to offer his hand to Elizabeth. She took it, stepping down from the carriage, her eyes wide with awe. "Oh, Fitzwilliam," she breathed, "it is even more beautiful than I imagined."

Darcy's eyes were warm as he looked at her. "Welcome home, Mrs. Darcy," he said, and Elizabeth's heart swelled with joy at the words.

He led her up the steps to the front door, where Mrs. Reynolds and the assembled staff waited to greet them. "Welcome home, sir, madam," Mrs. Reynolds said once Darcy had presented her to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth smiled at her.

"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. It is good to be here."

Darcy took Elizabeth's hand again, leading her inside. Elizabeth's eyes were wide as she looked around the grand entrance hall. The ceiling soared high above them, adorned with intricate plasterwork, and the walls were hung with portraits of Darcy's ancestors.

"That is my great-grandfather, Sir Cedric Darcy," Darcy said, indicating one of the portraits. "He was the first to build the house in its current form."

Elizabeth looked up at the stern-faced man in the portrait. "He looks very... commanding," she said, and Darcy laughed.

"He was, by all accounts. But I think he would have approved of you, my love."

Elizabeth and Darcy walked through the various rooms of Pemberley, Elizabeth's eyes wide with awe and wonder. The drawing room was a vision of elegance, with its delicate pastel colours and exquisite furnishings. The library was a haven of knowledge, with shelves upon shelves of books, and Elizabeth could not wait to explore its treasures. Darcy showed her the music room, with its grand piano and harp, and Elizabeth could imagine Georgiana playing there.

"This is the blue parlour," Darcy said, leading her into a room with walls hung with rich blue silk. "It was my mother's favourite room. "

"It is beautiful," Elizabeth said, looking around. "Your mother must have had excellent taste."

"She did," Darcy agreed. "But I think you will make your own mark on Pemberley, my love."

Elizabeth smiled at him, touched by his words. "I hope I can do your home justice, Fitzwilliam."

"It is our home now," he said softly, and Elizabeth's heart swelled with happiness.

They dined that evening in one of the smaller, more intimate dining rooms, a cosy room with a roaring fire in the grate and a table set for two. The food was delicious, and Elizabeth found herself relaxing in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

"Your ancestors were very stern-looking," she teased Darcy as they ate. "I hope they are not too disappointed in your choice of wife."

"I think they would be very pleased," Darcy said, his eyes warm as he looked at her. "Especially my mother. She would have loved you, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth felt a lump in her throat at his words. "Thank you," she said softly.

After dinner, they took a walk in the gardens, the evening air cool and fresh. Elizabeth marvelled at the beauty of the grounds, the neatly tended flowerbeds and the carefully pruned trees.

"It is so beautiful here," she said, looking around. "I feel as though I am in a dream."

"It is not a dream, my love," Darcy said, taking her hand. "It is our home."

Elizabeth smiled up at him, her heart full of love and happiness. "Our home," she repeated softly .

It was a few weeks later, as they enjoyed breakfast together in the sunny breakfast room, that Darcy casually suggested, "I thought, my love, that we might visit Hertfordshire soon."

Elizabeth's head snapped up, her eyes wide. "Hertfordshire?"

"Yes," Darcy said, smiling at her. "I thought you might like to see your sister."

"Jane!" Elizabeth's face lit up. "Oh, Fitzwilliam, I would love to see Jane! I have missed her!" Her eyes were bright with excitement, and Darcy's own eyes softened as he looked at her.

"Then it is settled," he said. "We will go in a few weeks, and perhaps Jane and Bingley will be so good as to invite Georgiana and your other sisters for a visit to Netherfield, so that we may have a full reunion."

Elizabeth had not thought she could possibly love her husband any more than she already did, but every day it seemed Darcy thought of some wonderful new way to surprise her.

The journey was long, but the carriage was comfortable and the weather pleasant. Elizabeth watched the lush, rolling landscapes pass by. She was quiet for much of the journey, lost in thought, but Darcy could feel her eager anticipation in the way she occasionally turned to him and said, "I have missed Jane so much," or "I wonder how Jane and Mr. Bingley are getting on at Netherfield."

He would smile at her, reaching out to take her hand, and she would smile back, her eyes bright with excitement despite the wearisome length of the journey.

The rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves and the rocking of the carriage were soothing, and Elizabeth found herself leaning back against the comfortable cushions, her thoughts drifting. She thought of Jane, her sweet, gentle sister, and how happy she must be now with Mr. Bingley.

She glanced at Darcy, who was reading a book, and felt a rush of love for him. He had been so kind to her, so thoughtful, and she knew that he had suggested this visit because he knew how much she missed her sister. She reached out and touched his hand, and he looked up, smiling at her.

"I am looking forward to seeing Jane," she said softly, and he squeezed her hand.

"As am I," he said. "I think she will be very happy to see you, my love."

Elizabeth's heart pounded with excitement as they neared their destination. She could hardly sit still in her seat, and Darcy smiled indulgently at her. "We will be there soon," he said, and she nodded, her eyes bright with joy.

At last, the carriage rolled to a stop in front of Netherfield, and Elizabeth's eyes were already searching for her sister. She spotted Jane standing on the front steps, her lovely face alight with joy.

"Lizzy!" Jane ran down the steps, and Elizabeth was out of the carriage almost before it had stopped moving.

"Jane!" She ran to meet her sister, and they embraced tightly, rocking back and forth.

"Oh, Lizzy, I have missed you so!" Jane's voice was choked with emotion.

"And I you, dearest Jane." Elizabeth hugged her sister even tighter.

The two sisters stood wrapped in each other's arms for long moments, oblivious to the world around them. Jane was the first to draw back, though she kept a firm grip on Elizabeth's hands. "You look so well, and so happy!"

"I am," Elizabeth said, smiling. "I am so very happy, Jane. I love him so much, and he is so good to me."

"I am so glad," Jane said. "I always thought you would be happy together. And you are so beautiful, Lizzy! That gown is exquisite."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said, blushing a little. "It was a gift from my husband. He is very generous." She looked at Jane. "And you, Jane, you are blooming! It seems Mr. Bingley is taking good care of you."

Jane blushed prettily. "Oh, he is, Lizzy. He is so kind, and so thoughtful. I am so very happy."

"I am glad," Elizabeth said sincerely. "You deserve every happiness, Jane."

"Oh…" Jane blushed suddenly. "I have quite forgot to greet your husband!"

Darcy had considerately busied himself with speaking to the footmen about where to send the various bags that were being unloaded from the coach as the sisters shared their reunion, but turned as Jane called to him, and made her a deep bow.

"Mrs. Bingley. It is wonderful to see you again."

"Welcome back to Netherfield, Mr. Darcy," Jane said with a broad smile. "Charles has gone out for a ride… oh, here he is now!"

Bingley was indeed riding towards them, all smiles, and Darcy strode over to greet his friend happily.

The welcomes complete once Bingley had kissed Elizabeth's cheek and greeted her with great enthusiasm, Jane led Elizabeth inside and to a very pretty parlour. Elizabeth recognised Jane's hand in the tasteful new furnishings and decorations, perfectly suited to the house.

The two sisters sat down in comfortable chairs, and Jane rang the bell for tea. "Now, Lizzy, tell me all about Pemberley."

Elizabeth was happy to oblige, describing the grandeur of the house and the beauty of the grounds, and Jane listened with wide eyes. "Oh, Lizzy, it sounds wonderful! "

"It is," Elizabeth said, "but it is not as wonderful as being here with you, Jane." She reached across and squeezed her sister's hand. "And you, Jane, how have you been?"

"Oh, Lizzy, I am so happy," Jane said, her eyes shining. "Charles is so good to me, and we are so very happy together. He is always so thoughtful and kind, and he is so good to our family. He is always asking after Mama and the girls, and he is so pleased that you and Mr. Darcy are happy together."

Elizabeth smiled. "I am glad to hear it, Jane. And I am glad that you and Mr. Bingley are happy together. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

They talked for a long time, catching up on all that had happened in the months since they had last seen each other. Elizabeth told Jane of her experiences at Pemberley, and Jane shared stories of her life at Netherfield with Mr. Bingley. They laughed and cried together, and it was as though they had never been apart.

Finally, Jane looked at the clock and gasped. "Oh, Lizzy, I had no idea it was so late! We must go and dress for dinner, or we will be late!"

Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, Jane, you are such a good hostess! I am sure Mr. Bingley will not mind if we are a little late."

Jane smiled. "No, but I would not wish to set a bad example for the servants. Come, Lizzy, let us go and dress."

They walked upstairs together, arm in arm, and Elizabeth was struck by how happy Jane looked. She had always been beautiful, but now she seemed to glow with happiness. Elizabeth was overjoyed that her sister had found such contentment with her dear Mr. Bingley.

The following morning, after breakfast, Elizabeth thought they should pay a visit to her mother, but it was Darcy who gently suggested that perhaps they should first go to the churchyard and visit Mr. Bennet's grave. Elizabeth agreed immediately, warmed that he had thought to suggest it.

It was a fine day, the sky blue and the sun warm. The churchyard was quiet, the only sound the rustling of the breeze in the trees. Darcy, with his usual courtesy, waited at the gate, his hands folded behind his back, his head bowed. Elizabeth glanced back at him as she walked up the path, and he looked up and caught her eye, giving her a small smile. She smiled back, grateful for his understanding.

She had a bouquet of flowers in her hand, gathered from the gardens at Netherfield. She had not had the chance to visit her father's grave since the Bennets had left Longbourn, and she wanted to make it look pretty. She knelt down and placed the flowers on the grave, then sat back on her heels and looked at the headstone.

Thomas Bennet, it read. Beloved husband and father.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Oh, Papa," she said softly. "I miss you so much." She reached out and touched the headstone. "But I am happy, Papa. You would be so proud of me, I think. I am Mrs. Darcy now, the mistress of Pemberley." She smiled a little. "I think you would like Mr. Darcy very much, Papa. He is a good man, and he loves me very much. And I love him too. I am very happy. I only wish you could be here to see it."

She sat there for a few moments more, then took a deep breath and stood up. She dusted off her skirts and turned to walk back down the path to where Darcy was waiting for her.

As they left the churchyard, Elizabeth was puzzled to see that the carriage was taking a familiar route, but not the one she had expected to her aunt Philips' house. She looked out of the window, recognising the landmarks, and then her eyes widened in realisation. They were heading for Longbourn. She did not know if she was ready to see the burned ruins of her childhood home. She had been told by Charlotte's first letter that the house was a total loss, and she had no wish to see the blackened shell of the house, the roof that had fallen in, the rooms where she had grown up reduced to ashes.

"Darcy, my love, I don't think…" she began, but he squeezed her hand gently.

"Trust me, Elizabeth. There is something you need to see."

She looked out of the window, trying to distract herself by looking at the familiar countryside, the fields and woods where she and her sisters had played. She could see the house now, or at least the chimneys, above the trees. But as they came closer, the carriage turning down the avenue, she saw that Longbourn was not the ruined shell she had expected. She could see new bricks, scaffolding, men working. The house was being rebuilt.

Elizabeth's mouth fell open in shock. She stared at the house, trying to make sense of what she was seeing as they approached. The carriage came closer, and she could see the walls, the new bricks standing out in stark contrast to the old. The roof was not yet complete, but it was clear that the house was almost complete. The windows were empty of glass, but the frames were in place. The front door was open, and she could see men coming and going, carrying tools and materials.

She glanced at Darcy, who was sitting opposite her in the carriage, and he met her eyes with a calm, steady gaze. "Fitzwilliam," she said, her voice a little shaky. "What...?"

"All will be explained, Elizabeth," he said quietly. "I promise you."

Elizabeth turned back to the window, staring at the house as they came up the drive. Longbourn. Her home. And it was almost rebuilt. She could not understand it .

Darcy alighted from the carriage first and turned to assist Elizabeth down. He took her hand and led her up the steps to the front door. Elizabeth looked around, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. The house was clearly not yet habitable, but it was far from the ruin she had expected.

"My uncle Lord Matlock recommended the architect, and Bingley has been overseeing the work," Darcy said. "He has been here every day, making sure that everything is done correctly. He has been most diligent."

Elizabeth could only stare. "But why?" she asked finally. "Why would you do this?"

Darcy looked at her, his expression serious. "Because it is your home, Elizabeth. Your family's home." He took her hand and led her inside the house and into the drawing-room, where he gestured to a pair of chairs that had been set up. "Please, sit down. There is much I need to explain to you."

Elizabeth sat, still in a daze, and Darcy took the other chair. "Elizabeth, you know that the Longbourn estate was entailed on Mr. Collins, but perhaps you did not know that he was the last male heir, and so could not renew the entail. Your uncle Mr. Philips handled the arrangements, and though Mr. Collins left no will, you and your sisters are his only living relatives… and therefore, his heirs. Longbourn belongs to the five of you now. It is my hope that this will provide you all with a measure of security. The estate will be held in trust for you and your descendants, and I hope that it will always be a home for any of you who need it."

Elizabeth stared at him, her mouth open. "But... but how can this be? The house was destroyed..."

"Yes," Darcy agreed. "But the land is still valuable, and the estate has other assets. I have taken the liberty of advancing the funds to rebuild the house, and Bingley has been overseeing the work. I hope you do not mind."

" Mind ?" Elizabeth could only shake her head. "Fitzwilliam, I don't know what to say. Thank you seems so inadequate."

Darcy reached across and took her hand. "I love you, Elizabeth. I would do anything within my power to make you happy. And I hope that this will make you happy. I know that your mother has been staying with your aunt and uncle, but I hope that when the house is finished, she will move back here with Mrs. Hill. Your mother will have a comfortable home for the rest of her life, and I hope that the knowledge that Longbourn will always be a home for you and your sisters will be a comfort to you."

Elizabeth could only nod, tears beginning to spill down her cheeks. "Thank you," she whispered. "Oh, Fitzwilliam, thank you so much."

Darcy stood and drew her to her feet, enfolding her in his arms. "You are welcome, my love," he said softly. "You are most welcome."

They embraced for a long moment, and then Darcy tugged on her hand, his smile contagious. "Come, let us look about. Bingley has sent me letters, but I simply must see it all for myself!"

They walked through the house together, and a rush of nostalgia overwhelmed Elizabeth as she looked at the familiar entrance hall. The floor tiles were new, but they were exactly the same pattern she remembered, and the walls had been freshly painted. She walked slowly through the house, seeing the new bricks that had been used to rebuild it, but the layout was the same, and she could almost imagine herself a little girl again, running through the house in search of Jane or her father.

The house was a hive of activity, and Elizabeth saw workmen everywhere. The roof was almost finished, she saw, and the walls had been plastered and painted. It was clear that the house would soon be ready for occupation.

And what a comfort it would be to her mother, Elizabeth thought, to be able to move back to her old home. Now, thanks to Darcy's generosity, her mother would be able to live in comfort at Longbourn for the rest of her life.

And it was a great security for her sisters, Elizabeth thought. Kitty and Lydia would always have a home if they needed it, and Mary, who Elizabeth feared might be the one to remain unmarried, would be able to live at Longbourn in comfort.

Elizabeth's heart swelled with gratitude to Darcy. He had done this for her, for her family. He had spent all this money, and Bingley had spent all this time, to make sure that she and her sisters would always have a home.

She turned and looked at Darcy, her heart full of love and admiration for him. He had done this for her, because he loved her. He had given her the greatest gift he could have given, the security of knowing that her family would always be safe and comfortable.

"Fitzwilliam," she said softly, "I don't know how to thank you for what you have done for me, for my family. It is a gift beyond price."

Darcy shook his head. "Elizabeth, you do not have to thank me. I did it for you, because I love you. I want you to be happy, and I want your family to be safe and secure. It is my pleasure, my privilege, to be able to do this for you."

Elizabeth squeezed his hand. "You are a good man, Mr. Darcy," she said softly. "I am so very proud that I am your wife."

Darcy smiled down at her. "And I am glad that you are my wife, Mrs. Darcy." He took both her hands in his. "I look forward to the day when we will have our own children running through the halls of Pemberley, when we will be able to visit Longbourn and see your sisters and their children."

Elizabeth smiled. "I hope that day will come soon," she said softly. "I long to give you children, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy's eyes darkened with desire. "My love," he said softly. "I long for that too. But for now, I am content to have you all to myself."

Elizabeth blushed and looked down, and Darcy chuckled. "You are adorable when you blush, Elizabeth," he said, lifting her chin with one finger so that she had to look at him. "I love you, and I promise you that I will always do everything in my power to make you happy."

"I know you will," Elizabeth said softly, leaning into his touch. "And I will do everything I can to make you happy, my love."

"You already do," Darcy said, and he bent his head and kissed her again, a soft, tender kiss that spoke of all the love and hope they had for their future together.

They lingered in the sweet embrace, a promise of a lifetime of love and happiness shared between them. As they pulled away, Elizabeth's heart felt full, knowing that Darcy had not only mended Longbourn but had also secured a future for all of the remaining Bennets.

"Papa would have given you his blessing, had you actually asked," she whispered, teasing Mr. Darcy about the long-ago lie he had told.

"I like to think so," Darcy said with a quiet laugh, placing his arm around Elizabeth and leading her to the room that had once been her father's study. Opening the door, he showed her the bookshelves the workmen were busy installing, shelves he intended to stock with as many books as Mr. Bennet himself could have possibly desired. "At any rate, I hope he would be happy with what I have done here."

"How could he not be?" Elizabeth leaned against her husband, looking into his eyes. "You have secured Longbourn's legacy for his daughters, for all time." She could almost see her father, setting down his book and turning from his favoured seat by the window to look at her with that familiar twinkle in his eye.

"Lizzy, my dear," she imagined him saying, "I could not have parted with you to anyone less worthy."

"Oh, he is worthy, Papa," she whispered, smiling through her tears. "He truly is."