Epilogue

Elizabeth

20 th April 1812

Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire

E lizabeth stood by the window of Netherfield, gazing at the lively scene below. The last few months had been a whirlwind of events, and now, watching her family and friends gathered outside, she felt a deep sense of peace and fulfilment. Fitzwilliam’s hand brushed gently against hers, grounding her in the moment, his morning cup of tea in hand.

Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam, and Maggie had been at Netherfield for more than two months now, having taken over the lease from Mr Bingley who was staying with them as their guest.

Jane, of course, resided alongside them now that she and Charles were married. Elizabeth smiled. It had been six weeks since their double wedding and she could still hardly believe she was now Mrs Darcy in more than just a fantastical ruse. They were married. They were happy.

Georgiana, and Mrs Annesley had been staying at Netherfield as well, having arrived just after the Pemberley party had settled in.

It had been a rather busy home what with the Bennets coming and going as they pleased, along with Elizabeth’s friends. And even the Hursts and Caroline Bingley had come to stay.

The tale of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth’s rescue of little Maggie had spread through the Realm faster than the initial attack and they had enjoyed much renown as a result. So much so, even Lady Catherine, Lady Matlock, and Lord Matlock had been in touch. The ladies had not attended their wedding, this honour had been bestowed solely on Lord Matlock, who’d joined the festivities alongside Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth was aware of course, that their sudden high position in society was related only the fact that Maggie’s family was noble. Had they been paupers, nothing would have changed. However, as it was, she intended to use her newfound elevated position for good.

“A carriage is coming,” Mrs Bennet called from outside and Elizabeth looked out to see a stately carriage bearing the coat of arms of Lord Matlock coming. The Earl, currently in London, had loaned one of his carriages to Fitzwilliam so he could have the elder Lady Buchanan collected from Dover in style.

Elizabeth sighed. “I cannot believe the day has arrived. Maggie is finally seeing her grandmother.”

“Indeed, it was a long, and winding path to get here,” Fitzwilliam said. It had taken a month before his letter found Maggie’s grandmother Lady Agatha Buchanan. Another three weeks had passed before the lady’s response arrived. It had broken Elizabeth’s heart to learn she hadn’t heard of her son’s death. Lady Buchanan, who awaited trial in Scotland, had withheld the information from her.

However, the elder lady had agreed to come immediately to fetch Maggie. Thought given the slowness of travel, it had taken six weeks for the voyage from Italy. However, today was the day.

“Shall we, Mrs Darcy?” he asked.

She nodded. “We shall.”

They stepped outside where her mother, father, and Mary were already congregated, alongside Maggie, who sat on Mrs Bennet’s lap. Charles Bingley and Jane came over from the gardens while Kitty and Lydia burst out of the door behind Elizabeth. Caroline stood at the window, peering down unable to ignore her desire to be involved.

Just then, the carriage slowed to a halt, and Colonel Fitzwilliam was the first to step down, extending his arm to help an older woman descend. Her husband’s cousin had agreed to fetch the lady from Dover, given he was the one who had first uncovered the truth behind Maggie’s identity.

The older lady was a short, rotund figure with white hair neatly tucked beneath a soft hat. Her face was lined with years but held a kindness that was immediately apparent. Elizabeth watched with a smile as Maggie, who had been holding her hand, suddenly broke free, her little voice ringing out in delight.

“Grandmama!” Maggie cried, dashing to her grandmother with open arms.

The woman laughed, bending down as Maggie threw her arms around her, her own eyes brimming with tears. It was a joyful, heartfelt reunion, and Elizabeth felt her own eyes sting, touched by the sight.

Fitzwilliam stepped forward, introducing himself with a respectful bow. “My lady, I am Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of the Pemberley Darcys.”

“A pleasure to meet you. I believe it is you and Miss Bennet I have to thank for keeping my darling Maggie safe all this time?”

“Indeed. And it has been an honour to ensure Maggie’s safety and well-being.”

The older woman clasped his hands, gratitude radiating from her. “Mr Darcy, Miss Bennet words cannot express my thanks. Colonel Fitzwilliam has told me everything in detail, and I assure you, your kindness will not go unrewarded.”

Fitzwilliam smiled and shook his head. “We do not seek reward, my lady. We simply did what was right—and in truth, I feel we have already received a reward far greater than we could have imagined.”

The lady looked momentarily puzzled until Maggie tugged on her arm with an impish smile. “Grandmama, Mr Darcy and Beth are married now, because of me! I brought them together,” Maggie said cheerfully.

Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam exchanged a warm glance, laughter twinkling in his eyes. “Indeed, Maggie had quite the hand in it,” he said, chuckling.

The woman clapped her hands together with delight. “Oh, that is wonderful news!” she exclaimed. “I beg your pardon for addressing you incorrectly, Mrs Darcy,” she said to Elizabeth with a warm smile.

Maggie tugged on her grandmother’s shawl, looking up at her eagerly.

“Grandmama, come and meet Mrs Bennet and Mr Bennet,” she said. Fitzwilliam took his cue gracefully, introducing Lady Agatha to each member of the family with the kind of polish and consideration that Elizabeth had grown to admire so deeply. Lady Agatha greeted each person warmly, her thanks soft, but deeply sincere. When her gaze fell on Mrs Bennet, her reserve finally gave way to visible emotion.

“Oh, Mrs Bennet,” Lady Agatha began, her voice trembling slightly. “I cannot fully express how grateful I am for the care and kindness you’ve shown my dear Maggie. From one grandmother to another, for surely that is what you have been to that little girl in my absence.”

Mrs Bennet, uncharacteristically rendered speechless, blinked in surprise at the effusive praise. She managed only a small, shy nod and murmured, “It was nothing, truly. The poor girl needed looking after.” Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled with pride. It was a rare moment when Mrs Bennet, usually full of animated opinions, allowed herself to bask quietly in appreciation. She cast a glance at Mr Bennet, who met her gaze with a small, approving nod.

The group made their way indoors, gathering in the drawing room where tea had been laid out, and soon the air was filled with cheerful chatter and laughter. The table was laden with delicate sandwiches, fragrant tea, and freshly baked cakes, all arranged by Mrs Bennet, who had spared no effort in welcoming Lady Agatha.

Elizabeth moved through the room, a quiet smile on her face as she observed her family’s newfound ease with her husband. Jane sat near Lady Agatha, listening attentively to her stories, while Charles joined in with his usual good humour. Lydia and Kitty whispered excitedly, exchanging amused glances over Maggie, who sat beside them, her eyes shining with the delight of being amidst such a warm gathering. Even her father, who had initially been overwhelmed by the intensity of recent events, seemed at ease, observing the room with his characteristic dry humour.

After tea, Lady Agatha leaned towards Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, her tone serious as she addressed them.

“I wondered if we may speak in private. There is more to tell,” she began, a sadness touching her gaze.

The three slipped out of the drawing room and into the adjacent music room, where Fitzwilliam pulled the door shut.

“Is something the matter?” Elizabeth asked with concern.

“No, but there is something more I had to convey. I sent word to my solicitor in Scotland and he saw my daughter-in-law.” She paused, her voice lowering. “She has confessed, in exchange for leniency. She will likely face banishment to New Holland.”

Elizabeth’s brow furrowed in concern. “And her son?” she asked gently.

Lady Agatha nodded, a soft smile on her face. “I have agreed to take him in. This way, Maggie and her cousin can grow up together as they should.”

Fitzwilliam looked thoughtful. “You must know, Lady Agatha, that we hope Maggie might visit us at Pemberley from time to time. And her cousin would be welcome as well.”

A look of relief crossed Lady Agatha’s face. “That is good news for I have made another decision. She is very fond of you and frankly, after all that happened I could use a change of scenery. So, I have decided to settle nearby, in Sheffield. I would not wish to separate Maggie from the people she has come to love. And I have no doubt the Bennets will visit often. Or you may take her for the summers to visit here, if you like. I am old after all, it will be difficult to watch two wee ones without support.”

“Oh, certainly!” Elizabeth chimed in, her smile wide and genuine. “You shall have all the support you need in us.”

The room fell into a contented silence, each person seeming to savour the new chapter that lay ahead. Fitzwilliam’s hand found Elizabeth’s, and he leaned close, his voice a soft murmur just for her.

“Well, it is settled them.” Lady Buchanan smiled widely again then. “Aside from one thing. Pray, Mr Darcy. Have you ever considered a title a little grander than Mr?”

Fitzwilliam frowned and Elizabeth dipped her head to one side.

“A grander title? Why, I do not know how I would achieve that. My uncle is earl, certainly, but I am not in line to inherit it.”

“I thought more a title of your own,” she said.

“I am afraid I do not understand,” Elizabeth said, and Fitzwilliam nodded in agreement.

“Then I shall explain. You see, my husband, God rest his soul, was a Scotsman. I, however, am English. You might have heard of my cousin once removed, Queen Charlotte. I have written to her, requesting an audience during which I shall request you both be elevated in status. I rather like the sound of Baron and Baroness of Pemberley.”

“That is entirely too much,” Fitzwilliam said and Elizabeth nodded.

“We only did what any decent person would have,” Elizabeth added.

“You did, and you should be thus rewarded.” She rose then. “I will see to it. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a game of whist to get to. Mrs Bennet and Mrs Bingley are waiting. We shall need a third. I assume you two will need a moment together, Mrs Darcy. So perhaps I shall ask that young lady who keeps lurking in the shadows. She seems a bit of a wallflower. What is her name again?”

“Caroline Bingley,” Elizabeth said, thought the description of wallflower made her want to giggle.

“Ah, well. I shall see that she comes out of her shell,” Lady Agatha said and walked out of the room.

Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth sat side by side, still stunned by Lady Agatha’s announcement. The vision of them as Baron and Baroness Pemberley felt rather bizarre, and yet here they were, with Lady Agatha already plotting the details as if it were only a matter of time.

“Well,” Elizabeth said, laughter dancing in her eyes, “it seems I shall have to get used to calling you Lord Pemberley.”

Fitzwilliam chuckled, brushing his thumb over her hand. “And I, of course, shall be addressing you as Lady Pemberley from now on.”

“Oh, how grand,” she teased, lifting her chin in mock arrogance. “I shall have to order a throne and perhaps a few golden robes.”

“I believe we shall need to summon a herald to announce you wherever you go,” her husband replied. But after a moment, their laughter softened into a quiet pause, and he squeezed her hand, his gaze steady.

“Elizabeth,” he said, his voice low, “it truly feels as if everything is coming together. Finally, everyone is happy. Maggie can stay close, and I… I couldn’t ask for more.”

Elizabeth met his gaze, her heart swelling. “Nor I. This life we are forging together—I never dreamt it could all be so perfect.”

They held each other’s gaze, a shared understanding passing between them that needed no words. “I love you, Elizabeth,” he whispered, his voice full of wonder.

“And I love you, Fitzwilliam,” she replied softly, her own eyes full of the same awe and joy.

Just then, the door burst open, and Maggie darted in, her face alight with excitement. “Beth! Darcy!” she cried, hopping from one foot to the other. “Guess what! Grandmama told me we’re moving near Pemberley so I can see you all the time! And Gordon will be with me also. Although not auntie because she is going to have to travel with her new husband.”

Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth shared a look, understanding the tale Lady Agatha had chosen to explain away Lady Buchanan’s absence for the time being. One day, Maggie would find out the truth, as would her cousin, but for the time being perhaps their grandmother’s tale would allow the preservation of their childhood innocence.

“Did she, now?” Fitzwilliam asked, his tone playful.

“Yes! She said I could have tea with you as often as I wanted and even go on walks with you and Beth!” Maggie announced proudly. “And I can come for Christmas and maybe in the summers we can visit Mrs Bennet?”

Elizabeth’s laughter was warm as she kissed Maggie’s forehead. “We’d love nothing more,” she said, glancing at her husband.

Together, they knew that their family was more complete than they had ever dared to imagine and that the future could only bring them happiness.

THE END

Thank you for reading!

Get notified of new releases and special offers from our writers by signing up to JA World’s Email List