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Epilogue

I n July of 1812, when the sweltering heat of summer typically sent society fleeing from town, Darcy made a rare exception. Instead of retreating to Pemberley or some other cool country estate, they remained in London. Elizabeth had been adamant—her mother was expecting her first child, and Elizabeth would not miss the occasion for anything. Darcy, who had become deeply fond of Mrs. Gardiner and respected the bond Elizabeth shared with her, did not hesitate to agree. He was content to linger in the city, though it was against his usual habits.

On the third of August, Mrs. Gardiner gave birth to a healthy baby boy, christened Thomas Edward Gardiner. Elizabeth had been utterly enamored with the child, though it was not lost on Darcy that part of her joy stemmed from the knowledge of her own condition. Her pregnancy had only just begun to show, and Darcy delighted in the way Elizabeth unconsciously touched her belly whenever she held little Thomas.

“This baby brother of mine,” Elizabeth had said with a smile as she gazed down at the infant, “has completely stolen my heart.”

“You say that now,” Darcy replied with a teasing smile, “but I suspect our own child may compete for that affection soon enough.”

Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled as she glanced at him. “Our children shall never lack for love, Fitzwilliam. Of that, I am certain.”

In those early days of their marriage, nothing seemed to dampen the light in Elizabeth’s eyes. But some shadows, however faint, did linger from the past. Mr. and Mrs. Collins had sent multiple letters since the wedding, filled with words of remorse. Mrs. Collins, in particular, had expressed deep regret over her role in the failed attempt to compromise Elizabeth’s reputation. Elizabeth, always willing to forgive, had allowed the correspondence to continue, though she confided in Darcy that their relationship would never be what she once hoped.

“I will write to her, of course,” Elizabeth said one evening as they sat by the fire. “But it will not be the same as it is with Suzy or even with Georgiana. There is something missing between Jane and me—something I fear cannot be restored.”

For Darcy’s part, it was more difficult to forgive his wife’s sister. When he thought about what might have been had their plan succeeded, he grew angry, but he tried to hide his feelings from Elizabeth. He knew she loved her sister, despite Jane’s selfish ways. “You owe her nothing more than your peace of mind, my love. You have built your own family here, with me. You have the love you deserve.”

Not all relationships in Meryton were strained, however. Though she never again spoke to her aunt, and only kept up with Jane through correspondence, Elizabeth’s friendships with Miss Lucas, Miss Goulding, and Miss King grew. All three ladies visited her in London when Sir William Lucas attended business meetings with Mr. Gardiner. They became regular correspondents and saw each other at least once annually, when the Darcys were in London.

Georgiana had flourished under Mrs. Annesley’s influence. That lady became the girl’s companion when Elizabeth married Mr. Darcy. Georgiana had always been shy, but Mrs. Annesley’s quiet guidance combined with Elizabeth’s outgoing nature, ensured that Georgiana grew in confidence, eager for the next chapter of her life.

Georgiana adored her new sister and took great pleasure in the prospect of soon becoming an aunt. More than that, she was thrilled to have Elizabeth by her side as she prepared for her own come out the following year.

Meanwhile, in April of 1812, another joyous event took place: Suzy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam were married at Meadow Haven. It had been a glorious affair, though not without its challenges. Richard had wished for an engagement as short as Darcy’s, but Lady Matlock had firmly opposed the idea, insisting on a proper engagement. In the end, they had compromised with a four-month engagement. After their wedding, the couple escaped town and settled happily on their estate in Somerset.

Suzy and Richard's marriage had been as lively as everyone expected. They welcomed five children into their lives, starting with their son, Paul Richard Fitzwilliam, and followed by four daughters: Elizabeth Mae, Lillian Grace, Eloisa Rose, and the youngest, Cassandra Jeannine. Little Cassandra, from the moment she could toddle, showed a fiery spirit not unlike her mother’s. She was saucy, quick-witted, and surprisingly good at billiards—a talent Richard proudly boasted about at every opportunity.

Though Richard adored all his children, it was Cassandra who claimed a special place in his heart. Father and daughter were often inseparable, and Richard took great joy in teaching her everything from riding to strategy, both on and off the billiards table.

Darcy and Elizabeth, too, were blessed with children — four in total. First came Edward Fitzwilliam, who looked remarkably like his father but possessed his mother’s lively spirit. Then Alexander James, the second son, who was a mirror image of Darcy in both looks and temperament. Gregory Thomas followed, a spirited mix of both his parents, full of laughter and mischief. Finally, their only daughter, Anne Susan, arrived. At the age of six, Anne bore such a striking resemblance to Elizabeth that Darcy often found himself recalling the first time he had seen Elizabeth so many years ago, dusty from playing and missing her two front teeth.

Though their marriage had been filled with love and joy, there were occasional times when Darcy and Elizabeth had to endure days apart. These moments were brief, often due to Elizabeth being with child and unable to travel with Darcy for business. But no matter the distance, Darcy always rushed back to her side, never allowing their separation to last long.

“You spoil me, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth said with a soft smile one afternoon, as Darcy returned home after a short trip. “I think you might miss me too much.”

Darcy gathered her in his arms, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Not possible, Mrs. Darcy. My greatest joy when traveling alone is when I return to you.”

As their family grew, so did their love. The grand halls of Pemberley echoed with the laughter of children, and the warmth of their home reflected the bond they had built—strong, unbreakable, and full of the quiet contentment that comes from knowing you have found your other half.

Darcy and Elizabeth were bound, not by duty or circumstance, but by a love that would endure forever.

And that was all that mattered.

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