23. Epilogue

The pianoforte notes floated merrily through the grand drawing room of Pemberley as Georgiana's fingers danced across the keys. Garlands of holly and evergreen boughs adorned the mantelpiece and windows, filling the air with the crisp, earthy scent of the season. A crackling fire cast a warm glow across the smiling faces of family gathered together once more.

Charlotte allowed herself a small, secret smile as she observed her assembled family. Mary, recently wed to the kind and bookish Dr. Watley, had blossomed under his attentions, her serene countenance reflecting the joy of a contented heart. Even flighty Lydia appeared more settled since her marriage to Captain Denny, her laughter now born of genuine mirth rather than empty frivolity.

But it was Kitty who drew Charlotte's discerning eye. The once directionless girl now carried herself with a quiet dignity, her gaze frequently straying to the tall, handsome gentleman at Mr. Darcy's side. Mr. Tom Bertram, Charlotte had learned, was not only a particular friend of Mr. Darcy's but also stood to inherit a baronetcy and a considerable estate in Northamptonshire. The admiration in his eyes as he regarded Kitty spoke volumes.

"Well, well," Mr. Bennet murmured, following Charlotte's gaze. "It appears our Kitty may soon have an announcement of her own to make. A baronet, no less!"

Charlotte chuckled softly. "Indeed, my dear. Though I suspect Kitty's affections are engaged by more than mere titles and estates."

"As they should be," Mr. Bennet agreed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "We Bennets have a talent for securing spouses far above our station. I credit you with setting the example, Mrs. Bennet."

Charlotte's gaze drifted to where Mr. Darcy stood, his normally stern countenance softened by obvious pride and contentment as he surveyed the domestic scene before him. He never strayed far from Elizabeth's side, Charlotte had noted, standing now where he could watch her sitting between Jane and Kitty, all three of them laughing as they listened to Lydia telling a humorous anecdote.

"What a joyous occasion it is to have all my daughters under one roof again," Mr. Bennet remarked. "I daresay Pemberley has never seen such liveliness!"

Charlotte smiled. "It does my heart good to see them so happy. Our girls have grown into fine young women."

"Indeed they have, my dear. And it is in no small part thanks to you." Mr. Bennet patted her hand fondly. "You have been a true mother to them in every way that matters."

Warmth blossomed in Charlotte's chest at his words, and she drew a steadying breath, preparing to tell her husband the secret she had been holding close to her heart for some weeks now. Before she could begin, however, he spoke again.

"I suppose it shan't be long now before we are overrun with a veritable army of grandchildren!"

Charlotte smiled, a slight nervousness fluttering in her belly as she met her husband's gaze. She knew the moment had come to share her news, yet a part of her hesitated, savouring these last few seconds before their world would change forever. Her hand drifted unconsciously to her midsection, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by the observant Mr. Bennet.

"Charlotte?" he queried, a note of concern creeping into his voice. "Is everything quite all right?"

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the revelation to come. "Indeed, Mr. Bennet, everything is more than all right. It's just that I..." She trailed off, suddenly at a loss for words.

Mr. Bennet's brow furrowed. "You what, my dear? Come now, out with it. You know you can tell me anything."

Charlotte felt a rush of love for this man who had become her partner in every sense of the word. She reached out, taking his hand in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm afraid you may have to wait a bit longer for those grandchildren, Mr. Bennet. It seems that before you are to be a grandfather, you shall first be a father again."

For a long moment, Mr. Bennet simply stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, to Charlotte's immense relief, he let out a great crack of laughter. "Well, well! It appears that even in my dotage, I am not yet past my prime. Mr. Collins will be most displeased to learn of this development, I daresay."

Charlotte couldn't help but laugh at her husband's jest, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders at his obvious delight. "I'm sure he will find a way to bear the disappointment," she replied wryly. "After all, he has Lady Catherine to console him. And there is, of course, no guarantee I will give you a son to carry on Longbourn's legacy."

Mr. Bennet's eyes softened as he drew Charlotte closer, his hand coming to rest gently upon her still-flat belly. "A legacy that you, Mrs. Bennet, have played no small part in securing. I could not ask for a more excellent wife or mother to my children, and I care not if you give me a son or another five daughters."

Tears pricked at Charlotte's eyes as she leaned into her husband's embrace, the love and contentment that filled the room enveloping them both. In this moment, surrounded by the laughter and joy of their family, the future had never seemed so bright nor so full of promise.