In a More Amiable Light
Page 10
"Is there anything else you would like to say to me in private, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth smiled. He could tell from her smile that she was teasing him. He had not been wrong.
"In fact there is, Miss Bennet. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I would be much obliged."
Elizabeth reached for him and right there, in the middle of the park, she took his hands in hers.
"I love you, Mr. Darcy. I love you as much as you love me. Nothing would make me happier than to become your wife," Elizabeth responded. "It would be my most sincere pleasure to be obligated to you for the rest of my life," she added.
He took her face in both his hands then. "I believe," he said, placing a light kiss on her left cheek. "That the pleasure," he said, kissing her other cheek ever so slightly, "is entirely mine" he finished. He gazed deeply into her eyes and bent towards her as their lips met in a passionate, loving kiss.
From across the street, the Gardiners and Jane looked at them in complete astonishment and the deepest, most overwhelming joy.
Epilogue: 5 Years Later
Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were most excited to welcome Elizabeth's family to Pemberley for the Christmas season, the first as it happened since they had married.
Since the marriage of Jane and Elizabeth, Mrs. Bennet had been the happiest and the most envied woman in the entire Meryton neighborhood.
Mr. Bennet was also content to see his daughters so happily married to such worthy gentlemen and he was particularly fond of Darcy and his libraries – both in his London town house and at Pemberley.
The years had been kind to the Darcys, granting them complete felicity in marriage, a handsome little boy who was but shy of two years old now, and a beautiful little girl, nearly six months old.
Jane and Mr. Bingley – who also had a son and a daughter - had recently bought a neighboring estate only 30 miles away, and although Elizabeth did miss her quaint childhood home and her family from time to time, she had her sister close to her. The Darcys and the Bingleys were nearly inseparable since the purchase of the Bingley estate. Georgiana, too, had become such a dearly beloved friend to Elizabeth and Jane that she fondly thought of them as sisters, which they were by marriage, but also by heart.
The three other Bennet girls were not yet wed, but they often came to visit Elizabeth at Pemberley or in town and they befriended Georgiana too. The beauty of Pemberley was now completed with joy and laughter and happiness, warming the once too quiet halls.
With the family gathered in the beautifully decorated drawing room, Elizabeth took a moment to observe the joyful gathering. Her mother, proud as always, was holding Elizabeth's daughter, with Mrs. Gardiner sitting beside her. Georgiana and the three Bennet girls were gathered around the piano, playing a lovely carol. Lydia sang loudly, if a little off key, but it was no matter, such a fun time they were all having. Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Bennet and the Colonel were around the card table, engaged in an amicable, but rather intense game of cards.
Elizabeth's cheeks were flushed as she saw all her family and friends together and content. She felt warm hands on her shoulders and turned to face her husband, her eyes radiant and glowing.
"Such a happy Christmastime," she said to him, as she looked lovingly into his eyes. He nodded, and brushed the back of her cheek with his hand.
"I am so grateful for your patience with my mother and sisters. I know they are not the easiest sort to get along with,” she said.
Mr. Darcy smiled. "My dear wife," he said. "There is no need for gratitude. I have told you many times that it is my obligation to do so."
"You always show them such kindness. And to me, so much love. And joy … I feel so fortunate to have you, my beloved husband."
"Sssshhhh," Mr. Darcy said, placing his fingertip on Elizabeth's lips to silence her. "So, may I hope you believe that my fault is not my propensity to hate everybody?"
Elizabeth smiled at him. It was certainly not his fault, as he had shown only love and compassion throughout their five years of marriage.
"No, indeed," Elizabeth said to him. "After living with you for five years I have come to the conclusion that Miss Bingley was right. You are a man without faults, Mr. Darcy!" Her eyes sparkled and she laughed at him teasingly. The men at the card table laughed loudly. Georgiana and the Bennet girls sang joyfully. Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Bennet bounced the baby back and force.
Mr. Darcy put his fingertip to Elizabeth's lips once more. "Shsshhh," he said again. We will discuss more of all this later. Alone.
The End