by Kay Mares
Darcy sat in stunned silence for at least ten minutes when it was first revealed Kate would wear pants while attending to chores or if she is in the woods hunting or gathering firewood while in America. Darcy studied the young woman as she interacts with his family, properly clothed and with impeccable manners. Darcy will never admit it, but late that night in the strict privacy of their chambers, Lizzy donned some of Darcy’s breeches. The fabric accents Lizzy’s bottom and clings to her shapely legs, Darcy solemnly stating he can see some merit to ladies wearing men’s clothing. Lizzy laughingly kisses his lopsided grin. More shocking revelations occur as Darcy, Henry and Jonesy indulgently allow Kate to accompany them when they engaged in some sport shooting. Some hours later, a beaming and proud James escorts Kate back to the manor followed by three chagrined older gentlemen who were frankly outshot by the young American.
Darcy loves his American daughter-in-law deeply. The two of them share a passion for chess, and it is entertaining to watch them employ their strategies on the board. Darcy is meticulous and exacting, taking an inordinate amount of time to study the board and think through possible moves. Kate is no less exacting but prone to bold moves which sometimes flummox Darcy. In the end, Darcy prevails more often than not, but Kate proves a worthy opponent. The games often last into the next day as both scour the Pemberley library to argue some obscure chess rule long forgotten which then needs to be researched and clarified for the game to continue. Lizzy watched in delight after one particularly contested game, Darcy being the ultimate winner, as Darcy wags a finger at Kate as he states, “old age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.” Kate’s eyes widen at her father-in-law’s jest before they both break out in laughter.
The rest of the family knows many blessings also. Georgiana marries Lord Marsden. Lizzy spoke with Darcy regarding Georgiana’s interest in the young Lord and Darcy begrudgingly allowed him to visit. Darcy sees how Marsden respects Georgiana’s worth and welcomes her opinions. He laughingly tells Lizzy that some of the discourse between the young couple reminded him of their first exchanges minis the rancor. But what finally sways Darcy is when he reads the true love written across his sister’s face whenever she is in Marsden’s presence. In spite of Georgiana not having a true season in London, Darcy is happy to give his consent when Marsden requests Georgiana’s hand. The couple is nearly as blissful as Darcy and Lizzy, the union producing four children.
Charles and Jane have four children of their own. Two boys born a year apart followed by two daughters. Charles junior will take over the reins of the Bingley estate and continue to have it thrive under his hand. Lucian, the second son, goes into the military and distinguishes himself there and comes home to marry and raise a brood of his own. The two Bingley daughters inherited their mother’s blond locks and serene manner; both Hester and Maxine are sought after for their beauty and personalities. When Charles passed after a long and rewarding life with his angel Jane, the children and grandchildren gladly visit Jane where she resides with Charles junior until her own death.
Jonesy and Kitty remain blissful in their marriage. Jonesy’s new reputation as a serious and intelligent estate manager and business partner grows and flourishes. However, it means people no longer overlooked his intellect, and he sometimes has difficulty outmaneuvering the competition. Kitty birthed three children, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Richard. Richard like his father before him has an uncanny business acumen while the two daughters prove themselves and conquer the ton. Sadly Jonesy will only live long enough to see all of them married but he only sees one of his many grandchildren. Kitty is lovingly looked after by her daughter Elizabeth and her family before she meets Jonesy again in the afterlife.
Henry and Anne have two sons, Garret and Reuben. Garret takes over Rosings after Henry’s death, and the estate continues to flourish. Henry lived to see some of his own grandchildren born, but he is the first of the gentleman to pass. If Garret needs any assistance, Darcy is there to help his nephew. Darcy understands all too well the grief associated with losing a parent and how overwhelming the responsibilities can be. Garret relies on Darcy for much of Darcy’s long life. Reuben followed in Henry’s footsteps with a distinguished military career then he finds the love of his life and becomes the Master of his own manor. Garret fell deeply in love with the beautiful eldest Bingley daughter, Hester. The marriage is a joyful one with Garret having a sense of humor similar to his father-in-law, and Hester’s personality is akin to her mother’s. Lady Catherine lived long enough to see the birth of Garret but succumbed to old age. All of her objections against Darcy’s marriage and Henry’s union with her daughter had long been withdrawn, and when she passed, it is with her family intact, and she returned to its bosom.
Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet lived to see most of their grandchildren born and on their way to success in their lives. Mary stayed with her parents, having no interest in marriage or children for herself. Interestingly, Mr. Bennet did outlive Mr. Collins who had succumbed to too much sloth and gluttony. Mr. Bennet can have his will revised, and Mary inherits the estate with his passing. She lived there with Mrs. Bennet, and later Lydia moves back home after Mr. Wickham makes her a widow. Darcy purchased the estate to ensure Mary and Lydia will never want for a place to live. Much later, one of Darcy’s great-grandchildren makes the estate his own and doubles the size and prosperity of Longbourn.
Mr. Wickham is never seen again by Darcy or Lizzy, the sources Darcy employ reporting Wickham does little but drink and spend his small salary on gambling. Lydia subsisted on what money her mother sends her, and she keeps the small sums away from her husband. Eventually, the bloated and continually inebriated Wickham collapses in a pub, the local doctor there suspecting a heart seizure.
The former Miss Bingley now Mrs. Cleese formed a genuine friendship with both Lizzy and Jane. She often writes, visits when her husband allows it and bears her burdens as best as she can. She gave birth to a boy who succumbed to a fever before his first birthday. Caroline’s grief is deep, but Jane and Lizzy succor her to the best of their abilities. Mr. Cleese died shortly after his youngest son and the oldest Cleese boy by another marriage, took pity on his stepmother and paid her five thousand pounds additional to what her husband left her in his will. Jane and Charles welcome her back into their home where Caroline immerses herself in her nieces and nephew’s lives. She becomes a favorite aunt with all of the children including the Darcy children. All of them can expect a special gift from her on holidays and their birthdays. Shopping excursions with Aunt Caroline are an extravaganza as Caroline delights in treating all of the children. Caroline learned late in life that family is the most important part of life but once she did, she embraces her whole extended family and she died a happy and fulfilled woman. The childless Mrs. Hurst joined Charles and Jane after the passing of Mr. Hurst, and Louisa too becomes a loving aunt.
The numerous grandchildren who are born to Lizzy and Darcy’s children are a constant source of joy. Both they and the many nieces and nephews will remember Darcy as a jocular and kind grandfather and uncle. Somehow he always has sweets for them whenever they visit, and they can never get enough of sitting on the big man’s lap as he tells stories or reads to them. When Henry tries to tell them entertaining anecdotes in which he recounts Darcy’s brooding and forbidding ways, these children become defensive of their beloved Grandpa Fitz. Darcy is Uncle Fitz to his nieces and nephews as well, and none of these children believe Darcy ever protested being called Fitz. Instead, they recall a benevolent and gentle man who they can always go to for a hug and a laugh as well as his stalwart protection.
Henry, Jonesy, and Darcy continue their pranks and jokes for the rest of each man’s life. Their children sometimes are part of the joke, but mostly they are content to watch the plotting and planning by each man. The results are hilarious and make for family stories which will be told for generations. Bingley is still happy to stay uninvolved but he delights in the retellings of past plots, and he is astounded by Dar
cy’s humor and embellished retellings when Darcy relates his version of the pranks.
The Darcy offspring are privy to the deep love and commitment which their parents have for one another. When they were young, they did not understand the glances and caresses between their parents. As they aged, they comprehended that Lizzy and Darcy need only to be together to achieve the ultimate contentment. As the grandchildren came, they too witnessed the deep bond between their grandparents. As Darcy and Lizzy grow older, the grandchildren recall the gray-haired couple sitting together on a settee giggling and holding hands like young lovers. Lizzy’s tinkling laughter would often be heard as Darcy entertained her with some humorous anecdote or other. They are only complete with each other.
The saddest day for the Darcy children is when their adored and beloved mother falls ill. Darcy is at his wife’s bedside, holding her hand and caressing her brow. He never leaves her side, but as Lizzy grows weaker, the light in Darcy’s eyes starts to dim. Soft singing in a tremulous male voice is often heard from the sickroom as the children make their way in to see their mother and grandmother one last time. It is difficult and heart-wrenching to watch their strong patriarch reduced to tears as his Lizzy slides further from his embrace. When Lizzy passes, Darcy cradles her body and rocks gently. At the urging of Bennet, he makes his way to the chambers he had shared with Lizzy for so long. Darcy refuses any supper that night and Bennet checks on him before Darcy retires for the evening. Darcy always said he did not live unless Lizzy is by his side so when it is found Darcy that slipped away peacefully in his sleep to be reunited with his Lizzy in heaven, the family accepts the loss, acknowledging the bond between Lizzy and Darcy. They are buried the same day on the same hill where Darcy’s parents rest. Their family and friends are comforted in the knowledge they will never be separated again.
Acknowledgments
To Jane Austen whose words and characters inspired the writing of this book. Her words and phrases are still pertinent today, and it is those words which appear in some of the characters’ dialogues and in the descriptions. Also, I must acknowledge the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice series which made Miss Austen’s characters come to life and the actors who portrayed them so admirably. Also, my enjoyment of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie influenced some of my writing. Both offered me different and interesting insights into the characters. I give my family my thanks for all of their patience and support.