The shopping trip to Lambton was enjoyable for both ladies. Elizabeth noted how just the sight of the Pemberley carriage created excitement among the residents who happened to see it. Obviously, the Pemberley estate was important to the local economy, and she resolved to continue to give as much trade as she could to the local shops. They first went into the shop that Georgie said carried the best fabrics, and were warmly welcomed by the proprietor, Mrs. Gordon, who recognized Miss Darcy. When Georgiana introduced the new Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Gordon gave her a deep curtsy and said that she had heard that there was a new mistress of Pemberley and how she had heard nothing but praise about her. Elizabeth thanked her very warmly and promised to patronize her shop in the future. When Elizabeth mentioned that she needed several new dresses and various other items, Mrs. Gordon could not be more helpful. She even recommended a local seamstress, Mrs. Smith, and asked if she might send someone to ask her to attend them in the shop for her recommendations.

After a pleasant couple of hours in that shop, dress patterns and material had been selected, Elizabeth had been measured, and many other essential items had been purchased. Mrs. Gordon made not the slightest objection when told she should just send the bill for everything to Mr. Darcy. The ladies then went into several other shops and made some small purchases in each. Elizabeth was again surprised that their presence in town seemed to be known in each shop they went into. She made no comment on the fact that they were discretely followed by two footmen wherever they went, although she did give all of their packages to them to place in their carriage. Their final stop was at the bakery, where they sat and had tea and pastries, which they found to be quite good. Word of their being there must have spread quickly as several residents came in to be introduced to the new Mrs. Darcy while they were enjoying their tea.

The remaining days before Christmas were busy with their preparations for the planned events. Elizabeth worried about what gifts she might give Georgiana and Darcy. For Georgiana, she managed to buy sheet music for several piano pieces and a book she thought she might enjoy. For her husband, she bought some plain, but very high-quality handkerchiefs. She found time to stitch their initials FD/ED entwined in a heart on each of these.

The two events for the staff and their children went off very successfully and were enjoyed by all participants. Georgiana had taken the lead with the children's games and songs and led her small choir when they sang carols. All the children left with full stomachs and small gifts. For the party for the staff and tenants, Elizabeth took the lead and made sure there was plenty of food and ale. She hired local musicians for the dance music as she knew that a local group would know what kind of music would be best appreciated. The highlight of this party was the talent contest for the singing of carols. The attendees did not hesitate to show both their approval and catcalls for each performance, while Georgiana played the piano. As Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were the sole judges, no one argued with their decisions and the small sums paid to the winners were gladly received, although just the recognition of being declared to be the winners seemed to be even more appreciated.

Christmas morning, they went to services, and then returned home to exchange gifts. Darcy greatly surprised his wife when he led her and his sister to the stables where he showed her a brand-new pony cart just for her use and a pony to pull it. When she protested that she did not know how to drive a cart, Darcy said that Jameson, their head groom, had already agreed to teach her. He said that he did not want to show her himself as Jameson was more knowledgeable about horses and carriages than he was.

When they went back into the house, he gave her a small jewelry case. When Elizabeth opened this, she saw a magnificent diamond and emerald necklace. As he fastened this around her neck, she said, "Fitzwilliam, this is too much! I have never even seen anything as nice as this, ever. I would be too afraid to wear this."

"My dear, this is only one piece of my mother's jewels that she left for the next mistress of Pemberley. There is much more. I thought you might wear it at our dinner party. Georgie was given many pieces as well, so you two will shine."

When Lizzy gave Darcy the package containing the handkerchiefs she had embroidered, she said, "Compared to your gifts, I hope you do not think too unkindly about them."

As Darcy unwrapped the package, he said, "Elizabeth, I will treasure these as you did them yourself. Our initials in a heart tell me so much." He embraced her and kissed her, right in front of his sister. When Lizzy looked over at Georgie with a blush, she went to them and put her arms around them both.

"I am so happy for you both. At first, I worried that you might need a long time to love each other as you obviously do now, but it has only been a month. You two are perfect for each other. I just hope that some day I will find someone to love as well." With that she began to sob, so they both put their arms around her.

Elizabeth quietly told her, "Georgie, you are such an accomplished and beautiful woman that I know the right man will come along for you. Do not be in a rush. Look at how unexpectedly your brother and I found each other. We gave love a chance to develop, and it did. I could not be happier. You are both such wonderful people. I hope that our showing affection for each other does not upset you? Is it difficult to remember we are now a family of three, not two?"

"No, certainly not. I have long wanted my brother to find someone special. He has spent so much time looking after me that he never had time to find someone to love for himself. You are both so lucky. Now I know what I want out of life."

When they sat to enjoy a few quiet hours before dinner, Darcy said, "Elizabeth, I would like to plan when we should begin to travel to meet both of our families. We have been lucky so far when we went all the way to Scotland with no problems, but the snow we have had recently makes it difficult to travel very far. We really should plan where and when to go when it begins to warm up. My nearest relatives are my Fitzwilliam uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, who live near the town of Derby at the Matlock estate. That is not too far from here so we can get there fairly easily. They usually spend Christmas at Matlock, and then go to town for several months for the high season. Should I write them to ask if we might visit before they leave?"

"Fitzwilliam, will they approve of me? I am an unknown lady from a very small estate in Hertfordshire that they have never heard of. Surely, they expected you to marry someone much grander; someone with a large dowry and better connections?"
"Yes, they did, but when they get to know you and see how happy we are, I know they will approve of you. Their younger son has been my frequent companion ever since we were young. He will be jealous he did not meet you first. I am sure he will flirt with you just to tease me to see if he can make me jealous. Richard is a Colonel in the army and has seen a lot of action in the wars against the French. He is on leave now and should be there as well. The older son, the Viscount Stewart, recently married and may be at Matlock with his wife. They also have a daughter who is the youngest. Her husband is the oldest son of an earl and I expect they will be at their estate and not at Matlock.

"We should also plan when we should go to Longbourn. Have you heard from your family?"
"Not yet. I expect to hear from Jane any day now. I also wrote to my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London to find where in Derby she grew up. I told you they are my favourite relatives. You will like them and would never know my uncle is my mother's brother. They are very genteel and he is very successful in his business, which keeps him busy. He imports and exports many different goods and has had to shift much of his business from the continent to the Americas and Asia because of the wars."

Shortly after this conversation, Elizabeth received letters from both her aunt and Jane. She read Jane's letter first:

Dearest Lizzy,

I am so happy for you! I would never have thought that Mr. Darcy would ever be your husband and that he would make you so happy. I know what you are feeling as I also have good news. Only a few days after you left, Mr. Bingley returned to Netherfield, even though his sister had written that they would likely not come back at all. He visited us the same day he returned and it was as if he had never left. He came to see us every day and just before Christmas he proposed and I accepted him. We will be married in March and I desperately hope you will be able to attend. My only worry is that Father may not be able to walk me down the aisle as he is not well at all. At first, I thought I was as happy as you are, but you seem to imply there is even more happiness to come once we are man and wife! Does that mean that what Mama told me might not be completely true? I have to admit that after talking to her about the wedding night, I was worried as she said that a husband's attentions should just be tolerated. She said nothing of the great joy that you expressed. Please write me and give me more details on what I should expect.

All of my news is not so good. Father's health is not good. He never goes out now and barely makes it up the stairs, and only if he has someone help him. He does not look healthy at all and Mama seems to expect he will die at any moment and we will be thrown out into the hedgerows. After you left, Mr. Collins was very upset and ranted against you. I am afraid that his displeasure will result in his being unkind to us when Father dies. I am glad to say he went back to Kent but will return for his wedding. Before he left, he strutted around here as if he were already the master! I cannot think well of him and worry that Mother's fears will come true as he continues to complain about you. Lizzy, you and I will have to rescue Mama and our sisters if Father does die. I have already spoken to Charles about this and he has agreed to find them a place to live; most likely a house here in Meryton, and give them an allowance. I hated to ask him before we are even wed, but I was worried. He is the best of men and readily agreed to help them.

Here is some news that might surprise you; I mentioned that Mr. Collins left but will return for his wedding. Immediately after you disappeared, Mr. Collins was very upset and wondered very loudly and at great length if you were the right person for him. Charlotte Lucas happened to come to visit and learned about your disappearance. She asked me if she should invite Mr. Collins to visit Lucas Lodge to get him away from us and I agreed; in fact, I encouraged her to do just that. Imagine our surprise to learn that he had transferred his affections to her and he asked for her hand the very next day! She accepted him and they are to be wed in January. Now, I do not know what to make of our cousin, or of Charlotte. Surely, there could have been no deep feelings between them! How could she have accepted him so quickly? I do not know what to think of all this.

Our sisters continue as before. I worry even more about Lydia and Kitty as Mother does nothing to restrain them as Father takes no interest in what they are doing. They embarrass me the way they behave with the officers. Mary continues as before, just more preaching about the excesses of their behaviour.

Please write soon and tell me you will come to my wedding. Charles really wants Darcy to come to stand up with him and I want you to stand up with me. Besides, I want to see those smiles on your face.

Your loving sister,

Jane

The letter from her aunt Gardiner contained exciting news as well.

Dearest Lizzy,

You cannot imagine how surprised I was to read your letter to hear of your marriage to Mr. Darcy and your now being Mistress of Pemberley. I truly hope that you are as happy as you indicate in your letter. Your father wrote of your disappearance and asked for our assistance in trying to find you as he expected you would come to London. Bennet did not come as he said his health would not permit any traveling. Is he really so ill? What is the problem? My dear husband spent days searching for you until we received your first letter. He went to that solicitor's office, but they refused to tell him anything. We were worried about you.

I happen to know Pemberley quite well as I grew up in Lambton, which is only about five miles from the estate. I have never been in the great house, but we used to explore some of the grounds as the curious children that we were. It is a grand estate and you are its Mistress! I still have friends in Lambton and hope to meet up with them again this summer as we are planning a trip to the north. We had hoped to leave our children with Jane, but with her expected wedding, we now plan to bring them with us. Would Mr. Darcy mind? I expect there will be lots for them to do there. Your uncle hopes to be able to get away in June or July for a few weeks, depending on the requirements of his business. I will inform you of our more detailed schedule when he can finalize his plans. If you happen to be in Lambton, ask people if they remember the Barrie family. My father owned a shop there before he moved us all to London where I met my dear husband.

We are so excited to hear Jane's news about her wedding and plan to attend. We have not met her Mr. Bingley, but your uncle remembers his father as they had some business dealings together a number of years ago. We are both looking forward to meeting him and expect they will be very happy.

Your loving aunt,

M. Gardiner

Elizabeth went to find her husband. "Fitzwilliam, I just received a letter from Jane. She tells me that Mr. Bingley did go back to Netherfield without his sisters just after we had been in town. You told me that you talked to him when we were in London, and it must have worked. Jane says that he went back to Netherfield and courted her assiduously."

"Yes, I did talk to him, at our club, as I had mentioned. He told me that his sisters convinced him that Miss Jane did not love him and only wanted to marry him for security for her family. I told him that he should go back to Netherfield to see for himself if she loved him. I said that if he did not go back, he would wonder for the rest of his life if he had missed his best chance at love. So, he did go back. Good for him. What happened?"

"He has asked Jane to marry and she accepted him. They will be almost as happy as we are. Oh! Thank you, my love!" With that she threw her arms around him and kissed him soundly. "You are the best of men. Thank you for listening to me. Jane said that they are getting married in March in Meryton and they want us to be there to stand up with them. Do you think we can go? I really want to be at Jane's wedding."

"I would like to stand up with Bingley; I believe we will be able to go as long as the weather co-operates. That will also give us the chance for me to show off my wonderful wife to your family and friends." Darcy kissed her then to show his pleasure.

The day after Boxing Day, Elizabeth felt familiar cramps in her stomach. As she and Darcy had enjoyed marital pleasures several times every night since they began their new closeness, she worried how he would react to her news and even if he was familiar with this normal female condition. That evening, as they entered their shared sitting room, she took him into her arms and said, "Fitzwilliam, will it be all right if tonight we just hold each other as we did when we were first married?" She was too embarrassed to tell him just what the problem was.

"Lizzy, are you all right? What is wrong? Is it something I have done?"

"Fitzwilliam, I am not sure how familiar you are with women's health issues, but we must expect this to happen every month. It is quite normal, and in a few days I will let you know when we can again find delight in our coming together again."

"Lizzy, is it your monthly courses? Do not forget that I have lived very closely with Georgie and even had to try to explain to her what was happening when she first had hers. I admit I could not find the right words and asked Mrs. Reynolds to talk to her. Of course, we can just hold each other tonight and for as long as you need. It will mean that our coming together again will be even better." With these tender words, she went in to her room where Emma was waiting to help her undress. Of course, Emma knew her condition and was very understanding.

When Darcy came in to her, she said, "I am not sure if you realize, but your holding me like this when we first married had a tremendous effect on me. At first, I was very nervous as I had never been in close contact with any man before, but I soon felt so comforted; then I felt a strange warmth that went all through me and I knew that I wanted more, but I was not sure how it would be achieved. I believe that this first stirring of desire became passion, but then I began to feel more and more admiration for you every day. It was not long before I knew I was hopelessly in love with you. You were right when you said that passion with love makes for the best physical relationship, but passion and admiration soon became love for you. I cannot thank you enough for being patient with me."

"Lizzy, in my case it was different. In Meryton, I first noticed that you were very attractive, especially when I saw your eyes shining with both enjoyment and annoyance. This made me pay more attention to you and I soon learned how intelligent and well-read you are. As soon as I appreciated that your personality was even more attractive to me than your physical beauty, I knew that I wanted you. I tried to fight it, but my attraction to you was too strong. I did not even realize how much I loved you until I rescued you that morning. At first, I saw only a woman being assaulted, but when I saw that it was you, I knew that I would do anything to keep you safe; I knew I was lost and wanted you to be part of my life forever. Now that we have become united as one, I could not live without you. I love you so very much."

With these and other tender words, they went to sleep in each other's arms, dreaming of future delights to come.