(Propriety) Free at Last

by MightierThanTheToothbrush

What would happen if Darcy and Elizabeth got to have a truly honest conversation after the Netherfield Ball? This story of duty and love seeks to make every character very human, with their own imagination, sense of duty and set of fears and hopes and expands on the characters of our beloved supporting cast as the change ripples out. It is my first ever story (JAFF or otherwise).

21. Epilogue January 5th 1812

Epilogue January 5th 1812

As much as Elizabeth looked forward to her return to Hertfordshire for Charlotte Lucas to marry Mr Collins, she did not give it a single thought on this important day. The Twelfth Night ball was finally upon them, Elizabeth was almost vibrating with excitement to dance with her handsome husband in larger company than the impromptu Christmas Eve family dance at Netherfield. So much happiness was in her life now, as Georgiana (soon to be joined by the newly engaged Jane) sat on her bed discussing outfits, dances and anything else that came to mind. The rapport of the Darcy ladies made Darcy and Richard exceptionally happy and they couldn't be prouder as guardians of the wonderful lady that Georgiana was becoming.

Lady Matlock had another source of pleasure as she prepared for the evening by sending out some final notes (before heading back to Matlock House), as she was keeping company with Mary Bennet, a young lady that she found to be insightful and dry humoured in a delightful way. Miss Mary, soon to be Miss Bennet would live in Darcy House officially until the family moved to Pemberley in time for the Spring, but unofficially Helena Fitzwilliam vowed to herself to make a grab for both Georgiana and Mary's company as often as she was able, as her son was due to move to Kent (although he would be back regularly as he courted Lady Jane). She was ever so pleased with the young ladies growing friendship and the potential they showed to be able to help and support each other, in the face of the society in London.

Walking into Fitzwilliam Darcy's room without knocking a radiant Elizabeth Darcy sought a kiss from her beloved husband. The future, her honeymoon to the lakes, her trip to her new home Pemberley and of course more weddings to come was looking exceedingly pleasing and she would fight at her husband's side to take all the joy they could from life.

Little did Elizabeth know but a seed of life was already germinating within her. Their love had grown under the shelter of a tree and now a tree would grow from their love.