Epilogue
...
The rest of the summer past in a less dramatic fashion. Elizabeth became more competent and confidant in her role as mistress of Pemberley. The tenants came to view her with a favourable eye and she became as beloved as the preceding mistress had been.
Jane and Bingley stayed for the summer then returned to town for the little season. They decided to settle slightly north of Longborn, about half a day closer to Pemberley. They were within 50 miles of Jane's beloved twin but no more than a day or two on the road would take them to Pemberley.
Elizabeth, with the patronage of the countess of Matlock, made her debut in the little season of 1812. There was already much speculation about her, both good and bad. For the ton to know of a person, but not know them, was the juiciest gossip. When she first appeared there were many who declared her not handsome enough for the Darcy name, but they were quickly silenced. Her natural grace and charm were enough to grant her admission to all but the most fastidious of drawing rooms.
Darcy watched with pride as she charmed her way through many a titled family. He had to endure many good natured remarks about how he had snapped up a gem. To Uncle Peter and Aunt Susan, The Earl and Countess of Matlock, she became a clear favourite. They both found her wit and vivacity a refreshing change from the stale manners of the ton and Lady Matlock found Elizabeth to be the daughter she never had. Acceptance to the family with both love and respect.
The Gardiners, also, found themselves welcome at the Matlock's house and between the two families there was a steady bond which crossed the lines of class drawn up by others.
Georgiana enjoyed her first season. Her beauty, accomplishment and fortune made her a favourable debutant and she became quite the favourite of the season. She met many a gentleman, even flirted with a few, but after a season her loyalty remained strong.
Henry joined the Darcys and Bingleys in London for part of the season, but Georgiana's fears were unfounded. He only had eyes for her, despite some interest from her debutante friends. His estate, small though it was, was conveniently near London and his connections with the Darcy and Matlock family were points in his favour. Ladies enjoyed his playful manner and courted his good opinion but it became obvious where his interest lay. After the season was over, Darcy allowed Henry to court Georgiana openly. Neither felt the need for a speedy resolution to their courtship, both enjoying their time together.
The Darcy family missed the little season of 1813, they stayed at Pemberley after the season and Elizabeth entered her confinement in the winter of that year. When she birthed a healthy baby boy, with his father's noble mien and his mother's expressive eyes, he immediately became the favourite of every member of staff at Pemberley.
Bennet, or Ben, Edward George Darcy could wrap any adult around his pudgy little fingers with only a look. Only a few were scandalised when Lizzie insisted on feeding him herself, at least for the first few months.
When Jane birthed a beauty of a daughter, not two months later, the mothers laughingly planner their children's marriage. Thinking of Lady Catherine and her singular expectation they swore they were speaking only in possibilities.
Anne had written to Elizabeth, assuring her of her complete satisfaction in her cousins' wedding. Lady Catherine held out for six months, until after Elizabeth's successful debut, before allowing herself to recognise her new niece. Once that hurdle was over theirs became the expected relationship with such a cantankerous aunt. It was a good thing that Kent was so very far from Derbyshire, after all.
The wedding of Georgiana Darcy and Henry Bennet took place mid way through the season of the year of 1814. No one who attended could deny the affection between the couple. Georgiana had matured significantly in the two years since her brother's marriage and there had been no more incidents of reckless abandon which had oft been expressed in their early acquaintance.
She moved, with Henry, to Longborn and Henry used her dowry to expand his lands. His income subsequently increased and he was able to improve the stables significantly. Important to both himself and his new bride.
Mr Bennet continued to enjoy his quiet and solitude. When Mrs Bennet passed away, quite suddenly from an attack of nerves, he found the house unsettling. Lydia had been married in the same year as Henry and Georgiana and Mrs Bennet had only lasted for a six month after her fondest wish had been realised.
Mr Bennet decided to move to the dower house, event quieter but without the painful memory of the noisy woman who had pestered him most of his life. Henry and Georgiana set about increasing the noise level in Longborn. Quickly catching up to Elizabeth with one son, and not a year later also having a daughter.
The Bennet/Darcy/Bingley children were, always, the closest of cousins. So much of their time was spent in one house or the other: they might as well have all been siblings. Two more Bingley girls, two more Darcy boys and a further four Bennet children all added to the cacophony of the family gatherings.
...
Elizabeth sat watching their children one day, smiling at the antics before her. The oldest, her Ben, was almost fourteen. A gangly youth, not quite a man, he tried to pretend no interest in the childish games of the others. The rest, ranging from three to twelve, had set up a game of pirates and were climbing trees pretending to fight and find treasure. It was not long before he was persuaded to join in as the Bennet pirates were overrunning the Bingley/Darcy contingent.
She laughed as he whooped and swung up a tree to save his brother, George, from the terrifying five year old Thomas Bennet.
Darcy leaned over and kissed her on her cheek and she turned her face to place a light kiss on his lips.
"A kiss for your thoughts?" He teased.
"I believe I gave you the superior kiss, sir!" She raised an eyebrow.
"Indeed you did, so my thoughts are that I believe you are still the handsomest woman of my acquaintance and I wonder at my luck." He spoke with no hint of teasing, no artifice. It was not intended as a grand compliment, merely her honest husband stating a fact.
She sighed contentedly. "You can have mine for free, sir. I was just thinking that master Ben is showing a goodly amount of brotherly concern. Which brings me to mind of how grateful I am for my whole family." She reached over and squeezed his hand.
"I do love you, Mr Darcy."
He gave her an appraising look and replied "Forever. Mrs Darcy."
Omg guys. its been super fun writing for you. i hope you enjoyed a sneak peak in to their future. I might write a short story of Henry and G's courtship. but i promised a sequel to the witches pnp next. i'm also thinking of publishing soon. so keep an eye out please.