Epilogue

In time Lady Catherine learned to repent the estrangement from her nephew; though she would hardly be brought to admit it. Instead of issuing an apology, she instead issued a dictate, via a brief missive that revealed neither repentance nor humility in its author, but proved itself welcome and useful all the same.

Darcy,

It is not fitting that the sisters of the Mistress of Pemberley should display such a lack of decorum. It is not to be borne. You shall send the youngest to me - though it is only right that the elder sisters should have the privilege first - however, her decorum was such when I first met with her that my actions cannot be further delayed. Her husband can spare her, as husbands always can, as I have lately heard that she has been married. The younger out before the elder have married! Nevertheless, she shall be taught to run a household properly and be a credit to her family name.

You shall see to her transportation ensuring it is all that proper -I'm excessively attentive to such things -it would not do for her to traipse about like a farmer's daughter. She shall stop at the Bromley, but she shall not mention my name, until such time as she can conduct herself as is suitable to her station. I shall not allow such behavior to taint the title of the sister to the mistress of Pemberley, as it was, after all, my title while your mother yet lived - so, therefore, it is for me to ensure they do credit to their predecessors.

You may send your gratitude for my attention to you.

Lady Catherine De Bourgh

Darcy, not knowing what to make of it at first, handed the missive to his wife who laughed delightfully. "I think, dear husband," she said with her eyes twinkling, "her husband may wish for both a reprieve and help with his endeavors. I say we offer my dear sister this advantage with all the love in our hearts, as they both may have a beneficial effect on the other - our dear aunt might temper my sister, and my dear sister may teach our dear aunt she may not always have her way."

"Very well," said Darcy, his dimple now showing, perfectly in tune to her humor, enjoying every moment of having such a woman as a wife. He wondered for a moment if she was in earnest, but determined he quite liked the scheme himself and said, "I shall write to my brother in law and offer the carriage for a trip to Kent." For a moment he felt fear Lady Catherine would come to know the circumstances of Lydia's marriage, but dismissed it at once, it would do his aunt no good to reveal such a family secret with her own daughter to marry off. Nor would Lydia likely reveal it, both she and her husband seemed happy in their marriage, though Darcy speculated he would not mind the reprieve from her company during the harvest. The rectification of Lydia's behavior was no small matter, but Parker had expressed his belief that it was well worth his troubles and he had suffered no worse than excessive haberdashery bills (as she seemed to have no notion her set pin money was a cap on her expenditures, not the floor). At any rate, it was no worse than that which he could well afford, with debts now cleared.

Elizabeth lifted her eyebrow, and declared, "As Lydia, herself would say, what a fine joke it will be, though I doubt either party will be found laughing in a fortnight." If she were being entirely honest, she rather enjoyed the justice of the mischief she was making.

Darcy chuckled and returned his attention to his lovely wife, as she said "Now we must discuss Mr. Thurlow." Darcy scowled, forgetting his previous good humor, but she merely lifted her eyebrow, not the least little bit intimidated by him.

"I won't have him constantly complimenting Georgianna, asking her to stand up with him, and being the first to call every afternoon - it's insufferable."

"Shall he skulk about eavesdropping; insulting her and scowling at her instead?"

"Certainly not!" he shouted, realizing his error as soon as his words parted from his mouth.

"Am I to understand, dear husband, that you don't mean to teach him your brand of courtship?" she teased.

"Georgianna is too young for a suitor, he himself is hardly ready for matrimony; not more than four and twenty." He prevaricated, ignoring her questions.

"Georgianna is out, nearly 18. She is well suited for him in temperament, he draws her out as none of us can do; next to him, she has confidence, able to be who she is in private before the public. She likes him, she would like to love him but is hesitant to trust herself in absence of your approval. Should you prefer for her to retreat within herself, forever doubting her own judgment? Do you mean to scare off all the amenable men before you deem her ready to wed? Will this carry on until only the most mercenary and desperate approach her?"

"Certainly not, I shall speak with her, and him. I will hear from him first, he'll account for his intentions before she sees him again. I think it's very likely that I'm not yet ready to part with her," he said running a hand through his hair.

"You should perhaps say so to Georgianna then, so she knows it's not her judgment you do not trust." She kissed his forehead, ready to part, but he rose and kissed her senseless; bewitching woman that she was, he could hardly bring himself to let her go.

Their eyes caught each other and they both nearly swooned, matrimony had in no way lessened their love, they found themselves growing ever closer, enjoying each other's company more each day. She still jumped to conclusions on occasion; sometimes he could still be found puffed up in pride and taking his responsibilities a bit too seriously, but dear reader, they continued to bring the best out in each other. Neither was perfect, but they were perfect for each other, their complementary characteristics tempering their worst traits over time. He smiled more; she criticized less, finding it still hurt them more when the other was wounded. In essentials they had not changed; they merely grew in understanding of one another - their mutual respect and affection, in time, diminishing the worst impulses in each other. Together they partnered with joy to prosper Pemberley and all those who fell under their care.

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