Disclaimer: I own Pride and Prejudice!That's why I'm writing adisclaimer for it! Oh the logic!

Chapter 11: Ever After

Neither moved for a moment, for both were too frightened to speak. But was it really fear in their eyes … or … perhaps …

"Lizzy!" Darcy choked out, holding his arms out. Lizzy collapsed into his arms, both in (or very near to) tears. He held her in a tight embrace, holding her to him, so as to ensure that she was not another of his dreams. She, in turn, clung to him, to convince herself that this was real – oh so real! But even as he held her, he could not but notice how thin she was – how frail she looked, and niggling doubts hissed in the back of his mind. He brushed them away – this was a time for rejoicing, not for worry.

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Annabelle sat in her aunt's room, silently contemplating the painting on the wall opposite her. Kitty sat down beside the girl, and observed the painting as well.

"Your mother and your Aunt Jane were very close. This painting was done on Jane's birthday, I believe." Kitty said quietly.

The two girls in the painting smiled down at them, faces alight with laughter. The elder one – Jane, Annabelle presumed – seemed to be looking out from the painting with a serenity that astounded Annabelle. But the figure of Lizzy was what intrigued Annabelle the most. The dark haired girl was standing behind her seated sister with light-heartedness evident in her eyes, but worry etched into her brow.

"It is often said that a painting reflects the painter's opinion of the subject," remarked Kitty musingly. Annabelle looked at her.

"Who painted this?" She asked slowly. Kitty observed her for a moment.

"Mary did." Because Mary was the onlooker during our childhood. The words hung in the air, detectable only by Kitty and Mary, who had just appeared in the doorway.

"Do you like it?" Mary asked smilingly. I don't regret it. Her eyes told Kitty.

"I do." Annabelle replied, oblivious to the tension in the air.

"Your parents wish to see Edward and yourself." Mary told the girl, gaze steadily piercing. Annabelle nodded.

"I'll go get Edward."

"Thank you." Mary called after her.

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Darcy looked at Lizzy.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you." He said honestly.

"And I'm sorry I wasn't here for you." She replied, face serious for a moment. Then she smiled. "It's over, Darcy! It's all over now!"

"Yes," said he, smiling too, "and we can begin at last."

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"Annabelle, do you remember anything of Mother and F…Father together?" Edward asked with trepidation. Annabelle considered the question as she made her way carefully down the stairs.

"Not really, Edward …" she replied. "But I remember Father was terribly upset when Mother … disappeared."

Edward smiled.

"Mother is a wonderful person. I'd miss her too if she left." He deliberated. Then something seemed to shut down in his face. "Of course, she didn't leave, he sent her away."

"Only because she was ill!" Annabelle said hotly.

"Of course!" Edward hastened to say. "I didn't mean …" He trailed off, giving up.

"I understand." Annabelle sighed. She reached out her hand and placed it on the doorknob. It felt cool beneath her hot palm. Edward knocked on the door, hearing a short 'Come in!'

They exchanged glances, then entered.

The first thing Annabelle saw was her father and her mother – how strange the word felt in her mouth! – standing together. Her father's arm was draped protectively over her mother's shoulders, and somehow he looked different. She tilted her head on its side for a moment, before realising what it was. Her father was smiling. Not his usual slight quirk of his lips, but a full smile that reached his eyes and lit them up.

And then she knew that everything would be alright.

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A/N: It's done! I love you all for sticking with it, you're the bestest. Thank you so much … and I'm considering doing an epilogue to this … what do you guys think? Aye or nay?  Thank you again for staying with me the entire time. Much love, toffee and candy apples.

Until next time, (I'm thinking of doing an Emma retelling sometime in the near future)

Cheers,

Sardine.

P.S. The random square/rectangle was going to be a smiley face until fanfiction decided to take it off. :(