Unwithered Love

by Nerdanel14

Because of altered circumstances in both Darcy's and Elizabeth's lives, their meeting at the Meryton assembly goes differently than in canon. But will they still find a happily ever after in each other?

14. Epilogue

Epilogue

Without the fear of encountering her attacker, Elizabeth was able to enjoy the rest of the season, and was pleased at the end of it to hear that James de Bourgh had proposed to Jane, who had accepted with alacrity.

"He is everything I look for in a husband," Jane declared. "And I do love him dearly."

"Perhaps as much as he loves you," said Elizabeth cheekily.

The Darcys returned to Pemberley and in March of the next year, Elizabeth gave birth to twin sons. Both parents were surprised when, after the first son was born, the midwife declared that she was not yet finished, and another son appeared. They named them George and Henry.

Jane's wedding was in May, so they travelled to Hertfordshire to celebrate the nuptials. Jane was very happy as mistress of Rosings and wife of James. James had banished his mother to the dower house after only two months of marriage, after seeing how his mother treated his wife. Anne de Bourgh was fortunate enough to find a kind husband who enjoyed literary pursuits, and they spent their evenings quietly together enjoying their books.

Kitty and Lydia improved so much under the influence of Georgiana that Darcy and Elizabeth brought each of them out for a season in London at the same time as Georgiana, and all three made excellent and happy matches.

In the next seven years Elizabeth gave birth to three more children, two girls and another boy. Darcy had two smaller estates which he was able to bequeath to his younger sons, and £20,000 dowries for each of his legitimate daughters, May and Anne. He also provided Jessica with a dowry equal to that of her half-sisters, and both Darcy and Elizabeth were pleased to see her settled happily with the newly-appointed vicar of Kympton parish when she was twenty.

Both Darcy and Elizabeth had faced hardships and challenges in their early lives, but in the end it had led them to each other, which was the greatest blessing that they could fathom. They lived well into their eighties, in the end dying within days of each other, so that they would not have to be apart for too long in the afterlife.

THE END

Author's Note: Thank you so much to everyone who has read and reviewed! I have started another story but it will be longer and so it might be a few weeks before it is finished. I will start posting it once I have it done. I hope you all are enjoying the new year!