We're at the end! I'm so glad you've stuck with me so far in this story, and I'll be posting more stories soon.

EPILOGUE

Elizabeth smiled as she watched Mr. Darcy eagerly regale their guests with the tale of their first kiss in the gardens of Rosings. Laughter rose around them, diffusing the lingering tension from the memory of that disastrous first meeting.

"And when I turned to flee from the spectacle I had made, there stood my aunt, gripping pruning shears like a general brandishing a sword on the battlefield!" Mr. Darcy exclaimed, gesturing wildly with his glass of port.

Elizabeth's cheeks heated at the memory, desire stirring within as she recalled the passion in Fitzwilliam's kiss and the warmth of his hands splayed across her back. How fortunate that they had escaped Aunt Catherine's wrath that day, though not before their fervent embrace had been witnessed by all of Kent, or so it seemed.

"Imagine my shock at stumbling upon my revered nephew shamelessly debauching a woman in my own garden!" Lady Catherine cried in mock outrage, though Elizabeth noted a hint of grudging merriment in her eyes. The formidable lady had thawed considerably towards the Darcys since their marriage.

Flushing as the company's laughter turned affectionately mocking, Elizabeth slipped her arm through Mr. Darcy's. "Now, now, sir," she chided softly, "no need to rehash old scandals, especially those for which you were not solely responsible."

Mr. Darcy's eyes glinted mischievously down at her, a crooked smile curving his lips. "My darling Lizzy, are you implying that wanton seduction was not my primary intention in luring you into that garden?"

"Fitzwilliam!" Laughter threatened to overcome Elizabeth's reproachful tone, heat blooming under her skin at the memory of his ardent 'seduction.'

A shriek rang out, startling nearby birds into flight. All eyes turned in astonishment to the old oak beneath which Mr. Bingley stood, looking horrified beside a drenched Jane. Her golden hair lay plastered to her head, rivulets of lemonade running down her lavender muslin dress.

Lydia and Kitty Bennet peered out from behind the oak, barely stifling giggles. They had apparently rigged up a rope to hoist a pitcher of lemonade into the branches, with disastrous yet amusing results.

Jane blinked rapidly, futilely attempting to wring out her soaked skirts as disbelief gave way to bemusement. Murmurs of concern for her gown rose among the female guests, whilst poorly concealed chuckles came from their male counterparts.

With a gallant bow, the fretful Mr. Bingley proffered his handkerchief to his betrothed. "My dear lady, whilst I cannot condone the questionable activities of your sisters, might I say that you wear dishevelment stunningly?"

A tittering gasp flew round the crowd at Mr. Bingley's bold compliment, though none could mistake the tenderness in his gaze as he looked at Jane. Cheeks flushed, Jane placed her hand in his, eyes glinting with amusement. "My dear Mr. Bingley, how did my sisters' little trick escape your notice entirely? I had thought you possessed keen powers of observation, at least where I am concerned."

Laughter and applause erupted around the engaged couple as Bingley flushed to the roots of his hair. But in his eyes shone naught but delight at Jane's teasing repartee."You have caught me unawares this time, I confess," he said with a rueful grin. "But I shall endeavor to be more vigilant henceforth, if only to preserve your gowns from further soaking."

Jane's eyes danced with mirth. "An admirable goal, sir, though perhaps you might aim higher still, and work to preserve my dignity along with my garments."

"Touché, my love," Bingley said, dropping a swift kiss on her knuckles. "Your dignity and every other part of you shall be my chief concern from this day on."

"Spoken like a true gentleman," Jane said. "And that is why I have consented to marry you."

Elizabeth nestled against her husband, smiling up at the star-strewn heavens. Between the rustling branches above stole whispers and sighs, accompanied by the occasional protest from Lydia and Kitty. Contentment welled in Elizabeth's breast, joy and delight mingling with love and laughter in the gardens of Pemberley.

THANK YOU FOR READING! This book is currently up for preorder as Mr. Darcy's Garden of Delight on 'Zon and others. Feel free to check it out - and the beautiful cover!

Your support and comments have been so wonderful, and I'm grateful to you helping me uncover errors I overlooked and all of your kind words about the story. I'll have more spicy ODC coming in the future, so please keep your eyes peeled. (Also, if anyone knows how to do proper scene breaks and could let me know, I'd be incredibly grateful. I usually write each chapter as a complete scene, but Chapter 5 in this book that wasn't and I suspect it was a little confusing.)