Epilogue
Elizabeth was sitting on a bench under the shade of a tree, engrossed in reading a book while her two young children played with Aunt Anne. Suddenly someone kissed her cheek, bringing her back to reality.
"My dear, I have been sitting next to you for almost a minute, and you did not even notice," said Mr. Darcy, smiling.
"And taking advantage of the fact that I was distracted, you used the opportunity to kiss me, right?" replied Elizabeth, also smiling.
"Partly, yes, but I kissed you because I love kissing you. After five years of marriage, I thought you knew me better."
"And I adore when you kiss me, my dear husband."
"I'm assuming that's David's first published book."
"Yes, my dear and I swear it is an excellent novel. I have been trying to stop reading for almost half an hour to join the children and Anne, but I could not put it down. Each chapter is more interesting than the previous one."
"Do not worry about the children; they love to play and spend time with Anne."
"I know, and she enjoys playing with them and the dogs or running after the birds as much as the children do."
Mr. Darcy watched his children in the company of his cousin and was pleased. Elizabeth had filled his life with light and color and that of all the people he loved most.
Since they got married, his life changed for the better. Now he had a family that he adored, and that gave meaning to his life. His eldest son Bennet was very similar to his mother, and Mr. Darcy knew he would make an excellent Master when his time came. His youngest son David was more like him, although he was still too young to know his temperament.
"How have you been feeling, my dear?" asked Mr. Darcy, placing his hand on the swollen belly of his beautiful wife.
"Very good, William," Elizabeth replied, kissing her husband on her cheek. She knew that because of her mother's tragedy, her dear husband worried every time she was with child.
"I am glad to hear our girl is well," Mr. Darcy replied, looking at his wife adoringly.
"William, I would love to be able to please you and tell you that this child will be a girl, but we shall have to wait four months to find out. I know you miss Georgiana so much, and that is why you want a girl so badly."
"Indeed, I miss my sister, but I know she is well with her husband and new life. We already have two boys, and I would love to be the father of a girl with your beautiful eyes and smile, my dear."
"William, you always surprise me with how sweet and romantic you can be, especially when I remember how you were when I first met you," Elizabeth replied with a mischievous smile.
"I was concerned when five minutes had passed without my loving wife teasing me," Mr. Darcy said, kissing Elizabeth on her cheek again.
"I know you love when I tease you, so I shall continue doing it until we are old, my dear William," Elizabeth murmured in her husband's ear.
The life of the Bennet sisters changed very much in recent years, and the only one who remained single was Lydia. Fortunately, she learned at the school to behave with a little more decorum, but her envious and petulant nature did not allow her to win the affection of the new family members. After living with the Smiths for a year, David decided that Lydia should return to her parents' house because she was always causing problems and trouble for Jane. Elizabeth invited her to stay with her family at Pemberley, but Lydia did not like Mr. Darcy's rules, so she returned to Longbourn before planned. Unfortunately, her mother was the only one willing to accept her, so she rarely visited the rest of her sisters.
Mary had finally managed to achieve balance in her life and lost her fear of socializing with people her age who were not part of her inner circle. After a year of courtship, one of David's cousins married her, and Mary settled permanently in Manchester.
For her part, Kitty met Captain John Andrews, a Royal Navy officer, at one of the balls Rebbeca organized yearly. After a few months, they got married, and now Kitty was constantly traveling to different parts of the world in the company of her new husband. The almost three years that Kitty lived with Rebecca created a beautiful friendship that neither distance nor time could change.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet continued living as if nothing had changed. He spent much of the day locked in his study, immersed in his world of books, while Mrs. Bennet, accompanied by Lydia, visited the homes of the twenty-four most influential families in the county, boasting about their daughters' successes and discussing the latest gossip.
Jane and David had three daughters and had a quiet life. David had been promoted to Major General but ultimately decided to leave the army to spend more time with his family and the family business. For her part, Jane finally managed to convince her husband to publish his first book, and "The Adventures of General Robinson" became one of the most popular books of that year, making everyone want to meet Sir David. Smith.
The Smiths, the Darcys, and Lord and Lady Atkinson spent as much time as they could together so the cousins could meet and grow together. The admiration between Mr. Darcy, David, and Mark was mutual, and their friendship grew stronger over the years, as did the friendship between the ladies.
After his cousin's marriage, Colonel Fitzwilliam finally met a woman who would accept him despite not having much to offer. Amelia Ferguson was widowed when her young son James was only months old. Her husband was always an abusive and unloving man, so it was difficult for her to accept Richard's sincere love. However, he not only fell in love with Amelia but also with her little son, and once they were married, he, too, left the army and took over the management of his wife's estate until little James was old enough to take over the administration.
At Richard's wedding, Georgiana met her husband, Alexander Ferguson, a clever solicitor who managed to become a judge through his hard work and intellectual nature.
Elizabeth kept her promise and wrote to her dear Aunt Alice at least once a month. Communication was difficult because the letters took several months to arrive, and sometimes they all came simultaneously. But despite that, Aunt Alice enjoyed reading about the adventures of Elizabeth's children and how happy her niece was.
"How is Aunt Alice, my dear? I know you got several letters yesterday."
"She is enjoying her new granddaughter very much, and she is living with Peter now. He was re-elected as the city's mayor and spends much time busy with government affairs, so he feels more confident knowing that his mother is supporting his wife with the new baby."
"I understand; being in charge of a city must require much of his time."
"Yes, but my Aunt said Peter loved it. William, has Lady Catherine responded to your letter? I did not see any correspondence for you."
"Not yet, but I know from Aunt Helen that she has been enjoying the season very much. She has not only gone to the theater and the Opera, but she has also attended a few balls."
"I imagine your aunt and uncle must not be very happy after three months of accepting her wise advice," Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"Aunt Helen has more patience than my uncle, but they both know that if Lady Catherine returns to Kent, she will demand that I send Anne back."
"And they are both willing to continue tolerating her so Anne can enjoy this vacation with us."
"Yes, my dear. The children look delighted with Anne, and Mrs. Jenkinson and their nanny are with them. How about we go to the house, and you read to me? I am anxious to read Sir David's book."
"I think you are right, William. Besides, I am a little tired, and it would be good to sit in one of the comfortable chairs in our beautiful library. But I warn you; you will be the one to read to me."
"As you wish, my dearest loveliest Elizabeth."
Mr. Darcy offered his arm to his wife, and they walked towards the house while Anne and the children enjoyed the beautiful park.
P&P
Thank you so much to everyone who took the trouble to tell me your impressions of my story.
I just want to remind you that this story will be available until Monday, 15th.
Saludos,
Yo