In the flurry of activity leading up to Jane and Mr. Bingley's nuptials, Longbourn had become a hive of barely-contained chaos. Under the fastidious direction of Mrs. Bennet, the house was swept up into wedding preparations with hive-minded enthusiasm. Flower arrangements were debated, menus meticulously planned, and Jane's bridal trousseau sewn with care. Amidst the happy frenzy, Jane shone as the placid queen bee, radiating serene joy.

Mr. Bingley himself was a frequent and welcome caller, eager to express his devotion to his bride-to-be. The Bennets delighted in hosting lavish dinners where conversation effervesced with laughter and felicity.

For Elizabeth, these visits home provided a sense of comforting normalcy, even as her own life careened towards change. Something in the familiar sights and sounds of Longbourn anchored her amidst the dizzying shifts. Soon, all too soon, she would be grafted onto a new hive, joined to Pemberley and the Darcys. But for now, she drank her fill of the honeyed memories in this cherished place she called home.

One day, during one of her solo visits to Longbourn, Elizabeth received a letter from Charlotte Lucas. The letter was left with Mrs. Philips in Meryton, who promptly delivered it to Elizabeth.

After the initial pleasantries, Charlotte explained that Mr. Collins had expressly forbidden her from communicating directly with Elizabeth or any of the Bennet sisters. He was still deeply embarrassed by Elizabeth's refusal of his proposal. He did not want Charlotte to maintain ties with the family.

Charlotte apologized for the subterfuge of leaving the letter with Mrs. Phillips. Still, it was the only way she could think of to get a letter to Elizabeth. She pretended it was a letter for her favorite aunt who lived near Meryton, knowing Mrs. Phillips would ensure Elizabeth received it.

Charlotte said she missed her friend terribly and regretted that Mr. Collins was still so aggrieved by the matter. She also mentioned Mr. Collins' continued bitterness over Elizabeth's marriage to Mr. Darcy and his determination to seek what he believed was his rightful inheritance of Longbourn.

She closed by saying she hoped they might still write to each other through this roundabout method as she treasured Elizabeth's friendship despite their divergent paths.

Elizabeth sighed as she read Charlotte's words. She had hoped that Mr. Collins would eventually come to terms with the situation. Still, it seemed he was as obstinate as ever.

Upon her return to Netherfield, Elizabeth found Mr. Darcy at the writing desk in their bedchamber, engrossed in a letter of his own. His brows were furrowed in concentration, and he looked up in surprise when Elizabeth entered.

"Elizabeth, you're back," he said, setting aside the letter. "How was your visit?"

She approached Mr. Darcy, letter in hand. "I received the most curious correspondence today from Charlotte Lucas."

Mr. Darcy looked at her quizzically. "Oh? And what did Miss Lucas have to say?"

"Well," began Elizabeth, "she apologized profusely for having to leave the letter secretly with my aunt Mrs. Phillips instead of sending it properly through the post. It seems Mr. Collins has forbidden her from communicating with me or my sisters."

"Has he now?" remarked Mr. Darcy dryly.

"Yes, he is still quite upset over the matter of the entailment," Elizabeth continued. "Charlotte says he did not want her fraternizing with our family that caused him such embarrassment and stole his inheritance."

Mr. Darcy shook his head. "The man continues to prove himself absurd."

"Indeed. Poor Charlotte has to resort to pretense just to send a letter to her friend. She pretended it was for her aunt, knowing Mrs. Phillips would make sure I received it." Elizabeth paused, looking over the letter again. "She says she misses me terribly and wishes Mr. Collins were not still so aggrieved."

Mr. Darcy listened attentively.

"I cannot fault Charlotte for accepting his proposal, knowing her situation," Elizabeth continued. "And after their marriage, they will live comfortably at the Hunsford parsonage. But I do wish Mr. Collins were not so unreasonable about the matter."

Mr. Darcy nodded thoughtfully. "While I understand your wish to write Charlotte, we must be prudent. Mr. Collins' wounded pride could lead him to react poorly."

Elizabeth sighed. "You are right, of course. I shall miss writing Charlotte, but it would be foolish to further provoke him before the wedding."

"Let us wait until they are settled in Kent," Mr. Darcy suggested. "Distance may cool his resentment, and you can revisit corresponding with Charlotte then."

Elizabeth smiled at him gratefully. "Your counsel is wise. I shall be patient, though I will miss her letters."

"In lighter news," he said, gesturing to the desk where he had been reading, "I received a letter from Mr. Collins."

She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"He is still making wild accusations about your father conspiring with me to cheat him out of Longbourn," Mr. Darcy continued with a frown. "I've already forwarded it to my lawyers."

Elizabeth shook her head. "That man! Will his delusions never cease?"

"Fear not," Mr. Darcy replied. "My lawyers will handle the matter. I will not allow him to torment you or your family any longer."

Elizabeth felt a pang of worry. "Do you think he will cause trouble?"

Mr. Darcy shook his head. "I don't believe so. His claims are baseless, and my lawyers will handle it. We should not let his bitterness affect us."

Despite Mr. Darcy's assurances, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about Mr. Collins' persistent bitterness. However, she tried not to let it dampen her spirits, focusing instead on the joy of her sister's upcoming nuptials.

Over the next few weeks, Elizabeth frequently visits Longbourn to provide Jane with moral support amidst the wedding preparations. The Bennet home was in an uproar, with Mrs. Bennet practically in hysterics over every minor detail. Jane weathered it all with her characteristic grace and serenity, though Elizabeth could tell even her nerves were being tried.

During one visit, Mrs. Bennet could talk of nothing but the lace for Jane's wedding gown. "Oh, it must be the finest in all of Hertfordshire! My dear Jane shall outshine every other bride!"

Jane smiled gently. "While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Mama, I am sure any lace you select will be lovely."

Privately, Elizabeth and Jane shared amused looks at their mother's antics. During moments like these, Elizabeth was reminded how much she would miss her family after she moved to her new home far away in Derbyshire.

Later, as Elizabeth was taking her leave, Mr. Bennet pulled her aside. "I thought you might find these entertaining," he said with a twinkle in his eye, handing her a stack of letters.

Elizabeth glanced at them in surprise. "Lady Catherine?"

"Indeed," chuckled Mr. Bennet. "It seems she is most aggrieved by your marriage to Mr. Darcy. Naturally, I have not bothered to respond, but her diatribes are quite amusing."

Skimming the letters, Elizabeth had to laugh. "She accuses you of failing to control my poor behavior? As if anyone could control me or would even dare try."

Mr. Bennet joined in her mirth. "I dare say you and Mr. Darcy shall have to weather far worse trials than Lady Catherine's blustering." He kissed Elizabeth's forehead. "Do not let that sour woman's bile ruin your happiness. It seems you, and Mr. Darcy are getting along quite well now, despite Lady Catherine's dire predictions."

Elizabeth nodded, returning her father's smile. "Indeed, Mr. Darcy and I are understanding each other well." She laughed lightly again. "I will admit when we first met, I thought him proud and arrogant. But I have come to appreciate his thoughtful nature, intelligence, and steadfast principles. Underneath his aloof exterior lies a deeply caring heart."

Mr. Bennet patted her hand affectionately. "I am pleased to hear that, Lizzy. I had my doubts at first, but your happiness means everything to me. If he makes you happy, then I could not ask for anything more in a son-in-law."

Elizabeth's eyes grew misty. "Thank you, Papa. I know you shall come to see Mr. Darcy as I do in time. He may seem reserved, but once his confidence is gained, he is the best of men. I am so fortunate to have found such a partner."

As she left Longbourn for her home at Netherfield, Elizabeth's thoughts turned to her friend Charlotte. Despite her amused exasperation with Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine, she felt wistful over not being able to see her bosom friend.

She took some comfort in knowing that Charlotte seemed well when they had last spoken. However, Elizabeth wished circumstances had allowed them more time together before Charlotte's marriage. For now, Elizabeth would have to content herself with the hope that Charlotte's future held more happiness than she anticipated as Mrs. Collins.

Upon returning to Netherfield, Elizabeth wasted no time showing the letters to Mr. Darcy. He read them stone-faced before sighing in frustration.

"I should have expected such diatribes from my aunt," he said wearily.

Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. "I cannot believe your aunt would expect you to further ruin my reputation by refusing to marry me, despite our being compromised."

Mr. Darcy nodded grimly. "Yes, her arrogance prevents her from accepting anything beyond her control, even if it means irreparably damaging someone else's good name and prospects."

He sat up abruptly, his jaw set with determination as he pulled out a sheet of paper and dipped his quill in the inkwell.

"I shall write my aunt one final letter, making it clear any future correspondence between us will cease if she persists in these verbal assaults," he declared as he began to write furiously. "Either she will come to accept us in time, or she will not. But we shall not indulge her temper any further."

Elizabeth readily agreed, admiring her husband's calm composure. She only hoped Lady Catherine would not actually attempt to sever ties, for Mr. Darcy's sister's sake, if nothing else.

In between family visits, Elizabeth was adjusting to married life with Mr. Darcy. Gradually they settled into an easy rhythm. Elizabeth took pleasure in reading and walking the grounds of Netherfield with her husband. In the evenings, they would sit by the fire and engage in lively discourse late into the night.

Mr. Darcy continued to teach Elizabeth how to play chess. They would play for hours, heads bent intimately over the board. When she made a good move, he would gaze at her with admiration and brush his fingers lightly over hers. At times the tension between them became palpable, and Elizabeth would feel herself flush under his attentive looks.

As the fire crackled, Mr. Darcy drew closer to her on the settee, slipping an arm around her waist. The feel of his strong body so near made Elizabeth's pulse quicken. When he leaned in to steal a kiss, desire flowed through her. She delighted in discovering all the ways they fit together perfectly, like two interlocking pieces in a puzzle. Though still new, married life with Mr. Darcy felt comforting and right.

Despite the joys of her growing intimacy with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth could not ignore the only sour note that still lingered. Caroline had made her objections to the marriage abundantly clear. She did not hesitate to make thinly veiled criticisms of Elizabeth when she thought Mr. Darcy was not listening. But Elizabeth chose to ignore her petty remarks, pitying Caroline rather than engaging her.

During one of her visits to Longbourn, she found Jane standing wistfully by the window overlooking the back gardens, a pensive expression on her fair face.

"Jane?" Elizabeth ventured softly. "Is something troubling you?"

Jane started slightly, then attempted a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, Lizzy, do not mind me. Just some silly bride's jitters, I suppose."

Elizabeth clasped her sister's hand, guiding her to sit together on the settee. "Come now, we have never kept secrets. Share your thoughts with me."

Jane bit her lip. "I know I should be filled with nothing but joy on the eve of marrying my beloved Mr. Bingley. But I confess part of me grieves at the thought of leaving Longbourn forever." Her voice grew thick with emotion. "This has been my only home, where so many happy memories were made. It shall be difficult to say goodbye."

Elizabeth squeezed her hand in understanding. "Of course. Longbourn is all we've ever known. It is only natural to feel nostalgic leaving it behind."

"And Netherfield shall be so unfamiliar," Jane continued anxiously. "Not to mention having Caroline there. She has run the household for so long..." Jane trailed off uncertainly.

"As Mrs. Bingley, the home will be yours to manage, not Caroline's," Elizabeth gently reminded her. "And you shall have a loving husband by your side. In time, Netherfield will feel like home too."

Jane nodded, blinking back tears. "You are right. Anywhere with Mr. Bingley will feel right. I just cannot help these sentimental pangs on the eve of such tremendous change."

Elizabeth paused, considering her next words delicately. "As for Caroline, I suspect once you and Mr. Bingley are wed, she may be inclined to return to London with the Hursts. No doubt she will wish to enjoy the season there."

Jane's eyes widened, hopefully. "Do you really think so, Lizzy? That would be ideal, to have the house just to ourselves." A hint of pink bloomed on her cheeks at the thought.

"I cannot imagine Caroline remaining at Netherfield indefinitely once it is your domain." Elizabeth gave her sister a sly smile. "After all, she has made her objections to both her brother's and Mr. Darcy's brides quite plain. She likely will not wish to linger once you assume your rightful place."

Jane looked immensely relieved by this prospect. "Let us hope you are right. Though I vow to be gracious if she does remain for a time." Her smile turned impish. "But having the run of the household without her critical eye would be a dream!"

Elizabeth laughed and hugged her sister close. "Soon Netherfield shall be yours, dearest Jane, to make a home with your new husband. And if Caroline knows what's good for her, she will make herself scarce!"

"Oh, Lizzy, I shall miss our confidences so! However, shall I manage without you close at hand?"

Elizabeth held her sister close, tears pricking her own eyes. "Hush now, no more melancholy thoughts. With our husbands being good friends, we shall see each other constantly. This is a time for joy!"

Jane took a deep breath as she dabbed her eyes, resolve returning. "You are right."

Jane nodded, dabbing her eyes. "And you, Lizzy? Tomorrow you depart for Pemberley. How do you feel leaving Hertfordshire behind?"

Elizabeth paused. "I cannot deny I feel some trepidation. The unknown is always daunting. Yet..." A soft smile crossed her face. "I find myself unexpectedly eager to begin this new chapter with Mr. Darcy."

Jane's eyes misted over again. "Oh, Lizzy. I admit I was worried at first. We all were. When the engagement happened so swiftly, I feared you were sacrificing your happiness out of necessity."

She grasped Elizabeth's hands earnestly. "But seeing you now, I am relieved. The fondness between you and Mr. Darcy grows clearer each day. You seem well-suited and content together."

Elizabeth flushed happily. "I cannot pretend it was not daunting at first. But you were right that there was affection developing beneath the surface." She smiled tenderly. "Mr. Darcy is thoughtful and caring beneath his solemn exterior. I believe we shall have a happy union."

"That brings me such joy," Jane said sincerely. "I want only happiness for you, my dear sister."

The two sisters embraced tightly once more. After a few more moments of intimate conversation between them, it was time for Elizabeth to say her other farewells before departing for Pemberley.

With heavy hearts but hopeful spirits, the sisters made their way downstairs to join the rest of the family. Tears and laughter soon mingled freely in the foyer as Elizabeth prepared to bid her childhood home a poignant goodbye.

"Oh, Lizzy! However shall we manage without your lively spirit to brighten our days?" lamented Lydia dramatically, clinging to Elizabeth's arm.

Kitty nodded, dabbing at her eyes. "It shall be dreadfully dull around here without you."

"Do take care of yourself, Lizzy," Mary added sincerely. "And remember to be prudent and dutiful in your new home."

Elizabeth embraced each of them in turn, imprinting their dear faces on her heart. "I shall miss our laughter and adventures together. But you must come visit Pemberley just as soon as you are able!"

Mrs. Bennet fluttered anxiously nearby, pressing handkerchiefs and parting advice on her second eldest. "Mind you wear your warmest woolens on those cold northern nights! And do take good care of your new husband."

Mr. Bennet stood quietly to the side before drawing Elizabeth into a gruff embrace. "You have always been my most clever Lizzy. Take that lively spirit and intelligence with you, and you shall thrive."

He drew back, eyes glinting with humor. "Now, do take pity on your poor father left behind in a household of silliness. With you and Jane both departing, all sensible discourse shall vanish from Longbourn!"

Elizabeth laughed through her tears. "Oh Papa, I shall miss your wit and wisdom. But promise you will come to visit Pemberley soon."

"Wild horses could not keep me away," Mr. Bennet vowed. "Who else will ensure this serious husband of yours maintains a sense of humor?"

Elizabeth embraced him tightly once more, imprinting his dear face on her heart. Though parting was bitter, the sweetness of their abiding love would remain.

Just then, the sound of carriage wheels on the drive signaled Mr. Darcy's arrival. As he entered the foyer, Mr. Bennet drew him aside. "Take care of my favorite daughter, Mr. Darcy," he instructed gruffly.

"You have my word, sir," Mr. Darcy vowed solemnly.

With her husband now by her side, Elizabeth bid her family final bittersweet farewells.

Beams of sunlight streamed through stained glass to bless the smiling couple. Jane's golden curls fairly glowed beneath her lace veil as she and Mr. Bingley exchanged heartfelt vows, voices thick with emotion.

Dabbing discreetly at her misty eyes, Elizabeth watched from her pew next to Mr. Darcy. Never had she seen her dear sister look so radiant or happy.

As the final chords faded, Mr. Bingley lifted Jane's blushing face and fervently kissed his bride at last. Amidst cheers and applause from the assembled families, the new husband and wife processed joyfully down the aisle together, ready to begin their new shared life.

Elizabeth's own cheeks ached from smiling. She turned to find Mr. Darcy regarding her with rare open affection. "I do not believe I have ever seen you look lovelier than at this moment," he said sincerely. "Joy becomes you."

Unexpected warmth flooded Elizabeth at his candid praise. "Does it not become us all to see two worthy souls united?" she replied softly, thinking how ironic those words were given the circumstances of their own hurried marriage.

Mr. Darcy's gaze caressed Elizabeth's face, tracing the curve of her cheeks and the delighted sparkle in her eyes. The noisy chapel faded away for a moment, and all he could see was her. His whirlwind marriage to this captivating, maddening, wonderful woman seemed months instead of weeks ago now. How could he have known then that she would come to mean so much? That the mere sight of her joy today would fill his chest with overwhelming affection?

He still marveled that she had consented to be his wife at all. Yet as she smiled up at him, her skin glowing and eyes brimming with laughter, he was profoundly grateful that she had.

"Indeed, joy does become you," he murmured. "As does everything I have seen you wear." A teasing glint entered his eyes. "Though, at present, I find you most fetching."

Elizabeth blushed at the intimate compliment, a thrill running through her as she met his ardent gaze.

"You are too kind, sir," she demurred. "I dare say you will turn my head with such praise."

"I speak only the truth," Darcy insisted, squeezing her hand discreetly. The touch sparked heat in Elizabeth's veins. "You are a captivating woman, Mrs. Darcy. Never more so than today."

His voice dropped to a husky whisper as he drew her hand to his lips. Elizabeth's breath caught at the desire in his eyes.

Elizabeth's cheeks burned as Mr. Darcy's fingers interlaced with hers. Such simple contact, yet it heated her blood in a way that both frightened and exhilarated her. She stole a glance at him as they stepped out into the sunlit courtyard. His jaw was tight, his gaze fixed ahead, yet his thumb gently caressed the back of her hand.

Elizabeth's breath stalled in her throat as Mr. Darcy's thumb traced delicate circles on the back of her hand. Such a simple caress, yet it lit her senses aflame. She dared to imagine what those strong yet gentle fingers could awaken in her once they were truly alone.

Heat crept up her neck, her mind venturing to the marital intimacies she had only heard whispers of before. The pleasures that awaited behind closed doors with her new husband. Elizabeth quelled a tremble, the longing in her core both foreign and thrilling.

Glancing at Mr. Darcy's chiseled profile, she felt herself softening, melting toward him like wax near a flame. Perhaps their union could be more than duty and convenience. Perhaps they might find joy, even rapture, in each other's arms.

As they crossed the courtyard, Elizabeth swayed closer to her husband, breathless with anticipation. She was ready to explore the delights of marriage yet unknown to her, eager to unravel the mystery of the man at her side.

The wedding breakfast at Longbourn was a lavish affair, with Mrs. Bennet sparing no expense to celebrate her eldest daughter's nuptials. The dining room was resplendent with garlands of fresh flowers and candles that cast a warm glow over the happy gathering.

Near the head of the table sat the radiant bride and groom, Jane and Mr. Bingley. Jane practically glowed, her golden curls framed by baby's breath interwoven throughout. Her new husband gazed at her as if she hung the very stars in the sky, unable to tear his eyes away for even a moment.

"My darling Jane," Mr. Bingley murmured, bringing her hand to his lips. "You are a vision befitting the angels. I scarcely dared dream I could win the heart of so fair and gentle a creature."

Jane's cheeks bloomed pink, his ardent words sending delightful shivers coursing through her veins. "Surely you say too much, sir," she demurred modestly.

"Not nearly enough." Mr. Bingley's thumb traced restless circles on her wrist. "For you have made me the happiest of men. The honor of calling you my wife exceeds my wildest hopes."

"If the joy you have given me already is any measure," she whispered, "I shall be the most blessed woman in all England, for I cannot imagine greater happiness than being your wife."

The intimate exchange between the newlyweds did not go unnoticed by the other wedding guests.

At the opposite end of the table, Mrs. Bennet watched with delight, fanning herself rapidly as if their sweet words might cause her to overheat. "Oh my! Young love!" she exclaimed.

Mr. Bennet eyed his effusive wife with bemusement before offering Jane and Mr. Bingley a polite smile. Though not one for sentimental displays, even he could not begrudge them this joy.

Kitty and Lydia giggled together behind their hands. "La, what a dreamy groom," Lydia whispered to her sister. "I hope I am so lucky one day!"

Mary kept her eyes piously downcast though a blush rose on her cheeks. Even she was not entirely immune to the romantic scene unfolding.

But it was Elizabeth whose gaze lingered longest on the couple, a swell of joy in her heart for her beloved sister. She caught Mr. Darcy's eye, and they exchanged a tender smile, no longer needing to wonder if such a deep love was in their own future. Though their relationship had a rocky start, the affection between them was evident in this moment. Elizabeth knew with certainty that she had found her match in the man now seated proudly beside her.

As Jane and Mr. Bingley lost themselves in newlywed bliss, Elizabeth gently squeezed her own husband's hand, gratitude welling up inside her. She had wished such a love for her dear sister and now saw it blossoming before her very eyes.

Seated nearby were Mr. Bingley's sisters, Caroline and Louisa Hurst, who wore matching pinched expressions as if they had swallowed sour milk. Caroline picked sullenly at her food while the newlyweds were absorbed in one another.

"Come now, Caroline, at least pretend to be happy for our brother," Louisa hissed under her breath. "Perhaps it is time to accept that he has made his choice, sister."

Caroline's scowl deepened, but she held her tongue as Mr. Bingley tenderly touched a curl of Jane's hair.

Nearby, Mr. Hurst largely ignored the tender exchange, more focused on the dishes of savory meats and puddings arriving at the table. "Capital ham this," he declared, sawing himself another thick slice.

Louisa resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her husband's chief pleasure was food, as evidenced by his ever-expanding waistline straining at his waistcoat buttons. She only hoped his gluttony would not rob her of a wealthy widowhood too soon.

"Do pace yourself, darling," she admonished lightly. "We have seven courses yet to come."

At the other end of the table, Mrs. Bennet dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "Oh, what a perfect bride you make, my dear Jane! So beautiful and splendidly married! I declare I may faint from the sheer joy!"

Mr. Bennet regarded his effusive wife with an air of resignation. "Perhaps a more moderated expression of satisfaction would suffice, my dear."

But Mrs. Bennet was not to be deterred. "This is a triumph beyond my wildest hopes!" she exclaimed to the table at large. "With Jane so well settled, we are sure to have the other girls married in no time!"

Mr. Darcy listened to Mrs. Bennet's effusions with a mix of amusement and resignation. Despite her rather mercantile view of her daughters' matrimonial prospects, he could not begrudge her joy on Jane's wedding day.

As the wedding breakfast stretched on, Mr. Darcy found himself watching Elizabeth more than the newlyweds. A hint of wistfulness shadowed her eyes as she laughed with her sisters, as though already mourning their inevitable parting. He gave her hand another gentle squeeze beneath the table. Soon they, too, would be leaving to start their new life together.

Before long, the breakfast finally ended in a flurry of farewells and well wishes. Mr. Darcy stood stoically as Elizabeth embraced her family, especially a tearful Jane.

"I shall miss you dearly, Lizzy," Jane said thickly, dabbing at her eyes.

Elizabeth blinked back tears of her own. "You know I shall always be here for you, Jane."

They held hands tightly until Mr. Bingley gently assisted his new bride into the waiting carriage. Mrs. Bennet waved her handkerchief vigorously, now weeping in earnest.

"Oh, my dear Jane! Off you go to begin your new life!" Mrs. Bennet called out dramatically, waving her handkerchief as Jane's carriage pulled away. "Do not fret, for you shall be but three miles away at Netherfield! We will visit so often you shall soon tire of us!"

Even Mr. Bennet had to discreetly brush away a tear watching his eldest daughter depart. But Mrs. Bennet quickly rallied. "Come, Mr. Bennet, let us dry our eyes! Jane will still be close, and we have other daughters who must marry!"

Soon after Jane's carriage disappeared down the drive, the Bingley sisters and Mr. Hurst made their own hurried farewells. They stepped into their waiting carriage, clearly eager to quit Longbourn and the country as quickly as possible.

Mrs. Bennet huffed in annoyance as their carriage hastily rolled away. "Well! The sisters might have stayed a day or two at least before rushing off. Though I cannot say, I shall miss Caroline's sour looks casting a pall on our joy."

Even Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow at their abrupt exit. "It seems the allure of the countryside could not compete with the gaiety of London for those ladies," he remarked drily.

Elizabeth had to hide a smile. She knew the Bingley sisters were likely relieved to remove to London and leave Jane and Mr. Bingley to enjoy newlywed bliss at Netherfield without their company.

Finally, it was time for the Darcys to take their leave. Elizabeth hugged her dear father tightly while Mrs. Bennet offered the imposing Mr. Darcy somewhat flustered well-wishes.

"I hope you and Lizzy will have a safe journey to Derbyshire, Mr. Darcy," she simpered, intimidated by her aloof new son-in-law.

"We thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Bennet," Darcy said with formal politeness.

Mrs. Bennet blushed and tittered nervously. "Oh yes, you are most welcome! I do hope you will bring Lizzy to visit often."

"We shall endeavor to do so," Darcy replied before handing Elizabeth into the carriage.

As the carriage rolled away from Longbourn, Elizabeth's eyes remained fixed on the window, watching her childhood home fade into the distance. She felt a pang in her heart, leaving the only county she had ever known, where every hill and tree held a cherished memory.

Elizabeth blinked back tears as Longbourn disappeared from view. She felt Mr. Darcy squeeze her hand gently. Though nervous to leave all she knew behind, a spark of excitement also bloomed within her. Elizabeth was embarking on a new life and adventure with a man she had come to care for deeply, if unexpectedly.

Perhaps Derbyshire could become home, too, in time. She felt Mr. Darcy's heated gaze on her and glanced up to find him watching her intently, admiration kindling in his eyes. A flush spread through her at his attention.

She watched through her lashes as he slowly leaned nearer. Though her pulse quickened, she did not pull away, tilting her face up in silent permission. Mr. Darcy's hand was warm against her cheek as he drew her close. Elizabeth let her eyes flutter shut, a soft sigh escaping as his mouth found hers. The kiss was achingly tender, speaking of longing and promise. She melted into him, her fingers tangling lightly in his dark locks.

Breathless, they lingered over the kiss until finally parting just far enough for their quickened breaths to intermingle. Mr. Darcy kept her nestled close, his forehead gently touching hers as their breathing slowed. Elizabeth's heart swelled.

As the carriage rolled onward to Derbyshire, Elizabeth rested her head contently on Mr. Darcy's shoulder. The wide-open future unfurled before them, brimming with promise. They still had much to learn about one another, but the truest understanding of each other's hearts had already taken root.

THE END

Awwwww!

It will be published as Elizabeth's Rush to the Altar. It's up on Amazon right now for pre-order.