As she stirred from her sleep, Elizabeth's senses were immediately drawn to the feel of a piece of paper beneath her fingertips. Instantly recognising Darcy's meticulous handwriting, she lifted the note from its place. His tender consideration made her smile. Elizabeth, despite the mostly pleasant night prior, felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over her as she realised her dishevelled appearance, as the note gave no precise indication of when her husband would return. She summoned Sarah and requested that the bathtub be filled and her clothing prepared.
Elizabeth's mind drifted to the events of the previous evening as she settled into the warm water. The memory made her heart flutter, and she blushed, recalling her husband's tender caress. Her mind wandered to the sensation of his touch, the gentle pressure of his hand and the softness of his lips against her skin.
Elizabeth emerged from the warm water and covered herself with a soft towel after finishing her bath. Moments later, Sarah arrived with an assortment of elegant day dresses for Elizabeth to pick from. Among many options, she settled on a cream muslin gown that seemed less extravagant than the others.
The moment Elizabeth stepped onto the stairs, she was greeted by the heavenly scent of freshly baked pastries and the rich aroma of coffee wafting up from the breakfast room. As she entered, the housekeeper and two maids dropped into elegant curtseys and greeted her with soft, respectful murmurs.
"Good morning, Mrs. Darcy. Breakfast is almost ready. Would you like tea or coffee?" asked the housekeeper.
Upon accepting the offer of tea, Elizabeth watched as one of the maids swiftly retrieved it, while the housekeeper directed another to uncover the trays of food. As she was just beginning to fill her plate, the door to the breakfast room swung open, and in walked a familiar figure.
"Good morning, my love," her husband greeted her. After a quick apology for the delay, he shared that he had been busy tending to the horses and observing how Titus was getting along with the other stable lads.
"And what were your findings, dearest?" she asked.
"He was busy with his work when I went to look, but he seemed content. When I asked him how he liked it, he said the work is hard, but the stable is warm," said Darcy. "He already looks much healthier than when he came to us."
"I imagine so," said Elizabeth, her mind drifting back to when Witting had first introduced them to the boy. Not finding him a place had never been a consideration, given the state of his health. Even with the care that Arthur had shown him, the boy had looked half-starved.
As she enjoyed her breakfast, Elizabeth reflected on how lucky she was to have a husband with such a kind heart. His concern extended beyond those of their own station, encompassing all individuals in need, regardless of their position in life. She loved that about him, among many other things.
Over the next several days, Elizabeth was able to learn many more things that she loved about her husband, many of which would have made her blush had anyone learned of them. Such blissful contentment as the couple felt could not remain forever, however. Before they were ready, it was time for them to go to Pemberley.
With them, although in another carriage, travelled Georgiana, Kitty, Lydia, and Mrs. Annesley. The three young ladies had quickly become close, considering each other sisters. Mary had been invited to visit as well, but had decided to remain in Hertfordshire, as she was being courted by a clerk of her uncle's. This clerk she eventually married, although whether her marriage was a result of love or freedom from being often alone with her mother at Longbourn is not known to the author.
It proved a well-considered decision to invite the two youngest Bennets to Pemberley, as the young ladies were occupied with each other and their lessons, so the newlywed couple was not deprived of time to themselves. In society so superior as that which the Darcys then moved, Kitty and Lydia became, by proper attention and management, less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. Mrs Annesley even occasionally managed to persuade Lydia to read something that was not a novel or penny paper, although she never would come to enjoy improving literature.
The Bingleys did not last long at Netherfield, as predicted, and thence bought an estate less than half a day's journey from Pemberley. Kitty soon married a gentleman of Mr. Bingley's acquaintance. The gentleman was not at all charming or intelligent, but he was handsome and rich, which pleased Mrs. Bennet exceedingly. Kitty loved him, which was enough for her sisters to be pleased as well.
Lydia's interest in investigation grew ever more after everything was settled. She was often to be found speaking with Colonel Fitzwilliam about the subject. Despite his objections, often Lydia would sneak out of the house and follow after him when he was chasing some terrible villain. She saved his life on more than one occasion. Yet, he insisted to Lydia that she would not find a husband if she continued in such habits, especially if anyone ever learned of her activities. Colonel Fitzwilliam was wrong, however, for upon Lydia's twenty-second birthday, he asked her to be his wife. She accepted, with the condition that she be allowed to participate in all his adventures.
Georgiana avoided marriage until she was almost five-and-thirty, as she found being a spinster more appealing than being sought after for her money. Only when a widower, who cared nothing for her dowry, captured her heart did she finally agree to marry. Along with the gentleman came three unruly daughters, whose laughter and mischief brought joy to Georgiana's heart.
Arthur Ravencroft became very important in his new position at the mill; he gained the trust of both workers and the owners alike. He assisted in negotiations, ushering in new machinery at a steady pace that did not displace too many workers while finding positions for those who were let go. As such, there was enough food on everyone's plate, and no one went to bed hungry. His wages were more than enough to cover his debts, even if Sarah had not sent home funds as well.
The villains were all punished as one might imagine, dancing upon nothing shortly after their trials. Unfortunately, this left many orphans and widows in Hertfordshire, but such cannot be helped. Most went into service or found other work. A few of the boys went to work at the mill or picked rags, as Titus had done before.
Prime Minister Perceval was killed by an assassin in the spring of 1812. Although it is said that the killer had nothing to do with the Luddites, some remain dubious, given all that transpired only months earlier. Much of this was kept from the public, however, mostly due to the diligent efforts of those at the Home Office.
If anyone's fate was overlooked in this summary, it can be presumed that they received the future they deserved. This is, after all, but a story, where things always turn out as they ought.
