Late August 1811

Darcy gazed thoughtfully at the monotonous landscape outside his comfortable carriage window, eager to reach his destination and see Elizabeth once again. He had missed her more than words could express.

The past six weeks have been a whirlwind of activities, with numerous tasks and obligations, changes, and challenges in his life. His life had undergone significant changes, and he was still adjusting to his new situation. He felt both physically and mentally exhausted, but he remained optimistic that things would improve with time. Thankfully, his steward, Mr. Stones, was an honest, intelligent, hard-working, and experienced gentleman who had been an invaluable source of knowledge and help.

Following a second heated argument with Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine, where they attempted again to convince him to call off his engagement with Elizabeth, his relationship with both of them deteriorated to the point where he seriously contemplated expelling them from Pemberley.

On more than one occasion, Darcy had to control his urge to punch Lord Matlock due to his disparaging remarks about Elizabeth.

Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine were not able to comprehend that he loved Elizabeth above all else, and besides, as a gentleman, he was honor-bound to marry her. He firmly believed that with Elizabeth as his wife, they would conquer any obstacles that might come their way and they would be happy together. Elizabeth was a highly intelligent, educated, and compassionate gentlewoman who had lived on an estate for much of her life. He was certain that she would adjust smoothly to her new life at Pemberley, along with all the responsibilities that came with being the mistress of a vast estate. In addition, Mrs. Reynolds was an accomplished housekeeper and intelligent woman who had worked at Pemberley for over three decades. He had no doubt she would help Elizabeth take her place as Pemberley's mistress with grace and ease.

Over the last few weeks, he woke up before dawn, met with Mr. Stones in the morning and afterwards they inspected the fields and visited the tenants. Fortunately, Pemberley was productive, the tenant's houses were well maintained, and the fields were properly cultivated. Overall, the tenants and servants appeared to be quite content and had minimal complaints; This was largely attributable to the competent administration and leadership of his father and then his brother. Furthermore, there was a contingency account in place that boasted a balance of more than £5,000.

Based on Mr. Stones' helpful and wise advice, along with the estate's ledgers, business letters from his father and his brother that they had carefully kept, as well as the books on modern farming techniques he found in Pemberley's library, he made several important and necessary decisions for the future of the estate. Pertinent contracts were also finalized and signed to sell the products of the harvest.

He received a letter from Elizabeth every three or four days, and they always brightened his day. Her letters were filled with details, optimism, and affection, and they provided him with the encouragement he needed to keep working hard. He wanted to finish his work as soon as possible so he could be with her.

After three long days of exhausting travel, the carriage finally halted at the entrance of Longbourn. Darcy quickly climbed out of the carriage before it completely stopped, while Elizabeth joyously ran towards him and embraced him tightly, her arms wrapped around his neck. Overcome with emotion, they both cried tears of happiness. Finally reunited after several weeks of being apart, they knew they would never be separated again.

"My love, I have missed you so much. I love you so much, my Lizzy" He kissed both her hands, "Promise me, we will never be apart for too long again."

"I missed you too, and I do not want to be separated from you either." They both smiled, "Let's go inside with my family. We were about to have breakfast."

As they entered the dining room, Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, "Finally, are here, Mr. Darcy! I was so worried that something terrible would happen to you, or that we would have to cancel the wedding at the last minute..."

Darcy smiled genuinely and shook his head. He liked Mrs. Bennet as she was a loving, kind lady who was very fond of Elizabeth. "I am sorry, Mrs. Bennet. It was never my intention to cause you any distress or pain."

"Fortunately, you are here now, and in two days the wedding will take place!" She sighed dramatically; she could not help but feel a tinge of disappointment. She had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase a lavish wedding breakfast to her neighbors. "But I am a little disappointed that I won't be able to throw a big engagement party for my niece and yourself and also to have a wedding breakfast..."

Accustomed to her aunt's wailing, Elizabeth interrupted her, "Aunt, I have no words to thank you for everything you have done and are doing for us, but please remember, Mr. Darcy is in mourning and therefore the wedding will be simple." She pointed to the black band on her fiancé's arm. "Not even Mr. Darcy's uncle, Harold Darcy, who owns Netherfield will attend."

"You are right, Lizzy. I am horrified by what happened to your brother, Mr. Darcy. No one is spared from being murdered in London!" She sighed. Then, excited she exclaimed, "but now, you have £10,000 a year!" She looked at Elizabeth, "Lizzy, you are going to be so rich and important... You have to invite Jane to London; I am sure with her beauty and connections she will attract the attention of a rich gentleman or even an earl. Lady Jane, it sounds so well!"

Jane and Mary both blushed deeply at their mother's comments. Mrs. Bennet looked expectantly at Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, while Mr. Bennet had an amused expression on his face. Kitty and Lydia were engaged in their conversation.

Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, and she gave a subtle nod. They had both decided they would travel to Pemberley after the wedding. For several months they would not return to London. So, Darcy replied, "Mrs. Bennet, after the wedding we will go to Pemberley for several months. We will not be returning to London for quite some time."

Elizabeth smiled warmly at her aunt and added, " I know you are not fond of traveling due to your nerves and neither does Uncle Bennet, but we would like for you to consider making an exception and join us at Pemberley for Christmas. Besides, it would be wonderful to have Jane and Mary visit us for a few months."

Mrs. Bennet hugged her niece and replied with a bittersweet smile. "Oh Lizzy, you will live so far from Longbourn. We will miss you so much…"

At Mrs. Bennet's insistence, Darcy stayed at Longbourn for the next two days. Mrs. Bennet even offered him a small room for his valet, as the new parson was already living in Netherfield's parsonage.