Notes: I added some details in Chapters 60 and 61. The next chapter is about Jane and the wedding :) Then the Epilogue.
PPP
After the discreet wedding of Richard and Anne, Darcy stayed only two days at Rosings. His departure was hastened by pressing matters awaiting him at Pemberley and his hopes to return to Hertfordshire several weeks before his wedding. In addition, Georgiana´s eagerness to leave Rosings had been evident; the grand but cold and imposing mansion felt more like a mausoleum than a home. The ostentatiousness and dark colors of Rosings stood in stark contrast to the warmth and familiarity of Pemberley, to which she longed to return.
The trip to Pemberley was uneventful. Upon their arrival, Darcy took a moment to visit the rooms that had once belonged to his mother. It was a poignant experience, as he had not stepped into those spaces for several years. The rooms were preserved in almost the same state as when his mother was alive: elegant, with antique furnishings and opulent decor that reflected her refined and old-fashioned tastes. The experience was both nostalgic and melancholic.
Darcy had been acutely aware that Elizabeth preferred lighter colors and more modern furnishings. However, he had chosen not to alter the rooms immediately. He intended to allow her the freedom to redecorate as she saw fit once they were married and settled into their life together. This decision was a reflection of his deep respect for her tastes and his desire to create a home that was truly theirs.
Despite being considered unfashionable by high society standards, he hoped to persuade her to share his bedchamber every night.
In the weeks that followed, Darcy dedicated himself to working closely with his steward. He rose at dawn each day, setting out to inspect Pemberley's fields, supervise ongoing repairs, and oversee the harvest. He aimed to address all pressing matters swiftly so that he could enjoy a period of respite from Pemberley's affairs during the two months following his wedding. Throughout this busy time, he found solace in the regular correspondence he received from Elizabeth. Each letter was read and re-read numerous times before he meticulously crafted his responses.
Georgiana, too, was eagerly looking forward to reuniting with her friends and Mrs. Bennet. She harbored a quiet hope that they would move from Longbourn and take up residence in Pemberley's dower house.
Finally, a month before the wedding, Darcy and Georgiana made their way to Hertfordshire. To ensure their comfort and convenience Darcy arranged to lease Netherfield Park for a few months.
PPP
Elizabeth was seated near the large window in the drawing room at Longbourn, her gaze fixed outside with mounting anticipation.
When she heard the familiar sound of a carriage approaching, her heart leapt. With a broad smile spreading across her face, she quickly went out to greet her fiancé and his sister. Her mother and sisters, also made their way to welcome the Darcys.
After Elizabeth warmly embraced Georgiana, she turned and found herself face-to-face with Mr. Darcy. Their eyes locked in a meaningful gaze, and for a few precious moments, they seemed to be the only two people in the world. Unconsciously, they both smiled, and that fleeting moment was imprinted deeply in their memories.
Darcy's heart raced with a fervor he had never before felt. He was overwhelmed by the desire to hold Elizabeth close and kiss her, but aware of the presence of others, he settled for a gentle kiss on her hand.
Upon entering the drawing room, Kitty and Mary offered to give Georgiana a tour of the house, an offer Georgiana accepted with evident pleasure. Mrs. Bennet excused herself for a brief conversation with Mrs. Hill about household matters, leaving Darcy and Elizabeth alone for a few precious moments.
They sat down on a comfortable sofa; Darcy took both of her hands in his. He pressed a series of soft kisses on her fingers, his eyes filled with affection as he said, "I missed you so much, my love. Thankfully, we will never have to be apart again."
Elizabeth felt a delicate blush creep across her cheeks under the intensity of his gaze. "I missed you too." Her expression then turned playful as she added, "And it seems that the news of our engagement has become quite public. If you had delayed your return any longer, my neighbors might have started to believe that you were having second thoughts about your choice of bride."
"Never; I may have regrets about other things, but I will never regret choosing you as my wife." He gently caressed her cheek with his thumb and, with deep tenderness, said, "I love you, Elizabeth. You are the most important person in my life."
Elizabeth closed her eyes, and their lips met in a tender, affectionate kiss.
As they pulled apart, the sound of their sisters' voices drew their attention. They exchanged smiles, their hearts full and content.