9 October
Georgiana,
I returned to Netherfield, and you will be happy to know Miss Elizabeth finally agreed to be your sister and my wife. I am in a state of euphoria; I have waited so long for this to happen; it is definitely a dream come true.Thank you, Dearest One, for always believing this day would happen.When I was at my lowest, it was your love, which sustained me.You never allowed me to give up hope, and you allowed me to see I could be the master of Pemberley and still love Elizabeth—a choice between the two was never necessary.You are still the teacher and I the student when it comes to matters of the heart. I just wish our parents were here to see this day; I am sure next to our births, this day would be one to bring them both great pleasures. Elizabeth will be a fine mistress for Pemberley, and the two of you will bring life to the walls of our home again; the house has been silent too long. I will make arrangements to bring you to Netherfield next week so you and Elizabeth may renew your friendship. I know you wanted to come to Netherfield for some time, and this is a joyous event to celebrate here. It seems now that Miss Elizabeth agreed to marry me she cannot wait todo so.We will be wed in a double ceremony with Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet. I am looking forward to introducing you to Miss Bennet.You heard so much about her from Mr. Bingley. Can you believe Charles and I will become brothers? The date has been set for a little over a fortnight. Elizabeth and I await your presence to share in our joy.
Your loving brother,
Fitzwilliam
Georgiana,
Your brother is mistaken; I am in no hurry to be his wife; I am only anxious to have you as my new sister. In reality, your brother has honored me, and I am truly blessed to have earned his love. Fitzwilliam has told me of your part in bringing the two of us together, and for that reason you have won my heart. Even when I was foolish, you saw I needed him in my life, and you did not allow him to turn away. Our love is because of you; your brother says you are a true romantic, and now I believe him. I am the happiest of God’s creatures. We will share Pemberley as our home—you and I.
Your sister,
Elizabeth
Looking over her shoulder, Darcy teased, “You are not anxious to marry me?”
“Why would I wish to marry such a dark figure as are you, Mr. Darcy?” Her eyes betrayed her joy as she traced the line of his jaw with her index finger.
“It could not be for my good looks or my wealth so it must be for the new pianoforte in my music room.You will be able finally to practice and become an example of an accomplished young lady.” Darcy saw her eyes flicker in anticipation of what she would say next.
Elizabeth laughed at his allowing himself some levity.“Speakingof beingaccomplished,who is to tell Miss Bingley of our marriage?”
“Charles claimed thatpleasure.”
“Having both Jane and I as part of Miss Bingley’sextendedfamily should vex her greatly.”
“I should offer an additional apology to you, Elizabeth. If I hid my fascination with you better, you would not have suffered so many rebukes at Caroline’s hand.”
“It seems everyone knew of your love except me.”
“Why is that exactly, Elizabeth?” Darcy taunted.
“Because I was so busy finding fault with you, my dear Fitzwilliam, I never saw the core of the man you are. It never occurred to me until I was at Pemberley how many people’s welfares depend on you. How could I have been so foolish?”
“Just now I did not wish to criticize you, Elizabeth. We both changed; you were right when you said anything arbitrarily changed in our relationship would not bring us here to each other.”
“It must be the rain which brings out my doom and gloom,” she sighed and then quickly brightened. “Speaking ofdoom,” she continued,“when shall you write to your aunt to tell her what has become of all her warnings about my arts and allurements? The shades of Pemberley are to be polluted after all.”
“It will take courage to face her wrath again, but it ought to be done, so if I may plead for another piece of paper, I will tell her of my joy and ask for her blessings.”
“It is too bad, my Love, that I, too, have a letter to write to an aunt or else I would sit close beside you and admire your meticulous handwriting as Miss Bingley used to do. However, Aunt Gardiner’s letter explaining your part in Lydia’s marriage hinted at what she perceived to be your fondness for me. I did not answer her directly because I could not believe she saw what I wished would happen. Now, I may happily give her the news and promise her a phaeton ride around the grounds of Pemberley.”
Darcy’s letter to his aunt was short and very formal. He knew she would not welcome anything he said nor would Lady Catherine change her mind. Elizabeth’s letter to her Aunt Gardiner, full ofmirth and happiness, fondly acknowledged the Gardiners’ part in bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together.
Darcy dispatched a third letter to Edward.
9 October
Cousin,
Your interference in my life may come to a close; at last, Miss Elizabeth agreed to be my wife. I am the happiest man alive, but our aunt, I fear, will find herself in more distress. Get you to Rosings and claim Anne for your own. If you are as lucky as I, you and Anne will live in heartfelt delight.
Elizabeth and I will marry on Monday fortnight in a double ceremony with Mr. Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet.We desire your presence for the ceremony.Although it is probably too much for which to hope, we would enjoy seeing Anne with you. Miss Elizabeth sends you love and respect. She thanks you for your part in bringing us together at last.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
