Darcy laughed softly. Even in the middle of an embrace, she would challenge him. Life with Elizabeth Bennet would be anything but boring. “So, the lady prefers comedy to tragedy, does she not?” He kissed her lightly, brushing his lips over hers.
“Our relationship has been a comedy of errors at times.” She returned his kiss, as her fingers caressed the hair along the back of his neck. Her nearness captured Darcy; he bowed his head to hers once more and kissed her warmly.
Georgiana watched this scene from the doorway not wishing to disturb them.This is the type of love I want. It should be obvious to the world when a woman is in love. It should not be hidden.Thank God my brother kept me from making that mistake. How could I be deceived into thinking what Mr.Wickham offered me was love? What Fitzwilliam has with Elizabeth is real love.She cleared her voice to announce her presence; the lovers ceased the kiss, but they did not jump apart as one might expect upon being found in such an intimate embrace. They parted naturally, not ashamed of the affection they shared.
“Elizabeth,” Georgiana began,“my brother wanted you to have something special for the wedding.” She presented Elizabeth with a golden box tied with a ribbon.
“Fitzwilliam,” she beamed at him, “you should not have given me anything else; the lace for my wedding attire was enough.”
“This was my mother’s wish,” he said. “She left this in my father’s care; when he died, he gave it to me; it was to be a gift for my wife.”
“My brother asked me to take it to London; we agreed it needed to be reset for you. I hope you like the design; I chose it myself; I thought it wassimple sophistication.” Georgiana looked on with anticipation.“Open it.”
Brother and sister crowded around as Elizabeth, hands shaking, removed the ribbon and cracked open the lid of the box. The emeralds and diamonds necklace sparkled out at her. “Fitzwilliam, I cannot accept something so expensive.”
“Have you not heard, my love,” he leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek,“I am worth ten thousand pounds per year?”
She laughed but was beyond words. “Turn around, Elizabeth, and let us try it on.” Georgiana giggled, “There—see in the mirror—what do you think?”
“It is not often I am at a loss for words. Georgiana, the design is exquisite! I do not know what else to say.” Elizabeth hugged her soon-to-be sister excitedly.
“What about me?” Darcy chuckled.
“You, Sir, I will pay later,” Elizabeth teased. “I love you, Fitzwilliam,” she hugged his neck tightly.
He turned her back toward the mirror catching her eyes with his in the reflection. Suddenly, it dawned on Elizabeth; Fitzwilliam Darcy made no moves spontaneously.The necklace was a token of his love for her, but it also symbolized to the world:This is my wife! You will respect her as you respect me!
Elizabeth hugged both of them again, whirling both around in her enthusiasm. Georgiana turned to her brother. “Elizabeth and I were going to take a stroll over the grounds.Would you care to join us, Fitzwilliam? We will learn to be a family; how say you, Brother?”
His laughter was contagious. “Georgiana, you have no idea how often I pictured such a future for us; Elizabeth will complement both of us nicely.”They turned in unison toward Elizabeth as if on cue. Her joy written across her face told them all they should remember this moment; it was a promise of things to come.
Walking the paths of Netherfield together, Darcy’s heart pounded in his ears; he never thought such happiness could exist. Elizabeth and Georgiana bubbled enthusiastically at his side. “Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth began hesitatingly, “Georgiana and I have been talking about our home.”
He interrupted her by saying,“Pity is the man who is at the will of two beautiful ladies.”
Both females felt the blush of his jovial remark. “Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth paused,“I wish to speak to you of a matter of some importance.”
Darcy’s amused look faded as he too stopped and faced her head-on. “Then speak your mind, Elizabeth. I am inclined to give you what you request.”
“I am sure you will want to share in what I ask, Sir. Once we return from our wedding holiday, I would like for Georgiana to return to Pemberley with us. There is no reason for your sister to stay in London.”
“Elizabeth,” Georgiana stammered, “I am so inclined, but you and my brother need your privacy.”
“Nonsense, Georgiana,” Elizabeth took her hands.“Pemberley’s vastness can easily afford your brother and I all the privacy we desire. Yet, your presence can give me the confidence I need to become its mistress. I need you there with me; your brother needs you there.We cannot celebrate the Festive Season at Pemberley if you are in London.”
“We have not been at Pemberley,” Georgiana explained, “during the Festive Season since the passing of our father, Elizabeth.”
Darcy watched in stunned disbelief; both women turned toward him with beseeching eyes. “Georgiana,” he began slowly,“it seems my marriage to Elizabeth is a new beginning for Pemberley, and we have grieved for its losses long enough.Would you prefer to be at Pemberley?”
“Oh, yes, Brother,” she was all smiles.“Pemberley bedecked for the festivities is the most beautiful of houses. May we return to Pemberley as a family—you, Elizabeth, and I?”
“It is settled.The Darcys will celebrate together at Pemberley.” The ladies so happily hugged him repeatedly.
Georgiana gasped, “Fitzwilliam, may I tell Mrs. Reynolds this year we reopen Pemberley to its greatness?”
“Certainly, my Dearest,” he said as he pulled Elizabeth close to his side.“Your soon-to-be sister and I will be distracted elsewhere. You may let the household and ground staffs know the Darcys will be at home together.”
Georgiana hugged first Elizabeth and then her brother one more time. Her excitement showed as she nearly skipped along the path. Elizabeth’s eyes misted with tears as she took in Darcy’s countenance, and the piercing darkness of his eyes mirrored his sister’s elation.
