“Tell her the shades of Pemberley are thus polluted.” Darcy was too mirthful to care what his aunt thought.
Bingley’s smile could not be contained. “Darcy, next to hearing those words from Jane, I cannot be happier than I am now. I must practice my legible handwriting once again. Caroline will be beside herself with envy.”
“She and Lady Catherine must console each other, I fear.” Darcy laughed out loud.
Jane came back to join Darcy and her husband. “Mr. Darcy, be thankful the roads are poor this time of year; it will keep Mama from coming to Pemberley immediately.”
“Without wishing offense, Mrs. Bingley, even your mother could not defer my happiness this evening.”
Jane hugged him. “I am pleased you are in Elizabeth’s life, Mr. Darcy.You were right; she is your other half. To have Elizabeth so happy gives me more joy than you could know.”
“I will devote my life to loving her, Mrs. Bingley.”
The party took on a whole new level of enjoyment; no one wished to go to bed. New Year’s Eve and a new baby gave everyone too much joy. Mrs. Annesley played, and all the couples enjoyed impromptu dancing, giving Darcy and Elizabeth the pleasure of starting the first dance.
“Mr. Darcy,” she taunted as she passed him in the form, “you have the reputation of despising to dance.”
“I am very discerning in my choice of partners is all the censure one should give to my reputation.” He smiled happily at her. Each time they came together, their conversation continued. “I was disappointed when you refused me at Lucas Lodge.”
“Then I cross-examined you at Netherfield.”
“Why did you finally honor me with your hand, Elizabeth?”
“So you would always be in a humor to give consequence to a young lady who has been slighted by other men.” She reminded him of his first cut to her at Meryton.
“I was a fool, Elizabeth.”
“As was I, Fitzwilliam.”
The last time they passed, Elizabeth could not help but to touch him, and Darcy caressed her cheek; their eyes, as always, found each other.
Unusual for him, Darcy also danced with Jane, Georgiana, Mrs. Gardiner, and Kitty, but he still watched Elizabeth as he completed each form. She spent time with Bingley, Edward, and Mr. Harrison. Kitty was happy to dance with Bingley, Mr. Harrison, and several times with Mr. Ashford. Not being a formal ball there was no strictures on multiple dances. Mr.Ashford lacked the finesse of a gentleman, but his dancing did not create a spectacle; he found the pleasure of holding Kitty Bennet’s hand an inducement forenjoying the music, and he briefly thanked God for bringing these new people into his life.The group simply enjoyed being together.
Georgiana cornered Darcy as the evening progressed.“Are you happy for me, Dearest One?” he asked when she came near.
“Fitzwilliam, to see you so well-situated is the most joyful of times. Elizabeth is so beautiful; see how she beams with love.”
“Georgiana, I may have given up my pursuit of Elizabeth if you did not intervene, and if you did not realize she was in danger, I may have lost her forever.What might I say to you to tell you how much you are loved?”
“Words are not necessary, Fitzwilliam. I am thankful you finally have love in your life. You gave up your youth for me and for Pemberley; it was never fair for you to take on so much at such a young age.”
“I never regretted what I did for you, Dearest One.”
“Now we are creating our own Pemberley, Fitzwilliam. I believe we are repaid ten times over for our good deeds. God gives us blessings because of what we do for others.”
“You are more devout than I, but I have come to a new understanding of the infinite power of God since Elizabeth came into my life. I never knew such love of life.”
“Love life and Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam.” She kissed his cheek; as she turned to leave him and rejoin the others, Georgiana pivoted toward him with one last remark. “Did you know, Brother, the Greeks did not extol a man’s accomplishments upon his death? They simply asked one question of his family and friends: did he live his life with undying passion?” She gave him her own version of an enigmatic smile and left.
As the evening wound down, Darcy offered a toast to Elizabeth. “To my wife, Elizabeth Bennet Darcy, a woman of unexpected wit, a devotion to her family, silent courage, and strength combined with innocence and sweetness—I learned from you how to be a brother, a man, and a husband. Soon I will learn to be a father.You are the love of my life.” Her eyes welled up; there was a time whenElizabeth looked for love—a fiery cannonball of emotions; now she knew true love, deep compassionate love—a consistent flame, which never burns out.
When the others retired for the evening, Darcy and Elizabeth sat together in the drawing room; he reclined against the back of a settee with one leg stretched out and the other dangling to the floor; Elizabeth lay back against him, lounging lazily between his legs where she could easily touch his face and feel his warmth. He held her head to his chest and kissed the top of it as he rubbed the side of the arm, which she laid across his chest. She stroked his chin line and periodically lightly kissed his neck. The fire was burning down, but neither of them wished to move, fearing the spell would be broken.
“Are you truly happy to be a father so soon, Fitzwilliam?”
“Of course, Elizabeth, dare you ask?”
“We have been together for such a short period of time; I feared you would think it too fast.”
