Page 145 of Twice Chosen

Henry's birthday always made them laugh before it made them sad because Henry had once attempted to build a boat in the ornamental lake and sunk it before launch.

Margaret's belonged to music. Georgiana would play without knowing why Elizabeth sometimes cried.

The new children were never asked to resemble ghosts.

That was perhaps the hardest and best thing Darcy and Elizabeth accomplished.

Georgiana married later than she had in their first life.

This time there was no pressure.

Darcy introduced gentlemen. Elizabeth teased. Georgiana refused three possibilities without apology.

At twenty-six she married Lord Andrew Beresford, the younger son of a duke, after a friendship that began over music and remained a friendship long enough for Georgiana to trust herself.

Before accepting him she came to Darcy.

"I love him," she said.

Darcy smiled. "Then why do you look terrified?"

"Because I once thought I loved someone else."

Darcy's expression softened. "You were fifteen."

"I know."

"And now?"

Georgiana looked toward the window where Andrew was walking with Elizabeth. "Now I know him when he is cross, tired, embarrassed, and wrong."

Darcy almost laughed. "An excellent beginning."

Georgiana smiled. "Elizabeth said being known is inconvenient."

"Elizabeth says many things."

"She is often right."

Darcy sighed. "Unfortunately."

Georgiana married Andrew in a quiet ceremony and later had two daughters and a son.

Charlotte's stepdaughter Lucy grew up calling her Mama without anyone instructing her to do so.

Kitty became known locally for portraits that captured expressions rather than flattering features. Mrs. Bennet initially objected that a gentleman's nose ought to be improved if one had the skill, but Kitty refused.

Mary taught music to several girls whose families could not afford London masters and discovered she possessed patience she had never had with her sisters.

Lydia and Howard had three children, all noisy.

Jane and Bingley remained at Netherfield for many years before purchasing an estate fifteen miles from Pemberley, close enough that their children moved between houses without ceremony.

Caroline visited both and complained about the informality while participating fully in it.

Mr. Bennet aged.

More slowly than Elizabeth remembered.