Page 229 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

His eyes met hers. “Even this. I feared we might save everyone else and lose what we had together.”

Her throat tightened. “So did I.”

He lifted her hand to his lips. “Yet here you are, my wife once more.”

* * *

Before the Matlocks left Netherfield, Georgiana embraced Elizabeth.

“I shall miss you, but I am very glad you have Fitzwilliam to yourself at last.”

Elizabeth kissed her cheek. “I shall miss you too, dearest. We will see you very soon.”

Georgiana held her a moment longer before going to her brother. Fitzwilliam kissed her forehead, and Lady Helen slipped her arm through Georgiana's as they went toward the waiting carriage.

At four o'clock, Elizabeth came downstairs dressed for travel. Fitzwilliam brought her pelisse and held it while she slipped her arms into the sleeves.

Elizabeth kissed Mary, Kitty, and Lydia before going to her father.

She put her arms around him and held him tightly. When she drew back, she kept hold of his coat.

Mr. Bennet took a handkerchief from his pocket and placed it in her hand.

“I could not have parted with you, my Lizzy, to anyone less worthy.”

Elizabeth pressed the handkerchief to her eyes before embracing him again.

When she finally released him, she kissed his cheek and went to Jane.

The sisters embraced and held one another, both smiling through their tears.

“I am so happy for you, Jane.”

Jane tightened her arms around her. “And I for you, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth kissed her sister's cheek before they separated.

Fitzwilliam waited nearby with Elizabeth's gloves. He placed them in her hand but kept her fingers in his for a moment before offering his arm.

Elizabeth slipped her hand through it and looked back.

Mr. Bennet stood beside his remaining daughters.

A few minutes later, they were on the road to London.

* * *

It was early evening when the carriage stopped before Darcy House.

Fitzwilliam descended first and held out his hand. Elizabeth placed hers in it and stepped down beside him.

The front doors opened as they approached. Higgins stood inside with Mrs. Nichols, and the London servants waited along the entrance hall and staircase.

“Welcome home, Mr. Darcy.” Higgins bowed before looking to Elizabeth. “Mrs. Darcy.”

Fitzwilliam's hand settled lightly at Elizabeth's back.

“Thank you, Higgins.”