Page 246 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Phillips gathered the papers. “I shall begin immediately.”

Mr. Bennet picked up the book he had set aside and placed it in the trunk.

Mary watched him. “You are still going to Margate?”

“Without a doubt, I am. The entail has nothing to do with that.”

He added another volume to the trunk.

“I have spent enough years concerning myself with crops, rents, repairs, and tenants. I intend to live near the sea and devote the remainder of my life to Greek and Latin authors who make considerably fewer demands upon me.”

Mr. Bennet glanced at Alexander. “Besides, Longbourn is better in your hands. You have already made improvements that should increase the income from the estate, and I trust you to continue.”

“I will take good care of it, sir.”

“I know you will.”

Mr. Bennet closed the trunk and looked at Phillips.

“I believe we shall require champagne. And I hope you and Clara will join us for dinner. We must celebrate together.”

* * *

Darcy and Elizabeth had been at Pemberley for several weeks.

He had been teaching her to ride since their arrival, and that afternoon they rode beyond Pemberley together.

Darcy looked over at her. “Would you like to go to Arbor Low?”

“Yes.”

They reached the stone circle late in the afternoon and dismounted. Darcy took the reins of both horses, but Elizabeth held out her hand to him.

“They will follow us.”

Darcy released the reins, and the horses fell in behind them as they walked among the stones.

Elizabeth ran her hand across the rough surface of one of the stones as she passed. Darcy stayed beside her as they continued around the circle without speaking. Behind them, the horses lowered their heads from time to time to graze.

When they reached the place where they had once sat together, Elizabeth stopped and slipped her hand into Darcy’s.

They settled on the grass with the stones around them. Elizabeth moved close against his side, and Darcy put his arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulder as the sun began to sink toward the horizon.

Darcy took her hand and threaded his fingers through hers.

After a while, Elizabeth lifted their joined hands and kissed his.

Darcy rested his cheek against her hair and drew her closer.

Together they watched the sun go down.

Epilogue

Three Years Later

Mr. Bennet sat in the drawing room at Netherfield surrounded by his grandsons.

He had arrived from Margate that afternoon and was discovering how much the boys had grown since his last visit.