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“Very well. I forgive you, Fitzwilliam.” Her eyes were soft, and she looked at me as I had always wished her to do.
“You do?” I fell back on my heels, so shocked was I. “Truly?”
“Truly.”
“And will you give me another chance to court you? To win you?”
She smiled again. “Yes.”
I laughed, the sound nearly hysterical after the emotions of the last few days.
“My darling!” I gathered both her hands in mine and pressed them to my chest.
“I must insist we take our time courting,” she said. “I do not wish to rush into anything.”
“Of course.”
“And I have a few questions for you.”
“I shall answer whatever you ask me.”
“Do you wish for children? I know you probably desire an heir, but would you like a large family?”
Suddenly, I had an image of Pemberley filled with the laughter of children, their little feet running down the great hall. “If they are our children, I would welcome as many as you could give me.”
She gave me a look. “I will probably give you a great many, my health being what it is.”
Suddenly, I understood what she meant and my eyes grew wide. “I had not thought…Of course.” I kissed her hands again. “I would be delighted to have a dozen children with you, my love.”
She laughed and looked slightly alarmed. “I doubt I shall be quite as delighted, but it is good to know you are up to the challenge.”
I raised a brow and she flushed scarlet.
“So you do not mind having a long courtship?” she finally said.
“No, I do not. I think you are wise to suggest we take our time. Though you should know I would marry you tomorrow if you were amenable.”
“I think I will be amenable next summer, if you would like to ask me then.”
“A summer wedding sounds lovely.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Silly man.”
“Your man.” I pressed her hand to my lips and lingered there for a time, until her smile faded and her eyes took on that soft quality I loved to see. “I will do anything for you, Elizabeth. Never doubt that.”
She nodded, then placed a hand on either side of my face and leant down to kiss me. Her lips were sweet and soft on mine, and I reveled in her affection.
“My dearest love.”
Epilogue
Elizabeth
ImarriedFitzwilliamDarcyin September of 1812, nearly a year after we first met. After a rocky start, he became a steadfast suitor who frequently surprised me with his bouts of romanticism.
Our first child was born fifteen months after we wed, a little girl we called Ida, after my aunt. Our second daughter came two years later, and we called her Jane, after my mother and my favorite sister.
Mrs. Allums came to Derbyshire for the births. She had retired, but she always made an exception for me—and I think she rather liked being an honored guest at Pemberley. She and my mother took excellent care of me, and with each babe, I felt the bond between the three of us strengthen.
