Page 67 of Grief and Grievances
“Indeed,” agreed Elizabeth, feeling her cheeks flush under Jeremiah’s admiring gaze. “We are most grateful for your presence here today.”
“Speaking of matrimonial bliss,” Jeremiah began, casting a meaningful glance towards Georgiana, who stood nearby in quiet conversation with Lucinda de Bourgh. “I hope you are aware, Mr. Darcy, of my earnest intentions regarding your sister when she comes of age.”
Darcy regarded him thoughtfully, his protective instincts rising to the fore. Despite these instincts, he could not deny the genuine nature of Jeremiah’s affections, and he appreciated the honest and straightforward approach. “Yes, Mr. de Bourgh, I am aware of your intentions, and I must say that I find them honourable. I have already invited my cousin and your sister to Pemberley for Christmas, as they will be married by then, and I would like to invite you to join us too.”
“Your invitation is most gracious, Mr. Darcy! I am honoured and delighted to accept.” Jeremiah beamed with happiness, glancing once again at Georgiana.
As Jeremiah took his leave, Elizabeth turned to her husband, her eyes shining with happiness. “It seems our circle of love and friendship is ever expanding, Fitzwilliam.”
“Indeed, it is,” he agreed, his gaze never leaving hers. “And with each new connection, our lives become all the richer.”
In that moment, surrounded by the warmth and affection of their loved ones—both old and new—Elizabeth could not help but feel that she and Darcy had embarked on a truly blessed journey together, one that would carry them through a lifetime of happiness and contentment.
“Elizabeth, my dear,” Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s commanding voice cut through the jovial atmosphere, drawing the attention of those nearby. “I have been meaning to speak with you.”
“Of course, Lady Catherine,” Elizabeth replied, her curiosity piqued as she turned towards the imposing woman. “I hope you can forgive me for declining your most generous offer to travel with you… but I did find your nephew’s offer a more compelling one.”
“I should hope so too,” Darcy murmured as those around them chuckled at Elizabeth’s wit.
“Well, having witnessed your union with my esteemed nephew, I am now preparing to embark upon my travels.” Lady Catherine paused for effect before continuing. “Mrs. Annesley has agreed to accompany me, and I am also most impressed with how sensible your sister appears to be, Mrs. Darcy.”
“My sister?” Elizabeth asked, wondering which sister Lady Catherine could mean.
“Indeed, and therefore I intend to invite her to come with me on my travels.”
“Begging your pardon, Lady Catherine, but to which sister are you referring?” Elizabeth asked cautiously. If the prospect of Lydia in Brighton had been alarming, the thought of her in Italy was terrifying!
“Miss Mary, of course, your next oldest sister. A very sensible young woman with a very good idea of her place.” Lady Catherine nodded approvingly.
Elizabeth blinked in surprise, glancing at Mary who appeared equally astonished. Despite her initial shock, she could not deny that such an opportunity would greatly benefit her studious sister.
“Mary, my dear, do you wish to accompany Lady Catherine to Italy?” Elizabeth inquired, her eyes searching her sister’s face for any hint of reluctance or excitement.
“Indeed, I do, Lizzy,” Mary responded, obvious excitement colouring her tone. “I believe it would be an enlightening experience, one that would allow me to broaden my horizons.”
“Then I am truly happy for you, dear sister,” Elizabeth said warmly, embracing Mary. Turning back to Lady Catherine, she added, “Thank you for this generous offer, Lady Catherine. I have no doubt that Mary and Mrs. Annesley will make fine travelling companions.”
“Indeed, they shall,” Lady Catherine replied, her tone softening ever so slightly. “I trust their presence will serve as a reminder of the familial bond between our two houses.”
As the sun continued its descent, casting long shadows across the lawn, Darcy approached Elizabeth, a sense of pride and joy radiating from him. Smiling broadly, he extended his arm to her, and together they bade farewell to their family and friends before making their way toward the waiting carriage.
“Mrs. Darcy,” Darcy said tenderly, the title on his lips sending a thrill through Elizabeth’s heart. He held her gaze as he helped her into the carriage, the depth of his love evident in his eyes.
“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth murmured in response, her cheeks flushed with happiness. As the carriage door closed behind them, she felt a sense of completion—as if all the pieces of her life had finally fallen into place.
As the carriage pulled away from Longbourn, Elizabeth nestled close to Darcy, her thoughts reflecting on the day’s events and the future that lay ahead. Love, joy, and shared adventures awaited them, and Elizabeth could not help but feel immense gratitude for the incredible journey upon which they had embarked.
The carriage trundled along the winding road, the rhythmic clopping of horses’ hooves lulling Elizabeth into a contemplative state. She stared out of the window, her thoughts meandering through the events of the last few days of travel and memories of her life at Longbourn. With each passing mile, she felt both a twinge of sadness and an eager anticipation for the life that awaited her at Pemberley. She and Darcy were alone: his uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, had taken Georgiana home with them for a visit and would bring her to Pemberley in a few weeks.
They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned.Elizabeth’s breath caught in her throat.
“That,” she said in a strangled voice, “THAT… is Pemberley?”
“Do you like her, my dear?” Darcy asked, his tone rich with amusement.
“I have never seen a place where nature has done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. It is beyond magnificent, Darcy! No wonder you have such pride in your home!”
“Your presence only serves to enhance its charm,” he replied tenderly, placing a gentle hand on hers. “I have no doubt that your very essence will imbue these walls with warmth and love.”
