Page 55 of The Heir and Spare
“So is this what life with you will be like, my Darcy?”
He pulled her closer. “And more. So much more. I promise to love you and laugh with you and probably cry with you until the day we die.”
She rested her head on his shoulder, perfectly content with that picture of how her life would be. “How soon can we be married?”
She felt his chuckle all through her body as he rested his chin on top of her head. “As soon as you like.”
Epilogue
Fitz felt manipulated into planning and hosting a huge engagement ball for his brother. Certainly they must have one, but he, Fitz, would just as soon be anywhere else.
He stood at attention next to his brother and Miss Elizabeth, and he had to grudgingly admit that she was much better for him than she would have been for himself. She was, in fact, somewhat demanding, and he would have tired of her own excellence which would have urged him to be better all the time. Were there not moments when one and all should rest?
“Brother, you are frowning.” Miss Elizabeth placed a gentle hand on his arm.
“I must not be feeling overly pleased.”
She laughed. “Come now. It cannot be as bad as all that. Your servants have handled all the details. And surely there is someone here who is handsome enough to tempt you?” Her eyebrow rose in a wicked challenge.
He groaned.
“What is this?” Arthur stepped closer. “What do you mean handsome enough?”
Miss Elizabeth smiled. “That’s a story best heard from the lips of Fitz himself.”
He sighed. “It is not the large upheaval she makes of it.”
“Oh, but I think it is. I suspect it is the very thing that almost kept us apart.”
She nodded. “Partly, yes.”
Fitz rubbed the spot between his eyes. “I was tired. I did not feel like dancing, and Bingley was a pest. So I told him that your Lizzie was handsome but not enough to tempt me.” He winced. “Brother, please do not pummel me at your own party.”
Arthur grew still.
But Lizzie leaned closer and kissed his cheek. “I was mad enough for the both of us. Let us forget it ever happened.”
“Fitz will suffer for that.” Arthur stood taller. “Be aware, brother, there will be consequences.”
“Of that I’m certain.” He leaned closer to Lizzie. “Not sure why I deserved that.”
“Just some sisterly teasing. It comes with the territory, I’d imagine.” She looked past him. “Oh, look alive. Here is someone I would like for you to meet.”
Miss Vincent had outdone herself. She stood tall and flowing and ethereal as she floated into the room and joined the line of greeters.
Fitz followed her gaze and then remained riveted on her. “Who is this?”
“That, my dear brother, is Miss Vincent and the only person I can countenance you marrying.”
He tutted at that. “You, my sister, do not get a choice. But she is most definitely handsome enough.” He visibly swallowed and straightened his coat.
When Miss Vincent was close enough, Lizzie embraced her. “Oh, it is good to see you.”
“And you. So pleased that I could witness the beginning.”
“I, as well. Now, might I introduce you to Darcy’s brother?” She placed a hand on Fitz’s arm.
“Goodness me. You’re a twin.” She looked from one to the other. “And I met the other?”
