Jane left for London with the Gardiners the morning after Elizabeth’s wedding. Bingley and his family followed, much to the consternation of his youngest sister. Despite Caroline’s constant nitpicking at Jane’s circumstances and background, Bingley quietly courted her, visiting several times a week and attending church with Jane and the Gardiners.
By the time Jane’s year of mourning was up, she knew she was deeply in love with him, and he with her. So, when he proposed, she immediately accepted. They leased an estate three miles from Longbourn, called Netherfield, and Caroline came to live with them. It did not take long for Bingley’s sister to tire of living in the country, nor for her to see that her brother was not going to give in to her pleading and demands that he take her to London.
“Though I am a sociable gentleman and love the whirl of a ball, I am now married, and the purpose of the season is moot for me. Write to Louisa and see if she and Hurst will host you.”
“Louisa has already said she is increasing and will not leave her in-laws’ estate,” Caroline huffed.
“Then write one of your friends and wrangle an invitation to stay with them.” Bingley’s normally even temper was beginning to fray, and the flush covering his face and neck made that clear, as did the fists he clenched but held close to his side. “You do need to go, I agree, because,” Bingley stopped, took three long strides across the room, and stood nose-to-nose with his sister, “you, Sister, need a husband, and you need one as soon as possible. Now, go. Figure out which friend to write to and Jane and I will deliver you to her home. Then, my lovely wife and I will be returning here to Netherfield.” Bingley turned and stomped to the door. Reaching it, he grasped the knob and held it as he turned back toward Caroline. “I expect you to find a husband this season. Do not return to Netherfield unless you are engaged to be married.” With that, he turned the knob, pulled the door open, strode through, and shut it firmly behind him.
Caroline was horrified by his statement, knowing that her brother meant what he said. He had often suggested to her that he set up an establishment for her and hire a companion to keep her company, but Caroline had always refused. She did not wish to live with a stranger. She firmed her resolve, and with great mental effort and attendance at as many balls and dinner parties as she could manage, set aside her infatuation with Fitzwilliam Darcy and his future inheritance and found a titled but cash-poor gentleman to marry. Becoming Lady Lindon set her above Elizabeth Darcy, and Caroline enjoyed that distinction, but in the end, she learned to love her baron, giving him five children.
After a year of Mrs. Bennet’s constant presence at Netherfield, even Bingley’s good nature was stretched to its limits, and he and Jane found an estate to purchase just thirty miles from Pemberley. Elizabeth and Jane were ecstatic to live so close, and letters and visits between the families were a daily occurrence.
~~~***~~~
After an extensive search, it was determined that there were no other heirs to inherit Longbourn. Jane’s eldest son would be the next master.
To Mrs. Bennet’s eternal relief, she was able to remain in her home for the rest of her days. Her son-in-law, Fitzwilliam, remained in constant contact with the steward, acting as master in the absence of one. He, along with Elizabeth and, eventually, their children, visited as often as possible. Mrs. Bennet was still mistress two decades later, when Jane’s eldest son took over as master, and she continued to run the house until he married.
Matthew Bingley was happy to have his grandmother live with him, and when he joined his life with a local girl, Miss Penny Goulding, he insisted that Mrs. Bennet live out her days in the manor house instead of the dower’s cottage. Though Mrs. Bennet and Penny often clashed, they became close, and Penny grieved deeply when Mrs. Bennet passed on.
~~~***~~~
George Darcy turned over the running of Pemberley and all its holdings to his son upon Fitzwilliam’s return from his wedding trip. Though he loved his estate, keeping up with it was difficult and added stress to his already-weakened heart. Darcy brought Georgiana home to be with him, and Fitzwilliam hired tutors to teach her. The entire family, Darcy, Georgiana, Fitzwilliam, and Elizabeth made the yearly trips to London for the social season, and the return trips to Derbyshire for the summer. Darcy’s children made certain that he was always at his leisure, and he lived another ten years as a result.
~~~***~~~
Elizabeth settled herself in the well-worn chair beside the desk in the study. Toeing off her slippers and tucking her feet under her gown, she relaxed against the deeply-set back and laid her book on her lap. She tilted her head and watched Fitzwilliam as he reviewed an account book. When he looked up and smiled at her, she winked at him. “I saw your father in the hallway. Did he come down and assist you with something? He generally stays away from this part of the house.”
“He did. There is a dispute among a group of tenants about a well. Father listened and I listed aloud the options, then he helped me work out which was best. I am relieved to be able to learn how Pemberley is run while I still have him to refer to.”
“I am glad, as well. You are becoming a good master under his tutelage. The wives frequently praise you to me when I visit. Your people love you, you know, just as much as they do your father.”
Fitzwilliam blushed at her words. “I hope I continue to earn their praise. It is not easy to be the master of such a large estate. I fear making mistakes that will ruin it for all of us.”
“That will never happen.” Elizabeth reached her hand over the edge of the desk to take her husband’s. She smiled when he turned his over and entwined their fingers. “I love you.”
“I love you, as well. Thank you for accepting me, and for giving me my son.” Fitzwilliam lifted their joined hands and kissed her fingers.
“You are welcome, my love. Would you like another?”
Fitzwilliam’s brows rose and his eyes grew large. “Another …?”
Elizabeth’s smile turned mischievous. “Why, another son, of course.”
“Of course, I would! Are you telling me-?” He stopped abruptly and looked at her stomach, still flat, though not as tight as it was when they first married two years ago.
Squeezing his hand, Elizabeth nodded. “I am. You will be a father again in a few months.”
Fitzwilliam immediately rose, pulling his wife up by her hand and bringing her into the circle of his arms. “Thank you,” he said, softly but fervently. He lifted one hand to her cheek, tucking behind her ear a lock of hair that hung there. “I am so happy our fathers betrothed us the way they did. I would far rather have you and a surprise betrothal than anyone else in the world.” With those words, he captured Elizabeth’s lips with his and lost himself in the sweetness of her embrace.
The End