Page 71 of Darcy's Guarded Heart
“I’m very much looking forward to the house party,” Darcy said.
Elizabeth gave a playful groan. “It shall be a very full house. All my sisters are coming, with spouses in tow. At least now that all of us are wed, Mother is less worried all the time.”
“Although the fate of Longbourn still bothers her,” Darcy noted.
“She does,” Elizabeth agreed, “though not quite so loudly as before. After all, she now has two grand estates from which to choose future residences. And between Lydia, Kitty, and Mary, there shall always be room somewhere.”
Darcy leaned back. “I still hope we might break the entail one day.”
“With Mr Phillips’s help, and perhaps once Mr Collins is free of Lady Catherine’s influence…” Elizabeth trailed off, smiling. “It is possible.”
Darcy tilted his head. “And are you ready to have your mother visit again?”
Elizabeth gave him a teasing look. “Are you?”
He chuckled. “After two years, I am quite used to Mrs Bennet’s… particular ways. In fact, I rather enjoy her enthusiastic declarations.”
“You are a dreadful liar,” Elizabeth said, laughing. “But I appreciate the effort.”
Just then, the door behind them opened, and Mrs Annesley stepped out onto the veranda, her expression fond and composed. In her arms was little Margaret, now a year and a half old, golden-haired, and full of curiosity.
“She’s just finished her breakfast, Mrs Darcy,” Mrs Annesley said. “And insists on being outside.”
Elizabeth stood, her arms already outstretched. “Of course she does.”
Darcy stood as well, thanking the woman as he took his daughter’s tiny hand. Mrs Annesley offered a gentle smile and withdrew into the house.
Margaret babbled something incomprehensible and grinned up at her parents.
“She looks just like you when she smiles,” Elizabeth said, brushing a curl from the child’s forehead.
“Then she must have your spirit,” Darcy replied softly.
He wrapped one arm around Elizabeth’s waist, drawing her close. She leaned into him, Margaret now happily perched on her hip.
Darcy placed a hand gently on Elizabeth’s stomach, where new life was only just beginning to stir.
“I’m the happiest man I know,” he said quietly. “I wake up every day and wonder how it happened that you agreed to marry me.”
Elizabeth looked up at him, eyes warm.
“I often wonder the same.”
He gave a soft laugh, then kissed her brow.
“And to think,” she murmured, “it all began because you refused to dance.”
Darcy smiled. “And thank heaven for that.”
They stood together, looking out over the estate, their daughter in their arms, the scent of spring in the air, and a future full of hope before them.
THE END
