Page 49 of Desired By Mr Darcy
Lizzy’s brows lifted ever so slightly as she observed Jane’s downcast eyes and the delicate flush on her cheeks. It was mostunlike her sister to appear unsettled, even in moments of great emotion.
Once breakfast was concluded, Lizzy proposed that she and her sister take a turn about the gardens before the Darcys’ departure. Jane hesitated, glancing toward Bingley, who was now engaged in conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam. With a small nod, she consented to join her sister.
Once they were alone, Lizzy gave her sister an expectant look, amusement dancing in her eyes.
“Jane, dear, you are blushing quite fiercely. I take it all went well?”
Jane’s blush deepened.
“Lizzy!” she chided in a whisper, glancing quickly over her shoulder to ensure they were not overheard. “I cannot speak of such things!”
Lizzy merely smiled.
“Of course you can. I am your sister. If there is anyone with whom you may confide, it is me.”
Jane let out a soft sigh, her expression turning wistful.
“It was… everything I could have hoped for,” she admitted. “Charles is so gentle, so attentive. I was terribly nervous, but he put me at ease.”
Lizzy squeezed her sister’s hand.
“I am truly glad to hear it. If ever there was a man to cherish his wife, it is your Mr Bingley.”
Jane bit her lip, then ventured,
“And you, Lizzy?”
Lizzy’s heart warmed at the thought of the night before. She thought of Darcy’s reverent touch, his quiet words of devotion,the way he had held her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. She met Jane’s gaze and smiled.
“I am very happy,” she said simply.
Jane returned her smile, the moment of shyness passing between them replaced by shared joy. They strolled on happily, discussing yesterday’s celebrations, when Lizzy heard her voice called across the garden.
“Mrs Darcy?” Darcy’s voice, steady and deep, carried as he walked towards them. He was beside them in a few long strides. “It is time to go, Elizabeth.”
She exchanged a final look with Jane before stepping forward, slipping her hand into Darcy’s offered one.
Goodbyes were never easy, but this departure from Netherfield felt like the closing of a chapter in a most intriguing book. The estate, once a place of uncertainty and longing, had fulfilled its purpose - Jane, now Mrs Bingley and the mistress of Netherfield, stood on the grand steps, her face radiant with joy as she waved them off. There was no sadness in her expression, only contentment, as if all had fallen into place exactly as it was meant to.
Elizabeth sat beside Mr Darcy, the rhythmic motion of the carriage soothing as they passed through the familiar, sun-dappled countryside. She turned to him, this man who had once unsettled her so completely, who had stirred in her emotions she had not wished to acknowledge. He had been, at different times, her greatest vexation and her deepest yearning, the one who had divided her heart and thoughts. And now, he was simply hers - her husband, her love, her future.
He must have sensed her gaze, for he looked at her then, his dark eyes soft with understanding. A slight smile played at the corners of his lips.
“Are you happy, my love?” he asked, his voice low and warm.
She reached for his hand, lacing her fingers through his, a small but certain gesture of devotion.
“I am,” she replied with quiet certainty. “I have never been happier.”
He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to her fingers before holding them against his chest. Outside, the world stretched wide before them, green fields rolling toward the horizon, the road leading them to the home they would share.
Their future awaited.
Epilogue
Elizabeth
Lizzy was certain of many things in her life, but her honeymoon had taught her two more things that she knew to be absolutely true.
