Page 56 of Losing Lizzy
“Elizabeth Anne is stunning,” Sheffield remarked in pride as they both turned to view their “Lizzy” on the arm of another man.
“So is your Grace,” Darcy admitted.
“I cannot take credit for the look of any of my children,” Sheffield declared. “Charles looks the most like me, but Philip, Rebecca, and Grace favor their mother.” Darcy’s brother-in-marriage chuckled. “Not that I am complaining. Jane’s countenance is still the most compelling face I have ever beheld.”
“We are fortunate men, Albert Sheffield,” Darcy announced.
Sheffield smiled indulgently. “We are just that, sir. We each know the love of a strong-willed woman who crafted both our future and our happiness. We are blessed among men.”
Darcy nodded his agreement. “The only true problem either of us possesses at this moment is losing Lizzy again.”
“Neither of us will ever lose her, Darcy. She carries us in her heart. We were the men by which shejudged all her suitors. Elmhurst is the only one who came close to what our girl was searching for in a husband. She will skillfully mend hisdeficiencies. Just you mark my words. Soon our Lizzy will be sharing tales of her ‘papa’ and her ‘Uncle Albert’ with the next generation.”
“I enjoy your version of the future, Sheffield, better than the one I designed with a gaping hole in my life,” Darcy admitted.
“Just think, old man,” Sheffield said with a pat on Darcy’s back. “Soon you will have grandchildren to spoil. Do you not recall the look on Mr. Bennet’s countenance when he first met our Lizzy Anne?”
“Perfectly so.”
Sheffield smiled. “Soon that look will be upon your countenance. The Darcy legacy will continue because you loved a remarkable woman, and she loved you dearly in return.”
~ Finis ~
