Page 100 of Attempted Compromises
They were no longer bound by duty or circumstance, or even attempted compromises. They were bound by choice, by love, and by the unshakable certainty that they were meant to be.
Four months later
The warm spring sun filtered through the trees, dappling the carriage interior with flickering patterns of light and shadow as it rolled along the well-kept road. Elizabeth leaned back against the padded seat, her hand resting lightly over her middle. It was still too early to feel anything, but the knowledge of the tiny life growing within her filled her with quiet wonder.
She had been ill for weeks, her stomach rebelling against even the simplest of meals, but the discomfort was worth it. She had refused to delay their journey, determined to leave the stifling city behind and see Pemberley for the first time.
Andrew crawled energetically around the carriage floor, his hands patting at the plush cushions as he babbled a string of cheerful nonsense that made both his parents smile.
Georgiana, seated beside her with a book on her lap, leaning forward with wide eyes. “We’ve reached Pemberley’s woods!” She pointed out the window at a large expanse of trees. “Look, Elizabeth—there’s the edge of the estate!” Her cheeks flushed with enthusiasm as she took in the familiar landscape.
Elizabeth let out a soft sigh of relief, her gaze following Georgiana’s gesture. “At last,” she murmured. The journey from London had been arduous, especially with Andrew’s restless energy and her own discomfort. But she had refused to remain in the oppressive air of the city any longer. The promise of Pemberley had been her beacon.
“Are you well?” Darcy asked, his deep voice laced with concern. He reached over, his hand brushing hers. The warmth of his touch grounded her, and she nodded with a reassuring smile.
“I am fine, truly,” she replied. “Just eager to see your home.” She paused, then amended with a playful glance. “Our home.”
Darcy’s lips quirked into a smile that softened the edges of his otherwise serious expression. Before he could respond, the carriage slowed and came to a stop. He leaned forward, peering out the window. “We’ve reached the ridge,” he said. He tapped on the carriage roof and the carriage came to a stop.
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “Are we there?”
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Patience, my dear. Come and see for yourself.”
With a teasing shake of his head, he descended from the carriage and extended his hand to her. She accepted, allowing him to help her down. The air was fresh and clean, carrying the faint, earthy scent of the woods. Elizabeth took a deep breath, her senses instantly invigorated.
“Look,” Darcy said, gesturing toward the view.
Elizabeth turned, and the sight stole her breath. Below them, nestled amidst a vast expanse of rolling hills and manicured grounds, lay Pemberley. The stately house was a masterpiece of classical elegance, its stone façade gleaming softly in the sunlight. Wide terraces stretched out before it, leading to lush gardens bursting with spring blooms. Beyond the house, a glittering lake mirrored the azure sky, bordered by weeping willows that swayed gently in the breeze. The entire scene radiated a sense of timeless grandeur, and Elizabeth felt a lump rise in her throat.
“It’s…” Her voice trailed off as she searched for the right words. “It’s magnificent.”
Darcy’s gaze remained fixed on her face, not the view. “It will only become more so with you there,” he said softly.
Her cheeks warmed, and she glanced away, overwhelmed by both the sight and his words. “Thank you,” she murmured.
“You’ve yet to see the best parts,” he teased gently, helping her back into the carriage. As he settled across from her andthe journey resumed, Elizabeth leaned her head against the cushioned seat, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Wait until you see more… I’m especially look forward to showing you your new chambers,” he whispered in her ear, causing her to shiver with anticipation.
She gave him a cheeky grin, almost overwhelmed by the depth of her love. The past months had been a whirlwind of change and discovery. Their two months in Hertfordshire after Christmas had been filled with family and unexpected moments of joy. Then one warm day in February, they made the journey to Darcy House, where they would spend another two months.
Those two months in London were filled with a whirlwind of activities, including frequently entertaining the Gardiners. Elizabeth had told Darcy one evening that it was Mrs. Gardiner’s wisdom and encouragement that had given her the courage to confess her feelings. His gratitude toward her aunt had been profound, and they had made certain to show their appreciation during every visit.
Darcy’s family, the Matlocks, proved to be a stark contrast to Elizabeth’s family. His titled relations had initially received her with caution, their coolness a palpable reminder of her new station’s complications. Yet with time—and her own determination—they had warmed. Lady Matlock had even taken Elizabeth shopping, introducing her to the styles and shops that suited her new station. Lord Matlock had surprised her by expressing an interest in diversifying his investments. This led to an introduction to Mr. Gardiner, whose business acumen hadimpressed him greatly. Their warming acceptance had been a small but significant victory.
And then there was Andrew. Darcy’s confession about the boy’s parentage had shocked her at first. But her surprise was immediately swallowed up in admiration for his integrity. His love and care for Andrew, despite the circumstances, spoke volumes about his character. It had made her love him even more deeply.
If Wickham weren’t already dead, I’d kill him myself, she thought.
Now, as the carriage rolled onward, the warmth of Darcy’s presence beside her filled her with quiet contentment. He glanced at her, his eyes soft with affection, and reached for her hand. She laced her fingers with his, drawing strength from his steady touch.
Her gaze shifted to Andrew, who had finally tired himself out and was nestled against Georgiana’s lap, his small fingers clutching the hem of her gown. The sight filled Elizabeth’s heart with hope for the future. This, she thought, was what she had dreamed of—a family built on love, trust, and shared devotion.
As they descended the hill toward Pemberley, Elizabeth allowed herself a moment of reflection. The path to this happiness had not been without its trials. Mistakes had been made, schemes had been thwarted, and hearts had been laid bare. Yet every misstep, every obstacle, had brought them here, to this moment.
She glanced at Darcy, her heart swelling with love, and thought of how close she had come to losing him before she even realizedwhat he meant to her. A faint smile curved her lips, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
The great house loomed closer, its grandeur no longer intimidating but inviting. She rested her hand over her stomach once more, her heart full of quiet joy. Life had not unfolded as she had once imagined, but in many ways, it was far better.
And as the carriage drew near to Pemberley’s welcoming gates, Elizabeth thought with a touch of wry humor that she owed her happiness, in part, to the attempted compromises that had failed so spectacularly.
