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Posted on Friday, 21 September 2001

After Christmas, the visits of Mrs. Bingleys and Mrs. Darcys younger sisters began. Mr. Bennet, with the hearty agreement of his elder daughters and their husbands, judged it best that his two youngest daughters spend a great deal of their time with his two eldest daughters but only on the condition that the younger sisters did not travel together or remain with the same sister.

At first, Kitty and Lydia moped around the homes of their sisters for they had no officers and not even each others company to entertain them. This attitude did not last long in Kitty's situation for the Darcy party with whom she was residing were often invited to balls and parties. Though Mr. Darcy did not enjoy sharing his Elizabeth with society, Lizzy was able to have him accept one in two of the invitations for the better society of Georgiana and to improve the feelings of Kitty. Over the period that Kitty remained with her sister, she improved greatly. Her behaviour was not so ungovernable as Lydia's and with the improvement in society and a budding friendship with Georgiana to the exclusion of Lydia's company Kitty improved and was accepted in society as the pretty younger sister of Mrs. Darcy.

Lydia did not benefit so greatly by her sisters influence. When she remained at Netherfield her sister and brother in law were hardly able to contain her so she was soon sent home. At Longbourn she was subjected to a side of her father that she had not seen often. Mr. Bennet set clear boundaries for his youngest daughter. He brought a companion for her from London who would teach her and guide her with a strict hand. At first Lydia rejected the companion (she was at least five and thirty and had not been married) but Mr. Bennet persisted using such controls as pocket allowance and attendance at balls to ensure Lydia's cooperation.

Lydia was young but not so young that her attitudes and behaviour could take any great turns but the improvement was obvious and she was accepted into society with a degree of pleasure. Mr. Bennet had only to hope that another regiment would not be quartered at Meryton.

Chapter 23

One evening while Lizzy and Georgiana were playing at the piano forte with the baby in a basket nearby, for neither parent wished to be parted from their daughter, Mr. Darcy addressed his company.

"Lizzy, Georgiana come and sit with me, I have a matter that I would discuss with you and any delay could prove the undoing of my scheme."

Both ladies looked at the speaker with confusion and curiosity. Georgiana quickly moved at her brothers request and was sitting beside him as Lizzy arose from her seat at the piano and began to move towards her husband with a glint of mischief in her eyes and spoke as she walked "Why Mr. Darcy, what could you ever be scheming, you have three Darcy ladies who will answer your every whim, or two who will answer and one, the youngest I might add, will have you answer her whim."

Darcy answered with the same playfulness "My darling, you are near correct, I do have three Darcy ladies under my roof at present and I am very glad for it" He smiled at his wife with love as she sat beside him "Although I fear that it is I who bend to their whims, as you say, especially the youngest" Georgiana could barely contain her amusement and looked away thinking how the baby did command attention from all in the house and all were willing to jump at every sound she makes. "But my scheme will be much to your liking dearest, and yours Georgiana I would hope." Here Darcy paused and enjoyed the curious looks that his ladies favoured him with. It was Georgiana who broke the silence.

"Oh brother whatever can you mean. Please stop speaking in riddles, have you not enjoyed our confusion enough yet?"

"Yes Georgiana, you are correct, I do so enjoy the looks of confusion that you have both been issuing me.."

Lizzy interrupted here "Georgiana, I do believe that your brother has no scheme and this is but a staged performance for his entertainment. I do not intend to be a part of this play any longer and urge you to do the same." With a quick smile to Georgiana, Lizzy began to stand intending to return to the music but the hand of her husband collecting hers and pulling her to his lap and smiling prevented Lizzy from moving away.

Georgiana attempted to hide the giggle that escaped her lips as her sister in law was pouting at Darcy. Georgiana was, in the first months of her brothers marriage, surprised at the affection that the married couple showed in public and in the relative privacy of Pemberley even when she was around. Now, Lizzy sitting on the lap of her husband was a comfort to Georgiana as it reminded her how much love there was between the couple.

Darcy continued "If the mistress of Pemberley would allow it" He smiled to his wife in a playful manner "I propose that we have a small gathering of family for Christmas and then a ball the following day" Lizzy turned and eagerly embraced her husband so her consent was not in doubt and they both turned to Georgiana, who was smiling at the prospect of a party that she would not need to leave the beautiful grounds of Pemberley for, and a ball. Since spending time with Lizzys sister Kitty, Georgiana had grown more and more fond of a ball. Lizzys sister was not searching desperately for a rich husband as other young ladies did and she enjoyed the ball for being a ball not a hunting ground.

It was quickly settled between the residents of Pemberley that Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and their children, Mr. Bennet, Jane and Charles Bingley, Mary and Mr. Collins (although it was expected that his duties would keep him at Rosings, at least that is what was hoped), Kitty Bennet and Lydia Bennet would be invited to Pemberley for the week before and the week after Christmas. There would be a ball on the evening of the 26th where the neighbours and other friends would be invited. Georgiana suggested that perhaps her cousin Anne would care to visit as she was a regular correspondent with Georgiana and it was only her mother that desired a match between Mr. Darcy and Anne and not Anne herself. It was agreed that Anne would be invited, and her mother too if she would respect Lizzy as the mistress of Pemberley.

The following morning, Lizzy began to write to her family, with the exception of Jane as Darcy wrote to the Bingleys, and Georgiana wrote to Anne and lady Catherine. All invitations told the recipient that the whole Bennet family was invited to guest for two weeks and that there would be a ball.

As expected, Mr. Collins was required, due to his parish obligations to refuse the invitation on his own behalf, though three pages were insufficient in his letter to Mr. Darcy to express his thanks for such a consideration. Mary wrote to her sister, formally refusing the invitation on behalf of her husband (his letter was merely a letter of thanks) but accepting on her own behalf. Mary went on to say that she would remain only a week as Miss Anne De Bourgh would be remaining only a week. The shock that Lizzy felt at the apparent plans of her husbands cousin was great. She could hardly believe that Anne would be permitted by her mother to attend and without her mother in attendance. These suspicions were quickly confirmed when Georgiana came running into the room with a letter from Anne in her hand. As she could hardly speak for the exertion of running from the gravel walk where she read the letter to the second floor room that Lizzy was in, Georgiana handed the letter to Lizzy.

Dearest Cousin

I thank you so much for your invitation to join you and the Bennets for Christmas. My mother is unwilling to attend with so many of Mrs. Darcys family in attendance, but as Mrs. Collins is to attend, my mother has agreed that I may visit.

I will arrive two days before Christmas and return to Rosings five days after. I fear that my health will not withstand the vigors of a ball but I am sure that I shall be able to find a nice book in a quiet corner to read.

I eagerly look forward to seeing you, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy again and am wild to see the new baby of Pemberley.

Your cousin Anne.

Well Lizzy was shocked at the contents and the candid way that Anne referred to her mother but the idea of that pale sickly creature from Rosings being wild about anything made Lizzy laugh a little. Georgiana looked puzzled when Lizzy was laughing. Lizzy quickly checked herself and gave Georgiana to know that the addition of Miss de Bourgh to the party was welcome.

Chapter 24.

When the invitation for Christmas at Pemberley arrived, Lydia and Kitty were in residence at Longbourn. Mr. Bennet was eager to see his daughter and son in law so decided that all would attend and that Kitty would respond to the invitation (he had written a month ago to Lizzy and two letters within that time would be unheard of for Mr. Bennet). Lydia's companion remained in Meryton with her family so the party from Longbourn would be three.

Dearest Lizzy and Mr. Darcy

Thank you for your kind invitation. Father, Lydia and myself would be happy to attend Pemberley for a time around Christmas. We will arrive at 3 o'clock on the 20th December.

Kitty then went on to tell of all the Meryton news

Give my love to Georgiana. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Kitty

The response the Bingleys wrote was long and full of their anticipated joy in seeing the entire family at Pemberley. They would also be in attendance.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had been regular visitors to Pemberley in the last year and agreed to join the family gathering with all of their children.

On reading all of these letters, Lizzy was overjoyed that she would be hosting so many of her family and be able to introduce them to the newest member.

At breakfast on December 20th, the family of Pemberley house were all tense. Darcy is pushing food around his plate and his wife is scarcely eating more. Georgiana is uncomfortable in the silence but is all to sure what has quietened this usually enjoyable part of the day.

Georgiana has met all of Lizzys relations but today many of them are to arrive and remain as guests at Pemberley. The ball is something to look forward to and Georgiana enjoys the company of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner as if they were her own aunt and uncle but the Bennet family can be overwhelming.

The three adults at the table are considering how full their home will be that evening, when the youngest Darcy takes it upon herself to break the silence with a squeal. Both parents turn to Johana and she smiles contentedly (they are parents, to them a one month old child can smile!!!). As Darcy reaches to gather his daughter into his arms, he turns to the ladies at the table and addresses them "It appears that one Darcy lady felt it was too quiet." All three laughed and the tension was broken. An enjoyable breakfast ensued.

After the mid day meal, Darcy, Lizzy and Georgiana were walking about the grass near the lake. Darcy stopped walking all of a sudden and looked at his companions and smiled before saying. "Lizzy, Georgiana, I expect the Bennet family to arrive soon but I wish to give you each a small gift for the season."

"Surely you can wait five days when we will all exchange gifts." Lizzy interrupted, though she always enjoyed the gifts her husband chose for her and her curiosity was almost bursting.

With a smile full of love Darcy continued "I could wait my love, although I am happy for your, sorry our, family to be with us for Christmas, I wish to give you these while we are alone." Georgiana made to leave her brother and his wife to the romantic moment she saw coming but her brother took her arm. "No dearest sister, I mean to be alone with the ladies of my home". Darcy released his sister, disengaged his arm from his wife and reached into his pocket.

As he did this, a light of mischief crept across Lizzys face and she turned saying "I must collect the other Darcy lady if you are to address all the ladies of your home." Darcy dropped the contents of his pockets in his sisters hands as he took two long steps to catch his wife. He wrapped his arms about her waist, to prevent her further departure, and carried her back to the laughter of his sister.

"No you stay here, I must speak quickly for I hear a coach on the drive. We have only a few moments. Georgiana, yours is the red box, Lizzy yours is the blue." As they opened their boxes, both ladies gasped at the beautiful necklaces presented to them, Darcy continued thoroughly pleased with the response "The next weeks will be joyful and.........trying.....with so many guests. I just wished you both to remember that I love you dearly."

Collecting his voice to the most cheerful one he could muster after such emotion, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley collected the arm of his wife in one hand, and the arm of his sister in the other and escorted them to the house "I believe we have guests." Releasing Georgiana to go to her rooms, Darcy swept his wife into his arms, kissed her with a passion that shocked the maid walking by (the maid was new and would soon learn that master and mistress openly displayed their affection). Lizzy ran to her rooms, deposited her gift in her dresser and then descended the staircase with her sister in law. At the bottom of the stairs, they met Mr. Darcy in time to welcome Mr. Bennet, Kitty, Lydia and Mr. and Mrs. Bingley.

After Mr. Bingley explained that their carriage arrived at the gates to Pemberley at the same time as the Bennets, causing their arrivals to coincide, greetings were exchanged and the travelers shown to their rooms. While the first arrivals were resting (Lizzy had assured them that the youngest member of the household would be asleep until near tea) the Gardiner party arrived.

The evening passed pleasantly, though Lydia was a little trying, and all retired early. The travelers were exhausted and Mr. and Mrs. Darcy desired some time alone with their baby.

The other guests, including Col. Fitzwilliam, Mary Collins and Anne DeBourgh, arrived over the next two days and all were kept merry with music, picnics, cards and for Mr. Bennet the Library. Suddenly Christmas morning was upon them and a gentle knock on their chamber door alerted Lizzy and Darcy to the fact that they had guests who were waiting for them and the Gardiner children were eager for the adults to attend breakfast.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy entered the breakfast room (late and blushing) to a sea of smiling faces. A look out the window at the clear, but cool day meant the day would be perfect, bringing a smile to Lizzys face.

After returning from church, the ladies and children proceeded outside and built snowmen (even in the snow of winter, Lizzy did not like to be confined to the house) while the gentlemen retired to the library to - Lizzy was not sure what they would do but gentlemen always retired to the library together. It seemed to the ladies that it would be a pleasant morning of building snowmen and watching the children play, then all could go to the warmth and comfort of the music room for some carols after luncheon. After tea some more music, exchanging of gifts and then an extravagant dinner. After dinner, Lizzy had a surprise for those assembled, the Gardiner children would perform a play that they had been practicing in secret with Lizzy.

Unfortunately for the well planned day of snowmen and relaxation, Mr. Darcy and the other men decided to join the ladies, and rather than announce themselves politely or even verbally, they announced their arrival with a shower of snowballs.

As Johanna was safely inside with Anne DeBourgh, Lizzy quickly led the ladies into battle. The snowfight was accompanied by a great deal of laughter and enjoyment on the part of all participants but after half an hour thus engaged, Mrs. Gardiner removed some of the more enthusiastic companions, that is to say her children. She though that it was time that they went to warm baths and dry clothes.

The Last Chapters

Gradually all the guests moved to their apartments to find Darcys perceptive staff had supplied warm baths and dry towels. Darcy paused and prevented his wife from entering the house. She said "I had no idea that you could plan activities so well for so large a group. Perhaps I can leave the parties entertainment to you in the future." Her eyes sparkled so invitingly as she attempted to pass her husband and enter the house. Darcy held his wife lose and kissed her.

When he released Lizzy, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mounted the stairs in the direction of their apartments and he mumbled "I had rather plan activities for a party of two." Lizzy blushed and giggled as they moved to their waiting baths.

Once the Darcys returned to their guests, the day passed much as Lizzy planned with great joy and delight for the entire party.

The evening of the ball arrived and with it the other guests. All the residents of Pemberley were to attend, even Anne was to be there for the beginning of the ball and a number of neighbours had arrived.

Lizzy and Darcy were happily greeting their friends, including Col. Fitzwilliam who would remain at Pemberley for a few days, and were about to enter the ball room as the time for the dancing was approaching and Darcy was more than keen to dance with his wife. A few expected guests had not yet arrived, but Lizzy thought that they may have decided not to enter a house full of the Bennet family.

Just as they began to move, they heard the door open with a gust of wind and a little snow. The door shut and after the time it takes for coats to be removed and the length of the entry hall walked, the door to the room that was being used to greet the guests (the hall was far to gusty with the door being opened and closed) opened and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst accompanied by Caroline Bingley entered.

These latest arrivals had been invited as it was expected that they would arrive to guest with Mr. and Mrs. Bingley soon after Christmas but Darcy had hoped that they would excuse themselves for the intentions of Miss Bingley before the marriage of Mr. Darcy were clear, she intended to be the next Mrs. Darcy and the change in Mr. Darcys marital status had not reduced her flirtatious behaviour nor her incivility to the now Mrs. Darcy.

Miss Bingley followed her sister and Mr. Hurst until they reached Mrs. Darcy. With the briefest possible compliments to the mistress of Pemberley, Miss Bingley walked around her sister to stand before Mr. Darcy. Even Mrs. Hurst felt the rudeness in her sisters behaviour and paid extra attention to Lizzy. In the few times that they had met since the marriage of Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Hurst had grown to like Lizzy a little and see the rudeness in Miss Bingley, after all, now that Mr. Darcy was married, a lady not married to him should not speak with him as familiarly as Caroline does.

As Miss Bingley approached Mr. Darcy, he gave his wife a quick look, where he rolled his eyes and Lizzy giggled, covered by a delicate cough behind her handkerchief, he was sure that nobody saw the exchange.

"Darcy it has been so long since I have guested in your home"

"Indeed Miss Bingley, I am sure that you have been too busy and myself and my wife have had a great deal of activity to contend with."

"Oh yes" a little less excitedly, and very insincerely Miss Bingley continued speaking only to Mr. Darcy "Congratulations on the birth of your child. I hope that it is well and a true Darcy."

Controlling his temper "Miss Bingley, my daughter is beautiful, I could not wish for any difference in her, and as you can see my beautiful wife has fully recovered and motherhood agrees with her."

This was a direct comment that even Miss Bingley could not but understand but she did so continue "Darcy, I am sure that as a mother of a young child, Mrs. Darcy cannot intend to dance this evening, and as yet my dancecard is empty so if you would like to ask me to dance, perhaps the first, I would not be unwilling." Miss Bingley attempted to give an expressive look and sparkle in her eyes but to Darcy it appeared that she had something in her eye.

This speech had caught the attention of Mrs. Hurst and Lizzy (Mr. Hurst was only concerned with entering the refreshment room and obtaining a bottomless glass of the fine wine that Darcy would be serving) and they turned, shock obvious on their faces. Mr. Darcy looked to his wife, gave her a quick wink and a smile in preparation of his response and spoke directly to Miss Bingley

"The mistress of Pemberley is to be dancing this evening and is the only lady I intend to stand up with, unless she insists that I stand up with another. I am quite at her disposal. As to your earlier comments about visiting Pemberley, they were quite misdirected I fear, for your invitation would need to come from the mistress of the house, as an unmarried lady yourself, surely you see the impropriety of my inviting you to Pemberley, you are not a relative and it would certainly be an insult to one of your station if you were invited by myself." Mr. Darcy moved towards his wife, collected her in his arms, and how much he wished to kiss her soft lips at this moment but as Miss Bingley was collected by her smiling sister and escorted to the ball room by her sister and brother in law, the door opened and lady Catherine de Bourgh entered, flanked by Mr. Collins.

"Lady Catherine, how nice it is to see you at Pemberley." Lizzy began as she untangled herself from her husbands arms and moved towards her most recent and unexpected guests. She overlooked the rudeness of the unannounced arrival and greeted her cousin and lady Catherine with all the warmth and politeness that is appropriate to expected guests (though these were far from expected).

"Miss Benn" a small cough from Darcy and lady Catherine corrected herself "Mrs. Darcy, as I was invited I saw no problem in attending as I am sure that my daughter will be quite alone while you are having your little dance"

Darcy stepped forward and addressed his aunt. Lizzy stayed close so that Mr. Collins could not possibly speak to her alone "Aunt, Anne is in the ball room with other guests and you and Mr. Collins may join them. My wife and myself will be along shortly as, with your arrival I am sure you are aware that we have a little business to attend"

With the most indignant look she could muster, for she felt Darcy should escort her, as the most important guest, to the ballroom., lady Catherine left for the ballroom with Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins was heard throwing thanks over his shoulder as he bowed and departed, lady Catherine was making comments regarding the business that needed attending to, for they had a young child and their situation when lady Catherine entered left no question in her mind what business was going on. "It is not right" she was saying "to be embracing, so soon after a child and in such a public place."

Lizzy laughed as her husband embraced her again. When the door had shut he kissed his wife and was interrupted by the housekeeper entering the room with a discreet cough, as she was not shocked at the open affection of master and mistress. Still a little embarrassed when the servants interrupted him with his wife, Darcys face changed to a shade of pink and his wife just giggled (he wanted to scoop her into his arms then).

"Excuse me maam, I noticed the new guests. Lady Catherine is accustomed to the rooms that Mr. and Mrs. Bingley are in and the gentleman, I am not sure if you wish to accommodate him."

"Mrs. Reynolds, Lady Catherine can have the rooms at the other end of the hall to her daughters, I know that they are not so large as her usual accommodations but she gave no notice of her attendance. Mr. Collins is the gentleman, Mary Collins is his wife and I believe the room near hers is vacant" Mrs. Reynolds nodded proudly at the skills of Mrs. Darcy "He can be accommodated there. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley may need rooms as well." a smile and look to her husband and Lizzy continued "The apartments behind the gallery are appropriate."

"Yes Mrs. Darcy, only that is the furthest from the family rooms and the other guests."

It was Mr. Darcy who answered "You are correct Mrs. Reynolds and I am sure that you are more perceptive than you show in that statement." Mr. Darcy smiled at his housekeeper who smiled her acknowledgment, curtseyed and left to prepare the rooms. Darcy collected his wife's hand, kissed it "I hope that concludes our arrivals for this evening" placed Lizzys hand in the crook of his arm and escorted the mistress of Pemberley to the ball room.

As they entered the room, the music started and Darcy quickly escorted his wife to the head of the set. They glided past those assembled but had eyes only for each other. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley were in the line, as were Georgiana and a neighbour Mr. Blicken, Kitty with Col. Fitzwilliam, and other neighbours and friends filling the set. Much to the relief of Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, they caught a glance of Mary Collins sitting with her husband attending her and lady Catherine, and Anne freeing herself of her mother and Mr. Collins.

The dancing progressed, and Darcy danced only with Lizzy or sat down for the first six dances. They were talking quietly to Jane and Bingley when Col. Fitzwilliam approached. All greeted him and welcomed him to the conversation but his motive in joining them was quickly clear. "Mrs. Darcy, may I have the pleasure of your company for the next dance?"

A look of shock passed on her husbands face when she smiled and answered "Of course. I thought that Darcy had scared every other gentleman from my company." All assembled followed Lizzys lead and laughed. When the amusement had subsided, Darcy excused himself and his wife and led her a little from the group.

"Lizzy what am I to do now, if I do not dance Miss Bingley will approach as soon as she sees you with my cousin."

"That is simple to solve my love. Ask another young lady to dance."

"Oh Lizzy, you know that it is your company that I enjoy."

"Yes and you have it to yourself most of the time but this is a ball, and I am sure that any of my sisters would be happy for the dance, not your sister, that would not bode well for her standing up with her brother at so large a ball, or you could ask any young lady here. Please do and enjoy the dance."

Darcy immediately returned to the group and asked Mrs. Bingley to dance. She agreed as Mr. Bingley had asked Mrs. Collins who had remained seated between her husband and lady Catherine all the evening. She accepted and as the music started, the three sisters and their partners moved to the set.

After this dance, refreshments were served and some young ladies played on the pianoforte and the evening passed pleasantly for all in attendance.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy waved away the guests who had attended for the ball and all others had gone to their rooms when a noise on the stairs was heard. It was clear that lady Catherine was disagreeing with her accommodations with Mrs. Reynolds. Lady Catherine was certain that Mrs. Reynolds had misunderstood the instructions for her accommodations and Mr. and Mrs. Darcy hurried to the bottom of the stairs to settle the matter.

On perceiving her nephew and his wife lady Catherine began.

"Mr. Darcy, it appears that your servant has given my rooms over to another, your wife's sister. This needs to be remedied at once, I demand it."

"The mistress of Pemberley assigned the rooms and I am aware of all the arrangements as, I am sure, is Mrs. Reynolds." A satisfied look was on Mrs. Reynolds' face which reminded Darcy of how much freedom his wife allowed the servants, he did not mind but it was a reminder of the pleasant changes that she had instituted and he smiled to himself.

Before lady Catherine could answer, Lizzy stepped forward "Mrs. Reynolds, did you show lady Catherine to the rooms we discussed, in the same area, but a little removed from her daughters rooms?"

Lady Catherine did not have time to speak before Mrs. Reynolds answered as she was shocked that Mrs. Darcy had taken over and that she addressed a mere servant before addressing her guest.

"Yes maam" Mrs. Reynolds replied.

"Lady Catherine, We have many guests at Pemberley at present, you are one of the most recent and we were not expecting you. My sister and her husband are in the most comfortable guest quarters, after those my father is in, and I have not the least intention of moving them. you may remain a guest in my home, in the rooms that you were shown to, as long as you wish, but please remember that you declined my offer of hospitality when you were invited and your arrival was most unexpected. The room that you have occupied in the past is a room in my home and I will not be told by yourself whom I can have stay in it/"

"Mr. Darcy, speak to your wife on the appropriate behaviour to myself."

"No lady Catherine, my wife was quite correct, although perhaps a little more lenient than I would be if I was spoken to as such in my home. Elizabeth Darcy is the mistress of Pemberley and the master of Pemberley is quite happy with the arrangements."

With a quick snort, lady Catherine remounted the stairs, refusing the offered lead of Mrs. Reynolds, and returned to her rooms.

Mrs. Reynolds returned to her own rooms with a smile on her lips leaving Mr. and Mrs. Darcy to themselves.

Darcy and Lizzy mounted the stairs, arm in arm and moved towards the nursery to look in on their child. She was a sleeping beauty to her parents. They kissed her forehead and moved to their own apartment.

"Fitzwilliam, your aunt will not be pleasant tomorrow, you spoke to her in a way that she would not expect from any..."

"Except yourself Elizabeth. You are correct but you are the mistress of Pemberley and she has no right to demand you change where you put your guests. She knows that now."

They opened the door to their rooms and sent the maid and manservant away. Tonight the Darcys would care for each others needs.

Epilogue

After the last carriage left, Lizzy and Georgiana were sitting in the breakfast room discussing how nice it was to have the house full for the festive season when Mr. Darcy entered the room faced his wife and sister (who was holding the baby) with a broad smile and said "It is nice to have family together for this season but it is nicer to see them leave."

Both of his companions laughed, and even the baby seemed to giggle a little.

The End