The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (43 page)

The past weeks had given the couple a well-deserved respite at Pemberley. Elizabeth was a fair way to loving the estate as Darcy did – already it felt more like home than did Longbourn. Of necessity, the population at Meryton had believed that Elizabeth was in London enjoying the Gardiners’ hospitality, but when they returned to Pemberley after Jane and Bingley’s wedding, they would do so as husband and wife.

The Darcys were immediately mobbed by well-wishers and curious friends who wished to know the nature of their courtship and marriage. It made for a thrilling tale that both Elizabeth and Darcy told many times. The crowd finally thinned and Elizabeth had an opportunity to glance at her husband, who was clenching his jaw again – he could not tolerate much more.

As she gazed around the room, she saw no one who needed their immediate attention. Turning to Darcy she whispered in his ear. “My love, would you like to take a turn around the garden?”

With an expression of great relief, Darcy simply nodded. Taking his hand, she led him from the room.

Once outside, they sat on the bench admiring the garden which was still beautiful in early fall. Leaning against Darcy, Elizabeth sighed contentedly. “What is it, darling?” Darcy asked.

“I am happy to have all of our secrets out in the open now. We no longer have to conceal our attachment or our relationship.”

“Yes, it will be a great relief.” He smiled gently. “It will be easier on Bingley as well. He was constantly anxious that he would inadvertently reveal the information to someone who did not know.”

“Oh, poor Charles!” Elizabeth exclaimed with a little giggle. “Now he can go on his wedding trip without it weighing on him.”

They sat in silence for a little while. Darcy’s hand caressed her neck and promised greater pleasures later when they were truly private.

“I have another reason for being grateful the story of our marriage is public,” Elizabeth finally said.

“Oh, what is that?” Darcy’s tone was distant, his mind on other things as he gazed at the garden.

“I am increasing,” Elizabeth said matter-of-factly.

Darcy’s hand jerked suddenly to her waist and then he turned to her in amazement. “Elizabeth! A baby? Are you certain?”

Her face wreathed with smiles, Elizabeth nodded emphatically. “Yes, and so is Mrs. Reynolds and she would know.” The housekeeper at Pemberley had liked the new Mrs. Darcy from the start.

“She did not tell me?” He said in mock indignation. “I knew this would happen. The staff likes you better than me.” They both laughed. Darcy pulled her to him and embraced her fiercely, inhaling the delicious smell of lilac. “When will the baby come?”

“Seven months.”

He shook his head in wonder. “Seven months and I will be a father…I cannot believe it….” He released Elizabeth and she could see his thoughts turning inward. “A mere five months ago I despaired of any of this coming about.”

Elizabeth covered his hand with hers. “I am sorry I caused you so much pain, William.”

He shook his head, but still stared out into the distance. “No. If you had accepted me at Hunsford you would have deprived me of time I needed to learn some valuable lessons.” Suddenly he barked a laugh.

“What is it?”

“We should give Richard a present every year on our anniversary. Perhaps a bottle of my best French brandy…”

“Why Richard?”

He finally turned to look at her. “I do not suppose I ever told you the story, but he convinced me to go to France. I had not been planning to – not at all.”

Elizabeth tilted her head, regarding him curiously. “How did he convince you?”

“He told me Paris would help ease the pain of being rejected by a certain woman at Hunsford.” He smiled at her and she chuckled a little.

Elizabeth gave him an arch look. “And did it work as predicted, sir?”

He shook his head in mock sorrow. “I do not believe I can ever get over her.”

She matched his playful tone. “I am so sorry to hear that.”

Leaning in for a kiss he gazed deeply into her eyes. “I have never been so happy to have my plans thwarted in my life.”

“Perhaps we should send the Gardiners a bottle of brandy as well. If they had not taken me to France, none of this would have come about.”

He nodded solemnly. “Perhaps brandy and an invitation to Pemberley to celebrate our anniversary. No thanks are sufficient for the people who brought us together.”

* * *