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“Because, my dear sister, it is my country home, and it has remained unoccupied for far too long. Why are you complaining now? I recall the last time we travelled to Hertfordshire; you were beside yourself with joy!”

“The last time we travelled to Hertfordshire, we had the pleasure of Mr. Darcy’s company. I shall never consider it the same without him there.”

“You speak as though he is not a newly-wedded husband. Even if he were in attendance, he would have little to do with either of us.”

“Still, it would be a magnanimous gesture on your part to extend an invitation to him and his new family to join us, especially given the proximity to his new in-laws.” She barely contained her smile at the prospect.

“Indeed. For once, I find myself in complete agreement with you. I shall write to him at once.”

Bingley set about his task with thoughts of the last time he had seen his friend. True to his word, Bingley had indeed gone to Cheapside in search of Miss Bennet. What he discovered, he had not discussed with anyone. His friend had spoken the truth. Miss Bennet had an admirer. Bingley had observed them from afar and saw in Jane’s eyes the same warmth he had believed reserved solely for him, bestowed upon someone else. He was too late. She had given her heart to another. Bingley could blame no one but himself for his loss.

Caroline’s motives in inviting the Darcys for a visit at Netherfield were simple. Of course, it would be wonderfully entertaining to observe Mr. Darcy amongst his lowly Meryton relatives. The added prospect of future invitations to Pemberley was further inducement. Caroline, too, commenced writing a letter addressed to Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy with the purpose of paying off all arrears of civility.

As for Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, all the way across town, both suffered elation over the marriage of their niece to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Mr. Gardiner was in receipt of a heartfelt letter from Elizabeth, forgiving him, not just for the ill-considered investment scheme, but for any financial considerations, as well. More than anything, she wanted to see the Gardiners as financially whole once more. It was so much the better, if the complete discharge of any further liability to her might help.

Mrs. Gardiner was delighted, having received an invitation to Pemberley for the following summer, not only because she spent the better part of her youth in the neighbouring town of Lambton, but also because she had long marvelled at the sight and splendour of Pemberley. To her way of thinking, to be welcomed to the grand estate by her favourite niece, the new mistress, would indeed be something!

Geoffrey Collins sprang from his bed, strode over to the window, and drew the curtains open in welcome of the luminous, full moon’s ardent light. Its magnificence cast a romantic glow throughout the room. Having donned her silken gown, Jane sat up, and resting her head on her hand, watched in appreciation of her husband’s handsome physique as he returned to their bed.

He reached for her proffered hand and raised it to his lips. “How are you this evening, my beautiful, passionate, and wonderfully amenable, acquiescent bride?”

“Not so acquiescent,” Jane spoke as she assumed the dominant position and playfully tossed her flowing hair aside, bringing to his mind their amorous endeavours thus far that evening.

He reached up and fingered an errant lock. He inhaled its sweet scent deeply. “Indeed. You are perfect. You, my dear, are everything I would ever wish for in a wife.” He placed his hand behind her neck and pulled her gently towards him to brush her lips with his own. “You must remind me to write to the proud Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley to thank him for his interference in my life.”

Comfortably astride her husband, Jane sat up and regarded her husband intently.

Trailing his hands along the curves of her body, he continued. “His Highness shall have his hands filled with your impertinent sister and her unruly child.”

Jane placed a loving finger against his lips. “Whatever you may think of him,” she gently admonished, “that is my brother to whom you refer with such acrimony.”

“Indeed, and it is my sister to whom he is married,” he bemoaned.

Jane sacrificed her position and moved into her husband’s welcoming embrace. “Oh! How shall we meet again?” Jane inquired. “Seeing as how the circumstances turned out so advantageously for us all, I can hardly imagine the occasion as anything but a cause for joy. However, knowing my sister as I do, I can hardly imagine her as being very accepting of our marriage and my decision to find happiness with you.”

“Perhaps, then it is left to the two of us to extend an olive branch.” He kissed her on her temple. “After all, my misunderstanding of the truth of their acquaintance coloured your feelings towards your sister.”

“I do not blame you at all. Even I was convinced of the unseemliness of my sister’s association with Mr. Darcy.”

“Perhaps we were all mistaken. Nonetheless, the fact that they are married does not minimise the lack of propriety shown by either of them. However, we are all family now. For the sake of our family, it is incumbent upon us all to let bygones be bygones.”

The shades in the master suite were drawn just so, allowing the full moon’s silvery light to flood the chamber. With his head resting on his cushiony pillow, Darcy watched Elizabeth sleeping peacefully by his side. How he adored this woman. He felt truly blessed to have won her heart after what seemed like a lifetime of waiting and hoping. Finally, she was his—his lover and his wife, God willing, for the rest of his days.

Leaning forward a bit, he placed a faint kiss atop her head—a brush of his lips as gentle as a warm breeze. Still, she stirred. She opened her eyes. Her expression led him to know she was not at all aggrieved to be awakened so.

Elizabeth traced her fingers along his chin. “Is everything all right, my love?”

“All is perfect,” he whispered. “I did not mean to interrupt your peaceful slumber. Pray, close your eyes and sleep. I’m contented merely to watch over you.”

She darted her eyes in the direction of the ticking clock. It was close to midnight. Sitting up, she said, “I suppose I ought to look in on Ben.”

“Why?” Darcy asked. “I am certain he is tucked safely in his bed and sound asleep.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “I am afraid that looking in on my son during the middle of the night is a habit that has been many years in the making. I have yet to teach myself to do otherwise.” She placed her hand on his chin once again. “Pray you will endeavour to be patient and indulge me in this regard a while longer. I shall not always feel this way—I promise.”

Darcy put his finger lightly upon her lips. “I understand; trust me, I do. For so many years it has been solely the two of you.”

She smiled in appreciation of his affirmation of her sentiments.