Second update tonight

Chapter 37

Happy was the day that Mrs Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters. Both ladies looked exceptional in their gowns and both grooms could not be more happy with the respective brides. Elizabeth insisted her ankle was fine and if anyone noticed a slight limp, no one commented.

The look on Darcy's face was enough to make even the most hard hearted of people smile. He may not have smiled the silly goofy smile that adorned Mr Bingley's face but his happiness was no less obvious. Elizabeth walked towards her future sure in the knowledge that she was walking towards a good life. Not because her man was wealthy or well connected but because he loved her, fully and completely.

The wedding breakfast was elegantly laid. Mrs Bennet was nothing if not an excellent hostess and she set an exceptional table. The event would be talked about for years to come. Many would comment on the number of dishes or the quality of the champagne (Darcy had procured a few bottles from his London home). Those who cared most merely commented on the happiness of the two couples and how well suited the ladies each seemed to their respective gentlemen.

After a few hours Elizabeth could see her husband was tiring of the company and she suggested it was time to leave. She gave her sisters an extra embrace each and a kiss for each of her parents before she boarded the luxury coach headed for London.

Once on their way Elizabeth sighed and sat back in to the seat and gazed upon her husband. She flushed remember wig the last time they were alone.

Darcy smiled a lopsided smile at his blushing wife "that look is very becoming but it does provoke me to ask after your thoughts my dear"

Elizabeth's breath hitched with the easy way the endearment fell from his lips. She looked wide eyed at him.

"Come now my love" he shifted in his seat and was suddenly sat next to her, and very close, doing nothing for her equanimity "will you not share with me?"

Elizabeth's lips curved in a small smile as she found her courage rising "why Mr Darcy, am I not allowed any secrets now we are married?"

He smiled at her tease "am I still Mr Darcy to you?"

She arched an eyebrow "Darcy?" She said it as a question.

"My first name if you please" his face had moved towards hers as if he had no control

She smiled up at him, a hint of mischief in her eyes "mister?"

"Minx" he growled as his lips met hers.

The carriage clattered away from Meryton and on toward their new life.

Epilogue

Lydia only found out about her path after the happy couples had left for their new homes. She ranted and raved about her fate but eventually realised that such action was a waste of her energy. She was surprised to find that school was a lot of fun and that there were many out there with similar temperaments. She did learn how to behave within the bounds of propriety but did not lose that enjoyment of life which was part of her character. She emerged eighteen months later all the better for her education and with some excellent connections to boast about back home.

The exposure of Mrs Bennet to the more refined ladies of the ton did teach her some manners and the security brought through her daughters marriage also allayed some of her fears of the hedgerows. She did not become universally sensible, much to her husband's relief, but she became much more bearable and even managed to visit London without bringing too much of a blush to her daughter's cheeks.

Mr and Mrs Bingley only stayed at Netherfield a twelve month. They found that the proximity of Jane's original home was not conducive to Jane establishing herself as a mistress of an estate, despite Mrs Bennet's improvements. Bingley found a home close to Pemberley and the sisters were joyful when they were living within thirty miles of each other. Thirty miles of good road of course!

Mr and Mrs Gardiner remained on the most intimate of terms with the Darcys and the Bingleys and were frequently found travelling northwards to visit. All of the Bennet sisters also enjoyed visits with their newly married sisters. They were indeed thrown in to the paths of rich men, it is even possible they may find suitable men to marry, someday.

Lady Anna Maria was in delicate condition and bore a son in her country home with Charlotte holding her hand throughout. Mr Megash was suitably happy with his son and spent a respectable amount of time with him. After her child was born no one questioned her when she chose to spend most of the time in the country with her son and her companion. They lived quite happily and comfortably and only a few dared to question their arrangement. Those few did not do well when they did.

Mr Hervey returned to his ways until Cupid struck him with an unexpected arrow which made him reform somewhat and settled in to a quiet and comfortable life with said lady.

Miss Howson and Miss Lucy Bingley were delighted to share some of their season with Mrs Darcy. All felt the benefit of such an alliance and even Mr Darcy was grateful for a few people to dance and converse with when his wife was otherwise occupied. Lady Anna Maria did return to town for Elizabeth's first ball and was very open in her support of the new Mrs Darcy, which helped pave her way in society. Lord and Lady Matlock were outwardly supportive of Elizabeth but she knew she had a hard journey to win their respect and friendship behind closed doors.

Mr Darcy got his wish and brought Elizabeth back to his beloved Pemberley after the season was over. Their marriage and her time in society brought such satisfaction to Elizabeth she thought at times she did not deserve such happiness. To say her time was free of trials would be both unlikely and rather dull. Let's just say it is another story.

A/N - thank you all for reading this story. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have loved writing it. I am working on another story but it is based in a fantasy world as I wanted a new challenge. Witches and the like. Probably not everyone's cuppa tea but I wanted to try something different.

I also have a couple of plot bunnies in my head for traditional what if stories and potentially a sequel to the original with the Darcy offspring. All just thoughts in my head at the moment. :)

anyway lovely readers that is it from me for now. Good night and happy festive season to everyone.