There could be no further delay. Mr. Bennet determined it was time for his favorite daughters to return home. He had already allowed them to extend their London visit by an additional six weeks, at their aunt's urging. And so it was, the Darcy carriage made its way to Meryton. Inside, Georgiana Darcy, Mrs. Gardiner, Jane Bennet, and Elizabeth Bennet enjoyed pleasant conversation. The ladies had been in frequent company and had grown close. Georgiana considered Jane and Elizabeth to be great friends. Mrs. Gardiner's maternal care had been a balm to Georgiana's lonely soul. She had gradually opened up about all manner of things but especially her experience with George Wickham. Knowing Wickham was quartered close to the Bennet home had given her pause. However, Georgiana felt she had found her strength and her voice. She was ready to face him, if it came to that.

The accompanying carriage carried Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. The gentlemen, also, had concerns about those they would encounter at the end of their journey. Both Darcy and Bingley were aware they might not be readily welcomed by the residents of Longbourn and its environs. Bingley and Miss Bennet were well on their way to an understanding. This time Bingley was taking a more considered approach. Miss Bennet was enjoying his attentions but neither had any intention to rush matters. They had both matured since last autumn. Bingley was less certain of Mr. Bennet. And he now realized all Meryton considered him an inconstant cad. What hope did he have to win the approbation of Mr. Bennet.

The quantity and severity of Darcy's sins were much greater. He meant to atone for them as was possible. Like Georgiana, he too had found his strength and voice. This would see him through the meetings, and parties, and dinners. And the apologies his sense of justice rightly require he issue. Apologies he would make with all sincere humility. No longer would he hold himself aloof. He would join the conversations, he would take care to know those in the neighborhood, regardless of any discomfort he might still feel. Some of his natural confidence returned. He did not question the certainty of his success. He cringed almost instantly at this thought; his overconfidence had once almost cost him what he desired most. He did not doubt, however, that he and Bingley would both be groveling before Mr. Bennet for permission to court his daughters.

These weeks had been wondrous for Elizabeth. The contentment she felt was unlike any she had experienced before. Mr. Darcy had been a revelation. That he was Intelligent and sensible she always knew. To find him so amiable and warmhearted was unexpected. Increasingly, he was showing her how generous and thoughtful he could be. The glimpses of affection she saw left her longing for so much more. That her feelings for Mr. Darcy had changed so dramatically was at the forefront of her mind. Her anxiety was building as the carriage drew closer to Longbourn, and closer to her father and his reaction to the growing attachment between Mr. Darcy and herself.

Besides enjoying their company, all parties thought the added presence of the Gardiners would be to everybody's benefit. To keep Mrs. Bennet in check, to smooth Bingley's return to Netherfield, to help persuade everyone that Darcy's fondness for Elizabeth and the alterations to his disposition were very real.

The carriages arrived at Longbourn to the great delight of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, though for quite different reasons. Mr. Bennet had missed his sensible daughters. They had been gone much too long and he had been left with the inanity that was his wife and three youngest. He would rest well tonight knowing his family was all under one roof once again. The presence of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy suggested this may very well be a temporary situation.

Mrs. Bennet, however, directed her declarations of welcome briefly to the Gardiners, inquiring after their children, who would arrive on the morrow with their nurse, then turned her focus to Jane and Mr. Bingley. "Oh, Mr. Bingley, how kind you are to bring my girls back to me. It will be a pleasure to have Jane at home again. She's such a good girl, so pleasant, helpful, and accommodating. I've been lost these months without her."

Elizabeth, granted only the most fleeting of greetings from her mother, stepped back to observe her mother's ensuing raptures at having Mr. Bingley once again in the neighborhood. Mr. Darcy received on a curt nod and Mrs. Bennet had not yet spied Miss Darcy. Only a few months ago, Elizabeth would have felt heat rise to her cheeks as she attempted to either ignore or temper her mother's effusions. Charlotte had altered her perspective on some of her mother's more trying behavior. The same could be said for Darcy. He was not surprised by his reception, or lack thereof, but he knew it was his own fault.

"Mr. Bingley, you left us so suddenly last autumn. We quite despaired of ever seeing you again. Now here we are all together again. Will you be staying long? And what of your charming sisters?" Mrs. Bennet gushed.

"Mrs. Bennet, thank you for your kind welcome." Bingley replied. "My sisters and brother will not be joining us on this visit. The Darcy's will be staying for a time. And I have invited the Gardiners to be my guests so Mrs. Gardiner may serve as my hostess. It would not do if I could not return the generosity of my neighbors." Bingley also wished for the Gardiners to continue as chaperones without he and Darcy having to brave Longbourn and the effusions of Mrs. Bennet and her younger daughters on a daily basis.

Mrs. Bennet was taken aback to learn of the Gardiners staying at Netherfield. While she did not enjoy having her nieces and nephews underfoot, she could not help but feel her place usurped by her sister. She could have quite easily served as hostess when the occasion required. Mr. Bingley had only to ask. However, she acknowledged that it would serve her ambition to see Jane united with Mr. Bingley quite well. Jane could make more frequent visits to Netherfield than would otherwise be proper due to her relations presence in the household.

Thinking of the household, it was only then that her mind registered Mr. Bingley's use of Darcys, plural. It was bad enough the insufferable Mr. Darcy returned with his friend. Now, he brought with him a young lady, most likely his sister. Jane's presumed rival, if Miss Bingley's letter from last November was to be believed. Yes, the Gardiner's presence at Netherfield could be just the thing.

"Mr. Darcy, I am certain Mr. Bingley is very pleased you are able to join his party once again." Did he not have his own home? Mrs. Bennet wondered. "I hope you will have an enjoyable visit."

Darcy could not restrain the grin that came to his lips. Mrs. Bennet, as unfamiliar with subtlety she may be, was carefully diplomatic in her words. That she did not fawn over him or make insincere comments, even as part of acceptable small talk, made him reconsider is opinion of her. Mrs. Collins had suggested this may be necessary. For her part, Mrs. Bennet had never seen such an expression on the face of the stern Mr. Darcy. She was quite unprepared for how amiable and youthful it made him appear.

Mr. Darcy bowed politely. "Thank you. I am sure we shall. My sister has accompanied us as well. Georgiana," he beckoned her forward. "May introduce you to Mr. Bennet of Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet, and Miss Lydia Bennet. My sister, Georgiana Darcy."

After pleasantries were exchange, the Netherfield party was persuaded to stay for tea. After a brief respite for the travelers to repair themselves from their journey, everyone gathered in the sitting room for refreshments. Mrs. Bennet asked after the plans of Mr. Bingley's sisters as they were not joining him during this visit.

"Caroline, Louisa, and Hurst will be venturing to Brighton for the summer. Caroline felt she need a change of scenery" Bingley stated, glancing at the Darcys as he said this.

"La, how lucky they are. I am sure I would love to visit the seaside. Especially as the militia will be moving to Brighton soon. Perhaps Mrs. Forster will invite me to be her companion. I am her particular friend," exclaimed Lydia.

Mr. Bingley's impulsive nature took over as an idea formed. "Perhaps there will be no need to await an invitation from Mrs. Forster." He now had Lydia's complete attention. "I am sure my sisters would be happy to host you. Hurst has taken a house on East Street. Miss Mary and Miss Catherine, you would be welcome as well. I believe you will find the society they move in and the events they attend to be much more elegant and pleasing than that of the militia." Bingley grinned widely as Darcy raise an eyebrow in suspicion. Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Kitty squealed in delight. The peace this scheme would grant him had Mr. Bennet only too happy to agree.

When given the chance, Darcy spoke to his friend in a low whisper. "Bingley, what are you about? Do you truly mean to send the young ladies to stay with Hurst and your sisters? I cannot imagine they will be pleased. Nor do I think the Bennet ladies will enjoy their time under their critical eyes. Your sisters can be quite unforgiving."

"While Caroline is a changed woman these last weeks since her, shall we say, frank discussion with Georgiana, she has earned this penalty, as has Louisa. Not to say entertaining the youngest Bennets is a punishment. I am optimistic they will be good for each other. My sisters need to remember the joy that can be found in life when one is not so cynical. Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia's high spirits will be a fitting challenge to the fashionable boredom Caroline and Louisa have so carefully cultivated. They, in turn, can introduce Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia to new experiences and a wider society. I believe there will be ample occasion to modify their behavior."

"Of which pair are you speaking, Bingley?"

"Both." Bingley's smile was dazzling. He was quite pleased with himself.

"It has been sometime since I have had the opportunity to walk the gardens of Longbourn. I confess to being eager to revisit them. I have missed the familiar paths beneath my feet." Elizabeth exclaimed the next morning. Her face shone with contentment. It was a beautiful day and Mr. Darcy was by her side. Most of current residents of Netherfield and Longbourn elected to pursue other activities. Only Miss Darcy and Mary decided to join them.

As, the walkers commenced their exercise, Darcy took great care to include Mary and Georgiana in the conversation, directing the discussion toward topics of interest to them both. At first, Mary was anxious at this unexpected attention. She quickly warmed to the company and became less apprehensive and more animated. Soon, she and Georgiana opted to sit in the shade of a nearby tree as Elizabeth and Darcy ventured a bit further, staying in sight of the other pair.

"I did not become acquainted with the paths during my visit last autumn. This is quite nice. I can understand why you are so drawn to them." He silently took in all around him. Breathing deeply, he felt the peace he had been waiting for these last weeks." He reached for Elizabeth and gently hooked her first two fingers with his.

"Elizabeth, are you happy?" he whispered. When she released a breathless yes, he stepped closer. "It is not just because you are home, is it? With your family?" She shook her head.

May I be so bold to ask if I have a role in your happiness?"

"You may. And I am bold enough to tell you that, yes, you do indeed. I find I am quite pleased with you, Mr. Darcy." She tightened the tentative hold she had on his fingers and stepped closer. "And you, sir? Are you happy?

"I am. You know I am. You also know you are the reason. My happiness would be even greater if you would consent to a courtship with me." He took yet another step closer, as he did so, he shifted his grip, so her palm met his and their fingers entwined.

His words, the feel of her hand in his, the scent of him, his closeness; they flooded her senses and her heart. She knew at that moment what the longing was that she had been feeling. "Mr. Darcy, I am agreeable to a courtship, most agreeable. And, while I have come to appreciate your patience and reserve, if you wished to ask a different question, I can assure you of a favorable response."

Darcy was struck silent and still for a long moment. Elizabeth feared she had gone too far. Then a most becoming expression of heartfelt delight diffused over his face. "Elizabeth Bennet, please say you will keep your hand in mine for all our days. Your good heart, clever mind, your laughter, your vibrancy - they sustain me. I can think of no greater honor than for you to take me as your husband. I love you so very much. Marry me?"

"There is nothing I desire more in this world, Fitzwilliam. I will marry you. You have come to be so very important to me—" Her words were silence by a sweet first kiss upon her lips.

"Brother, is there something you wish to tell us?" Georgiana and Mary walked toward the joyous couple.

"Indeed, there is, sisters." With a whoop, Darcy picked Elizabeth up off her feet and spun her around. He set her on the ground with a quick kiss to the mouth. He followed by doing the same, but with a kiss to the cheek, to Georgiana and Mary.

As they had surreptitiously watched the couple, Georgiana had related to Mary how she had witnessed the growing fondness between Elizabeth and her brother. Mary was surprised that such a thing should come to pass but also that she was rather looking forward to having Mr. Darcy as a brother. She believed Mr. Darcy would be a much more reassuring presence than Mr. Bingley, who she suspected would also become an older brother in time.

As they made to return to Longbourn, Georgiana and Mary snickered as Darcy boldly took Elizabeth's hand once again. Darcy, in his eagerness to request a meeting with Elizabeth's father, was leading her rapidly down the path. Elizabeth felt more trepidation. She had not yet had a chance to explain her relationship with Mr. Darcy. She was confident her father would see their mutual affection. She just thought he might require some convincing. The Gardiners, Jane, Mr. Bingley, Georgiana - she would use them all to her advantage if necessary. Her father would give them his permission and blessing this very afternoon.

"Married! Just like that? Lizzy wrote she had seen quite a bit of you in London. Are you why my daughter chose to stay in London? Gardiner intimated something of this nature was afoot and said I should give you a chance. How am I do so? I will not have you toying with her affections. Do you share that characteristic with your friend, Mr. Bingley? I will not have it, sir."

Darcy had entered Mr. Bennet's library alone to present his case. Elizabeth waited impatiently outside the door, blatantly obvious in her attempts at eavesdropping. Her father's raised voice made his comments easy to discern. As she was wondering if she should enter the room, a hand gently touched her shoulder.

"Let your young man fight this battle on his own, Lizzy." Mr. Gardiner spoke quietly so the pair in the library would not hear them. He led her a few steps away from the door. She would not go further. "You cannot question his resolve. You will be betrothed, with your father's consent and blessing, ere this hour is passed."

"I do not doubt that, Uncle. Nor do I doubt Mr. Darcy. However, I do not wish words to be spoken that cannot be forgiven. I wish for my husband and my father to be on good terms, without any antagonism between them. Is that not a reasonable desire?" They were interrupted by the harsh voice of her father.

"Do you expect me to believe you are madly in love with my Lizzy? You, who never looked at any woman but to see a blemish? I thought she was not handsome enough to tempt you?"

"Mr. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth knows how ardently I admire and love her." This was stated so matter-of-factly, Mr. Bennet was taken aback. His mouth set in a grim line, his view of love long since jaded, he scoffed, "Love and admiration? Ardently? Really, Mr. Darcy, I never took you for an effusive sop. Laying it on a bit thick, are you not? So few feel one of these, let alone both, for their marriage partner. Do you believe my Lizzy would be so taken in by your insincere professions of love and admiration?"

"Not at all. She knows how very deeply I feel for her. She is most deserving of it." Darcy would not be deterred. He was not surprised by Mr. Bennet's reaction. He rather respected him for his opposition. Thus, he would be as open and impassioned as he could be. "Under the best of circumstances admiration and love work in tandem. While the greatest love is rooted in admiration, the converse is not necessarily true. Admiration need not be romantic. You may admire someone you have never met. Rather, they embody characteristics you value. They conduct themselves in a manner you respect…"

"A tidy philosophy, lad." Yes, I respect your opposition Mr. Bennet…to a point, Darcy thought. At this moment, Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner quietly slipped inside the library. The slightest of acknowledgements was given as the verbal sparring continued.

"Mr. Bennet, I am appreciative of the wonderful daughter you have helped raise. I value your sardonic wit. I respect your intellect. You have a masterful knowledge of the classics. You are a fine hunter. I admire you in many ways, but, alas, I do not love you," Darcy said drily, a small, wry smile lifting his lips. Mr. Bennet's scowl became more pronounced as he struggled not to smile as well. He was chagrined to realize he rather like this Mr. Darcy. Determined, witty, and well-spoken. Lizzy just might be able to make something out of him, but he could not surrender just yet.

"Admiration is easy, at least easier, to quantify. However, if actions and motivations prove false, if the foundation on which you build your admiration crumbles, you may lose your admiration for someone. Where there is admiration only, there is disappointment, not heartbreak, when admiration is lost.

"It is not so with love. Otherwise love would not be so dangerous. Even when the foundation on which you build your love crumbles, love is not always lost." Such a thought touched Mr. Bennet profoundly as he thought of his wife. It was true. It had been years since he felt admiration for Mrs. Bennet. However, he could not help but love her. Thus, he was distracted as Mr. Darcy continued his appeal. "Love is a parcel of romantic intangibles – passion and faith and sentiment and beauty and sacrifice…It can be devastating and exquisite." As their eyes met, Elizabeth knew he was thinking of his proposal at Hunsford. She smiled at him to let him know she was only thinking of his proposal on a path at Longbourn.

"So, yes, Elizabeth has my admiration and love."

"You speak prettily but seems rather in the philosophical. You say nothing of Lizzy herself." With Elizabeth present, Mr. Bennet hope she would realize how reserved Darcy's previous recitation sounded. He was relying on Mr. Darcy's well-known habit of saying the wrong thing to make Lizzy rethink her acceptance of the man.

I find it difficult to articulate my love for your daughter. I have never been a verbose man. I- "

"Try," barked Mr. Bennet.

Elizabeth could remain silent no longer. "Papa, love is also personal. I know Mr. Darcy loves me. His words of love are for me alone. It is enough. How open would you have been if Grandfather Gardiner had demanded such a declaration from you?"

Mr. Bennet could not answer that question. "Very well, Elizabeth, but how do you feel about Mr. Darcy?"

"I adore him. There is so much- "As Mr. Darcy's face fell just the tiniest bit, Mr. Bennet appeared cheered as he interrupted her.

"Adore, not love. You said you would not marry but for the deepest love. If you will not hold firm to that sentiment to ensure you happiness, I must do it for you. You will not marry."

"Oh, Papa. For me, adore means so much more. It means I like Mr Darcy. I love him…I am in love with him." Elizabeth turned to face Darcy so, though she was reassuring her father, all her attention was directed to this most precious man. "He makes me happy. He makes me laugh. I wish to make him smile." At this, Darcy unleashed his most joyful smile. She had never seen its like before.

Oh, my, Elizbeth thought, struck anew by how handsome he was. Gathering herself, she continued. "He challenges me to think of the world in a different way. He believes in me, in who I am now, and in who I can become. I feel a security and comfort with him I have never experienced. I can think of no other man I would wish to be the father of my children. He is the man I will compare all others to for the rest of my life. It is his name I will whisper with my last breath. He is truly the finest man I have ever known."

"Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," he reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. "I have never felt so cherished."

Mr. Gardiner had watched all of this in silence. He had been witness to the love growing between the two young people. He did not question the strength of their bond. "Bennet, you know you have no wish to withhold your blessing. Lizzy is radiant with love. For that matter so is Darcy." He laughed as Darcy stood, utterly enthralled by his niece. "Even if you deny her, you will find you have lost her anyway. Her heart belongs to someone else now. She belongs with him.

Mr. Bennet knew he was oblivious to various and sundry things in this life, often deliberately so. To profess to be so in this matter would not do. We do not raise our daughters for them to remain home. He reminded himself he did would not really have refused Mr. Darcy. Indeed, he was the kind of man to whom he should never dare refuse anything. And it seemed Elizabeth was resolved on having him. To consent to and bless their union would allow him to retain a place in her heart. There would be letters and holidays and visits and grandchildren. He would miss his Elizabeth, but grandchildren sounded quite nice.

"Lizzy," he tried in vain to recapture his daughter's attention as it seemed she and Mr. Darcy forgot others were present, so focused on each other were they. "Elizabeth, child, your mother will be overjoyed to move into Pemberley with you. After all, a new bride needs her mother near." He waited for his tease to sink in.

"What?" she exclaimed with just a hint of panic in her voice. Darcy wisely spoke not a word.

"I thought that might do it," he said as Mr. Gardiner chuckled with him. "I simply wished for your attention so I may I grant my permission for you to marry."

"Papa, thank you." Elizabeth rushed to hug her father.

"Do we have your blessing as well?" Darcy asked. He would marry Elizabeth without it, but he knew it to be her greatest wish.

"You do. We shall have much to discuss. I look forward to getting to know you better Mr. Darcy. Now that my humor is up, what say you that we contrive a tease for Mr. Bingley. I anticipate a visit from him as well. It would not do for him to have an easier time of it than you."

The gentlemen shook hands before venturing out of the library to inform the rest of the household of the news. After the initial shock quickly wore away, Mrs. Bennet's elation echoed throughout Longbourn. Mr. Bingley, inspired by his friend's success, found himself in Mr. Bennet's library not two weeks later. His petition to Mr. Bennet met with greater resistance than he anticipated. He hoped that did not bode ill for his relationship with his father-in-law.

The summer at Longbourn was full of activity. Jane and Elizabeth's double wedding required much planning. In addition, after the nuptials, Kitty and Lydia would travel with the Hursts and Miss Bingley as they returned to Brighton. Mrs. Bennet insisted her youngest daughters be outfitted in the best fashions to be found in Meryton. As Mr. Bingley introduced the scheme, he insisted on covering the costs. None but he and Darcy knew the funds came out of Caroline Bingley's allowance.

Caroline took the news of the Brighton houseguests with surprising composure. As such, Mrs. Hurst, ever the follower, did not put up much resistance. As for Hurst, he was rather entertained by the idea. He vowed to remain clear-headed so as to relish whatever spectacles might ensue.

The militia departed with little fanfare from the occupants of Longbourn. Fortunately, Georgiana Darcy never came face to face with George Wickham. The very fact that Darcy brought his dear sister anywhere in proximity to him instantly made Wickham suspicious once he learned of it. Further, learning of Darcy's engagement to Elizabeth Bennet took him by surprise. He was certain he had persuaded her of Darcy's selfishness and contempt for others. What had Darcy told her? How long would it take for all of Meryton to know his sins?

Convinced, now, as he was, that Darcy was playing with him, waiting to pounce, he became obsessed with trying to anticipate Darcy's actions. George Wickham became his own worst enemy. Paranoia, along with a hefty portion of drink, as well as lack of sleep, caused him to act erratically. His affability and appearance suffered. He no longer took care to hide his vices. The short-tempered and mean fellow Darcy knew him to be was now known by all. His indebtedness to Meryton's shopkeepers, his callousness to the ladies he once charmed, and the disrespect directed to his superiors made him most unwelcome. His time in the militia was not to be a long duration.

Darcy's offer to make good Wickham's debts did much to repair his character among the people of Meryton. His newly displayed patience and kindness also helped in this matter. He would never be as lively as Elizabeth or Bingley. However, his devotion to one of the community's brightest jewels added to their belief in his good sense.

The entire neighborhood learned of Elizabeth's confrontation with his Aunt Catherine. Her admirable poise in her own defense, and in besting the ill-mannered lady, persuaded them there was more to this relationship than they had previously allowed. That Darcy remained steadfast in his desire to wed against the opposition of his well-placed family reinforced this idea.

Sated from the feast at the wedding breakfast, breathless from the kisses they enjoyed as the carriage made its way toward London, Darcy and Elizabeth spoke of their favorite parts of their wedding day and reminisced about the events leading up to it. So much had happened since that April day in Hunsford. As they started to doze, Darcy kissed Elizabeth's temple and leaned down to whisper in his new wife's ear.

"Our first daughter will be named Charlotte."