A.N. Dear lovely readers and reviewers, thank you for coming along on this journey to find happiness in marriage. I hope you enjoyed it.

Jana, MrsSP9, liysyl, Kiwipride, Leslie, Saralee, Colleen, PassinBy, Enaxi, Sacredwoman, Stuxedocats, era-romance, Jansfamily, Zhivni, eatanygoodbookslately, Another Lizzie, crispill, sysa, nanciellen, Joan, Jolanda, Missouri Walker, Regency1914 and guests, thank you for the wonderful reviews. I loved reading them and they helped shape the story. Most of you are spot on about Colonel Fitz. I'm glad that you are ok with this pairing of Charlotte and Sir Lewis living in sin. About if Charlotte had enough put by after just a few months teaching, in my mind, Charlotte was a very frugal person. In cannon, she had to help do the cooking in the household. But Sir Lewis added that he would have moved her easily. MrsSP9, I think Sour Cat did more than a fling with a stable hand. She could have arranged the whole thing like a business deal or the command of a goddess over several months. Imagine her demanding Mildway, "There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true knowledge of getting women pregnant than myself, or a better natural talent. If I had been a man, I should have been a great proficient. Now lie down and let me instruct you what to do!"

PassinBy, I think Sir Lewis's solicitor wouldn't allow Sour Cat to know about the new will. But she could have bribed someone in the office to help her. In my mind, Sour Cat wanted Darcy purely for the fortune of Pemberley. She wouldn't want a soldier as her son-in-law. Sacredwoman, I believe Darcy was an open-minded person. How Charlotte and Lizzy handled their friendship in the future would be up to Lizzy. And you are right about Sir Lewis. He was still a little afraid of Sour Cat. That was why he took the first opportunity to skip town (i.e., Kent). Emotionally bullied people will take a long time to heal and be strong, especially someone like Sir Lewis, who had married Sour Cat young.

Eatanygoodbookslately and Leslie, sorry that some of the villains managed to get away. But I still hope all of you like the just dessert for most of them and the future of Rosings and Longbourn.

Happy reading and do remember to leave me some final thoughts! Even only one word of encouragement would be much appreciated. Stay safe and healthy! Cheers and big hugs, Enid

Chapter Twenty

Before Sir Lewis dropped Darcy back near Maidstone's Assembly Room, Darcy asked Charlotte, "I cannot help but feel shocked at some of the things you two have told me, but I do not feel too much disapprobation. I hope you will allow Miss Bennet the pleasure of corresponding with you, if it will not endanger your secret to receive letters from an old connection?"

"Nothing would make me happier, Mr. Darcy, but would you not want to forbid such a thing. You will not want your future wife tainted by association with one such as I," Charlotte murmured.

"I doubt very much that I will be in the habit of forbidding my wife to do anything, it seems a rather alarming proposition, and one with unpredictable results," Darcy smiled at the thought and Sir Lewis patted him on the back.

"You do understand Lizzy!" laughed Charlotte delightedly. "Oh, how wonderful for Lizzy to have found a gentleman who sees and values her as she is. I did mean what I said, that there can be nothing better than to live with someone who accepts your true self. I am sure that Lizzy can return that treatment to you, that you might live in such an accord of equality as I enjoy."

"She sees me as no one else ever has," Darcy answered. "I think we shall have every chance at happiness together."

Sir Lewis shook Darcy's hands enthusiastically before letting him go. He whispered, "Get a special licence and marry Miss Bennet! I don't want you caught by Sour Cat. And I shall be in touch through Calland about Rosings."

Darcy jumped down the carriage and stared at it speeding away. He walked around the building to the court, hoping he had not missed much of the proceedings. Luckily the judge took a long recess, probably to have a nap. Once the court was filled again, the judge returned from his chambers and called everyone to order, announcing,

"Before we continue with the proceedings of this trial, I am in possession of a written statement by the former Charlotte Lucas, the legal wife of Mr. Collins. She stated that he had not done any violence to her, but that she had chosen to run away from him on the night of their marriage for reasons of her own. Mrs. Collins's earlier presence and testimony have effectively terminated the charges of possible murder that have been levied against Mr. Collins by the Lucas family. That aspect of this trial is now dismissed.

It was thankfully only one more hour before the trial of the assault of Sir William reached its conclusion. Darcy felt that his curiosity had been quenched almost fully and was longing to return to Elizabeth that he might tell her all of Charlotte's story, which he could not bring himself to commit to a letter. However, he felt obligated to stay until the sentencing was announced, partly from family obligation and partly out of a desire to see what sort of justice might be reached.

"After hearing every testimony and argument," the judge said. "I have come to a conclusion regarding the charges pressed against Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins. On the matter of Lady Catherine's alleged involvement in the assault on Sir William Lucas, I find that she is not guilty. Lady Catherine cannot be held responsible for Mr. Collins's perception of her intentions, particularly since he has shown himself to be remarkably obtuse and lacking in understanding." Before the trial, on Lord Matlock's urging, Lady Catherine's lawyers had persuaded her successfully to change her account. She now denied instructing Mr. Collins to end the scuffle in her parlour, despite Lord Metcalf's initial interview notes that indicated otherwise. Lady Catherine's lawyers attributed that change of statement to her old age and outrage. So it was her words against Mr. Collins's words. "All charges dismissed for Lady Catherine. However, I rule against you or anyone from your party from pressing a retaliatory compensation suit against Sir William or anyone else regarding this matter. After all, Sir William was injured at your home." The judge clearly did not believe Lady Catherine to be senile to forget what she had instructed Mr. Collins. However, he didn't want to make an enemy of her or Lord Matlock.

Lady Catherine gave the judge an icy nod, with no indication that she felt gratitude towards his ruling. Her swarm of solicitors murmured congratulations to one another, and Lord Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam expressed their delight. Darcy, studying his aunt's face, believed that she was less relieved to be acquitted of the charges against her, and more disappointed that she would not be able to sue Sir William later.

"Now regarding the charge of assault against Mr. Collins," the judge resumed speaking, and Mr. Collins cringed in his seat, turning an alarming shade of green. "I find Mr. Collins guilty of a violent assault of Sir William Lucas with a deadly weapon. Only by the quick action of others and the grace of Providence that Sir William was not killed by the attack. I spare you the death sentence, seeing that you acted rashly, fanned by your misguided loyalty. I sentence you to six months of confinement in Newgate and a fine of one hundred pounds." The monetary penalty was usually a few shillings but the judge was hoping to make Lady Catherine paid for her crime by fining Collins heavily. He thought Lady Catherine would protect her clergyman.

"I- I beg for leniency, Your Honour!" gasped Mr. Collins, appalled at his fate. "I cannot stay with other lowly criminals. I am a minister and there is no possible way that I could pay such a fine!"

The judge looked at Lady Catherine expectedly and answered, "If you cannot find the means to pay your fine, then your confinement will be increased to one year."

"Lady Catherine! Lady Catherine, I beseech you, come to my aide in this matter! I only acted to assist you, and you know I have not anything close to that sum of money!" Mr. Collins turned his desperate attention to Lady Catherine. She drew herself up to an even more dignified height than before.

"How dare you speak to me, you insufferable, miserable creature! It is vile enough to hear your whining voice, and I will certainly not hear your shocking request for funds. You have no claim on me, no right to even think such a thing. If you cannot pay your fine, then you may die in prison for all I care!" and with that, Lady Catherine swept from the court without a backward glance.

The judge shook his head and signalled the guard to take the shrieking prisoner away. He needed to clean his ears and consume a fine bottle of port to combat his headache.

Darcy left the court quickly, wanting to avoid any further conversation with his relatives and the Lucas. Now that the whole affair had reached its conclusion, nothing could stop him from returning to Elizabeth. He would apply for the special licence as Sir Lewis had suggested. He and Elizabeth would begin their lives together. A thought so joyous that it seemed to lend wings to Darcy's feet.

FOUR YEARS LATER

Darcy's eyebrows raised to the roof as he saw Elizabeth locked the study door and marched towards him with determination.

"How may I be of service, madam?"

Elizabeth grabbed the letter Darcy was reading and tossed it on the desk. She climbed to sit on his thighs, raining kisses on his jaw while untying his cravat.

"I grave some dessert," she moaned.

"You just had the largest apple tart!"

"Nothing as delicious as you, my dear husband."

"Should I feel insulted at being compared to an apple tart on any level, my dearest Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth stopped her attack on her husband and pretended to climb off from the chair. Of course, Mr. Darcy would have none of that and pressed her tightly to his body. It was over an hour before the moaning and laughter in the study had subsided.

When Darcy finally picked up the letter again, he said, "My dearest, you shall have to add yet another talent to the long list of accomplishments that you admire about me."

"Dear me!" Elizabeth scanned Mr. Darcy's body with an expression of mock distress on her flushed face. "I already devote so much of my time to admiring your talents, Mr. Darcy, I can scarcely find time for anything else. Adding any more seems quite unreasonable, I am afraid. But what new marvels are you now capable of?"

"Why, I can successfully predict the future, surely that is a remarkable enough talent to overshadow some of the others!"

"Indeed, and what have you prophesied, Mr. Darcy? I must confess myself surprised at your claim, for I seem to recall that when we first met, you had no idea that we should someday wed and be blissfully happy together," Elizabeth remarked with a teasing smile.

"It is most unfair to throw that in my face, you know. It is perfectly apparent that our love has given me greater clarity in all things, so I suppose you may have a little credit in this matter. But to answer your question, I have received a letter from Anne, informing me that her husband and Sour Cat have again marred Sir Lewis's precious carpet. It was just as I predicted quite some time ago."

"Dear me, what happened?"

"Sour Cat demanded the Right Honourable Richard Fitzwilliam, quite forcefully with the aid of that brass vase, to find a job, instead of wasting Anne's profit from Faur Park."

"Uncle Lewis was most cruel," Elizabeth shook her head. "to evict Lady Catherine from Rosings with such an elaborate scheme. And he left them with the two infamous weapons, the vase and the carpet."

Four years ago, after the trial, Darcy made haste back to Hertfordshire to persuade Elizabeth and her parents to allow them to marry with a special licence. Their wedding was attended by her family and friends, Georgiana, Bingley and Lord Metcalf. Miss Bingley refused to attend and took off to London.

At the same time, Richard made haste to Rosings. He persuaded Anne to marry him, without Lady Catherine or his father's presence. Colonel Fitzwilliam resigned from the army and enjoyed being the Master of Rosings for three short months.

When Sir Lewis heard that Richard had tried to access a large sum of estate funds for his own pleasure, he instructed Calland to work out a way to prevent it. Metcalf would take possession and management of Rosings until Sir Lewis's heir, Darcy's second son, was of age. Sir Lewis didn't want Darcy and Elizabeth bothered by the Fitzwilliams so soon after their marriage.

Lady Catherine nearly died of apoplexy when she was turfed out of her kingdom, with only a few possessions, and at the hands of her aggravating neighbour no less. Richard and Lord Matlock were outrageous by the eviction and suggested Lady Catherine fight it. She finally confessed to her brother and son-in-law that she faked her husband's death and that Anne was not Sir Lewis's daughter. Their first ever bloody family brawl ensued.

After everything had calm down, both Lady Catherine and Richard refused to be banished to Anne's estate in remote Scotland. The party had stayed in Matlock's estate for four months before being packed off by Lord Matlock. The family of three used the profit from Faur Park to lease a tiny house near Maidstone.

"I am sad to hear it, my love, perhaps Anne will be a little stronger and firmer towards her husband and mother. I did not tell you at the time, for you were already so angry with Lady Catherine for trying to compromise you. Lady Catherine offered me twenty thousand pounds on the eve of our wedding to desert you," Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at her husband's curse at the information.

"Sour Cat has no more than fifty pounds to her name by then! I am glad you refused her ridiculous offer. I was bloody furious with Richard too, for working with a maid in our townhouse to intercept Sir Lewis's letter."

"Thank goodness our son is not present to hear his father speaking in such a manner!"

"I am sure Little Edward would feel the same as I do at the insult to his mother, despite his tender years. But I suppose I must leave that in the past, if, as you have assured me so many times. You desire that I do not cut my aunt and cousins entirely from our lives," decided Darcy, visibly setting aside his sudden anger. "I wonder if Anne could be stronger and that she and Richard could attain a happy life together? I hope so, for their sake, but I have my doubts."

"Why is that?"

"I am not convinced that their temperaments are such that they will be happy together."

"Let us pray that they will discover the beauty of an equitable relationship one day, as we have," Elizabeth suggested. "But to return to the point, I am duly impressed with your skill in predicting the future, and I shall worship you even more if you like. Perhaps it is a family trait and our son will be as much of a wonder as you!"

"A family trait? I don't think it likely, my dear. None of my relatives have shown any such talent as far as I know," Darcy parried, returning to his easy good humor.

"No? Why, I can think of one example quite easily, although it was not such a cheerful prediction as yours. Did Lady Catherine not predict that poor Mr. Collins would die in prison? And he did so, rather promptly, even before you were able to arrange to pay his fine."

"A hundred pound is just a small sum. I thought I was helping your relative. But losing my aunt's favour was so hard on Collins. I believe he died of heartbreak," Darcy said. "And that was no prediction, my love, rather a curse, and I suppose we should all live in some fear of rousing my aunt's wrath, but it seems unavoidable. A few centuries ago and she might have been burned as a witch! Still, I cannot hear Collins referred to as "poor" without some objection, I am afraid. If it were not ill-advised to speak poorly of the dead, I should call him an idiot. He reaped nothing more than the just results of cringing and flattering without thinking for himself."

"Mr. Collins was a dreadful fool, certainly, but I do think his downfall and death are at least a little pitiable. I sometimes thought it was a failing of his intellect rather than his character that formed him into such a pitiful person," objected Elizabeth.

"He had intellect enough to finish his training as a clergyman with no great difficulty, so he can't be excused on that point," Darcy pointed out ruthlessly.

"I believe there are different types of intellect and will maintain that Mr. Collins was horribly lacking in some of them. I must think of him with some pity, or else I would feel entirely too guilty for acknowledging what a great service his death has done for my family."

"It is nothing short of miraculous, the changes that have been wrought at Longbourn since the entailment was broken by his death," Darcy agreed soothingly. "You must not feel bad for appreciating that. After all, you had no part in his death, and I cannot bear to see even the smallest traces of sadness in your lovely eyes."

"I try my best not to dwell on it. However, the improvement in my family is so distinct that I cannot help but think of it, particularly after their most recent visit. I felt that I was meeting a new family all together!"

"The alteration is wonderful. Who could have guessed that once your parents were free from the threat of the entailment, they would have found it possible to change so much, so late in their lives?"

"I think that it must have been a greater sorrow to my father than I ever guessed before. The knowledge that he could not provide security for his family was the true source of his apathy and disinterest. I believe he hid away in his library all of those years to escape feeling so badly over the situation. After Mr. Collins's demise and no new heir could be found, he was able to take an interest and an active hand in his family, as he had not done ever since he lost the hope of a male heir. And my mother was so overjoyed at the removal of the entail, and at mine and Jane's marriages, that she did not protest too much at the firmer hand that was suddenly guiding the family. They are both so much happier now. Yu easily see the wonderful effect that has had on my younger sisters," Elizabeth smiled contentedly at the recollection of the recent visit of her family. Her mother's raptures over Elizabeth's second son had been actually welcoming, rather than tedious. Her father had kindly but firmly redirected his wife whenever she seemed in danger of veering towards too much silliness or hysteria.

"I was delighted to witness it," Darcy returned her smile. "And the matches your younger sisters have made certainly exceeded our expectations for them, I may now confess. Mary makes the most perfect clergyman's wife that I ever saw in my life. Her devotion for the parishioners in Hunsford has nearly cured her of that tendency to sermonize and lecture. It is as if seeing true suffering has given her a better understanding of her fellow humans. She could still feel virtuous while helping them."

"That is exactly so," Elizabeth declared. "I was afraid that she might alienate her husband's flock, but she seems to have learned the value of improving people with her actions rather than her words. But I am almost more amazed at the success of Lydia's marriage! Why, Colonel Lynwood is nearly twenty years her senior, and I was afraid that she would be too spirited and strong-willed for him to manage. Instead, he has given her steadiness and seriousness that she has lacked all her life, and she seems to positively invigorate him with her youthful spirits."

"If he doted upon her too devotedly, it would have gone badly for them. However, they balance each other perfectly," agreed Darcy, thinking that his neighbour had not seemed happier in all of their acquaintance. "Now, there is only Kitty left unmarried, and from what I understood from your parents, it is only a matter of time."

"Yes, and that is yet another excellent match from everything I can tell. Sir William's son has always struck me as kind and sensible, and he is certainly handsome! My mother is delighted that Kitty, at least, will stay close to Longbourn. Andrew will inherit Lucas Lodge someday and I believe they mean to live there after their marriage. But they must wait a little longer, for the family is still in mourning for Lady Lucas."

"I suppose it is an uncharitable suggestion," Darcy reflected. "But I cannot help but think that Sir William will find it simpler to increase his fortune without Lady Lucas's interference. Certainly, his health has improved!"

"I have never been able to shake the idea that Lady Lucas's health declined so rapidly because her husband stopped giving in to her demands quite as willingly as he had once done. I am convinced Mr. Collins knocked Sir William's head and awoke his senses. From what I understand, Lady Lucas worked herself into such fearful states of temper that she damaged her health. I cannot feel too badly for her, though I suppose I ought not to admit it. Still, I was never able to think kindly of her ever since I saw how cruelly she treated Sir William after his injury," Elizabeth confessed. "She cannot have loved him at all. I would be absolutely beside myself if you were ever harmed, my love."

"Then I shall never allow such a thing to happen," Darcy promised, taking his wife's hand and kissing it tenderly. "I wish for your mother's sake, but far more for their own, that Bingley and Jane would spend more of their time in Hertfordshire. I cannot see that living solely in London has benefited them in any way."

"It does them a great deal of harm," Elizabeth said sadly, thinking of her beloved sister, whose marriage was nothing like so happy as her own. "I wish Jane were capable of standing up to Caroline, and sometimes I am hard-pressed not to blame Jane for giving way all of the time. It is Caroline who insists they stay in London, simply for her own amusement, and I think it is shocking for her to have so much say in their marriage. If only someone might be induced to marry Caroline, she might leave Charles and Jane to their own lives. Still, Caroline seems to have a positive genius for driving away the sort of gentlemen that she wishes to charm."

"She certainly does have the effect. It would take a great fool to be blind to her machinations, they are so obvious and calculated. Unfortunately, she has not yet managed to find such a great fool who also possesses a great fortune. Until that happy time, she will continue to meddle in Charles and your sister's marriage, much to the detriment of their wellbeing and fortune. I must tell you, although I hate to grieve you that I am obliged to loan Bingley some money. He said his bills have risen beyond his annual income this year and he has made some rather poor investments, on Miss Bingley's advice, can you believe it? But I told Charles this would be the last one. He must be man enough to take action for his family. I even suggested that he organizes a compromise for Miss Bingley."

"I am not surprised to hear it," Elizabeth confessed, lifting a hand to brush a lock of her husband's hair from his brow. "but that is an excellent suggestion. We must do something for Jane. Her last letter was filled with nothing but her troubles with the servants cheating them. Also, Caroline insisted on all manner of unnecessary extravagances, and…" she trailed off.

"And what?"

"And Bingley has been keeping a mistress, on Caroline's encouragement and at great expense! I want to strangle the Bingleys! It mortified Jane to write of it, and still more to even know of it, I believe. Caroline made a point of telling Jane, most cruelly."

"That is inexcusable! I am appalled that Bingley should behave in such a manner," Darcy responded, gently caressing Elizabeth's face. "Bingley has never possessed any great measure of willpower, just as you cautioned your sister from the first. It has become something of a trial to feel the regard for Bingley that I once did. I could never imagine allowing a member of my family to mistreat my wife, nor can I conceive of taking a mistress. I am happy that I would not loan money to Charles anymore. I do not want to fund his dissolute behaviour! I shall write to Uncle Lewis and Metcalf. We will think of something to get rid of Miss Bingley from our lives."

"I hope you are not talking about murder, my dear husband. Involving the magistrate in your murder plot is highly unusual."

"No, just a plot to marry Miss Bingley off."

"That is good! As for you not taking a mistress, is it because you know that your wife would not take such a thing with passive sorrow and acceptance?" Elizabeth smiled mischievously.

"Certainly, that is one factor!" agreed Darcy with a laugh. "I should never wish to invite that fiery temper of yours upon myself. But my desire for you and you alone far exceeds my healthy fear of your wrath when it comes to the real reason I will never take a mistress."

"Indeed? Why then, your admiration must be very great, sir," murmured Elizabeth coyly, knowing well enough where this conversation was leading. She was quite pleased that it should do so.

"Come with me, Mrs. Darcy. I will show you again just how overwhelming and all-consuming my passion for you really is," he declared. Rising, he pulled Elizabeth into his arms. The couple disappeared in the middle of the day for another two hours.

~0~

In Norwich, Mrs. Lugaid Doyle, as she was known to her neighbours and pupils, walked along the riverside with her two-year-old daughter Eliza. They walked thus nearly every morning, enjoying the fresh air and gentle exercise after a day spent indoors with students. Charlotte gave a contented sigh, admiring little Eliza's golden curls and her cries of delight at finding a pretty flower. Lugaid had left only that morning for some business in Newcastle and would visit Colonel Wickham afterwards. He remained genuinely fond of Wickham and helped guide him into a better person in the last years. Charlotte experienced the now-familiar feeling of being equal parts happy and sad to see her supposed husband depart. Her freedom and independence were as precious to her as the affection she felt for her partner in crime. However, it grew increasingly difficult to see their actions as so very wicked. She was happy in a way that had once seemed impossible. She had her own pleasant home, satisfying work, and a beautiful daughter to cherish.

Sir Lewis had, since the birth of their child, occasionally entertained the idea of actually divorcing Sour Cat. Still, it had never been more than a passing thought that faded with the possible scandal that would ensure. Charlotte did not mind. They moved to Norwich for him to be closer to the Darcys, but she declined to visit Pemberley. It was enough to know that Lugaid genuinely loved her, despite her outrageous boldness in the kidnapping and robbing him that dreadful night. She was relieved that Mr. Collins had died and freed her from being legally his wife. She doubly loathed to belonging to any man.

Sir Lewis was fond and proud of his daughter. On her birth registration, she was named Miss Elizabeth de Bourgh and made his heir. She was an heiress with a good fortune. Darcy had refused Rosings for his second son, on hearing the birth of Little Eliza. He worked with Lord Metcalf to buy Rosings from Sir Lewis for Metcalf's nephew, who had fallen in love with Georgiana. Georgiana's first task as the Mistress of Rosings was to strip the rooms and gardens of its opulence and renamed the estate as Runaway Park in honour of her uncle.

The cash from the sales of Rosings allowed Sir Lewis to grow his wealth through profitable trade activities, partnered with Mr. Gardiner. He purchased a modest estate in Norwich. The family home was now separated from the school. Charlotte couldn't believe that she would be mistress of such an estate and well-run school. Sir Lewis seemed genuinely pleased when she had told him that another baby would be making it's entrance into the world sometime next spring. Charlotte sometimes teased him that she would put on her mourning clothes if he found another love of his life and left them, but she would not be devastated.

She had the idea that several respectable and pleasant bachelors in the area would be rather eager to compete for her attention, once she had mourned the loss of her "husband" properly. The changes in her life had caused her to be far comelier than her former friends and family would have believed possible. Happiness and freedom had granted her a beauty that she had never before possessed. Sir Lewis always retorted that Sour Cat would die sooner than he could change his mind about Charlotte.

Lifting Eliza and gathering her own skirts up, Charlotte delighted herself and her daughter by dancing merrily in the water for a few moments before returning to their home. Once she had changed her darling and tucked her into bed, she murmured the sweet lullaby that Eliza loved best. Rather than a story, she took out the long letter she had received from Elizabeth only that afternoon, and read it aloud from it to her daughter.

"You asked me to write to you, dearest, and describe the wedding in such detail that you might feel that you had attended. You have only yourself to blame for this mercilessly long letter. In all the years that you had to dread living someday under the rule of Andrew's future bride, you could not have possibly imagined that haunting specter of an interfering sister-in-law as being our own little Kitty! Miss Catherine Bennet was the picture of loveliness, rather even though Mama went rather wild in ordering her gowns. I, fortunately, have an excellent dressmaker in London, who was able to incorporate most of Mama's decrees without making anything too outlandish. Your brother looked fairly, bursting with pride and satisfaction. I suppose that Andrew's great love for Kitty was erased from his memory the time long ago when he had to rescue her out of a mud puddle where that vicious goose had chased her!

It was a decidedly joyous occasion, nothing would satisfy Mama but to fill the rectory with flowers, of course, and the wedding breakfast was decidedly elaborate, for both our families spared no expense there. The blessed event was attended by nearly everyone connected with us. Poor Lydia could not attend, being still in her confinement, but other than her, we were only missing your presence, and missing it terribly. Your family has changed so much since the death of your mother if you will forgive me for saying so. Sir William is so hale and hearty that I can barely reconcile him to the frail man who came so close to death's door. Maria, from what I understand, is practically engaged to one Doctor Johnson. He is the second son of a Lord and a surgeon of some note in London. I will always believe that her appreciation for the medical profession, and her understanding of its demands, stems from the time she spent with the doctor and nurse. They attended your father in Kent and saved his life. I do not think his connection would have reconciled your mother to Maria marrying someone with a profession. Sir William, fortunately, has no such objection, and I expect to be able to write to you soon of their union.

Your younger brothers are also well, your father having purchased a military commission for James, and has plans to send Martin to seminary in the fall.

Jane is expecting another child and looking somewhat worn out between that. Caroline is finally off the shelf, thanks to Sir Lewis, Lord Metcalf and my husband's herculean efforts! I think Jane's marriage would have continued to deteriorate if Caroline remained with them. Mrs. O'Brien nee Caroline Bingley is so condescending, superior, and conniving. I am quite happy that she is a sea away from us in Ireland. But Jane or Bingley was sure of being applied to for some little assistance towards discharging Caroline's fashion bills or investment in some harebrained schemes. Luckily my husband never listened to her and her brother can little afford to do so now.

Of my own parents, I have written to you before the changes that have taken place. I declare that I have never seen them so happy and content. Mama looks ten years younger, everyone says so, and I suppose it makes sense that she should, no longer fretting about the fate of her family the way she once did. She could not stand the sight of Caroline and thus see less of Jane in the first few years of Jane's marriage. She is, of course, terribly satisfied that all of her daughters have married. She was making plans to go directly to Lydia for the remainder of her confinement. My father dissuaded her by saying that it should doubtless be much more welcome and useful if they both visited after the baby arrives. My father has actually managed to generate a profit from Longbourn for the first time in years, and yours has as well!

Sir William caught me alone for a moment after the wedding breakfast. He asked that I kindly give you his love and best wishes the next time I communicated with you. He does not blame you for anything, dearest Charlotte, and would like it if you were to write to him yourself. I understand your reluctance, but I do not think it very likely that you could be discovered simply by writing to him. After all, there is nothing in the world to connect Mrs. Doyle of Norwich with our scandalous Charlotte Lucas! Because no one was ever able to find out what exactly did become of you, the gossip is not what you might have expected, nor as unkind. Most people in Meryton still believe ardently to your mother's story that the scoundrel Mr. Collins brutally murdered you on your wedding night. He was hardly in a position to tell them otherwise.

I long, as always, for a real visit with you, although I understand it is not possible. I am unequivocally delighted that you have found happiness in forging your own destiny, my dearest friend, the way you did. Kiss your sweet daughter for me, and write again soon.

With great affection,

Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy"

The End