A/N: Oh, hey! It has been forever-and-a-day, and for that I apologize. If you are still interested enough in this story to read this final chapter, THANK YOU.

(12)

"You are trembling, love," Darcy murmured as he pulled away from the kiss. He caressed her cheeks where the tears continued to fall.

Elizabeth took a few calming breaths, trying to steady her voice before she replied. She was quite certain she would collapse to the ground if he let go of her. She gripped him tighter.

"I do not think I quite believe it yet," she finally said shakily. "I am so relieved, so happy, that I am overwhelmed."

"I am glad that you are so happy," he said.

"How could I not be?" she asked. "I thought I had lost my chance to marry for love. Truly, I spent the past three years believing I would never find the chance, that I would be fortunate to marry at all."

"Then you do love me in return?" he asked tentatively.

"Oh Fitzwilliam, of course I love you."

He dropped his lips to hers for another kiss that was not nearly so gentle nor so brief as the first, and then he was drawing kisses down her cheeks to along her jaw line. When he reached the soft place beneath her ear, she drew in a sharp breath and shivered. He placed a few more down her neck, relishing the feeling of her hands tightening on his shoulders before he stopped himself. He pulled her in tight and rested his cheek on top of her head, letting his breathing and heart slow and feeling hers do the same. He realised they needed a distraction before he did something ungentlemanly.

"Do you have another basket to fill?" he asked against her hair when she had settled.

She looked over to her second basket by her other things, then responded with a nod. "I offered to collect for tonight's pies."

"May I assist you?" he asked.

She pulled back in surprise. "If you like?" she replied in a questioning tone.

He nodded, let go of her, then proceeded to remove his own jacket and hat, dropping them next to hers. She watched him pick up the empty basket, hook it on his arm, reach up to grab the lowest branch and pull himself up. He used brute strength to move, rather than technique, and she found herself watching him in awe. He was definitely not just a gentleman of leisure.

He worked his way up the tree, then looked back at her. "Are you not going to join me?"

Her mouth worked open and closed a few times, then she shrugged and followed. She could feel him watching her swift progression through the tree. She lept up and grabbed hold of the low branch, pulled herself up on it and slipped from branch to branch with very little noise.

She sat across from him, but did not start picking again.

"You are much better at that than I am," he said simply.

She smiled. "I would venture to guess that I practice more. I am also smaller, so I fit in the spaces a little easier."

He looked down at where he had come through the branches. "You did not knock as many branches and leaves off, either," he said ruefully.

"That makes too much noise. I needed to learn to climb silently if I wanted to go places I did not belong," she said without thinking, then immediately regretted it. While he had forgiven her, and loved her, he might not wish to be reminded of what she had done.

He did not look upset, however, merely curious. "I do not think I ever remember hearing you make noise when you walk, other than the slight rustle of your clothing. I had not realised that before. You are also by far the most graceful woman I have ever had the privilege to dance with."

She felt a blush creep up her cheeks. He did not seem to mind speaking of it, though, and she would rather they did not avoid such an enormous part of her life. "It was habit. I always thought about my movements so that it was second nature. It kept me from slipping up."

He nodded, then began picking apples. She watched him for a moment before joining him. They worked quietly for a few minutes while her mind absorbed the fact that she was engaged to him. She was engaged to Fitzwilliam Darcy and he loved her. Despite her past, despite her mistreatment of him, he still loved her.

She continued watching him while she worked, curious about the thoughtful expression on his face. His mind appeared as busy as hers.

"Fitzwilliam?" she said hesitantly, and he looked at her with a smile.

"Yes, Elizabeth?" he replied. He appeared to relish their new familiarity.

"What are you thinking of?"

"I am wondering what changed, how you ever came to love me. You had, quite rightly I must say, disliked me when I so arrogantly approached you at Hunsford. I did not exactly court your good opinion."

"Have you forgotten the letter you wrote me? Even as stubborn as I am, it was impossible to deny your truth, especially when you offered your cousin as witness."

"Little did I know how much you would trust his word!" Darcy exclaimed. "Did it soon make you think better of me?"

"I could not hold on to my prejudices when I realised my own pride was so at fault. I believe my first softening was while I read it through for the second time. I could not help but think of the hurt I had seen in your eyes when I threw his name at you."

"Were you much injured by knowing?" he asked quietly.

"Injured? No I was not injured. Mr. Wickham meant no more to me than any other passing acquaintance."

At Darcy's sigh of relief, Elizabeth offered him a soft smile. "I admit I had little discernment of his character, but I knew that it would have been foolish to encourage him. While I have always wished to marry for affection, I would prefer not to launder my own clothes, if I can help it. When he turned his affections from me to other, more lucrative pursuits, I knew I was unaffected."

"The wash?" Darcy asked, amused. "I must admit, that is not the worst task I can think of that I am happy to have servants for."

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. "I despise overly humid weather. I cannot imagine standing over a tub of hot clothes with the steam waving over me without relief for hours. I would have been miserable as a laundry maid, likely as a scullery maid too, with the dishes. My requirements for a future husband were not many other than affection, but were more than a penniless lieutenant in the militia could offer. Thankfully, I had the good sense to fall in love with a man who can afford to keep me out of the kitchen."

Darcy laughed outright. "Well, I am glad that I can offer you that security. I believe I can safely say that you will never need to worry about becoming a laundry maid as Mrs. Darcy."

"Mrs. Darcy," Elizabeth said happily. "How dear that sounds."

"I do not know which I shall take more pleasure in, the privilege of calling you Elizabeth, or the joy of saying Mrs. Darcy," he replied contentedly.

Their basket was soon full, and they descended much as they came up, with Elizabeth managing to remain elegant while Darcy imagined he looked much like a bear crashing his way down. He felt it well worth the indignity when he saw the fond smile she gave him when he reached the ground.

"I would never have pictured you as one to climb trees. I would have said the Mr. Darcy I thought I knew would be too proper to do something so undignified," Elizabeth said.

"And I am not at all surprised to have caught Elizabeth Bennet in a tree," he replied.

"Oh dear, am I so obviously wild? I had so hoped to pass myself off as a lady."

He reached for her hand and gently tugged her toward him. "I think you every bit a lady; one with a liveliness and unabashed joy for life that I very much hope to learn from."

Elizabeth looked down, suddenly anxious. "You do not worry what society will say if my past comes out? There are plenty of times I have not acted as society dictates a lady should."

"Elizabeth," he sighed, then pulled her into the circle of his arms. She did not resist, burying her face in his shoulder. He rubbed her back to loosen the tension he felt there. "I will feel nothing but pride to have you on my arm, for all of society to see. I would stand by you through anything. Besides, I am not overly worried. Even if there are rumors, I cannot imagine the whole of it becoming known, and if it should get bad enough, I would not be upset to spend the remainder of our days hidden away at Pemberley."

"You would not miss town?"

"Like you, I do not desire a fast life. I can picture myself quite content to live with you at Pemberley. Even if no one ever finds out your past, I do not expect to spend much away from home anyway."

"We are so much more alike than I ever imagined. I do believe we will get on quite well together."

She wrapped her arms about his waist and held him closer. It did not take long for Darcy's mind to move from the comfort he felt in having her so close to the desire that having her nearly pressed against the full length of him brought. He reluctantly let her go and offered to walk her back to Longbourn. They donned their outerwear again, each picking up a basket, and then Darcy offered his arm. Elizabeth happily took it, and they slowly made their way back.

Darcy and Bingley arrived well before dinner, to the delight of their ladies and future mother-in-law, who liked to see Jane's lover's devotion. She still had no use for Mr. Darcy, which mortified Elizabeth, but Darcy merely shrugged and smiled. He mouthed "later" to her, which earned him a rueful expression. Elizabeth was not looking forward to the effusions of her mother when she learned of their engagement, but that would be preferable to the coldness she exhibited toward him now.

Darcy soon disappeared from the sitting room with a smile to his betrothed and a lightness to his step. He did not anticipate surprise from Mr. Bennet for his application. He rather expected to be teased.

He knocked on the door and was bid to enter.

"Ah, Mr. Darcy, I had heard that you and your friend were due for dinner, though it is a bit early. What can I do for you?" Mr. Bennet asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"I have come to ask for your daughter Elizabeth's hand in marriage," Darcy replied solemnly.

"Have you now? And has my daughter agreed to end your misery?" Mr. Bennet asked, mimicking the younger man's gravity.

"She has done me the honor of accepting me, yes."

Darcy could see laughter forming on Mr. Bennet's face at their stilted conversation, though he was not offended. Odd, really, as he usually did not appreciate being the object of a joke. He supposed he understood the older man well enough now to know that it was his need to keep life light.

"Are you able to support her at least in the style in which she has been raised, young man?"

"As my wife, Miss Elizabeth shall want for nothing. If you wish to see the settlement papers before granting your consent, I understand."

Mr. Bennet smirked. "And if you catch her climbing a tree, what will you do then, young man?"

Darcy smiled softly and replied, "Request permission to join her."

Mr. Bennet stopped laughing.

"As my wife," Darcy continued, "Miss Elizabeth will be treasured. I am a fortunate man, that she is so willing to look past all of my faults and agree to be my partner in life."

"That you are, though I would argue that the fortune does not only lie with you," Mr. Bennet replied in all seriousness, with a little mistiness in his eyes. "I could not have parted with her for anyone less worthy, son."

"Thank you," Darcy replied with feeling.

Mr. Bennet cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, shall we share the news with the family, then?"

Her family reacted as expected, to Elizabeth's chagrin. Her mother began in disbelief, managing to disparage Elizabeth's charms until Darcy gallantly, if rather stiffly, assured his future mother of his attraction to his betrothed. Her two youngest sisters could only think of her future pin money and how much of it they could convince her to spend on them. That set her mother off on all of the advantages of the match, to which her father responded mockingly in order to silence her. When Elizabeth sighed quietly, she felt Darcy squeeze her hand where it rested on his arm. She smiled ruefully at him, grateful that he was bearing it all rather well.

Once Mrs. Bennet was over her initial shock, Elizabeth was not certain if her mother was more pleased at the thought of her being Mrs. Darcy, and all the pride that came with it, or at her chance to plan a wedding the likes of which their quiet little corner of the county had never seen. Her formidable hostess skills were all brought to the fore in the planning of two weddings, and with a zeal that was overwhelming. Elizabeth, much to her dismay, was given very little time alone with her betrothed as her mother dealt out marching orders with all the command of a general heading into battle. This went on for several days, until Jane suggested a possible double wedding. Not only would it allow sisters so dear to one another share their special day, but would also be a single event, with the intent of reducing the burden on them all. At first, Mrs. Bennet was very much against losing the chance to host both, but was soon convinced when Mr. Bennet pointed out that she would have twice the budget for it, if she only need do it once.

Jane then suggested that, since Mrs. Bennet and the younger three girls would require new dresses for the event, perhaps they should take a day from wedding planning to enjoy shopping for them in Meryton. Further, since the older two were receiving so much attention, Jane felt that she and Lizzy should stay home for the day, to keep from being a distraction from the party. Elizabeth had never been so proud of her elder sister's management of their mother. She never had figured out how to use her own extensive skills on Mrs. Bennet, always becoming frustrated and unable to carry her point. Jane did it so sweetly to make Mrs. Bennet feel as though it was her own idea from the start.

"You are a miracle, Jane," Elizabeth said, as they waved to the carriage pulling away on the morning of their first day of freedom in over a week.

"Our sisters really ought to have a chance to choose their dresses without the constant questions to us about our weddings," Jane replied demurely.

"And I suppose you will ask Papa to chaperone you when Mr. Bingley arrives?"

Jane blushed. "I had assumed we could chaperone each other."

"Well, I shall pay as much attention to you and your Mr. Bingley as you do to me and Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied with a grin as they went into the house.

The post arrived shortly after the gentlemen, and Elizabeth pocketed two letters from Mrs. Hill to be read later, since she and Darcy were going out for a walk.

"I believe one is from my Aunt Gardiner; she is likely very happy for us."

"Do you think so? I did not think I had left the Gardiners with the best impression, at our last meeting," Darcy replied contritely.

"Their primary concern was keeping me safe of course, but they understood your position. I do believe that having the sense to offer for me will have swiftly increased their esteem," Elizabeth replied cheekily.

"Perhaps you should check. They may warn you off me," he replied dryly.

"I should, and then I can embarrass you with their praise," Elizabeth replied as she pulled both letters from her pocket. She was moving the other letter back to her pocket when Darcy reached out and stopped her.

"Do you know who that letter is from?" he asked in a strained voice.

She glanced up and saw the discomfort in his expression, then back down at the envelope. It was a script she would describe as strong, yet feminine. "I vaguely recognise the hand, but I cannot place it," she replied.

"It looks distinctly like Lady Catherine's. I am tempted to ask you to throw it into a fire without reading it."

"If she disapproves so heartily, as I would guess your comment suggests, why would she write to me, instead of you? We are not so well acquainted from my short visit in the spring."

"She likes to have her own way, and feels everyone should bow to it, regardless of her right to insist."

Elizabeth thought about it for moment, and realised he would be right. That was precisely why she had invaded the lady's privacy.

"Now I am very curious as to what she would say," Elizabeth said, as she moved to tear the seal.

Darcy stopped her gently. "I would rather you did not. She can have nothing to say that you would want to hear."

"I am not afraid of her."

"Of that I have no doubt, but I am likely to be ashamed of her."

Elizabeth's brow rose. Her first inclination was to tease, but she thought better of it. "Would you prefer to read it first?"

"I would prefer it not read at all, but if that is the only alternative, it is better than you being injured."

Elizabeth handed the letter over. Darcy perused it quickly, his countenance darkening, then turning thunderous just before he finished. He folded it up quickly.

"I will destroy it, if you will let me. I will reply as well. She cannot be allowed to write to you in such a manner. I will not allow it!" his voice rising as he spoke.

"What did she say?" Elizabeth asked calmly.

"Nothing fit for you to read. Nothing fit for a lady to write!" he stormed. "I cannot believe the nerve of her."

"Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth pressed gently as she laid her hand on his arm. "What did she say?"

Darcy hesitated, but Elizabeth raised her brow again, and he relented. "She has threatened extortion if you do not break our engagement."

Elizabeth shrugged. "I am not concerned."

"She is quite serious," Darcy said. "I am not entirely sure what she is capable of, but it could create difficulty for us."

"Yes, I know she is serious," Elizabeth responded lightly. "However, I also know that she is no longer in a position to do so."

"How can you be so sure?" he asked.

"The same way I know she has done it before."

It only took a moment for Darcy to understand. "That was why you were in Kent."

"It was, though I was also there to enjoy my friend's company," she replied. When he was thoughtful for a few minutes, she asked quietly, "Does that bother you, that I have invaded your aunt's privacy?"

Darcy looked at her in surprise. "No," he said. "I understand that you did what you were required to do. I am remembering a conversation that I had with my cousin, however, about this very thing. He would not tell me why she had been...investigated. You say it was for something like this. I am trying to understand how she could have gone so far as to anger the Prime Minister, which, from my understanding, is who you were acting on the behalf of."

"It is," Elizabeth replied. "She had begun collecting information on Anne's de Bourgh cousins a few years ago. I do not know precisely what set her to it, but she was looking for anything that would discredit them in society enough that they would not wish it exposed."

"The next-in-line had visited her," Darcy commented. "It was directly before Easter, three years ago. I remember, because that was when she began speaking of the supposed engagement between Anne and myself. I believe she thought he was sniffing around Rosings, since if Anne never weds, it will go to him upon her death. Anne's health had taken a turn for the worse that winter. Lady Catherine must know it is unlikely that Sir Lewis' nephew would let her continue on as she is. She assumed I, on the other hand, would not turn her out of her home."

"Would you have?" Elizabeth asked curiously.

"No, but I also never had any intention of marrying Anne. We would not suit, no matter how much my aunt declares it to be so."

"Does Rosings not have a dower house?" Elizabeth asked.

"It does, but if Anne were to wed me, she would remove to Pemberley and there would be no need for Lady Catherine to leave her current position at all."

"So she was attempting to marry Anne to you, and at the same time find a way to control the de Bourgh cousin who might send her out the door as he walked in. She might have succeeded, if his younger brother was not a valuable member of Lord Liverpool's ministerial staff."

"I did not realise Arthur de Bourgh had grown so powerful," Darcy said in surprise.

Elizabeth smiled. "Not so powerful, but he has been providing Lord Liverpool and his dear friends with many things from the continent that are difficult to acquire."

"And the Prime Minister protected him for it? I thought you ferreted out those who performed illegal activities."

"Only when they do not benefit Lord Liverpool."

Darcy shook his head. "It is rather disconcerting how little morals exist in the men responsible for our country."

"In my experience, most men of wealth and influence feel entitled to use that power to their own benefit."

Darcy grimaced. "I hope you do not think so poorly of me."

"I would not be marrying you if I believed that," Elizabeth replied. "You are the best of men, Fitzwillam. I only wish I would have seen it sooner. It was rather stupid and stubborn of me not to."

Darcy stopped walking and turned toward Elizabeth. "I did not give you much reason to think otherwise."

"Perhaps not in the beginning, but I was not looking, either. Later though, I saw your business concerns," Elizabeth spoke quietly, still hesitant to bring up her invasion of his privacy yet wanting to convince him. "When we investigated your aunt, it was discovered that she had developed a taste for her new hobby. Her last steward was an unscrupulous man who made a living of gathering dark secrets about others. Your aunt funded his activities for her own benefit. She had gathered quite the information on some of the leading families in society. You were targeted by the prime minister's office because you could have benefitted from what she was doing. But what I discovered quickly exonerated you. You are scrupulously fair. Your business dealings were all honest, and you have nothing to hide."

"I am gratified to hear that, but what of my treatment of others?" he asked. "I have been a very selfish creature, to think so meanly of the rest of the world and so highly of myself."

"I have seen your treatment of your servants, and they could not ask for a better master. Even last autumn, while we were all at Netherfield together, I could not ignore the respect you gave the servants. With your wealth and position, you could act very poorly, as I have seen others do in your place, but you do not. It is in those moments, when by right you have the upper hand, when you could be cruel, that the truth of the man you are shows."

"It is easy to treat those who would be defenceless with consideration. What about my equals? What about you and your family and neighbors? I behaved abhorrently last autumn, and I am heartily ashamed of myself."

Elizabeth sighed, "And my manners at the time were imperfect as well. I was rude to you, hoping to cause you pain. We could argue indefinitely for our share in the blame for the unhappy early part of our acquaintance. We have both changed since then. Let us forgive our own faults as we have each other's and move forward."

They walked on again, their conversation drifting to more pleasant topics. When they returned to the house much later, Elizabeth allowed Darcy to burn the letter from his aunt, and then did read her aunt's aloud to him. It was full of happiness and good tidings for the future, along with strong praises for them both. It did make Darcy's ears pink, just a little.

After a few more days of frenzied wedding planning, Jane contrived several hours for the sisters to visit Netherfield alone. Elizabeth knew that Jane's real purpose, other than the time with her betrothed, was to decide on the decorations for her future mistress's suite. How Jane managed to keep that from their mother, who would have eagerly imposed her taste on the scheme, Elizabeth did not know.

Darcy and Bingley met them in the hall, and the couples quickly separated. Jane and Bingley headed off to meet with the housekeeper while Darcy and Elizabeth moved to the library. They were just settling together on a sofa when the post arrived, and it was Darcy's turn to receive a letter that roused curiosity. It only took a quick glance for Elizabeth to recognise the sender by his seal.

"Your uncle has written. Do you suppose he is more pleased with your announcement than his sister?" Elizabeth asked teasingly.

Darcy hesitated, "I am not certain."

"Are you truly worried?" Elizabeth asked in surprise. "I have met the earl, and he seems more forward-thinking than your aunt."

"I agree. Perhaps I should let him speak for himself," Darcy replied as he opened the letter.

Elizabeth watched in fascination as his expression moved from a look of trepidation to one of astonishment. He glanced up, saw her stare, and flushed.

"Were you laughing at me, when I so foolishly disparaged your connections in Kent?" he asked in embarrassment.

"No," she answered in confusion. "In my memory of that night, I do not think I felt that way. You were correct that I do not have many connections."

"Not according to my uncle," he replied. "The earl is quite pleased with your connections."

At Elizabeth's look of astonishment, he handed her the letter. In it, his uncle congratulated Darcy on the connection to the Bathursts. It would seem he had been looking for it for some time. His sons had not been able to entice Lady Emily, and he had not thought of Miss Bennet, one of the lady's dearest friends. Having met Miss Bennet on several occasions though, and knowing how well-regarded her father was, he was confident that she would be a credit to the family. Since the Earl and Countess Bathurst had already called to congratulate them on the engagement and ask about a celebratory ball early in the season, he was quite pleased.

Elizabeth did laugh then, as she handed the letter back. "I never thought that this unfortunate duty would raise my worth in the eyes of society. Truly, the Bathursts are excellent people and I suppose I should not be surprised that they have called on the Fitzwilliams. The countess has always been conscious of what needs to be done to keep the ton at bay. I would not be the least surprised if this was her idea."

"If Lord Bathurst is anything like my uncle, I imagine he encouraged it. My uncle is always looking to put a personal connection between him and a political adversary. Dinners with the two of them will always be interesting."

"I believe that," Elizabeth replied. "Your uncle always did strike me as very similar to Lord Henry in personality if not beliefs. I am grateful that you have the support of at least some of your family."

"I am as well, though I would hope they would have quickly learned to adore you as I have. This merely made it easier."

"Think of all the trouble it would have saved you to know I am so highly connected," Elizabeth said cheekily.

"I apologise again for my poor treatment of you," Darcy replied contritely. "I do not think I will ever be able to say it enough."

"Oh no!" Elizabeth cried. "I will not have you take me seriously when I mean to tease." She glanced quickly over her shoulder at the door, then back at him with mischief in her eyes. "If you do, I will be forced to take drastic measures."

She leaned in and tugged his face close to her own. She kissed him quickly, giving him no time to respond before she pulled back, blushing furiously at her own boldness.

He stopped her retreat, putting an arm around her and tugging her close again. "While that is an effective way to distract me, I think you will find it is not a deterrent," he said as he leaned down and kissed her back, much more thoroughly.

They continued in that manner until a noise from the hall startled Darcy, and he quickly pulled back and righted them both before they could be found in a scandalous position. They were not doing anything most engaged couples did not, but he prefered to avoid rumours. He took a few calming breaths while Elizabeth fixed her hair.

"I apologise," he said, still a little breathless.

"I do not believe I objected," Elizabeth replied, a little breathless herself.

"Still, I should not do so in a public room of the house. It would not do for someone to walk in on us."

Elizabeth sighed, "How sensible of you."

"I do not think of myself as sensible around you at all," he said, though he did not look at all contrite.

Elizabeth laughed. "Well, if you do not want encouragement to act imprudently, we should speak of things that are less provoking."

"What think you of books?" he asked with a bit of a smirk. "You could not discuss them in a ballroom, but what about a library?"

"That is a very fitting place I suppose," Elizabeth said with another laugh. "Yes, let us speak of books."

Though she had been curious to know, Elizabeth had not asked Darcy about the ring she had discovered in his safe before the wedding, and he had not mentioned it. While she was not surprised when he slipped it on her finger while he spoke his promises, seeing it brought such a rush of emotion from remembering that night that it made her nearly faint. They had overcome so many obstacles, and the relief of finally being in this moment was palpable.

"You had seen the ring then," Darcy commented when they were on their way to London later. "I was not sure if I had caught you before or after."

"I had," she replied quietly.

"Do you like it?" he asked, taking the hand with the ring on it in his own.

"I do. It is absolutely beautiful."

"I am glad. It was my grandmother's. I had it sent to be cleaned before I came to Kent, though at the time I had no intention of using it. When I did decide to propose, I felt it was fortuitous."

"Then I so cruelly rejected you," Elizabeth said remorsefully.

Darcy lifted a brow. "If I am not allowed to repeatedly apologise for the past, neither are you."

Elizabeth smiled sheepishly. "You are correct, we should not regret a past that has been made better." She glanced down at the ring. "Why do you suppose you had it cleaned?"

"I was doing everything I could to remain active, and I believe my acknowledged reason was that I had reached an age where I should be finding a wife. Though even then I could not imagine placing that ring on any woman's hand other than yours. It was very disconcerting."

"And at the time I did not think you would have spared me any thought. How very foolish we both were."

"I certainly felt foolish. I put the ring back into my safe in London when I returned from Kent, but I could not bring myself to leave it when I removed to Pemberley. It was the reason I came to my study that night. I could not sleep for thoughts of you."

"And there I was, though you did not know it," she said wryly. "This ring is also why you caught me. When I saw it, I wondered if it had been meant for me. I was wistfully thinking of what could have been when you walked in. That distraction nearly got me caught for the first time and cost me my lantern."

"I kept it, the lantern. I could not part with it."

"I am glad," Elizabeth said happily. "While I no longer need it, that was my father's, and a very good lantern it is. Its replacement has been tolerable at best."

They were quiet for a moment, then Darcy said contritely, "I still cannot believe I tackled you."

"I have left that and the fact that I broke into your home in the night and rifled through your safe out of the stories of our courtship," Elizabeth replied. "And the fact that I may have punched you."

Darcy shook his head. "Ours has been an interesting history, that is certain."

"And one that we will not be sharing very widely," Elizabeth added.

He sighed contentedly, "But it is our story, and I am so very grateful that there is a 'we' to speak of."

"I agree," she replied.

A/N: What was supposed to be 5-6 chapters turned into twice that. I really need to stop giving length estimates at the beginning of unfinished stories. I appreciate all of the feedback, it has been very helpful. The longer spy story is still in line to be tried, but it will be a while.

For those who are waiting for Unanswered Prayers to return, I am determined to finish it now. I reserve the right to publish one to two shots as I go, but I will not begin another long story until I can confidently mark that as complete.