A short chapter to end our story. I hope you all enjoyed my little tale and I did not disappoint anyone with the ending as I did not want to go into detail about Elizabeth's recovery, the Bennet's fate, or other's romances though I will write of the love life about our wayward viscount and the colonel in my next story. I only wanted to focus on her happy ending from being locked away to reaching the top echelon of society. I am not entirely happy with the ending because like I said a few couple of chapters back, I was having difficulty ending my story since my muse completely left me towards the end. Look forward to a rewrite of the ending with more details when my inspiration returns. Share your thoughts and thanks again for reading!

The Tattler

'The handsome, multi-titled Duke of D excited us all when he and his beautiful duchess returned to town and was seen at the most exclusive events of the season surrounded by their powerful family and select group of well-placed friends. We all thought we would have the entire season to marvel at the handsome couple but this writer was just given a delicious on dit that said the beautiful Duchess of D is once again increasing which will surely drive the couple back to one of their many estates. Do not be too disappointed, dear readers because my reliable sources say the fearless lady many have come to admire is determined to finish as much of the season as she can before retiring to give birth to their fifth child in under three years though with that great couples history, will it be their fifth and sixth child at once? Keep your eyes on this spot for the latest.'

"Who in the devil released the information printed in today's paper, Your Grace?" the Duke of Wellington asked the Duke of Derbyshire two months after the Darcys removed to town as he joined the group where they standing in the foyer of the theatre before going into the performance of the latest Shakespeare play.

"I cannot say, Your Grace" the duke answered the general. "I was just as surprised to hear of the article myself. While I know our movements are closely watched and reported on, I know not who would know such an intimate thing, especially as we have just had the quickening and have told very few."

"It was probably some eagle eyed matron who can spot a pregnant woman from miles away" said the Duchess of Wellington in agitation. "I am sure it was a wild speculation that happened to be true. I can think of no one that would reveal such a thing."

"And you most definitely cannot keep such a thing under wraps for long in society" said Lady Matlock who had just arrived escorted by her handsome sons, her husband not feeling up to the outing. "You are the interest of the season seeing as how you have never done the season since your marriage and many were eager to see you both together."

"At least you have felt the quickening and the pregnancy is stable before the news leaked" reasoned Mrs. Gardiner.

"I am just thankful none of my family problems have leaked out and caused a scandal" said Elizabeth, not in the least bothered by the gossip sheets who wrote about everything they did from where they went to what they ate at dinners and balls, still unable to see what was so interesting about their movements.

"As am I" said the duke. "I must say my uncle did an incredible job at keeping the news contained. Not even many in Hertfordshire know what happened."

"Where is my old friend tonight, Lady Matlock?" asked the general.

"He decided to stay in since he is feeling unwell. He insisted that I come out as planned instead of staying home with him" said the countess.

"I hope it is nothing serious" said the grand duchess in concern.

"Just a trifling cold that I am sure will be much better in no time" said Lord Sutton as he looked around the foyer in amusement as it appeared everyone in the theatre had their eyes trained on their party.

"Though you would think he was on his death bed by his behavior" said Lady Matlock fondly. "I am surprised he allowed me out tonight since he insists that he needs me by his side every minute until he recovers."

"Men are the worst patients" said Mrs. Gardiner. "They turn into small children when they get so much as a scratch and demand our attention" she said, making every one laugh.

"I beg to differ" said the duke. "We men are more likely to feel unwell and not even divulge it since we would not want to concern our womenfolk" he declared with his chest stuck proudly out.

"Dearest?" said Elizabeth in amusement. "Do you recall when you last had a trifling cold of your own?"

"I do not take your meaning, madam" he said to her amusement, turning the table on her as everyone laughed.

"I seem to remember someone saying he would never get well I if I were not at least 2 feet away from him at all times, and that his symptoms lessened when I held him" she teased.

"Wellesley is definitely a terrible patient" said the blushing duke.

"Did you just use your young son as a scapegoat, Your Grace?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam in amusement before they were interrupted by the signal for the start of the show to the duke's great relief.

Despite the many onlookers the family had a lovely time at the theatre, one of the last outings of the season, just happy to be together once again and finally at peace after the last turbulent year of war and family problems before they all went their separate ways with plans to all descend on Pemberley for Elizabeth's lie in once again.

BH*******************************BH

"So little Eliza Anne will be the only girl in a house full of boys?" asked John Lucas, the new husband of Mrs. Mary Lucas, during his first visit to the great estate of Pemberley for his new sister's lie in after the grand duchess announced the birth of the Darcy's fourth son.

"I am sure her parents will eventually provide her with a sister at the rate they are going" said the Duke of Wellington, happy to be a part of his once lost and now dearly beloved granddaughter's life, never believing he would have this day that was even better than defeating Napoleon at Waterloo as he finally felt able to let go of his years of regret over his beautiful Elizabeth now that he had the forgiveness and love of her beautiful Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had just given birth to Lord Gregory Fitzwilliam Darcy, Viscount Richford, the next Earl of Raleigh, after they retired from Pemberley at the end of the season. It had been an uncomplicated pregnancy and the couple's first single birth which both parents were happy for.

Their first full season in London was a success as Elizabeth shined everyone in the ton down and earned her place at the top of society for being a beautiful, witty, intelligent, and accomplished duchess. They praised her for her poise and grace as they marveled at what a difference she had made to her stoic husband who could now be seen with a smile on his face often as he seemed more comfortable in society and they could not wait for the start of the next season.

BH*******************************BH

"Oh how the mention of pounds and pence send them all aflutter."

"I beg your pardon?" said the not so perplexed Duke of Derbyshire as he turned to look at the beautiful brunette suddenly standing beside him.

"Do not look at me sir. How dare a gentleman such as yourself speak to one that you have not been properly introduced?" she said in a teasing voice, amused eyes on the crowd and never once looking at him.

He had no need to unconsciously look around to see if he was indeed the person she was addressing because he knew no one else was in the vicinity so he could only conclude that she was.

"You would think they would wait to sketch the characters of these wealthy men who must be in want of a wife before throwing themselves or their daughters their way. I could forgive them were they being superficial and attracted to a handsome countenance at least, but to desire to become the wife of one, sight unseen, all because he may have a fortune is incorrigible."

The duke smiled fondly at the familiar yet unconventional dialogue and the singular manner that it was being spoken. He knew she was speaking to him though she was not looking his way and did not seem to expect an answer. But this time he knew she was not just speaking aloud for her own amusement while he just happened to be near enough to hear her, so he could assume she knew who he was and was using this method to refresh his memory. What was this beautiful imp about?

"How dare a lady such as yourself speak to one that you have not been properly introduced?" he retorted, playing along and not surprising himself at his interest in what she may say next.

"I would never breech propriety so and I am speaking to no one but myself. If one should happen to overhear my private thoughts he could be justly accused of eavesdropping. An unpardonable sin" she teased, eliciting a frequently seen smile from the duke.

"Though one could be forgiven for wanting to secure their futures, the method of husband catching used by many matchmaking mamas and their daughters leaves much to be desired and do them no justice" he replied, eyes glued on the crowd as well.

"And yet the methods sadly work in most cases, and as long as such results are to be had, the method shall not change. Shallow men love to be admired regardless of the reason and the fact that they are fawned over because of their wealth and not their merit mean very little to them, thus the cycle continues."

"Thankfully we have raised four lords that are anything but shallow and two beautiful ladies that will never fawn over anyone because of their wealth" he retorted.

"Can you believe we have come this far, Lizzy's Grace?" asked Elizabeth in delighted unbelief of how wonderful her life had turned out as she stood and watched the crowd at her eldest daughter's coming out ball, her brothers glaring at her beaus from different corners of the room.

"I can, Darcy's Grace" said the equally delighted duke. "I knew from the moment I impulsively proposed to you on Oakham Mount that we could only reach a happy conclusion though we still have many more happy years to come" he said as he conspicuously rubbed her stomach where their surprise seventh child that neither expected at such a time grew. "I am blessed to feel the calm and refreshing satisfaction of being loved by someone who can understand me."

Finis