Page 99 of The Marriage Game

The butler was unceremoniously pushed aside. “No need to announce us,” Mrs. Bennet told him. “She knows who we are.”

“Mama?” Elizabeth and Jane spoke together.

“Hullo, Lizzy!” Kitty cried. “I am so happy to see you!”

Mary peeked over Kitty’s shoulder. “I am sorry that we are arriving uninvited,” this serious sister said. “But Mama –“

“I told you I was taking matters into my own hands, Lizzy!” Mrs. Bennet interrupted.

Elizabeth turned to Mrs. Annesley and said, “Two more players for the Marriage Game, Mrs. Annesley! I beg you to look no further for your newest employment!”

Epilogue

The double wedding of Georgiana Darcy and Lord Fane; and Caroline Bingley and Mr. Richard Fitzwilliam was everything the blushing brides could have hoped for. The weather was perfect, the blooms fresh and fragrant, the gowns lovely, the grooms handsome and as nervous as would be expected.

After the wedding, Lord Fane and the new Lady Fane spent a blissful month at the seashore before returning to Fane House in London for Lady Fane to be instructed in her new duties by Lady Amelia. Georgiana surprised everyone by becoming a renowned hostess and supporter of worthwhile charities.

Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam traveled directly to Elmstree Stables, to take up the reins (as Mr. Fitzwilliam liked to put it) of managing a horse farm. The Stables prospered under Richard’s care, and its reputation for producing fine animals only grew. Surprisingly, Caroline became almost fanatic in managing their household budget, so that in only five years, the Fitzwilliams were able to purchase Elmstree from Mr. Darcy. If the sale price was rather lower than what Mr. Darcy had paid for it, well, who was to know?

Kitty and Mary moved in with the Darcys, and Mrs. Annesley bent her considerable skills on instructing both girls in the rules of the Marriage Game. If she occasionally shook her head in dismay, she had only to recall Miss Bingley’s early days and her hopes were restored.

Both Kitty and Mary made fine matches the following Season, giving Mrs. Bennet cause to brag rather endlessly about how she had taken matters into her own hands and had gotten all her girls married at last.

The End