Page 113 of Bitterness of Spirit

“You are mistaken if you believe Elizabeth tried to steal me, dearest. I needed many months to convince her to marry me, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I have been to finally succeed.”

“I am so happy to see you happy, brother! I have never seen you smile this often,” Georgiana said.

“I might be smiling, my dear, but my heart is laughing. And we have Elizabeth to thank for that.”

***

It was nine o’clock, and the others still had not appeared. Darcy invited Elizabeth for a stroll before breakfast, and she gladly accepted. The news of their betrothal had yet to become public, but neither of them wished to waste any more time denying themselves the pleasure of being together.

They walked along the same path on which Elizabeth mused over Darcy’s absence the day before. Today everything was different for Elizabeth, and even the beauty of the place seemed enhanced.

While he shared with her details about the estate, their attention was drawn to an approaching carriage and rider.

The party stopped atop the hill that descended to the lake. For some time the horses and the man did not move, staring down into the valley.

When they started to descend towards the house, Elizabeth and Darcy readily recognized Mr. Wilson, and they returned towards the main entrance to greet him as he arrived.

He dismounted and a servant took his horse. Then he took off his hat and stood, silently gazing around for several minutes.

“Welcome, Mr. Wilson. I am glad you have come,” Darcy called.

He looked at them, and a smile spread over his face.

“I am honoured to be here, Mr. Darcy. And I am glad to see the two of you together.”

“Will you not come in?” Darcy inquired.

“No…not yet…I need a little more time to collect myself. For many years I lost all hope that I would see Pemberley again.”

“It is fortunate that you have regained that hope, sir,” Elizabeth said. “And that you wisely decided not to waste it. Come; you are expected. Even those who do not know you yet are eager to see you—and Mrs. Reynolds more than anyone else.”

“Reynolds is still here?” he asked Darcy.

“Of course she is,” the colonel said, moving toward them in haste. “She is the housekeeper and part of the family—still healthy, lively and, I might say, handsome for a lady of her age. Mr. Wilson, you have saved me the effort of riding to the inn and bringing you here. I was tempted to do so yesterday, but Mrs. Gardiner stopped me.”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam”—Wilson bowed to him—“good morning. I was not aware my company was so much desired. I thought nobody would miss an old, strange man,” he jested.

“Come, let us enter,” said Darcy. “Your chamber is prepared in the west wing near the Gardiners. Georgiana is already awake; I shall introduce you to her.”

“Thank you, Darcy,” Wilson said with solemnity. “Thank you.”

“Welcome back to Pemberley, Gilbert Wilson. You have been missed,” Darcy responded then offered his arm to Elizabeth as they entered together.

The Pemberley party was finally complete.

Chapter 27

During the following week, Pemberley was filled with more joy and guests than it had seen in years.

The Gardiners and Bingleys received the betrothal news with delight and gratitude, and they immediately offered their congratulations. Without Mr. Bennet’s response, there was no public announcement, but since nobody doubted his acceptance and blessing, the couple behaved as though they were already engaged.

Darcy dedicated his time to Elizabeth. As promised, he showed her the estate in long rides in the phaeton—with others, with Georgiana, or sometimes alone.

In five days, a letter from Longbourn arrived, and the betrothed couple read it together.

Dear Mr. Darcy,

I must first tell you that I shall never forgive you for the torment I have had to suffer because of you.