Page 132 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Jane leaned toward the open carriage window. “Goodbye, Caroline.”

Caroline stepped closer. “Goodbye, Jane.”

A small pause. Then Caroline added, “Sister.”

Jane’s smile warmed. The carriage rolled away beneath another shower of petals Lydia had apparently hidden for the purpose. Bingley leaned out the window laughing. Jane pulled him back by the coat.

Then it was Darcy and Elizabeth.

He offered his hand.

She took it. Before stepping into the carriage, Elizabeth looked back at Longbourn’s gathered family—at Mrs. Bennet waving a handkerchief, Mr. Bennet standing with one hand on her shoulder, Jane’s carriage disappearing down the drive, her sisters clustered together, the Matlocks beside Georgiana and Richard.

Everything had changed.

Nothing had been erased.

She climbed in.

Darcy followed.

The door closed. For a moment neither spoke. The carriage began to move. Elizabeth looked at her husband.

“Husband,” she said experimentally.

Darcy’s expression softened. “Wife.”

“That is very strange.”

“Yes.”

“Do you regret it?”

“Ask me when you have criticized Pemberley’s library.”

“I intend to begin immediately.”

“I know.”

She smiled.

Darcy took her hand.

After a moment he said, “There is something I have never understood.”

“That narrows nothing.”

“In the lane.”

Elizabeth groaned. “Must we revisit it on our wedding day?”

“You said yes.”

“To stop you moving.”

“I know that now. But why did you stay beside me when the wagon came? You could have walked back to Longbourn.”

Elizabeth considered. “Your hand was cold.”