Page 21 of Body and Soul (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #8)

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet joined Elizabeth and Darcy before the rest of the household awoke.

They spoke to each other as themselves, clearing any other misconceptions and the hurt that lingered.

Mr. Bennet apologized to his favorite daughter, begging her to forgive him. Elizabeth granted her forgiveness, though she admitted that she still hurt from his behavior.

Mr. Darcy made quick work of asking for Elizabeth's hand in marriage.

Mr. Bennet gave his consent, and they told the news to Jane and Bingley upon their arrival in the drawing room.

The double wedding they had always dreamed of now seemed a reality.

Mr. Bennet kept his vow to his wife.

Their marriage became harmonious, and the door between their chambers remained unlocked and open.

In consequence of their newfound love, they welcomed a son and heir, Thomas Edward Bennet, ten months later.

It was certainly a surprise to all their families.

Mr. Collins and Charlotte sent them their heartfelt congratulations. No one resented the passing over of the former as heir.

Lydia continued to improve.

When allowed back in company, she behaved decorously.

She and Kitty were still inseparable, but now better respected because of their changed manners.

Mary and Mrs. Bingley remained friends.

They wrote frequently when the latter returned to her home in the north.

Eventually, Mrs. Bingley brought her sister's son with her to visit her nephew and Jane.

He and Mary fell in love and married. Mr. Arthur Norton was a wealthy tradesman from Yorkshire, and Mary lived a life of contentment at his side.

Jane and Bingley left Netherfield behind after their first two years of marriage.

The owner wished to occupy it again, forcing their removal.

Mrs. Bennet, who had not visited them more than once a week, bemoaned the loss, but understood.

She vowed to visit them in Derbyshire, where they purchased an estate not twenty miles from Pemberley.

Darcy invited his sister to Hertfordshire as soon as it was safe for her to travel.

She came with Colonel Fitzwilliam and stayed until the wedding.

Georgiana and Elizabeth quickly became friends quickly, and Elizabeth felt pleased to have gained such a lovely sister.

Whether it was fate, folly, or something greater that caused the thunder to change their places, none could say, nor had any of them found a way to explain it.

But what began in confusion ended in clarity.

The experience left behind no physical trace—only the quiet knowledge that true understanding requires more than words.

It requires stepping, however briefly, into another's life.

The compassion and understanding gained aided them for the rest of their days.

And when they declared their love to their respective partners, they could say they truly loved them—body and soul.

I hope you enjoyed Body and Soul.