Page 14 of Drawn to Love

Elizabeth smiled admiring the two drawings on the wall of her apartment. The second one had been finished in the first week of their marriage when they returned to Pemberley. Home.

Three years had passed since then, and her husband had drawn her many times, but none were as dear to Elizabeth as the those two.

It was almost noon, and she had come to her chamber to change and rest a little.

Pemberley was full, with her extended family as well as Colonel Fitzwilliam, his recent betrothed, and his brother the viscount with his wife and son.

Even Lydia — with her daughter Elinor — was in attendance.

Darcy had easily agreed to invite her, but Mr. Wickham was forever banned from Pemberley.

However, since Jane and Mr. Bingley had purchased an estate only thirty miles away, the scoundrel was often there, staying for weeks.

However, Mr. Wickham was not worthy of any distress. He was managing to carry out his duties to his regiment, and Lydia claimed she was exceedingly happy with him, which was as much as they could hope for.

Lady Catherine continued to hold her grudge; therefore Darcy rejected any suggestion of reconciliation. Mr. Bingley’s sister finally benefited from Jane’s forgiveness and was allowed into her brother’s house, as well as Pemberley.

Mr. Bennet was visiting Pemberley for the fourth time, but it was only Mrs. Bennet’s second visit. Eliaabeth’s mother did not like to travel, but her father found the trouble of a long journey to Pemberley rather satisfying.

The Gardiners also visited Pemberley often, and Mrs. Gardiner had the pleasure of talking long rides in the phaeton around the park in every season.

On that specific occasion, there were so many guests at Pemberley that almost all the rooms were full.

The only room which was never occupied by anyone was the one on the corner, offered by Darcy to Elizabeth on her first visit to Pemberley.

That remained ‘Elizabeth’s room’ and nobody else ever slept in it again.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy often spent time there, and Mr. Darcy sometimes drew his wife’s portrait in that room — sketches which nobody else ever saw.

Voices outside caught Elizabeth's attention. Jenny and Jacob — now ten years old — were playing with the Gardiners. Near them were several other younger children with their maids and governess, as well as some adults in the party.

A knock on the door made Elizabeth smile; she felt it was him.

Indeed, it was, but he was not alone. In his arms, laughing joyfully, was the young Master Alexander Bennet Darcy, who was almost two years old.

He was the image of his father — according to Mrs. Reynolds — with the witty, joyful disposition of his mother, as Darcy used to say with gratitude.

“My love, are you well?”

“I am — perfectly well,” she replied. “I just needed to change my gown after my ride.”

“Who would have believed you would be such an excellent rider, Mrs. Darcy?”

“How could I not be, with such an excellent teacher, Mr. Darcy? Of course, Georgiana is much better than me at riding, just as she is much better than you at art, as you said a long time ago. Come, let us go to our guests now.”

Elizabeth took her husband’s free arm, and the three of them left the room.

“I love you so much,” Darcy said.

“I know. I can feel your love every moment, as I hope you can feel mine,” she whispered, lifting her head so he could claim her lips.

“The colonel teased me that you must have fallen in love with me when you saw the beautiful grounds of Pemberley for the first time. I am not complaining about anything that made you love me, but I wonder if it is true,” Darcy asked in jest.

“It is not true,” she replied. “I fell in love with you the moment I saw you so improperly attired, holding the easel, and when the drawings fell from it. And speaking of that, I noticed you have not drawn so much lately.”

“I have no reason to draw so much, my love. My life is perfect, and my talent is not great enough to do it justice.”

She smiled adoringly, and his lips captured hers again, until their son opposed such closeness.

They were forced to separate, laughing together, and then both covered the child’s face with kisses.

It was obvious to both that, if they longed for privacy, they would have to use that perfect room on the corner more and more often.

The End