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Pemberley, Drawing Room - Caroline

C aroline stood at the grand window of Pemberley’s drawing room, her eyes fixed on the winding road that led to the house.

Louisa and Mr Hurst lounged nearby, clearly bored with the wait, while Mrs Annesley sat quietly in a corner, her needlework in hand.

As she waited for the Gardiners’ and Darcys’ carriages to arrive with Jane and Eliza Bennet, Caroline’s mind wandered over the tumultuous events of the past few months.

How quickly things had changed! It seemed like only yesterday that Eliza had been walking down the aisle to marry Mr Collins. Caroline had been so relieved then, thinking her rival for Mr Darcy’s affections would soon be out of the way. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

Mr Bennet’s collapse, his subsequent death, and then the passing of Mr Collins himself – it all seemed like a whirlwind of misfortune. Yet somehow, Eliza Bennet had emerged from it all not only unscathed but in an even better position to capture Mr Darcy’s heart.

And then there was the scandal with the youngest Bennet girl.

Caroline had been certain that would be the end of any connection between the Bennets and polite society.

But once again, her hopes were dashed. Mr Darcy himself had intervened, resolving the situation quietly and efficiently.

If anything, it had only brought him closer to Eliza.

As if to confirm her fears, Caroline caught sight of two figures walking arm in arm through the woods below. She recognised Mr Darcy’s tall frame immediately, and beside him was unmistakably Eliza Bennet. It seemed Mr Darcy had abandoned the welcoming party to steal a private moment with her.

Caroline watched as they paused by a stream, Mr Darcy pointing out something to Eliza, who laughed in response. Even from this distance, she could see the easy intimacy between them, the way Mr Darcy leaned in close to speak, the way Eliza’s hand rested comfortably on his arm.

“I believe I see dust from an approaching carriage,” Louisa remarked lazily from her seat.

Indeed, the sound of carriage wheels on gravel could now be heard. Caroline watched as the Gardiners’ carriage arrived, and she could see Georgiana rushing forward to greet the party, her face alight with excitement. Charles was there too, beaming as he helped Jane down from the carriage.

Caroline straightened her posture and adjusted her expression into one of polite interest.

“Shall we go down to greet the guests?” she suggested to the room at large, although her eyes remained fixed on the scene outside.

As the group made their way to the entrance hall, Caroline cast one last glance out the window. Mr Darcy and Eliza were now standing close together, looking out over the lake, their heads inclined towards each other in intimate conversation.

The sight made her heart clench painfully. It was becoming increasingly clear that her long-held dreams of becoming Mrs Darcy were slipping away. But surely, there must still be hope? After all, she was Caroline Bingley. She was not one to give up without a fight.

With a deep breath, she smoothed her skirts and led the way downstairs. It was time to put on a performance worthy of the future mistress of Pemberley – a role she was determined to claim, no matter the obstacles.

* * *

Pemberley Woods - Elizabeth

Elizabeth took in the beauty around her, the river off in the distance, formal gardens and off to the right quiet woods.

She smiled at Mr Darcy, as they proceeded on their walk.

The leaves were brown and yellow, as autumn was arriving in full force.

They lay in heaps under the trees that they have fallen from.

She could only imagine how it would look in a few more months when winter had claimed the woods and fields.

“I can see why you’re so proud of Pemberley, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Though I wonder, do you take credit for the changing of the seasons as well?”

Mr Darcy’s lips quirted into a smile. “I am afraid I cannot claim that particular talent, Miss Bennet. Nature, it seems, is beyond even my control.”

“How disappointing,” Elizabeth replied with mock seriousness. “And here I thought you had a hand in everything that occurs on your estate.”

“Perhaps I should consult with you on how to better manage the falling of the leaves,” Mr Darcy retorted, his eyes warm with amusement. “I am sure you have some innovative ideas on the matter.”

Elizabeth laughed, the sound echoing through the woods. “Oh yes, I have several thoughts on the proper arrangement of autumn foliage. I’d be happy to share them… for a small fee, of course.”

Their banter continued as they meandered through the woods, both reluctant to end their private moment. Eventually, Mr Darcy sighed and said, “We should return to the house. The others will have arrived by now.”

Elizabeth nodded, though her smile didn’t fade. “Yes, I suppose we must. Though I daresay Miss Bingley will not be pleased to see us return together.”

“I am afraid Miss Bingley’s feelings are not my primary concern at present,” Mr Darcy replied, his gaze softening as it rested on Elizabeth.

Elizabeth laughed, “And what is your primary concern at present Mr Darcy?”

Mr Darcy stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression suddenly serious. For a moment, Elizabeth felt her heart skip a beat, wondering if she had overstepped.

“My primary concern, Miss Elizabeth,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving hers, “is ensuring your happiness.”

Elizabeth felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. “And how do you propose to do that, sir?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr Darcy took a step closer, closing the distance between them. “By offering you my heart, if you’ll have it,” he replied, his voice low and earnest. “Elizabeth, I love you. Most ardently. Would you do me the great honour of becoming my wife?”

Elizabeth’s breath caught in her throat. Despite her growing certainty of his affections, hearing the words spoken aloud filled her with an overwhelming joy. She looked into his eyes, seeing all the love and hope reflected there, and knew her answer without a doubt.

“Yes,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “Yes, I will marry you, Fitzwilliam.”

The smile that broke across his face was unlike any Elizabeth had ever seen. He took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips for a gentle kiss. “You have made me the happiest of men,” he murmured.

For a moment, they stood there, lost in each other’s eyes, the beauty of Pemberley forgotten around them. Then, remembering where they were, Elizabeth laughed softly.

“I suppose we really must return to the house now,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “We have some news to share, after all.”

Mr Darcy offered her his arm, his smile still radiant. “Indeed we do. Shall we, my dear?”

As they made their way back to the house, Elizabeth felt as though she were walking on air. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew that with Mr Darcy by her side, she could face anything. Her time at Pemberley, it seemed, was going to be even more wonderful than she had imagined.

As they approached the house, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth slowed their pace, reluctant to end their private moment. Upon entering, they were met by an older woman with a kind face and dignified bearing.

“Mr Darcy,” she said with a nod, before turning her gaze to Elizabeth with obvious curiosity.

“Mrs Reynolds,” Mr Darcy replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “May I introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet? ”

Mrs Reynolds’ eyes lit up with recognition. “Miss Bennet! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. We’ve heard so much about you from Miss Darcy.”

Elizabeth, slightly taken aback by this warm reception, smiled and replied, “The pleasure is mine, Mrs Reynolds. I hope what you’ve heard has been favourable.”

“Oh, indeed it has, miss,” Mrs Reynolds said with a knowing smile, glancing briefly at Mr Darcy, whose ears had reddened slightly.

Mr Darcy cleared his throat. “Mrs Reynolds has been our housekeeper at Pemberley for over twenty years. She practically raised me after my mother passed.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened with interest. “Then I am especially honoured to meet you, Mrs Reynolds. I look forward to hearing all about Mr Darcy as a young boy.”

Mrs Reynolds chuckled. “I’d be delighted to share some stories, Miss Bennet. Perhaps during your stay.”

Mr Darcy, looking slightly alarmed at this prospect, quickly interjected, “Mrs Reynolds, have our other guests settled in well?”

“Yes, sir. They’re gathered in the blue drawing room. Shall I show Miss Bennet to her room first?”

Mr Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, who shook her head slightly. “I believe we’ll join the others for now,” he said. “Perhaps you could show Miss Bennet to her room in about half an hour?”

“Of course, sir,” Mrs Reynolds nodded. “I’ll come find you at half past five, Miss Bennet. That should give you ample time to prepare for dinner at seven.”

As Mrs Reynolds departed, Elizabeth turned to Mr Darcy with a mischievous glint in her eye. “I do believe I am going to enjoy my conversations with Mrs Reynolds immensely.”

Mr Darcy groaned good-naturedly. “I fear I may live to regret this introduction. ”

They shared a quiet laugh, then fell into a moment of silence, both acutely aware that they would soon have to rejoin the others and pretend nothing had changed between them. Mr Darcy glanced around quickly to ensure they were alone, then took Elizabeth’s hand in his.

“Elizabeth,” he said softly, his voice low and intimate. “Before we join the others, I just want to say… I love you. Truly and deeply.”

Elizabeth felt her heart swell with emotion. She squeezed his hand gently, her eyes shining as she met his gaze. “And I love you, Fitzwilliam. More than I ever thought possible.”

Mr Darcy brought her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to her hand. “Soon,” he murmured, “we won’t have to hide our happiness.”