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Pemberley, Drawing Room - Caroline

I f I might have everyone’s attention,” Mr Darcy said, his voice carrying across the room. “There is a matter of great importance I wish to share with you all.”

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Mr Darcy. Eliza stood beside him, her cheeks flushed but her eyes bright with happiness. Mr Darcy took a deep breath, his hand finding Eliza’s.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that Miss Elizabeth Bennet has done me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage.”

For a moment, the room was utterly still. Then, as if a dam had broken, a flurry of reactions erupted.

Georgiana was the first to move, rushing forward to embrace Eliza. “Oh, I am so happy!” she exclaimed, tears of joy in her eyes. “I’ve always wanted a sister!”

Charles beamed, clapping Mr Darcy on the back. “Congratulations, old friend! I couldn’t be happier for you both.”

Jane’s eyes shone with delight as she hugged her sister. “Oh, Lizzy,” she whispered, “how wonderful!”

Mrs Gardiner smiled knowingly, while Mr Gardiner shook Mr Darcy’s hand firmly. “You’ll take good care of our Lizzy, won’t you?” he said, his tone both jovial and slightly warning.

“With my life, sir,” Mr Darcy replied solemnly.

Amidst the joyful chaos, Caroline Bingley stood frozen, her face a mask of shock. She felt as though the ground had disappeared beneath her feet. All her hopes, all her carefully laid plans, crumbled to dust in an instant.

Louisa nudged her sharply. “Caroline,” she hissed, “say something!”

Swallowing hard, Caroline forced her features into a semblance of a smile. She approached the happy couple, every step feeling like a mile.

“Mr Darcy, Miss Eliza,” she managed, her voice strained, “what a… surprise. Allow me to offer my congratulations.”

Eliza, her face radiant with happiness, thanked her warmly. Mr Darcy merely nodded, his attention quickly returning to his fiancée.

As Caroline retreated, she overheard Georgiana speaking excitedly to Eliza.

“You must come to London with us, Lizzy - may I call you Lizzy now? We have so much to plan!”

Eliza laughed, a sound of pure joy that seemed to fill the room. “Of course you may, Georgiana. And I would love to visit London with you.”

Mr Darcy, standing close to Eliza, couldn’t take his eyes off her. The smile that graced his features was unlike any his acquaintances had ever seen - open, unguarded, and filled with unbridled happiness.

Mr Hurst, who had been dozing in a corner, was finally roused by the commotion. “What’s all this then?” he asked, looking around in confusion.

Louisa leaned in to explain, while Caroline sank into a nearby chair, feeling utterly defeated.

* * *

Pemberley, Drawing Room - Darcy

As the initial excitement began to settle, Mrs Gardiner approached the couple. “My dear Lizzy,” she said, her eyes twinkling, “I believe you owe me the story of how this came about. I suspect it’s quite a tale.”

Elizabeth blushed, glancing at Darcy. “It is indeed, Aunt. Perhaps we could share it over tea tomorrow?”

“I look forward to it,” Mrs Gardiner replied, patting Elizabeth’s hand affectionately.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of congratulations, questions, and barely contained excitement. Through it all, Darcy remained by Elizabeth’s side, his hand often finding hers, as if he couldn’t quite believe she was real.

As the evening drew to a close, Darcy found himself reluctant to part from Elizabeth, even for the night. They stood slightly apart from the others, near the fireplace, savouring a moment of relative privacy.

“Are you happy, my love?” he asked softly, his eyes searching hers.

Elizabeth’s smile was radiant. “Incandescently so, Fitzwilliam. And you?”

“More than I ever thought possible,” he replied, bringing her hand to his lips for a tender kiss.

As they turned back to their guests, both were struck by the same thought - that this was just the beginning of their life together, and what a glorious beginning it was.

The next morning it dawned bright and clear over Pemberley. Darcy woke early, his mind already racing with plans and possibilities. He dressed quickly, eager to see Elizabeth and begin their first full day as an engaged couple.

* * *

Tuesday, 13th of October 1812

Pemberley, Guest Room - Elizabeth

The next morning, Elizabeth woke early, her heart light with the memory of the previous evening. She dressed quickly, forgoing the assistance of a maid, eager to start her first full day as Darcy’s fiancée.

As she stepped into the hallway, she nearly collided with Mr Darcy himself, who appeared to have been waiting for her.

“Good morning, Elizabeth,” he said, his eyes warm with affection. “I hope you slept well.”

“Very well, thank you,” she replied, a soft blush colouring her cheeks. “Though I confess, I was eager for the morning to come.”

Mr Darcy offered her his arm, and together they made their way downstairs. “I’ve taken the liberty of asking Mrs Reynolds to assign Lucy, one of our more experienced maids, to attend to you,” he said as they walked. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Elizabeth smiled. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Fitzwilliam. Thank you.”

“We’ll need to arrange a proper lady’s-maid for you.” Mr Darcy said thoughtful, “But if you like Lucy of course she can be your lady’s maid.”

They entered the breakfast room, finding it empty save for the spread laid out for them. As they settled at the table, Mr Darcy poured tea for both of them.

“I’ve been thinking,” Elizabeth began, buttering a piece of toast, “we should write to my mother today. And I suppose you’ll want to inform Lady Catherine?”

Mr Darcy nodded, his expression turning serious. “Yes, though I don’t anticipate a warm response. I should also write to my uncle, the Earl of Matlock, and to Richard.”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth asked, remembering Darcy’s amiable cousin.

“Indeed. He’ll be delighted, I am sure. And as my closest male relative, he should be among the first to know.”

Elizabeth smiled. “That’s thoughtful of you. I must write to Charlotte as well. She’s been such a dear friend, and I want her to hear our news directly from me.”

“Of course,” Mr Darcy agreed. “And I mustn’t forget Mr Collins, as the master of Longbourn.”

“Perhaps we could spend the morning writing our letters, and then take a walk together?” Elizabeth suggested. “I’d love to see more of the grounds.”

Darcy’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “That sounds perfect, my dear. Though I warn you, between your mother’s likely reaction and Richard’s teasing, we may be in for quite a lively correspondence in the coming days.”

Elizabeth laughed, a sound that warmed Darcy’s heart. “I look forward to every moment of it, Fitzwilliam.”

As they continued their breakfast, discussing their plans for the day and the letters they needed to write, both felt a deep sense of contentment. This was the first of many mornings they would share together, and neither could imagine a more perfect beginning.