Page 25 of The Painting (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

“M rs Darcy, you look as beautiful as ever,” Mrs Clarke said. “Mr Darcy is expecting you outside—the horses are ready.”

“Thank you, you are as kind as ever, Mrs Clarke,” Elizabeth laughed. I will just check on Andrew and then I will leave.”

“My dear sister—go!” Georgiana interjected. “My nephew is sleeping soundly. I am here, Kitty and Lydia are here too. Julia is only two houses away and Annie and James are ready to help us too. The entirety of Brighton is taking care of your beautiful son.”

“Truly, Lizzy—Jane and Mary are both annoying with their children, but you are the worst,” Lydia said with mock vexation. “You are worse than Mama, who keeps writing to us to take good care of the future master of Pemberley.”

Elizabeth smiled with embarrassment. “Yes, I know I am irritating. Even Fitzwilliam tells me so and Andrew would too, if he could speak. Very well, I will leave.”

“You should, Mrs Darcy. I have been waiting for you for some time, but you are always worth the wait.”

After three years of being together almost every day, she still shivered and blushed when he was near her and could not find sleep or rest when he was away on business.

“As are you, Mr Darcy,” she replied as she took his offered arm .

“You look truly beautiful,” he whispered in her ear, with a voice that bore passionate promises for later.

It was the second summer that they had spent in Brighton since they married.

Darcy had made arrangements to purchase the cottage in the future when Mrs Clarke did not wish—or could not—take care of it any longer.

Until then, he provided the necessary funds to keep it in perfect condition for him and his family.

The Crawfords were all in good health and so was Julia Norwood, happy that her husband had returned home safely. Her children remained friends with the Gardiners, who visited often as close family of the Darcys.

Sir Samuel Fitzroy continued his life amid his loving family. He was proud and honoured to receive regular visits from Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, and even from his wife, and to know his niece Julia was their friend.

As the place where their love had grown and been fulfilled, that part of Brighton—away from the bustle of the town—became a cradle for the Darcys’ affection and passion. While they were often surrounded by family and friends, they always found ways to ensure their much-desired privacy.

The first spot that Darcy had shared with his new wife—who had learned to ride during her first month at Pemberley—was the bay that had once sheltered his turmoil.

Since then, they had visited that place often, either during the day or night, and had discovered many other new places, never tiring of the beauty of the sea.

After their son was born, they returned to Brighton as though it was their second home. While their son was the centre of their lives, they did not abandon their old habits, nor their favourite places—and their evening ride was much-valued private time.

Darcy helped his wife into the saddle and arranged her feet carefully, just as she had once feared him doing. And rightfully so, as his touches were as dangerously delightful as she had imagined when she barely dared to dream of him .

He mounted and she was ready to leave, but he held his horse still, gazing at her.

“What is it, my love?” she asked.

“Nothing…Everything…You…”

“Me?” Elizabeth smiled lovingly.

“Yes. My mother made me promise her that I would marry only a woman with whom I could share a blissful life. A woman that would touch both my mind and my heart. You helped me keep my most important promise to her, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.”

“You never needed any help to keep your promises, my beloved husband. I am just privileged to share the past, the present and the future with you. And this beautiful seaside,” she replied lovingly.

Then she leaned towards him and he briefly claimed a kiss, ignoring the curious glances from the windows.

It was not the first time that Mr and Mrs Darcy had breached the rules of decorum and would likely not be the last either. It was yet another truth universally acknowledged among their friends.