Page 45 of When Love is True

O ver the years that followed, the extended Bennet family made it a tradition to gather together every summer. Most often, these reunions took place at Pemberley, the only estate large enough to accommodate the entire family and conveniently located for many members. The estate, with its sprawling grounds and welcoming atmosphere, became a cherished backdrop for the family's summer holidays.

A few years after his marriage to Catherine, Sinclair was granted a living closer to Lambton, making it easier for their family to join the summer festivities at Pemberley. The Collinses, the Linleys, and the Wyndcliffes—formally known as Viscount Andrew and Viscountess Georgiana Liverstone—also made it a point to attend whenever possible, often squeezing in visits between their time spent in London during the social Season. The house would come alive with laughter, games, and shared stories, creating a vibrant tapestry of familial bonds.

However, there were occasions when some family members could not attend the summer gatherings due to various reasons, such as one sister being close to childbirth. The extended family steadily grew, with new additions almost every year for two decades. Each new baby brought joy, but it also meant that the gatherings became increasingly crowded, stretching Pemberley to its limits as the next generation began to marry and start families of their own.

Amidst these joyful reunions, life also brought sorrow. Mrs. Bennet passed away after more than a decade spent at Darcy’s estate in Scotland. Her nurse sent regular reports to the lady’s brothers about her deteriorating condition. During this time, Mrs. Bennet held onto her grievances, never forgiving Elizabeth for what she perceived as mistreatment, and blaming her daughters for “allowing” her to be treated poorly. Occasionally, the nurse would include one of the many letters Mrs. Bennet wrote to her daughters—letters filled with complaints and exaggerated accounts of her suffering—none of which were ever sent to their intended recipients.

When the news of her death reached the family, neither Gardiner nor Phillips felt compelled to travel to pay their respects to a woman they believed did not deserve such courtesies. The timing of her death, in the midst of summer, compounded the indifference, as the letter informing them arrived long after she had been laid to rest. Gardiner took it upon himself to inform his nieces of their loss, though they had all long agreed that they would not mourn for a woman who had not truly acted as a mother to any of them. Instead, they chose to remember the summers spent together, the love and laughter that defined their family gatherings, and the bonds that continued to grow stronger in Mrs. Bennet’s absence.

Richard Fitzwilliam, after a distinguished career as a Brigadier General in the Army, settled down to manage a horse farm he jointly purchased with his friends Darcy and Linley. This new venture allowed him to immerse himself in the daily rhythms of farm life, where he took pride in breeding and training horses sought after by nobility .

During a visit to Pemberley, Richard met Charlotte Lucas, a spinster and cherished friend of the Darcy family. While their relationship lacked the fervour of passionate romance, it was built on genuine fondness and respect. They enjoyed long walks in the gardens and meaningful conversations, finding comfort in each other’s company. Their courtship blossomed into a solid partnership that both families embraced.

To everyone’s surprise, a few years after their marriage, Charlotte announced she was expecting a child. When their son was born, they named him William, honouring Charlotte's father and Richard’s dear friend Fitzwilliam Darcy. This choice reflected the deep connections in Richard’s life.

Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy maintained a deep friendship throughout their lives, a bond that deepened as they faced the many challenges life threw their way. From the early days of their marriage, they leaned on each other for strength and support, creating a partnership that would weather both storms and sunny days. Their journey was marked by trials common to any couple, but rather than allowing these challenges to create rifts between them, each obstacle became a stepping stone toward greater intimacy.

In the years when Pemberley faced lean times due to poor weather or as the nation transitioned from an agrarian society to one driven by industry, the Darcys remained united. They tackled each challenge together, discussing strategies late into the night, making decisions that would benefit not only their family but also their estate and tenants. Their mutual respect and love fortified their resilience, allowing them to navigate even the most tumultuous times with grace.

During the first fifteen years of their marriage, Elizabeth welcomed six children into the world, though their joy was marred by the loss of one precious daughter, little Anne, who succumbed to a childhood illness shortly before her third birthday. Her passing cast a shadow over their household, and they mourned together, finding solace in each other's arms as they reflected on the fleeting nature of life. Darcy’s heart ached not only for their lost child but also for his wife, who bore the burden of their grief with quiet strength. Each subsequent pregnancy filled him with anxiety, reminding him of his own mother’s tragic fate, who had died giving birth to a child that also did not survive. Yet, through this fear, Elizabeth’s determination shone bright, and Fitzwilliam admired her tenacity in the face of uncertainty.

Ten months after Anne's death, Elizabeth brought joy back into their lives with the birth of a little boy, whom they named Richard after Darcy’s beloved cousin. Richard was a bright light in the Darcy household, embodying the same jovial spirit and fearless nature that characterised his namesake. His laughter echoed through Pemberley’s halls, reminding them of the joy that life could still bring despite their previous heartache. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth revelled in their son’s antics, finding in him a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

As the years rolled on, the Darcys nurtured their growing family, cherishing every moment while honouring the memory of little Anne. With each child, their bond deepened, grounded in love, shared experiences, and the mutual understanding that life’s path would inevitably bring both joy and sorrow. Through it all, their friendship remained a constant, the foundation upon which their family was built—a testament to the enduring power of love and companionship.