Page 56 of Letters By Candlelight

Miss Anne de Bourgh shockingly eloped with her young doctor, throwing her mother into despair and increasing her rage at Elizabeth Bennet, who she held responsible for that tragedy and many others. Her brother, the Earl of Matlock, sternly advised her to change her behaviour and to accept her daughter and her new husband at Rosings, since Anne was the rightful heiress and could throw her mother out of the property at anytime. But Anne chose to claim only part of her inheritance and to live in her townhouse with her husband, tightening the bonds with her extended family—including the Darcys—and staying away from her mother.

Mr. Collins and Charlotte were blessed with a son, who had the approval and the protection of Lady Catherine. Not by choice, but because they were the only ones who remained close to her and were willing to treat her with consideration.

Lost in her reflections, Elizabeth felt a warm presence behind her and her husband’s scent made her dizzy, even before his arms embraced her.

“Are you ready, my love?” he whispered, his lips brushing over her earlobe and sending shivers all through her body.

“Almost. I only need to check on George for a moment and I will join the others,” she whispered, resting in his arms briefly and yearning for the time of their shared passion that would come later that night.

“I saw him a moment ago. He is sleeping soundly; his nanny is with him, and so is Georgiana, who has barely put him down, and Mrs. Reynolds. All the children are properly resting, Mrs. Reynolds assured me.”

“I do not doubt it, the efficiency of the Darcys’ household is well known,” Elizabeth teased him and their lips touched briefly.

“You should know that better than anyone, Mrs. Darcy. Now let us go, we are expected for Christmas dinner. I confess I am eager to start it, so we can end it and I can finally be alone with you. I have missed you dearly today.”

“So have I, my love. But yes, let us start the dinner before you end it,” she laughed.

They left the room arm in arm but before they entered the dining room, they saw Mrs. Reynolds was waiting for them.

“My dear Mrs. Darcy, there is something of great importance that I would like to tell you,” the housekeeper said affectionately.

“Of course,” Elizabeth smiled.

“We, the entire household, have a present for you. If you would be so kind as to come only for a moment. I do not wish to delay you, but they are all waiting.”

Elizabeth was momentarily disconcerted, looking at her husband, then she smiled at the housekeeper.

“Please lead me to them, Mrs. Reynolds.”

In the entrance hall, the entire household was gathered in complete solemnity, waiting.

When the Darcys arrived, the staff bowed and curtseyed properly.

“Mrs. Darcy, we wish to offer you something. It is from all of us,” the housekeeper said, obviously overwhelmed by emotions that soon touched Elizabeth too.

The butler was holding a black velvet box; he handed it to Mrs. Reynolds, who took it and offered it to Elizabeth. She opened it with surprise, delight and disbelief. It was a pearlnecklace with a cross pendant of gold and small garnet pieces, obviously expensive, a beautiful work of art.

Before Elizabeth had time to express her gratitude, Mrs. Reynolds opened the cross. Inside, there were two small engravings. On one side it said ‘To Mrs. Darcy’ and on the other side ‘From the Darcy Household’.

Elizabeth gasped, looked at her husband who seemed as surprised as she was, then looked at the people in front of her, fighting her tears. Their sacrifice to purchase such a piece must have been significant but even more, she saw the affection in their eyes and on their faces.

“This is beyond beautiful. I would thank and embrace each of you, but only tomorrow, as now I am already crying,” she said, and everybody laughed with delight.

“Mrs. Darcy, we do not expect you to wear it. We know that it is not much compared with your jewels. But we wished you to have it nevertheless.”

Elizabeth stepped forward and took the housekeeper’s hands in her own then looked at each and every person that stood before her.

“Except for a gift from my sister Georgiana and those from my husband, which are so dear to me, this is the most beautiful and valuable present I have ever received and I will cherish it more than I can say. I will be proud to wear it from this evening forward, on many occasions. Please put it on,” she addressed her husband, who helped her with more emotion than the staff had ever seen on the master’s face.

Darcy removed her old necklace and put on the new one, which immediately shone against her skin. Elizabeth touched it with trembling fingers and then quickly walked down the line of servants so everyone could see it. She had no time to embrace and to thank each of them, but her heart, her respect and her affection were clear in her expression.

Moments later, Mrs. Darcy took her husband’s arm and walked towards the dining room. Before she entered, she turned with another grateful look to those who had practically brought her to Pemberley and opened her path towards happiness.

But they were not there any longer. With their well-known efficiency, the staff had already returned to their duties. With another smile and her heart filled with gratitude, Elizabeth attended her own, joining the family party.

THE END