Page 57 of Through the Eyes of Love

“We asked Mrs. Reynolds about it, and she said the enchantment is simple: people in love see each other through the eyes oflove. When I look at my husband, all I see is his handsome face. When he looks at me, he tells me how beautiful I am.”

Jane wiped her happy tears away with her handkerchief. “I am so delighted for you both. You doubted me when I told you that one day you would meet the lucky man who recognised your worth and that you would become the happiest of all your sisters—but I was right. If I could only know half your joy, I would be satisfied.”

“Dearest, I predict that you will know more happiness in life than you ever imagined.”

“I am not ready to think about that yet but someday, I hope your prediction comes true,” Jane said with tears still in her eyes.

Fitzwilliam joined them and asked, “Are you well, Jane?”

“Yes, I am just overjoyed to be with Lizzy again, as well as to meet you. Where is my uncle?”

“He was concerned about being away from your aunt when she was unwell, so he returned to Lambton. One of our carriages will take you back to the village whenever you wish.”

* * *

The followingday

The Bennet sisters were seated together in the drawing room while the Gardiners visited friends in Lambton. “Would you consider remaining in Derbyshire when our aunt and uncle return to town?” Elizabeth asked, recalling her discussions with her husband before her family’s arrival.

“I know they love me, but I have nothing but an irritating mother and two silly sisters awaiting me in Hertfordshire. But where would I stay? There is not enough room for me here in the cottage.”

“Darcy owns many properties in this area, and we would like you to consider living at Stockton Hall—a small estate that is unoccupied. Mrs. Reynolds will have it thoroughly cleaned and hire the necessary servants, and Mr. Bethel, our steward, will take care of any needed repairs.”

“Is it far from here?”

“That is the best part—it is less than an hour away and you will have a carriage at your disposal. My husband is the mostthoughtful man—he knows how much we love being together, but we both realize how important your solitude is.”

At that moment Fitzwilliam entered the room.

“I have no words to thank you both for your offer to stay nearby,” said Jane. “For the first time since Papa died, I have something to look forward to but how. . .how can I ever repay you?”

Fitzwilliam held out his palms. “There is nothing to repay. You are my sister too, and we take care of our family.”

“Well, I suppose it is all settled, then. I shall tell our aunt and uncle when I go back to the inn, and I shall write to Mama with the news. The Gardiners plan to return to London in a few weeks. How soon do you think I can move in?”

“Let me speak to Mrs. Reynolds and my steward and I shall let you know. It was occupied until last year so it should not be more than a few weeks. I believe you will be able to move in before your aunt and uncle’s departure.”

Elizabeth was so overjoyed, her cheeks hurt from grinning. “Oh Jane! To have you living so close is the answer to my dreams.”

“And mine as well.”

* * *

Elizabeth wasproud of how well the gardens now looked. She guided her uncle Gardiner along one of the many gravel paths. He had always been interested in plants and flowers, and he marvelled at what had been accomplished in the relatively short time since the fire.

She had to stop herself from continuing in the vein she had started. Otherwise, she would have said,“One day, my husband found me in the rose garden cutting away the burnt stalks and asked me what I was doing. I told him how Mama showed mehow to trim the roses at Longbourn after a frost.”She would always keep her time in service a secret.

Uncle Gardiner stepped up to her. “Lizzy, I have never seen you so happy. Darcy seems like a fine man. While we were fishing, he and I had an interesting discussion—he has many creative insights for the future. We are both forward thinking and will join together to invest in steam power and other modern innovations. You have both been very generous in offering Jane a home. I am certain your Papa would have approved of your husband.”

“Thank you. I too believe he would have.” She was quiet as she recalled her memories of the man she loved. “Now, let me show you some of the other areas the groundskeepers are working on.”

* * *

“I amdelighted to see how contented you and Lizzy are. Pray call me Aunt Gardiner.”

“My family calls me Fitzwilliam or Darcy.” He was relaxed speaking with his new relative and was eager to hear what his new aunt had to say.

“Your wife spoke to me about some of the difficulties you experienced during your engagement.”