Page 126 of An Unexpected Inheritance

He held her close. “As I love you, Elizabeth. All the true wealth I possess is here in my arms.”

The End

Learn how Mr. Bennet finds his bride in the freeAn Unexpected Inheritancebonus epilogue!

Excerpt from “Love, Thomas”

“Papa!”

Thomas Bennet’s gaze moved from the grand stone edifice of Pemberley to the delighted face of his second daughter, who was at this very moment flying down the steps. Her husband followed, his pace measured and precise.

Then Elizabeth was in his arms.

He embraced her. “This is not how I expected to be greeted by the new Mrs. Darcy,” he said in her ear.

“We have been married six months,” she replied cheerfully. “And everyone has preceded you. The servants are now quite used to the way I greet my family.”

Elizabeth’s husband reached them a moment later—though his steps were slower, his legs were a good deal longer than his wife’s. In fact, Fitzwilliam Darcy was the tallest, largest man Thomas Bennet had ever known.

“Darcy,” he greeted his son. “It is good to see you.”

“Bennet,” Darcy replied warmly. “We are pleased that you have come.” He arched a brow and said, “I believe Elizabeth was surprised that you decided to take the last leg of the trip on your own.”

“A little peace,” Bennet said with a chuckle. “The nearer we drew to Pemberley, the more excited the girls became. I took advantage of having your carriage with us, Darcy, and must hope that their chattering is not as enthusiastic upon our return.”

“You might have kept the coach, you know. My demanding wife was quick to order a new one when we wed. I was told it is the custom.”

Elizabeth laughed and turned to face Darcy, her hands on her hips. “You insisted that the new carriage was for me, despite my protests, and then took over the ordering of it down to the last detail! I believe it wasyouwho wanted a new carriage.”

Darcy shrugged and held out one long arm to indicate they should enter the house. “I only wanted the best of everything for my bride, and I have learnt she does not like to spend money on herself.”

She shook her head fondly. “Men and their carriages. He has ordered himself a curricle as well.”

“I am able to drive my own horses in a curricle, and it can be changed to a gig should one horse go lame. It is an eminently sensible vehicle for local travel,” Darcy said, a soft smile telling Bennet that this particular vice of his son’s had been the subject of a great deal of teasing between the couple.

It did his old heart good to see them so pleased with one another.

When they entered the drawing room, he was greeted by the Fitzwilliams. “Mr. Bennet!” called Mrs. Fitzwilliam, nee Lucas. “How wonderful it is to see you!”

“Bennet,” Fitzwilliam said, a wide smile showing his ease, “I am glad you are come.”

“You shall have quite a house full,” Bennet replied, reaching out to clap Fitzwilliam on the arm. “I am only sorry that your family could not make the trip, Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”

The former Charlotte Lucas offered a smile that rivalled her husband’s. “John’s courtship is proceeding splendidly, did Papa tell you? They will join us in the autumn, perhaps with a new Mrs. Lucas.”

Bennet nodded. “He did and informed me that he heartily approves the match.”

“Let us hope Miss Abernathy approves the match as well,” Mrs. Fitzwilliam replied with a smile.

Fitzwilliam cleared his throat. “The Lucases have remained in Hertfordshire, butmyparents have arrived, and I must beg your pardon in advance. My mother has somehow learnt that you are still searching for a wife.” He winced as his wife elbowed him.

Bennet’s mouth felt as dry as though he was swallowing wig powder.

“Oh dear,” Elizabeth said, biting her lower lip and gazing up at him with wide eyes. “That may be my fault, Papa.” She turned to Fitzwilliam. “Your mother ought to work for Whitehall.”

“Who do you think taught me?” Fitzwilliam inquired.

Darcy cleared his throat. “The countess has taken the liberty of inviting a few candidates to our house party. She did not wish us to say anything, but Fitzwilliam and I thought you ought to be forewarned.”

He had not had any luck finding a woman on his own, that much was true. Meryton had a dearth of eligible, educated women of the age he required. There was no point going to London, for that was not the sort of woman he wanted, and it was such an inconvenient place to visit. He had grown very fond of the quiet country life Longbourn afforded. His only regret was that Elizabeth was settled so far away.

His silence was interpreted as displeasure, though it was only contemplation. Elizabeth leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Truly, I am sorry, Papa,” she said contritely. “I promise that we shall have a marvellous time despite it. Would you like to go up to your chambers and refresh yourself?”

“I would,” he said, and winked at her. “Do not fret, Lizzy. All will be well.”

As he was led up the stairs, he hoped he was not being wildly optimistic.