[ UNDERGOING EDITING 08-18-24 ]
- Ever since she could walk, Elodie Bennet had expectations set upon her, as many other women did. As the second eldest, she was meant to care for her younger sisters and fulfill her duties without complaint.
Bei...
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EPILOGUE.
The Darcy carriage ambled down the familiar road toward Longbourn, the rhythmic sound of the wheels on the gravel almost soothing.
Inside, Elodie sat close to Mr. Darcy, their daughter nestled between them.
The little girl, just two years old, gazed out of the window with wide eyes, taking in the world beyond with the curiosity only a child could have.
Elodie reached over and smoothed a dark curl from her daughter's forehead, her fingers lingering for a moment as she watched her with a tender smile. "It feels like a lifetime ago since we last traveled this road." She said.
Mr. Darcy turned his gaze from the window to his wife, his expression warm. "Yes, it seems much has changed since then." He replied.
Their daughter let out a string of senseless babbles, as if in agreement, and Darcy chuckled, reaching down to gently lift the little girl onto his lap. "What do you think, Anne? Are you ready to see where your mother grew up?"
Anne looked up at him, her large eyes blinking before a small smile spread across her face. Darcy's heart swelled as he kissed the top of her head.
Elodie watched them, a glow of contentment in her eyes. "She'll love it." She murmured, resting her head on Darcy's shoulder.
The carriage passed through Longbourn's gate, which had been newly restored with the help of Mr. Bingley, its iron bars now gleaming in the afternoon sun.
As the house came into view, Elodie's heart swelled. The estate looked much the same as it had when she'd left four years ago, yet there was a new vibrancy to it, a new level of happiness that Elodie basked in.
The moment the carriage rolled to a halt, the front door of the house burst open, and her family spilled out onto the front steps. Arms waved wildly in the air, and the sound of cheerful voices reached Elodie's ears even through the closed carriage window.
She leaned forward, her breath catching as she took in the sight.
Jane was the first she saw, her serene beauty undiminished by the years, and her gentle smile as radiant as ever. Her stomach protruded outward, the fourth member of her family nearly due to arrive.
Mr. Bingley stood proudly by her side, his own face lit with a warm welcome.
Just behind them, Kitty and Lydia practically bounced with excitement as they eagerly awaited the moment when they could rush forward.
Mary stood with a dignified calmness, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, while Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with mischief and joy.
