The Heir and Spare (Jane Austen Adaptations)

Epilogue

Fitz felt manipulated into planning and hosting a huge engagement ball for his brother. Certainly they must have one, but he, Fitz, would just as soon be anywhere else.

He stood at attention next to his brother and Miss Elizabeth, and he had to grudgingly admit that she was much better for him than she would have been for himself. She was, in fact, somewhat demanding, and he would have tired of her own excellence which would have urged him to be better all the time. Were there not moments when one and all should rest?

“Brother, you are frowning.” Miss Elizabeth placed a gentle hand on his arm.

“I must not be feeling overly pleased.”

She laughed. “Come now. It cannot be as bad as all that. Your servants have handled all the details. And surely there is someone here who is handsome enough to tempt you?” Her eyebrow rose in a wicked challenge.

He groaned.

“What is this?” Arthur stepped closer. “What do you mean handsome enough?”

Miss Elizabeth smiled. “That’s a story best heard from the lips of Fitz himself.”

He sighed. “It is not the large upheaval she makes of it.”

“Oh, but I think it is. I suspect it is the very thing that almost kept us apart.”

She nodded. “Partly, yes.”

Fitz rubbed the spot between his eyes. “I was tired. I did not feel like dancing, and Bingley was a pest. So I told him that your Lizzie was handsome but not enough to tempt me.” He winced. “Brother, please do not pummel me at your own party.”

Arthur grew still.

But Lizzie leaned closer and kissed his cheek. “I was mad enough for the both of us. Let us forget it ever happened.”

“Fitz will suffer for that.” Arthur stood taller. “Be aware, brother, there will be consequences.”

“Of that I’m certain.” He leaned closer to Lizzie. “Not sure why I deserved that.”

“Just some sisterly teasing. It comes with the territory, I’d imagine.” She looked past him. “Oh, look alive. Here is someone I would like for you to meet.”

Miss Vincent had outdone herself. She stood tall and flowing and ethereal as she floated into the room and joined the line of greeters.

Fitz followed her gaze and then remained riveted on her. “Who is this?”

“That, my dear brother, is Miss Vincent and the only person I can countenance you marrying.”

He tutted at that. “You, my sister, do not get a choice. But she is most definitely handsome enough.” He visibly swallowed and straightened his coat.

When Miss Vincent was close enough, Lizzie embraced her. “Oh, it is good to see you.”

“And you. So pleased that I could witness the beginning.”

“I, as well. Now, might I introduce you to Darcy’s brother?” She placed a hand on Fitz’s arm.

“Goodness me. You’re a twin.” She looked from one to the other. “And I met the other?”

Arthur stepped forward. “You did, indeed. It is so good to see you.”

She received his bow and then turned to Fitz. “And you are someone I find myself interested in knowing.”

He opened his mouth and then closed it again. Then he cleared his throat. Lizzie nudged him. “I, as well. Rather, I’d like to meet you, to know you.” He looked away. “Would you save me a dance?”

She nodded with a wink to Lizzie. “I would like that.”

“Thank you.”

Many minutes after she moved down the line, Fitz watched her wherever she went in the room and when, at last, the music began and the line of greeters dwindled enough, he went immediately to her side.

Luckily, his ability to speak had returned by then.

Lizzie watched them together. “I do like Miss Vincent.”

“As do I. But you know we can’t be choosing Fitz’s wife.”

“And why not?” She laughed. “No, I know. But I do believe they’ve made a good beginning of it, don’t you?”

“I do.” He pulled her close. “And now, might I dance with my fiancé?”

“You might.” She placed her hands in his. “How soon is the wedding day?”

“Ten days.”

She sighed. “What if we just showed up at the church and asked Mr. Miller to marry us forthwith?”

“And then host a ball on the wedding day but not tell everyone that we’re already married?”

She laughed. “Something like that, yes.” Her eyebrows raised in challenge. “I don’t know if I want to wait ten days.”

“Nor do I.” He lifted her fingers to his lips. “But at least you are here at Pemberley. I couldn’t abide you being at Longbourne.”

“Nor I.”

He spun her in a circle just the two of them before joining a line of people to begin their dance. “I love you, my Lizzie.”

The End.