Introduction

        There are those who are of the firmest belief, when a man takes him a wife she is to be a part of him, not apart from him, and will settle for nothing less than the most violent affections for the woman of his choosing, expecting his bride to share his sentiments on the subject.
        Those who are arranged in marriage come to the wedded bed with little or no knowledge of their intended partner, with submission and acceptance of their expected duty in the appropriation of children, in a marriage brought about to unite connections, family and fortune.
        Unfortunately there are those who ignore proper decorum, marrying for fleeting carnal lust, or the convenience of total want in propriety, whose momentary decision may ensue a most unsuitable wedded state.
        Those fortunate to be amongst the first mentioned find felicity in love, the second left to mere chance, the latter frequently proved a union whose partners suffer indifference, insolence and discontent.
        Most people desire their children to find felicity in marriage, with the hope of propriety, still others will settle for convenience, however, it is a known fact, some cannot agree on the subject among themselves. In Honour and Humility, it was the good fortune of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, belonging to the modest estate of Longbourn, having birthed five daughters, to recently witness the marriage of their two eldest in a double ceremony to two gentlemen of means, known to be the very best of friends.
        Jane Bennet, the eldest, esteemed valued by her mother as the prettiest, was a girl of light chestnut coloured locks, her smooth skin appearing to have a texture of cream. Her gentle demeanour and reserved style only lured a desire to further witness her beautiful eyes, which rendered fairness to her loveliness. Her general fashion, however simple, added refinement with grace noticeable in her strides. She was a dear, kind, sweet girl, quiet with good sense, always seeking the very finest in everyone. Her countenance revealed a most amiable disposition, and who so fortunately, most advantageously fell in love with Charles Bingley of Netherfield Park, a man of inheritance and fine character.
        Charles Bingley was tall with light coloured curly hair, fair complexion owning gentle characteristics. His fashionable attire, always looking quite debonair, always being full of energy and bright expression only improved Mr. Bingley’s pleasing looks. Falling in love at first sight would indeed describe the consequence of Charles Bingley, who upon meeting Jane desired her company, later intending to spend a lifetime together in felicity.
        Her sister Elizabeth dons very different manners; she was more challenging, inquisitive; a higher spirited young woman, whose disposition made presentation of her united frankness, vivacity and good humour. Being fond of the out of doors, she had a quality of freshness in her healthy appearance, which often gave her tanned silky skin more brilliance. Her dark tresses flattered her face revealing the splendor of her fine bright eager eyes, reflecting a delicate complexion of pure loveliness and extreme beauty. Her movements displayed unreserved confidence, more than common gracefulness with charm, giving her form certain elegance. Elizabeth Bennet was of the good fortune, after much anguish and grief, to fall in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man of vast means, whose wealth afforded him the prosperous estate of Pemberley.
        The grand estate of Pemberley was thought to be the finest in all of Derbyshire. Its master, Fitzwilliam Darcy was graced with extreme handsome looks, exhibiting locks of dark curls surrounding his noble mien. His eyes were deep in colour; bright in reflection; his masculine attractiveness captivating, affording a figure advantageous in height, striking in appearance, to which his virile attire so well fitted to his form, provided him marked notability. In public he was notoriously sedate but equally known to be well educated and superior. In his air he permeated society with his excellent breeding, making conspicuous his superior qualities, which on first examination could be mistaken for haughty, arrogant and decided conceit. However, closer inspection exposes the true gentleman, severely honourable, a distinctly unselfish nobleman, flawless in character, tender of heart, the very finest among men. It was equally known amongst his closest acquaintances that Fitzwilliam Darcy was incapable of willfully behaving dishonourably or ignoring his duty.
        As a connoisseur of the fictional world of Jane Austen, I all too soon found myself craving more. Perhaps it is that escape from the realities of everyday life or a mixture of the culture and values that hold the greatest appeal. I believe it is merely a desire to continue a most beloved story that led me to dare such as task as to write in Jane Austen’s shadow. I only know my shared attempts to bring to life the marriage of Fitzwilliam Darcy to Miss Elizabeth Bennet brought encouragement from my youngest daughter Jody who is a steadfast admirer of Jane Austen as well. Through her persistence I set my pen to the page.
        I now take you back to the lives of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet on their wedding journey.

The Wedding Journey

        A fortnight was spent of the wedding journey and the newly wedded couples had been seen about London attending plays, assemblies, taking in reviews as well as visiting various shops. The former Miss Bennets, now so advantageously married, were at the threshold of comforts and consequences of greatness they had only chanced to imagine. Such connections and family had instantly elevated their rank of society, but more importantly, both found themselves in wedded bliss, having secured gentlemen who shared their mutual love and respect.
        Having just breakfasted and escorted his wife above the stairs to their chamber, Mr. Darcy announced to his wife, “Elizabeth, Bingley and I have business to attend in town.”
        Elizabeth’s eyes searched his expression, “Business, will you be gone long?”
        “My dear Elizabeth,” voiced Mr. Darcy, “Bingley and I shall return before early afternoon to be sure. I believe you and Jane may amuse yourselves until then.”
        “What is your business?”
        He stepped toward her taking both her hands in his and kissed them gently. “I beg you not inquire of my business, you will ruin the surprise.”
        “Surprise!” Elizabeth declared with a broadened smile.
        “I confess, indeed there is. You shall be appraised of it soon enough. I must go now to meet Bingley, I am certain he waits impatiently. You know him well enough; he no doubt will suffer any length of separation from your sister. As for my own situation, well . . . I shall hasten my return, you may be certain of it.”
        “Wait I shall, but content, nay it will not do. Only with anticipation shall I wait.”
        Mr. Darcy bowed, then moved in the direction of the door. He paused, slightly turned to look at her once more. “Until I return,” he said, then hastily quit the chamber.
        Elizabeth’s curiosity piqued. Had they not taken in everything about town? She could not help but venture guesses on her own part, but after giving it further thought, she determined to let it be Mr. Darcy’s fashion. She trusted him wholly and completely. She knew whatever it was, it was sure to be pleasing.
        She was at liberty now to go to Jane’s chamber to pass the time, but first lingered at the window to watch her husband’s carriage depart the inn.
        Not being at all prone to self-deception, she consoled herself. Although he was now a striking contrast to the man she long ago thought she knew, she was well aware, when out in society, he could be mistaken for haughty, arrogant and decidedly conceited. Having once erroneously judged him ill with her unhesitating prejudice, she would now cry out against the injustice of any implied doubt expressed by anyone who thought him anything but honourable. She now suffered the embarrassment of her own recollection.
        At his estate, the province where his disposition was sure to possess a freedom of ease, she expected to establish a refreshed understanding of him. Had she not, during the passing weeks, pleasantly discovered his open intimacy, which lacked neither the tendency to conceal his thoughts, concerns or expressions of felicity in his new position as a husband? Although he still retained his quiet reserved, the easiness of his ungoverned demeanour when alone with her, led her to anticipate a likeness to be discovered at his home in Derbyshire. He was a man of perfectly good breeding, a gentleman with correct knowledge of etiquette of court. In her newfound prejudice, she viewed him flawless.
        The carriage disappeared; there was no reason to linger at the window any longer. I must see Jane. Perhaps Mr. Bingley told Jane where they were directed. She paused, after giving the matter further consideration, she promised herself she would not pry from Jane any information.
        Elizabeth knocked on Jane’s chamber door lightly.
        “Come in,” she heard from within.
        As Elizabeth entered, Jane quickly rushed toward her. They joined hands, giggled, embraced, then, hugged again.
        “I’m so happy, Lizzy. I don’t know how I shall bear so much felicity. Oh, I’m so afraid I will wake up to learn it has been a dream. I want the dream to go on forever. In time I wish to present Mr. Bingley with a son. Oh, Lizzy, would that not be the most wonderful announcement? Do you believe I am silly for entertaining such thoughts so early in the marriage?” Jane said with hurried discourse, causing the words to roll off her tongue with ease. She blushed, turning crimson red. “After all, we are still on our wedded journey. I’m so afraid, can this be true, are we really here together, or am I dreaming?”
        “Nonsense,” said Elizabeth, “this is what is meant to be, it is as fate would have it, to be sure. And I’m sure fate will provide you a handsome abundance of children.”
        “I am sure you are right, Lizzy. I am so happy I could burst.” Jane’s brow crinkled. “But Lizzy---- ”
        “But what, dear sister? What is it that troubles you so?”
        “I was thinking, what if something happens to our father?” Jane bit her lip clenching her hands together. “Mother would be forced to quit Longbourn. She would have no place to go. You know the estate is entailed away from the female line and will go to Mr. Collins.”
        Elizabeth stared at her sister, “Do not concern yourself of such matters. There is nothing to be done at present. You have such a propensity to worry for naught.”
        “I shall try, Lizzy,” Jane replied, still clenching her hands, letting out a sigh. “I want so much to be a good mistress of Netherfield Park. But Lizzy, Charles’ sisters still lodge at Netherfield. You know they were opposed to our marriage,” Jane lamented.
        Elizabeth gently touched Jane’s arm, “Do not fret, Mr. Bingley will tend his sisters.”
        Incipient tears welled in Jane’s eyes, “But--- they tried to separate us.”
        Elizabeth managed a forced smile with anxiety knotting her stomach. “Jane, do not give way to trouble yourself with that which has not taken place. It would be in their best interest to rekindle those affections they found for you upon your first meeting if they are to continue at Netherfield Park. You know Mr. Bingley is violently in love with you, he will not allow them to injure you, you may be sure of it. Come, let us savour the delights of the day, this is the beginning of happier times. Now Jane, what do you intend to wear at dinner this evening?”
        “Lizzy, did not Mr. Darcy tell you of shopping journey this afternoon?”
        “Why----no,” replied Elizabeth, noting Jane had not detected her hesitation.
        “Yes, Charles said we are to go to the dress shops to select something of elegance to wear to the ball at the Grand Ballroom near Hyde Park this evening.”
        Elizabeth’s face brightened. Her lips parted with excitement, “A ball!” she lamented with glee.
        Jane swiftly covered her mouth with her fingers, “Oh gracious Lizzy, perhaps Mr. Darcy was going to surprise you.”
        “I’ll not say anything, Jane, perhaps it is to be a surprise, my husband was very secretive when parting, was Mr. Bingley?”
        “Yes, even with his revelation of the dress shops and ball, I daresay it is as you say, he was secretive.”
        A smile overspread Elizabeth’s face, “Well, we shall not ruin their propose.”
        “Surely you are aware,” cautioned Jane, “this has been extraordinary for us, we are not used to such society as this so steadily. Does it not make you uncomfortable Lizzy?”
        “Not at all, I rather think it is easier to adjust to this state of society than to be affluent and find yourself thrust in sudden poverty.”
        Jane eyes widened, “Oh, do not say such things Lizzy, it causes embarrassment.”
        “You had better get used to it Jane, we are now to become accustomed to privileges of a society we experienced infrequently, dreamed of often, but never dared to imagine as reality. We must become accustomed; it will be expected of us; it is our duty.”
        “I suppose it is as you say,” replied Jane. “Still, it is like a dream. Lizzy, what do you suppose our husbands are truly about?”
        “I can not venture a guess, nor would I wish to. Perhaps it is their design to end our wedded journey with unrivaled memories,” Elizabeth replied, then added, “let us agree to let the men have their do. No doubt they have made excellent plans, we are fortunate to be sure.”
        Elizabeth moved toward the door. Placing her hand on the latch, she turned, “Well, Jane, I shall return to my chamber to rest until Fitzwilliam returns.”
        “It sounds like a fair plan, Lizzy, we may require rest for such a fine evening. I am inclined to agree we are indeed fortunate. I can not help but be happy.”
        Elizabeth opened the door; but before closing it, she poked her head in. “Jane, I am well pleased our husbands planned this journey together. Next to Mr. Darcy, there is no other I think so highly of I would wish to share my wedded journey with. Is it not delightful to think our husbands the best of friends as well?”
        “Lizzy, I am sure our husbands are well aware of their excellent plan. I am equally certain they were conscious of the benefits of sharing this time together, for surely it has made it twice the pleasure for all. Indeed I share in your delight.”
        Elizabeth smiled, “It is indeed a pleasure.”
        She returned to her chamber. At the dressing table she stared at her reflection in the looking glass. This was to be their last evening in London, tomorrow they expected to journey home to begin their life together. She gave herself up wholly to thoughts of happiness, delighting in the notion of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley taking the pains to escort them to the dress shops. This would be their third visit to the shops. Had he not lavished her with enough finery? To think all we have been through to reach this end, why it is almost inconceivable. But it is not the end is it? Quite the contrary, it is the beginning, she mused.
        Sometime later, Elizabeth was awakened by manly voices outside the chamber door. She detected low secretive voices before she heard the door latch. Mr. Darcy entered. He immediately directed himself to her side. “I trust you rested well?”
        She smiled serenely, “Indeed I did.”
        “Well then, be off with you, make haste, make yourself ready, your sister and Bingley will be waiting below the stairs.”
        He neared the window as he waited, looking out at the sky. Its great expanse of blue only seemed to add to the delights of their wedded journey. He thought he could not have wished for a more perfect day than this. After a few moments, he strained to catch a glimpse of a familiar figure of a man in the street. He was sure he recognized the man. Indeed his suspicions were correct. The man was George Wickham. Whatever is he doing here? He mused. I supposed him to be in the north country? He soon realized, without doubt, the woman with him was not his wife. Upon closer examination, he concluded the woman accompanying him was no stranger to him as well. He cautiously turned to view his wife, then turned his attention back toward the street. He watched as the couple crossed over to the other side. His thoughts of a perfect day quickly dissipated.
        It took Elizabeth an instant to make herself ready. She laughed to think, by sheer coincidence, no prodding or prying, but by the mere transfer of general information, she found him out. She dared not put their plan to ruin. That would not be acceptable. She turned to advance toward him; “I am ready to take my leave.”
        Mr. Darcy swiftly moved away from the window.
        “Are you unwell Fitzwilliam? You look suddenly pale.”
        “I’m quite well thank you, uh----, I was just deep in thought, that is all.” Attempting to change the subject, he extended his arm to her, “Dearest, come here.” He then guided her to the dressing table. “Study the looking glass. Do you make the same claim as I?”
        “And what claim is that Mr. Darcy?”
        “The reflections in the looking glass, they are two so wholly and completely one, are they not?”
        “Yes, it is as you say. Should we not direct ourselves below the stairs without further delay? Jane and Mr. Bingley must surely be waiting.”
        Mr. Darcy neared the window again. Seeing no sign of Mr. Wickham, he turned back to her. “Yes, we must go, make haste.”
        Jane and Mr. Bingley had not arrived as yet. Mr. Darcy impatiently paced, frequently peering out of the window in search of Mr. Wickham. Much to his relief, he was nowhere in sight. Elizabeth smiled at what she perceived as his seldom seen manner of excitement.
        “It is a very fine day, the carriage awaits us,” said he.
        “Oh,” she replied, “do we require a carriage?”
        “Yes, we have found a special place we wish to introduce you and Jane.”
        “I’ll be content to let it be a surprise,” uttered Elizabeth sheepishly.
        “Indeed you will,” replied Mr. Darcy, “for I shall not tell you where it is we are taking you.” His voice was pleasantly teasing, causing Elizabeth to burst into a giggle.
        Jane and Mr. Bingley finally arrived. Elizabeth noticed Mr. Darcy quietly directed the driver before boarding. They traveled for a time until the carriage halted in front of a row of small shops. “Come,” said Mr. Darcy, “we shall start here.”
        Immediately upon their entry, the shopkeeper advanced toward them. Mr. Darcy directed, “Show the ladies finery, attire fit for a ball, spare no expense.” He paused, adding, “Make haste we have other shops to visit.”
        “Very good sir,” the shopkeeper retorted in a spry voice.
        Elizabeth immediately found her choice. She was fitted with a dress the colour of sage, garnished with lace edgings, trimmed with a wide sash. How lucky was she to have found a dress so well fitting to her form, thought she. She owned nothing in comparison. She modeled it for Mr. Darcy, who, much to her delight, was well pleased. He neared her, “My dear, you look quite fashionably smart. I daresay I view the shopping a success.” His description broached expressions of enthusiastic admiration. His eyes became gentle. “You looked uncommonly beautiful, I am certain you will be admired by many this evening.”
        Jane’s choice of a dress in pink with French lace flattered her figure. It added brilliance to her already fine complexion. Mr. Bingley’s favour was of no surprise to anyone. His gasping reaction and brightened eyes revealed full approval. He struggled to speak. “I am delighted. Jane you look absolutely marvelous, indeed splendid.”
        Mr. Darcy looked at the shopkeeper, then gave a nod, “We shall take them.”
        After securing the dresses, they were shuttled to several other shops. Before the close of the afternoon, Jane and Elizabeth were in possession of complete attire. Nothing was spared in terms of expense. They were to be newly clothed from head to foot. Nothing was overlooked.
        Elizabeth, having been educated of this before parting the inn, had no idea as to the total extent of the shopping journey. She determined she was pleasantly surprised after all. She was glad her husband mentioned the ball, she no longer had to pretend she did not know of it.
        “Come, the carriage awaits us,” Mr. Darcy announced, once again instructing the driver before boarding. Sitting next to Elizabeth, he exchanged a sheepish grin with his good friend Mr. Bingley, whose expression did little to hide his enthusiasm.
        “Why do you smile so, what are you about?” inquired Elizabeth.
        “You will know soon enough. Have patience,” Mr. Darcy coyly replied.
        Mr. Bingley smiled, “You must indulge us.”
        Elizabeth’s inquisitiveness increased. Unable to contain herself any longer, she commented, “I’m sure whatever it is, we shall be delighted to assist you in the adventure.”
        Their husbands chuckled in a teasing manner. The carriage traveled several blocks, finally coming to full rest in front of a row of shops on a narrow cobblestone street. Having dismounted, the men escorted the ladies into still another shop. They soon realized they entered a gentlemen’s shop.
        The shopkeeper afforded them chairs to sit as they watched their husbands disappear into the rear of the place. About five and twenty minutes following, the gentlemen re-appeared. They were fitted with complete evening dress. Spiraling slowly, they neared their wives. The ladies stared in stunned silence.
        “Well----. ” Mr. Bingley smiled broadly, braking the silence as their wives continued to gape. “Have we your approval?”
        Jane and Elizabeth glanced at each other, then simultaneously replied, “Indeed!”
        They rose from their seats, giggling at their response.
        Elizabeth studied her husband with greater admiration. His masculine attractiveness captivated her ability to articulate her delighted emotion. His virile attire well fitted his form, providing him unquestionable notability. Although he was generally thought of in this fashion, unto himself he gave his advantageous looks little attention and oft times failed to see it.
        “It becomes you very well,” Elizabeth remarked soberly. Staring deep into his eyes, she made herself nearer to him. His striking noble form captivated her. Thinking him a figure of manly beauty, she could not dislodge her eyes from him. He was towering and magnificent, more exquisitely distinguished than ever she imagined. She stood momentarily transfixed. “Oh . . . my dearest . . . I can scare take breath. My heart beats rapidly.”
        “You approve?” questioned Mr. Darcy with earnest hope.
        She felt her face warm. It coloured a deep shade of red as she explained in a low whispering voice, “Approve, how could I not approve. I once thought you to be the most handsome among men, now at this very moment, I confess you have outdone yourself. She swallowed hard, taking in air, adding quietly, “It is just that you continue to astonish me, you take my breath away at the mere sight of you.”
        Mr. Darcy gazed passionately into her fine eyes while taking her hands in his. He lifted them slightly before affectionately giving them a squeeze, never taking a second to remove his eyes from hers. So taken with each other momentarily, they well nigh forgot where they were. Suddenly realizing he still held her hands, he inhaled, letting loose as he released his breath. Both lingered speechlessly mesmerized, not another word was spoken.
        Jane addressed her husband, “Charming, you look so dashing, very elegant. This suits you well, you look fashionable indeed.”
        Mr. Darcy regained his poise. He was not disposed to public display. He viewed such behaviour beneath his dignity, causing him to feel quite undone. “We purchased the attire this morning, shall we continue?”
        “I believe we shall,” stated Mr. Bingley before the ladies could reply.
        The shopkeeper wrapped their previously worn clothing. After settling the costs, they were on their way. They proceeded next to the haberdashery to acquire the accessories the shopkeeper had in his keeping since the morning hours. Their appearance, having delighted the ladies beyond expectation, brought additional pleasure, especially to Mr. Darcy, who now felt a compelling desire to be alone with his wife.
        “Now, what do you say we return to the inn, perhaps you ladies might wish to consider preparing yourselves for dinner and the ball this evening?” asked Mr. Bingley.
        “Very well,” responded Jane.
        Elizabeth took the disengaged arm of her husband, snuggling close to him in the carriage. Mr. Bingley brought Jane’s hand to his lips and softly kissed it. “I do declare, for all appearances, we are the height of happiness, indeed it is so,” described Mr. Bingley. “I do believe we are the two happiest couples in all of London at present, possibly ever!”
        Arriving at the inn, the gentlemen insisted they should like to go for a turn while the ladies dressed for dinner. “After all,” Mr. Bingley excused with persistence, “we are completely attired and have time for a turn about the grounds. I do expect we both shall benefit from the freshness of the air. We promise to return directly.”
        Mr. Darcy nodded in agreement. Having announced their plan, they quickly accompanied the ladies to their chambers, then quitted the inn in obvious haste. Elizabeth noted their secretive manner once more. Her propensity to be curious lent disbelief to the vagueness of their claim, more so, due to the unnatural actions of Mr. Bingley. He was clearly anxious to quit their presence.
        Some time hereinafter, their husbands returned directing themselves above the stairs. Elizabeth, now formally attired, was sitting at the dressing table when Mr. Darcy made his entrance. As her ladies maid quitted the chamber, he neared the dressing table. He stood behind her for a moment, admiring her presentation in the looking glass. His face suddenly appeared over her left shoulder. He leaned in toward her, eyeing her through the looking glass, then kissed her softly on the cheek. In a tender whispering voice he proclaimed, “You look absolutely radiant.”
        Her eyes gleamed as she gazed back at him through the looking glass, captured once again in that hypnotic state as their eyes reciprocally locked, unable to sever. They lingered, momentarily speechless, caught in the rapture of the moment.
        “You possess the ability to disarm me with your dark fine eyes,” he complained with passionate utterance. He brought his hands from behind his back, circling them around the front of her. He carefully placed an emerald necklace about her throat. Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears of joy as he secured the delicate latch, gently kissing her cheek again with an amorous purr.
        “Oh----, how breathtakingly beautiful” she said slowly. “You possess exquisite taste, but I fear you are much too generous. I should never have expected anything this fine,” she softly added, her voice trailing in disbelief of the beauty and extravagance of his gift.
        Her words startled him to full composure. “Why ever not?”
        “I do not know,” Elizabeth answered in a small voice, her eyes now looking down at her lap. “I never expected it, never thought of it, it is so beautiful, you are much too generous.” She raised her eyes to view the jewels through the looking glass. “The emerald induces me to reflect on the beauty of the countryside.”
        “It does not do you justice, there are no jewels in comparison to such beauty as yours. Though I thought it rather elegant, I had a severe desire to present it to my handsome wife, I simply decided you should have it.”
        His praise was gratifying. Her heart was lastingly touched. She remained speechless, embarrassed by his revelation of deep affection. Self consciousness induced her face to colour, causing her to feel intimately warm. Overpowered by feelings of inspiring affection, Elizabeth stood to embrace him. They stood gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes.
        “Perhaps we better be on our way,” noted her impassioned husband.
        “Yes----yes, I quite agree,” she replied, realizing their imposing power over each other.
        Jane and Mr. Bingley awaited them. “There you are,” cried Mr. Bingley, “I thought you would never come. The carriage just arrived,” he announced, then added, “are you unwell Darcy?”
        “Very well, thank you, why do you ask?”
        “Well---- when you come below the stairs, you appeared preoccupied, as though your mind were elsewhere. Your face is a bit flushed.”
        “Allow me to assure you Bingley, I am well. I look forward to a most complete evening,” he replied with certainty. He could not publicly speak of his intimate thoughts of desire, which induced the distraction.
        “Oh, Jane, the dress looks lovelier on you now than in the shop,” Elizabeth noted.
        “What a magnificent necklace,” Jane commented as she studied Elizabeth’s throat. “It flatters your attire. Mr. Darcy has exceedingly excellent taste, does he not?”
        “Indeed he does, and look at you Jane, your necklace is very beautiful. It complements your dress very well.”
        “Yes, Lizzy, I agree. Mr. Bingley thought the opal would surely flatter the pink dress. It adds just the right quality to the style, would you not agree?”
        “Oh yes, Jane, I believe it does.”
        They could not control the urge to hug one another. As they exchanged a hug, Jane whispered softly into Elizabeth’s ear, “I’m convinced of your earlier declaration Lizzy, you are absolutely correct, it is fate indeed, it is all meant to be.”