“I am only thankful that you agreed to give our children traditional middle names, Will. No Greek gods or Egyptian queens for the Darcy-Bennet children!” Lizzy commented. “Madeline Francis and Isabella Anne are beautiful names and our daughters will be proud to announce their names. I know we did argue about Bennet’s middle name, but I could not agree to ‘Aristotle’ because of the awful initials! I am glad you were able to choose another.”
William chuckled, “I liked Bennet Aristotle Darcy but I suppose you had a point about the initials, Lizzy. B.A.D. is not something I would wish for our son to be known as and Socrates was the father of philosophy so it is better. I won my bet and I am glad you honoured it, even if it was to a second choice.”
“It is certainly better than Richard’s choice in his son’s name!” Lizzy laughed, “That poor child, Zechariah Wellington Fitzwilliam... He will not know how to spell his name until he is well over thirty years old!”
“Richard is extremely proud of his wife and son and I have never seen my uncle happier. The earl’s middle name is Zechariah and he is absolutely in love with his grandson. Uncle Henry will be happy with their next child, whether girl or boy, and Richard is hoping for a daughter next. Uncle Henry adores Laura now and accuses Richard of not acting sooner to capture Laura as his wife.” William smiled. “I am glad I was able to capture you at seventeen, my love, but I would have waited for you, even if you were a spinster at the age of five and twenty.”
Lizzy giggled, “You do realise you are positively ancient, do you not? If I am a spinster, then you are an old, decrepit man!” She stood and ran away from him after her joke.
William easily ran after her and swung her around in circles as they both laughed. “Minx! I might be old in comparison but you will certainly keep me young. We are here for another week for Easter then off to London for the season. What do you say we work on our next child, Lizzy, or have you had enough of me?”
“Never! I will never get enough of you, my love.” Lizzy smiled. “Perhaps our next sons will be named ‘Plato’ and ‘Aristotle’. When we return home to Netherfield, could we plant trees at Oakham Mount for each of our children, Will?” She embraced him around the waist. “One tree for each child so they will have their own adventures? Although I love the tree here, I love our tree at Oakham Mount best and I am eager to see how much our saplings have grown at Pemberley. We have three so far and I hope for at least a few more.”
“Are you willing to try for nine, Lizzy?” William wiggled his brows in tease. “I am certainly willing to put in the effort as long as you can bear me.”
Lizzy smiled, “One at a time, Will. Once precious child at a time.”
The loving couple walked back into Rosings for a short respite before joining the rest of the family for their annual Easter dinner. The Darcys, the Bennets, and the Fitzwilliams had begun many family customs and gathered frequently together to celebrate the many blessings in their long lives. The traditions continued on for decades and Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne thanked the heavens daily that the young girl, who had literally fallen into their son’s arms so long ago, had brought many joys to their family throughout the years.
Lady Anne smiled tenderly while she held her husband’s waist at the window, as they looked down onto the gardens to see William and Lizzy walk arm in arm. “Oh, Mr. Darcy, God has been very good to us.”
Mr. Darcy kissed her temple, “Yes, my dear Anne, we are most blessed. And it all began with that hoyden of a girl who wished for adventures in her life. We are part of that adventure and I am most happy to experience more with you.” He leaned and kissed her lips affectionately with all the love in his heart.
The End
