Page 31 of Once He Made a Beginning

Elizabeth explained what its effect on her had been, and how gradually all her former prejudices had been removed.

“I knew that what I wrote must give you pain, but it was necessary. There was one part especially, the opening of it, which I should dread your having the power of reading again. I can remember some expressions which might justly make you hate me.”

He took her hand in his.

“When I wrote that letter, I believed myself perfectly calm and cool, but I am since convinced that it was written in a dreadful bitterness of spirit. I hope you burned it.”

“No—”

“I rather wish you would. I hate your being in possession of something that serves as a constant reminder of events best forgotten.”

She raised her brow. “You appreciate the irony in such a speech, do you not?”

He colored. “I—I⁠—”

“My love, I am only teasing you! You are far too serious, sir,” Elizabeth said, her fingers lightly tracing the line of his jaw. “And here I had fancied myself having accomplished my mission to bring more laughter into your life.”

Their eyes met—his soft with affection. “You have, my love, which is why I insist you destroy the letter, for I shall spend a lifetime making up for any past wrongs,” he murmured, pulling her gently into his arms and kissing her temple, his lips lingering as if to seal the promise. “No doubt, you will find yourself with more letters pleading my love and devotion than you could ever imagine,” he added softly, a hint of playfulness in his voice. “Who knows? You might even tuck a few within the pages of these books for future generations to stumble upon.”

Elizabeth smiled at the thought, her heart full as she nestled in his arms. “Perhaps I shall,” she whispered, already intent on treasuring every letter he penned.

Darcy, feeling the warmth of her embrace and the soft promise in her words, reflected on how far they had come, both as a loving couple and in his own path to becoming deserving of Elizabeth’s love—indeed, a woman truly worthy of being pleased. The trials he had endured, from the fog of forgotten truths to the clarity of understanding, and his relinquishment of arrogant pride—all had paved the way for the happiness he now felt, a happiness he had sensed, deep within, would surely emerge—once he made a beginning.

The End