For the benefit of Tom and Mary - complete
“I like him for you, Mary. I think you have chosen well.”
Mary blushed again. “You truly think so?”
“Setting aside the fact that he is a handsome barrister of good character with excellent prospects? Yes, of course I do.” Lizzy looked at her sister pointedly. “In all seriousness, Mary. I have been acquainted with the man for no more than two hours. I have stood together with the pair of you in the same room for approximately two minutes. That is time enough to see how patently obvious it is how much he adores you, and you him. It would be impossible to believe that you will make for anything other than a very happy couple indeed. Certainly at least as happy as Jane and Bingley, though I cannot say if you will be quite as unbearably in love as myself and Darcy…”
Mary rolled her eyes, but took her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Thank you, Lizzy,” she said softly. “For everything.”
Lizzy paused to study the rosy brightness in her sister’s cheeks, the lightness of her smile. It was a look that she wished she had seen more of during their youth. Tears pricked the backs of her eyes. “Happiness looks very well on you, my dear Mary,” she replied. “That is all the thanks I need.”
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The last chapter of this story is now up on Ao3! I have had so much fun writing this one (literally giggling all the way through to the end), and I hope you find it a satisfying conclusion.
