“None whatsoever.” She sat beside him, and sighed with contentment. “I’m so happy to see you this evening. It seemed a long morning.”
He chuckled. “I think you will soon see more than enough of me while we are on our tour.”
She laughed. “Are you going to tell me the itinerary, yet, or do you still wish it to be a surprise?”
He glanced at her. “I would wish each day to be a surprise, Elizabeth, but if you’d like to know, I can share it with you.”
She thought a moment. It seemed he had carefully planned this, and she didn’t want to spoil things. “Perhaps we could share the plan for each day the evening before?”
He nodded thoughtfully. “I’m looking forward to showing you places you have never seen, Elizabeth.”
She looked up to answer, but her father had come from the sitting room.
“Are you going to join us?” he said mildly.
William had risen to his feet. “A moment, if you will, sir.” He reached into his pocket, and withdrew a tiny box. “I have a small gift for your daughter to commemorate the occasion, and I wonder if you will consent?”
Papa nodded. “Of course.” He watched as William handed her the box.
Elizabeth took it carefully, her heart in her mouth. The square-cut emerald, surrounded by a setting of diamonds, glittered on the silken lining of the box, the fine gold chain flowing from it. “Oh! It’s beautiful!” Nearly speechless, she touched it gently. “I’ve never seen anything so lovely.”
“May I have your permission, sir?” William asked her father, who nodded, the lines deepening on his face.
William reached into the box, and carefully lifted out the delicate necklace. Divining what he was about, she turned slightly away, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck tingling with his proximity as he fastened it round her neck.
“Thank you, William. It’s very beautiful.”
He dipped his head, and she could see his gaze trying not to follow the line of the chain as it dipped to her bosom. “For a beautiful lady.” His eyes could meet hers now, dark with desire.
She swallowed.
Her father cleared his throat. “All right, perhaps you can come and join us, now?” He sounded a little gruff with emotion, and Elizabeth smiled at him. “Of course, Papa.” She tucked her hand into William’s proffered arm, and they followed him into the sitting room.
He politely turned to her mother to greet her, but fortunately Mama was very taken up with Colonel Fitzwilliam, unconscious of the rigid politeness keeping the boredom from his face.
Elizabeth smiled as she took William over to join her aunt and uncle. She much appreciated her heightened ability to sense what others were feeling — greater than any other she knew. Was that what William referred to as her rare ability? She thought so, and perhaps at first it had drawn his attention to her.
But now his care was for her, not merely to gain her assistance, and she knew that as surely as she knew her own feelings. She would enjoy the day tomorrow, but she was also determined to help him to enjoy it too.
“Might we join you, Aunt Gardiner?” She had been so glad when they had arrived this afternoon, and she’d had several happy hours’ conversation over tea.
She talked of light things with her aunt, happy to see that William was soon deep in conversation with her uncle.
“It’s been lovely to talk, Lizzy,” her aunt smiled, “but I think you need to go and talk to your father for a little while. After all, he will miss you most of all, I think.”
Elizabeth hesitated, and Aunt Gardiner shook her head.
“Leave him here with your uncle. I will make sure all will be well.”
Elizabeth nodded. “All right, Aunt.” She rose and crossed the room, sinking into the empty chair by her father.
He reached over and took her hand. “Are you a little nervous, Lizzy?”
“About the day going well, Papa, but not about marrying William.”
He chuckled. “I am very taken with him for you, Lizzy. I think you’ll be very happy.”
She leaned forward and kissed him affectionately. “Thank you. I am sure of it.” She looked up as Hill came in to announce dinner.
She smiled at her father, and rose to her feet, rejoining William to take their place at the table. He bent his head close to her. “Is all well, Elizabeth?”
She smiled up at him. “Very well, William.” She let the expression in her eyes become mischievous. “I will be interested to discover where we are dining tomorrow!”
Chapter 59
Darcy rose early the next morning, after another restless night. He stifled a yawn, knowing his tiredness would drop away when he saw Elizabeth. But he had breakfast to endure first. With his uncle and aunt here, it would not be as relaxing as if it was just their original party.
He washed and dressed carefully, glancing at his wedding clothes hanging in the closet. Mr. Maunder was padding quietly around, clearing away the shaving paraphernalia, and preparing everything for when he got ready just before the ceremony.
But first — breakfast.
He turned into the dining room, finding himself to be the first downstairs. He nodded at the footman and went to stand by the window while the aroma of the coffee awakened his senses.
“Thank you.” He accepted the cup gratefully. Was it normal to feel this numb?
“Good morning, Darcy!” Richard strolled into the room, seeming quite at ease.
Darcy nodded at him, still running through in his mind the timetable of the occasion. Richard came to stand beside him.
“Try and relax, Darcy. Everything is organised; nothing will go awry.”
“You have the ring?” Darcy was still trying to think of every little detail.
“Relax, Darcy!” Richard said firmly. “I am groomsman to you, and it is my task to organise the day and ensure all goes well.” He bent a stern eye on Darcy. “I hope you trust that I am capable of it?”
Darcy grimaced. “I’m sorry. Of course I trust you.”
“Then please allow me to do my job,” Richard laughed. “And you will be quite occupied with yours.”
Darcy stared at him. “What is that?”
“Why, to be nervous and bumbling around,” Richard clapped him on the shoulder. “It will give me the opportunity of organising you. Now, come and eat breakfast.”
Darcy wasn’t hungry, but he endeavoured to hide the fact as the rest of the party gradually assembled.
His uncle rumbled his approval as he sat down to the laden table. “It is obliging of you to host us for the occasion, Mr. Bingley.”
“You are most welcome, sir, at this happy time.” Bingley had only just arrived back from escorting Mrs. Bingley to Longbourn, where she was to attend Elizabeth.
Darcy managed to prevent himself interrupting to ask Bingley whether all was well at Longbourn, and he noticed Richard relaxing cautiously.
Richard turned to Georgiana. “Is all well with you? You’ll stay with Mother until after we have seen your brother and his bride off this afternoon, and then we’re able to stay here for the night and go to London tomorrow.”
Aunt Alice smiled at her. “I understand you’re very fond of Miss Bennet already, Georgiana?”
“Oh, yes, Aunt! She is such a wonderful person.” Georgiana turned to Darcy. “You’re going to be so happy.”
He bowed his head at her, trying not to smile foolishly.
“Well, I look forward to getting to know her better,” Aunt Alice put down her teacup. “It’s a great pity that we could not travel down in time to become better acquainted before the wedding — but at least you brought her to see us briefly in London, Darcy.”
He nodded. “I’m sure you’ll get on with her very well, Aunt.”
Uncle Henry leaned forward. “Yes, Darcy, you must bring her to London as soon as possible after your tour. She will need to know about the family, and become involved with things.”
Darcy looked over at him. “I have planned the tour to fini
sh at Pemberley, Uncle. Elizabeth is to be mistress of Pemberley, and I wish her to enjoy it for the rest of the summer at least.”
His uncle grunted. “Perhaps we might come up to Matlock while the House is in recess,” he grumbled, “although it will be most inconvenient.”
Richard laughed. “Hayden Hall can do with being opened up, Father. You have not been there for many months.”
The trifling conversations on such an important day were driving Darcy slowly to distraction. He glanced at Richard, and he sat forward.
“We had better go up, Darcy. I expect your man is nearly ready with your bath.”
Darcy rose to his feet with alacrity. He bowed at them, smiled apologetically at Georgiana, and left the room with Richard.
“Thank you for assisting my escape, Richard,” he groaned. “I was about ready to jump out of my skin.”
“So I could tell,” Richard said. “Anyway, I will deliver you to your servant, and return for you when you are dressed.” He was as good as his word, and an hour later, they descended the stairs together.
Darcy’d had time to think during his bath, and he was grimly determined to behave exactly as a gentleman would, and not to make any error that might embarrass Elizabeth. He almost smiled. How was she feeling?
“It’s all right to smile, Darcy,” Richard commented. “You’re not made of wood, and you mustn’t try to be.”
Darcy glanced at him. “How should I behave, then, Richard? I should not like to embarrass Elizabeth.”
He heard his cousin sigh as they descended the outside steps towards his coach. “Think of it as a normal church service, Darcy, and don’t worry. It is not set as an ordeal.”
Darcy climbed into the coach, and Richard followed, still giving him advice. “Bingley managed the service well when he married, didn’t he? And you have a greater intelligence, so you will do quite well.” He settled onto the seat opposite Darcy. “Smile at Elizabeth, let her feel that you are pleased to be making her your wife, be sincere as you say your vows, and take the time you need to make it memorable.”
Darcy nodded, repeating the remarks to himself. At the church, they settled into the front pew, and waited as the church began to fill with friends and family. He was abominably impatient. After ten minutes or so, his uncle leaned forward from the pew behind.
“Is that the mother?”
Darcy didn’t look over, but he nodded — the piercing whispers were unmistakable. He knew his neck was flushing a dark red. He could sense his uncle’s disquiet. But it was too late for him to say anything, and Darcy was glad of it.
He had a moment to be grimly amused that Richard would have a difficult job of managing the wedding breakfast. He hoped that Mrs. Bennet would be overawed by the presence of aristocracy, and be quieter than normal.
At last, the quiet organ music swelled a little louder, silencing the hum of conversation among the congregation, before it changed to a triumphant march, and Darcy’s heart began to pound.
He stood, and stepped to the end of the pew. Only then did he permit himself to look to the back of the church where Elizabeth was standing, hand on her father’s arm.
The breath left him. She was beautiful beyond everything he had ever imagined. He’d known she was entrancing before this day, but as she stood there, he could not tell what was different, only that he had never seen her so radiantly lovely as this day.
“Breathe, Darcy. Don’t forget to breathe.” Richard’s murmur almost made him smile.
Chapter 60
Elizabeth looked towards the altar. William was waiting for her, tall and handsome, his dark eyes fixed on her.
Beside him, Colonel Fitzwilliam in his regimental uniform; beyond them, old Mr. Stephenson, clutching his prayer book, and finally, the sun, sending rays of multicoloured light through the stained-glass window, spilling over the floor.
It was like a fairy-tale, and she felt her lips curve. She would love it, and she hoped it wouldn’t discompose him too much.
She glanced behind her. Jane, smiling serenely, who’d been with her since early morning.
A look along the crowded pews. All her family and friends from the town. She was surrounded by a sense of belonging, of happiness for her.
And she was marrying the man she loved.
Her father looked at her quizzically. “Are you well, Lizzy?”
She realised she’d been standing still, just drinking in the atmosphere. “Oh, sorry, Papa. It’s just a fairy-tale. I will never forget.” She leaned over and touched her lips to his cheek, through her veil. “I’m ready.”
When they reached the front of the nave, she moved up to stand beside William. Ignoring convention, she leaned slightly toward him. “I’m here, I love you,” she murmured, and felt the tension within him begin to ease.
His eyes were dark with passion as he looked down at her face. “Thank you,” he breathed, and they turned to the front.
The vicar looked at each of them in turn, and opened his prayer book.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony …”
Elizabeth listened to his voice, happy to be here, happy to be surrounded by those she loved, but with a slight tinge of sadness that so few of William’s family were here. At least Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam supported him and made her feel welcome, and his aunt and uncle had made the journey to Meryton.
She pulled her mind back to the present moment. He was standing beside her, concentrating on the service, his responses clear and direct.
“I will,” he answered, and the vicar turned to her.
“Elizabeth Frances, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
She turned to look William full in the face. “I will.”
His gaze was fervent, and she knew how fortunate she was.
The vicar turned to her father.
“Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?”
Papa stepped forward and took Elizabeth’s right hand, lifting it towards Mr. Stephenson. Then he stepped back and the vicar placed her hand in William’s. She felt the heat of his touch, and was sure he had, too.
William didn’t take his eyes from hers as he made his vows to her. “… to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part …”
His sincerity was absolute, and she appreciated what it had cost him to hold her gaze. She squeezed his fingers slightly as she made her vows in return, and when he came to place his mother’s ring on her finger, she thought her heart would burst.
Kneeling beside him for the final prayers, Elizabeth wondered that any day could ever be more perfect, and she turned and smiled at him. They had a lifetime together to find out.
* * *
Outside the church, her hand on his arm, she began to greet the guests, feeling as if she could never stop smiling.
“Mama!” She kissed her mother, “don’t weep, we will have the whole town at Longbourn soon, and you must be strong.”
William was smiling at her indulgently; then a slight pressure on her arm. “Might you greet my uncle and aunt?” She looked up, he seemed a little anxious.
“Of course, William.” She allowed him to lead her over to where they were standing a little aside, very out of place, Georgiana beside them.
“Lord Matlock, Lady Matlock,” Elizabeth curtsied deeply. “I am grateful you were able to come to our marriage.” She turned to Georgiana.
“I have a wonderful new sister,” and she embraced her gently.
“Thank you, Elizabeth. You know I always wanted a sister.” Georgiana’s eyes were shining. Elizabeth squeezed her hand an
d turned back to William’s uncle.
“It’s a great honour to see you, my lord.” She could sense his disapproval, rather more so than when she’d been introduced in London, and tried to make an effort to please him. He seemed slightly mollified, before he turned to William, and she noticed he didn’t offer his congratulations.
She thought she knew the reason for that, and it was that he had suddenly seen her family. She clenched her jaw, he would have researched her background, surely, before giving his blessing to them?
The countess slipped her arm out of her husband’s and took Elizabeth’s. Walking slightly aside with her, she whispered. “Don’t be downhearted. You’re a very resourceful young lady, you must know that the first sight of your family would have been a little surprising to my husband.”
Elizabeth raised startled eyes to the lady. “I thought he would have studied the family, my lady.”
The countess laughed gently. “Indeed, but you must own that the first sight of them might have been unexpected, Elizabeth, — I may call you Elizabeth?”
“Of course, my lady.” Elizabeth didn’t know quite what to think.
“I am sure you understand why my husband is taken aback, Elizabeth. Just as I understand you’re very good for William.” The countess smiled complacently. “I could see that when I met you before.” She walked a few steps further with her. “Everything will turn out well, my husband will come round, you know, when he sees how much better Darcy will be with you beside him.” She squeezed her arm. “Write to me, Elizabeth, and we may get to know each other until we have the opportunity of meeting again.”
Elizabeth nodded and was about to reply, when her father approached, looking harassed.
“Lizzy, where is Mr. Darcy? I think Colonel Fitzwilliam is looking for him. The coaches are waiting, we must begin to make our way to Longbourn.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Be easy, Papa.” She looked inwards for a moment. “I believe … he is over there,” she indicated the side of the church, and looked for him. “Look, there, with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.”
“Good.” Her father hurried away, and the countess laughed softly.
A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10) Page 24