“You’re very attuned to him, Elizabeth. I look forward to seeing what you make of your marriage and Pemberley.” She nodded and slipped her hand from Elizabeth’s arm and returned to the earl’s side.
Elizabeth watched her go, smiling, then turned to find her husband.
Chapter 61
Darcy assisted Elizabeth into his coach. Just the wedding breakfast now, only a few hours to go. He climbed in after her.
The coachman lifted the step and closed the door behind them, and he found himself alone with Elizabeth — properly alone, for the very first time — as the coach rocked and the horses moved off.
She reached out to him, and took his hand in both of hers. “William. I know we only have a few minutes, and I want to say thank you — thank you for the most wonderful day of my life. I appreciate so much the effort it must have cost you.”
He gazed at her face, and his heart pounded. They were alone. But Longbourn was only a mile from the church, a journey of only a few minutes duration. He smiled slowly, and raised his cane. He rapped it sharply on the roof of his coach, and he saw her blush.
The coach stopped, and when the coachman came to the door, Darcy glanced back at Elizabeth before speaking to him.
“Take us around the town before going to Longbourn, please. About half an hour.” Her gasp told him that wasn’t right. “No, make it twenty minutes.”
She was laughing quietly. “Oh, William, what will Papa say when the receiving line is without the bride and groom?”
He looked at her in consternation. “Ought I to …?” But she had reached for his hand.
“No,” she whispered. “Just make the most of the time we have. Today they will forgive us anything.” She leaned against him, and, greatly daring, he placed his arm around her, his heart pounding.
She sighed with contentment, and rested her head on his shoulder.
He drew her closer, wondering at the feelings washing through him. The scent of lavender rising headily round him, the warmth of her body against his. One finger under her chin, tipping her face up to his; then tracing her lips, his finger tingling, disbelieving that this was now permitted, and she had agreed to be with him for as long as their lives would last.
“I love you, Mrs. Darcy. I am honoured you have become my wife.”
“And I love you, William. Together forever.”
He sat in utter contentment as the coach circled the town, then turned into the drive at Longbourn.
* * *
He smiled as he saw Richard and Mr. Bennet waiting on the steps, their expressions clearing as they saw the coach.
Elizabeth seemed amused as she saw them. “Perhaps we were a moment or so too long.”
Darcy climbed down and turned to offer his hand to Elizabeth as she descended the steps.
“We began to despair, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet said mildly. “The Colonel assured me that he didn’t think you’d go straight on tour without saying goodbye to your sister first.”
Elizabeth spluttered with laughter beside him, and her father smiled reluctantly.
“Well, come on in, then. We must toast your marriage.” Mr. Bennet led the way towards the house.
Richard bowed at Elizabeth. “I think you might be leading Darcy astray already, Mrs. Darcy.” He smiled appreciatively. “It will do him good.”
Darcy snorted, but he was enjoying Elizabeth’s lightness of spirit, and delighting in her infectious happiness.
As they entered the house, Richard leaned over. “You might need to mollify my father fairly soon, Darcy.”
“Very well,” Darcy steeled himself for the next few hours. He must ensure he caused no offence, didn’t spoil Elizabeth’s day.
First, Mrs. Bennet. He led Elizabeth over to his mother-in-law, his heart sinking. But he was surprised to find she was quite subdued compared to how he had seen her before.
He bowed to her, and she inclined her head, but didn’t stand up. He looked a little more closely, she looked rather pale beneath the over-rouged cheeks. Surprisingly, he found he knew what to say. “I wish to thank you, madam, for managing such a wonderful occasion for us. Your daughter is most beautiful, but I do hope you are not too fatigued.”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy!” she exclaimed. “You are right as always. It is a terrible strain to manage such a big wedding, but your understanding is most appreciated.” She turned to Elizabeth beside him.
“And, Lizzy, you were so lovely today — but where were you? You could hardly become lost in such a short distance.”
“Mama!” Elizabeth laughed. “We wanted to fix the memory in our minds forever! But we’re here now, and I’m looking forward to talking to everybody.”
Mrs. Bennet waved dismissively. “Well, off you go, Lizzy, and enjoy yourselves.”
Darcy was astonished by her good humour, but they took the opportunity afforded them and moved away. Elizabeth looked up at him.
“Perhaps we should find your uncle now.”
He nodded, and they began threading their way through the many guests. She embraced her sister as they passed, promising to return to her in a few moments, and he saw his aunt and uncle sitting in the main part of the sitting room. Georgiana was sitting with them, looking a little overawed at the sheer number of people in such a relatively small room, and Darcy leaned over to Elizabeth.
“There they are, Elizabeth.”
She smiled back. “All right.” She looked unworried by Richard’s earlier implication that his uncle might be discomposed with their tardiness, and he felt awed again by her talent at knowing the right things to say.
She curtsied respectfully at his aunt and uncle. “Thank you so much for your patience, my lord. I know you appreciate your nephew’s wish to allow me a memorable day.”
A muffled snort from Richard behind them confirmed to Darcy that Elizabeth had hit the perfect note.
Uncle Henry looked a little nonplussed. “So that’s what it was, was it?” He glanced at his wife, who nodded imperceptibly, and turned to Elizabeth. “Well, you made a lovely bride, young lady, and I can see you’re already going to be an asset to the family.”
Darcy felt his jaw drop. He had never imagined Uncle Henry, of all people, would ever speak in that fashion — even to his own children.
“Thank you, my lord. I hope to live up to your expectations.” She smiled at him. “I know you must wish to talk to Mr. Darcy, so, with your permission, I’d like to take Georgiana to meet some more of my family.”
Darcy felt utterly bereft as Elizabeth moved away from his side, and he watched her as she walked away, talking animatedly to Georgiana, who looked absorbed in their discussion.
“Sit down, Darcy.” Aunt Alice patted the chair vacated by Georgiana. “Elizabeth will be back soon, and you have several weeks to fill with conversation.”
He took the seat, but smiled at his aunt. “We have a lifetime to learn about each other, Aunt Alice. I am not sure it will be enough.”
Her delicate eyebrows rose. “You are much changed, Darcy.” She laughed. “I think marriage will suit you.”
He smiled tightly. But he had certain matters to undertake. “I have told Richard where to find the proposed itinerary of our tour, although it may, of course change due to inclination or weather.” He rubbed his forehead. “I have told Georgiana I will write to her every few days, and when we reach Pemberley, I will inform her. Richard will bring her to join us after a further two weeks.”
His aunt nodded. “You are being very wise, to allow Elizabeth enough time to settle into being mistress of Pemberley. Georgiana is delighted at your choice. She will be all right with us for as long as you need.” She glanced at her husband. “Go now, and do your duty. Then you can get away promptly. I hope you do not have a very long journey before you stop for the night.”
Darcy swallowed at the thought of the night to come, and pulled his mind away quickly. “Less than two hours, Aunt Alice.”
“Good,” she dismissed him with an approving nod, and he went in sear
ch of Elizabeth and Georgiana.
Chapter 62
Elizabeth kissed her parents and embraced Jane, suddenly aware of the enormity of the change in her life from now on, and finding herself putting on an act of confidence she didn’t actually feel at the thought of these next few hours.
William stood quietly beside her. Was he uneasy, too, she wondered? It was hardly something she could ask him, and she almost laughed at the thought of such a conversation.
He offered his hand as support as she climbed into his coach, and she noticed a second coach behind them, laden with trunks and boxes. Her lips twitched, but she schooled her expression to seriousness as he climbed in beside her.
A small frown line between his eyebrows told her he’d noticed something, and she shook her head.
“It was just a passing thought, William. Let us wait until we are on our way.” She leaned toward the window, and watched her family waving as the coach jerked into motion.
As they turned the corner, and Longbourn was lost to sight, she settled back, and looked at him. “It was nothing, William. I was merely amused that such a short tour needed so much baggage. But of course, it includes everything I have to move to Pemberley.”
His gaze was warm and caring. “Of course, Elizabeth. And if the weather becomes inclement it is better for your maid and my valet and steward to travel inside the second coach, rather than have to sit out on this one.”
He reached out and took her hand, pressing it to his lips. “Elizabeth. Mrs. Darcy. It feels as if I have waited too long to be able to take you as my wife.”
She leaned against his shoulder. “I’m beside you now, William.”
He moved his arm around her and drew her to him. “Thank you.”
They sat in silence for a short while, before she stirred. “Might you tell me how long the journey is to wherever we are going, William?” she murmured.
His lips touched her hair. “I have kept the journey as short as possible, Elizabeth. I thought you might be fatigued by now. It is but twenty miles.”
She looked up at his face. “Thank you, you’re most thoughtful.”
His expression was impassive, but the emotion burned in his eyes, and she felt her heart begin to race. Alone for the next hour, no one to see. Might he …?
His arm drew her closer, and his hand lifted, tangled in her hair. “Elizabeth,” he groaned. “I cannot believe …” then his lips were on hers, gentle, almost tentative, and heat spread though her body, his scent all around her, his heartbeat strong against hers.
A few moments later, he lifted his head, his smile a little crooked. “I must bear my desire in patience, Elizabeth. It would not do for us to arrive in a state of déshabillé.”
She straightened up, and looked at him contritely. “I’m sorry, William. I should not tempt you.” She let her eyes dance at him. “Let us talk of the weather.”
His shout of laughter was infectious, and soon they were sitting close together, talking of the day’s events.
“I’m sorry your uncle seemed embarrassed by my family,” she said ruefully. “I had convinced myself that he had researched us before you introduced me to him.”
His arm tightened round her shoulders. “Do not be distressed, Elizabeth. I think you have quite won him over already. And Aunt Alice will ensure it. You have a certain ally in her.”
“I like her very much, William. She has asked me to enter into correspondence with her until we are able to meet again.”
“I think it’ll be a very good idea, Elizabeth, if you are happy to.”
She laughed. “I hope I will have plenty of time, William. I have promised Georgiana, and Jane, too, that I will write often.”
A dark flush stained his neck. “What sort of things do ladies talk about in their letters?”
She squeezed his arm. “Do not be discomposed, William. Most of the talk will be of where we are, and how I am enjoying it. I will not talk of anything private, I am sure you must understand that.” She snuggled closer. “I may talk about you, and say you are the most wonderful husband any girl could ever wish for …”
He grumbled under his breath, but his lips touched her forehead.
“I trust you absolutely, Elizabeth, I’m sure you know that.”
* * *
She sat up as the coach turned into the grounds of a lovely, rambling manor house, rather than the inn she was expecting, and her hands flew to her cheeks. “William! I was expecting an inn, not to be guests of people I do not know! Please, tell me about them quickly, so that I do not embarrass you.” She was acutely dismayed, having hoped to have just his company, especially this first night. He had arranged privacy at Netherfield for Jane and his friend, why …?
But his arm was tight, crushing her to him. “Elizabeth, I would never expect that of you. There is no-one here except the servants. This is Shendish Manor, near King’s Langley, and Lord Langley has made it available to us while they are in London.” He looked down in concern. “We will have more privacy here, and more space and comfort than in an inn.” There was an anxious tone to his voice and she hastened to reassure him.
“Oh, William. How kind of your friend. I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion.” She looked at the approaching house. “It looks very grand. Is it bigger than Pemberley?”
His lips twitched. “Not really, it’s different.”
She looked at him. “So is Pemberley much larger than this, William?” She didn’t know this new relaxed William, and was rather suspicious of her ability to understand him.
“A little, but this will do us very well for several nights until you are rested, dearest Elizabeth. The gardens are a lovely place to wander around tomorrow, and it will assist us into a slower frame of mind after the pressure of the last few weeks.”
She sighed. “It sounds wonderful. Thank you for thinking of it.” The coach rocked as the coachman climbed down and she straightened up, patting at her hair, hoping she did not look in too much disarray.
William looked as if he stifled a smile at her actions and climbed down from the coach, turning to assist her.
She looked up at the house. “It feels very welcoming.”
He nodded. “The Langleys are very kind people.” She climbed the steps on his arm, and they stopped to be greeted by the butler and the housekeeper.
As they entered, she looked around her with a lively interest. While only a little larger than Netherfield, it had a cosy, family feeling; much more welcoming than Netherfield — certainly the Netherfield managed by Caroline Bingley.
She was certain Jane would make her home much more homely, but only if they stayed there. Perhaps Mr. Bingley would find the closeness to Longbourn rather difficult to manage after a short while.
She became aware of William’s quizzical gaze. A slight pressure on her hand, and she moved on with him into the drawing room, where a welcoming, but unnecessary, fire leapt in the grate.
Two maids hurried in, supervised by the housekeeper and set out silver trays of tea and plates of pastries.
“Thank you, Mrs. Prebble.” Elizabeth smiled at the housekeeper, who curtsied before leaving the room.
They were alone.
William led her to the sofa by the fire and sat beside her, sighing deeply as he leaned back.
She turned to him. “You may rest now, William. There is no one here you need to be on guard for, no one who must be satisfied.”
He reached his hand out to her. “You are here, Elizabeth. You are the most important person to me, and I wish to please you always.” He sat forward, suddenly utterly serious. “Please, promise me that if I ever seem to offend, you will tell me what I have said that is so wrong and forgive me, for I would never wish to hurt you.”
She put both hands round his, the warmth and strength giving her courage. “We must always be honest with each other, William. I, too, have my faults; Papa always says I have too much pride, and I am also too much of a tease sometimes.” She smiled at him. “Promise me that you will tell
me if I ever seem to cause confusion, or say something that might cause hurt.”
She carefully placed his hand down. “Permit me to pour your tea.”
There was a tightness around her heart as she poured the tea. There was little time now. Tea, perhaps a walk round the near part of the gardens, and dinner. Then they would retire, and for the first time, a man would share her bed. Her heart was racing.
The teacup rattled in her grasp as she carried it to William. What would it be like? How could she help him if he was anxious, too?
He’d noticed, she knew that, as she returned with her own cup and placed it carefully on the small table beside her. He took her hand again.
“Please do not be afraid, Elizabeth. We have all the time we need, and I will take the greatest of care.” His regard was warm and caring, and she smiled.
“Thank you, William. I trust you.” She bit her lip, “and want to please you.”
His fingers traced along hers. “You can never fail to please me, Elizabeth, my beloved wife.”
Chapter 63
Darcy didn’t stay to sit alone over the port, but accompanied Elizabeth to the drawing room immediately dinner was over.
The meal had been small and intimate, but neither had been able to eat very much. Nor had there been much conversation.
Before dinner, he had watched from the hall as she had retired upstairs with her maid. There she had changed from the exquisite gown she’d worn for the wedding into a lighter gown, the same dusky pink of the autumn roses at Pemberley, with a way of swirling round her slender frame as she came towards him that made him swallow, and heat spread through him.
He had bowed. “Loveliest Elizabeth,” and he had taken her hand and pressed it over his heart. “You have a great effect on me.” She had blushed and smiled, and he’d led her into the dining room.
But now, there was an hour or so before they could decently retire, and the constraint between them seemed to be insurmountable. He heartily wished the time away. Tomorrow would be better; tomorrow they could be easier in each other’s company.
A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10) Page 25