Revelations

by Kirsten Bij't Vuur

  After so much dry talk, Elizabeth started to show some signs of rising spirits, and indeed she soon made Darcy very happy by teasing him to tell her how he ever managed to fall in love with her, a country girl of little fashion and no connections. Darcy relished her playfulness, her wry humour, and they had a lovely hour of conversation, after which they carefully checked their surroundings and indulged in a few stealthy kisses.

  With their engagement approved of by her parents, Darcy dared to imitate Bingley in holding hands in public and sitting very close to Elizabeth most of the time, talking and laughing together even throughout dinner, even when in company of Elizabeth's aunt Philips and the Lucases. Marrying one of their own had clearly gained him some respect in their midst, but fortunately they did not treat him as familiarly as they did Bingley, or he would be stuck with one or the other of them for the entire evening!

  Their three weeks of courtship passed by rather quickly, in the first week Darcy rode to town to get their licence and make arrangements for their wedding, which was to be quite a large affair after all, since Darcy felt a certain need to acknowledge his bride to his friends and his entire acquaintance after Lady Catherine's abuse of his dearly beloved. Having written his aunt to announce his engagement, she said such horrible things of Elizabeth, and behaved so despicably towards Darcy's family, trying to get them to denounce his fiancée, that Darcy begged Elizabeth to give his connections the chance to show him their allegiance and their acceptance of his choice. Though not entirely resigned to being the shining focus of attention for so many people, most of whom she didn't even know, Elizabeth did realise that he really needed to prove his devotion to her by doing this, and in the second week she allowed him to take her to London with her sisters to choose a stunning new gown, new dresses for her bridesmaids Georgiana, Kitty and Mary and even a new carriage. Darcy had a ceremony arranged in an important church, and a party afterwards, the venue a beautiful historical building Elizabeth approved of wholeheartedly, set in the middle of a large park, with plenty of space in the main ballroom for everyone to dance. But between all this, they had plenty of time to get to know each other even better, and to kiss and fondle a little whenever they were able to find a quiet spot to do so.

  And Darcy soon found himself sought out by Mr Bennet, who invited him

  over to his library some evenings to talk about the news, and books, and other things that they both liked, and one day they rode out together to shoot. Mr Bennet soon had to acknowledge his wrong, and he did it creditably.

  'Mr Darcy, I owe you a rather profound apology. I cannot but admit I was mistaken in my disappointment at Elizabeth's choice of a husband, I should have put more trust in her as well as in her powers of choice. You have proven you are actually the man Elizabeth told me you were.'

  Though Darcy was thrilled to hear this, he observed, 'Please don't be too hard on yourself, Mr Bennet, you didn't have much opportunity to see my real character, I have never been able to be my true self when visiting Hertfordshire. Besides, your daughter improved my manners a lot, sir, the man you used to know was in a way really me, I did feel above the company most of the time.'

  And there, Mr Bennet showed some self-knowledge.

  'Well, son, I must admit I dislike parties as well, the foolishness of people in general can be difficult to bear. And you did pick out the only sensible woman I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, well, besides my sister-in-law I guess. And Jane isn't all that bad either.'

  As they got to know one another better they started to appreciate each other more and more, and soon Mr Bennet was as dear to Darcy as the Gardiners had become. Mr Bennet approved of a large wedding.

  'Though Elizabeth will not enjoy the occasion as much as most ladies would, I agree that you need to show the world that you were not hooked, but made a deliberate choice to wed her.'

  And so the day neared that they would become one forever. After the wedding they would stay in London for their wedding night, and travel to Pemberley the next day for a two-week honeymoon. Then they would move back to London and stay there until spring, when Darcy needed to be available to his steward once more for planting time. Of course there would be Bingley's wedding as well, in December, taking them back to Hertfordshire for a few weeks, with Georgie this time.

  Frankly, Darcy couldn't wait to be alone with his bride, and not just for the pleasures of the flesh, though he was looking forward to those as well.

  Realising neither of them had any idea of what to expect of their first night together, he had scoured his London library and found several manuscripts

  in none too obvious places that he expected to give him an idea, he especially had some hopes of the neutrally-bound bundle of contemporary short stories of a rather explicit nature that was among them.

  And although the stories answered to his wish for more information completely, finally giving some details on what was supposed to be going on in a private bedroom on a wedding night, making him feel a little more secure in making that particular night a success for both of them, he still found the prospect of just being alone with the woman of his dreams the most enticing. Not having to make polite conversation to others, not having to stay carefully separated for at least a few inches most of the time, not having to include others in their midst, it would be such a blessing.

  And before they knew it they were back in London, Elizabeth and her family guesting with Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Tonight was their last night as engaged couple, and Darcy had arranged for some amusement to show his future sisters a bit of London. A private box at one of the theatres would thrill his new family, and give Georgie the opportunity to get to know them before they invaded her very home for a private dinner. Of course the Gardiners had also been invited, and they had chosen to take their eldest two along, and leave the younger children at their own home.

  It was rather funny to see his countryfied in-laws feast their eyes on the rich interior of the theatre and the fashionable people of London. As they sat in their box, waiting for the show to start, they almost gaped at the gentlemen and ladies walking by and sitting and talking together with their hair dressed up and their hats styled, their coats and dresses gaudy and splendid, their manners affected and measured, even Mr Bennet enjoyed himself hugely.

  Mrs Bennet seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the splendour around her, making her a lot less conspicuous than she was in her own circle. Lydia's absence helped, too, Kitty and her mother admired and commented all the people they saw, but not as noisily as they would have with Lydia present to lead them on.

  The show itself was really enjoyable, especially for Darcy, since Elizabeth was sitting very close to him, holding his hand and whispering her comments in his ear until his stomach ached with suppressed laughter, and his loins burned with her touch on his skin and his leg, her warm breath in his neck and her enticing scent filling his senses. After the show they watched all the fashionable ladies and gentlemen leave in a colourful and

  beplumed parade, then headed for his town house, where of course his mother-in-law and new sisters really started to realise what a match their daughter and sister had made. They had all heard rumours about his wealth, no doubt, but only Elizabeth and the Gardiners had seen Pemberley and of the three of them only the Gardiners could have had an idea of what to expect from his town house.

  It was larger than Longbourn, at least half again the size, and of course its furnishings reflected his fortune as well as his taste. He was very satisfied with the atmosphere he had managed to create in this house after he inherited it some five years ago, and it was clear that though Elizabeth was rather overcome by its size and the richness of its interior, she did approve of it.

  He took his guests to the dining-room, where the table was set for their entire party. Darcy had decided to seat Georgie next to Elizabeth, with Bingley on her other side. Placing her between her new family members would not have been right, she would have felt totally lost for words and very unhappy. As it was she coped quite we
ll, and since he was on Elizabeth's other side he could keep an eye on her all the time.

  His cook had made a real effort, usually Darcy didn't entertain on this scale in his town house, but he was certain Mrs Bennet would be impressed with the number and quality of the dishes, though he had to admit that she employed an excellent cook herself. After coffee, Georgie volunteered to entertain their guests with some music, and Darcy could not help showing his surprise.

  'There has to be music, Fitzwilliam,' she said, 'and if I'm not entirely mistaken I'm the best choice for a performer here.'

  He couldn't deny that and clearly showed his appreciation of her offer, and of her sense, for if she didn't provide the music, Miss Mary Bennet undoubtedly would, and being forced to listen to a less talented young lady playing would not please Georgie at all. As Georgie took place in front of the instrument and opened the lid, Darcy circumspectly observed Miss Mary, curious to see how she would react to witnessing a truly superior performance. Hearing the first notes filling the room, he was impressed all over again by his sister's application and talent, her lessons were already paying off, she had improved again already in just three weeks. Poor Mary was totally overcome, Georgie was younger than herself, and Mary could not possibly practise more, for the last few weeks at Longbourn had seen her

  at her instrument for hours each day. Elizabeth was impressed as well, that was easy to see, and she moved over to the piano to give Georgie her compliments at the first convenient pause. After another piece of stunning virtuosity, Georgie practically begged Elizabeth to join in, and they sang a very creditable duet. Mary did not seem to be eager to have her opportunity to perform at all, which was kind of sad for her. But she'd be back in Hertfordshire soon, where she was the most accomplished player of the neighbourhood.

  Against Darcy's expectations, his sister now started to play a very lively dance, and she sent him a look that left no doubt in his mind, he was supposed to ask his fiancée to stand up with him, on orders of his little sister. Obeying her, he walked up to Elizabeth and bowed, then begged her to dance with him, which his intended didn't refuse. She did look very embarrassed, probably remembering the last time they danced together.

  Darcy could not but admit he was glad to have this awkward moment now and not on their wedding party, leading all the couples in the first dance blushing and studying their shoes. Georgie couldn't have known, could she?

  No, she was just doing him a favour, giving him a chance to please his beloved, and most likely she was encouraging him to be more outgoing. But he already had been, for weeks, he was really trying, and so was Georgie today.

  Bingley of course was eager to join in the dancing with his fiancée, and Mr Gardiner did his duty to the ladies as well, dancing with his wife first, and then with his niece Mary.

  In very soft mood, Darcy soon exchanged his bride-to-be for Miss Catherine, who clearly ached to participate in the action, and Darcy was pleased to see her initial awe of him gradually diminishing as he made some funny comments on the evening at the theatre. Finding a sense of humour in her dignified brother-in-law was clearly a pleasant surprise to Kitty, and her conversation proved her to be a lot less featherheaded than her brash younger sister.

  Bingley then took over from him, and as Elizabeth was claimed by her father of all people, Darcy wouldn't have guessed he'd ever dance, he himself decided to have his first dance ever with the beauty of the room, Miss Bennet.

  Not only did she dance extremely well, she also had a lot of nice things to

  say to him, about making her sister happy, and having enjoyed herself immensely that night. Darcy was mostly surprised that though he really liked her, he did not find himself attracted to her at all, despite her beauty, her excellent mind and her kindness. Did he really need a little ginger in his conversation? Was she actually too nice for him?

  Whatever the reason, he was glad to find himself with his own love in his arms once more, after which they broke up the dancing and spent the rest of the evening talking quietly. Darcy took his time catching up with Mr and Mrs Gardiner, and watched Elizabeth in animated conversation with Georgie. No picture ever pleased him more than his beloved and his sister getting along splendidly.

  Before they parted for the night, Darcy and Elizabeth found a secluded spot to embrace and kiss in secret one last, glorious time. Then she left to stay their last night of separation with her aunt and uncle, and Darcy retired to his lonely bedroom one last time, to try and find some sleep with the bustle and noise of London in the background, and the apprehension for tomorrow rising.

  The last night before the wedding was of course one of contemplation.

  Darcy lay awake for hours, remembering the whole of his acquaintance with Elizabeth, how he gradually fell for her unique personality, and how he had to go through sadness and deep despair to finally find happiness. Well past midnight he found some peace of mind and fell asleep, to wake to totally different thoughts: how would his connections react to his new bride? All of them had accepted his invitation, even his uncle Earl Compton, cousin Fitzwilliam's father. All of them seemed to stand by him, but they might yet show Elizabeth disdain, only having come to gloat at the country girl who had finally managed to hook Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.

  And as Darcy was helped into his most gorgeous and uncomfortable coat yet by his valet Simon, he wondered whether he would still recognise Elizabeth once her aunt's maids had dressed her up for the wedding. But she understood why they had to do it this way, instead of getting married in a little chapel with a few friends and their nearest relatives, and tonight it would all be over and they would be together for always, only having to ever explain themselves or justify themselves to each other.

  Having handed Bingley the rings, trying to calm himself, Darcy took the new carriage to the church, where he would meet his bride and all her family. His own friends and family would be there, too, to attend the

  ceremony that would make him one forever with the woman he had loved for months now, and would love for the rest of his life.

  When they arrived at the church he recognised Elizabeth easily enough by her posture and her shape, but she had indeed been gilded lavishly, the gorgeous cream dress bringing out her beautiful figure, a bit slim, but Darcy actually preferred that to the plumpness that was more fashionable. Her hair was done in some elaborate style, with flowers strewn all over it, and a scattering of diamonds from his family vault. Elizabeth at first had protested against wearing them, but gave in rather quickly after he promised to have them stowed right back into that vault the day after the wedding. Though he felt a bit strange seeing his forthright beloved thus overly beplumed, he knew he looked as overdressed himself, and they would both bear it for one day. The time between getting in and going to the altar together was one big haze of nerves, but he managed to hide them well, aided by his fabulous wedding outfit that made him look like a Greek god.

  Mr Bennet, looking smarter than ever before in a new and fashionable coat and breeches, handed him his bride, and they took their vows. Elizabeth's voice sounded clear in the sizeable church, and she did not promise to obey him, something they had decided on during their preparations. She didn't even mind that much, 'It's just words, Fitzwilliam, you know I will not obey you,' she had said, causing him to melt on the spot of course, but still he did not want her to say such a demeaning thing.

  He managed not to mumble or stumble on his own vows, almost promised to obey her on impulse, but checked himself in the face of his connections.

  Bingley handed him the ring, and Darcy's eyes fell on Georgie, standing among her new sisters in their lovely dresses. She gave him a big wink and he smiled back, then turned back towards Elizabeth, who had seen their exchange of looks, for she laughed amiably as well. He put her ring on her small hand and she did the same to his much larger hand, with his much larger ring, handed to her by Bingley with a warm smile. Then they kissed passionately, in public, and no-one besides them knew for sure that this was not the ve
ry first time. And though generally one would say that the nerve-racking part of the day was now over with the completion of the ceremony, for Darcy it was just beginning, having all the guests approaching them to congratulate them. Now was the time to find out why they had come, and whether they would accept Elizabeth into their ranks. She didn't seem

  nervous at all, but as she once told him, her courage always did rise with every attempt to intimidate her.

  Alert to what everyone said not just to himself, but to her as well, Darcy couldn't but conclude that most of his friends, acquaintance and family were genuinely pleased to see him finally married. Of course Miss Bingley wasn't pleased, but someone of more fortune wouldn't have pleased her either, unless it had been herself. Still, she really did her very best to be civil to both of them. His cousin Fitzwilliam congratulated Elizabeth heartily, then he whispered to Darcy below his breath, 'You lucky bastard, I envy you.'

  But he shook hands with his cousin with enough feeling to show he really wished him joy of his union with the woman they both admired.

  Then Mr Collins and Elizabeth's friend Charlotte came up to them, and Darcy was amazed that they'd dared to brave Lady Catherine's wrath to attend this wedding. Apparently Mrs Collins had more influence on her husband than the man was aware of, or didn't he even realise this would cost him a lot of goodwill from his patroness? As Mrs Collins embraced her friend with true happiness, Darcy guessed that while Elizabeth had had no clue of Darcy's being in love with her before he delivered that awful proposal, Mrs Collins had suspected him of being partial to her friend. They probably weren't close enough to discuss that.

  Poor Mrs Collins seemed very much in awe of him still, and Darcy accepted her congratulations with a little informal charm, to let her know he wasn't as stuck on rank as his aunt was. It worked on her, but of course her husband was a hopeless case, humility was part of his being and he would never be able to step over Darcy's rank and act normal towards him. Darcy could understand why Elizabeth rued her friend's choice to ever marry this man, he could not possibly be good company. But Mrs Collins would soon have something else to occupy her time if Darcy was not mistaken, her waist was decidedly fuller than it used to be.