by Linda Wells
“Did I say that?” She asked; her eyes wide in feigned astonishment.
“I believe that you did.” He said with equally feigned seriousness.
She raised her brow. “That can be taken several ways, sir.”
“Such as?” He bit back a smile.
“Either I am shorter than you, or perhaps we should not be approaching this church.” Elizabeth pursed her lips, fighting her smile.
Darcy stopped, placed his hands on her waist and lifting her to his eye level, kissed her. “There, you are no longer shorter than I, and we are perfectly matched.”
They could hear Mrs. Bennet’s screech far behind them. Elizabeth grinned. “Oh dear, I believe that you have compromised me, sir. We will be forced to marry.”
Darcy kissed her again, “It is the honourable thing to do. I will make this sacrifice,” he said, setting her down and bowed with his hand over his heart.
“How gallant!” She said, batting her eyes. Darcy laughed. He could not believe how quickly she restored his humour.
“Now this is the proper mood in which to approach a wedding.” He held out his arm. “Shall we, my love?”
Elizabeth beamed up at him. “By all means!”
The rest of the party approached, and they all caught the jubilant mood of the couple. Mrs. Bennet grabbed hold of Darcy’s arm. “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy, you just compromised Lizzy! Oh, where is Mr. Bennet! He must make you marry her! What shall we do?” She fluttered her handkerchief in distress.
“Mrs. Bennet, you are correct, I have compromised Miss Elizabeth, and I accept my fate. I shall marry her. Immediately.” He smiled at his soon-to-be mother-in-law, and opening the church door, ushered her in.
“Pardon? Oh, but you are not engaged! You have not spoken to Mr. Bennet. You need a license. Oh, but the wedding clothes!” She was close to apoplexy.
“Mama,” Elizabeth placed a calming hand on her arm. “Mr. Darcy and I have been engaged for almost three weeks, and he has spoken to Papa. He has refused consent, but I have decided to marry him. He is a good man, and I love him.”
Fanny Bennet looked at Elizabeth with an intensity she had never seen before. “Are you sure about this Elizabeth? Are you sure that he loves you and is not just infatuated? That will fade so quickly, child. Will he wish for your company when you are no longer in the bloom of youth? Will he listen to you? Will he still want you if you do not give him a son?”
Elizabeth took her mother’s hand, and gave it a squeeze. “Yes Mama, I love him for the man that he is and he feels the same for me. We are well matched in every way. Do not fear for me.”
“Then may God bless you both.” Mrs. Bennet kissed her cheek and in a second the silly nervous woman returned. “Oh dear, what will I do? We have no celebration planned, and your dress! Oh and where are your flowers?!”
Lydia and Kitty, realizing that they were about to see a wedding, pulled Mrs. Bennet to sit in a pew. Mary ran to the pianoforte and began to play. Bingley returned from summoning the parson and his clerk, and took his place with Jane at the altar. Elizabeth, still a little overcome by her mother’s moment of clarity, looked up into Darcy’s smiling eyes and taking his arm, walked down the aisle.
The parson called the small gathering to order and began the service. Nobody heard the door to the church open or saw Mr. Bennet slip inside. He stood in stunned silence as he saw his dear Lizzy being married. Reverend Morris asked the question, “Who gives this woman?”
Before anyone could speak, Mr. Bennet strode down the aisle calling out “I do” as he walked. He reached Elizabeth and looked into his daughter’s teary face and whispered. “Please forgive me, Lizzy.” Taking her hand, he placed it in Darcy’s. He looked into Darcy’s protective gaze and begged, “Take care of her.” Mr. Bennet stepped back and away, to take his place by his wife.
Darcy gripped her hand tightly, and looked into her eyes. All they saw was their love for each other. They felt the weight of the words as they took their vows and slipping the ring upon her finger, raised her hand to his lips. After a blur of words and prayers they were finally pronounced married and the spell was broken. They signed the registry and ran out of the church. Darcy lifted his beaming, beautiful bride up and spun her around, laughing with joy. The lifetime of loneliness was over forever.
Chapter 20
Darcy set Elizabeth down and ignoring the curious stares of passersby, enveloped her in his arms and kissed her smiling mouth. “I love you, my dear Elizabeth. My wife.” He spoke joyfully in her ear. He wore the ecstatic, dimpled grin that he seemed to only display for her, and so quickly sent her heart pounding.
Elizabeth took his face in her hands, pulling it down to her, “I love you my sweet husband. I cannot wait for you to take me home.” She covered his face in kisses, making him laugh with her enthusiasm.
By this time the rest of the wedding party had joined them, the sisters surprised and delighted with the happy couple’s behaviour. Jane threw her arms around Elizabeth, “Oh Lizzy! I am so happy for you! He is such a wonderful man!”
Elizabeth, eyes shining with delight hugged her back, all bitterness forgotten. “I am blessed to have found such a man who loves me and I love in return. I cannot wait to begin our lives together.” She held Jane from her a little, and wiped her sister’s happy tears, “My only regret will be leaving you, dear Jane. You must write to me, and you and Charles must visit us often!”
“Oh Lizzy, I do not even know when we will marry!” Jane cried and wiped Elizabeth’s tear-stained cheek.
“Well, you just saw how easy it was for us, there is nothing to hold you back.”
Jane shook her head while gripping Elizabeth’s hands tightly. “Lizzy, you know Mama will never let that happen! Besides, I have always wanted a big wedding, where you did not.”
“And my dreams came true!” Elizabeth laughed and turned to see Mrs. Bennet by her side.
“Lizzy! How could you marry like this! My poor nerves! There is no celebration planned!”
Elizabeth took her mother’s hand and led her over to Darcy, who was being slapped on the back by Bingley. “William, I know that we wish to leave for London right away, and we cannot stay for dinner tonight. Perhaps we could stop here on the way to Pemberley, and Mama could invite the neighbours for a little celebration for us then?”
Darcy studied her, she really wanted the chance to say goodbye to her family in a proper manner, and he could not deny it, even if it meant spending time with her father. “We will come on Monday, and if Bingley will allow us to stay at Netherfield,” He looked over to his nodding friend, “we will stay until Wednesday morning, when we will depart for Pemberley. Will that be sufficient time for you to prepare a celebration for us, Mrs. Bennet?” He looked to his new mother-in-law.
Mrs. Bennet stared at Darcy in awe. “Oh yes, sir! That is plenty of time to prepare! I will send the invitations today and have everything ready when you arrive.”
“Excellent. Does this make you happy, my dear?” He smiled lovingly into Elizabeth’s eyes.
“Yes, William, thank you.” She took his hand and he raised hers to his lips.
The group turned and walked to Longbourn. Mr. Bennet lagged behind, still unable to speak to them. When they arrived, they saw that Darcy’s carriage was there. He had told a servant to go to Netherfield and alert his driver to bring the coach over and load Elizabeth’s things while they were at the church. All that was needed now was to say their farewells. She said goodbye to her mother, who tried to tell her of the wedding night and was duly ignored, and hugged her sisters. She especially hugged Jane. “This is not goodbye; we will be back very soon.” She whispered in her ear. Jane nodded, too overcome for words.
Bingley stood with Darcy, watching the proceedings. “Well, that came off much better than I feared.”
“Yes, I would have preferred Mr. Bennet’s consent yesterday, but it seems we were given it in the end.” Darcy looked at the man standing alone.
“Perhaps you should
speak to him.” Bingley suggested gently.
Darcy grimaced. Despite Mr. Bennet’s appearance at the wedding, he could not easily forget the words that the man flung at him. He walked over to Elizabeth, and taking her hand, he said softly, “Let us farewell your father and be on our way, my love.” She read his expression, and knew what he was feeling. The last thing that he wanted to do was pretend civility with her father, but he would do it for her if she wished. She caressed his face, and he stayed her hand on his cheek, turning to kiss her palm. Then taking his arm, she nodded, and they approached Mr. Bennet.
“Papa, we are ready to leave now. We wish to spend our wedding night in London.”
“That is understandable.” Mr. Bennet said quietly.
“Mr. Bennet, we will return on Monday, so that you will have time for a proper farewell. We will be travelling to Pemberley and taking a wedding trip to the Lake District. We will of course return to the area for Jane and Bingley’s wedding.” Darcy made a great effort to voice this speech, and Elizabeth could feel the tension in his arm.
Mr. Bennet made an even greater effort to look Darcy in the eye and address him. “I thank you, Mr. Darcy for giving me the opportunity to see my daughter again. I also wish to apologize to you for my harsh words and behaviour. You have done nothing but act in an honourable and gentlemanly manner towards Lizzy, and I have been a selfish fool who attempted to destroy this chance of happiness and security for my favourite child. I am grateful that I failed in my attempt.” He appeared to speak sincerely and with contrition, but could no longer meet his stare.
Darcy had no desire to forgive the man, but to follow the tenets of his church, he knew that he must. “I forgive you sir. But, I must say that nothing would have stopped me from making Elizabeth my wife once she agreed to have me.” He looked down at her teary face. “I think that the person who you must apply to for forgiveness is Mrs. Darcy.”
Mr. Bennet turned to her, forcing himself to meet her critical gaze. “Can you forgive me, Lizzy? I am afraid that the glow you had in your eyes for me is dimmed forever, but I hope that someday you will be able to love me again.”
Elizabeth drew herself up. “I never stopped loving you, Papa. That is why you hurt me so terribly. If I did not love you so much, I would not have been so pained. I could not understand why the man I so admired and respected would do such a thing as deny me the good man I loved. I will forgive you, Papa, but it will take time for me to forget.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “I understand, and thank you.” Then he kissed her cheek and bowed to Darcy. “Have a safe journey, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Your mother will be planning a grand celebration for you.” He stepped away, and stood next to Mrs. Bennet. Darcy looked down at Elizabeth and they both let out the breath they had been holding. He then handed her into the carriage. Waving from the door, they heard the calls of good luck from their family, and were off.
DARCY SETTLED BACK into the carriage seat; reached for Elizabeth and pulled her to his side. She snuggled into him, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head on his chest. He rested his cheek in her hair, having immediately removed her bonnet when they entered the coach, quickly followed by their gloves. They sat in contented silence, absorbing the reality of their marriage, and the frantic activity that led to it that morning. Elizabeth relished the strong, steady beat of his heart, and that more than anything allowed her to relax. It was not long before the tension and uncertainty that had prevented sleep for the past few nights dissipated, and she felt herself drifting off, safe in the comfort of his arms. Darcy soon followed.
When the carriage stopped to rest the horses, Darcy’s valet, who was riding on top of the coach, knocked on the door when the couple did not appear. Hearing no response, he opened it to the sight of the soundly sleeping couple. Unsure of what to do, he decided to simply leave them be. He was aware of his master’s agitation over the past few days, and was loathe disturbing them. Instead he purchased an assortment of food and wine, and quietly left the basket on the seat opposite them in case they awoke during the rest of the journey.
The purchase was not necessary. Darcy awoke only when the sounds of London and the slower movement of the carriage permeated his consciousness. He opened his eyes with a start, at first confused. He immediately saw Elizabeth’s pink cheek resting on his chest, and a feeling of wholeness that he had never before experienced came over him. He caressed her tenderly, and was delighted to see her lips form a smile, and hear her whisper, “William.”
Looking out of the window, he recognized their location. He bent and softly kissed her. “Elizabeth, wake up, my love, we are almost home.”
Her eyes fluttered open and she blinked, straight into his warm gaze. “Home? Already? But, we just left!”
He chuckled. “That was nearly four hours ago, Lizzy. We apparently needed to catch up on our sleep.”
She slowly sat up and stretched. “I cannot remember ever taking such a long nap before, at least, not when I was not ill.” She looked at him and smiled. “Now we will be entirely unable to sleep tonight, we are too well rested.”
Darcy pulled her back into his embrace. “I do not have any fear of us not finding a pleasant way to occupy our time.” He murmured into her ear, while nibbling on her neck. He delighted in feeling the heat of her blush.
The reality of the approaching wedding night and what that entailed suddenly struck her, and she dealt with her unexpected onslaught of nerves with denial. “Mr. Darcy! I cannot begin to imagine what you are implying!”
“Yes you can.” He whispered gently, holding her tighter.
“You are quite mistaken!” She declared, finally turning to face him.
“Then why is your face red?” He asked triumphantly, smiling as it became even redder.
“Oh, you take delight in vexing me!” She was suddenly horrified at sounding like her mother.
Darcy laughed and let her go, adjusting his clothing and retrieving her bonnet and gloves. The carriage soon pulled up to the townhouse, and watchful servants, warned of their possible arrival, immediately ran to open the door and retrieved the luggage. Darcy handed her out and taking her arm, led her into the house, grinning from ear to ear. “Welcome home, Mrs. Darcy!” Elizabeth, recovered from her fit of nerves, beamed back up at him.
Mr. Franklin and Mrs. Harris were there to greet them, along with the rest of the staff. If they were surprised with the sudden nature of the wedding, they contained their views. Elizabeth had already won the hearts of the staff with her kindness, and her obviously excellent influence on the Master and Miss Darcy. The staff could not help but notice the joyful expressions on the couple’s faces, and were glad for it.
They were both quite hungry, and gratefully took tea which was laid out in the drawing room. Dinner was to be in two hours, so they soon found their way to their bedchambers to bathe and change. Darcy opened her door. “Will an hour be long enough, Elizabeth? Shall I come for you then?”
“I think that will be fine, William.” She smiled up at him, and tried to hide the quaver in her voice. He kissed her hand and departed through the adjoining door to his rooms.
Elizabeth turned to be greeted by a young girl. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Darcy. Your bags are nearly unpacked, and your new things have been delivered, although I understand that there is more to come. Would you like to bathe now? The water is ready.” The girl was very nervous, and was trying her best to please the new Mistress. All of the staff was nervous, not having a Mistress in the house for so many years.
Elizabeth was a little confused by the girl’s speech. “First, please tell me your name.” She smiled at her encouragingly.
“Pardon me, Mrs. Darcy! My name is Rosie.” The girl turned crimson with her error.
“That is a beautiful name, Rosie.” Elizabeth smiled again. “Yes, I would like to bathe and change out of these clothes, but you said something that I did not understand. I am not aware of any new purchases.”
“Oh, I could not
say, Mrs. Darcy, I only know that they began arriving yesterday morning, and they have been coming steadily since. There are gowns, and undergarments, and night clothes, and outerwear, and well, everything that should be in a trousseau.” Rosie led the way into the dressing room and Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide, seeing all of the beautiful things.
“Well, this is certainly a wonderful surprise!” She thought, This must be William’s doing, but how? She looked forward to asking him.
Rosie may have been nervous, but she was very efficient. She had Elizabeth bathed, her hair washed, dried and pinned; and dressed just as Darcy’s knock came on the dressing room door. “Come in!” She sang out.
Darcy opened the door cautiously. Upon seeing her smiling face he pulled it fully open, and grinning himself, stepped in. “You are beautiful, Elizabeth!” His look of open admiration made his eyes shine.
Rosie quickly looked between her two beaming employers and smiling, exited the room. Elizabeth stood and walked into his open arms. “Thank you William, you look rather handsome yourself.” He laughed, kissing her nose. She pulled back a little, “I have a bit of a mystery to solve.” He bit his lip, trying to look innocent. “I seem to have acquired a new wardrobe, and I am told that there is more to come?” She looked at him with her brows raised. “How did this happen? And do not try to claim ignorance, sir.”
He gave her a squeeze. “I am thrilled to see you surprised, dearest. I will own to it. I spoke to your aunt before we left town, and asked that she purchase, or at least begin purchasing, some new things for you. She was under instructions to have all of the bills sent to me. I knew that her modiste had your measurements from the new gown that was made for your theatre visit, so she was able to order you the perfect gowns. I know that you will need much more, and will have to visit some different dressmakers, but this at least will give you a start. Are you truly pleased? I was not presuming too much? I assumed that your aunt was well-acquainted with your tastes, and I felt terrible that you would be starting your married life without new things.” He looked at her eagerly, hoping that he had done well.