Mary blushed at such a brazen statement. “I think I might like being married this year.”
He leaned closer and drew her hand to his lips for a kiss, then with a twinkle in his eye and a wink, he said, “I know for certain I will as well.”
Their moment was interrupted with the delivery of the checkered game and pieces by a certain little red—headed boy. Fitz gathered Henry onto his lap as they set up the board, whispering their strategy to each other, then the game began in earnest. Fitz watched as his intended thought very carefully about her own moves, often positioning her pieces in such a way as to allow Henry to take them and eventually to win. She will be such a loving mother, he thought to himself, his cheeks becoming reddened when she looked up at him in that moment. Their eyes met and neither wished to break the contact, but Henry required their attention. Before Mary went back upstairs to her bed, Fitz took his leave, promising to be back the next day after he completed what was required for the banns to be called beginning this coming Sunday.
The weeks leading up to the wedding were filled with enough shopping trips to frustrate anyone, much less Mary who did not enjoy such outings to begin with. However, Elizabeth and Aunt Maddie insisted upon the excursions, so Mary followed along, making decisions about material choices, sleeve length, color combinations, lace, and a number of other accoutrements that were deemed necessary for Mary’s trousseau.
Fitz had his own frustratingly intricate details to attend, mainly the marriage settlement. He, Darcy, and Mr Gardiner spent many hours at the solicitor’s office and in conference about the contract. The wedding clothes were ordered, the banns were called, and papers were signed. He was surprised to not hear from his parents, especially after the first time the banns were called in the church in which they attended services. He thought for sure they would begin to accept his choice, but, then again, he knew how implacable his father could be when it came to admitting a fault. It was the main reason he had spent his teen years at Pemberley instead of with his own family.
Finally the 26th of November dawned. The wedding was to take place in the chapel where the Gardiners, along with Elizabeth and Mary, had attended Sunday services.
The bride dressed with care with the help of her sister and aunt. Her hair, having been freshly washed with vinegar and cold water, was piled atop her head in shiny, bouncy curls with seed pearl pins scattered throughout. One long curl hung down onto her shoulder.
The wedding dress decided upon was her favorite of all her new gowns. It was a surprise gift from Elizabeth; one which was ordered months ago as a special birthday gift for Mary, whose birthday was just a week away in early December. When Elizabeth received it, she knew she had to present it to her sister early. It was quickly chosen as the dress Mary would wear for the ceremony. The soft white muslin was a simple cut with short capped sleeves around which was embroidered small holly leaves with berry clusters. A larger version of the same clusters ran diagonally down the front of the skirt and encircled the hem, giving it a distinctly festive look. The green velvet cape, lined with a red interior, was a gift from her uncle and aunt. Such luxurious fabrics draped around her shoulders were sure to keep the chill of the stone church at bay.
The carriage ride was short and before she knew it she was standing at the back of the church beside her uncle, awaiting the opening of the doors.
Edward touched her arm and waited until she turned towards him. “It is not many months ago that I stood in this same position with your sister, and I feel just as proud in this moment as a father ever could for a child. If your own parents were here today, I doubt they would feel any differently than I do now. I am so very proud of the lady you have become. You truly are proving that nothing can hold you back from having a happy and fulfilling life at the side of a gentleman who cares so very deeply for you. Your aunt and I love you very much.” As he leaned down to kiss her cheek Mary felt a swish of air and knew the doors had been opened, beckoning their walk down the center aisle.
When her eyes alighted on those of her intended, she felt a flutter as her heart began to pound more furiously than ever before. There he stood, his blonde hair and blue eyes in stark contrast to the green coat and red waistcoat he wore. She smiled at the thought that he matched her own gown and cape so nicely. When her uncle placed her hand into the groom’s, she knew her deepest desire was soon to be fulfilled. She may never get to hear the words from his lips, but she knew he loved her dearly as it shone from his eyes when he looked at her as he was doing now.
The ceremony was long, as was typical, but eventually it was completed and the next thing she knew, Mary was signing her name for the last time. Mary Elaine Bennet, she wrote in the register with practiced ease. She smiled as her eyes focused on the familiar script of the name above hers—that of her husband. Richard Andrew Fitzwilliam. She was now married. Her eyes began to fill with tears, and, not wanting to cry in front of everyone, she tried to brush them away without anyone taking notice. Her husband noticed though, and while he made a comment aloud that would draw the attention of everyone away from his bride, he placed a handkerchief into her hand. When she was composed again she wound her arm around his and he led her from the church and into the waiting carriage that would take them across Town and back to Darcy House, where a lavish wedding breakfast awaited them.
Not wanting to frighten Mary, Fitz kept his seat across from her, and they rode in silence. Mary was grateful for the time to get her emotions back under good regulation, and when she looked across at Fitz and he winked at her, she blushed. He is such a tease, yet so caring as well, she thought.
They soon arrived at Darcy House and the two followed the other family members who attended the wedding into the house where everyone else was awaiting them. The ceremony itself had been small and intimate, but those who were invited to the celebration afterward were too numerous for Mary to even keep a proper count. She did not realize her uncle’s associations and their group of friends from church were so many until today when they were all gathered together in one place—all to offer felicitations to her upon this new phase of her life. She was comforted in knowing that all these people accepted her in their lives in some fashion, exactly as she was. It was a moment of clarity she would forever remember when this realization came upon her. If only my husband’s family would accept me, she thought. I must not lose hope. I must believe that one day they will choose to become a part of our lives.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Fitz tapped her on the arm then signed, “Come; you must meet some friends of mine.” She smiled and followed along, delighted to see that he introduced her with such pride. He truly did love her beyond what she could have ever imagined.
When the guests had finally gone and the servants were busily cleaning up what remained of the feast, Elizabeth pulled her sister aside to speak privately. “Mary, there is one last surprise for you today. My husband and yours,” she stopped and smiled at such a statement, chuckling when Mary smiled broadly as well. “As I was saying,” she tried again, “our husbands have been keeping a secret from us. I was only told this morning, as it has been appointed to me to tell you. Instead of having you stay here with us immediately, it has been arranged for you and your husband to go to a cottage just outside of Town for the next week. I am assured you will return before your birthday, at which time Fitz intends to spoil you with an evening of entertainment the likes of which I could not get him to reveal. Perhaps you will have better luck than I did.”
Mary smiled even more broadly, “I have a good idea what he has in mind.”
“Do you? Well I shall leave that secret between the two of you then. Oh Mary, I am so very happy for you!” Elizabeth embraced her and could not help the tears that began to fall down her cheeks. She released her and dried her eyes, then asked Mary, “Is there anything we need to speak of before you leave?”
Mary thought of all she had learned of marriage over the last few weeks from both her aunt and her sister. “No, I doubt there are any re
assurances you have not already given me. I trust my husband and I know everything will be well.”
“You are so much braver than anyone would guess,” Elizabeth said as she stood, embracing her sister one last time before they both returned to the others.
The carriage was ready to leave, their trunks already affixed to the back and Fitz standing at the door to hand his bride into the seat. He followed after her and they waved to the Darcys and Gardiners as they drove away.
When they were no longer in sight of Darcy House, Fitz looked at Mary, sitting across from him, and lifted her hands to his lips, bestowing a kiss upon the back of each glove. He then lifted his fingers to her cheek, drawing the back of them along her flushed skin as he asked, “I hope this surprise is not too much for you?”
Mary leaned into his hand and sighed deeply, “No, I will take great delight in the time alone with you.”
It was exactly what he needed to hear, and it took everything in him not to take her in his arms at that moment and kiss her senseless. He knew he would never be able to stop though, and it would not be that long of a ride once they were out of Town. He switched seats to be closer to her, happy, for now, to sit by her side.
“Are you upset over your family’s decision not to join us today?”
Fitz flexed his arm at the question, but tried to seem nonchalant in his answer, “No, it really matters not to me what they choose to do.”
Mary turned around so she could see his mouth more easily. “What makes you say such a thing? They are your family.”
“No, Darcy and Georgiana are my family. My Aunt Anne and Uncle George were more like parents to me than my own have ever been.” He sighed deeply, then explained further, “My father and I had a... a difference of opinion, you might say, when I was barely into my teen years. Darcy’s parents insisted I stay at Pemberley, and it was at that time that my own parents became so distant to me.”
“What led to such a situation?”
“My father wished me to join the Navy at the age of three and ten.”
“Is that not the typical age for such a career?”
“Yes, but it was for no good reason other than his own greed. He was promised by a friend that I would make quite the fee if our ship took on pirates, and he was determined to have me on the most profitable ship in the fleet.”
Mary shook her head in shock at such knowledge. “Was his greed so strong that he would place your life in mortal danger?”
Fitz looked out the window for a minute before he turned back to her. “My father has many habits that have drained the coffers of his estate, and now with my brother’s profligate ways as well, I doubt anything except a large influx of money will garner their approval.” He sighed heavily, “I have never been of much use to them except to be the spare just in case my brother did something ridiculous which ended his days on this earth.”
Mary took his hand in hers and wrapped his arm around her shoulders tightly as she leaned into his side. “You mean everything to me.”
Fitz kissed her forehead, smiling at such a statement. “Thank you.”
The two sat in silence, enjoying the sights that passed, until finally Fitz pointed to a small cottage on a hill. It was such a charming place, with its thatched roof and red brick walls, trails of ivy meandering their way up and surrounding the first floor windows. Bright blue shutters stood out in contrast to the green of the ivy and red of the bricks. The gardens that surrounded the small house told of its beauty in the height of summer. She could not help but wonder if it was just as beautiful with a layer of fresh snow on the ground and bushes. It was cold enough to snow, but so far the ground lay in wait of the first covering of the winter. Perhaps it will snow while we are here, Mary thought.
She did not realize they had stopped until Fitz stood to step down, helping her as well. The footmen were taking care of the trunks when an elderly lady appeared in the doorway. She welcomed them and introduced herself as Mrs Simpson, the proprietor, then she showed them into the sitting room where she had a warm pot of tea hanging over the fire and a light repast awaiting their arrival. When they were settled she told them of the stew, cheeses, and fresh bread that awaited them in the kitchen, then assured them of their privacy for the rest of the evening. She smiled at the happy newlyweds as she left them alone.
Fitz heard the door close and saw the carriage through the window as it drove away, then he turned his attention to his wife. Ahhh, his wife. The thought brought a fanciful smile to his lips and Mary chuckled at his grin.
When they were finished with their tea, Fitz stood and began to clear the furniture from the middle of the room, pushing everything against the walls.
“What are you doing?”
He faced her and held out his hand, “May I have this dance?”
“Here? Now?” She was not sure what to make of such a request.
“You promised me months ago that one day you would allow me to teach you to dance, and I intend to begin our lessons now. You cannot deny the request of your new husband, now, can you?”
With a deep breath and a lift of her chin, she took his hand and stood. “No, I cannot deny your request, though I am curious how you intend to teach me when I cannot hear the music.”
He began to position his arms around her as he answered, “You can count, and that is all that is required for this particular step. Now, you place your hands here, and here, while mine go here, then you just follow my lead.”
After a few comical attempts and some sore toes, the two were finally able to find a rhythm. Fitz loved the feel of her in his arms, and he was reluctant to stop, but he did not want to tire her too quickly, so he slowed their movements and wound his arms around her, pulling her body closer to his as his lips captured hers in a slow and sensual continuation of their dance.
The passion between the two grew and Fitz knew he must stop, so he reluctantly pulled away. When he saw the look of bliss on Mary’s face he embraced her tightly, kissing her hair as he told her how much he loved her. He was surprised to feel her press her cheek into his chest. Pulling back, he asked, “Are you well? Do you need to sit?”
Mary blushed, “No, there is no need to rest.”
“What were you doing?”
Her cheeks flamed an even darker color and she turned away from him, walking over to feel the lace curtains that hung over the window.
Fitz stepped up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as they looked out into the setting sun beyond. When they had been silently standing there for a few minutes, he leaned around to say, “Please tell me? I promise I will not tease you.”
She took a deep breath, then turned around and signed, “It has been my deepest desire just to hear ‘I love you’, and I found, when you drew your arms around me so tightly, that having my ear to your chest made it seem almost possible.”
Fitz reached for her hand, drawing it to his lips and kissing her fingers before he placed her hand onto his throat and uttered the simple words, “I love you.”
Mary felt the rumbling and smiled. When he pulled her ear back to his chest and repeated the words again her heart began to race. It was the closest she had come to hearing words in so many years, and she was glad to finally have someone who understood her deepest need. Lifting her face and looking back into his eyes, she too replied with the dearest words of affection, only to have her words silenced by his mouth once again descending upon hers. What she thought was passion before was nothing compared to what she felt building between them now. Before she knew it, he lifted her into his arms and carried her up the stairs and into the bedroom. When he kicked the door closed she could not help but laugh. He placed her feet back onto the floor then kissed her so deeply that everything else was soon forgotten.
Mary awoke early the next morning. She lay beside her husband looking upon him with fascination. Never before had she taken the opportunity to stare at him so intently, and yet here he lay before her and she could not pull her eyes away. His eyes were closed, and
that was the one feature of his that she loved the most because of their piercing blue color. Now with them closed, she began to notice the other things she had always found fascinating about his appearance. He had a firm jaw line and muscular neck, but it was softened in appearance by his locks of curly blonde hair. He was so very different than his cousin, and yet so much alike. They both had a similar structure to their face with prominent cheek bones, and that nose. It almost seemed out of place, yet it was perfect at the same time.
She did not wish to wake him, so she slipped out of bed and went into the dressing room. She was a little sore, but Elizabeth had given her a salve that seemed to help. Finally she began to brush the tangles from her hair, determined to never go to bed again with it down. After working through many knots she was finally able to run her fingers through freely. Finding a ribbon, Mary braided her long brown hair loosely, tied the ribbon around the end, and then made her way back to the bed where her husband still lay asleep.
When she climbed in and pulled the counterpane up, Fitz began to move. The next thing she knew he forcefully pulled her closer to him, insisting she lay her head back onto his chest. She chuckled and gladly conceded. Sleep would not come, so she thought of all that had changed for her over the last year. She did not even realize her husband had fully awakened until she felt his hand squeeze her fingers, stopping her from playing with the hair on his chest, an action she did not realize she was doing until he stopped her. Her cheeks flamed scarlet.
Fitz lifted her chin so she could see what he said. “I do not mind your touch, I only wished to tell you—I love you.” He then kissed her on the cheek before replying, “I need to get cleaned up, then I wish to take you on a morning ride.”
Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' Page 27