by Lauren King
Elizabeth smiles slightly. “Good morning, darling.” Then she asks warmly but sadly, “How are you?”
“I am well now that I can see you, but are you well? What is the matter?” Darcy asks with concern and then reaches out to hold her left hand tenderly.
Elizabeth looks cheerlessly at William and guides him into the drawing room. “Darling, we received a letter from my Father last night while we were all out. He writes that Lydia has miscarried and lost the baby.” Elizabeth looks at William’s reaction.
Darcy is surprised but is considerate. “Is she well? Is her health in danger?”
“My Mother wrote that she seems to be healthy. One day she did not feel well, and then later that day she started to have stomach pains. Afterwards, she lost the baby. My Father is going to Blyth to retrieve them. He will stop here later this afternoon and stay over one night before going to Blyth.” Elizabeth states calmly.
“Does your Father need any assistance? I could help him.” Darcy asks thoughtfully.
“I do not know, darling, but thank you for offering.” Elizabeth is overwhelmed with love for William’s most considerate attitude. She gently caresses his left cheek several times before pulling back her hand onto her lap and expressing her feelings. “I am in awe of you. You have done and tolerated so much already. I am ashamed each time I think about how much you have willingly endured all because of me. I cannot believe how blessed I am to have you for my betrothed. I am grateful for your love and kindness, but I hope you know, indisputably, that I have loved you before all this. I honestly love you.” Elizabeth has never been so completely overtaken by such deep emotions.
Elizabeth’s eyes glisten, and she feels an immeasurable amount of love for William. She truly hopes that he does not think that she loves him out of obligation or gratitude for his help to her family. If it was acceptable, she would hug him with all her might right now to show him how much she loves him and treasures him.
“Dearest, I do know that you love me before all of this. I am also blessed. We both are blessed to have each other, all right?” Darcy continues to rub Elizabeth’s hand tenderly.
Elizabeth smiles and nods warmheartedly.
“I love you immensely, and I would do all that is in my power to help you in any way. You are the part of my life that I cannot live without.” Darcy cups Elizabeth’s left cheek and caresses it lovingly. “I will love you always.”
Elizabeth’s eyes tear up again at William’s grand declaration. “You are my life, William.”
Darcy could not hold back any longer after he heard her declaration. As a result, while he holds her left hand, he leans in to kiss her lips gently. Her lips are soft, warm, and luscious; he can feel Elizabeth squeeze his hand in response. He gently suckles her lower lip and then her upper lip. His tongue licks her lips back and forth seeking entrance into her mouth; afterwards, he pulls her lower lip into his mouth again and gently sucks it. He finally feels her mouth slowly open for him; subsequently, his tongue slowly makes its way inside of her mouth boldly seeking her tongue. When he feels it, he coaxes it out to suck on. Her comfort is palpable, thus he takes her tongue into his mouth to pleasure. Good Lord, he suckles her tongue. During their kissing, Darcy is, finally, cognizant that they may be discovered; therefore, he slows down his actions and gradually releases her. He kisses her lips chastely several times before stopping altogether and pulling back to look at her.
During her first kiss, Elizabeth’s heart beats wildly. She is astonished by his kiss. With a fervent kiss such as William’s, how can she not be happy beyond measure? She is incredulous at the ecstasy and pleasure of it. She does not know exactly what to do; she will just have to emulate William’s ministrations. She has never experienced this kind of kiss with any man before. Goodness gracious! His lips are soft and…perfect! She feels tingles travel up and down her body as he suckles her lips and tongue, and then he brings each into his mouth. Her silent rapture is beyond her imagination. All she knows at this moment is his ardent kiss. She does not want this pleasure to end, but she feels that William is slowly ceasing his kissing; therefore, she also slows her actions. Her heart beats so fast and loudly that she needs to concentrate on breathing in order to calm herself.
Darcy sees Elizabeth’s tender, loving, dazed expression from his kiss; he is overjoyed to have this effect on her. He is very glad that Elizabeth allows him to express his love for her. His heart is overfilled with love for her, and he is jubilant that she is so responsive to him.
When they both release each other’s lips, they lean their foreheads together while they calm their breathing. They are silent for a moment before anyone attempts speech. Elizabeth knows that William can see her blushing profusely, but she does not mind. She is not bothered that he has this kind of effect on her. She is not offended that William took this liberty today because the moment was perfect; the feeling was perfect.
“I love you dearly, Lizzy.” William states tenderly.
“As I love you, William.” Elizabeth responds softly and affectionately.
She can tell that he was entirely happy to hear her earlier declaration of love for him. Undoubtedly, it induced this unforgettable, momentous kiss. She is delighted that she can bring him this joy and that he has brought her the same happiness. She feels extraordinarily closer to him now that he has kissed her lips and explored her mouth; it felt extremely intimate. She hopes William does not think she is brazen for allowing it. After all, they are betrothed, now. He would not think that about her, would he? No, because he said that he wanted her to be open with her love for him; she trusts his words. She does not want her constant doubts to set in and ruin their relationship. She must stop thinking that he would think ill of her.
They continue to gaze at each other adoringly. He continues to hold her warm, soft hands as he caresses them with an affectionate smile showing great gratification. The elation in his heart is incomparable to any feelings he has ever had for any lady; love and fervent desire for her courses through his body making him excited and impatient to love her thoroughly.
Elizabeth shyly looks down at her hands, but Darcy tilts her chin up so he can see her beautiful eyes, and then he says, “I could not contain my happiness after I heard your sentiment. You do not know how pleased I am right now. I love you with everything that I am, sweetheart.” Darcy cups and caresses Elizabeth’s cheek tenderly.
Elizabeth covers his hand on her cheek with her own. “From the deepest depths of my heart and soul, I love you, William.”
Darcy closes his eyes as he takes in a deep satisfying breath and savors her sweet, loving words; he has never before heard such beautiful words spoken to him. “You astound me, dearest.” Darcy kisses her lips quickly and releases her face.
They are spellbound by each other. They stay quiet while gazing at one another joyously with filled hearts. Finally, Darcy speaks again.
“Dearest, since your Father will be here later, do you think he will be up to having dinner at my Uncle Henry’s home? That way your Father and my Uncle can meet at least once before our wedding day.”
“I am not sure, darling, but will you not be changing your Aunt’s plans by bringing three additional people on such short notice? That would be frowned upon, will it not?” Elizabeth asks considerately. She definitely does not want to do anything that could garner ill thoughts of her.
“I know they will not mind the three of you coming. I can send a note over to Matlock House to ascertain this.”
“Maybe we should wait until my Father arrives to see if he is up to going to a dinner party after his traveling, all right, darling?” Elizabeth asks thoughtfully.
“Yes, you are right; we should wait.” Darcy pats her hands fondly.
Elizabeth is eager to meet William’s Uncle’s family because if Richard is a representation of who they are, then she will definitely like them; they will all get along. She would be blessed to have such amiable and agreeable in-laws. However, she is apprehensive, in general, given that
they are from an older generation of titled people who may not be as understanding or tolerant of Lydia’s problem.
Elizabeth comprehends their position perfectly. What if his uncle or aunt opposes their marriage? Will William be forced to rescind his offer of marriage to her? William has told her that he is the head of the Darcy family and no one can force him into anything he does not want. However, to appease his family relationship with his relatives, will he be swayed to follow their decision? She loves him so much now that she would be absolutely desolated without him. Nevertheless, she will release him without causing any difficulties should he decide that is what he wants or must do. She would never force anything upon him; she loves him too much to do that. She would never let him suffer if she could do something to prevent it. She will have to wait and see.
“Darling?”
“Yes?”
“Did you already…tell your Uncle’s family about my family’s troubles?” Elizabeth inquires hesitantly. She wants to be prepared for the scrutiny.
“No, I have not. I do not think it will affect them to such a detriment that I have to inform them of it now. If anything, it will affect the Darcy family the most. I will shoulder it all; the talk will point at me, more than anyone else. I will take care of the problem with that sergeant. Do not worry, all right?” Darcy asserts tenderly. He knows that she worries constantly about this problem.
Elizabeth’s eyes fill with tears which she tries to keep at bay. She feels such massive shame because she has brought all this upon William. She continues to be in disbelief that Lydia has made a disgraceful mess out of everybody’s lives. She can only thank God that he has blessed her with William. She does not know of a better man than him. He loves her honestly, and she loves him endlessly.
“I have not enough words to thank you for being so generous and kind to my family and me.” She pronounces most sincerely as she stares down at her hands.
“Lizzy, you are a part of me; certainly, I will provide whatever I can to help you. I will not let anything mar your goodness. Let us not be down about this anymore.” Darcy affirms kindheartedly as he continues to caress her hands.
“Thank you, my love.” Elizabeth professes softly and most affectionately as she squeezes his strong hands.
Mrs. Gardiner and Jane come into the drawing room at this point, and they see the betrothed couple holding hands lovingly. Mrs. Gardiner remembers the longing and the emotions from her own engagement, thus she does not reprove them for showing some innocent affection; they are betrothed, after all. They all converse cheerily, and then Elizabeth announces that she and William have decided on their wedding date to be January 31st.
“Oh, how nice, Lizzy.” Mrs. Gardiner says warmly.
“Mrs. Gardiner, do you know of a dress shop that makes wedding gowns? Does Mrs. Templeton’s make wedding gowns?” Darcy questions openly.
“I believe Mrs. Templeton does. She is able to make all those beautiful grand ball gowns, so a wedding gown is not too much more elaborate.” Mrs. Gardiner replies, and then she turns to Elizabeth to say, “You can show her a drawing of what you want or you can work with her to make your wedding gown specifically the way you want it.”
“That is most accommodating; I will decide. Is there a shop that makes only wedding gowns, Aunt?”
“Yes, there is Mrs. Stanton’s shop for bridal gowns; it is also on Bond Street but on the other end of the street to Mrs. Templeton’s. I hear that Mrs. Stanton has a good reputation for beautiful wedding gowns. Do you want to visit it?”
“Yes, maybe we can visit it and see.”
“Mr. Darcy, perhaps you can ask your Aunt’s advice for some shops too.” Mrs. Gardiner suggests nicely.
“Yes, I will ask her this evening.”
“Lizzy, you must decide quickly which shop you want to make your wedding gown because you will have to give them minimally several weeks to fabricate it.”
“Yes, I will visit the shops the day after Christmas and see which ideas and which shop I like. Will you and Jane come with me?”
“Certainly, Lizzy. I would be happy to go with you.” Mrs. Gardiner responds joyously.
“I will be most happy to go with you, Lizzy; you know that.” Jane replies warmly.
“William, do you know if Georgie will be busy on Friday? I would like to ask her to join us.”
“I do not know, Lizzy, but I will ask her this evening and have her reply to you.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth smiles cheerily because it feels very real now since they are getting a wedding gown made for her. She has to talk to her father about her wedding gown and her wedding trousseau.
At half past one o’clock, Mr. Bennet arrives at the Gardiner residence. Everyone greets him warmly, including Darcy. Mr. Bennet refreshes himself and has some tea before letting everyone know what has occurred in regards to Lydia.
“After I received your express on Sunday, Mr. Darcy, I went to speak to Sergeant Denny the next day. Obviously, he was shocked and fearful of me. I think he was scared that I was going to call him out.” Mr. Bennet chuckles before continuing.
“I told him that I would like for him and Lydia to be married within this week; otherwise, she will be conspicuous soon. He apologized and told me that he did not have the means to support a baby and a wife, who was a gentlewoman. Of course, I, nicely, said that these were the consequences of socializing with a young girl who did not know any better and without being properly introduced to her family. He looked embarrassed.” Mr. Bennet quirks the right side of his lips up in displeasure before continuing.
“I told him that since she was with his child already and he was obligated to the military then they could marry immediately without waiting for the banns to be read for three consecutive Sundays. However, they would have to marry in his home town so as to avoid people around Meryton questioning the rushed wedding since his regiment was not due to move from Meryton until March. If they married at his home, then they could use the excuse of rushing due to him being active in the military.” Mr. Bennet sighs before resuming. Everybody present listens intently.
“He was very uncomfortable and troubled because he explained to me that his older brother was the assistant to the vicar at their church. I told him that he would have to explain to that vicar that he was willing to do the honorable thing by Lydia and surely the vicar would understand his mistake and his desire to take responsibility to make things right for everybody; that would make him look more honorable. He could be proud of that. Alternatively, he did not have to inform his family that Lydia is with child especially since she is not showing yet. They will not live in Reading, anyways, thus no one has to know until after the child is born.” Mr. Bennets sighs again.
“Sergeant Denny became quiet and then started to talk, again, about his lack of finances to support a wife and a child. At this point, I felt sorry for him because he sounded like he wanted to do the right thing but money was standing in his way, so I told him that Lydia’s dowry was 1,000 pounds after her Mother passes. At 4% yearly interest, this amount, in addition to his sergeant’s pay, should be able to support both of them if they watched how they spend. As her husband he would have control over how Lydia spent on her frivolous things.”
“He still seemed unconvinced, so he apologized to me again and told me that he did not see how he would be able to support a family if Lydia’s dowry was so small. He asked if Lydia could be given a larger dowry otherwise, she would have to remain at Longbourn whenever he was with his regiment which was most of the time. As you all can tell, he is basically suggesting that Lydia and their child still get supported by me at Longbourn even though they will be married. He seems to think that he can just drop Lydia off at Longbourn.” Mr. Bennet takes a deep breath while shaking his head and then sighs with disgust before continuing.
“I explained to him again that Lydia’s yearly income would be 40 pounds which would almost double his current sergeant’s pay per year – given he received about 54 pounds a year. Befo
re talking with him, I asked around about a sergeant’s pay nowadays. I told him that if he could live on that, then they could live on double the pay. I said that if there should be extenuating circumstances, then I would help out where I could. I also emphasized that having anymore children at this point in their lives should be limited so that the burden would not become overwhelming.” Mr. Bennet can do nothing except sigh heavily again.
“At this point, I could tell he was thinking and planning; then, he said that there was limited space for wives and children to live with their husbands in the regiment’s family living quarters; therefore, they would need more money in order for Lydia and the baby to be able to live outside the regiment but be close enough so that they all could be together. Otherwise, she would need to remain at Longbourn because his own family was not in the same financial position as me to help her and the baby. I told him that Lydia could not stay at Longbourn until all her sisters were married or else not until another few years where the discrepancy of a few months in the age of the child was no longer important. Lydia and the baby could stay with his family or else he would need to support them to continue to stay with her Uncle Phillips’ cousin’s home in Blyth. I reminded him that with her yearly income they could afford to do that; they just need to live wisely with their money.”
Mr. Bennet gets more agitated; he shakes his head and carries on. “What did he say next? He had the audacity to tell me that he simply could not afford to marry Lydia. I wanted to give him every benefit of the doubt that he was not a dishonorable young man, thus I asked him what he meant by that, exactly. He answered that he needed a higher yearly income to take on the responsibilities for Lydia and the baby. He said that he wants to do the right thing, but he could not if he did not have the money. He would have to accept the label of a rake, but he could not do anything else. He pointed out – respectfully – that Lydia was never coerced into her decision to be with him. Can you believe that scoundrel? BUT…there is more. He wants a guaranty that Lydia would get a total yearly income of 200 pounds or else he would accept a lump sum of 1,000 pounds up front on the day that they are married. He rationalized that it would be expensive to care for a child and a wife who was a gentleman’s daughter. Can you believe that?!” Mr. Bennet exclaims in exasperation.