Pausing from her exultation to take in the scene, she managed a small smile for Elizabeth, who was standing alongside her husband. That gentleman, she thought, looked as though he would rather be elsewhere. However, the line of neighbours waiting to offer felicitations was just now thinning after nearly an hour, so she allowed that her new son’s expression could merely be the result of fatigue.
One would think he could force a smile on his wedding day! Oh well, indulging the throng is simply the price one pays for being so wealthy. When the rich deign to marry, the entire county wants to see the spectacle!
Her fear that Mr. Darcy would not return to Hertfordshire had subsided only after his coach stopped in front of the manor last evening— the fluttering in her heart ending as abruptly as her criticisms. Though Mr. Bennet and the Gardiners had expressed confidence in Darcy’s constancy, she had uttered an audible sigh of relief when the gentleman from Derbyshire finally repeated the vows that tied him to Elizabeth forever. For her, this union meant that she would always be cared for in a superior fashion, should Mr. Bennet expire. While Jane’s beau was well off, Mr. Darcy was rich beyond imagination and, after how he had stepped in to save Lizzy, Mrs. Bennet had no doubt that he would do right by the rest of his new family.
She was about to address the newlyweds and insist that they partake of the breakfast when her sister Phillips pulled her aside to relate the latest news from Meryton. Thus occupied, Mrs. Bennet completely forgot about Elizabeth and Darcy, which was for the best, for Madeline Gardiner had her own plans and, nodding to her husband, they both proceeded towards the vanishing receiving line.
As the last guest shook Mr. Darcy’s hand and wished Elizabeth joy, Madeline Gardiner approached. “Elizabeth, may I assist you in changing into your travelling clothes?”
Behind the offer, Elizabeth sensed that her aunt wished to speak privately. Turning to her new husband, she ventured, “Mr. Darcy—”
“Elizabeth, what did we agree upon last night?”
“I am sorry. I meant to call you Will.”
He smiled as warmly as possible. “Thank you. What is it, my dear?”
“I am going to my room with Aunt Gardiner; I shall return shortly.”
“I will eagerly await your return,” he said sincerely, bringing her hand up to place a kiss on the back of it.
Seriousness lurked in the depths of her dark eyes as she apprised him. Does he really mean that? Then she chided herself. What have you just sworn? To obey, serve, love and honour him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, so long as we both shall live. At the least you could attempt to trust him.
She nodded and answered, “I shall hurry then.”
In mere seconds, she disappeared from the room, and the crush of humanity almost overwhelmed William. Being tall, he looked over the tops of the guests’ heads and located Richard in one corner of the room. He was surrounded by Elizabeth’s sisters and a few other young ladies. It seemed that he was occupied with answering a plethora of questions, one right after the other. Sighing, William realised that he could not count on his cousin to rescue him.
“I imagine that you could use a drink right about now.”
Turning, he found Mr. Gardiner was holding out a small glass of brandy. Taking the proffered liquid, William finished it in one gulp. “Thank you.”
William had been pleasantly surprised to meet Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle upon his return to Longbourn. Edward Gardiner acted every inch the gentleman and could carry on an intelligent conversation regarding the pressing issues of the day, be it business or politics, while his wife was everything lovely and genteel.
“You are welcome. I remember that I once needed a brandy whilst I stood in the receiving line at my own wedding,” Elizabeth’s uncle chuckled, “but no one thought to fetch me one.”
“I am glad that you thought of it,” William replied. Then he sighed heavily. “I had no idea that our small wedding would attract such a crowd.”
Gardiner chuckled anew. “My sister would never let Elizabeth marry so illustrious a person as yourself without the entire county being invited to witness the ceremony. She relishes being known as the most excellent hostess in all of Hertfordshire. With you to put on display, it was everything she could have ever wished for!”
William tried to smile. “I am happy to have pleased one of the Bennets.”
With that pronouncement, Edward Gardiner studied his new nephew sombrely. “I believe you pleased Elizabeth’s father as well. He had only good things to say about you.” Gardiner looked around to see that several people were listening to their every word. “Would you consider accompanying me to the terrace? I did not have opportunity to speak with you in private last evening.”
“Certainly.”
Though not prepared for another talk, William was keen to breathe some fresh air and escape the stares of the Bennets’ neighbours.
ELIZABETH’S ROOM
As she unbuttoned her dress, Madeline Gardiner studied her petite niece. Having closed her eyes while waiting for the buttons to be unfastened, Elizabeth looked almost childlike in her innocence and considering the circumstances of her marriage, Madeline’s heart went out to her. On several occasions, she had tried to have this talk, but Fanny Bennet had intruded. Nonetheless, she had no intention of allowing Elizabeth to face her wedding night ignorant of what to expect, so she had taken advantage of this opportunity.
“Lizzy, has your mother talked to you of what to expect on your wedding night?”
Elizabeth’s face flushed as her eyes flew open and she nodded mutely.
“Was it enlightening?”
“Mama tried, but her thoughts were disjointed, and neither Jane nor I could make much sense of it.”
Making a mental note to speak to Jane too, Mrs. Gardiner asked, “Do you mind telling me what she said?”
Swallowing hard, Elizabeth began. “Wealthy men such as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley usually take mistresses who cater to their baser instincts. So we had only to worry about pleasing them for a short while after we marry.”
“Preposterous! Not every great man takes a mistress. What else did she say?”
“On the wedding night, he will come to our bed and most likely remove our gowns. We are to lie still no matter what he chooses to do and not make a sound. Once he is finished, he will quickly remove himself to his own bedroom, but, she cautioned that there are a few men who are not so easily satisfied. Those may stay until completely sated—which could take several attempts.”
“Is there more?”
“Mama said that he would visit our bed until we became with child and then leave us until the child is born. If the child is the heir, he would likely trouble us no longer, so it is important to have a son on the first attempt.”
Seeing the confusion in Elizabeth’s expression, Mrs. Gardiner pulled her niece into her arms, hugging her as she explained. “I fear your mother’s advice may be what she heard from her mother. Perhaps in a marriage of convenience those things might happen, but it certainly does not apply where there is mutual affection and caring partners. And I can tell that Mr. Darcy cares for you. It is evident in his eyes whenever he looks at you.”
“What if I do not yet care for him as I should?”
She took both of Elizabeth’s hands and looked into her eyes. “If you will focus on fulfilling his needs as a wife, you will fall in love with him. I promise.”
A faint smile graced her niece’s lips. “You make it sound so simple.”
“It is simple, I assure you. Edward and I have mutual affection and the moments we spend as husband and wife are something that we both look forward to and cherish.”
Elizabeth looked puzzled. “Then if Mama is wrong, what can I expect?”
“I imagine that you have found the illustrated book hidden on the top shelf of your father’s library.”
“How did you—” Lizzy sputtered, stopping at her aunt’s chuckle.
“I was not certain he had one until now,” Mrs.
Gardiner admitted. “Almost every gentleman has a copy in his library; at least, that is what Edward said when I found his copy in ours.”
“I confess that when I looked at the illustrations, I wondered if the drawings only meant to titillate.”
“Edward assures me that the book has often been passed down from father to son in order to instruct the next generation in methods of pleasing a spouse.” She lifted Elizabeth’s chin so their eyes met. “I can say truthfully that except for a little pain when you are together the first time, there is nothing to fret over, and the pain is quickly forgotten in the pleasure that follows.”
“Then I shall trust your advice and try not to worry. Please speak to Jane as well for I am certain she is just as confused. And thank you for relieving my mind. At least I am no longer dreading tonight.”
“I am glad.” Having worked to get Elizabeth out of her wedding gown and into her travelling clothes the entire time they were conversing, Mrs. Gardiner stood back to admire her handiwork. “I know that I have seen this lovely gown before, but somehow I cannot place it.”
“Hill had just changed the colour of the trim from green to blue the week before Mr. Darcy—Will offered for me.”
“Yes, that is it! I remember the green. It looks almost new now.”
“It is passable and, in any event, it and a few others will have to suffice until I can order more clothes. Papa has given me several pounds to do so once we reach London.”
“Have your bags all been packed?”
“There is only one,” she giggled. “Everything decent to wear in proper society fit into one piece of luggage, which, believe me, is not full.”
“How good to hear you teasing, Lizzy! Laughter will see you through so many difficulties. I pray that you never lose your sense of humour. Just remember that you are a pearl in a sea of sand.”
Preparing to return to the breakfast, Elizabeth stopped to examine herself in the large standing mirror. “Let us hope my husband sees the pearl.”
Satisfied with how their talk had gone, Mrs. Gardiner led her beautiful niece back down the stairs to the celebration, praying that Edward had time to speak to Mr. Darcy.
ON THE TERRACE
“I hope you do not think me presumptuous in speaking to you on your wedding day.”
“Not at all,” William said, though he was unsure what to expect.
“I asked Elizabeth’s father if your father was still living, and when I learned that he had died years ago, I thought I should, at the least, do what another man did for me and offer you my counsel.” At William’s raised brows, he chuckled. “Not that you may want my counsel. However, as a married man of nearly fifteen years and because Elizabeth is like my own daughter, I felt I must offer. I know the value of having someone experienced in marriage to confide in when questions arise. And they will.”
William was listening, so he continued.
“You and I have much in common.” Gardiner hastened to add, “Oh, not in wealth or station, but my father died when I was but one and twenty, and a year before his death I assumed management of the importing business that he had founded. In fact, I did not marry until I was almost thirty because I would not offer for Madeline until I was certain the business would support a wife and a family.
“Fortunately, when we wed I gained a wonderful father in the bargain. Mr. Gavin was not only a very kind gentleman, but a wise one as well. He treated me as though I were his own son and encouraged me to confide in him when difficulties arose that I could not manage on my own. I believe the success of my marriage is partly attributable to him.
“And in that spirit, since you have not known Lizzy very long, I would like to share a few things about her in hopes of creating a better understanding between the two of you.”
William’s ears perked up. “I welcome anything you care to tell me.”
“Elizabeth has one attribute of which few women can boast. She is without guile. While everyone else may rush to tell you what they believe you wish to hear, you can count on her to be truthful—oft times painfully so.”
William smiled. “That was the main thing about Elizabeth that captured my attention when we first met. Most of the women I have known agree with whatever I say. They hold no opinions of their own.”
“Oh, you do not have to worry about that with Lizzy. Tribute does not come easily for her, having learned to be analytical at her father’s knee. Sadly, trust does not come easily either. To be brutally honest, if one cannot trust one’s father to provide adequately for their future, how does one trust a husband?”
“I can see how that might be the case.”
“Just have patience with her. Give her time to adapt to your society; that is all I ask, for I know she shall surprise you.”
“You have my word that I shall be patient. And I intend to keep every promise I have made to her, before man and God. She shall never have occasion to doubt my constancy.”
“I am glad to hear it.” He held out his hand and William shook it. “Welcome to the family, Mr. Darcy.”
“Fitzwilliam,” urged William.
Before Mr. Gardiner could answer, the door flew open and the noise of the congregants inside spilled onto the terrace like a bucket of cold water, along with Mrs. Bennet.
“Oh, Mr. Darcy, there you are!” Mrs. Bennet sputtered, grabbing his arm as she threw a glare in Edward Gardiner’s direction. “You simply must come inside. The guests are asking about you! And I cannot allow you to leave until you have sampled the fare that I spent hours planning. Lizzy has already changed into her travelling clothes, but now she is refusing to take a bite of anything. Surely you can convince her to eat something before you leave. How will she ever travel all the way to London on an empty stomach? Why, she shall faint of hunger if... ”
With that, the matron of Longbourn pulled Mr. Darcy back into the madness that was now Longbourn, leaving her brother shaking his head sympathetically.
I wish you all the patience in the word, my boy, all the patience in the world.
ON THE ROAD TO LONDON
In Darcy’s Coach
William pulled back the curtain at the window to look at his cousin. Richard was returning to London, too, but he was riding alongside on his red stallion, refusing to intrude on the newlyweds by sharing their coach. Since the colonel was a little ahead of the vehicle at present, William let the curtain fall back into place and withdrew his pocket watch. Flipping the case open, he noted that they would be in Town in another hour. Glancing at Elizabeth, he saw that her eyes were still closed and her breathing was shallow and steady. He smiled.
It would have been no bother for Richard to travel inside. He might even have provided some company.
Elizabeth had fought sleep at first, but eventually was lulled into it by the sway of the vehicle. Deeply disappointed that she insisted on sitting on the seat opposite him, in time William came to realise that the choice provided him with the perfect view from which to watch his wife. His wife. The thought made his heart glad, and he slid to the middle of the coach in order to see her better.
Rejecting his suggestion that she lie down, she was still sitting upright, though with each rut in the road she slid further down in the cushion. The corners of his lips lifted when her nose twitched—the result of some feathers her mother had insisted on sticking in the top of her bonnet. That monstrosity now sat lopsided atop a few items in her lap—the long thin feathers touching her nose whenever the coach pitched. He considered moving the offending item but feared waking her. After all, Elizabeth had declined his earlier offer to place it on the seat beside him.
Though he did not wish to dwell on it, the question that had troubled him since his conversation with Mr. Gardiner came to mind again. If Elizabeth did not trust easily, then would it not be better to defer consummating their marriage until she trusted him? Surely it would assure a better start to their marriage if she came to his bed of her own volition. A greater part of him wanted simply to ignore the subject. After all
, he had waited years to enjoy connubial bliss, so why not assert his rights as a married man? Recalling the teasing that ensued at White’s the moment a newly married man entered the door, his face burned. If any of his acquaintances ever suspected that he considered delaying consummating his marriage, he would be laughed out of Town, if not accused of favouring men.
Sighing, he studied Elizabeth even more closely. The shawl she had wrapped around her had begun to slip, exposing the soft ivory skin of her décolletage. It did not help that her travelling gown was cut much lower than her usual gowns, and her pert breasts beckoned him like a siren. Instantly, his body reacted, and his heart began to pound. Blood rushed through his veins so quickly that the thrumming in his ears was deafening. The temperature in the coach became unbearable and, swallowing hard, he forced a finger under the knot of his cravat in hopes of loosening it. He wondered if Elizabeth would be shocked to wake and find he had removed it altogether. Dismissing that notion, he pushed back the curtain and opened the window wider. As he did, Richard noticed and smirked, touching the brim of his hat in a salute. A little perturbed that his cousin had likely guessed why he needed more air, William nodded curtly. Not easily dismissed, the colonel guided his horse closer to the coach.
“What is the matter, Darcy?” he asked, leaning so low that William thought he might fall from the saddle in order to keep the postillions from hearing what he said next. “If things get too hot in there, you can always ride with me!”
Discomfited, William jerked the curtain closed to the sound of his cousin’s laughter.
Laugh all you want, Cousin! For when we get to London, I shall have the upper hand. You forget that you reside at Darcy House by my good will.
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 18