A Certain Something

by Cassandra B Leigh

  For Elizabeth’s sake, Darcy put his annoyance aside and offered his congratulations to Mr Collins, who bowed deeply. “I am gratified that you condescended to celebrate my marriage to Mrs Collins today, and I will be certain to advise her ladyship of your kindness.”

  Darcy merely acknowledged him with a nod of his head. While he would prefer that Mr Collins made no mention of him at all to his aunt, he doubted the man’s ability to hold the smallest measure of restraint.

  Charlotte pulled a sprig of lavender from her bouquet and pressed it into Elizabeth’s hands. “Do not forget that you have promised to visit me in Kent, Eliza. You and Mr Darcy are welcome any time.”

  Beads of perspiration formed on Mr Collins’s forehead. “My dear Mrs Collins, as much as I would enjoy hosting Mr Darcy and Cousin Elizabeth at Hunsford, I doubt Lady Catherine would approve,” he said, his eyes darting back and forth between Darcy and Charlotte.

  Darcy nodded his agreement. Lady Catherine would be incensed to find her nephew and his bride in such close proximity to Rosings; nor did he appreciate the idea himself.

  Crestfallen, Charlotte’s shoulders slumped. “But when will I ever see you again, Eliza?”

  Elizabeth locked arms with Charlotte. “Yes, Mr Darcy, when will I be permitted to see Mrs Collins?” she said with a teasing glint in her eyes.

  Presented with a formidable dilemma, Darcy held his breath. It seemed an impossible situation with no favourable outcome. He could not deny Elizabeth the company of her dearest friend, nor would he reward Mr Collins for betraying him to Lady Catherine and inciting her rage. If Darcy accepted the invitation to Hunsford, he would be obliged to extend an invitation to Darcy House, or worse still, Pemberley. Every feeling revolted at the thought of that fawning half-wit shadowing him through the halls of his beloved home. Nor did he want Mr Collins reporting his every move back to Lady Catherine.

  Darcy chose his words carefully. “I am in my aunt’s black books for defying her express wishes. I doubt Mr Collins is willing to bring my aunt’s wrath down on his own head for harbouring the man who refused to honour his obligation to the family and married against her will.”

  Now perspiring heavily, Mr Collins stared at him, aghast.

  Darcy fixed a determined gaze on the parson. “Of course, you and Mrs Collins are welcome to visit Darcy House, but if her ladyship were to learn of your betrayal, I suspect the consequences might be severe. The risk to your livelihood cannot be sufficiently understated,” he said, knowing that Mr Collins was of the same mind.

  Mr Collins wrung his hands. “Well, I would not… That is, I should not…um…” he said, then wiped his head with a handkerchief.

  Elizabeth pressed her lips together and averted her eyes to the ground, as though attempting to suppress the urge to laugh. Confident that he had her approval, Darcy continued. “I fully understand your allegiance to Lady Catherine and would not dare to ask you to compromise your principles by siding with me.”

  Mr Collins released a sigh of relief. “Thank you for your understanding, Mr Darcy. I am indebted to her ladyship and would not wish to run afoul of her temper. Of course, I am unable to reciprocate by hosting you at Hunsford; her ladyship would not look kindly on such an affront. However, I foresee no difficulties whatsoever if Mrs Collins were to accept your invitation.”

  Darcy extended his elbow to Elizabeth, and she slid her hand under his arm. “I doubt Lady Catherine would object to your wife visiting an old friend from time to time.”

  “Exactly so,” Mr Collins said with a decisive nod of his head. Then, bowing deeply, he took his leave and escorted his wife outside to the waiting crowd.

  A cheer rang out, and rice showered the newlyweds as they dashed to their carriage. Mr and Mrs Collins waved to the guests, boarded their carriage, and rode away. There would be no wedding breakfast at Lucas Lodge to celebrate Charlotte’s marriage. With a six-hour journey ahead of them, they must make haste if they were to arrive in Kent before nightfall.

  Waving her handkerchief at the departing newlyweds, Mrs Bennet shook her head. “How very strange. No wedding cake, nor even a bit of buttered toast,” she said in a quiet voice. “I assure you, Mr Bennet, no daughter of mine shall leave her home without a proper send-off.” When their coachman drove up, Mr Bennet handed her up, then assisted his younger daughters. “Never mind, girls, we shall celebrate with a lovely breakfast of our own at Longbourn.”

  As Darcy waited for his carriage to come forward, he whispered to his betrothed, “I trust you are satisfied with the arrangement for Charlotte’s visit to London; however, if you insist on having the parson visit us, I will not oppose you.”

  She cast appreciative eyes up at him. “I am impressed with your masterful handling of my cousin, Mr Darcy, and could not wish for a better resolution.”

  ***

  Sunday, 9 February 1812

  After the family had enjoyed a sumptuous Sunday breakfast, Elizabeth donned her warmest cloak and set out with Fitzwilliam for their last walk to Oakham Mount. The banns had been read, her trousseau had been sent to Darcy House, and she had made her goodbyes to the neighbours. Nothing remained but to go to the church on the morrow and marry Fitzwilliam.

  To her surprise, a groom holding Fitzwilliam’s horse met them in the driveway. “Will you ride with me?” Fitzwilliam asked, taking hold of the reins.

  Elizabeth observed the stallion with no small amount of scepticism. “I am no horsewoman, Fitzwilliam. I have a healthy fear of them.”

  He gazed at her affectionately. “This one is gentle as a lamb,” he said, then mounted the horse and reached down to her. “Do you trust me?”

  Although the horse snorted and stomped his feet, the air around Fitzwilliam showed no trace of deception. “With my life,” she said, then allowed him to lift her up into his lap.

  “Hold on to me.” She wrapped her arms around him and snuggled into his chest, breathing in his sandalwood scent. “Are you warm enough?” he asked as they cantered through the meadow.

  “Perfectly,” she said, despite the brisk wind. With his strong arms around her, she revelled in the closeness of him. They had shared many kisses since their betrothal, but she had never sat on his lap before. This new level of intimacy made her bolder; she tucked her gloved hand inside his coat.

  He held her tightly as they reached the path to the mount and began the ascent. “I hope you don’t mind, but I told Georgiana about your gift.”

  Squinting her eyes, she studied him for a moment. Although his blank expression gave nothing away, the air around him became murky. “You are testing me, are you not?”

  He burst into laughter, and the silvery shimmer returned. “Did I turn grey?”

  “A most unattractive shade,” she said, knowing he would probably test her again and again, as her own family was fond of doing. “Of course, I will tell her myself after the wedding, but I hope she does not find me odd.”

  “She will love you, almost as much as I do.”

  When they arrived at the top of the mount, they gazed out over the dormant vista. “The view is ever changing and always remarkable.” The fields and trees were bare, but the evergreens boldly outlined the horizon.

  Fitzwilliam dismounted and lifted her down, holding her in his arms. “Thank you, my love. I look forward to seeing the world through your eyes.” She offered her lips, and he kissed her, gently at first, then more ardently. She knew not how long they remained there, mindless of anything other than each other. When he released her, their breaths mingled in the cold air. “We must return to the house,” he said with a reluctant voice. “I shall not have you catch a chill on the eve of our wedding.”

  “Let me take one last look.” She held his hand and released a contented sigh as she viewed the landscape. She loved this place with her whole heart and would always remember it fondly.

  “We may return as often as you please.”

  She stood on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. “As long as you are with me, I w
ill admire every vista.” They shared one last, lingering kiss at the top of the mount.

  “As long as you kiss me like that, I will take you anywhere you desire.”

  ***

  Monday, 10 February 1812

  On the most momentous day of his life, Darcy checked his reflection in the looking glass of his Netherfield guest chamber. Wearing a new coat and a cravat tied to a nicety, he nodded his approval to his valet. Only the best would do on the occasion of his marriage to the woman he loved.

  After the valet had left him, he checked his watch: ten o’clock. With thirty minutes remaining until his scheduled departure, he impatiently paced the floor. Although confident he had attended to every detail, he wanted to make doubly sure he had forgotten nothing. He patted the pocket of his waistcoat to ensure the wedding ring was still in place. The marriage agreement had been signed, his trunks were packed, and Darcy House was ready to receive its new mistress. After weeks of wedding planning, nothing remained but the marriage ceremony.

  After a quick knock at the door, Richard Fitzwilliam entered, dressed in his regimentals. “Georgiana advised me that she will be ready in ten minutes,” the colonel said with a relaxed smile. “I suspect she is as anxious for the ceremony to commence as you are.”

  “Yes, she already considers the Bennet ladies as her sisters. She even has an affinity for Mrs Bennet.”

  Richard shook his head, then sat on the sofa in front of the fire. “I know not why you objected to her. She may be a little flighty, but she has a good heart.”

  Darcy could not disagree. He had certainly noticed Mrs Bennet’s subdued behaviour as of late; he could only suppose that the lady had undergone a drastic change for his benefit. “I suppose any mother with five daughters can be excused for her lapse in judgement.”

  He pulled the wedding ring from his pocket and handed it to Richard. “I am charging you with the safekeeping of the ring until the parson calls for it.” Richard tucked it into his pocket and vowed to guard it with his life. They shook hands, and Darcy held on a moment longer. “Thank you—for everything. I would not be here today without your good offices.”

  Richard clapped him on the shoulder. “I expect you will do the same for me when my time comes.”

  When he and Richard entered the drawing room, they found Charles Bingley with his family. With her usual false smile, Caroline wished him every happiness; Henry and Louisa Hurst echoed those sentiments, which Darcy received with the greatest pleasure. He wished Caroline and Louisa no ill will but was exceedingly grateful that their attentions had been directed elsewhere these past few weeks.

  Now too nervous to sit, he paced the floor, waiting for the hall clock to strike the half hour and signal the departure time. Georgiana finally made her appearance with Mrs Annesley, a flush of excitement suffusing her face. She greeted the others and accepted Caroline’s compliments on her attire. Richard kept the others entertained while Darcy absently paced in front of the windows. When he thought he could wait no longer, the hall clock blessedly struck the half hour.

  The party moved outdoors, and Bingley assisted his sisters into his carriage while Darcy boarded his own carriage with Richard, Georgiana and Mrs Annesley. “Take a breath, Darcy,” Richard said with a chuckle. “We will be there in a few minutes.”

  Darcy took his cousin’s advice; there was not the least need to be nervous. Everything was proceeding according to plan. When they arrived at the church, he and Richard escorted Georgiana and Mrs Annesley to the front pew, where they joined Caroline and the Hursts.

  He shook hands with the parson, who welcomed him and wished him well. “Do you have the ring?” he inquired.

  Richard pulled the gold band from his pocket. “I will not fail you, Darcy,” he said, then quickly replaced it.

  Suppressing the urge to pace, Darcy clenched his jaw and gazed at the crowd. He acknowledged the Gardiners, the Phillipses, and the Lucases with a nod of his head. The Bennets had yet to arrive, but the small church hummed with excitement. The church was filled to overflowing with well-wishers: townspeople, tenant farmers, servants, tradesmen, neighbours, and friends all waiting for the brides to arrive. The crowd was larger than Darcy had anticipated, but he supposed they all had come to witness the marriage of the jewels of the county.

  If Darcy had had his wits about him, he may have noticed what Bingley was doing, but he could only concentrate on the church door—willing Elizabeth to walk through it. He wanted to see her the moment she arrived.

  At long last, the door opened, and Mr Bennet entered the church with Jane on his right and Elizabeth to his left, resplendent in her new gown, her eyes fixed on him. Darcy’s heart pounded in his chest as she approached, one step closer with each passing moment until she finally stood beside him, gazing up at him with her exquisite eyes. He turned to face the parson.

  “Dearly beloved…”

  The double wedding ceremony had finally begun. Darcy spoke his vows in a clear voice, and when the time came to place the ring on Elizabeth’s finger, he kissed her hand. When the parson declared them husband and wife, Darcy relaxed his shoulders. Although the ceremony continued on with prayers and psalms, with Elizabeth now as his wife, all impatience and anxiety ceased, replaced with calm assurance. With his beloved by his side, he could conquer the world.

  After signing the register, he and Elizabeth remained behind while Bingley escorted Jane up the aisle to their well-wishers.

  Sir William Lucas approached and took his and Elizabeth’s hands. “Mr and Mrs Darcy, may you always be as happy as you are today,” he said with a warm smile. Once again, Darcy thanked the man who had been the means of uniting them.

  He realised he had many people to thank for his good fortune. As he stood in the vestibule with Elizabeth, he expressed his gratitude to everyone who wished him well. After greeting the last guest, they emerged from the church to find their well-wishers lining the path, waiting to shower them with rose petals. “Are you ready, Mrs Darcy?”

  Elizabeth’s eyes had never been more luminous. “Where you go, I will follow.”

  Although he appreciated her lovely sentiment, he knew perfectly well that quite the opposite was true; he sincerely believed he would be the one following her. She had taught him how to treat others and how to follow his heart, and would likely continue to tutor him. He would always defer to her and do whatever was required to make her happy.

  He grasped her hand and escorted her down the path to his waiting carriage. A chorus of joyous wishes greeted them and flower petals fluttered in the air, blessing them with good fortune. After he assisted Elizabeth into the carriage, his trusted coachman handed him a leather purse filled with coins. In keeping with tradition, he spilt the coins out into his hand and threw them into the air. Children squealed with delight and scrambled to catch the coins as they scattered on the ground.

  When the carriage pulled away, Darcy drew Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her for the first time as her husband, with all the ardent fervour of a man violently in love. While he would have preferred to drive directly to London, they would first attend their wedding breakfast, where they would celebrate their marriage with friends and family. However, he had instructed his driver to take his time on the way to Netherfield. During the short ride, they shared kisses, exchanged endearments, and made promises and memories that would carry them into their lives together as man and wife.

  About the Author

  Cassandra B. Leigh is the penname of a woman who writes business documentation by day and fiction by night. She began writing poems and stories for her own enjoyment, then discovered the multiple Jane Austen fan fiction sites and jumped into the fray to explore the ‘what-ifs’ of Pride and Prejudice.

  A devotee of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, Ms. Leigh posts fan fiction under the penname ‘Astonishment’.

  Blog: https://cassandrableigh.wordpress.com/

  Books by Cassandra B. Leigh

  Proud Beaux Series

  1 – Tempt You to Acc
ept Me: Fitzwilliam Darcy’s story.

  2 – Worthy of Being Pleased: Colonel Fitzwilliam’s story.

  3 – Every Wish of Her Heart: Bartholomew Hawthorne’s story.

  4 – Twice Betrothed: Peter Montgomery’s story.

  Pride and Prejudice Variations

  Steady to His Purpose

  What if the half hour with in the Netherfield library resulted in outrageous gossip about Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet?

  Endeavour at Civility

  What if Elizabeth and Darcy endeavoured to be civil to each other during the Hunsford proposal?

  To Make You Love Me

  What happened to Darcy after Elizabeth rejected his proposal at Hunsford?

  Darcy’s Big Wish

  What if Darcy made a life-altering wish at the Netherfield Ball?

  Affectionate Hearts

  What if Darcy’s surprise visit to Ramsgate had occurred the day after Wickham and Georgiana eloped? What if Elizabeth toured the Lake District with her relatives while Darcy raced northward to save his sister?

  Matchmaking Grandmothers

  Darcy and Elizabeth’s grandmothers planned an infant betrothal between their children while they were still in their cradles. Unfortunately, their task was not as simple as they supposed. This story begins half a century before the start of Pride and Prejudice.

  Against Her Will

  What if Darcy refused to accept Elizabeth’s refusal and abducted her from Rosings with the intent of making her his bride? This Darcy is still arrogant, conceited and selfish. Can he redeem himself and transform into the romantic hero we all love?

  Pride and Prejudice Short Story Collections

  Pride in Meryton – Three Pride and Prejudice Novelettes

  Pride and Tolerance, Meryton Revisited, Hedgerows

  Meryton Medley – Four Pride and Prejudice Novellas

  Her Derbyshire Friend, Hunsford Day, Secret Valentine, Frog Pride

  It Happened at Netherfield Park – Three Pride and Prejudice Novellas