Through Each Other's Eyes

by Aleena Ashe

  Turning his hand over in hers, she lifted it to her lips, and not breaking eye contact, she said, “I have all I need, Fitzwilliam, as long as I have you. Now let us go inside before we garner any more attention.”

  As they reluctantly returned to the parlor, they received more than a few looks. But as both looked so happy, no one could wonder at what had occurred, especially when Mr. Darcy excused himself to the study. As soon as the doors shut, Jane and Charlotte gathered ‘round Lizzy.

  Charlotte spoke first, “So, Lizzy? Are we to wish you joy?”

  Jane, uncharacteristically excited, joined in, “Oh, I do hope so!”

  Lizzy blushed and smiled, ‘I am so happy! Mr. Darcy has asked me to marry him… and I said ‘yes’!”

  The three ladies giggled and talked together and Lizzy shared how her feelings had changed. Needless to say she did not go into detail about the events of the past few weeks. If she had, they’d have thought she’d gone mad. Instead she simply reveled in the joy which abounded. Not only was she returned to herself, but she was to marry the only man she had ever loved. Elizabeth felt no other woman could be as truly blessed as she was in this moment.

  Chapter 25

  Darcy

  “Mr. Darcy, please sit down.” Mr. Bennet indicated the seat across from him. “It seems we have much to talk about.”

  Darcy sat and waited for Mr. Bennet to elaborate. After a moment, when it became clear that would not happen, he began, “Mr. Bennet, sir, I love Miss Elizabeth with my whole heart! I should like to have come to you sooner but, please believe me when I say, I could not. It is only tonight that I was able to ask Miss Elizabeth to marry me and since she said, “yes”, now I am coming to you, sir.”

  “Hmm. Well, you appear to have much in your favor. You certainly are a man of means and, after making inquiries of my own, it seems you are a man of good character as well. However, it cannot surprise you that I object to my Lizzy being treated with a lack of respect. She may not be a lady of the first circles but she is a gentlewoman and she will be treated as such!”

  Flustered but determined to see this through, Darcy conceded. “Yes, sir. I meant no disrespect, although I can certainly see how as her father you may feel otherwise. Forgive me.”

  Enjoying the younger man’s discomfort, Mr. Bennet pressed on. “Mr. Darcy, I chose to believe that you were overcome with your feelings at being accepted by my daughter. I sincerely hope you understand I expect that until you are wed, there will be no more unchaperoned rendezvous on the terrace - or anywhere else.”

  “Yes, Sir. Of course, Sir!” It took a moment but Darcy soon realized that Mr. Benner had indirectly given his approval, if not his blessing, and slowly he began to relax.

  “Now Mr. Darcy, let us get on to the business of marriage. This may seem rather indelicate but I am afraid I must ask how you plan to provide for my Lizzy. Though, as I said, I have heard of your wealth… I would like to know the truth of it from you.”

  While Darcy would never speak of his wealth with another under other circumstances, Mr. Bennet had every right to inquire now. So with the confidence that comes from hard work and success, Darcy began, “As I am sure you have heard, I am the Master of Pemberley in Derbyshire and Darcy House in London with an income of 10,000 a year. However, you may not be aware that I also inherited some property in Scotland worth another 4,000 a year.” Seeing Mr. Bennet’s eyes widen, he continued, “and I have made some very profitable investments. So, as you can see, I will have no trouble providing for a family.”

  “I have also heard that you are the guardian of your sister. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, sir. Georgiana turned sixteen this summer. I share her guardianship with my cousin Col. Fitzwilliam - as I was quite young when my parents died.”

  Uncomfortable, Mr. Bennet coughed and said, “Yes, I’m sorry.”

  “Not at all, Sir.”

  “And as for pin money and the like? I have heard stories of rich men whose wives must ask permission before spending so much as a farthing. I hope you are not the overbearing type!”

  At this Darcy laughed outright. Seeing Mr. Bennet’s confusion he said, “I am sorry, sir, but can you see Miss Elizabeth asking me permission for anything?”

  Mr. Bennet joined in the laughter, saying, “Quite right. I am glad you know what you are getting yourself into and that you have no plans to try to change her.”

  “Never. Eli… Miss Elizabeth’s wit and character are what I love most about her. No woman has ever challenged me on anything. I find her honesty to be quite refreshing.”

  Mr. Bennet laughed again, “Just see that you still do in 30 years.” They spoke some more about the details of the marriage contract but soon Mr. Bennet was satisfied that his Lizzy would be well taken care of, financially and emotionally. With his mind at ease, Mr. Bennet stood up and motioned for Darcy to join him, “Come on young man, you have a young lady waiting on you to make a rather important announcement.”

  ***************

  Jane and Bingley became engaged soon after. Bingley, unhappily, felt he had to wait until he had made arrangements and sent Caroline and Jeana off to live with his aunt in Scotland. Caroline had initially railed against such degradation but eventually relented when it became clear that he would not budge. Caroline hoped that by proving herself ‘reformed’, their Aunt Matilda would recommend she be allowed to return to London. If not, she would only have to wait one year to reach her majority. Then no one could stop her as she would be independently wealthy and for all she cared, they could all go to Hades.

  However, the day of Caroline’s departure came and went and Bingley was as excited and anxious as a little boy on Christmas morning. He arose with the sun, paced the whole of the house, impatiently waiting for Darcy to arise and break his fast. Darcy entered the breakfast parlor, surprised to see his dear friend has awoken before him.

  “Good morning, Charles. You are up quite early this fine day. Might I enquire if there is some pressing reason?” He added with a knowing smile, “Perhaps you are preparing for a hunt, or a trip to town to buy a new horse?”

  “Darcy! It is a fine day indeed, for today I intend - as I think you have well surmised - to ride over to Longborn at the earliest acceptable hour and beg Miss Bennet to make me the happiest of men and consent to be my wife!”

  The men made their way to Longborn at an hour barely acceptable by any standard but as is often the case for young love, no one begrudged them the visit. Wasting no time, Bingley suggested a walk through the garden. Elizabeth’s eyes met Darcy’s and they both agreed a walk sounded delightful. As the party put on their outerwear in preparation for the cold, Mr. Bennet stipulated that Kitty and Lydia should go as well to act as chaperone for all. The younger girls began to protest but seeing the firmness in their father’s look, chose instead to don their coats and quietly headed out with the others.

  Elizabeth and Darcy saw but said nothing as Bingley and Jane hung back from the rest of the group and then disappeared into the more secluded little wilderness to the side of the home. Once alone, Charles led Jane to the little stone bench. It was cold but neither noticed as they sat, completely lost in the moment. Charles took her hand and began his somewhat incoherent but utterly enchanting declaration of his love for her. He told her how he had known the moment he laid eyes on her that she was an angel, his angel. How throughout the time they have spent together he had only come to love her more and that he could imagine no other woman in his life… to be his partner, his wife, the mother of his children. For her part, Jane cried tears of joy and finally let herself express the depth of her feelings for him. When they rejoined the group, their smiles told all and the others immediately offered their congratulations. Back inside, Mrs. Bennet ordered Hill to prepare hot chocolate for the entire household - including the servants - such was her joy.

  The weeks flew by and before they knew it Mary’s wedding had come and gone. It was a modest affair but the wedding breakfast had been well attended
and the happy couple made their way to Kent. Mary’s first letter was filled with news of her new home, Lady Catherine’s ‘generous condescension’, descriptions of all the parishioners she had had the pleasure of receiving, as well as the ones who had welcomed her into their homes. Elizabeth was happy for her. Mr. Collins may not be a man many women would be happy with but for Mary, he was a respectable man of God who provided her a reasonable expectation of security and fulfillment.

  Mr. Darcy - with permission from Mr. Bingley - invited Georgiana and Col. Fitzwilliam to stay at Netherfield for Christmas. As expected, they got along famously with Elizabeth and her sisters. On Christmas night walking back into the parlor after a sumptuous dinner at Netherfield, Darcy pulled Elizabeth aside into a small, private alcove. Once he was sure they had not been observed, he pulled a small, soft sided package wrapped in simple brown paper. “I found this in a drawer in my room. Did you leave this… for me?”

  Elizabeth colored. She had almost forgotten about the handkerchiefs. Embarrassed that she had clearly been thinking of him more than she’s let on; making him gifts even. She knew it had not been proper but it had been the only way to express her growing affection for this man who would soon be her husband. Darcy took her chin in his hand and lifted her face to his. With tenderness in his eyes, he reassured her, “Do not be embarrassed my love. I adore that you thought of me. May I open it?”

  Hoping he would not be disappointed, she nodded. As he slowly unwrapped and opened the package, she held her breath. “I know you have all you need. I just wanted to give you something… well, to remind you of me. At the time, I was not sure how all this would turn out.”

  He unwrapped the handkerchiefs that she had so lovingly embroidered. He fingered the scrollwork and looked back to Elizabeth. “They are lovely. I will cherish them and carry one with me always.”

  He pulled her into his embrace and whispered into her ear, “But you are not the only sly one my dear, if you look in the trunk at the foot of your bed, you will find a gift from me. Its beauty reminded me of you and I knew it must be yours. I hope you like it. But if you do not…”

  Putting her fingers to his mouth she cut him off, “I am sure it will be beautiful.” She added coyly, “After all, you are a man of impeccable tastes.”

  He leaned down and met her lips. They allowed themselves a brief moment of passion. As Darcy’s kisses moved to her neck and her hands roamed freely over his chest and back pulling him closer. Before things went too far he stepped back but implored Elizabeth once more, “My darling, are you sure you don’t want to elope to Scotland? We can be wed by this time tomorrow.”

  Pushing him away gently, she admonished, “Now Fitzwilliam, you’ll just have to be patient. You only have a few more weeks to wait. Besides, we will have a week to ourselves in London while Georgiana stays here with my family before we all travel to Pemberley together. I think we can wait that long.”

  Pouting, “I suppose; if we must.” They straightened up but he added, “You should go on ahead of me. I need a minute to... compose myself.”

  Before she left, she smiled one of her arch smiles and said, “Just think of something unpleasant… it worked for me when I had to compose myself.” His mouth dropped open and she walked away, laughing before he could say a word.

  Chapter 26

  The Wedding

  Elizabeth woke early on the day of her wedding but was not nervous. Instead, she found she could hardly sit still she was so excited. Even as she dressed and her mother gave her an awful talk about what to expect from the wedding night, all she could think about was that today she would become Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Could it really be as Mama describes it? To date, I have always enjoyed Fitzwilliam’s attentions and even craved more. She remembered the sensations she had felt when they had kissed before they had switched back. It made her stomach flutter to think of it. She had catalogued those feelings with the hope and goal of bringing that pleasure to Fitzwilliam when they were finally wed. She shivered at the thought: Tonight.

  Mrs. Bennet had wasted no time preparing for the wedding of the century (at least by Meryton’s standards). Elizabeth’s dress was to be of fine white silk embroidered with gold inlaid stitching and pearls along the bodice. She sat there staring in the mirror while Sarah worked a miracle on her hair. Looking at herself, she looked at the comb Darcy had purchased for her. It was the perfect touch and she knew he would be pleased.

  After he had left and she retired to her room, she could hardly wait to find his gift. She opened her trunk and it was: a small, elegant box wrapped with a silver ribbon. She opened the box and saw the comb Darcy had purchased for her, its pearls shining in the lamp light. She gasped. “This is so beautiful.” She moved to the mirror and held it up to her hair. She knew then she would save it for today.

  The whole affair was to be elegant and befitting the future wife of the master of Pemberley. Truth be told, that was the only part of her new life that gave her pause… would she do him credit as Mistress of Pemberley? But Elizabeth took comfort knowing that whatever happened, he would not let her falter.

  Arriving at the church, Elizabeth was overwhelmed by the beauty around her. All of her friends and family had gathered to wish her well. Lining the walls of the church were bouquets of lilies and hydrangeas in whites and purples. He must have paid a fortune to have these brought in from a London hothouse, she marveled.

  Then she saw him - resplendent in his dark green jacket, gold vest, cream pants, and black boots - standing at the end of the aisle flanked by Col. Fitzwilliam in his most formal uniform and Mr. Bingley, also in his best. Elizabeth had chosen Jane as her maid of honor, of course. But Jane had graciously agreed to share the title with Georgiana who was ecstatic at the thought of having gained so many sisters. Elizabeth’s young cousins preceded her down the aisle dropping dried, white rose petals for her to walk upon. Never in her life had she imagined such grandeur. I suppose, I will have to get used it if I am to be Mrs. Darcy. The thought made her smile. When her eyes met his, the rest of the world simply melted away and only the two of them remained.

  The rest of the day passed by in a blur. She vaguely remembered saying her vows, attending the wedding breakfast at Longbourn, even the tearful goodbyes barely registered. All she knew for sure was that right now they were alone in her room, no their room, at Darcy House in London.

  The fire had been built high, two plates of food had been prepared and left on the table along with a chilled bottle of champagne and two champagne glasses. It was clear they would not be disturbed.

  Walking slowly toward his new bride, Darcy was determined to be gentle and to make their first experience together perfect. “Mrs. Darcy? I love how that sounds. Come to me, my love.”

  She did as she was bid without the least bit of hesitation. He mentally sighed with relief. He didn’t want her to be scared. He began slowly. He feathered kisses over her cheeks, her eyes, and then her lips. Finally able to act on his desires, he removed the pins from her hair, running his fingers through each pinned curl.

  Hearing her soft moan flamed his desire, but he forced himself to move slowly. Turning her around in his arms, he began to unbutton the long line of buttons on her dress. But he never stopped kissing her neck.

  “Why are there so many of these damned things?” he said pulling at his tiny beaded nemeses.

  She laughed and he growled in frustration. Finally getting the last one undone, he turned Elizabeth to him as she slid the dress to the ground. He made quick work of the remaining undergarments, taking great pleasure in each additional layer removed.

  However, before removing the last layer, Elizabeth stopped him. “It is not fair, sir, that I should be so completely bare and you are still nearly fully clothed. Let me help you.” She removed his shirt so that he stood before her bare chested. Remembering how sensitive his body was to touch, she slowly began to unbutton his breeches. She could see his body react and, to his surprised pleasure, it emboldened her. “I have longed to
touch you like this since I first saw your bare chest in the mirror.” She smiled up at him.

  “Ah, so you did take advantage of our situation? You minx.”

  Feigning offense, Elizabeth protested, “No Sir! I was merely checking to make sure you were unscathed after a particularly rough day on horseback. What would you have thought of me if I were to return your body to you worse for the ware?”

  “Um hmmm.” He continued his assault on her senses as he cupped her breasts and trailed kisses down to the sensitive peaks; first one, then the other. Feeling them harden, he smiled thinking, Ahh, yes. I remember this reaction. I enjoyed the sensation immensely. Feeling her head drop back as she pressed into him more confirmed that she too enjoyed it.

  Elizabeth was bold and curious and, having already decided to trust him fully, she gave in to her desires. They had no secrets. No fears. That night, they fulfilled those dreams they had each been struggling with. Finding pleasure in each new discovery. As they lay in bed, spent and blissfully happy, Elizabeth looked at her husband. “Fitzwilliam? Do you think we would have found each other if fate had not stepped in?”