Mr Darcy's Kiss

by Lari Ann O'Dell

  At long last Mr. Stevens’ voice rang out as he said, “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder!”

  Darcy took great delight in kissing his bride and whispering, “I love you, Mrs. Darcy.”

  ***

  The wedding breakfast, although a small and simple affair, went off without a hitch. As soon as the ceremony ended, Mr. Bennet and the Gardiners each congratulated the newlyweds. The children hugged their cousin and Mr. Darcy in turn in an endearing manner before being sent off to the nursery. After giving the bride and groom their best wishes, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, as well as Mr. Bennet went off to see that everything was ready for the breakfast, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Darcy alone with the Earl of Matlock, Lady Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The latter, after offering his sincere congratulations to his new cousin stepped away so his parents could become more acquainted with their new niece.

  The Earl of Matlock was instantly taken with Elizabeth, saying, “Mrs. Darcy, I must say that I was surprised when William dined with us and announced that he was so soon to be married. I did not believe that he would ever find anyone deserving, and yet, here you stand, and he is the one that must strive to deserve you!”

  “You are too kind in your praise, my lord,” said Elizabeth with a curtsey. “We have had an unusual courtship laden with misunderstandings and through it all he has been quite persistent.”

  Lord Matlock laughed boomingly. “Ah, is that so William? Well, Mrs. Darcy, I daresay he warranted some self-doubt. He is used to having anything whenever he wants it, and I must believe that the waiting has made him a better man.”

  “It has, Uncle,” said Darcy, seriously, “In more ways than one. I am so blessed to have found Elizabeth, and I will thank God every day for my good fortune.”

  Darcy’s words brought great joy to Lady Matlock, who, upon seeing the love between her nephew and his lovely new bride, instantly decided that she was glad to have yet another spirited young woman join the family. She told Elizabeth so and confessed that she would be glad to have an ally, as there were far too many headstrong young men in the family for her liking.

  The small party sat down to dine just past twelve, and passed a wonderful afternoon together, the troubles of the past weeks briefly forgotten in the joy of Darcy and Elizabeth’s blessed union. Each member of the party became well acquainted with the other. Darcy was amazed to see his uncle immediately establish a bond with Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner, who, although below him in station, matched him in intellect. The three gentlemen took part in a lively discourse about business and politics that would later establish a bond of friendship. Colonel Fitzwilliam, of course, was as lively and ebullient as ever, and took delight in engaging Elizabeth in conversation. So much so Darcy would have been annoyed, had Elizabeth not slipped her hand into his beneath the table. The event stretched long into the afternoon and after several hours, the newlyweds finally departed for Darcy House.

  The Darcy carriage was the finest conveyance that Elizabeth had ever traveled in, and not to mention the fastest. As her new husband handed her into his carriage— their carriage—she could hardly believe the wonderful ceremony that had just taken place. Now she sat beside him in perfect contentment.

  After a few moments of silence, Darcy kissed his wife’s hair, and whispered, “Enjoying the view, Mrs. Darcy?”

  Elizabeth jumped at the sound of her husband uttering her new name. She turned towards him with a dazzling smile. “Very much, Mr. Darcy,” she breathed. “Your carriage is wonderful.”

  “It is our carriage, dearest Elizabeth.”

  “It will take me some time to get used to such fine things. I am, after all, a simple country girl.”

  “Then I shall have to constantly remind you of all our worldly goods.”

  “I shall try and get used to it then, my dear.” she replied. Then she scattered a few kisses on his face and neck before snuggling into his chest.

  ***

  Upon their arrival, the driver lightly knocked on the carriage door unintentionally interrupting Elizabeth and Darcy’s heavenly respite. Darcy took great pleasure in handing Elizabeth out of the carriage and stated proudly, “Welcome to your new home, Mrs. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth was introduced only to the senior staff members, Mr. Taylor the butler, Mrs. Jackson the housekeeper, and Mrs. Edwards, the cook. She would be introduced to the rest at a later time.

  The Darcys quickly retired to the master rooms. Darcy showed Elizabeth his mother’s chambers, which were connected to his own by a cozy sitting room. Elizabeth had toured Darcy House only weeks before, but of course, she had not been shown master chambers, as it would have been highly inappropriate. However, she could not help but remember the results of her wandering at Pemberley.

  “Elizabeth, if you do not like the décor, you are free to redecorate as you see fit.”

  “Nonsense, William,” said Elizabeth, “the rooms are perfect, and I doubt I will be spending a great deal of time in this bed chamber.” Darcy pulled her into his embrace and kissed her deeply. When he ended the kiss, he said, “I am glad you are satisfied, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “Of course I am, William, now let us not linger here. I have not eaten since the wedding breakfast and I am quite famished. I suspect I shall need fortification.” Darcy nodded and guided her into the connecting sitting room. The staff had set up a table, and a few moments later their meal was delivered. Darcy thanked them and gave orders that they were not to be disturbed for the remainder of the evening.

  Darcy had ordered that all of Elizabeth’s favorite dishes be prepared and served for their first meal as a married couple. He poured the wine as Elizabeth piled her plate until it was practically overflowing.

  They both ate heartily as they spoke of their wedding and the wedding breakfast. After nearly an hour, they had finished dining and now sat together on a settee near the fire. Elizabeth was nestled into her new husband’s arms, looking up at him with a dreamy expression on her face. “I can hardly believe that we are finally married, dearest William,” she said softly.

  Darcy kissed her forehead. “I have long anticipated this glorious day, and now it has arrived and I am happier then I ever imagined I would be. This truly is the happiest day of my life.”

  “Hopefully that does not remain true for long, for we have many long years of marriage ahead of us, and if this is the happiest you will be, you, sir, are in for a long, dull life,” she said playfully.

  “I suspect this will only be the beginning of the happiest phase of my life, my love, for every day with you by my side will be glorious.”

  “Even when I should argue with you, and tease you?” she asked with a laugh.

  “I pray the arguments will be scarce. As for the teasing, I take delight when you do so, and I would hope that us being married shall not put a stop to it.”

  “I can promise you that it shall not,” she said, taking a moment to kiss him lightly.

  Darcy then pulled Elizabeth into his lap, and began to kiss her deeply. The kiss was tantalizing, and Elizabeth collapsed into his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his neck in their usual tradition, as he began to scatter kisses across her face and neck. Elizabeth gasped with pleasure, and after a few blissful moments, she said, “William, please, take me to bed.”

  Fourteen

  Darcy awoke early on his first day as a married man, with his lovely bride nestled in his embrace. She looked like an angel. He would have been content to watch her as she slept long into the morning, but then someone knocked on his door. He was sure that it was his valet, and he carefully extricated himself from Elizabeth and pulled the hangings closed, slipped into his robe, and went to the door.

  It was indeed his valet, Mr. Roberts. He said, “I am sorry to wake you, sir, but I have just received a missive from Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Roberts. I will send for you when I am ready to dress for the day.”

  Mr. Roberts handed him the note, bowed, and left the room.

&
nbsp; Darcy opened the letter, praying for a resolution to the Wickham ordeal, so that he and Elizabeth could begin their new lives together. Indeed, the letter contained a positive report. Colonel Fitzwilliam had managed to find a post for Wickham on the Continent in Colonel Millar’s regiment. At last he would be far away from Miss Lydia, and all of the other unfortunate young girls he had ever harmed. Additionally, Richard had found a potential husband for Lydia, a man by the name of John Cunningham, who was in his late thirties and in search of a young and pretty wife. Darcy folded the missive, and rang for Mr. Roberts. He hurried through his toilette and dressed for the day ordering Mr. Roberts to send an express to Richard bidding him to join him at Gracechurch Street in one hour.

  With the message dispatched, Darcy returned to his bedroom to find Elizabeth sitting in bed, clad in her nightgown, with a book. She looked up and flashed a brilliant smile at her husband. “William, I was disturbed to find you missing from our bed when I awoke this morning, and now I find that you have already dressed. I was hoping I might tempt you into a morning interlude.”

  “I would love nothing more than that, my dearest,” said Darcy going to her side and kissing her tenderly. “However I have just received a missive from Richard. He has found a post for Wickham and a prospective match for Lydia. My cousin believes that we might be able to settle matters within the week and then you and I shall return to Pemberley for a spell before Jane and Bingley’s wedding.”

  “Oh William, that is incredible news, I could not ask for a better wedding gift! I pray that he is right. I want nothing more than to leave London and begin our lives together.”

  “I am going to Gracechurch Street in an hour. I would rather not have you alone while I am away dealing with Wickham.”

  “Of course, my aunt will be glad to have someone watch over the children.” She stood up, and pulled on her robe, with the intent of returning to her room and dressing. However, Darcy encircled her waist and kissed her deeply in such a way that expressed his deep desire for her. “I love you so completely, my beloved wife.”

  “I love you, my husband,” said Elizabeth, “but if you do not release me, you shall delay our departure!”

  Darcy grinned in a roguish manner, “Perhaps a delay may be worth it,” his hands exploring her curves with a specific intent.

  Elizabeth laughed. “As much I would love to return to bed with you, my dear, the sooner this situation is resolved the sooner we can escape to Pemberley, and that is far more desirable to me than to tarry in London.”

  “I cannot argue with your logic, Mrs. Darcy,” agreed Darcy. “I shall await you below.”

  ***

  The Darcys arrived at Gracechurch Street an hour later, only to find that Richard had arrived and already informed Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner about his discoveries. After a brief greeting, Elizabeth went to assist her aunt with the children, leaving the gentlemen to discuss which course of action to take.

  It was quickly decided that Darcy would return to Mrs. Younge’s boarding house and convince Mr. Wickham to take the commission. If all went well, the four of them would meet with John Cunningham regarding Lydia later that afternoon. Each of the gentlemen wished for this issue to be resolved as soon as possible.

  When Darcy arrived at the boarding house they discovered that Wickham was awake, and seemingly awaiting their arrival.

  He sauntered into the dingy parlor a few moments later and said, “Ah, Darcy, fancy seeing you here again so soon.”

  Darcy felt as if he was girding his loins for battle as he spoke, “We have secured you a commission on the Continent, with a regiment that will be moving at the beginning of next year. The pay is considerable, and higher than what you were paid in your former position. I have arranged a carriage to transport you to the docks at first light tomorrow”

  “The great and powerful Darcy exercises his substantial influence yet again,” said Wickham mockingly, “and what if I do not wish to take up this commission?”

  “I am not offering a choice,” growled Darcy, “you will be leaving London tomorrow.”

  “And how, pray tell, do you intend to force me?”

  “Colonel Forster and a few of your fellows will be transporting you directly, and should you protest, I will ensure that you shall never be able to find other employment.”

  “You are bluffing,” said Wickham.

  “Would you risk it? Do you truly wish to marry Miss Lydia Bennet – for that is your alternative. A sum of five thousand pounds, a wife, and no chance for other employment.”

  “I see. Very well. I am convinced. I take it that you are no longer to marry Miss Bennet.” His eyes were mocking, and his lips set in a sneer.

  “Mrs. Darcy is currently dining with her aunt and uncle,” said Darcy, “nothing you do can separate us. Colonel Forster and the others will be here in the morning. I suggest you take the commission, or you will suffer the consequences of your actions. Good day.” With that, Darcy swept out of the establishment, leaving behind a paralyzed, disgruntled Wickham.

  ***

  When Darcy returned to the Gardiner house, he informed its inhabitants of the new developments and shortly after, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam were off to pay a call to Colonel John Cunningham.

  ***

  Colonel John Cunningham was a man of five and thirty. He had served in the militia for ten years and was respected among those in his regiment. He had known Colonel Fitzwilliam for only two years and was surprised when he paid him a visit one day in August. “Colonel Fitzwilliam,” he said, when he opened the door of his humble dwelling, “This is a surprise.”

  “Good morning, Cunningham,” said the Colonel. “I have a proposition for you. This is my cousin, Mr. Darcy, and this is Mr. Bennet. May we come in?”

  “Of course,” said Cunningham, ushering them inside to a small parlor. He removed a bottle of whiskey from the liquor cabinet in the corner and poured out four glasses. “Now what can I do for you, Colonel?” he asked when they were all settled.

  “It is more what we can do for you. Mr. Bennet has a young daughter of sixteen, a Miss Lydia Bennet. She was just abandoned by an officer of Colonel Forster’s regiment in Brighton.”

  “I see,” said Cunningham, immediately guessing what was to come.

  “We came to you today, in hopes that you might consider taking Miss Bennet as a wife. Of course, you shall be given a considerable dowry, and perhaps I may be able to arrange a promotion. Your service in the regiment these many years has been reputable.”

  “Is she pretty?” he asked frankly,

  “She is very pretty. She is perhaps a bit nonsensical, but she shall mature, and I believe she will make you a good wife, if you are interested.”

  “I do not know,” he said, “I would have to meet her first. How much is her dowry?”

  “Three thousand pounds, plus one thousand more for Miss Bennet’s personal use,” offered Mr. Bennet.

  Cunningham was surprised that the amount was so high. However, he was not one to refuse such a hefty sum, and he had been in want of a wife. “As I said, I should like to meet her before I make my decision.”

  “Of course,” said Mr. Bennet. “We are staying at my brother-in-law’s house in Cheapside. Would you come to call on the morrow?”

  “That is agreeable to me, sir,” replied the officer. “I look forward to meeting her.”

  ***

  Darcy and Elizabeth returned to Darcy House after dining with the Gardiners and Mr. Bennet. Both Darcy and Elizabeth were well aware that the day had not been ideal for the first day of a marriage, and both were achingly conscious of the need they felt for each other. Therefore, they retired immediately, Darcy issuing orders that they were not to be disturbed.

  The Darcys were soon nestled beneath the coverlet with arms wrapped around one another. “William,” said Elizabeth, “I have missed you so. If not for Lydia, we might have had a proper day spent exclusively in each other’s company. I apologize for my sister’s thoug
htless and irresponsible behavior.”

  “My love,” said Darcy, “You have nothing to apologize for. Soon this unpleasant business will be resolved and we can escape to Pemberley. Your father said that he would be happy to keep Georgiana at Longbourn until Jane and Bingley’s wedding, so we will have a few wonderful weeks alone.”

  “Do you really think Mr. Cunningham will marry Lydia?” By then, Elizabeth had been made aware of the new developments, and while she hoped matters would resolve themselves in a timely manner, she refused to get her hopes up overmuch.

  “He does not seem to be a foolish man, and the offer we have made was generous. I believe that once he meets Lydia, he will agree to marry her.”

  “Does Lydia know of Mr. Wickham’s scheduled departure tomorrow morning?”

  “I doubt it,” said Darcy, “He was never much concerned for telling others of his plans. Lydia’s ignorance will be to our advantage. She will awaken to discover that Wickham has left her and then I believe she will be willing to agree to a marriage to Cunningham.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “Lydia has always dreamed of marrying an officer, and I sincerely doubt that it matters who it is as long as he has a red coat. I know my sister all too well. “

  “Then we have nothing to worry about for the rest of the evening, my love.” With a suggestive grin he said, “Could I tempt you to partake in a delightful form of exercise? I gather you have become restless from being cooped up all day long.”

  Elizabeth flashed him a lascivious grin. “You know me all too well, my beloved husband,” she said, claiming his lips in an all-consuming kiss which lead to a night of bliss spent in amorous activity.

  ***

  Lydia Bennet awoke the following day to find Mr. Wickham gone from their bed. Initially, she supposed that he was off searching for a commission, so she dressed for the day and went downstairs for breakfast. “Mrs. Younge,” she said, “Have you seen my dear Wickham?”