Richard replies, “Georgie, I do not doubt that Miss Elizabeth loves Darcy, but I am just not yet convinced that there is not something bigger at work here.” Richard looks from Darcy to Elizabeth to Georgiana and holds up both hands. “Peace. I will hold my tongue. I will be happy to attend the wedding.”
Darcy replies, “Let us join the rest of the party in the sitting room so that we can finalize the wedding plans.”
Darcy and the others rejoin Bingley, Miss Bennet, and Mrs. Reynolds in the rose drawing room. Georgiana explains that Mrs. Reynolds is arranging for her belongings to be moved into another chamber until her furnishings are changed out. Miss Bennet suggests that the modiste come to her chambers tomorrow for the final fittings. Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Reynolds finalize the wedding breakfast and the wedding. With all the plans set, the party breaks into little groups. Richard goes riding, Georgiana goes to practice the pianoforte, and the two couples take a walk down by the lake.
Chapter 14
The next day and a half is a flurry of activity as everything is finalized for the wedding. The furniture is being moved, the modiste came out for the final fitting for Elizabeth’s dress, and Darcy stays in his study to make sure that all correspondence has been addressed and he leaves specific instructions with his steward for the next three days.
Darcy had wanted more time at the cottage with Elizabeth, but with Bingley’s sister due to arrive, Elizabeth wanted to be back at Pemberley before they arrived. Darcy reflects on a recent conversation with Elizabeth where she told him that as long as Bingley’s sisters were in residence, she would not be wearing her wedding rings. This does not please Darcy, but he understands Elizabeth’s reasoning. Miss Bingley would be enraged. The night before the wedding, dinner is a lighthearted affair. Darcy is happy to see Richard being nice to Elizabeth. After dinner, there is no separation, and Darcy watching Elizabeth from across the room sees that Elizabeth is sad. Darcy walks over to her and inquires, “Elizabeth, sweetheart. What is wrong?”
Elizabeth smiles sweetly up at Darcy. “I am sorry, Fitzwilliam. I was just thinking of my other sisters, and I am sorry that they will miss seeing me marry. They would have been so happy to see me marry you. I know that they can be silly at times, but they really liked you, Fitzwilliam.”
Darcy replies, “Elizabeth, I promise that once Bingley’s sisters leave, I will take you to Meryton so that you may visit you family. However, you mother and sisters cannot yet know that you are married. We can tell them we are engaged.”
Elizabeth sighs. “I understand, Fitzwilliam. Thank you for the upcoming visit. I will look forward to it.” Turning to Miss Bennet, Elizabeth asks, “Jane, would you please remember as much as possible about my wedding so when our marriage is public knowledge, we can describe it for them?”
Miss Bennet replies, “Of course, Lizzy. You know Papa will help describe it to them too.”
Elizabeth stands, gives Darcy a kiss on the cheek, and retires for the evening.
Darcy invites the men to join him for a game of billiards. The men spend an hour playing and talking before Darcy invites them to join him in his study for a glass of brandy or port. Mr. Bennet and Bingley take an opportunity to tease the somber Darcy about getting leg-shackled tomorrow.
Darcy observes that Richard is watching the group but not saying much. Darcy watches in concern as Richard is usually his chief tormentor and much more lively, and while Richard does smile and laugh, Darcy can tell that his heart is not in it. Darcy signals to Richard to stay behind when the others prepare to retire. After the others have retired for the night, Darcy gets up from his chair and sits directly across from Richard and demands, “Richard, what is wrong?”
Richard replies, “Nothing is wrong, Darcy.”
Darcy firmly states, “That is not true, Richard. Usually you are the first to tease me. Your eyes are giving you away. I know you joked and teased, but I could tell that your heart was not in it.”
Richard bows his head. “Apologies, Darcy. I am still a little concerned about you marrying someone with no money, no connections.”
Darcy starts laughing.
Richard looks up in surprise. “Darcy what did I say that would make you laugh so?”
Darcy answers, “Richard, had I behaved as I normally do, I more than likely would have somehow insulted Elizabeth and the entire town. I would have fought the attraction for those very reasons. Richard, you would have been the one to like Elizabeth from the beginning—her lively nature and sweet disposition. You would not have scoffed at her lack of connections. All will be well, Richard. You need to find someone as wonderful as Elizabeth. Be happy for me.”
Richard replies, “Darcy, I am happy for you, and as long as you understand the implications, I will stand by you. Rest well tonight, Darcy. You will not be getting much sleep for a while.”
With a grin and a laugh, Richard departs, leaving a blushing Darcy behind.
Chapter 15
Darcy is up early the next morning. He cannot believe that in a matter of hours, Elizabeth will be his wife. Darcy starts to worry that the stress of the wedding might be too much for Elizabeth.
Suddenly Darcy worries about Elizabeth. Knowing that he cannot see Elizabeth, Darcy pens a quick note to her to reassure himself that she is well. Darcy opens his bedchamber door and asks a passing maid to deliver the note to Elizabeth and to wait for a reply. Darcy paces back and forth, waiting impatiently for Elizabeth’s reply. Suddenly there is a knock at the door. Darcy’s valet, Perkins, answers the door and hands Darcy the note. Perkins returns to preparing Darcy’s wedding attire. Darcy crosses his chamber to sit in the chair next to the fireplace. Darcy carefully opens Elizabeth’s note and reads it.
Dearest Fitzwilliam,
Please be at ease. I am well. I retired early so that I had plenty of rest. Jane and Georgiana have been of great comfort to me and to ensure that you and I have the perfect wedding. I am counting the minutes until I am your wife.
Love always,
Your Elizabeth
PS—I will be the one in the cream satin.
Darcy sits back and sighs. Perkins, hearing his master’s sigh, asks, “Sir, is everything well?”
Darcy replies, “Yes, Perkins, all is well. I am just ready for the wedding to be over.”
Perkins chuckles. “Sir, I wanted to wish you and Miss Elizabeth all the happiness in the world. The staff are pleased that you are not marrying someone like Miss Bingley—she is not well liked by the staff.”
Darcy smothers a laugh. “Perkins, Bingley’s sisters will be arriving next week. We need to make them feel welcome regardless of how well we like them. Perkins, please take a seat for a moment. We need to have a discussion.” Perkins tries to protest, but seeing the look on his master’s face, Perkins sits down. Darcy says, “Thank you, Perkins. What I am about to tell you will be known to only two other servants—Mrs. Reynolds and Amy, Elizabeth’s maid—and family. It is a guarded secret that concerns Elizabeth. Perkins, Elizabeth has falling sickness, and my trip to London and Scotland and bringing Elizabeth here was in part to see if there was any way to help her. The other part was to see if I could win her love.”
Perkins looks at Darcy and sits forward, inquiring urgently, “Sir, is there anything special that the staff or I need to do to be of help?”
Darcy replies, “No. At this time, I am going to ease Elizabeth into the role of the Mistress of Pemberley. The main thing is to try and keep her stress levels down. It has been a few years since her last spell, but I do not wish to take any chances.”
Perkins replies, “Sir, I will guard Miss Elizabeth’s secret, sir. Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do.”
Darcy asks, “Perkins, is everything ready at the cottage?”
Perkins replies, “Sir, the gardeners will be putting the flowers in place around the time you and Miss Elizabeth are exchanging vows.”
Darcy stands. “Thank you, Perkins. I appreciate your assistance.”
Perkins
also stands and suggests, “Perhaps we should start your day, sir. This is a big occasion.”
Darcy has just finished bathing when there is a knock at the door. Perkins opens the door, and Darcy sees Richard in the doorway. Darcy nods, and Richard enters. Darcy looks at Richard and asks, “Richard, have you changed your mind about attending the wedding?”
Richard replies, “No, Darcy. I will be there.”
Darcy looks at Richard and asks, “What is the matter, Richard? You look like something is bothering you.”
Richard replies, “All is well. I actually have your wedding gift, and I wanted you to see it first in case you do not like it or think that Miss Elizabeth will not like it.”
Richard hands it to Darcy and quickly says, “Careful, Darcy. The contents are fragile.”
Darcy carefully opens the box and pulls out a plaque made of cherrywood. The plaque is square with two long life-size wooden roses draped across it. On the left hand side of the plaque are Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s names carved into the wood with their wedding date and two interlocking wedding rings. Darcy makes no comment as he runs his finger gently across their names and date and then finally the roses themselves. Finally, Darcy looks at Richard, and Darcy notices that Richard is tense—as if he is expecting his gift to be rejected.
Darcy gently says, “Richard, this is a beautiful gift, and I can tell you that Elizabeth will treasure it as I will.”
Richard sighs, and Darcy asks, “Richard, how long have you been working on this?”
Richard answers, “I started working on it as soon as I saw you in London. You were different, and then I heard Miss Elizabeth’s name come up in conversation. You are not one to speak of any particular woman, but I heard something in your voice that told me that Miss Elizabeth was special. I have been using my downtime to make this. I know that you will not be wearing a ring, but it seemed right somehow.”
Darcy laughs. “I would be happy to wear such a ring for Elizabeth.”
Richard replies jokingly, “Darcy, you would probably start a new fashion.”
Darcy carefully places the plaque back in the box and hands it back to Richard, saying, “Richard, you need to give this to Elizabeth at the wedding breakfast.”
Darcy gives Richard a quick hug, and Richard leaves to allow Darcy to finish dressing.
Darcy is at the altar with the vicar and Richard waiting for Elizabeth to appear. Darcy sees Georgiana come in the side door and sit down at the organ. Suddenly Darcy hears several voices, and he sees Mrs. Reynolds, Perkins, and several of the servants come in to watch the wedding. Bingley grins at Darcy as he takes a seat. Richard taps Darcy on the shoulder so that he has to turn back around. With a growl, Darcy looks at Richard who mouths the word patience. Darcy and Richard stand there together facing the vicar until Darcy hears Georgiana start playing the organ.
Darcy turns to watch Elizabeth walk up the aisle. Miss Bennet is leading the way, wearing a lovely blue gown, holding a cream-colored lead to a very happy Fitz. Behind Miss Bennet is Elizabeth walking on her father’s arm. Darcy watches as Elizabeth glides up the aisle in his mother’s wedding dress, looking enchanting.
Mr. Bennet leans down and gives Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek, and she gives her father’s arm a squeeze. Elizabeth looks at Darcy with a beautiful smile on her face and her heart in her eyes. Mr. Bennet hands Elizabeth to Darcy, and they turn to the vicar. Suddenly the wedding is over, and Darcy is leading his wife over to the register to sign her maiden name for the last time.
Darcy watches as Elizabeth kisses her father on the cheek and hugs both Miss Bennet and Georgiana. Darcy watches as Elizabeth turns to Richard and asks, “Colonel, would you consider it improper if I gave you a hug or a kiss? Your choice.”
Darcy laughs when Richard replies, “First, Mrs. Darcy, please call me Richard, and second . . .” With that, Richard opens his arms where Elizabeth surprises Richard by both hugging and kissing him. Darcy reclaims his wife with a fake growl. Everyone prepares to return to the house for the wedding breakfast. Darcy watches as Richard bends down and picks up Fitz, who starts licking his face. Bingley offers Miss Bennet his arm, and Mr. Bennet offers his arm to Georgiana. Darcy and Elizabeth linger at the back of the group. Darcy picks up Elizabeth’s hand and places a kiss on her wedding band and says, “I love you, Mrs. Darcy!”
Elizabeth grins back at Darcy. “I love you too, Fitzwilliam.” Darcy steals a kiss before they rejoin the others.
The wedding breakfast is a lively affair. The food and company are pleasant, and Darcy has fun watching his battle-hardened cousin blush over the praise for the gift he made for Elizabeth and Darcy. As the couple prepares to leave, Mr. Bennet stands and says, “Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, before you leave, I have an announcement to make. Mr. Bingley has asked to marry Jane, and I have given my consent. Bingley will be joining the family in the near future.”
Darcy and Elizabeth offer their congratulations. The newlyweds take their leave of everyone and depart.
Darcy walks Elizabeth down the drive and smiles when Elizabeth notes that only his horse is in the drive. Darcy grins at Elizabeth and picks up one of the great coats that was draped over the saddle. Darcy helps Elizabeth into the coat and says, “The coat is to protect your dress.”
Elizabeth raises a brow at this but says nothing. Once Elizabeth’s dress is covered, Darcy lifts Elizabeth onto his horse and swings himself up behind her. As Darcy picks up the reins, he says, “Where we are going the only way to arrive is to walk or ride a horse. It is too far to walk in our wedding clothes.” Darcy sighs contently when Elizabeth leans back into his embrace.
Darcy savors being able to hold Elizabeth. They enjoy the quiet of the ride. Occasionally, Darcy will point out something of interest. After riding about a quarter of an hour, Darcy turns his horse into the woods and takes a hidden trail not visible from the open grounds. They ride for another five minutes before Darcy pulls up in front of the hidden cottage. Darcy listens as Elizabeth exclaims in wonder and looks up at Darcy. Darcy drops swift kiss on her lips and swings down off the horse and reaches up to help Elizabeth down.
Darcy looks down at Elizabeth and says, “My father had this cottage built for my mother when they needed time alone. My father brought me here after my mother passed so that one day I might bring my own wife here.”
Darcy helps Elizabeth remove his great coat and drapes the coat over the saddle. They walk to the cottage arm in arm. Darcy opens the door and turns and sweeps Elizabeth into his arms as he carries her over the threshold. Darcy grins at Elizabeth’s embarrassment. Darcy gives Elizabeth a quick tour of the cottage.
Darcy says, “There will be fresh baskets of food every day, so we will not see anyone until we return to the main house, but they will still be taking care of us from a distance.” Darcy tugs Elizabeth toward their bedchamber, “Come. I have a little surprise for you, Elizabeth. Close your eyes, sweetheart.” Darcy gently opens the door, whispering words of love. Once Darcy has Elizabeth in the entryway of the room, Darcy says, “Open your eyes, love.”
Darcy watches Elizabeth’s face as she sees bouquets of roses of every color on every available surface. Darcy hears Elizabeth’s gasp, and she spins around and hugs Darcy, saying, “Thank you, Fitzwilliam. You brought the garden to me.”
Darcy replies, “I did not know your favorite color, so I got as many different colors as I could.”
Elizabeth smiles. “Fitzwilliam, I love them all. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the yellow rose. They always seem bright and happy, and they bring me a sense of peace.”
Darcy watches as Elizabeth walks around the room, touching flowers and smelling others. Darcy watches as Elizabeth approaches the bed, and she notices the red rose petals that have been spread out on the counterpane in the shape of a heart. Darcy watches as Elizabeth walks back to him. Elizabeth wraps her arms around Darcy’s waist and lays her head on his chest. Darcy wraps his arms around Elizabeth, content to simply hold her. A few moments later, Elizabeth so
ftly says, “I love you so much, Fitzwilliam. Thank you for making our wedding day so special.”
Darcy tips Elizabeth’s face up toward him, and he leans down and kisses Elizabeth. The kiss starts off gently and quickly turns passionate. Darcy reaches behind him and closes the bedchamber door, shutting out everyone.
Chapter 16
Darcy and Elizabeth reluctantly leave the cottage three days later to return to their normal lives. They enjoyed their time alone, loving each other and being themselves with no one around. Darcy places Elizabeth on his horse and says, “Are you ready to return, my love?”
Elizabeth says, “Yes, Fitzwilliam. We must, I am afraid.” Darcy mounts up behind Elizabeth and sets his horse in motion. Darcy leans forward to kiss Elizabeth when they hear something. Darcy looks and sighs in frustration. Elizabeth asks, “What is the matter, Fitzwilliam?”
Darcy replies, “Bingley’s sisters have arrived early. That is their carriage.”
Elizabeth slips down off Darcy’s horse and says, “Fitzwilliam, you need to return to the house to greet them.”
Darcy responds, “Elizabeth, I do not like leaving you alone.”
Elizabeth says, “Husband, I will be fine. Have Mrs. Reynolds move some of my things back into my old guest chambers so that Miss Bingley does not notice anything amiss.”
Darcy watches as Elizabeth removes her rings and slips them into her pocket. Elizabeth gives Darcy a wink and slowly starts walking in the woods. Darcy calls out, “Elizabeth, I love you. Please be careful.”
Elizabeth turns back and says, “I love you too, Fitzwilliam. I will see you soon.”
Darcy urges his horse toward the house, taking a little known path so that he can arrive before the carriage. When Darcy arrives at the stables, he encounters Richard. Darcy turns to Richard urgently. “Richard, I need you to do me a favor. Bingley’s sisters have arrived early. Would you please send Georgie to meet Elizabeth? Elizabeth is on the trail in the woods back by the cottage. Elizabeth asked me to come and greet the carriage so that Miss Bingley would not suspect anything.”
Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 15