by Kay Mares
A few days later Elizabeth’s curiosity was rewarded when again the foursome was in Meryton. The young man whose horse had run off with him approached the Darcy party respectfully and waited to be acknowledged by Darcy. When Darcy did speak to him, it was off to the side, and both flashed identical grins upon their faces after the conversation concluded. “I gave Mr. Turner some advice on how to keep his horse under control as well as some pointers regarding winning a horse race should he find himself challenged once more. Mr. Turner took my advice as well as planning to run the race away from the town, and he was happy to report a most satisfying outcome to the rematch.” Darcy kept a pleased look on his face as Bingley shook his head knowingly. Elizabeth concluded while Darcy was ill that he did not shy away from hard work or trouble and that conclusion was again proven true.
Afterward, for many years, whenever Darcy and Elizabeth returned to the area, Darcy always made time to visit Mr. Turner and became satisfied to see him grow into a responsible man with an honorable profession as a blacksmith. The two would always get together to share stories of horses and races. Mr. Turner was speechless when Darcy presented him with a gift of one of Pemberley’s fine thoroughbred geldings which Turner ran in some small local races and came away with many wins. In the present, the young Turner would benefit from Darcy’s coaching, and with confidence, he would report to Darcy his improvements in his horsemanship.
Elizabeth’s last ruminations concern herself. Her mother lamented Lizzy would never find a mate if she was forever speaking her mind but at the time, Elizabeth did not wish to give up her independence. She did not wish to act the part of the docile woman, only finding her worth as given to her by a man. Neither did she wish to usurp the authority given to men by the laws and the Bible. She just wanted a partner who would allow her to be herself and welcome her opinions. Elizabeth spoke to Darcy about her behavior on numerous occasions, and he decided to have fun with her by pointing out she just did not know her perfect mate would come to her wrapped up as a conceited prig. He widened his eyes and cocked his head but what really undid her was when he wiggled his brows. The full grin which broke out on his face lit up his whole being. Lizzy’s reminisces of his self-deprecating comments, and silly face made her giggle anew.
Lizzy marks the time and returns home. Even though her mother’s nerves are high, Lizzy will not let this glorious time be anything but happy. The bliss she feels in knowing more of Darcy, and the acceptance of Georgiana, the Matlocks, Miss de Bourgh, and the Colonel makes her light of heart. Tomorrow she will become Mrs. Darcy! She is excited as never before. Entering the house, Lizzy is immediately accosted by her mother.
“Lizzy, is that you? Come, you must have one more fitting for your wedding dress, so all is perfect for tomorrow. Why you have to wander off when we have so much yet to do is beyond me. You seem to enjoy vexing me at every turn. Jane stayed right where I was able to find her in a lady-like pursuit, attending to her needlework. You instead go traipsing off to who knows where! Perhaps Mr. Darcy will be able to cure you of your headstrong ways. I cannot imagine the gentleman tolerating such from you…” Mrs. Bennet pauses in her monologue, “however I do recall him saying he admired you exactly the way you are when he and I had occasion to dance. I guess I will never have the right of it. Come, come hurry along.” Elizabeth allows her mother her ramblings.
As soon as the last fitting is completed to Mrs. Bennet’s satisfaction, she announces the evening meal will be cold cuts as she cannot afford to overtax the staff with a hot meal on the eve of such an important day. Both Jane and Lizzy are satisfied as neither have much of an appetite. Mr. Bennet resigns himself to his fate and retreats to his library with the admonishment that he does not wish to hear about lace. Kitty and Mary make themselves scarce because they do not want to have Mrs. Bennet give them any more tasks to complete. Lizzy and Jane made their excuses early and retired to Jane’s room for their last talk as maidens.
“Are you at all nervous, Jane?” Lizzy asks her. “I have found myself only to be eager, although at times it strikes me fully Longbourn will no longer be the place I call home.”
“I have had that notion too, but since I will still be but three miles away, I suppose the separation is not as acute. You will be more than one hundred forty miles away which admittedly distresses me. With good roads and the carriages Mr. Darcy employs, it is a three-day journey for you to return here. I will miss you, dear Lizzy but I am content in the knowledge Mr. Bingley will be there to offer me solace.”
“We will often write, Jane. It will not be the same as our nightly talks, but we may still know each other’s hearts. I plan to fill mine with every detail down to the décor of the room I am writing in. Mr. Darcy may become vexed with the postage costs.” Lizzy snickers.
“I do not believe you could do anything to vex Mr. Darcy. He is positively smitten with you. After seeing more of him and from what Mr. Bingley has told me, I have no doubts as to your marital felicity. Mr. Darcy is no longer so somber and judging from some of your stories; he is quite the wit. As they say, you have met your match. We are fortunate to have found such men.” Jane’s joy dampens a little with her next statement. “I should not say so, but since Mr. Darcy took Miss Bingley to task, Miss Bingley has remained either absent or quiet. I believe this will bode well for me as I take over the duties at Netherfield. Charles has assured me she will get over her pique and when she has spoken to me lately, it has been with none of the rancor of earlier.” Jane studies her hands in her lap.
“I knew Fitzwilliam to have incredible forbearance, but Miss Bingley underestimated his sense of duty when it comes to protecting those within his care. She forced him to come to my defense, so the fault for her embarrassment lies solely at her own feet. You told me Mr. Bingley warned her of assuming a familiarity with Fitzwilliam which she did not own, yet she heeded him not. It is uncharitable of me, but I cannot have a favorable impression of her. Mrs. Hurst, however, seems to have taken her brother’s admonishments to heart and has endeavored to be a more amiable companion.”
“Yes, Lizzy she has. While I will not fool myself into thinking either of them holds me in any special regard, I welcome the softening of both of their personalities.” Jane shifts on the bed, “are you comfortable with what tomorrow night will hold for us?”
“Indeed I am. I know it is not proper for a betrothed couple to speak of such matters but my relationship with Fitzwilliam has not followed the proper course. We both have come to realize speaking openly has not only avoided our misconstruing each other but has given us a deeper level of communion. There is not anything including tomorrow night’s expectations I have not been able to speak with him about. I am at ease. Jane, you should be too although for a different reason. Both you and Mr. Bingley are gentle souls, and he is most agreeable, so I believe you will not have any worries.” Lizzy smiles reassuringly at her sister.
“Thank you, Lizzy, for your kind words. You are right of course. I am comforted by Mr. Bingley’s regard and sensibility, and while I would not be able to speak to him as freely as you do with Mr. Darcy, I have no fears.”
The next morning, Mrs. Bennet rouses the household to prepare for the wedding. Jane and Elizabeth are allowed an inordinate amount of time for their hair and makeup to be done (and a small snack so they do not pass out and scandalize the whole family and their grooms, according to Mrs. Bennet) then the sisters don their wedding gowns and prepare to make their way to the family church. Mr. Bennet is done up in his best and looks quite dapper. Mrs. Bennet herself is clothed in an appealing gown of peach while Mary and Kitty are attired in pale rose and yellow respectively. Jane and Lizzy both selected gowns of white, but there are enough differences in the style and cut of the cloth to make each stand out. Each wore a contrasting hairstyle, Lizzy’s being swept to one side and Jane’s hair pulled back with some curls framing her face.
Lizzy wears the earrings Darcy presented her with at the last ball and added some green ribbons to her hair. Additiona
lly, she now wears an emerald and diamond necklace which Darcy gifted her with. The necklace matches Lizzy’s engagement ring and earrings thus completing her ensemble. Jane uses blue ribbons as her accents along with some jewelry which sports various hues of blue stones. The sisters carefully enter the Bennet carriage and position themselves to minimize wrinkling their gowns. Mr. Bennet rides with them, and the three of them regale themselves with memories of growing up at Longbourn. Mr. Bennet tells each daughter of his love for them and assists them out of the carriage as it comes to a stop before the church. Sir William Lucas gave the remaining Bennet ladies the use of one of his carriages, and it pulls in behind the Bennet carriage.
Both Bingley and Darcy await their brides in a room off of the side of the sanctuary. Henry gives them all sorts of jests mostly about their wedding nights which they bear with good humor. Lord Matlock grins and shakes both men’s hands before he escorts his wife to their seats. Lady Matlock hugs her nephew and tells him she is pleased for him. Henry leaves to go to his seat, but before he does, Darcy hugs him and thanks him for all his support during the last few months and wishes him blessings in his quest to win Anne. Henry wipes a tear away at Darcy’s kindness.
Georgiana first turns to Bingley and grasps his hand, congratulating him and wishing him all the best. Then she looks to her brother. The one who succored her when she was a child, laughed with her and cried with her, lovingly raised her after the demise of their parents and protected her from all harm. She exchanges a deep look with him and comes into his embrace. As he bends to kiss her cheek, she referenced her charge to him when he left to return to Hertfordshire. “You have found your happiness, and you have found yourself. I love you, Brother.”
“And I, you, little one. I am blessed to have you as my sister.” Tears are in both of their eyes as Henry returns to escort Georgiana into the church. With one last loving look at her brother, she exits.
Bingley draws a deep breath. “Well, here we go, Darcy. I must thank you for the friendship and guidance you have given me over the years. I am honored to be your friend.”
“I must say Bingley you are too kind and it is I who am honored by being able to call you friend. You are the best of men, and I wish you and your Jane every happiness.” Both men reach out to shake hands and give each other an embrace and a slap on the back. The usher comes to escort them to the front of the church. Darcy notes the decorations and his family and friends who came to share his day with him. There are smiles all about. Normally he is uncomfortable being the center of attention but today it matters not to him because his fondest wish is about to become a reality. He settles himself and looks to the rear of the church where the sisters are being escorted down the aisle by Mr. Bennet. Jane looks serene on his right, and Lizzy looks vibrant on his left. Both of them are breathtaking to behold. Soon each bride is presented to her respective groom, and the ceremony commences.
All four of them would admit later to difficulty recalling the actual service but were relieved they all spoke the necessary words. Elizabeth will recall Darcy’s resonant voice sending chills down her spine, and Darcy relates his captivation with Elizabeth’s beauty. Jane will remember Bingley’s large smile, and he will recall her soft but sure declarations. They gather at the back of the church after the pronouncement they are now man and wife to receive the good wishes of the guests.
The carriage ride to Longbourn is quick, and the couples are treated to a very well organized wedding breakfast. The Matlocks pronounce themselves pleased. Henry enjoys circulating with the guests and Georgiana finds pleasant company with Mary and Kitty. With Mary, she discusses music and various composers and pieces, and with Kitty, she shares some inane chatter about balls and fashion. Darcy’s watchful eyes note Georgiana is engaging in conversation with the girls effortlessly. He mentions thus to Henry and they both delight in her newfound strength. Henry and Georgiana will spend time with the Matlocks then Henry will go to Rosings to claim Anne while the Matlocks host Georgiana during the Darcys’ honeymoon. Lord Matlock already met with Lady Catherine to lay out what he expects of her behavior for the future. It was long, messy and dramatic but in the end, he prevailed.
Chapter 17
As they prepare to leave the wedding breakfast and Longbourn, Elizabeth is compelled to make the last round to all her family and friends. It will be some time before she will see them again and she wants to make lasting memories. Darcy plans to take her to Pemberley so they can enjoy their first weeks together without any pressure from outside obligations. Darcy organized two overnight stops at inns he had patronized in the past. He does not want to weary Elizabeth with a long drawn out carriage ride. Further, he wishes to show her some of the scenery he finds pleasing along the way.
When Darcy and Elizabeth make their way to the carriages, Elizabeth is struck full with her new rank in life. She is at ease with her husband as the witty jovial man she came to know and adore so she sometimes forgets about the other areas of his life. His station, his wealth and his importance in the world. The gleaming black carriage reminds her at this time. It is polished to a high sheen which allows for her reflection to shine back at her. There are a driver and a footman ready to see to their comfort in addition to her trunks stowed upon it. Elizabeth marks another equally pristine and elegant although slightly smaller carriage parked behind the first with a second driver and footman awaiting. She turns to Darcy to ask him about the other carriage.
“What is the purpose of the second carriage Fitzwilliam? I thought all of our trunks would fit on the first one.” Lizzy ponders.
Darcy smiles, and he thinks her naiveté in this instance charming. He begins indulgently, “Yes, My Love, as you can see your trunks as well as mine fit on the first carriage, however since I desire to be alone with you, we will travel together in the first while my man Barnabas and your maid, Ada will be traveling in the second. I took the liberty of choosing a lady’s maid for you, but once we have arrived at Pemberley, you may wish for someone else. Ada is quite adept at her work and is attentive to detail. When we arrive at our destination tonight, you will have no worries other than a fine dinner with me. Ada will see to your unpacking and any other needs you may have. All you need to do is inform her of your wishes.”
“I see. Much is about to change I suppose.” Elizabeth glances at the carriages once more. “It shall be an adventure I anticipate taking with you.” She grins largely at him as he takes her hand and assists her into the larger carriage. Once she is settled, Darcy follows her in. Darcy gives the driver the signal, and with a small lurch, they are off. Lizzy examines the interior. Soft maroon velvet cover the seats, dainty shades adorn the windows, and the walls are covered with a highly polished black leather which is also surprisingly soft to the touch. Her eyes go to her new husband. She notes how handsome he is. His clothes fit him perfectly and accent his manliness. She lets her eyes travel over his strong jawline, over his cheekbones and up to his dark hair. She thinks of his neck when she had glimpsed it while he was ill at Netherfield and how it smoothed into his broad shoulders and powerful chest. Lizzy remembers the muscles of his arms and how she feels when he wraps them around her. She flushes then. You will soon know much more. That thought causes her to blush deeper, and she fixes her eyes on the carriage floor.
Darcy is aware of her inventorying the carriage as well as his person, and he stifles a smile which threatened to break through. Elizabeth would be mortified if he let on that he guessed as to her musings. Even with their openness with each other, the intimacy of being alone without any chaperone gives each a cause for pause. Darcy decides to give Elizabeth some relief rather than tease with her as he first thought to do.
“The first stretch of the journey may be familiar to you Elizabeth as we will be in your home shire for a bit. After that, there are some beautiful pastoral scenes we will come upon. As we near our home, you will notice a change in the landscape. It tends to be a little wilder, but the beauty is breathtaking. I guess I am partial, but I hope y
ou will learn to love it as much as I. We will not be making the whole of the journey in one shot as I enlightened you before, but I would enjoy telling you of some of the small towns we will venture through. If at any time you wish to halt for a walk or to peruse a town, all you need to do is ask.”
“Just how far do you have it in mind to travel today? I would not wish to upset your well thought out plans,” she teased him. Lizzy is cognizant of his need to have everything in his life organized. He is meticulous in all that he does so it is normal for him to have an agenda planned. “Aware as I am of your proclivity for structure in your life, I just wanted to know what to expect.” She flutters her lashes and purses her lips. Darcy laughs at her double entendre. During their courtship they skimmed the surface of the sexual tension they both felt while exchanging witty banter. The dialogue often reduced the sudden longing they felt for one another and kept them from crossing any bounds of propriety. However, this time is different as they are alone and most importantly now married.
“What you may expect, Mrs. Darcy, is an attentive husband who will make it his duty to see to all of your needs. As you alluded, I am most diligent in all of my affairs with excruciating attention to detail. I would feel it safe to say you will not be disappointed with my agenda.” Darcy meets her jest with one of his own. The sexual overtones are too obvious to ignore. With that pronouncement, he swiftly moves to her side of the carriage and slides her to him. He begins with soft kisses to her brow, cheeks and lips then trails a moist line down to her neck. The emotions and sensations Elizabeth feel now are intense and wonderful. Darcy traces his hands up her arms and over both shoulders then ever so slowly he begins to explore her dress’s neckline. Lizzy shivers with excitement and longing. Darcy brings an ache to her which she never dreamed of. Lizzy wants him to explore farther, but he withdraws and looks at her.