Chapter 29 #2
When Mr. Slade heard the news from Darcy himself, the gentleman said little except, “I am pleased that you listened to your heart, Mr. Darcy. I have rarely seen a more perfectly suited couple in character and spirit. Is it not astonishing that Storm felt the depth of your affection before either of you recognized it?”
“You think Storm felt the bond between us?” Darcy inquired incredulously.
“Why else would he accept Miss Bennet from the first moment he saw you together?”
“It is laughable that I have been such a fool, is it not? Even my horse mocked me.”
“What is remarkable is the strength with which you eventually recognized the truth and brought happiness into your life. You should think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure, sir; I learned that philosophy many years ago.”
“I shall try; your advice has always been wise and valuable to me, Mr. Slade. But it will be some time before I reconcile myself with the past, as painful recollections often intrude.”
“Few men easily reconcile with their past, Mr. Darcy. Painful recollections intrude for all of us. A man is fortunate to find a present and future that are worth the effort; it is sad when he does not.”
“With that, I cannot argue, Mr. Slade.”
∞∞∞
Elizabeth and Darcy had not a single moment of solitude during that day or those that followed.
They usually had a few private minutes in the library early in the morning, in which they talked and became more familiar with each other.
At night, Darcy avoided visiting Elizabeth in her room again while he awaited Mr. Bennet’s answer.
He felt uncomfortable at the thought of betraying the gentleman’s trust, and his duty and honour managed to keep his desires —also shared by Elizabeth —under good regulation.
The reply from the Gardiners arrived with congratulations and regrets for not being able to travel in the winter. Mrs. Gardiner also wrote to Elizabeth to express her delight and pride in her on not less than two pages.
Three days after Christmas, an express from Longbourn was handed to Darcy. It contained two letters: one for Darcy and another for Elizabeth.
Eagerly, Darcy opened his, anxious to read the reply on which depended the most important event of his life.
Dear Mr. Darcy,
I must begin by telling you that I have never been so surprised in my life as when I read your express, and I doubt I will recover from the perplexity anytime soon.
I cannot understand how you and Lizzy progressed from enemies to spouses, but I could not be happier if your mutual affection is genuine and has a strong foundation. My Lizzy is truly a remarkable woman, and I would be pained to separate from her for anyone less worthy.
My admiration for you is as deep as my gratitude, and I should never dare refuse you anything you condescended to ask. But I also give you my heartfelt blessing, praying that your unexpected marriage with Lizzy will be to the advantage of both and raise everyone’s admiration.
As for your wedding date, you may fix it at your and Lizzy’s convenience. It is fortunate that her sisters are there to be by her side. Mrs. Bennet and I cannot possibly travel to Pemberley until Easter, as much as we would like to.
Mrs. Bennet insists on your marrying as soon as possible with a special licence. I believe she is worried that you might change your mind if you delay any longer, as she cannot believe you truly proposed to Lizzy.
We eagerly await a detailed report of your wedding, including the number of courses at the wedding breakfast, a description of the ladies’ dresses, and the dimensions of Lizzy’s apartment so Mrs. Bennet can share them with Mrs. Philips, Lady Lucas, and the other four and twenty families in Meryton.
Darcy read the letter with equal amusement and gravity as he could guess Mr. Bennet’s concern for his daughter’s felicity.
He began his reply immediately with further details and assurance to put Mr. Bennet at ease.
While he was writing, Elizabeth entered.
He handed her the letter, as well as the one addressed to her, still sealed.
Elizabeth sat near him, delighting herself with her father’s words. Then she opened the second one, curious and impatient.
My dearest Lizzy,
I shall not deny that the news of your marriage to Mr. Darcy surprised me exceedingly.
I never suspected such inclinations from either of you, and I am rather worried.
I have confidence enough in you both to hope that you made the decision based on solid reasons.
However, there is something you must know of your future husband.
I might be considered to be breaking a promise, but I believe it will help you to better know the man you decided to marry.
Mr. Darcy’s assistance in arranging L ydia’s marriage to Wickham was not limited to finding the couple.
Darcy paid all the debts, procured the commission, and negotiated with that scoundrel.
Everything that was needed he did of his own will.
We argued and refused to allow him to bear all the expense, but he would not be contradicted.
Why he made such a sacrifice we could not possibly imagine then; but now, it becomes apparent that his affection for you must have been strong even then and induced all his actions.
I hope you are already aware of your betrothed’s generous character, but if not, this knowledge will surely be another proof.
Be happy, dearest Lizzy— may this marriage fulfil your dreams of felicity.
I shall see you for Easter at Pemberley.
Elizabeth put the letter down, incredulous, dismayed, and soulful. She looked at the man she believed she had come to know as if she were seeing him for the first time.
“My love, we will marry in a week. Can you believe it? Only one week. Are you not pleased?” he asked, concerned with her lack of response.
“Papa wrote to me…he told me what you did for Lydia and Wickham. Why did you not tell me?” she whispered.
Surprise darkened his countenance.
“I am exceedingly sorry that you have ever been informed of what may give you uneasiness. I did not think Mr. Bennet was so little to be trusted. I asked him specifically not to share this secret with anyone.”
“Please do not blame Papa; his intention was good. I believe he fears that my decision to marry you is based on my admiration of Pemberley. He never knew of our past dealings, and he did not suspect any affection between us; he wished to provide another proof of your generous character.”
Darcy moved near her and held her hands.
“You are troubled and pained.”
“How could I not be? You went through so much trouble, you wasted so much effort and money to repair my sister’s foolishness…Papa told me then that it was around ten thousand pounds. Was it?”
“My love, this discussion is useless. I did what was necessary to purchase Wickham’s debts, and he is now in my power.
I do not know whether my affection for you was any inducement for my decision.
If so, it was unconsciously done because, at that time, I was angry and resentful and wished never to see you again.
Then I met your father; I witnessed his despair, and I remembered my own feelings when Georgiana almost eloped.
I knew it was my fault for not exposing Wickham, as I should have done years ago.
And I was aware that your father could not provide what Wickham demanded, so my decision was easily made.
I did not want you or anyone else to know because I do not deserve gratitude. ”
“You do deserve it…” she whispered, caressing his face.
“Gratitude and so much more. How can I repay you for helping me when I knocked on your door? Your generosity was stronger than your anger and resentment. You put everything aside, ignored the offence I wrongly gave you, and offered your help when you easily could have refused it.”
He put his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap; she released a small cry of surprise then circled her arms around his neck.
“Marry me in a week,” he whispered. “Not from gratitude, not for anything I did, not for the past, and not for Wickham or your sister. Let the past go, once and forever. Marry me because I desperately wish you to become my wife —to be mine.”
“I will not…at least not for that reason. I will marry you because I desperately want to be yours,” she whispered.
She was so close that her body pressed against his. His hands stroked her back, and his eyes looked deeply into hers. Small kisses caressed her neck, throat, and chin until his lips captured hers, which parted for him.
“Somebody might come in and see us,” she said before her lips were completely captured.
“I care not; I have your father’s blessing, and I have the licence. We can marry tomorrow.”
The kiss became more eager, more demanding as he pulled her even closer.
“Then why wait a week?” she replied a moment before his lips conquered her senses.
∞∞∞
Mr. Darcy’s wedding to Miss Elizabeth Bennet was settled to take place the first week of the New Year. Four days before, Lady Hardwick asked the couple for a private meeting.
“My dears, I have news for you. I spoke to Georgiana and Mrs. Bingley. After the wedding, we will all move to Tidestone for a few weeks. It is a lovely place, and I am certain they will enjoy it.”
Elizabeth’s surprise was great.
“You wish to leave? Why?” she inquired with concern. To her astonishment, the countess smiled while Darcy seemed perfectly composed.
“Because you should be alone in the first weeks of your marriage. Your engagement has been a rather hectic time for both of you. Now you need complete privacy and comfort. We will be only twenty miles away if you wish to visit.”
“I do not know what to say,” Elizabeth replied, and her cheeks coloured.
“It is a considerate gesture, dear Aunt; I am grateful for your care.” Darcy bowed. “Have you made all the arrangements?”
“Yes —Mr. Slade will come with us if you can manage without him for a couple of days.”
“Mr. Slade is our friend, not our employee. He may go and return whenever he wishes. I am content that he will join you, so I know you will be safe.”
“You must not worry about us; we will be perfectly fine,” Lady Hardwick said with a smile. “It is time for you to be selfish in your happiness and indulge yourself in your wife’s company.”
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand to his lips. “Of that, you must have no doubts, your ladyship.”