Epilogue A Hopeful Future Begins
A Hopeful Future Begins
~Epilogue~
Two hours later, the feasting and celebration had concluded—or at least, it had for the new Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.
They had a journey of several hours ahead of them and mutually agreed it was time to depart. A long round of congratulations, best wishes, hopes for safe travels, and mournful farewell embraces and kisses ensued.
Finally, they climbed into the sturdy coach emblazoned with the Darcy crest. While Elizabeth clutched the windowsill and waved at her family and friends, Darcy gave the signaling knock for Mr. Anders to snap the reins.
At Netherfield Park’s driveway exit, the coachman steered the horses onto the main road, and the last glimpse of Elizabeth’s waving family disappeared.
She scooted back from the window but continued to contemplate the passing terrain. Every tree and bush was familiar. Not a house was driven by that she could not immediately name those who resided within. The numerous pathways and grassy meadows had been trod upon and explored thousands of times.
Memories. Countless memories.
Sighing, the sound a half sob, she bowed her head and closed her eyes against the stinging tears.
“Let it go, my darling,” Darcy soothed, one hand gently rubbing the small of her back. “Tears are natural and nothing to be ashamed of. I know how difficult it is to part from those you love, no matter the circumstances. There is no reason to hide your sadness.”
Another minute of silent inspection of the Hertfordshire landscape passed—as if she needed to see with her eyes what was forever planted in her mind—and then she melted into her husband’s waiting embrace.
Snuggling into his warm body, she rested her cheek against his upper chest, loosely gripping his lapel, and closed her eyes. The finely worsted fabric of his jacket felt wonderful under her skin, and the smell of his cologne was both soothing and stimulating.
He drew her closer, arms tightening, and kissed her forehead. “I have extra handkerchiefs if you need,” he said, half serious and half teasing, “but wool is tough, even against tears.”
“You are too good, William. I should only be rejoicing this day, not mourning.”
He laughed softly. “Oh, I have no fear that the rejoicing shall soon overcome any sadness, my dear wife. Our hearts are too full to be dampened for long.”
Oh, how right he is.
Just in the seconds it took him to finish those sentences, her sorrow had largely disappeared. Contentment, happiness, and tickles of desire were rapidly taking over.
Lizzy opened her eyes, the colorful embroidery of his wedding waistcoat was brought into sharp focus.
It was a vivid reminder that with the constant commotion during the wedding reception, closer inspection of his garment had been impossible.
In fact, they had frequently been pulled apart, and the bustling activity had not allowed them a minute alone or even to speak to each other much.
Well, we are completely alone now, and, we are married.
While not in the best place for the type of “inspection” she wanted to do, they did need to do something to pass the time. Releasing his lapel, she brushed her fingertips over the extraordinary pattern of flowers and vines hand sewn into the silk.
“This is truly astounding. I thought Jane was skilled at needlework, but this puts her to shame. I am a million times worse than my sister so should do the world a service and never pick up a needle and thread again.”
Darcy chuckled, and she felt the vibration under her fingers, sending a stream of tingles up her arm. “Mr. Meyer only hires the best. For that reason alone, I trusted him to create this for me.”
“I suspected as much. I knew this wasn’t your usual preference, but if I ever have the opportunity, I will thank Mr. Meyer personally for forcing you to submit to his wisdom.”
As she spoke, he began lightly caressing her arm. She wore a long-sleeved, heavy brocade pelisse over her wedding dress yet still shivered at his touch and closed her eyes to enjoy the instantaneous rush of desire.
Reopening her eyes several seconds later, Lizzy’s gaze fell on his hand.
“Oh! What lovely cufflinks. I did not notice before. Are they new?”
“Yes, they are. Believe it or not, a gift from my manservant.” He told her the story in brief.
“He sounds like a good man. And he was correct that these would match. We are remarkably color coordinated as if we planned it.”
She had remained curled against his side, her head resting on his chest. She did long to see his face, but the intimacy of being held this way was unfathomably intense.
Sliding her fingers along the edge of his waistcoat, she toyed with each button as she descended the flat surface of his chest to his abdomen.
He did not move, but his breathing increased, Elizabeth smiling at the reaction the merest brush of her hand could cause.
How bold dare she be? Boundaries no longer applied, aside from their current location, and even then, who would know if she were to take her exploring to the next level?
For what seemed like a long span, she debated and rightfully guessed he was having the same debate.
Then she remembered what he had said the previous afternoon while under the willow trees.
Being together fully for the first time wasn’t only about the timing or even the vows, as vital as those were.
It was about the experience being special, precious, and utterly perfect.
A moving carriage in broad daylight, even with the vows now exchanged, was not that place.
So, she pressed her hand over his naval and leaned back in his arms, just enough to see his face. Indescribable love shone from his eyes, and his expression was by far the most relaxed she had ever seen it.
“I love you, Fitzwilliam Darcy, my husband,” she declared in a firm tone but softly and tenderly, joy now bringing about the sting of tears.
He did not immediately reply, instead leisurely caressing her arm and neck, then cupping her cheek with his palm. Inclining his head a few inches, he held her eyes for another minute or two of silent communication, finally whispering, “I love you, Elizabeth Darcy, my wife.”
And then he kissed her.
For a long, long time they kissed. Sweetly, deeply, and passionately—a sublime connection of lips, breath, and tongue. When they eventually withdrew, she nestled back into the warmth of his embrace and, within minutes, had fallen soundly asleep.
Darcy held his wife, his cheek upon her soft curls as he gazed out the window.
Thoughts drifting, he mused upon the past two months, each moment a treasure, even the handful of which had been stressful in some way.
All of them were parts of the whole amazing journey which had brought them to the present.
Thank goodness it is finally over, he thought, releasing a heavy sigh.
And, indeed, the first stage was over. Elizabeth was now his wife, as he had yearned for with an intensity that was ofttimes nearly his undoing.
Yet, in truth, this was merely the beginning. Their journey together would span years, on into decades, God willing. What a glorious vision!
Smiling, he rested his head back against the padded seat edge and closed his eyes. As sleep reached for him, he sent a silent prayer Heavenward.
Thank goodness it has finally begun.