Chapter Seventeen #3
“It is one and the same. Is it not a pleasant surprise?” Elizabeth gifted Darcy with a seductive pout of her lips.
“I attempted to convince Lizzy to purchase the lace, but she stubbornly refused. Mr. Darcy, how do you know my sister so well?” Jane Bennet showed her dismay.
“Elizabeth is my other half.” The explanation spoke for itself. He took Elizabeth’s hand and kissed the back of it tenderly.
Over supper, Darcy received the pleasure of sitting beside Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet had added several special dishes to the meal in hopes of pleasing him.
Although they were too rich for his taste, Darcy complimented his future “mother” several times.
Under the table when no one looked, Elizabeth rewarded him with a squeeze of his leg just above his knee.
Although all too brief, the warmth of her hand on his leg burnt his flesh, and Darcy required several slow, deep breaths not to betray his passion to the others.
Jane Bennet finally opened the discussion of the wedding with her mother. “Mama, while you were in Meryton, Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and I made some decisions regarding our wedding.”
“Certainly. Go on, Jane. Your father and I are most eager to see our daughters portrayed in the best light on their special days.”
“Day,” Jane corrected. “Elizabeth and I have chosen a double wedding. We shall share our wedding day with friends who will then become brothers.”
“That is such a romantic idea,” Kitty sighed.
“Oh, my dears, how exciting this is!” Mrs. Bennet gushed. “Think of it, Mr. Bennet. Both daughters married on the same day. They were always so close.”
Lacking in Mrs. Bennet’s effusion, with an apparent heavy heart, Mr. Bennet spoke to his eldest daughters.
“I will miss you, Jane. I will miss you, Lizzy. The house will feel empty without you.” Elizabeth reached out and squeezed her father’s hand and then looked at Darcy for support.
He stroked the back of her free hand with his fingertips and smiled at her.
She returned a weak smile, which said I shall miss my father.
Bingley had been designated by the couples to share the remainder of their plans.
“Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Darcy and I spoke to Mr. Williamson today regarding purchasing the license. None of us wish for a large wedding. A few select family and friends will suffice for our tastes. We considered a special license, but neither Miss Bennet nor Miss Elizabeth thought airs were necessary.”
Mrs. Bennet appeared disappointed, but she said, “An ordinary license is acceptable. We should not lord our good fortune over our neighbors. Your decision is very wise.”
Darcy’s more formal manner of speaking brought everyone’s attention to the details. “Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth and Miss Bennet have chosen a date: Monday—a fortnight. We hope this is acceptable. Your daughters have expressed a desire to celebrate the Festive Season in their new homes.”
“Naturally, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet began, “but that leaves very little time for settlements and marriage articles.”
“This is true, Mr. Bennet, but Mr. Bingley and I are capable of handling all the legal matters in a short period if you will provide us some time with you after supper. Bingley and I can meet with you separately or the three of us may address common concerns together.”
“As you wish, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet said reluctantly.
“But, Mr. Bennet,” his wife interrupted, “we will have three daughters married! I did not know I could be so happy.”
Elizabeth added, “Mama, Jane and I only require a few new items for our wedding clothes. We can manage with careful planning.”
“My only concern,” Bingley added, “is Miss Bennet will not have an opportunity to make all the changes she wishes to Netherfield before the wedding.”
“Charles, that is of little concern. The changes may be made after the wedding. We have time—all the time we require.” The lady smiled sweetly on her betrothed.
“What of Pemberley, Elizabeth?” Kitty asked.
“I would not wish to make any changes.”
“What is it like?” Kitty continued. “Is it as beautiful as reported?”
Darcy turned to Elizabeth, interested in her description of his home.
She stammered a bit at first, but her description reflected her vision of their future.
“Pemberley … Pemberley is pure perfection. It is a handsome, stone building backed by high woody hills. It sits on rising ground, and every detail of it reflects the natural beauty of the estate. I truly never saw such a place! The house reflects William’s heritage but also his taste.
The interior is simple sophistication.” Darcy’s smile could not be contained.
Elizabeth saw Pemberley, as did he. She had not spoken of its wealth. She spoke of its natural beauty.
“Pemberley is magnificent,” Bingley added. “I hope Netherfield will be a shadow of its splendor. Mr. Darcy’s family left him a great legacy. Miss Elizabeth will be living in what is considered to be one of England’s finest homes.”
Darcy acknowledged his friend’s accolades. “Netherfield has the potential for greatness, Charles. No place happens overnight.” Then he turned to Elizabeth, “Do you not wish to change something in your new home?”
“William, I would not be so presumptuous! Georgiana and I may choose little things once we all are settled. Pemberley is perfect the way it is.”
When the gentlemen departed, Jane and Elizabeth walked out with them.
Bingley and Darcy had completed the settlements with Mr. Bennet, and plans for the ladies’ clothing requirements were well underway.
Jane and Bingley had walked towards the arbor.
Darcy led Elizabeth in the other direction.
Surprisingly, she boldly wrapped her arms around Darcy’s waist when they came to a halt.
He enveloped her in his arms. Both actions were uncharacteristically brazen for a newly engaged couple.
“Elizabeth Bennet, you steal my breath away,” he whispered. “There are moments when it is difficult for me to accept that we will finally be together. And then you are again in my arms.”
“William, I can think of nothing but being your wife, but please do not fret over the past. Any arbitrary turning we might take along the way would bring us to another place and to someone else. The journey we made brought us to this time and this place. This is where we were always meant to be.”
“Do you know to what I look forward?” Darcy had a mischievous smile.
“Pray tell.”
“Being able to kiss you whenever I choose to do so.” With that said, he leaned down and claimed her mouth.
The following day, Darcy and Bingley made their way from Netherfield to Longbourn to spend their time with their intendeds.
As it was raining, taking a long, leisurely walk was not possible.
Both couples claimed residence in their respective parts of the drawing room.
Although the other Bennet family members and the household servants were in and out of the room, Darcy and Elizabeth had chosen a secluded alcove, affording them some privacy.
A holding of hands was the most passionate act permitted with so many about.
“Have you written to Georgiana?” Elizabeth asked.
“If not, I wanted to add my own lines to the letter. I do look forward to having Georgiana in my life. I really did not know what to expect, but she is so much more than I conceived her to be. She has your same fine mind and quick wit. You two are very much alike.”
Her references to his sister pleased Darcy. He had wanted them to be close. “Georgiana would enjoy hearing the news from you. Should we write the letter together?”
“I will retrieve the paper and ink,” Elizabeth scrambled to the desk. There they sat together.
9 October
Georgiana,
I returned to Netherfield, and you will be happy to know Miss Elizabeth has finally agreed to be your sister and my wife.
I am in a state of euphoria. I have waited so long for this to happen.
It is definitely an answered dream. Thank you, dearest one, for always believing this day would happen.
When I was at my lowest, it was your love which sustained me.
You never allowed me to give up hope, and, from your example, I have discovered I could be the master of Pemberley and still love Elizabeth—a choice between the two was never necessary.
You are still the teacher and I the student when it comes to matters of the heart.
I just wish our parents were alive to see this day.
I am confident this day would be one to bring them both great joy.
Elizabeth will be a fine mistress for Pemberley, and the two of you will bring life to the walls of our home.
The house has been silent too long. I will make arrangements to bring you to Netherfield next week so you and Elizabeth may renew your friendship.
I know you wished to visit Netherfield for some time, and this is a joyous event to celebrate under its roof.
Ironically, now that Miss Elizabeth has agreed to marry me, she cannot wait to do so.
We will be wed in a double ceremony with Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet.
I look forward to introducing you to Miss Bennet.
You have heard so much of the lady from Mr. Bingley.
Can you believe Bingley and I will become brothers?
The date has been set for a fortnight. Elizabeth and I await your presence to share in our joy.
Your loving brother, F
Georgiana,