Chapter Nineteen #3
Their gazes locked, peering into each other’s souls. When they met, without saying a word, they embraced. “Elizabeth,” Darcy whispered her name into her hair. The sun danced through the auburn streaks of her loose hair.
“William,” she placed her hands upon his chest and welcomed his nearness. Their hearts beat wildly as they envisioned the happiness awaiting them.
“Dearest Elizabeth,” he lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you likewise, sir.”
“I could find no sleep for images of you. I sought my release by riding to Longbourn to assure myself this was not a dream, only to find a living, breathing Elizabeth,” he said huskily.
“William, you have no fear of finding yourself alone ever again,” she stroked the stubble of his beard. “For you, sir, have stolen my heart and only you may be rid of it. It is at your whim.”
Darcy brushed his lips across hers in an inviting tease. “We should not be found together,” he said unwillingly.
“’Tis, true. My father might be required to defend my honor on my wedding day,” she said, bestowing a full kiss upon his lips. His arms enveloped her as she moved closer for a long, tender moment.
As they separated, Elizabeth’s fingers gently traced his lips. He caught her hands and kissed her fingertips. “I will await you at the church,” he promised.
“Do not forget to bring my heart,” she taunted him over her shoulder as she walked away.
“Elizabeth,” he called.
Turning slowly and giving him an enticing gaze, she pursed her lips, “Yes?”
“You did not answer my question. Why came you here this morning?”
“Did you not will it, sir?” She laughed and walked briskly across the field.
Still feeling her breath upon his cheek, Darcy watched her leaving until he could observe her no more, and then he recovered Cerberus’s reins, mounted, and rode to Netherfield.
“Edward, it is so good to see you. I had feared your relationship with Lady Catherine would prevent your attending.” Darcy extended his hand in welcome.
“I wished to know with assurance you did not change your mind, Cousin.” Edward mocked.
“Do you always play to the full house?”
“Anne sends her regards, Fitz. She will send out our announcements tomorrow if you make it through the day.” Edward could not give up the playful nature of the conversation.
“Cousin, if I was not the happiest man in the world, I might call you out for your references to my cowardice.” Darcy was in a good mood. “In reality, I would not be here without your good counsel. You were more than a cousin. You were my salvation. I pray you and Anne live long and are happy.”
“And I wish you and Elizabeth the best life has to give. You have won an amazing woman.”
“May I ask that you escort Georgiana to Pemberley after the ceremony?’
“Back to Pemberley? Will you not be in London for the Festive Season?”
“Elizabeth and Georgiana wish to celebrate at Pemberley.”
“Fitz, you will do well. Miss Elizabeth will assist you in making Pemberley greater than it ever was.”
“I hope to have a small gathering at New Year’s. Would you and Anne consider being our guests?”
“I will not promise. Much must be defined at Rosings.”
“You and Anne are always welcome in my home. Come any time, Edward.” Darcy looked around nervously. “I believe it is nearly time.” Edward presented Darcy a masculine embrace. Both men had gigantic grins as they moved into the church.
“William.” Georgiana lightly kissed his cheek. “I have just seen Elizabeth; she is the most beautiful bride ever. The lace delicately frames her face. She looks like an angel.”
Darcy could not imagine Elizabeth looking more beautiful than she did this morning when she approached him through the mist. The passion had rushed through him. “Georgiana, you are prejudiced on Elizabeth’s behalf.”
“’True, William. I am nearly as eager as are you.”
“I doubt that,” he laughed lightly. “Edward will accompany you to Pemberley.”
“The colonel and I will take great pride in singing your praises, William,” she giggled as she hugged him one last time.
Darcy and Bingley assumed their places at the front of the church.
Moments later a hush fell over the congregation, and Darcy turned to see Mr. Bennet with Jane on his right arm.
Then his gaze fell on Elizabeth on the other side.
She looked exquisite! The fine muslin and yellow satin drape of the dress hung close to her body, revealing her curves.
Scallops marked the hem, which was finished with a green ribbon twist. The delicate lace she had chosen to trim her bonnet also decorated the long sleeves, which were scalloped to correspond with the bottom of the dress and ornamented with more green ribbon.
A green silk sash encircled the empire cut of the gown.
The diamond and emerald necklace glistened as they caressed the soft indentation of her neck.
Darcy was not confident it was so, but he thought he had moaned audibly.
Then she was by his side. Mr. Bennet placed her hand in Darcy’s, and he accepted the love she presented him.
He held little knowledge of the actual ceremony.
Darcy had been too busy drinking in Elizabeth’s countenance, noting the thickness of her lashes, the blush of her cheeks, and the ghost of a grin playing about her lips.
When asked, Darcy’s resonant “I will” brought titters from some of the younger girls in the congregation and a loud sigh of disgust from Miss Bingley, but nothing remarkable happened.
Afterwards, they retired to Longbourn for the traditional wedding breakfast. Mrs. Bennet had managed to marry off her eldest daughters to the two most eligible bachelors. “Oh, Mr. Bennet, we are so blessed. Three daughters married.”
Mr. Bennet looked less enthusiastic than did his wife.
Although Jane would be near, his Lizzy would be far away in Derbyshire.
Darcy and Mr. Bennet had come to have a mutual respect these past few weeks, but that would not lessen the man’s feelings of loss.
Kissing his daughter’s forehead, Bennet’s eyes welled up.
“Lizzy, this house will be so lonely without your laughter. I will miss you, child.”
“Papa, no one will replace you in my heart. I will always be your ‘Lizzy.’” She kissed him on the cheek.
“Mr. Darcy,” Bennet cleared his throat, “Elizabeth is very special. I expect you to respect her worth and to protect her from any harm.”
“I will, Mr. Bennet. Trust me. I will.” Darcy spoke softly as the charge from Mr. Bennet was solemn. The man was losing his favorite child, and Darcy understood the sentiment. He did not want to think of losing Georgiana to another.
Never comfortable in large gatherings, Darcy accepted the congratulations of each guest with as much civility as he could muster.
Being always no more than an arm’s length from Elizabeth throughout the entertainment assisted his good manners.
His arm often slipped about her waist to keep her close, and she rewarded him with smiles of happiness.
He kept reminding himself that soon they would be alone on the road to London.
They were standing close, whispering endearments when the Bingley sisters approached to offer their respects. “Miss Eliza,” Caroline Bingley began, “you look lovely today.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. The happiness of knowing Mr. Darcy as my husband makes me feel lovely,” Elizabeth countered.
“Congratulations, Mr. Darcy.” Although she spoke the correct words, disappointment laced Caroline’s voice.
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. I must agree with you. Mrs. Darcy is beautiful. Naturally, I always thought she had fine eyes. They pierced my soul.” He enjoyed being part of his wife’s cut.
“Yes, I recall your saying as much on several occasions.” Caroline bit the words.
“Did you really speak so kindly, William?” Elizabeth turned to him and feigned innocence.
Darcy looked upon his wife with tenderness. Caroline and Louisa stepped back slightly as if they had invaded their privacy. “I believe, Mrs. Darcy, I have thought of no one but you since the assembly at Meryton.” He nudged her closer.
“Miss Eliza,” Caroline fought for Darcy’s attention even if it meant speaking to his wife, “is your necklace a family heirloom?”
“It is, Miss Bingley.” Elizabeth clearly enjoyed baiting the woman.
Caroline was taken aback. “Truly!”
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “Oh, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth’s voice was all sugary sweet, “you thought I meant the Bennet family. The necklace is not a Bennet heirloom. Mr. Darcy made me the presentation, for I am a ‘Darcy’ now.”
“Actually, it is a gift from my mother for my wife.” Darcy added quickly. “The diamonds and emeralds are almost as superb as Elizabeth. Do you not agree, Miss Bingley?”
Caroline could barely disguise her disgust. With nothing more than a nod of her head and a curtsy, she made her exit.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy,” Elizabeth teased, “you are almost as evil as is my father. You enjoyed Miss Bingley’s humiliation.”
“And you did not, Mrs. Darcy?”
“I am afraid I am my father’s child. I truly enjoyed observing Caroline in misery. You have married a shallow woman, Mr. Darcy. You may still ask for an annulment if I offend you.” She leaned in closer for a quick kiss.
“Do you expect me to consider an annulment when you tease me with your nearness?”
“Then you must suffer forever, sir. It is my intention of always teasing you with my closeness.” Elizabeth brushed his lips with her fingertips.
“May we leave soon, Elizabeth?” Darcy’s voice was shaky with anticipation.
“I do believe we should say our farewells, William.” Her voice betrayed her feelings for him. “We have a lengthy drive to London. Come, love, let us circulate about the room before we leave.” Taking his hand, Elizabeth led Darcy from one cluster to another to bid her neighbors and friends adieu.
At length, they came to Jane and Mr. Bingley. The sisters hugged for a long time, and both fought back tears. “I will miss my nightly talks with you, Jane.” Elizabeth whispered.
“We may write often. Long letters of our lives.”
“Our husbands may find our postage expenses extreme,” Elizabeth teased.
“Bingley, I mean to host a small party at Pemberley at New Year’s. Would you and Mrs. Bingley be our guests?”
“Oh, yes,” Elizabeth added quickly. “The Festive Season will be coming to an end, but Pemberley will still be fully decorated. Please, Jane, I wish for you to see my new home.”
“It would be nice to be away from the full house we will experience at Netherfield,” Bingley added while staring directly at his sisters and Mr. Hurst.
“Your coming to Pemberley will be a good excuse for everyone’s departure,” Darcy agreed.
“Then we will see each other at New Year’s,” Elizabeth chimed in. “Thank you, William. Thank you, Mr. Bingley. You have made Jane and me happy brides today.”
Elizabeth made her final farewell to her family as the trunks were loaded onto Darcy’s coach. Darcy located his sister sitting with the colonel. “Dearest one,” he took her in his arms, “I will miss you.”
Georgiana smiled at him. “You should not be thinking about your sister, William. Think about Elizabeth. Love her, and be happy.” Her embrace expressed her hopes for his future.
When Elizabeth joined them, Georgiana turned her attention to her new sister.
“Elizabeth, your being part of our family makes both my brother and me richer in what matters.”
Elizabeth hugged the girl. “We will soon join you at Pemberley.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam offered his “best wishes,” and then Darcy and Elizabeth boarded his coach for London. Elizabeth watched out the coach’s window until none of Longbourn or Meryton could be seen. Darcy captured her hand in his and kissed the palm, no words needed between them.