Chapter 44 Forsaking All Others
Elizabeth stood silently beside Mr. Darcy. Tall, grave, and exquisitely dressed in a dark blue superfine coat and dark pantaloons, he embodied every girlish dream of Prince Charming.
She had been studying his full lower lip when she realized he was grinning at her.
“Do you like what you see, darling?”
Her laugh was low and merry. “Yes, sir, if you must know. I am exceedingly pleased by what I see.”
He pressed her hand, and his air was affectionate.
Richard, Anne, and Georgiana hurried up the walk.
“I say, Darcy, I never imagined I should manage to escape Mother. She spent a miserable night and had risen by the time I passed her door. Then she interrogated me after observing that I was not dressed for riding. She subjected me to a thorough examination. I told her I was meeting an old friend at White’s and that if I did not leave immediately, I should arrive late.
She insisted upon knowing whom I meant, and, for want of forethought, I supplied the first name that entered my head.
Charles Bingley. I had forgotten that she detests his sister.
Never mind, however. We are here at last.” He ended his dissertation with a laugh.
Then his eyes settled upon Elizabeth.
“Miss Bennet, you look captivating this morning. I congratulate you upon your conquest, ma’am. The brute is finally tamed.”
She curtsied to Mr. Darcy’s irreverent cousin, laughing softly at his tease, while Darcy scowled.
Anne embraced her friend. “Lizzy, you look beautiful. That blue silk is ravishing. It is little wonder you took the ton by storm and brought the flower of England to its knees. You are lovely, innocent, and seductive, all wrapped into one extraordinary package.”
Elizabeth glanced toward her betrothed. Was he offended by Anne’s extravagant compliments? He was grinning, his eyes fixed intently upon her face.
Georgiana had slipped her hand into Elizabeth’s and stood wide-eyed as her elders teased and chatted.
Richard said, “Come, let us have this done. Mother shall soon begin wondering where you have disappeared to, Darcy.”
They all turned when two more carriages arrived bearing the Beaumonts and the Gardiners.
All the family entered the church and settled into the front pews. When Richard took his place beside his cousin, Elizabeth looked upon them, two tall, dark-haired gentlemen, as alike as any brothers. And brothers, they truly were, she decided. They stood at one another’s backs in everything.
Then the vicar opened the Book of Common Prayer and began the service. His voice filled the church.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony…”
When the moment arrived for Mr. Darcy to speak his vows, he faced Elizabeth and took her hands.
“Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both do live?”
His expression was earnest, his eyes fixed upon hers.
“I will.”
The vicar turned to her.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as you both do live?”
She pressed his hands, his strong, warm fingers clasped about her own.
“I will.”
At last, the moment arrived when Mr. Darcy placed the ring upon her finger, and his resonant voice filled the church.
“With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.”
The vicar then took their hands and said, “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.”
The service was over. She was now a married woman. She was now the wife of the striking, tall gentleman who held her hands within his own.
He laughed, and she smiled.
Married at last.
Their family surrounded them with congratulations, embraces, and, in Darcy’s case, vigorous claps upon the back. The lines were entered into the marriage register, and afterward they all departed for Darcy House.
Mr. Darcy had arranged a modest wedding breakfast. His Aunt Helen had been invited, though she had not been informed of the occasion that had brought her there.
Elizabeth took one look at the elegant spread laid before them and turned to her husband. “You have surpassed yourself, sir.”
He laughed. “I had only to plan it, Elizabeth. Mrs. Nichols and Cook put it all together beginning last night. Wishing to please you, we were all highly motivated.”
When Lady Helen entered, surprise lit her face at the sight of the little gathering assembled within the dining room. Darcy handed her a glass of champagne.
Grinning, he said, “Aunt, you must offer me your congratulations. I was married this morning.”
He looked about the room and motioned Elizabeth to his side. Once she stood beside him, he lifted her hand to display the ring.
“Why, so you were, Fitzwilliam. I imagine you finally made use of the marriage license you have carried about in your pocket.”
“Yes, my lady. The marriage settlements were signed in November when the Beaumonts married.”
Lady Helen turned to Elizabeth. “You are a credit to your husband, Elizabeth, and to our family. I gladly welcome you amongst us.”
Then her expression altered.
“Though you are now Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, you must still attend the Mortons’ ball.”
Darcy’s brows drew together. “Must we, Aunt? The marriage announcement shall appear in every paper tomorrow. Is that not sufficient?”
“No. Do you wish it whispered about town that you married a milkmaid and now keep her hidden away in shame?”
He released a sigh. “No, my lady.”
She turned back to Elizabeth. “You are free to enjoy your husband’s many charms today, Elizabeth, but beginning tomorrow, we shall commence our morning calls.”
“Must she begin tomorrow, Aunt Helen? Can you not spare her another day?”
“Very well, son. You may keep her for two days, and afterward she shall accompany me upon visits.”
Darcy said in a lowered voice, “Elizabeth shall remain at Darcy House with me beginning tonight, my lady. If it meets with your approval, Georgiana shall remain with you for a fortnight, and afterward I shall fetch her home as well.”
“Yes, I approve. But you shall bring Elizabeth to Matlock House each day at one o’clock so that we may pay our calls.
After the Mortons’ ball, you shall depart for Pemberley and may keep Elizabeth entirely to yourself, but until then, I shall continue introducing her to those members of the ton who signify. ”
His eyes met Elizabeth's, and amusement flickered across his features. He did not reply to his aunt's decree but said instead, "Shall I serve you a plate, Mrs. Darcy?"
He was smiling, and Elizabeth noted that even his teeth were handsome, straight, and white.
“Yes, Mr. Darcy, I am famished.”
Darcy served their plates, and once he had settled into the chair beside his aunt, she said, “Nephew, would you consider attending a soirée this Friday evening? Lady Sophia is hosting another musical gathering, and I should like Elizabeth included. Many persons of status and influence shall attend.”
He offered a mock shudder.
“You need not fear embarrassment there, sir. You are now a married man and need not converse with anyone you do not wish to. I ask only that you escort us so that I may introduce Elizabeth to persons of consequence.”
"Aunt, I am afraid not, for I shall be very busy attending to Mrs. Darcy.
Grant us a reprieve of at least two months, dear Aunt.
We shall be at your service in time for Lord Morton's ball, but after that, Elizabeth and I intend to devote ourselves to one another.
We shall dine quietly at Darcy House and spend as much time together as possible. "