Chapter 12 #2
“We have time to correct all the wrongs now,” he responded, briefly claiming her lips again. Then he reluctantly withdrew and cupped her face in his strong palms.
“Would you agree not to tell your family anything this evening? I should like to allow Bingley and your sister to enjoy their wedding day in peace.”
“Of course…I confess I am in no hurry to tell anyone. What matters is that we know. It is enough for me. And yes, today and tomorrow are all about Jane and Charles.”
“Tomorrow afternoon I shall leave for London,” he continued.
She frowned. “Leave? What do you mean? Why?”
“I want to apply for a special license. I should like to marry as soon as you wish. Even a week is too long for me.”
“Oh…” She felt her face and neck burning, and he appeared concerned by her reaction.
“I do not want to hurry you…we shall do as you like. I can wait as long as necessary.”
She daringly placed a kiss on his cheek. “A special license is an excellent idea. And a week sounds reasonable.”
“Do you think your parents will approve?”
“My mother will surely approve anything you ask for; Papa will have to be persuaded, but that is my duty. I shall not expose you to his cruelty again so soon,” she joked.
“I must leave,” he repeated, kissing her hands then her temples. “I shall see you tomorrow at the wedding, my love.”
“So—you plan to depart tomorrow? You cannot stay a day longer?”
“I could stay, but I shall not. I hope to take Bingley’s sisters to town as well. I strongly believe a newly wedded couple should not entertain guests on their wedding day. I plan to have no company during the first days of our marriage.”
Elizabeth averted her eyes from his dark gaze a moment then looked at him bravely.
“May it be as you plan, Mr Darcy. There is only one thing I require before you leave.”
“What would that be?”
His genuine curiosity, combined with a slight concern, slowly turned into heartfelt delight as she responded.
“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
∞∞∞
It was snowing steadily when Elizabeth returned to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast on the arm of her husband.
Though it was cold and windy, there was never more warmth in the house or in Elizabeth’s soul. A strange sorrow overwhelmed her at the thought of leaving her family. It was almost as powerful as the felicity of starting a new life with the man she adored.
Their guests filled the house, and it was difficult to hold a reasonable conversation. But there was joy in every word and laugh.
All their friends in Meryton were there—only a fortnight after they celebrated the marriage of the eldest Miss Bennet.
Despite Darcy’s attempts, the wedding could not take place in a week but in two.
He returned from London with the license, his sister, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
As much as Darcy desired the company of his betrothed, there was rarely a moment at Longbourn that he did not have to bear Mrs Bennet’s admiration and constant attention.
But he appeared to handle everything remarkably well, increasing Elizabeth’s amusement and gratitude.
For two weeks, the only distress appeared in letters that arrived from Lady Catherine and Mr Collins. Darcy answered both in a manner that remained unknown to Elizabeth. Suffice to say, the result was the one desired, as no other communication was received from Kent.
Another reason for Elizabeth’s delight was the friendship that arose between Miss Darcy and her younger sisters.
Despite the different temperaments of the three girls, their disposition compensated, and harmony was born among them.
Miss Darcy played at the piano with Mary and took strolls in the garden with Kitty.
She shared her knowledge of books, art, and theatre with them—and enjoyed a good laugh at Kitty’s stories.
It was a pleasant, although not unexpected, surprise that Miss Darcy invited the two Miss Bennets to spent time with her in London.
She had a house where she lived with her companion, Mrs Annesley.
Having the company of two young ladies her own age seemed an excellent idea, and Darcy heartily encouraged it.
Mrs Bennet complained every day about the sadness of seeing all her daughters gone then thanked the Lord for being allowed to finally have some peace and rest. Mr Bennet spoke little, his face wearing a sadness that Elizabeth could not dispel.
Around noon—despite the bad weather—the newly wedded pair prepared to travel to London.
No argument could convince Darcy to spend their wedding day and night at Netherfield.
The colonel left to join his regiment, but Georgiana remained a couple more days to return to Town with Kitty, Mary, and the Gardiners.
“Please consider spending Christmas with us in London,” Darcy insisted to Mr and Mrs Bennet. “Neither Elizabeth nor I shall be happy knowing you are alone.”
“I am not certain of our plans yet. I loathe travelling, especially in winter. And Darcy, since you have abducted my daughter from me, it is a little late to worry about my being alone,” Mr Bennet replied in mocking reproach.
“Abduct your daughter?” Mrs Bennet cried. “Mr Bennet, what foolishness are you speaking? I hope Mr Darcy is wise enough to ignore you.”
Jane spoke up. “Do not worry; we shall travel to Town too, so I am sure we can convince them to join us. I know Papa will miss Lizzy—as we all shall.”
“As I shall miss you all, but please be content with my happiness. Can you do that, Papa?” Elizabeth inquired, embracing her parents.
“Oh—just go, Lizzy. You make me cry, and Lady Lucas will gladly imagine something bad has happened,” Mrs Bennet said, wiping her tears. “You are such a tease, child. You like to torture my nerves—just like your father!”
“Very well, Mama. But I shall expect all of you for Christmas.”
“I am not sure whether we shall come for Christmas,” Mr Bennet uttered. “But be assured I shall visit when you least expect me.”