Chapter 6 #2
“In truth, I rarely indulged in envisioning my wedding. My mother constantly told me I was not pretty enough, far too educated, and too much the hoyden to entice a man to marry me, and the men around Meryton made that clear. They were put off by my intelligence and lack of appropriately ‘ladylike’ qualities and preferred Jane to me. I never dreamed I would meet a man like you who could love me for my intelligence and wit instead of despite them.”
“I do so love your intelligence and wit, Elizabeth. And let us not overlook your impertinence, liveliness, remarkable kindness towards others, and the numerous other splendid qualities you possess,” he said teasingly before turning more serious.
“Never did I envision crossing paths with a woman of your calibre, and I am profoundly gratified to have met a woman who not only matches but exceeds me in every aspect. In truth, one of the reasons I initially resisted our connection was the realisation you are not merely my equal but my superior in every way that matters,” William punctuated his words with tender kisses across her face and, finally, her lips.
He broke the kiss a moment later. “I will ask my uncle and Richard not to visit Aunt Catherine until after the wedding. I should have the licence in a se’nnight unless my great-uncle assists us in getting it more quickly.
We could marry as soon as we have it, if that is acceptable to you, from Darcy House or Matlock House, whichever you prefer,” William continued.
“Tell me, William, did everything seem well at Longbourn? Was everyone well? Happy? Do you think there is a particular reason Papa wants us to rush the wedding,” she asked.
Darcy shook his head. “Not that I could discern,” he replied. “All seemed as it ever was, although I did not sit with your mother or sisters for long. Richard was with them far longer than I,” he replied.
She thanked him and kissed his cheek, and then he turned his head and pressed another lingering kiss on her lips before the butler arrived to inform them dinner was served.
“So, what was the decision?” Lady Matlock enquired when the first course was served, and the servants exited the dining room.
Darcy, seated next to Elizabeth, took her hand as he responded.
“I will send a message to my great-uncle first thing in the morning and request his assistance with the special licence,” he informed his family.
“Then we will marry as soon as we have the licence in hand. We intend to invite Elizabeth’s aunt, uncle, and sister, who should return to London in the next few days.
We are considering marrying from either Darcy House or here. ”
Elizabeth spoke up. “Although Darcy House is lovely, I think it may be best to marry from here. It demonstrates your acceptance of the match in case anyone seeks to challenge it later,” Elizabeth said, looking towards Lord and Lady Matlock.
“You, of course, are speaking of Catherine,” said the earl. “Richard recommends we postpone visiting Rosings until after your union has been solemnised. Once you are wed, her attempts to interfere will be ineffectual.”
The dinner conversation drifted back to the wedding.
Lady Matlock was happy to host the wedding and wedding breakfast, keeping the guest list limited to family.
A definite time and date would be set once the licence was acquired.
The couple would honeymoon for a week or two in Darcy House before participating in the remainder of the season, after which they would go to Pemberley.
They would wait on news from Mr Bennet to determine if they would stop at Longbourn on their way.
Once dinner was complete, they moved to the music room and were surprised when Georgiana and Elizabeth entertained the group with the songs they had rehearsed earlier that day.
The entire Fitzwilliam family and Darcy were pleased with Georgiana’s willingness to play in company, as she usually would not play for any audience larger than one or two people.
Lady Matlock thought happily, “Elizabeth is already working miracles on these two.”
All too soon, Georgiana and Darcy rose to return to their own home.
Elizabeth walked them to the door, and William gently kissed her fingers as he said good night.
“I am pleased we have only a se’nnight or less to wait before we are married, Elizabeth.
Then I will not have to leave you at the door of someone else’s home. ”
She coloured slightly. “Good night, William. Rest well, as you have a busy day ahead of you.”
“I love you, Elizabeth,” he told her as he exited.
“And I love you, William,” was the reply. He quickly led Georgiana to the waiting coach, knowing he would drag out their goodbyes if he did not. It is less than a se’nnight until she is mine, he thought to himself.
Elizabeth excused herself for the evening, as did Lady Matlock, but Richard and the Earl retired to his study for a glass of brandy. “What do you suppose is behind this rush to the altar?” Lord Matlock asked his son.
“Mr Bennet gave Darcy no indication of why they should marry quickly or why Elizabeth should not return if she were not married. Mrs Bennet was unaware of gossip about her daughter when I spoke with her. The youngest is an unrepentant flirt; it is possible she could be in trouble, and they hope Elizabeth’s marriage will offer the family some protection.
However, it seems more likely that Aunt Catherine is somehow behind this.
If she knew or suspected Darcy sent the carriage that carried Elizabeth to London, she would have shown up here by now, so I believe she does not know where Elizabeth is and is making threats, possibly even blackmailing or threatening Bennet.
She would have had to work fast, but it would explain why he was so pleased Darcy offered for her and does not want her to return unmarried. ”
“I also suspect Catherine,” the earl said. “Were you able to speak to anyone who will keep you notified of any gossip in Meryton?”
“I spoke to several people at Longbourn and in Meryton who promised to send word about any gossip concerning Miss Bennet or the Bennet family in general,” Richard replied.
“Good,” the earl said as he finished his drink, then stood. “Good night, Richard. I have no doubt we will find out soon enough.”