Chapter 2.29 #3
I hope you are already aware of your betrothed’s generous character, but if not, this knowledge will surely be another proof.
Be happy, dearest Lizzy— may this marriage fulfil your dreams of felicity.
I shall see you for Easter at Pemberley.
Elizabeth put the letter down, incredulous, dismayed, and soulful. She looked at the man she believed she had come to know as if she were seeing him for the first time.
“My love, we will marry in a week. Can you believe it? Only one week. Are you not pleased?” he asked, concerned with her lack of response.
“Papa wrote to me…he told me what you did for Lydia and Wickham. Why did you not tell me?” she whispered.
Surprise darkened his countenance.
“I am exceedingly sorry that you have ever been informed of what may give you uneasiness. I did not think Mr. Bennet was so little to be trusted. I asked him specifically not to share this secret with anyone.”
“Please do not blame Papa; his intention was good. I believe he fears that my decision to marry you is based on my admiration of Pemberley. He never knew of our past dealings, and he did not suspect any affection between us; he wished to provide another proof of your generous character.”
Darcy moved near her and held her hands.
“You are troubled and pained.”
“How could I not be? You went through so much trouble, you wasted so much effort and money to repair my sister’s foolishness…Papa told me then that it was around ten thousand pounds. Was it?”
“My love, this discussion is useless. I did what was necessary to purchase Wickham’s debts, and he is now in my power.
I do not know whether my affection for you was any inducement for my decision.
If so, it was unconsciously done because, at that time, I was angry and resentful and wished never to see you again.
Then I met your father; I witnessed his despair, and I remembered my own feelings when Georgiana almost eloped.
I knew it was my fault for not exposing Wickham, as I should have done years ago.
And I was aware that your father could not provide what Wickham demanded, so my decision was easily made.
I did not want you or anyone else to know because I do not deserve gratitude. ”
“You do deserve it…” she whispered, caressing his face.
“Gratitude and so much more. How can I repay you for helping me when I knocked on your door? Your generosity was stronger than your anger and resentment. You put everything aside, ignored the offence I wrongly gave you, and offered your help when you easily could have refused it.”
He put his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap; she released a small cry of surprise then circled her arms around his neck.
“Marry me in a week,” he whispered. “Not from gratitude, not for anything I did, not for the past, and not for Wickham or your sister. Let the past go, once and forever. Marry me because I desperately wish you to become my wife —to be mine.”
“I will not…at least not for that reason. I will marry you because I desperately want to be yours,” she whispered.
She was so close that her body pressed against his. His hands stroked her back, and his eyes looked deeply into hers. Small kisses caressed her neck, throat, and chin until his lips captured hers, which parted for him.
“Somebody might come in and see us,” she said before her lips were completely captured.
“I care not; I have your father’s blessing, and I have the licence. We can marry tomorrow.”
The kiss became more eager, more demanding as he pulled her even closer.
“Then why wait a week?” she replied a moment before his lips conquered her senses.
∞∞∞
Mr. Darcy’s wedding to Miss Elizabeth Bennet was settled to take place the first week of the New Year. Four days before, Lady Hardwick asked the couple for a private meeting.
“My dears, I have news for you. I spoke to Georgiana and Mrs. Bingley. After the wedding, we will all move to Tidestone for a few weeks. It is a lovely place, and I am certain they will enjoy it.”
Elizabeth’s surprise was great.
“You wish to leave? Why?” she inquired with concern. To her astonishment, the countess smiled while Darcy seemed perfectly composed.
“Because you should be alone in the first weeks of your marriage. Your engagement has been a rather hectic time for both of you. Now you need complete privacy and comfort. We will be only twenty miles away if you wish to visit.”
“I do not know what to say,” Elizabeth replied, and her cheeks coloured.
“It is a considerate gesture, dear Aunt; I am grateful for your care.” Darcy bowed. “Have you made all the arrangements?”
“Yes —Mr. Slade will come with us if you can manage without him for a couple of days.”
“Mr. Slade is our friend, not our employee. He may go and return whenever he wishes. I am content that he will join you, so I know you will be safe.”
“You must not worry about us; we will be perfectly fine,” Lady Hardwick said with a smile. “It is time for you to be selfish in your happiness and indulge yourself in your wife’s company.”
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand to his lips. “Of that, you must have no doubts, your ladyship.”