Chapter 38 #2
After slapping Darcy on the shoulder hard enough to knock him over, had Darcy not expected it, the colonel grabbed a roll from the side table and left.
Later that evening, Darcy sat in his carriage with Elizabeth at his side and Mr. Bennet across from him as it approached Cambridge.
Bennet cleared his throat. “Before we speak to the professor, I wonder if you have considered when you two will wed? My wife has been planning our daughters’ weddings since before they took their first steps.
Because of this, I can only assume that nothing less than a long engagement would satisfy her. ”
Darcy turned toward Elizabeth, who sat close enough that he could smell the fragrance she typically wore, but far enough that he felt the void severely. Wrapping his gloved fingers around hers, he asked for her opinion.
The sparkle about her relieved his concern even before she spoke. “My preference would be the same day, location, and time as Richard and Prudence in a double wedding ceremony. That way, we will share the celebration with everyone who has become part of our chosen family.”
He almost gasped. Had he looked in a mirror, he knew he would see his entire body on fire for her. “Wednesday, then?”
“If it can be arranged.”
“I am certain that it can be.”
In less than a week, he would be a married man. Settling back in his seat, he contemplated the honor of being Elizabeth’s husband. He would do everything within his power to make her happy and, in so doing, secure his own happiness.
Mr. Bennet’s grin was self-satisfied. “Mrs. Bennet may not be pleased, but I am happy to welcome you to the family as soon and as easily as may be.”
Professor Drye received them in his cluttered study, and soon the scroll cases and pottery jars had been gingerly arranged on his largest table with his students’ help. Darcy was struck by how much the elderly scholar had aged during their absence.
“My dear colleagues! You cannot imagine how eagerly I have awaited this moment.”
Professor Drye approached the first jar with reverent care, his fingers trembling as a student broke the ancient seal. The aroma of dry papyrus and ancient ink slowly filtered into the room. He extracted the first scroll carefully.
“Dear lord! This appears to be completely intact.” He began unrolling the document.
“Hebrew. This appears to be portions of the Bible book of Isaiah…but no.” He rubbed his chin.
“It is much more than that. Unless I am mistaken, these passages include annotations that do not appear in any other manuscript known to exist.”
Bennet moved closer.
“Are the annotations significant?” Darcy asked.
“Potentially revolutionary. These new scribal notes will likely provide insight that could reshape our understanding of these sacred works.”
The second scroll proved equally astounding. “Aramaic…probably written in ancient Babylon. This is from the book of Daniel.”
With each new manuscript, Professor Drye’s exultation grew. “This is treasure beyond any monetary value. These scrolls will occupy scholars for centuries. I intend to share them with the British Museum. They belong to all humanity.”
He fixed them with a look of deep gratitude. “You have accomplished the extraordinary. Future generations will have access to the ancient world thanks to you. There is no treasure greater than this.”
After spending the night at an inn, they returned to Cambridge, where the professor shared his findings after reviewing each one of the scroll containers. With each revelation, the travelers rejoiced. Professor Drye was in his element, surrounded by what he loved the most.
Their journey toward Hertfordshire was peaceful. Elizabeth was pleased to note the satisfaction gracing her father’s expression.
“Lizzy, I never expected to see the things we have seen or to do all we have done. Having you with me to share these incredible experiences…well, it adds immeasurably to my gratitude and joy.”
His comment warmed her heart.
Despite their arrival at Longbourn at a late hour, her mother greeted them effusively.
To Elizabeth’s delight and astonishment, Mrs. Bennet expressed herself with restraint instead of high-pitched excitement.
“Lizzy, I have missed you. And Mr. Darcy…how pleasant to see you again. Welcome to Longbourn.”
Her father directed the butler to maneuver the heavy wooden crate containing his special purchase from Rome into the drawing room. When the crate was opened, and the marble bust revealed, her mother moved closer with obvious curiosity.
“Mr. Bennet, is this…do you really see me in this lovely carving?”
“This is the face that captured my heart when you were seventeen.” His usual dry humor was absent, replaced by sincere tenderness. “It is still the face I see when I look at you now.”
Mrs. Bennet’s hand found his, their fingers intertwining. “I missed you terribly, Thomas. I did not realize how much of my daily happiness depended upon simply knowing you were near until you were so far away.”
The honest confession thrilled Elizabeth.
“Mama, Mr. Darcy offered marriage, and I have accepted.” She inhaled deeply before continuing, “We plan to wed in London on Wednesday along with his cousin and his betrothed.”
Mrs. Bennet immediately wrapped Elizabeth in a warm embrace. “I knew you could not be so intelligent for nothing.”
But then the second part of Elizabeth’s announcement registered. “Wednesday! That allows no time for proper arrangements.”
“It allows exactly the right amount of time for what we desire―a simple ceremony with the people who matter most.”
Darcy added, “I will ask my aunt, Lady Helen Fitzwilliam, the Countess of Matlock, to host the wedding breakfast at her house on Grosvenor Square.”
“A countess?” Her mother’s mouth gaped open. But instead of launching into concerns and demands, she gathered herself and slowly nodded her acceptance. “If a wedding that soon is what will make you happy, Lizzy, we shall manage.”
Less than a week later, Darcy stood beside Richard at the altar of St. George’s Church in Hanover Square. London’s morning fog was retreating, and shafts of sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows.
“See the way that light glows? Reminds me of Mediterranean sunsets,” Richard whispered.
Before Darcy could reply, the church doors opened to a sight that nearly brought Darcy to his knees.
Elizabeth was moving toward him on her father’s arm with serene grace, her gown of pearlescent cream silk seemingly glowing from within.
The coral cameo at her throat caught Darcy’s eye. Her beauty robbed him of breath.
His grandmother’s gold and diamond wedding band rested heavily in his waistcoat pocket. He was impatient for it to grace his bride’s finger.
Behind her, Mrs. Bell walked with quiet dignity on Captain Morrison’s arm.
When the time came for vows, Richard failed to speak. The rector repeated himself twice, grinning with each attempt until the groom answered successfully. Mrs. Bell smiled at her betrothed and had no such difficulty when pledging her troth to him.
Darcy’s turn arrived. He looked at Elizabeth, and his rehearsed words dissolved. After a short pause, he regained himself, the sureness of his conviction heard from one end of the chapel to the other.
Elizabeth’s clear voice rang out, speaking her vows with sincerity that moved Darcy beyond words.
The clergyman did not get the opportunity to introduce the married couples to those gathered.
Richard impulsively pulled his new wife into his arms and kissed her soundly before the announcement could be made.
The family gasped and then laughed. Darcy followed suit, tasting Elizabeth’s lips in their first kiss as husband and wife.
The wedding breakfast at Matlock House passed in a blur. The instant the final toasts had ended, Darcy rose.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my wife and I thank you for sharing this perfect day. But if you will please excuse us…”
The couple ran hand in hand across the square like escaped children.
They had no thought of waiting for the carriage.
Once they reached Darcy House, Darcy swept Elizabeth in his arms and carried his bride inside.
The servants discreetly closed the doors behind them.
For the next fortnight, the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were seen by no one save their most trusted servants.
Thus began a lifetime of happiness together.