Chapter 11 #3
There were other affairs he had to conclude before his wedding.
One of them was to purchase Wickham another commission — in the north.
After he had related the details of Wickham’s habits to Colonel Forster, the man had been sent for, and the result was a mutually agreeable decision.
Wickham expressed his desire to stay in military service and made many promises which Darcy did not believe.
Still, he offered him that one last chance which Wickham grabbed greedily.
The one who had supported him through the entire endeavour — with Wickham as well as with his family’s opposition to his marriage — was his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. The colonel had come for the wedding a week prior, bringing Georgiana with him, allowing everyone to meet as a large family.
Also, the colonel had assumed the responsibility of escorting Georgiana back to London afterwards, as Darcy was clear that he would travel alone with his wife.
The guests also included the Gardiners, Bingley’s sisters, as well as most of Meryton.
Mr Bennet was there too, fully recovered, proudly holding his eldest daughters on each arm.
Darcy had grown very fond of Mr Bennet, and so had Bingley.
He had already extended an invitation for Mr Bennet and his entire family to come to Pemberley in June and remain there for as long as they desired.
Mr Bennet had accepted gladly, as he was most eager to see Pemberley’s library.
Darcy reflected that, strangely, two accidents had brought him and Elizabeth together sooner than he had believed possible.
He had planned to go to London to clarify his feelings for her before Mr Bennet’s accident.
Yet, all had become crystal clear when she was in need of help, and he would have done everything in his power to protect her.
He smiled as he watched Mrs Bennet move from one bride to another. Indeed, the two sisters were very much alike — nobody could deny that.
“Upon my word, Darcy, I still cannot tell which is Jane and which is Elizabeth,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said. “I mean, I can at this moment, but only because I have seen each of them with her husband. I have rarely encountered such a resemblance.”
“Indeed, they are very much alike in appearance,” Darcy admitted.
“I know you have found Bingley an estate to purchase near Pemberley. It will be so much fun at parties, to see the guests confused over Mrs Bingley and Mrs Darcy. Nobody would be able to tell them apart if they wore the same dresses.”
“Yes, Bingley finally decided to purchase an estate. It is an excellent one, only fifteen miles from Pemberley.”
“And you have decided to purchase Netherfield?”
“Yes. I believe it can provide a good income. Besides, we need a place to stay when we visit Hertfordshire. Sleeping with my wife in a room next to Mrs Bennet is not ideal.”
The colonel laughed. “I have always admired your ability to analyse everything thoroughly, Darcy.”
“To be honest, I have also done it to allow Mrs Bennet to brag about it to Mr Collins. Besides being a good investment, Netherfield carries many memories we all cherish.”
“I can see your point.”
“And to respond to your earlier statement, Cousin, I could always say which was Elizabeth and which was Jane, from the first moment I saw them. Nothing can compare to Elizbeth’s sparkling eyes, nor to her smiles.”
“With that, I cannot argue, Cousin,” the colonel admitted.
Darcy and his wife were the first to leave after the wedding. All the other guests travelled to Netherfield, while they left for London.
As soon as the carriage began to move, Darcy placed his arms around his wife, who leant against him.
“Are you upset that we did not stay longer, my love?” he asked.
“No…I know we shall all meet again in two months. And since Papa is feeling so well, I have no regrets about leaving.”
“I hope you will not become tired of my company alone, Mrs Darcy, since Georgiana will stay with my aunt Matlock for a few days.”
“I do not worry about becoming tired of you, Mr Darcy. I greatly anticipate arriving home and…” she stopped for a moment, and he tipped her chin with his finger, forcing her to meet his eyes.
“And…?”
“Sleeping in your bed, Mr Darcy. With you actually in it, this time,” she confessed, her eyes laughing and her cheeks warm with embarrassment for her own boldness.
“That is a wish easily fulfilled, Mrs Darcy.”
“Perhaps…but I have always dreamt of it, since you allowed me to stay in your room at Netherfield. Since I slept so well in your bed in your absence, I can only imagine how it would feel to have you with me.”
He smiled and moved his face towards her, to claim her lips.
“Mrs Darcy, I hope you will be happier with my presence rather than with my absence in the bed. But I doubt you will sleep as much as you believe,” he said before they were both silenced by a passionate kiss, which was followed by many others until the carriage stopped in front of their townhouse and they walked in together, beginning their new life.
The End