Chapter 10 #4
But her hopes were to be dashed. When the ceremony was over, Mr. Darcy’s cool deportment reminded her that her view as she walked down the aisle had only been wishful thinking—a girlhood dream.
Although she wanted to put on a good face for their friends, the groom did not smile as they left the church, so was it worth it?
Elizabeth could tell by her husband’s laborious gait that he was in a great deal of pain.
Could that be the reason for his unapproachable mien?
The aloof expression reminded her so much of his lack of openness in the weeks before the wedding that the backs of her eyes prickled.
* * *
A breakfast in their honour was held in the drawing room of Pembrook Cottage.
Under Mrs. Reynolds’s direction, the cook had prepared a wide variety of dishes, and several toasts were offered even though the guests must have witnessed the lack of enthusiasm from the newly married couple.
Despite her inner turmoil—which she thought she deserved under the circumstances—the bride attempted to smile and mingle with their friends and family.
She had to put on a bright face for both of them since Mr. Darcy spent the reception standing against the wall averting his eyes from everyone.
Even so, the guests were enjoying themselves, so the breakfast was a success.
Elizabeth was weary so she stepped aside for a moment while the conversations took place.
Miss Darcy was seated with Mrs. Hopkins and Mrs. Murray. “Elizabeth tells me you are related and said she was staying with you when she met my brother.”
“Yes, her aunt is my dearest cousin, and when I heard that Elizabeth was travelling to Derbyshire, I insisted she stay with me,” said Mrs. Hopkins.
“Mrs. Murray is my neighbour and a close friend, and the three of us spent a great deal of time together until Mr. Darcy began courting Elizabeth, I should say, Mrs. Darcy.”
The women both offered their smiles, and Miss Darcy clasped her hands to her heart and grinned.
“When my brother sets his mind on something, he does whatever necessary to achieve his goal. He wrote to me about his feelings for Elizabeth weeks before they became betrothed. I am glad he found a lady so charming to love.” They all turned to where Mr. Darcy appeared to be gazing out of the window.
Elizabeth could not face them and stared into her teacup.
If only they knew the truth of the matter!
“It appears they have had some kind of disagreement. They are married now, and I am sure their love will overcome any difficulties,” Miss Darcy added quietly, and Mrs. Hopkins and Mrs Murray nodded and concurred.
Elizabeth could cry at the error her new sister made in her assumptions.
At least the ladies and Miss Darcy had good intentions.
“Mrs. Reynolds, pray send my compliments to the cook. These lemon biscuits are the best I have ever tasted.” Lord Matlock smiled as he took another bite.
“I am gratified to do so, my lord—she will appreciate your compliment. They are the bride’s favourite. I shall have some wrapped to take with you.”
The earl stood. “Another time, madam. I believe we must depart. I have some pressing business to take care of in Matlock.”
The couple received the hearty congratulations and best wishes from all the guests, and in short order, the bride and groom were alone.
Elizabeth sneaked a look at her husband.
This beautiful man could never love me. Mr. Darcy had not touched her since the ceremony and had yet to kiss her.
Today has been a terrible mistake. I should have left the chapel when I saw the distressed expression on Mr. Darcy’s face while he stood at the altar.
The room was very quiet, and she did not know what to do. Her new husband sat down and picked up a book. “Would you like me to play for you?”
“As you wish,” he replied but failed to glance up from what he held in his hands.
She began to play. In the meantime, her husband was now mindlessly staring at nothing across the room.
Elizabeth was not made for despair and could not take another minute of this treatment!
How could he be so heartless on their wedding day?
Everything he said to her at Mrs. Hopkins’s home had been a lie—a dreadful agonizing lie!
He had even lied to Mr. Martin about his feelings for her.
What was Mrs. Reynolds thinking when she said everyone who honeymoons in the cottage was elated and their love conquered all obstacles?
Her love was not enough! If he did not love her, they could never have complete happiness in their marriage.
Her hopeful dreams of life with him were over!
Tears came unbidden to her eyes as her stomach turned.
She could no longer endure being in the same room as him.
Elizabeth slammed the instrument closed, ran up the stairs, threw herself on the bed, and sobbed into the pillow.
It was too late to leave that day, but in the morning, she would travel to London.
If she remained and watched her husband’s resentment increase a little more every day, it would destroy her peace of mind.
Elizabeth had been full of foolish optimism—she should have left Derbyshire when her aunt first invited her to live with her family.