Elizabeth smiled. “You and Uncle will always be welcome, and the children will no doubt find scampering about the countryside enjoyable. I wonder if there is perhaps a lake or stream where Uncle could enjoy some fishing.”
“Indeed, there is. There is a river and a rather large pond on the estate. William has spoken with your uncle many times about the fishing in the area of Pemberley.” Mrs Gardiner chuckled. “After one of their discussions, Edwin takes on a dreamy look and I am certain he is seeing himself near the river, fishing rod in hand, enjoying a day of being outdoors.
Such a thought was humorous to Elizabeth as well. “Uncle Edwin has often spoken to Papa as to Longbourn’s lack of fishing being the main reason he would not wish to live there.”
Seeing her niece had begun to relax, Mrs Gardiner draped an arm about the young lady’s shoulders. “Now, I will hear no more about your scars being a reason you cannot be happy in your marriage. William is aware of the condition of your legs, and your breathing issues. He has sent for a supply of herbs and honey to be stocked in both of your homes. Trust him to react with love and kindness. And always do as your uncle and I do…speak openly with one another. The only secrets you should keep are surprised gifts you wish to give one another.”
“Thank you, Aunt. I am grateful to you and Uncle Edward for all you have done for me. Without you, I doubt I would still be alive.”
“There is no need to thank us, Lizzy. You are as dear to us as our own children, so I cannot be but overjoyed that we were able to assist in your care.” Mrs Gardiner wiped her eyes of the tears that had begun to overflow. “Now, we must see to your packing and decide how you shall wear your hair for your wedding.”
~~**~~
“But she is at Matlock House. I cannot just walk up to Matlock House and ask to see her.” Wickham informed his employer. “It would be too difficult to determine which rooms she would be in, and I am unfamiliar with the staff at the townhouse.”
Lord Ashton sat behind his grand desk, his fingers steepled before him. “I must be rid of her, before she is able to identify me as being outside Netherfield. As it is, I have had to keep hidden in my townhouse. I wish to be involved in society, but I cannot afford to be known to have destroyed the estate. No one can ever know my involvement.”
“I could speak with one of the maids from Darcy House. Though it has been years since I last visited there, several of the maids were quite sweet on me.” Wickham prayed this would give him the information that would be necessary to determine the best way to deal with the impediment before him. “As Darcy is involved with the girl’s family, perhaps his staff might be willing to speak of any plans in the works.”
“Then be on your way. We must put an end to this matter quickly.”
“Yes, your lordship.”
~~**~~
Lady Matlock had sent her lady’s maid to assist Elizabeth in preparing for the morning. In her home, the Bennet sisters had only one maid who served the five girls, leaving them to assist each other in dressing, especially for a special occasion. After bathing and washing her hair, Elizabeth sat before the fire, for her hair to dry. The maid then styled the rich dark ringlets into an elegant arrangement on top of the head of the soon to be Mistress of Pemberley and Darcy House. Darcy had sent some of his mother’s hairpins which had small pearl attached, along with a choker of pearls and diamonds, for Elizabeth to wear.
As the final hairpin was put into place, Lady Matlock joined the duo. “Oh, Betty, you have such a talent when it comes to styling hair. And the pearl pins are perfect in the dark hair.”
The maid nodded her head to her mistress. “Thank you, Madame, but it is the miss’s hair that is so simple to style. There is no need for the curling irons, the natural curl is heavenly.”
“Elizabeth, I am certain that my nephew will have difficulty answering the arch bishop’s questions, for he will not be able to take his eyes from you and concentrate. You are exquisite. The gown your aunt gave you is perfect for your coloring. Such a beautiful shade of lavender.”
“It is a fine gown, such as I have never known before.”
“Well, you will need to adjust to wearing such finery from now on. In an hour, you become Mrs Darcy. Though William rarely spends time in society, you must be prepared. You are a modiste’s pleasure, as you have the sort of figure that will complement many of the patterns. So many of the young ladies have little curvature to their figures. My nephew will likely keep a close eye on you, as he is a jealous sort of man.”
As the maid moved to aid Elizabeth into her slippers, Lady Matlock noticed Elizabeth’s cheeks redden. When the lady looked down, she noticed that Betty had raised the hem of the gown, and Elizabeth’s legs were partially exposed. Lady Matlock was well aware of the injuries her soon-to-be niece had sustained, as both William and Mrs Gardiner had informed the grand lady of Elizabeth’s brush with death. Though the scars were visible, Lady Matlock saw them in a different manner.
“Have no fear, Elizabeth. You wear a sign of survival, as that is what you did. No one could ever claim you to be weak or that you do not know suffering in your life. We know that you have been in a battle of your own, and come back from the battleground stronger than ever. William is proud of you. So are we all.”
A single tear escaped Elizabeth’s right eye. The countess reached over and dabbed the tear from the young lady’s cheek. “Now, none of that. We cannot have you getting married with red eyes from crying. My nephew would never forgive me for distressing you to tears.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I thank you, Lady Matlock.”
“And what have I said about calling me that?”
A laugh was heard. “Yes, Aunt Rebecca. Thank you.”
“You are very welcome, my dear girl. I will make my way downstairs. Your uncle said that you should remain here, and he will come to collect you, assisting you downstairs. Richard will also come with Mr Gardiner, in case you require someone to carry you down the stairs.”
“William will not be pleased with his cousin carrying me.” Elizabeth chuckled.
“Well, we cannot have William see you before the wedding. So, he must allow Richard to be of assistance.” Lady Matlock leaned over, placing a kiss on Elizabeth’s forehead. “I will soon be able to call you niece. What a true blessing that will be.”
~~**~~
Mr Edwin Gardiner arrived at the guest room where his niece awaited him. The maid opened the door, allowing him to enter. Taking his first look at Elizabeth in her wedding attire, the man nearly gasped. “Where is my Lizzy? The little girl who always wished to sit with me and read her books or play games. That little girl could not possibly be the beautiful young lady before me.”
“Uncle Edwin, you must not tease.” Elizabeth said as she stepped to him. “Do you think I will please William?”
“My dear girl, I predict that your betrothed will find it difficult to not rush across the room and scoop you into his arms immediately upon seeing you.” Gardiner was pleased for his niece. “If someone had told me earlier this year that you would be mostly healed, and now being married to a most deserving man, and his family are supporting the match. I could not be happier for you, my dear Lizzy. You brought tears of heartbreak when it appeared we might lose you, yet now, I have tears of joy for seeing this day come. We will miss you at the house, but I couldn’t think of a better way for you to leave us.”
“I cannot thank you and Aunt Helen enough for all you have done for me. If not for you, who knows what would have happened. You saw to all I required, with the care of a physician and nurses, medicines, and seeing to making me happy in the darkest hours of my recovery.” A small sniff came from the young lady.
“Now, now. Let us take you to the young man who is downstairs, pacing about his uncle’s drawing room, as he is quite anxious to see you. He has checked his pocket watch every other minute for the past hour.”
Both uncle and niece laughed at the thought. They soon were at the top of the stairs, where Richard stood w
aiting. With the aid of the two men, Elizabeth made her way downstairs. As they approached the closed door, Richard moved quickly towards the drawing room. The footman standing outside the door opened it for the colonel, and Richard stepped inside. When the man stepped back in the hall, he nodded his head. They were ready.
William was waiting, inside the room, waiting for Elizabeth to come to him, waiting to wed her. Though she was nervous, Elizabeth Rose Bennet was also excited for the new chapter of her life.
The footman opened the door wide, allowing Mr Gardiner and Elizabeth to enter, side by side, with Elizabeth’s hand holding tightly to his arm. As she entered the room, all that she could see was the extremely happy look on the face of the man she would live with for the rest of her life. And she could not wait to be his wife.
~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Chapter 12
If anyone would later ask, the couple would have been hard pressed to know who had attended their wedding or what food was served at the breakfast afterwards. While accepting the well wishes from family and friends, all Darcy wanted was to leave his uncle’s home and take Elizabeth to Darcy House, where he would not have to share his wife with anyone. In the whirlwind time of knowing her, and the lack of privacy, Darcy was of the desire to learn more of his wife, her preferences, her opinions. What did she prefer to read, who was her favorite authors and musical composers? What were her favorite food? Which flowers did she prefer? He wanted to know all there was that made the young lady who now his wife. Though everything had happened so quickly, they had the rest of their lives to spend together.
Finally, his aunt came to William, whispering in his ear. “I will ask Elizabeth to come to my personal study, as I have a gift for her. If you will make your excuses in a moment, before we make our way to the study, the two of you can make your escape to your townhouse. Leave the rest of your guests to me. And do not forget to have your staff remove the knocker from your door.”
Darcy smiled. In a whispered response, he thanked her. “And I am grateful for your recommendation for a lady’s maid for Elizabeth. As I was leaving she was preparing the Mistress’ suite for my wife.”
“I thought she would be perfect. Lady Marshall decided she no longer needed someone so talented. She is nearing eighty years of age, and does not require someone with knowledge of the newest styles. Her companion is willing to assist her in dressing each day, and her personal needs. When I spoke with her about your requiring a lady’s maid, Lady Marshall said Hannah would be perfect.”
“You are a wonderful woman, Aunt. Your willingness to aid Elizabeth is more than for which I could have asked.”
“Just make sure you are both happy, my dear boy. And always talk to each other. That is the secret to your uncle and my marriage. We do not keep secrets. Well, except when it comes to him purchasing gifts. But then he only thinks he is keeping a secret from me, for I am always keen to his ways.”
“It would be a pleasure to have a marriage such as you and Uncle Henry. Thank you.”
“And remember that I will be coming next week to take your wife to the modiste. I will send a card to remind you the day prior to our appointment.”
~~**~~
“Tilly, it is a pleasure to see you again. It has been many years since I was last at Darcy House.”
“George Wickham, as I live and breathe. What brings you to this side of Town?” the maid inquired.
“I was visiting a friend, and he lives close, so I wished to have a look at the Darcy townhouse. I remember happy times visiting when I was younger.”
“Aye, it has been many years since the house was as joyful as it is today. The staff is having a right good celebration this day.”
“And what is happening to celebrate today?”
“We be gettin’ a new mistress today. The master was up most of the night, making sure all was perfect. We was pleased the wedding and breakfast were at the Matlocks, so we could have a bit of rest fore the master brings his bride home.”
“I had not known my old friend was to wed. You are aware that Fitzwilliam and I were close friends when we were children. He must be marrying a lady of high society, someone with a large dowry.”
“We have not met her, but they say she is from a small estate. They just met a few days ago, but he fell in love they be saying.”
Wickham was surprised to see the rapidness of the wedding. Knowing the Bennet daughter would not have had time to purchase a trousseau, so he hoped the young lady would need to do some shopping before the couple left for the country.
“Do you know if they will be leaving for Pemberley soon? I would like to visit my old friend and wish him well for his marriage.”
“No, they is staying in town. One of the Matlock family will be leavin’ for Pemberley to bring the Miss to spend time here. They have plans for shopping. Would you wish me to wish them well for you?”
“No, it might take a few days for me to return. I would prefer to surprise my childhood friend. You will not ruin the surprise, would you?”
“No, of course not. But I would wait for thems to put the knocker out, as tis their wedding day.” The maid winked at Wickham.
“Very well. Perhaps I will have the pleasure of seeing you once again. You have grown into quite a fetching young lady.”
Tilly blushed. “Mr Wickham, you are terrible sweet with your words.”
Wickham took hold of the maid’s hand, placing a gentle kiss on the back. “I speak only the truth, Tilly. Only the truth.”
~~**~~
Darcy was nervously awaiting his bride to join him. She had gone into her dressing room, changing from her wedding gown, while he went to his own, wishing to dress a bit more casually. They were to meet in the sitting room attached to the Master’s and Mistress’s rooms.
He had planned to speak with Elizabeth, learn her feelings towards the intimate nature of being a wife. Not wanting to push her past what she was comfortable with, Darcy was trying to decide the correct words to approach the subject. How was he to start such a conversation. Especially as he was not well versed in the subject.
Though most men in his circle of society had experience the pleasures of a woman. Whether they paid for a courtesan or took delight in one of their maids, but Darcy had believed in only having such relations with the woman he would marry.
Standing at the window, looked outside at the beautiful, sunny afternoon. To the gentleman, it was testament to what lay ahead for life with Elizabeth at his side.
Hearing the slight creak of the door opening from the Mistress’s bedchamber, Darcy turned around. His breath caught, seeing his wife enter the room. She was wearing a light pink robe of luxurious silk, embroidered with flowers around the neckline. Her hair was long and wavy, calling for him to run his fingers through the chocolate curves.
“You are so beautiful, my dear wife. I am truly blessed.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks flame. “And I am blessed to have such a husband, who is kind and caring.”
Darcy walked across the room, taking her by the hand, and leading her to the sofa. Once they were seated, he pulled Elizabeth close to him.
“My love, I have been attempting to determine a way to speak of… of… the marriage…um…”
“My aunt spoke with me, William.”
“She did? Are you sure that we should not wait, allow us to come to know one another better before we… we…?”
“If that is what you prefer…” Elizabeth said, hesitantly.
“I was only concerned with your wishes. As we have only known each other such a brief time, I would not force myself upon you, if you are not ready for such relations.”
“William, I trust you. There is only one concern I have with regards to… relations.”
Darcy looked down at her upturned face. “Please, speak to me. My aunt stated that we should be honest with one another, never keeping secrets.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “My aunt told me the same advice. Where both of our aunts enjoy happy marriages, I be
lieve we would be wise to heed their words.”
Leaning over, Darcy placed a kiss gently on her forehead. “You are correct. Now, please tell me of your concern.”
“I fear you seeing my legs. They are quite ugly, from the burns. My fear is that the sight of them would disgust you.”
“Nothing about you could disgust me, Elizabeth. I know what your relatives have said about your injuries, but they are not important. You are the most amazing lady I have ever known. That is what matters. And I must share with you something that very few people, outside my family, know.”
Darcy opened the front of his shirt, showing Elizabeth the obvious marks on his chest. “I was burned when Pemberley burned. Though not as serious as your injuries, but I have kept the knowledge of the scars to myself. For years, I feared anyone learning of the scars, but not once have I fretted over you seeing what I suffered the night my mother died. If it were not for the tender care of our housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds, the burns might have been worse.”
Elizabeth allowed her fingers to flow lightly over the puckered skin that had been burned. She knew the pain he must have suffered, and the shame of allowing anyone to see the flaw in what was once perfect skin. And she was well aware of the courage it took to show her. Determination flowed through her, as she pulled the hem of her robe up, until her legs were visible to her husband.
The view of her legs surprised Darcy. The scars were far less than he had imagined them to be. His own scars were similar, though his were smaller in size than his wife’s legs. Fingers traced the imperfections, showing their uniqueness. To him, touching her skin in such a manner was intoxicating.
“You are the most beautiful, intelligent, caring woman I have ever known. Are you certain that you wish to proceed with our wedding night? If you have any hesitation, we can wait until you feel you are prepared.”
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