Returning to Mr. Darcy

by Sheena Austin

  “I thought she was mad, but as it turns out, I have come to realize it is all true.”

  Elizabeth calmly stated, “Marcus, this must not go past these walls. We don’t want to cause any media uproar, or have Jane Austen fans snooping around.”

  Marcus crossed his heart. “Scout’s honor.”

  Elizabeth relented; she trusted Marcus. “In that case, all I can say is welcome to the family!”

  “At this point, nothing surprises me anymore.” Darcy laughed. “Does this mean you are quitting?” he quipped.

  “I was hoping to go back to Netherfield Hall and live happily ever after with Jo.”

  Jo, for once, was dazed. “You have got to be kidding me? This whole time we have been living here, and you just now mention you are loaded and live at Netherfield?”

  He tried to defend himself. “Well, I had to be sure you loved me for me, and not for my money.”

  Jo glared at him for a second and relaxed. “Fair enough, I guess I understand. Now, I am not sure if we should consider this a fight, but this calls for make-up sex.”

  He was relieved. “Sounds good to me!”

  “Right, well, if you’ll excuse us, I must go and teach my man a lesson about keeping secrets!” She took his hand and walked off.

  ****

  The months went by fast, and Elizabeth’s wedding day approached. In her dressing room at the chapel, she stood in front of the mirror, fidgeting and smoothing out her dress. She wore a white lace sheath dress, with lace-capped sleeves, and her black hair cascaded down to her shoulders. Her curls were adorned with an extra-long hair vine pearl headband. She had decided not to wear a veil. She wore a pearl necklace and earrings that had belonged to her Aunt Jane. It was as if her aunt were there to calm her nerves.

  Her baby bump had grown, and she was self-conscious. Jo was standing next to her. “Stop fidgeting, you look gorgeous.”

  Elizabeth’s maid made the finishing touches on her makeup and left the room to pop over to the chapel to see if everybody had been seated.

  Minutes later, which felt like forever to Elizabeth, Millie said it was time to walk down the aisle. Jo took her by her arm and walked her out the door.

  Jo squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “Breathe.”

  Elizabeth was nervous. “What if I trip and make a fool of myself?”

  “Nonsense, nobody would care; they would be entranced with your ethereal beauty.” Jo smiled.

  “You flatter me,” Elizabeth laughed.

  They approached the hallway; the music began to play. She waited until the “Christmas Canon” began to play, and it was played beautifully along with the choir.

  Elizabeth took a deep breath, and Jo began to walk her down the aisle. Elizabeth focused on Darcy’s brilliant smile, and he looked dashing in his black suit.

  The world stopped, and she did not notice anyone around her. She only had eyes for Darcy. She began to walk faster, and Jo whispered, “Slow down, little red Corvette, or you will trip us both!”

  Elizabeth turned red, slowed her pace, and took deep breaths. Finally, she made it to Darcy, and Jo released her and took her place beside her. Darcy held Elizabeth by the hands, and they both faced the priest.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Not to be entered lightly, holy matrimony should be entered into solemnly and with reverence and honor. Into this holy agreement, these two persons come together to be joined. If any person here can show cause as to why these two people should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The preacher paused for a moment, and proceeded, “Both Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam prepared their own vows. Please, Fitzwilliam, you may proceed with your vows.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth turned to face one another, and he took her hands into his. “Elizabeth Christine Bennet, I must confess, no words can signify the depth of my love for you. However, I shall try to convey what my heart feels. Time and again, you bewitch my body and soul. My love, I fall more in love with you with each passing moment. You are patient and kind, and you accept my faults and strengths. Just as I accept yours and I believe in you, and I promise to support you; I will grow with you. I promise to be faithful and to make our family’s love and happiness my priority. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. I will dream with you, celebrate with you, and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring. You are my person—my love and my life, today and always.” The minister handed him the ring, and he placed it on her finger. “As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you.” Her hand trembled as he placed the ring on her finger. Once it was on her finger, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gently, not once breaking eye contact.

  Without removing his hand from hers, he held it as she began her vows. “William Darcy, the feeling hit me the moment we made eye contact. It was so immediate and powerful—far deeper and inexplicably beyond any calculation of time and place. You don’t describe a feeling like that. You also can’t replicate it or force it. You just let it flow in and around you. You go where it takes you.” When she finished, the minister handed her the ring, and she placed it on his finger. “As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you.”

  “Bride and groom, you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife. You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more. However, today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife, and can now seal the agreement with a kiss. Today, your kiss is a promise. You may kiss the bride.”

  Darcy needed no encouragement and made haste. He swept Elizabeth in his arms, dipped her, and kissed her passionately. The church clapped, and Jo nudged them. “Seriously, get a room!”

  They both laughed and proceeded down the aisle and outside. “Still jealous, Jo?”

  “Hardly; Marcus and I would put you to shame.”

  Elizabeth wanted to get out of her dress and into something comfortable. So, once they made it to the hallway, she pulled Darcy aside. “I am dying in these heels and dress. I am going to change, and I will meet you back here.”

  He grinned. “Well, Mrs. Darcy, I could always assist you.” He grabbed her by the waist and started nibbling on her ear as he traced the lace neckline of her dress. She playfully slapped his hand. “No! We have guests, and I know you do not have just taking off my clothes in mind.”

  He pouted. “Can I not be a gentleman? I just wanted to do my husbandly duties by helping you slip into something more comfortable.”

  “Riiiight . . .” She rolled her eyes.

  “My own wife does not trust my intentions?”

  “Sure, I do. Okay, enough with the puppy dog eyes.”

  “Can I at least accompany you to your room, to protect you from being kidnapped?”

  “Dramatic much? Nevertheless, yes, it would be my pleasure for you to accompany me. Let’s hurry up before Jo catches us.” She took him by the hand and dashed to her dressing quarters.

  Darcy shut and locked the door behind him. Elizabeth placed her hands on her hips as he turned around. “What? Extra security, so no one can kidnap you.”

  “Umm hmm . . .” she said, as he sauntered towards her; he was giving her the once-over.

  “Mr. Darcy, stop undressing me with your eyes! You are salivating like a dog after a bone!”

  “I never said I was not one, and you are far more delicious than a bone.” He winked as he licked his lips and spun her around; his arms were around her waist, and he was nibbling and kissing her neck. She playfully tried to resist, only to have him hold her tighter. She actually did it just for that. She loved feeling him take possession of her.

  “Where do you think you are going, Mrs. Darcy?” His hot breath on her skin, his lips on her ears; he started kissing her ears, and she moaned.

  She could not answ
er; all she could do was succumb to his advances. While she was in the trance of anticipation, there was a knock on the door. “Hello, guys, I know you’re in there!”

  Darcy placed a finger on Elizabeth’s lips to shush her, and he whispered in her ear, “If we are quiet, she will go away.”

  She nodded in agreement as he traced her ear with his tongue and bit it gently. His hands trailed down her neck, down her shoulders, and to the back of her dress while unbuttoning it.

  “Guys, seriously.” Jo started jiggling the doorknob. “Ah ha! Quit messing about, and let’s get this party started.”

  Darcy pulled Elizabeth’s dress down as Jo stood outside the door, and he pressed his lips against hers so that she would be quiet and ignore Jo.

  “Okay, fine, I will keep knocking on this door until you come out!” And true to her word, she started knocking.

  Darcy was frustrated, and pulled apart from Elizabeth, breaking the spell. Elizabeth stood there dazed, touching her lips. She ran over to him as he walked toward the door, pulled him back into her arms, and kissed him with every ounce of passion. This time he moaned into her mouth and gently pulled away. “Darling, we might as well concede and join the party.”

  Elizabeth was not happy, and she rolled her eyes. “Fine . . .” she huffed and stormed over to get into her reception dress. She put on a royal blue silk sheath dress with cap sleeves and strappy sparkling shoes.

  Darcy watched her like a hawk, ready to pounce on his prey. Without thinking, he moved toward her with his hands in position to pull down her dress. His reverie was broken by Jo’s incessant knocking.

  “Fine, we are coming out,” he barked.

  Jo stopped knocking in triumph. “Great, see you guys there!”

  Finally dressed, Darcy and Elizabeth met everybody in the basement.

  She whispered, “If they do the chicken dance, we are out of here.”

  He said, “If they do any type of dance, we are out of here.”

  She feigned shock. “Mr. Darcy that would mean we should leave now!”

  He grinned. “Exactly my sentiments, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “You are terrible, Mr. Darcy!” She laughed.

  “I know, but you love it,” he smirked.

  Jo approached them. “Hey everybody, the bride and groom finally decided to show up!”

  Elizabeth and Darcy glared at her, and Elizabeth tugged on his arm and gave him a “let’s run now” look.

  He was about to concur, but Jo stopped them, and music began to play. She pulled Elizabeth and Darcy to the dance area. “Mr. Darcy, it is customary to dance the first dance with your wife. Since you are now in the twenty-first century, you must submit to our customs, as punishing and uncomfortable as you might find them. I will not let you two leave if you do not.”

  Darcy smiled. “What you ask of me is not a punishment, and I would do it gladly.” He took Elizabeth’s right hand into his and placed his hand on her waist. They began to glide around their guests. She was unaware of what song was playing because dancing with Darcy was a dream. They glided and kept eye contact. It was as if they were in their own world, and they were in heaven. Several moments passed; they continued dancing when the song ended. Without warning, the chicken dance began to play.

  “Ugh,” Elizabeth moaned, and Darcy moaned in agreement.

  He was well ahead of her and surveyed the room for Jo, so they could make their escape. She spotted them and stood in their way. Her lips were in a thin line, and her hands on her hips. “Where do you think you two are going?”

  Elizabeth began to stumble on her words. “Umm . . . well.”

  “Elizabeth needs some air,” Darcy interjected.

  “Umm hmm, you guys are looking to make an escape,” she declared and laughed. “Guys, it’s cool, you’re both adults. I would totally bail too.” She hugged them both. “You make your getaway, and I’ll hold down the fort and dance my ass off.”

  Elizabeth kissed Jo on the cheek. “You’re the best!”

  “I know,” she laughed. “Just let me know when you’ve safely arrived at your undisclosed honeymoon location.” She winked at Darcy.

  “Yes, Mom.” Elizabeth saluted.

  Jo escorted them outside, and to Elizabeth’s surprise, there was a limo ready for them. “I kind of figured since Darcy does not like parties that you two might try to leave early.”

  “Thank you, Jo.” Darcy smiled and hugged her.

  “Darcy, when did you become a hugger?” She squeezed him back. “So, this is what it feels like to hug a two-hundred-and-thirty-five-year-old man.” She laughed.

  Darcy pulled away, laughing. “Reincarnation, my dear friend, and that is the first and last time you will ever find out.”

  “Touché, good man, now off with you both!”

  Darcy walked Elizabeth to the limo and waved goodbye to Jo. “So where are we going?” Elizabeth asked.

  “It’s a surprise, and here, put this on.” He handed her a blindfold.

  “Mm . . . kinky,” she purred.

  He laughed. “Hardly. Just please, humor me.”

  She put on the blindfold and got into the limo, and within minutes, they arrived at their destination. “Can I take this off yet?”

  “Not yet,” he said, as he helped her out of the car. Once outside the car, he turned her to face forward. “Now, you can.” He took off her blindfold. Before them was their private jet; she was speechless. He nudged her. “Mrs. Darcy are we going to stand here all day, or shall we depart?”

  All she could do was nod, and he took her hand in his; they approached the jet, climbed aboard, and started their journey. Elizabeth had no clue as to where their destination was; Darcy was good at keeping secrets, and it drove her crazy. She needed some idea because she did not do well with surprises. She was exhausted from the reception, and the planning leading up to the wedding. He suggested she rest because it would be a while. She was resistant because she was excited and anxious to see what he had in store for her. She knew she would not be disappointed. She was worried she was not packed properly, but he insisted that her maid had packed everything necessary and that it was taken care of.

  Once her nerves and anxiety settled, she went to change her clothes into something more comfortable. Her maid did pack her some yoga pants and her favorite comfortable sweatshirt. She settled into a seat, and Darcy made her as comfortable as possible by fluffing her pillow and spreading out a warm and fuzzy blanket. She was not feeling well; she thought it might be her nerves and being tired. The baby was kicking something fierce. She tried to hide it from Darcy, but he was concerned. She shrugged it off and blamed it on the long plane ride.

  The plane began to descend; she awoke to the turbulence and wiped the sleep from her eyes. She looked out the window once they landed, and it was nighttime.

  He helped her up and off the plane. There was a limo waiting for them on the runway. Her cramps had gotten worse when she moved closer to the limo. She squeezed Darcy’s hand. Suddenly, there was a gush of water, and she cried.

  They were not far from the limo, and Darcy barked at the driver to take them to the hospital as soon as possible. The driver told him the hospital was too far, but that his wife was a midwife, and they did not live that far.

  How convenient, Elizabeth thought. This was turning out to be a Jane Austen book all over again.

  She did not hear their conversation; she was concentrating on breathing. She was in a daze and did not realize she was in the limo, and they drove off to the driver’s house. He called his wife to let her know they were on their way.

  What felt like an eternity was only ten minutes; they arrived at a small cottage, overlooking the water.

  Quaint, she thought, definitely from a Jane Austen book. Between breaths, she looked at Darcy. “Where the hell are we?”

  He looked at her, always inquisitive even in pain, and was astonished at her spirit. “Darling, it doesn’t matter; we must take care of you and get you into bed.”

  “Well
, humor a woman in labor; it will get my mind off of things if we talk,” she said.

  “We are at the Old Port in Marseille,” he replied.

  “Where exactly is Marseille?” she asked.

  “France,” he smiled.

  “Romantic; however, I am afraid I am putting a damper on your plans.”

  “Hush, darling, there is nothing more intimate and miraculous than welcoming our child during the celebration of our union. Now, we will come full circle.”

  The woman spoke in French and her husband translated. “Hurry, this way.” He rushed them inside and to the room.

  His wife barked orders and was by Elizabeth’s side, coaching her. Elizabeth did not have to understand what the woman was saying to know what she was asking.

  Elizabeth knew it would probably be a long time. Darcy insisted on staying by her side, but she suggested that it would be best that he sleep and avoid having her cursing at him. Darcy was nodding off beside her. Albina agreed, and her husband showed him to another room to rest.

  Night turned into morning, and eight hours later, Darcy woke up to Elizabeth screaming. He rushed to her, and she squeezed Darcy’s hand as Albina, in her best English, comforted Elizabeth. “Easy; breathe gently, you are doing great. Keep it up, just like that. There, I see the head,” Albina encouraged. Elizabeth was straining and wanted to push harder. Albina saw her body straining, and Elizabeth was grunting. “Breathe, my dear, and then give one big push.” Elizabeth gave it her all. With one enormous push, the baby slid out into Albina’s hands. Albina cut the umbilical cord, swaddled the baby, and handed her to Elizabeth.

  “Welcome to the world, Anise Jane Darcy.”

  Elizabeth could barely keep her exhaustion hidden, and Darcy and Albina insisted she sleep. Several hours later, she awoke. Anise was clothed and fed. She was set with diapers, formula, and so forth. Albina made sure everything was ready before Elizabeth woke up. Darcy insisted on helping because he knew Elizabeth would freak out since she was not prepared.

  Darcy thought it was time that they went to where he had originally planned to take her for their honeymoon. Thankfully, it was a short distance.