“I do not believe my daughter ever fully unpacked, Darcy.” Mr. Bennet chuckled as he walked past them to the waiting carriage.
“Mr. Darcy?” a voice called from behind.
They turned to see Colonel Forster approaching.
“Forgive me, sir. By any chance is there room in your carriage to accommodate me? I have just received a dispatch that I am required in Meryton in the morning.”
Darcy nodded and arrangements were made for the carriage to collect him on the way to the Gardner’s. He handed Elizabeth into her uncle’s carriage and kissed her hand. “I shall come for you directly.”
She nodded as she squeezed his fingers.
Chapter Nine
Darcy arrived at the Gardiners’ home to find the Bennets’ trunks ready to be loaded. Elizabeth paused as she stepped out onto the stoop after her father and looked up at the sky. “It is clear. Do you think it will remain so?” she asked as she turned hopefully toward her intended while Mr. Bennet continued toward the carriage, chuckling to himself.
Smiling, Darcy slipped her hand onto his arm. “I believe we shall make good time and the moon will light our way.” They waved to the Gardners just before he handed her into the carriage where she sat beside her father, across from Colonel Fitzwilliam and Colonel Forster.
She giggled softly, feeling somewhat giddy. “Poor Mama, she will be beside herself with worry until we have reached home. Oh, and poor Jane! She will have to comfort Mama.” Darcy climbed into the carriage and onto the bench with Elizabeth who giggled again, feeling as silly as Lydia. “We are a close fit,” she said as she snuggled against him.
Darcy looked over her head to her father who turned to gaze out the window with a smile playing about his lips. Slipping his arm about her shoulders, Darcy pulled her closer to him.
As she laid her head on his shoulder, Elizabeth remembered their flight from Meryton to Longbourn and how safe she had felt in his arms. It seemed like so long ago, when in reality it had been just a little over a month. A few weeks, and yet her world now revolved around the strong, silent man who held her so gently.
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled at his cousin before continuing the discussion he had begun with Colonel Forster prior to reaching the Gardiners’ home. The carriage continued on its way toward Hertfordshire until the sun began to set and they stopped at an inn for dinner and to wait for the moon to rise.
Elizabeth stared anxiously out the window into the growing darkness. Darcy took her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly. She turned to meet his gaze and blushed.
“All will be well, Elizabeth, but now you must eat. I do not wish your father to accuse me of not taking proper care of you.” His eyes sparkled with his jest, and Elizabeth smiled as she took a bite of mutton.
Time seemed to creep by, but finally, the moon began its climb and the night was nearly as bright as day. The party entered the carriage to begin the final leg of their journey. The air seemed charged as the couple settled close to each other. Though she doubted it would be possible, Elizabeth quickly fell asleep, her head on Darcy’s chest, his arm about her shoulders. Darcy also began to nod and they quite forgot where they were.
Darcy dreamt he was holding Elizabeth and they had begun their wedding journey. He nuzzled her hair, kissed her temple, and whispered his love and devotion to her. He felt her small, warm hand as it slipped about his neck and she turned her face toward him. He claimed her lips with his, the sweetness of her kiss reminding him of their first stolen moments at Longbourn. His leg jolted and he thought there must have been damage to the road since the last time he travelled it. He deepened the kiss as he ran his fingers through her hair, scattering her hairpins.
A man cleared his throat, startling Darcy from his sleep. “Mr. Darcy, you are not wed yet.”
He lifted his eyes to see his future father-in-law attempting to look at him sternly. Turning, he saw the Colonels gazing out the windows as they tried to hide their laughter. Finally, he looked at the woman in his arms. He was certain the blush in her cheeks matched his own, and he smiled meekly. She began giggling and he was unable to contain his own mirth. The carriage erupted in laughter. It was the first they had been this joyful in days. By the time they calmed, all were wiping tears from their eyes.
***********
The Darcy carriage pulled up the drive at Longbourn to find most of the windows lit. Mrs. Bennet rushed out of the house.
“Thank Heaven! I did not think you would return in time. Lizzy, come out of their now; Mr. Darcy must not see you. It is your wedding day. You must come inside and straight to your bed. You cannot have dark circles under your eyes, or he shall be so disappointed.”
Elizabeth smiled shyly at her betrothed and he kissed her hand before Mr. Bennet handed her out of the carriage. Her mother grabbed her and pulled her into the house as a laughing Mr. Bennet waved to the men.
Their luggage was unloaded and the carriage continued on its way to Meryton where they left Colonel Forster at his home before drawing up in front of Netherfield. As the cousins descended from the carriage, they saw Bingley coming to meet them, nearly as anxious as Mrs. Bennet.
“I began to fear you would miss your own wedding,” he said as he clapped his friend on the back.
“I believe there would have been a wedding, no matter where we were.” Colonel Fitzwilliam guffawed.
The gentlemen went to Bingley’s study where he poured his finest French port for all of them. “My father procured this just before his death and told me to save it for a special occasion. I cannot think of a better one at this time.”
Darcy raised his brow.
“I have another bottle saved for the night before my wedding, and I expect you to share that with me also.” He laughed as he raised his glass. “To Fitzwilliam Darcy, the best friend a man could have. I am so thankful you have found the happiness you deserve, my friend.”
“Thank you, Bingley, and I look forward to calling you brother in a short time. Though I am glad it is because you are wedding my soon-to-be sister-in-law and not that I am marrying your sister.”
All three looked at each other for a moment before erupting in laughter.
“I fear I shall only drink one glass with you this evening. I must be at my best in the morning; Lizzy would never forgive me.”
“Neither will your mother-in-law,” Richard chuckled. Darcy threw him a half-hearted glare before he downed the port and left for his rooms.
***********
Darcy stood at the front of the church. The congregation was small, consisting of only friends and family as they had planned. He waited anxiously for the doors at the back of the church to open.
Bingley stood beside him, slightly less lively than normal as he and the Colonel had imbibed a good portion of the fine wine the night before. Richard sat in the front pew, the dark bags under his eyes the only sign that he was not himself. Georgiana sat beside him, her smile lighting her face.
Finally, as Darcy began to fear Elizabeth had changed her mind, the doors opened and the Bennet ladies entered, taking their places in the front pew. Darcy glanced at Bingley whose features had undergone a grand change. As he turned to look toward the back of the church, he saw Jane making slow progress down the aisle, her eyes linked with his friend’s. She took her place across from them and Darcy turned back, anticipation growing.
A moment later, he saw his Elizabeth on her father’s arm. He felt as though he was in a dream; she seemed to move so slowly. He fought the urge to rush to her side and claim her hand. As he clutched and released his fists, he heard his cousin’s low chuckle. Darcy was tempted to glare at him, but could not take his eyes from his beloved. Finally she was by his side.
He heard the minister’s words, still in that dream like state. Elizabeth looked at him, a twinkle in her eyes, as she stepped lightly on his foot. “I will,” he said softly as he smiled at her.
Turning his attention more fully to the minister, he recited his vows and listened as she promised hersel
f to him. Finally, the service was over, they had signed the registry, and he was leading her out of the church.
Once they were alone in the carriage and on their way to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast, he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately.
“Darling,” he heard her whisper as they briefly separated.
“Yes, my love,” he placed kisses along her jaw leading toward her ear.
“My sisters have just informed me there is to be a ball in Meryton in a fortnight.”
He drew back and looked deeply into her teasing gaze. “I have already gained my heart’s desire at a ball in Meryton. We shall be too busy to attend.”
Epilogue
“Forgive me, my love, for continuing to ask, but why are we here again?” Darcy glanced out the window at the queue of carriages as he clenched and released his fists.
Patting his arm lovingly, Elizabeth laughed as she glanced across to their eldest son and daughter. Giving them a wink, she took a deep breath and released a theatrical sigh. “Kitty asked us to attend. I could not refuse.”
“I had thought we would be attending her daughter’s wedding and then going on to London. Do you not wish to visit the modiste before we begin our tour?”
“Papa, you are going to Paris. Mama will visit the modiste there.” Janet giggled as their carriage drew to a stop and the door was opened.
Reluctantly Darcy stepped down before turning and assisting his wife. Their eyes met as she slipped her hand into his, and he fought the urge he always had to draw her into his arms. Instead, as she stepped onto the pavement, he bowed and pressed a light kiss upon her gloved fingers. Placing her hand in the crook of his arm, he turned and escorted her into the Meryton assembly hall as though they were entering St. James’s.
Bennet Darcy exited the carriage and handed down his sister before he straightened the collar on his jacket and led her inside. “When do you think he will realize Mama has tricked him?” he whispered.
“Shh, he might hear you.” Janet lifted her hand to her lips, trying to stifle the giggles that threatened to overtake her.
The doors of the assembly room opened as the couples approached and Darcy took a deep breath to prepare himself. He had never completely overcome his unease in social settings, especially around his wife’s family. He could not be certain what her younger sisters might say or do, and how his response would be received by them. The best he could hope was to find a place on the wall where he could speak with his father-in-law, if Mr. Bennet deigned to attend; and dance with his wife while avoiding the other ladies.
Elizabeth glanced up at the nervous man by her side. It had been five and twenty years since they had first met. Five and twenty years this very night. When Kitty had written her about the Meryton assembly and she recognized the date, she knew they must attend.
As the party entered, there appeared a sudden lull in conversation and all eyes turned toward them. Darcy’s countenance darkened as he still despised being the center of attention. Suddenly a squeal from the far side of the room was heard and he blanched as he saw Elizabeth’s youngest sister, Lydia, pushing her way through the crowd. Her husband, Major General McDermott, glanced toward her, smiled, and shook his head before lifting his glass in salute toward his brother-in-law.
“Lizzy! You did make it!”
The sisters embraced as the crowd appeared to shift and move toward the newcomers. Darcy felt his son’s hand in the small of his back as he attempted to step back from the oncoming hoard. He glanced over his shoulder and found his children grinning at his discomfort. Putting on his sternest Master of Pemberley scowl, he turned to quietly reprimand them, but was stopped short by his wife.
“Mr. Darcy, I believe you are neglecting your friends.” Her eyes glanced behind him and he turned to find Charles and Jane Bingley watching him, both highly amused.
“Bingley! Elizabeth did not tell me you would be here.” He shook hands with his friend before turning to Jane. Bowing over her hand, he smiled as he stepped to the side. “I know better than to stand between you and your sister, Jane.”
She stepped past him, greeting her niece and nephew before moving to hug her sister. They glanced over their shoulders at the men and then moved away through the crowd, Bennet and Janet following. Lydia considered following them, but decided instead to return to husband when she saw the musicians take their places.
“Does he suspect?” Jane whispered.
“Not at all,” Elizabeth laughed. Squeezing her sister’s hand, she glanced back at her husband and his friend as they moved around the room in the opposite direction. “Does Charles know what to do?”
“Certainly, though I doubt he shall be able to speak without laughing. Of course, as I remember, he smiled quite broadly that night.” Jane glanced back across the room at her husband, her face aglow with happiness.
“Only when he looked at you, dear one.” Elizabeth smiled to see the love in her sister’s eyes as she looked at her husband. Turning, she took her daughter’s hand and pointed toward a row of chairs along the wall. “I was seated just over there.”
“And where was Papa?” Bennet leaned forward and glanced about.
“There,” Elizabeth pointed toward a pillar not far from the chairs and giggled. “I believe he was attempting to disappear behind it, but your Uncle Bingley would have none of it.”
“Oh, here they come.” Jane pushed Elizabeth toward the chairs and the others moved to block Darcy’s view of her. Once he was past, they moved away, winking as they did. Elizabeth sat down and waited, a playful smile dancing about her lips.
After a few minutes, Darcy approached the pillar as he looked about the room. Bingley stepped between him and his wife as the music began to play. Trying desperately to suppress his grin, he suddenly turned to his friend.
“Come, Darcy, I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance.”
Darcy looked strangely at his friend, wondering what had overcome him. “Bingley, I know not what you are about, but I shall dance once I find my wife.”
Laughing, Bingley continued, “I would not be so fastidious as you are for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening, and there are several of them you see uncommonly pretty.” He glanced across to where Jane stood watching them; her eyes sparkling with delight caused him to wink at her and chuckle.
Darcy eyed his friend and sister suspiciously as he glanced about again. “What is this, Bingley? Where is my wife?”
“I have asked the beautiful girl across the way to dance. I believe one of her sisters is sitting down just behind me, who is very pretty, and I dare say, very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.”
Recollection finally struck Darcy and he turned where he knew Elizabeth awaited him. A smile crossed his countenance and he attempted to move past Bingley.
“Darcy, what are you about? You know you must be introduced before you may approach a lady.”
Laughing, Darcy nodded his head. “Then by all means, man, get on with it.”
Jane had been watching the exchanges and moved closer as she saw Darcy’s realization of what was happening. As she approached, Bingley took her hand and introduced her to Darcy.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy said with a smirk as he bowed. “Would you do me the honour of introducing me to your bewitching sister?”
“It would be my pleasure, Mr. Darcy.” Jane stepped around the men and crossed to Lizzy’s side. “Elizabeth, may I present Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire?”
Elizabeth stood and curtseyed, her eyes flashing with amusement.
“Mr. Darcy, may I introduce my sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn.”
“Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy bowed, his eyes matching her amusement and adding his own passion. “Would you do me the honour of accepting my hand … for this dance?”
Laughing, Elizabeth accepted and he led her to the
floor. “Was that truly necessary, Lizzy?”
“Fitzwilliam Darcy! You still do not know what is happening!”
A startled, blank expression crossed his countenance. “I am being shown how our introduction could have occurred had I been more sociable.”
Shaking her head, she moved to her place in the dance. The music began and they bowed and curtseyed before taking the first steps. As their hands met, Elizabeth looked up at him and smiled. “You are partially correct, my love.”
The dance pulled them apart and Darcy continued to ponder what he may be missing. As they drew closer she asked, “Do you happen to know the date, Mr. Darcy?”
His brows knit together. “The date?”
“Yes sir, the date.”
Of course he knew the date, but he could not comprehend why it would be of significance. It was not as though it were their wedding anniversary which they would celebrate in just over a month. Just over a month. Could it be?
He looked up to find his wife’s broad smile telling him he was correct. Five and twenty years ago this very night he had attended a ball in this very room. He had the opportunity to meet the woman who would stand by his side, share his bed, and bear his children. Instead, his insufferable mood had led him to insult her. Fortunately for him, Providence did not leave him to a long drawn out battle with himself where he debated her worth and connections.
He glanced about and saw Mr. Bennet leaning against the far wall, but was surprised to see his Uncle by his side. Suddenly he looked about again and realized he recognized most everyone in the room. This was not the normal country assembly. He turned back to his wife who was now laughing at his amazement.
“How did you arrange this?” he asked as they came together in the dance again.
“You insisted we spend our anniversary in Paris, Fitzwilliam. Our family wished to celebrate with us. This was the … forgive me …compromise.”
Tossing back his head, Darcy laughed aloud.
The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella by Bronwen Chisholm Page 12
