Elizabeth considered this for a moment but the answer was clear to her already. “In a way I don’t feel I need a ceremony. You are my husband. I feel it in my heart as completely as if we had said our vows in the biggest, most formal setting possible.”
Keeping his strong arms wrapped around Elizabeth, Will couldn’t resist thoroughly kissing her again.
Gasping for air, she laughed, “However, I suppose a wedding picture might be appreciated by our children. If we were to consciously, soberly, say our vows again, it would need to be soon. I don’t want to be showing in the pictures.”
“Hmmm, I think that’s a very good idea. Tell me, is there anywhere in the world your mother has expressed a desire to go that she hasn’t been to yet?” Darcy asked.
In unison Jane and Elizabeth answered, “Paris.”
“Paris? Good taste, Mrs. Bennet!” Darcy replied. “Well then, Paris it is. As soon as you can arrange your affairs to leave, our families and a few close friends will fly to Paris. I’ll arrange for you to have a private showing of wedding gowns, and make sure alterations begin at once. It can be done within a week. Your family can use the rest of the time to shop and do some sightseeing. I will take you all to the best restaurants and shows. My future mother-in-law will be winking at me with approval by the end of that week.”
“I dare say she will!” Elizabeth laughed. “
Jane grew thoughtful. “She will be so excited. Mom so loves a good whirlwind romance, you know. It will be like living in one of her soaps while she’s there.”
******
“Girls!” Mrs. Bennet called as she opened the door and peeked into Elizabeth’s temporary bedroom. “Are you two ever coming down? Oh, Lizzy, how beautiful you look, my dear! Come, come, you don’t want to keep the groom waiting. Let me tell you, William makes the most dashing figure in his tux! Such an agreeable man. You certainly got yourself a catch there, Lizzy. After all, a husband is even better than a partnership in his law firm, though you may still try for both. Now, let’s get moving!”
“I think it might be time to go,” Lizzy smiled at her sister, as her mother closed the door and hurried away to take her place among the guests. Lizzy turned from the full length mirror to face Jane, beautiful in her own right as her maid of honor.
They gave one another one last hug before making their way down the massive staircase of the ancient castle on the outskirts of Paris which Darcy had rented for the entire month. After the wedding the couple was traveling to a private villa on the French Rivera to have a proper honeymoon, while Lizzy’s family would remain at the castle and continue their Paris adventure.
She was glad to see the gentle, smiling face of her father waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.
“Well, my girl, this is it. The day I hand you over to another to take care of you. I must say, you’ve both chosen remarkably well. I know you’re both going to be very happy, and that’s the only reason that I’ll be able to enjoy this day and Jane’s soon to come, and be joyful for you. If you’d chosen badly, I don’t know if I could bear letting either of you go.”
“Oh Dad.”
Both girls went to hug their father, Mr. Bennet stretching his arms wide to wrap around both of them. “You both look beautiful my dears.”
Lizzy’s other bridesmaids, her three younger sisters and Georgiana, were already in the room downstairs, which led to the elegant ballroom where the ceremony was being held. The girls all crowded around the bride, proclaiming her the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. Soon they were directed to take their places in the procession, fussing with their gowns. An attendant straightened the bride’s train as Elizabeth took up her position behind them.
The rows of white chairs gleamed in the sunshine that flooded into the room through the wall of windows on each side of the ballroom. The marble pillars between every window were decorated with fragrant blooms, white and champagne colored to match the silk dresses chosen for the bridesmaids.
All the faces turned to watch the arrival of the bride. Her eyes ran the length of the aisle created by the seating and scattered with rose petals on either side, leading to a wide arch of roses. Behind the archway was a small, ornate dais where the officiator stood ready to perform the service. Although Elizabeth saw it all, her attention was consumed by one thing only—the tall, handsome, elegant man who was standing beneath the arch and staring at her with such burning intensity that it made her shiver. Her peripheral vision took in Charles standing beside him, but her eyes never left Darcy’s.
Her father gave Elizabeth’s hand a squeeze when the music started and they began to move, the guests completely forgotten as they made their way down the aisle towards the man she loved.
Unlike months prior when they had legally become husband and wife, on this day they savored every word of their vows. Each knew with all their heart that the promises made would never be broken and their love would only grow stronger throughout their lives.
Afterwards, when the couple had cut the cake and it was being served to their guests, the Mother of the Bride brought a glass to her daughter.
“No champagne for you, Lizzy. Here’s a glass of ginger ale for you instead.”
“Thank you, Mom.” Lizzy took a sip, which was quickly followed by a hiccup.
“Oh!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, raising a hand to her mouth. “Let’s hope you have a girl.”
Darcy smiled and looked expectantly towards his mother-in-law. “Do hiccups indicate something in particular?”
“Hair,” was her answer.
“Hair? And won’t we generally wish for hair whether it’s a girl or boy?” he asked in confusion.
“In time, yes, but since you can’t cut the baby’s hair until it is a year old, and hiccups mean your baby will be born with hair, it would be best if it’s a girl. Now, excuse me while I grab your aunt Catherine for a photo,” she said happily as she rushed off.
Darcy drained the last of his champagne from his flute and took the one with the remaining ginger ale from his wife’s hand, setting both glasses down on the table. He drew her close, wrapping one arm around her, while reaching up to touch one of the dark curls framing her lovely face. “If we do have a girl, I want her to look exactly like you. But I must know, why can’t we cut our baby’s hair for a year, Mrs. Darcy?” his loving smile turning playful.
“If you cut a baby’s hair before its first birthday, it will…stutter.”
“Ah, of course, why didn’t I think of that?” He smiled mischievously. “That reminds me, Charles gave me the most wonderful wedding present. He got us each a book of old wives’ tales. Can you imagine the fun we’ll have for years to come, as we enlighten our mother-in-law on the ones she doesn’t know yet?”
“You two are incorrigible!” she laughed. “What am I going to do with you, Mr. Darcy?”
“Oh, I have a few ideas.”
“Would you care for more champagne, Mr. Darcy,” asked the approaching waiter.
Without taking his eyes from his wife’s, he replied, “No thank you. I’m not taking any chances this time. This is a night I intend to remember.”
Thank You!
Thank you so much for reading the modern Pride and Prejudice retelling, LEGALLY DARCY! I hope you enjoyed it! Please take just a minute, and leave me a little review on Amazon. : )
Also by Denise O’Hara:
The books in the Life after the Wedding Series are
#1 Becoming Jane Bingley
Part 1 of the series centers on the Bingleys. Jane Bingley, Caroline Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst’ stories are all featured. The Bingleys are honeymooning in Ireland. There Jane meets her new mother-in-law and his lively Aunt Jeanie! How did likable Charles Bingley & self-important Caroline come from the same family? Jane learns much of the Bingley family's untold story.
Back at Netherfield, they are reunited with the Darcys and Bennets. Mrs. Bennet never changes, but Lizzy must help her dearest sister, who is beginning to see things differently now that she has
a family of her own. Why do the Bingleys leave Netherfield after only a twelfth month?
#2 The Bingleys’ Estate
The Bingleys put down permanent roots when they buy the Bethany House estate not thirty miles from Pemberly to the delight of both families. Jane is presented with new people in her life and new situations, some positive, some not so positive (read: Wickhams!) Can Lizzy help her sister deal with her growing understanding that not everyone can be well thought of? Read the humorous escapades of the Bingleys’ first child, a complete opposite of his Darcy cousin in A Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life after the Wedding Series, A Novella Part Two!
#3 Changes
A ball is planned, but both households of Pemberly and Bethany House are affected when a serious case of influenza hits England. Meanwhile, Miss Caroline Bingley is unsure of what to do when she meets a potential suitor who is nothing like Mr. Darcy. Misunderstandings arise in the chaos that ensues as the beloved Bingleys and Darcys face challenges that will change them forever. And Harry Bingley is always up to something in A Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life after the Wedding Series, Part Three!
#4 The Darcys Host a Ball at Pemberley
Book 4 contains stories of Georgiana and Kitty. The Darcy's Host a Ball at Pemberley can be read as a stand-alone novel, or it can be read as Book 4 in the Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life after the Wedding Series.
Book 4 overlaps parts of book 3. The Darcys return to Pemberley following their honeymoon. A new friendship develops between Georgiana and Kitty as they become young women. During influenza that hits England, Georgiana meets Colonel Fitzwilliam's handsome friend. Mary and Kitty have suitors and Anne de Bourgh is in need of a husband. All come together when the Darcys Host a Ball at Pemberley!
#5 A Few Good Men includes a Scarlett Pimpernel adventure, while continuing Georgiana and Kitty's story.
Plus: Three Pride and Prejudice Variations:
Disdain and Deception
This Pride and Prejudice Variation begins between Darcy and Elizabeth's engagement and wedding.
Suppose everything happened exactly as in the original until after the engagement. Then Mr. Darcy has an accident....or is it? He is taken away from Elizabeth, and she must use whatever means she can to reach him before it’s too late.
Yours truly, Mr. Darcy
You've Got Mail - Regency Style! In this lighthearted and sometimes humorous short story retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth's head is full of Wickham, and she blames Darcy for keeping them apart. He must come up with a way to change her mind about him if he's ever going to win her! Clean Content! An uplifting short read!
Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless
Elizabeth eagerly awaits her sister Jane's letter while visiting Derbyshire with her aunt and Uncle Gardiner. But circumstances cause the letter to be delayed by two additional days. The extra time with Darcy changes the course of both of their lives, in ways no one could have predicted... or even thought possible. In a plot twist, you won't see coming, Darcy and Elizabeth find out if their love is truly timeless. FYI- This book has a sci-fi element which brings the couple into the present.
The Sequel to Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless is Timeless Adventures: London
Darcy and Elizabeth’s adventures in the modern world continue while on a trip to London. They bring Katie along, and find certain aspects of the modern world very much to their liking. Darcy and Elizabeth have their hands full when they venture out in London!
Timeless Adventures: TITANIC will be out in early 2017! Darcy is intrigued by the history of the famous ship. He comes across a picture in one of the books he’s reading on the subject, and notices a familiar face among the survivors of the disaster. With the events weighing heavily on his mind, and after he and Elizabeth watch the movie by the same name, he has a dream, putting many of the Pride and Prejudice characters on the TITANIC!
About the Author
As a huge fan of the classics, Denise O’Hara loves everything Jane Austen. She accidentally came across her first continuing story of Pride and Prejudice many years ago while browsing her public library. She excitedly checked the sequel out to take with her to Destin, Florida, one of her favorite vacation spots of all time! After years of loving Pride and Prejudice, she was so thrilled to get more of the story!
Over the years, she read many Pride and Prejudice adaptations and sequels. She decided to jump into the Pride and Prejudice waters herself with her first three stories, A Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life after the Wedding!
She lives with her own Mr. Darcy of 29 years. They enjoy the simple things in life, like having coffee or tea on the deck, kayaking, taking hikes and walks together. They have two grown children whom they adore, Shane and Brooke. She and her Mr. Darcy are grateful to have parents nearby, as they love to spend time with family. They just wish there was more time to visit! Between them, they have ten sisters! That’s right no brothers. Sisters are the best!!! They are also thankful for their many good friends from all over the world who are as true brothers and sisters to them!
And as their friends will tell you, they love the Bee Gees! Just wanted to give them a shout out for all the countless hours of joy those 4 Gibb Brothers have brought to Denise and her Mr. Darcy.
Legally Darcy: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice Page 23
