by Louise, Kara
Darcy deliberated for a moment. “Any number of ways. Perhaps Georgiana told someone in our family, and they told her.”
Elizabeth bit her lip. “Or I suppose my mother could have told Mrs. Lucas, who then told her daughter…”
“Who told her husband, who then told my aunt.”
Elizabeth laughed and took Darcy’s arm again, giving it a squeeze. “I would imagine if that were the case, each one likely added their own little element to the story, making it quite a tale by the time it reached your aunt.”
Darcy nodded with a smile. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Who told you about the expected engagement between Anne and myself?”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm and a sense of discomposure flooded her. She said, almost in a whisper, “It was Mr. Wickham.”
Darcy frowned. “I thought as much.”
Elizabeth realized this was the perfect time to ask her next question, although she knew it would upset him. Speaking as carefree as she could, she said, “Speaking of Mr. Wickham,” she paused as Darcy’s head jerked towards her, “what is to become of him for his part in the attempted escape?” She patted his arm. “I only wish to know so we can determine whether Lydia is in any danger of encountering him again.”
Darcy raked his fingers through his hair and the crease on his forehead deepened. “You will likely not see him for five to ten years.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “Oh!”
“He has yet to stand trial, but Foster told me he would likely receive a sentence of that approximate duration. He is fortunate in that he will not hang. Lockerly and the others certainly will.”
Elizabeth mutely nodded, and they continued in silence.
Darcy stopped and turned to her. “I suppose you have an unrelenting curiosity about why I was in such a destitute state when I was mistaken for Lockerly.”
Elizabeth looked at him with a sheepish grin. “I suppose I did wonder that.”
“Can you conjecture why?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I would not wish to.”
Darcy licked his lips. “Well, you are most likely correct.” He paused and looked away. After a few moments he returned his gaze to Elizabeth. “It was because of you.”
Elizabeth felt a surge of regret and knew her face reflected how she felt. “I am so sorry. I had no idea…”
“That I would take it so hard?” After Elizabeth silently nodded, tears pooling in her eyes, Darcy continued. “I came to you expecting a favourable reply because I had a very elevated opinion of myself, erroneously so. What you said and did – as painful as it was – helped me see the person I truly was – as others saw me – rather than who I thought I was when I looked at myself.”
“I truly believed you would readily forget me and, of course, would want nothing to do with me ever again.”
He touched a finger to her face, catching a tear that fell. “I was angry, of course, at first, and I had hoped to put you out of my head and my heart. When our paths crossed again on the island, I knew I could not, but did not know if you would ever return my affections.” He glanced down at her. “Especially when I saw you with Mr. Adams.”
“Oh, yes…” Elizabeth said, “Mr. Adams. I believe it has turned out quite providentially in his favour for him to return to St. Mary’s. I do hope he is able to secure Melanie’s love.”
Darcy laughed. “I do, as well! I would not want him returning to claim your love!”
Elizabeth smiled and looked down, taking his hand in hers. “He knew I loved you.”
Darcy tilted his head as he looked down. “Did he?”
She nodded, adding, “And he claimed that you loved me, as well.”
“Bright, young man! Always liked the fellow!”
Elizabeth shook her head. “But I did not believe him. How could I expect you to still feel the same way after what I said to you that evening in Kent?”
Darcy lifted his head up to the heavens. “I think the bigger question is why did our paths cross again in such an extraordinary way? What would have happened if life had just gone on as usual for us? Would we have had this second chance?”
Elizabeth shuddered. “I would hope so, but I have no idea how it would have occurred.”
Darcy shook his head. “Neither do I.” He clasped his hand over Elizabeth’s, again, and they walked, all conversation for the moment ceased.
After walking quietly for some time, Elizabeth determined that Darcy must have had enough of her questions. They were almost to the base of the hill, where they would make the turn to set out for Longbourn, when she felt him squeeze her hand. He looked down at her, a look of concern in his eyes.
“What is it?” Elizabeth asked.
Darcy’s brows drew together. “I have a confession to make.”
“You make it sound serious.”
Darcy slowly nodded his head. “There was another reason I did not tell you who I was.”
Elizabeth bit her lip and tilted her head. “What was that?”
Darcy drew in a breath. “I rather enjoyed how you treated me as Captain Smith. I felt if you knew who I was, that would change.”
Elizabeth raised her brows. “I do not know how I would have acted or felt if you had told me.” She squeezed his arm. “But I assure you, I had already begun to rethink my opinion of you.”
Darcy smiled. “What shall you think of being Mistress of Pemberley?”
Elizabeth leaned her head against him as they continued to walk. “Since I have never seen it, can you tell me what it is like?” She looked up with a teasing smile. “Is it much like Rosings, would you say?”
Darcy laughed heartily. “It is nothing at all like Rosings!” He grew serious. “It is a wonderful home. It is larger than Rosings, but not as ornate. I think you will be pleased. There is a lake on one side, gardens on the other, a ridge behind the house, and acres of woods surrounding it. You shall never lack for a new path to explore.”
“It sounds lovely.” Elizabeth let out a long, soft sigh. “I think I shall love it as much as I can see you do.”
“I believe, my dearest Elizabeth, that you shall.”
She stood up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek, but at the last moment he turned, so her lips met his. She was somewhat startled, but relaxed in his arms as he drew her into an embrace.
*~*~*
When they reached Longbourn, Elizabeth directed Darcy to her father’s library, and she scurried up the stairs to Jane’s room. She tapped on the door, and Jane welcomed her in.
Jane was sitting in a plush chair, still dressed in her night clothes and robe. Her slippered feet were propped up on an ottoman, and she was gazing out the window.
“Good morning, Jane.” Elizabeth walked over to a mirror that hung on the wall. She placed her fingers on her cheeks, noticing their flush, but knew there was nothing she could do about it now. She fiddled with her hair, attempting to tidy it. “How are you this morning?”
“I am well, but a little confused.”
“Why?”
Jane motioned for Elizabeth to sit down on the bed. “I just saw you walk to the house with Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth looked down at her fingers, which she was nervously knitting together. She bit her lip and nodded her head. “Yes. That is why I have come to you. He is presently with Father.”
“Why is he with Father?”
Elizabeth laughed and threw back her head. “Why would a gentleman go to see a young lady’s father?”
Jane shook her head. “Well, I can only think of one reason, and I doubt that…” Jane suddenly gasped and clasped her hands over her mouth. Her eyes widened. When she lowered her hands, she said, “Did he?” She rushed over to the bed and grabbed her sister’s hand. “Lizzy! Did he ask for your hand in marriage again?”
When Elizabeth nodded, Jane let out a squeal and wrapped her arms about Elizabeth. “Oh! I am so happy! I do not know what to say, but I had hoped this would happen! I had hoped so much!”
Elizabeth returned
her sister’s hug, and Jane joined her on the bed, making it bounce as she plopped down. “Tell me all about it, dearest Lizzy!”
After Elizabeth had finished telling her about their morning – leaving out certain details – Elizabeth grew solemn. “Jane, there is something I must ask.”
Jane’s eyes grew wide. “What?”
“Would you mind terribly… what would you think… if we had a double wedding ceremony? If Mr. Darcy… Fitzwilliam… and I, were to get married at the same time as you and Mr. Bingley?”
“Oh, Lizzy!” Jane cried as she wrapped her in an embrace again. “I would like it very much, very much indeed!”
*~*~*
Mr. Darcy chose to slip out quietly after speaking with Mr. Bennet and getting his consent. Mr. Bennet called Elizabeth down once he had left, informing her that he was pleased beyond measure with the man who would marry his favourite daughter.
He gave her a hug, kissed her on the top of her head, and then told her, “Now, go tell your mother. I shall take a stroll outside and return in about fifteen minutes. That shall be enough time for her to get her flutterings all over with, do you not think?”
“Is she awake?” Elizabeth asked. “Should I go to her now?”
Mr. Bennet gave a solemn nod. “Might as well get it over with. There are not many things that will put her in good spirits as news such as this.”
Elizabeth watched her father leave and pursed her lips. As much as this would please her mother, Elizabeth expected she would react with vehement gushing.
Before going up, she went to the kitchen and armed herself with a cup of steaming tea and some sweet biscuits. She knew her mother would have her smelling salts at her side. She then straightened, drew her shoulders back, and marched up the stairs.
When she came to her mother’s room, she placed the cup and saucer on a nearby table and tapped lightly on the door.
“Oh, my head!” came the agitated voice from inside. “Hill, did you bring my tea?”
“It is Lizzy, Mother. May I come in? I have tea and biscuits.”
Without waiting for a response, she opened the door, picked up the cup and saucer, and entered the dark room. She placed them on the table at her mother’s side and promptly went to open the curtains.
“Lizzy! It is too bright! If you have to open them, just a little.”
“Yes, Mother, but I have something to tell you, and I wish to see your face when I do.”
“Oh, dear! Another terrible missive has come, has it not? Where are my smelling salts?”
“They are right at your side, where you always keep them.”
Her mother’s face drained of all colour. “Something terrible has happened?”
Elizabeth gave her head a toss, a smile forming on her lips. “No, Mother. Something wonderful has happened. Mr. Darcy has made me an offer of marriage, and I have accepted!’
Mrs. Bennet went rigid, the only movement being the slow widening of her eyes as she comprehended her daughter’s words.
Elizabeth reached for the smelling salts. “Do you need these, Mother?”
She took a deep breath and lifted her hands towards them, but stopped. “Of course not! Why should I need smelling salts after hearing news as wonderful as this?”
“I am glad you are pleased!”
“Pleased? I am ecstatic! I am… I am…” She waved her hands through the air.
“Speechless?” Elizabeth asked with a smile.
“Heavens, no!” Mrs. Bennet quickly sat up. “Oh, there is so much to do! Two weddings! Is this not the finest way to start your day?”
Elizabeth had to agree it was.
“Give me my robe, Lizzy.” Mrs. Bennet clasped her hands together. “Imagine Mr. Darcy marrying my Lizzy! I always thought he was the most distinguished gentleman, so gracious and attentive.” She pointed her finger at her daughter. “I can only say it is the most splendid thing that Mr. Adams departed. I was growing quite tired of him. What if he had asked for your hand? I never believed him to love you! Oh, I am so glad he is gone!”
Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. Her wedding day could not come soon enough.
*~*~*
Later that day, Georgiana arrived at Netherfield with her companion, Mrs. Annesley. Darcy brought her to Longbourn without delay so she and Elizabeth could begin to further their acquaintance before the wedding.
Since Jane had already begun planning her wedding, Elizabeth’s main objective was to have her dress made. Darcy arranged for the banns to be published, announcing their upcoming nuptials, not only in the Longbourn parish, but also in his Pemberley parish.
Darcy remained at Netherfield a few more days before he had to depart. He made sure his sister was well situated before he left. Mr. Bingley’s sisters had arrived, and although he knew his sister was not particularly at ease around them, he knew they would likely leave her alone now that there was no longer a reason to impose themselves on her. Miss Bingley had always hoped for her brother and Georgiana to marry, thinking that if that had occurred, she may have been able to secure his hand in marriage. As both gentlemen were now getting married, there was no need to ingratiate herself with the young girl. He was also confident that Georgiana would be spending a good amount of time with his betrothed and, therefore, would not be subjected to those two ladies.
The Gardiners arrived the week of the wedding, just as Darcy returned. Elizabeth was pleased to introduce them to Fitzwilliam and his sister. They shared many stories about Pemberley and nearby Lambton, where Mrs. Gardiner grew up.
As the wedding day drew closer, Darcy’s family descended upon Netherfield. Elizabeth enjoyed meeting them all, but took great delight in seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam, again. He had become a very special friend when she had met him at Rosings in the spring.
The only person noticeably missing was his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter, Anne. When Elizabeth inquired about her, Darcy winced, informing her that he had received another letter from his aunt after she had heard about his upcoming wedding.
“What did it say?” Elizabeth asked.
Darcy pressed his lips together and shook his head. “She is not happy, of course. She claims I have shown no consideration for her, her daughter, and for the reputation of my family, and she adamantly refuses to attend such a disgraceful affair.” He gave his head a slight toss as if to show he cared little for her accusations. Looking up at Elizabeth and smiling, Darcy added, “Anne sent her regards in another letter. She is delighted with my choice of bride and wishes us great joy.”
He leaned in and kissed the tip of Elizabeth’s nose. “I cannot believe, my dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth, that my most heartfelt dream is going to come true.”
Chapter 29
On the day of the wedding, everyone and everything in the Bennet household was in an uproar, mostly due to Mrs. Bennet’s nerves. Elizabeth was grateful for her aunt’s calming presence. Mrs. Gardiner had the unique ability to assist with the tasks Mrs. Bennet fretted over, all the while making her believe that she was taking care of them herself. Elizabeth did not think she and Jane would have survived the days before the wedding without her dear aunt’s encouragement to them when they needed it most.
Elizabeth had been pleased that she and Jane had similar tastes and were of one accord in their wedding plans. The two men left all the decision making to their brides-to-be. Elizabeth knew that Fitzwilliam’s only care was that they be married when they left the church.
Despite Mrs. Bennet’s qualms that some great catastrophe would occur, the two couples were married in what everyone said was a lovely ceremony.
After the wedding, everyone set out for Netherfield for the wedding breakfast. The beautiful August day allowed the two couples to ride in open white phaetons decorated with ribbons and flowers and drawn by stately white horses. The procuring of the phaetons was the one arrangement Darcy insisted upon making himself. He brought them in from a neighbouring town, wanting his bride to ride in elegance and be shown off to ever
yone who saw them pass by. As Darcy drove, he and Elizabeth enjoyed their time alone together – conversing, laughing, and stealing kisses when no one was near to see them.
*~*~*
When they arrived at Netherfield, the throng of well-wishers greeted them. Since the guests included Darcy’s family and close friends, as well as those of the Bennets and Bingleys, there were many introductions to make.
Elizabeth held tightly onto his arm and gently encouraged him when he showed signs of fatigue and stepped back into a reserved deportment. She knew how to invite him into the conversation, especially when they were speaking with someone she knew well.
The wedding breakfast passed in a flurry of activity, and by early afternoon, many of the guests began to take their leave. Darcy suggested to Elizabeth that they do the same. Her mouth went dry as she contemplated what this would mean, but she was just as eager to be alone with him as he was to be alone with her.
They bid family and friends farewell, spending more time with the other wedding couple. Jane and Elizabeth hugged tightly, as they knew it would be a while before they would see each other again.
“Take care, dearest sister,” Elizabeth said. “I know you shall be delightfully happy.”
“But how I wish we lived closer! I shall miss seeing you.”
Elizabeth smiled and took her hand. “Perhaps someday we shall.” They kissed and parted.
The Darcys boarded the Pemberley carriage and waved once more to everyone as the coachman drove away to the inn Darcy had selected. He pulled Elizabeth close and kissed her. As he drew back, he said, “I did not think we would ever get away.”
“You were eager to leave, then?”
Darcy eyed her longingly. “Very much so. You know how wearisome I find these things.”
“You performed admirably. Elizabeth lifted a brow and tilted her head; a teasing look touched her features. “But is that the only reason you wished to leave?”
His response was to pull her close and kiss her again.
When they drew apart, he looked down at the necklace she wore. “Are you pleased with my gift? I think it suits you perfectly.”
