No words were spoken for several minutes before Darcy finally turned to face his cousin. “You are correct, Richard. There are many differences in the lady of my dreams and my beloved Elizabeth. I have been so fearful of losing her, I cannot bear the thought. But you are correct. Elizabeth is not exactly like the woman I dreamed of marrying. The differences are small, but they are there.”
“Then realize that just because Elizabeth is very much like the woman you made up in your mind, Elizabeth is a flesh and blood woman. She is the perfect wife for you, and you will have a long and happy marriage. That includes having children.” Richard placed a hand on his cousin’s shoulder, squeezing lightly. “She needs you now, William, as she is frightened by your behavior with your animosity towards having children with her.”
Suddenly Darcy understood what his cousin was saying. “Anne has had the same symptoms as Lizzy, has she not?” When his cousin nodded his head, Darcy gasped with the realization. “Lizzy is…she is…a babe?”
“Yes, William, you and I will be fathers at the same time. Our children will be dear friends, just as we were.” Richard smiled. “But we must agree from the start, there will be no making arrangements for them to wed.”
Chuckling for the first time in days, Darcy nodded. “I completely agree with you, Richard. Now, I believe that I need to have a chat with my wife.”
“Good luck, William. I am grateful to be experiencing all of this at the same time as you; we can support each other while our wives endure all the ups and downs of their condition.”
Chapter 28
Darcy found his wife in their room, resting on the bed. “Are you well, my love?” he asked as he quietly made his way across the room.
“I am indeed very well, William. I had a pleasant talk with your mother and with Anne as well. I am pleased to know Anne better.”
“She is indeed a fine lady. For many years, she has had to keep her opinions and desires to herself when in the company of others. She never knew what our uncle would use against her. I remember Anne telling me once that she feared Lord Matlock having her committed to a sanitarium to gain control over Rosings. She could not be herself until now, as her marriage to Richard has given her not only love, but security and protection.”
“They have a very loving marriage. You can see in their eyes that they love one another.”
Darcy nodded. “Much like our own marriage, I pray.”
Elizabeth could see that her husband had come to a conclusion in his mind. “I know that it is like our marriage. I love you; there is no need to doubt that for a moment. You are the most loving and caring man I have ever known. I will always be grateful that I allowed you and my brother to give me a nudge in the right direction.”
“Are you pleased with your condition? Is the knowledge that you are carrying our love inside you bringing you joy?”
Surprised at his words and his calm manner, Elizabeth gasped. “You know?”
Taking a deep breath, he looked up in Elizabeth’s eyes. Their warmth filled him with love, wrapping it safely around his heart, giving him the strength to accept this new development. “I do. Richard and I spoke. He made a valid plea towards my finding joy in the prospect of our having a child. I find that I am becoming more comfortable with the idea of a part of me growing inside you. A new life, created from our love, is becoming very appealing.” Darcy placed his hand on his wife’s belly.
The tears that had welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes now poured over the dam and down her cheeks. “I was so frightened to tell you, after your declaration earlier. William, I pray that you will accept our child as I do. I am pleased and have found such joy in knowing of our love has created a babe.”
“Forgive me for putting you through such pain as to believe that I would not accept our child. It was wrong of me, and I should have thought everything through before making such comments. Richard was correct. Even though you are so very much like the woman I dreamed of, you are not her. You are much more than she could ever hope to be. You, my love, are the most incredible, loving and beautiful woman I have ever known in my life. Though I still do fear losing you, I will not allow irrational thoughts control me.”
Elizabeth leaned forward to kiss her husband on his lips. What started out as gentle soon showed her need for him as she became a woman possessed. Her desire for her husband to be a part of her joy consumed her, as she took possession of his mouth. Breathless, Elizabeth pulled back from her husband for only a moment. “I need you, William. I need you to make love to me, to fill me with your love, with no reservations as to any possibility of the future. Please, my love, make me yours again.”
No further words were needed to convince him, and soon, the couple was completely absorbed in each other. It would be hours before anyone saw the couple.
Resting in her husband’s embrace on their bed, Elizabeth felt secure and loved. She lightly traced her fingers over her husband’s chest. Darcy took hold of her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissed each finger. “What are you thinking, Lizzy?”
“I was thinking how very fortunate I am to be married to you. I am loved, treasured, and cared for. And now, I am to be a mother. My life is so very perfect.”
“As is mine.” Darcy said as he gathered her even closer to him. “I love you with all of my heart. And our marriage is rare, as very few are given such a chance at such joy. I will not ever take for granted what a treasure I have been given when you gave me your heart.”
Hearing a commotion outside their bedroom, the couple turned their attention. Loud voices were growing louder and harsher. Elizabeth and Darcy dressed as quickly as possible into their robes before going to the hallway.
Opening the door, the Darcys found quite a scene in front of them. Alex and Richard were side by side, confronting Mr Collins. Darcy stepped into the hallway, and asked what was causing the commotion.
Alex was quick to respond. “After mistaking Miss Lucas for Jane, he has been attempting to find my sister alone to attempt to compromise her. He is determined to marry one of my sisters, and as Lizzy is already married, he wishes to force Jane into a marriage to him. It matters not that Jane is engaged; this creature intends to have his way no matter what the harm to my sister.”
Richard quickly added to the conversation. “He believes that he is worthy of the living at Hunsford Parish. Lady Catherine had expressed an interest in the letter she received from Mr Collins, though after meeting this…man…she has decided that I should continue the search for a clergyman. And after seeing his behavior to maidens, I am in complete agreement with my mother in law. No young lady would be safe from such a lecherous man. My people deserve better than a clergyman who does not behave in an appropriate manner. What sort of example would he set for them?”
“My dear Sir, I am a man of the cloth and as such, my behavior is not to be questioned. I would be the very best of examples for any congregation, as I would insist on their keeping our Lord in mind in all that they do. I would never behave as you men have accused me, as I respect the ladies and if there was any misfortune in my behavior, it was purely an accident.”
“Mr Collins, my brother and my cousin are not men to jump to rash notions. I believe them that your behavior is inappropriate. If you wish, we can have Miss Lucas and Jane summoned to share with us their opinion of your behavior.” Darcy wore a grim expression as he spoke.
Mr Collins began to stammer. “No…no…that is not…I mean….no, there is no need…the ladies need not be made to endure this…this…mockery of gentlemanly behavior. I will not allow you to force them into…such a cruel situation, demanding them to…to…bear false witness against me. They know the truth of what happened. I would not force myself upon a young lady, for, if I do say so myself, I am quite a catch. I have a great future before me and any lady would be pleased to have me as their mate.”
Alex made a step closer to Mr Collins. “I was witness to your behavior with Miss Lucas. I believe that your behavior was nearly the same with my sister,
for I know that you are not a trustworthy man. As a matter of fact, I have received a letter earlier from the school you attended. I have not had a chance to read it, though I am certain that the news is not a glowing report of a proper clergyman.” Alex pulled the letter from his pocket and opened it.
Fear was apparent in Mr Collins’s expression. “How dare you Sir; contact my school in an attempt to discredit me. You are no gentleman. I have been nothing but caring towards my relations and only wish to ensure their future is secure.”
“You consider grasping a young maiden’s arm and pulling her into your embrace, nearly kissing her, to be appropriate behavior?” Richard stated clearly as Alex read his letter.
A smile grew on Alex’s face as he came to the end of the letter. “Well, I believe we have the truth of the situation right here in my hands. Mr. Collins, it says here that Mr William Collins did indeed attend school, though on his second year there, died of a fever that swept through the school. Mr William Collins had a roommate at school, and the young man, Mr Archibald Hinkle, disappeared with all of Mr Collins’s belongings. So, I believe that we have a need for the constable to be called to deal with this imposter. I believe that he will be spending time in jail if I am not mistaken.”
Darcy looked at his brother. “Well, this explains his insistence on marrying one of your sisters. He needed to be married to a Bennet sister, if you did not have an heir, in case anyone questioned his identity.”
“Indeed. Fortunately we were able to ruin his plans. My sisters are safe, as is Miss Lucas.” Alex stated. “Mr Hinkle, as we have learned your true identity, you will understand that I will keep my cousin’s belongings. As we are the only remaining family that Mr William Collins had, they should be dealt with by us.”
Mrs Hill was nearby and she had already sent her son to fetch the constable. “Master Alex, we have sent for the constable. He should be here shortly. Would you wish the stable hands to lock this imposter in the storeroom in the stables?”
“That would be ideal, Mrs Hill. If you would, send a footman to Lucas Lodge and inform Sir William of the situation and ask him to join us if possible.”
“Very good, Sir.” Mrs Hill stated as she returned downstairs.
Nearly three hours had past and much activity had happened at Longbourn. Mr Bingley had arrived to learn of the imposter and his attempts to compromise Jane. This caused the calm and good natured Bingley to lose his temper and even swore in front of the ladies. He quickly recovered his manners, though what he wished most was to take Jane into his embrace and make the events which occurred disappear.
Elizabeth had been amazed by the situation. After everyone else was filled with dismay and attempting to reconcile their emotions, Elizabeth suddenly began to giggle. Soon she was chuckling, causing everyone to stare at her. Finally, Darcy could stand it no longer and he inquired as to what was causing her such humor.
“We have been wondering for years just when Alex would find the courage to ask Charlotte for her hand in marriage. Thanks to the imposter, he was able to spur my brother into finally declaring his desire to marry.”
The others in the room all looked from Alex to Elizabeth, watching for any sign of an argument between the siblings. Suddenly, Alex began to laugh as well. “You are correct, little sister. I should thank him for pushing me to finally act on my desires. I cannot find fault with my being engaged to my Charlotte.”
Laughter broke out in the room and soon, everyone relaxed. The discussion soon turned to the upcoming weddings. It was decided that Alex and Charlotte would accept Jane and Bingley’s generous offer for a double wedding. They set a date for a month away. Bingley would still be in his mourning for his sister, but all agreed that it would be acceptable for him to wish to move forward in his life.
Charlotte informed them that her parents wished for her to be married from their chapel, though they would be honored if Bingley wished to have the weddings be from Netherfield, as Bingley was considered the highest ranking member of the local society. Therefore, a vote was necessary to determine which would host the weddings. Bingley insisted that, as he was only leasing Netherfield, it would be more appropriate for the Lucas family to have their daughter wed from their chapel. It was also smaller and easier to keep the event small, as was the desire of both couples.
The ladies made lists of what needed to be done and who would do the tasks. Elizabeth was pleased to know that Lady Anne wished to participate, and had volunteered to assist in any way she could. Darcy commented on his mother’s sewing skills, and it was decided that she would help to create Jane’s gown. Lady Catherine and Anne volunteered to assist Lady Lucas in decorating the chapel. Elizabeth was then left the task of planning the wedding breakfast. It had been decided that the wedding breakfast should be at Longbourn, as two of the people to wed were Bennets. Longbourn would also be Charlotte’s home after the wedding, so the wedding breakfast being in her new home seemed appropriate.
Mrs Hill was pleased with the information that her dear family would all soon be married and beginning their new lives. And she highly approved of the future Mrs Bennet, as Charlotte had always proven herself as a kind and caring person. And Mrs Hill was in agreement with Elizabeth; it was about time that Alex had declared his feelings for Charlotte. They were a solid match, loving and caring, as well as dependable and level headed. Longbourn was blessed to have such a new mistress.
After the discussion of the wedding plans was over for the day, Richard and Darcy assisted Lady Catherine and Lady Anne back to their rooms to rest. Elizabeth and Anne excused themselves to discuss their conditions while the other two couples parted company to allow themselves the luxury of some time alone.
Within a week’s time, the Darcys had moved back to Netherfield, along with Lady Catherine, Anne and Richard. Bingley was pleased to have them in the large house, as he had become quite lonely over the past weeks.
The wedding arrangements continued. Georgiana assisted her mother in sewing the delicate stitches on the gown that Jane would wear. The Rosings Park ladies spent an hour or more each day at Lucas Lodge to prepare the chapel. And Elizabeth made her way to Longbourn each day to discuss the wedding breakfast with Mrs Hill. The menu was determined, decorations discussed, and the invitation list was reviewed.
The men were becoming quite frustrated with their lack of time alone with their ladies. Alex spent time with Darcy while Elizabeth was busy with Mrs Hill; Bingley was usually found playing billiards with Richard at Netherfield, after Richard had taken his ladies to Lucas Lodge. The ladies were of an opinion that the weeks flew by far too quickly as they had a great deal of work to accomplish in a month’s time. Their men were of the opinion that the days were dragging by at a tortoise’s rate of speed.
Finally, the day before the wedding arrived and a final dinner was enjoyed by all who had gathered at Netherfield. A great many toasts were given, as well a great deal of teasing by Richard and Darcy, as the two had already survived the tortures of the wedding day preparations. Once the meal was enjoyed, the men separated to the game room to enjoy some billiards and port along with their cigars. Richard and Darcy found great pleasure in teasing the two grooms of what awaited them the following night. Quite often Alex would cry out at Darcy to stop. “Good God, Man; that is my sister you are discussing with me. I do not wish to know what pleasures you have taken with my sister.”
While the men were having their fun, Elizabeth and Anne decided that it was appropriate for them to discuss with Jane and Charlotte what to expect the following night. Jane was quite red from embarrassment, more so at the thought of Charlotte sharing such intimacy with her brother. Charlotte was pleased to have her dear friend confirm that the marriage bed was not the chore which they had been told over the years that women had to endure to beget an heir.
The following day went as planned. The weddings went off without a hitch. The Gardiner family had arrived an hour before the weddings and was on hand to give his dear niece away to the man she loved. Sir Wil
liam Lucas looked as proud as a peacock to be escorting his daughter to her groom and her future as the Mistress of Longbourn.
Once the ceremony was finished, the couples made their way to sign the register and then stepped outside to accept the congratulations from their family and neighbors. Everyone made their way to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. Finishing the breakfast, Elizabeth nearly shoved some of their neighbors who seemed to be dawdling around when the newlyweds wished to be alone.
The Darcys were packed and ready to leave for Pemberley. Richard was prepared to take his ladies home as soon as the wedding breakfast was finished.
After Elizabeth gave her brother and her sister a teary farewell, she entered the carriage and was on her way to finally see her new home in the wilds of Derbyshire.
Chapter29
The trip was taken slowly, allowing Lady Anne and Elizabeth time to rest along the way. The movement of the carriage was adding to Elizabeth’s nausea, though she had some of Mrs Hill’s peppermint tea with her for when she needed it. Lady Anne’s leg was nearly healed and she was able to make her way with the use of a cane.
If Only In His Dreams Page 20
