by J Dawn King
In spite of the joy at what the day would bring, both Darcy and Elizabeth were apprehensive when they thought of those in the family that would be unhappy with the wedding. Direction had been given to Mr. Ramsey and the footmen not to allow anyone other than those on the guest list to enter the home. Specifically forbidden were Lady Catherine and Mr. Bennet.
By nine o’clock, the guests started to arrive. Darcy and Georgiana were on hand to greet them, waiting in the entry for their arrival. Under normal circumstances, they would have stayed in the drawing room and waited for their guests to be brought to them, but the flowers that had started coming to Darcy House early that morning were being tastefully arranged and the two Darcys elected to stay out of the way.
At fifteen after the hour, all the expected guests were assembled and ready to begin. Darcy had greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and immediately had them escorted to Elizabeth’s bed chamber, where Georgiana was now helping her with the final touches to her hair. Her brother had sent up jewelry from the Darcy collection after having Parker determine the color of Elizabeth’s dress from a discussion with her maid. It was a complete set; necklace, bracelet, and earrings of emeralds and diamonds that would match beautifully with her dress.
Lord and Lady Matlock, along with their two sons, stood close to Darcy where the two brothers could not help but tease their normally reticent cousin for his heightened color, the sharpness of his dress, and what they assumed was nervousness. It was not. Darcy was in no way apprehensive about what was to take place. He was in anticipation over what the next half of an hour would bring; a bride of his own choosing.
His cousin, Richard, had taken him aside this morning and informed him there was a message waiting for him when he returned to the barracks the night before saying that he and his troops would be soon receiving orders to return to the continent, as Napoleon was moving against the British and more manpower was needed. It was heartbreaking news with the potential for much sadness. Richard knew that he would not be seeing Darcy before he would depart England. At seeing his cousin’s dismay, Richard reminded him, “Darce, it is what I chose as my future. I have no regrets, nor should you. When you and your new wife go to bed each night, feel free to think of me…..” at his cousin’s raised eyebrow, he finished, “ … in your prayers.” Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam envied his cousin Darcy for his new bride. Elizabeth was a marvelous young woman who would assist Darcy to lose some of that stiffness and formality that he was known for. It would be a good, long, and happy marriage, something that Richard wondered if he would ever have.
When Bingley arrived, without his two sisters and Mr. Hurst, he quickly joined Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and Viscount Stanley in teasing Darcy. It was a jovial group. Mr. Haggerston and the Honorable Judge Pierce soon followed Bingley and they were brought into the room and introductions were made. At that, Judge Pierce determined that if the bride was ready, they could begin.
Lord and Lady Matlock, Viscount Stanley, and Georgiana would be standing as witnesses, which left the seated party very small. Judge Pierce had determined that having Lord Matlock and Viscount Stanley sign the wedding license and registry as witnesses would give unquestionable proof that there was no familial objection to the marriage on the groom’s side. Mr. Gardiner, Elizabeth’s uncle and legal guardian, giving the bride away, would also show family support on that side. Together, they were building a legal foundation that would be virtually impossible to overcome, by Lady Catherine de Bourgh or by the Bennets.
Mrs. Madeline Gardiner, who had been introduced to Darcy’s family earlier that morning, came into the drawing room followed by her husband and niece. Mr. Gardiner and Elizabeth stopped at the doorway before entering.
Darcy despised being in front of people, even close friends and family, as if he were on display. His cousin, Richard, would not leave off tormenting him and that distracted him until he looked up and saw his Elizabeth waiting in the doorway. She was so beautiful that he almost forgot how to breathe. Her smile lit the room and it grew wider as her uncle escorted her closer to him. When she finally stood at his side, he reached for her hand, tenderly holding it in his. Gazing down at her eyes, he noted that the stones on her necklace and earrings paled in comparison to the light of joy that reflected within her hazel orbs.
Judge Pierce cleared his throat to capture the attention of Darcy and Elizabeth. He opened the Church of England Common Prayers to the point where the vows could be read and had opened his mouth to begin, when a noise of a carriage arriving at the front of the house intruded into the silence. Mr. Haggerston spoke. “Your honor, if you would proceed. If this is either Lady de Bourgh or Mr. Bennet and his attorney, we need to act with all haste.” What had been a joyful atmosphere was now filled with tension and apprehension. This was not a religious ceremony, so there would be no lengthy discourse on the purpose and sanctity of marriage. It would be a stating and exchanging of vows before witnesses. Darcy squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. His brow was furrowed and his heart sank at the thought that the marriage to this wonderful woman might, somehow, be delayed. Everyone, including the bride and groom, turned to the doorway when Mr. Ramsey entered to announce the interlopers.
The wedding party held their breaths as they waited to see who entered. Darcy, the Matlock’s and Georgiana could only hope it was not Lady Catherine, while Elizabeth and the Gardiners hoped it was not her parents or Uncle Philips. With the exception of Mr. Gardiner, they were all surprised when a well-dressed couple about the age of the Gardiners followed the butler. Fortunately, it was neither Lady Catherine nor Mr. Bennet. When they were announced, the gentlemen, including Lord Matlock, bowed and the ladies curtsied.
“His Grace, the Most Noble Christopher Robert Winters, Duke of Devondale and Her Grace, the Most Noble Marie Victoria Winters, Duchess of Devondale.” Mr. Ramsey announced, bowing deeply to the newest guests and to the occupants of the room.
“Please, Mr. Darcy, pardon our interruption.” The Duke began. “My old friend, Mr. Edward Gardiner, informed us just this past evening that this wedding would be taking place and assured us that we would not be intruding by our presence. Your bride, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, is very dear to us and we could not help but want to share in her joy.” At this, he patted the hand of his wife, who had her arm through his.
Elizabeth looked closer at the couple and knew, without a doubt, that she had never met the man. The woman’s appearance stirred a long buried memory. Then it came to her. “You are Christopher’s parents?”
“We are,” replied the Duke. They came into the room and walked up to Darcy and Elizabeth. “Do not let our presence stop the proceedings. We shall have introductions after the ceremony is complete.” Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner stood and offered their seats until more chairs were delivered by the footmen. In but moments, the Judge began.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of those gathered in this room, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.” Silence greeted the statement. After a small pause, he continued while everyone in attendance exhaled a sigh of relief that no outside interruptions came.
“Mr. Fitzwilliam John Alexander Darcy, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
Darcy’s answer was immediate and firm, “I will.”
Judge Pierce now focused on Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth Anne Bennet, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
She smiled
up at Darcy. “I will.”
“Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?”
Mr. Gardiner stood to place Elizabeth’s right hand in Darcy’s left, only to find it already there. “Her aunt, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner, and I give our niece, Elizabeth Anne Bennet, to Mr. Darcy.” It was more than the usual wedding statement, but it was imperative, in case of future difficulties that there be no question as to the blessing and consent for Elizabeth to marry.
After Mr. Gardiner was seated, Judge Pierce nodded to Darcy. “Please repeat after me.”
“I, Fitzwilliam John Alexander Darcy, take thee, Elizabeth Anne Bennet, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.” Darcy was quick to repeat the words. He sincerely meant them from his heart.
Turning to Elizabeth, he asked her to repeat the following, “I, Elizabeth Anne Bennet, take thee, Fitzwilliam John Alexander Darcy, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.”
Lord Matlock handed Darcy the ring he had chosen the day before. It had been Darcy’s mothers and was a large diamond surrounded by brilliant blue sapphires. He placed it on Elizabeth’s left hand, took both her hands in his, and faced her as they heard Judge Pierce clearly declare, “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder. “
To the room, he stated, “Forasmuch as Fitzwilliam John Alexander Darcy and Elizabeth Anne Bennet have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth, either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together. Amen.”
Darcy looked down at Elizabeth. “Wife,” he whispered to her.
She chuckled softly. “Yes, William, I am your wife.” She stretched up as he leaned down and kissed her tenderly to the smiles and best wishes of their family and friends. As they turned to receive congratulations, the Honorable Judge Pierce again spoke. “Please join me in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.” The applause was spontaneous and loud. The couple looked up to see many of the servants gathered at the doorway to witness the ceremony. “Because of circumstances,” the Judge continued once it quieted, “we need to get the rest of the legal procedures completed. If the gentlemen would join the newlyweds in signing the registry, this next necessity can be settled. The men stepped aside when they realized that the Duke wanted to act as official witness to the wedding. Mr. Haggerston and Judge Pierce were thorough in all matters legal and official, so had Lord Matlock, Viscount Stanley, and Mr. Gardiner sign their names below his. Lady Matlock signed as the Lady’s witness.
After the legal aspects of the wedding were cared for, Darcy announced, “My staff has prepared a small meal for us to enjoy, if we could step into the dining room. We have several other matters that need to be cared for on this day before all will be done and we can relax.” The bridal couple led the gathering into the appropriate room, followed by the Duke and Duchess. Once seated, the Duke began his explanation as to how he and his wife came to know the new Mrs. Darcy.
“Several years ago, my wife and I were living in India. Our son, Christopher, just four and ten years of age, who was at that time our only child and heir, was injured and Miss Elizabeth, excuse me, please, Mrs. Darcy,” everyone chuckled at this mistake. “Mrs. Darcy tended to my son’s care and saved his life.” All were familiar with the story. They knew, too, that the reputation of His Grace was that of a fair man who wielded his power and wealth for the benefit of the people of England, more so than for his own personal gain. “The Duchess and I will forever be grateful for the intervention of this young lady. If our son were not at Oxford, he too, would be in attendance. It was our pleasure to witness this happy occasion and we thank you for letting us invade your home uninvited.”
“Your Grace,” Mr. Darcy answered. “Mrs. Darcy and I are pleased you came. You are always welcome in our homes.” The pleasure it gave him to include Elizabeth as his wife in this invitation was tremendous, filling his already brimming heart with love and appreciation for this good woman.
While the meal was taking place, Mr. Haggerston was preparing an announcement that would appear in the next day’s newspapers. “Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Pemberley in Derbyshire and Grosvenor Square, London has married Miss Elizabeth Bennet, originally of Hertfordshire, and late of London. Witnesses to the wedding were His Grace, Christopher Robert Winters, Duke of Devondale, and his wife, Her Grace, Marie Victoria Winters, Duchess of Devondale; Martin Fitzwilliam, Lord Matlock, Earl of Smithton; Elaine Fitzwilliam, Lady Matlock, Countess of Smithton; Henry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Stanley; Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam; Mr. Charles Bingley; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner; Mr. Samuel P. Haggerston; and Miss Georgiana Darcy. The ceremony was officiated by the Honorable Judge Archibald M. Pierce. A celebration followed.” One of Darcy’s messenger’s was dispatched to deliver the announcement to The Observer and The Times.
After the meal, which Mr. Haggerston was finally able to share, the guests departed. The Duke and Duchess were the first to leave after extending an invitation for all to dine at their residence in four days time. Lord and Lady Matlock offered to keep Georgiana for at least a week at their home. Her bags were soon packed and they, along with their sons, were on their way across the square to Matlock House. Bingley, after repeated handshaking and slaps to Darcy’s back, left as well, his smile almost splitting his face in two. Mrs. Gardiner had yet to speak to Elizabeth about the expectations of the wedding night. She and her husband, Mr. Gardiner, hoped to be able to return to their home without any of the Bennet’s noticing that they had been absent. If not, they had devised a plan where they informed their brothers-in-law that they had been at a business appointment. However, before they could return to Gracechurch Street, there was yet an important matter to care for. Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Haggerston, and Mr. Darcy needed to go to the Bank of England to transfer the assets owned by Elizabeth that were in Mr. Gardiner’s name, to Darcy. As they prepared to leave for the bank, Elizabeth handed her new husband a folded note, which she requested that he read before they finished their transactions at the bank. Judge Pierce offered to accompany them with the registry, proving the marriage had taken place in case of any question during the transfer. The four men entered the carriage and the two women, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner, went upstairs to the sitting room in the Mistresses chambers.
It was the first time that Elizabeth had been inside her new rooms. She was pleased with their understated elegance. Darcy had told her that the mistress’s suite had not been updated since his mother had used them almost six and ten years past. Elizabeth wanted to change nothing. The blues and creams of the fabrics and the wall coverings were peaceful and serene. It was a pleasant room and Elizabeth could foresee spending many hours there, reading and tending to her needlework.
Mrs. Gardiner was nervous and hesitated to bring up the subject she wanted to discuss with her niece. Elizabeth, too, was filled with apprehension. Finally, Elizabeth said to her aunt, “Please, Aunt, just consider this practice for when your own daughter is in my position. What was it that you wished your own mother had told you before your wedding?”
Madeline Gardiner smiled at the memory. “My dear Lizzy, my mother told me to lay still, let my husband do as he pleased, and think of England the whole time I had to bear his attentions.” She laughed again and Elizabeth chuckled along with her. What followed were reassurances of the wonders of the wedding night and a comment or two about how pleasurable the act could be when the husband and wife loved one another deeply. “I suspect, Lizzy, that by tomorrow morning, you will wonder what you ever h
ad to worry about. Enjoy this time of getting to know your husband. It is but one manner of expressing your love and affection for each other. Come to know him and remember the vows you made only a short time ago. You will be blessed with a union that is as strong as iron, as loving and affectionate as your uncle’s and mine, and one that continues to grow for as long as you are alive.”
Her niece gratefully hugged her aunt. This woman, Madeline Gardiner, had been the perfect mentor. Elizabeth wanted to be the same type of wife for her new husband.
In the carriage, on the way to the bank, Darcy discreetly opened the note from his wife. He was pleasantly surprised at what it contained.
December 4, 1811- Our Wedding Day
(Darcy smiled at reading this.)
Darcy House – My New Home (Darcy’s smile grew wider.)
My Dearest, Beloved Husband,
I will not embarrass you by writing words of love in this note as I am aware that you are in company with gentlemen that would not want to hear of such, but know, please, that each beat of my heart is for you.
I asked that you read this before you finish your business at the bank because I have three requests. If you are in agreement, I would appreciate that you redirect funds from the account to be distributed as follows:
