“I will allow you to be a crazy father, so long as you do not insist on such things as an Egyptian throne chair to have me carried about from room to room.” Elizabeth smiled.
Laughing, Darcy nodded his head. “I will cancel the Egyptian throne chair order. I know I will be insane with worry at times, all I can ask is for you to be patient with me.”
~~ ** ~~ The journey from Pemberley to Netherfield was long and tedious. Darcy insisted on taking an extra day in the journey, wishing to allow his wife time to rest every step of the way. His fussing over her comfort was already beginning to ruffle her feathers.
Arriving at Netherfield, Bingley welcomed his guests enthusiastically. “It is such a pleasure to have you here. I hope your journey was pleasant.” Elizabeth smiled at her soon to be brother. “It was fine. And now, we are here to enjoy the celebrations for you and my sister. I am so thrilled that you will soon be my brother. Jane deserves to have such a fine husband, who loves her.”
“She is truly an angel. I cannot wait to be able to claim her as my wife.” Bingley said with a smile that grew as he thought of Jane.
Darcy was having a difficult time not laughing at his friend. “Well, Bingley, shall we go inside or stand out here for the rest of the day?” As they entered the house, Bingley informed his friend and future sister of the invitation for them to dine at Longbourn that evening. “Mrs Bennet has prepared a delightful meal, I am certain, and is excited to have you both there. She has been singing your praises, telling everyone how she knew you were meant to be a couple and that she had encouraged the relationship from the start.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Some things never change. Mamma is eager to claim credit when none is due her. Well, let her crow her joy. It is better than incurring her wrath for my not having married Mr Collins, as she had wished.”
“Speaking of Mr Collins, I was chatting with Mr Bennet the other day with regards to the entail. He told me that now, with no male heirs, he is planning to work on breaking the entail. He has contacted a solicitor in Town to begin working on the matter.”
Darcy smiled. “I referred him to my solicitor. I believe it will be simple enough, as there are no heirs, to break the entail. My solicitor has stated he feels there should be no impediments to the situation.”
“William, why did you not speak of this to me? Mamma must be thrilled with such news.” Elizabeth was excited for her family.
“We were hoping to wait until it was settled before announcing the matter. Leave it to Bingley to ruin the surprise.”
Elizabeth embraced her husband. “Thank you, William, for assisting my family. You are truly a wonderful man.” “If you must thank me, do so only for yourself. I believe I only assisted your father to bring you pleasure.” Darcy brought his wife’s hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on each of her knuckles.
“Well, I am certain you are both quite ready to see your rooms and refresh yourselves. I have ordered water to be heated for baths, if you desire them. We are expected at Longbourn at seven, so you may rest if you wish.”
“We appreciate you generosity, Charles. You are truly a good friend, and soon to be an important member of our family.” Elizabeth smiled at him. “Come, William, let us refresh ourselves.”
~~ ** ~~ As Darcy handed his wife down from the carriage, moments after arriving at Longbourn, Mr and Mrs Bennet were at hand to welcome the couple, as well as Bingley.
“Lizzy, you look quite fetching.” Mrs Bennet exclaimed. “Is this gown one of the new fashions in Town?” “I am not sure what the fashion about Town is at the moment, as I had this gown made in Lambton, which is the village where Aunt Gardiner grew up. It is only a few miles from Pemberley, and the dressmaker is very talented.” Elizabeth stated, clearly not wishing to discuss the advantages that her husband’s wealth had brought to her. “Where is Jane?”
“She is assisting Kitty at the moment, but she will be down shortly. Now, Lizzy, your father has stated you are to be in Town after the wedding. It would be fitting for you to take Kitty and Lydia with you, so that you can take them to the finest modistes London has to offer. How can they catch proper husbands if you do not assist, by seeing they are properly attired and escorting them to balls where they can meet young men of fortune?”
“Mamma, such conversation is inappropriate. We are preparing for Jane to marry, should not your thoughts be towards the preparations for the wedding which is only days away? Kitty and Lydia are still quite young, and there is no rush for them to marry.”
“It is best they find husbands as soon as they can. What if your father is unable to break the entail? What will happen to us then? No, I insist on your taking your sisters to Town and assist them by placing them where they can meet young men of society.” Mrs Bennet was adamant, not once caring how inappropriate she was being.
“No, Mamma, I will not be taking my sisters to Town with me when we leave, after Jane’s wedding. I will not force my husband to suffer such a matchmaking ordeal. What is wrong with the environment here in this neighborhood? I met William here, as Jane met Charles. Can you not be pleased with such wonderful matches that were made here, near our home?”
Mrs Bennet was becoming quite put out. “But how often are young men, such as Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy, to come to our neighborhood? And poor Lydia, with her blindness, how is she to capture someone who will take proper care of my poor girl? No, she must travel to London with you and you must do your duty to your family.”
“Mrs Bennet, I wish to have a word with you in my study.” Mr Bennet stated clearly.
“I am speaking with our daughter, Mr Bennet. I will speak with you later.” “No, Mrs Bennet, you will speak with me immediately or you will go to your rooms and remain there the rest of the evening.” Mr Bennet was displeased with his wife’s behavior.
Finally, in a huff of annoyance, Mrs Bennet followed her husband from the parlor, where they left Elizabeth and the young men. Once inside the study, with the door closed, Mr Bennet announced his displeasure with his wife. “You will not treat Lizzy in such a manner. She is not responsible for seeing her sisters are married. There is no need to rush the matter, and our girls will meet the men they are intended to marry in their own time. Especially Lydia. She is only now becoming acquainted with this house, feeling comfortable enough to walk about on her own from time to time. This is a wonderful development, and I will not have you upsetting the situation by forcing her to Town and launching her on society when she is not ready for it. Allow our daughters to find what is best for them, not what you wish for them.”
“As their mother, it is my duty to assist them in finding a situation best for them. And with Lizzy so well situated, she can put her sisters in the way of other wealthy men.” Mrs Bennet was set on her course.
“One more word, Mrs Bennet, and you will remain in your rooms for the next week. You will not even be able to attend Jane’s wedding. Now, have I made myself clear?”
Pouting, Mrs Bennet crossed her arms in front of her. “Very well, Mr Bennet. But when our daughters are spinsters, with no future for themselves, it will be you to blame for it, not me.”
~~ ** ~~ As the family all gathered about the dining table, Darcy stood up, asking for everyone’s attention. “I would first wish to extend my joy to the upcoming wedding of my dearest friend to the eldest of my dear sisters. Charles, you will soon legally be my brother, finally. You have been like a brother for so long. You deserve the love of a wonderful lady, and Jane is your perfect match. Jane, I cannot thank you enough for loving my friend. I expect many visits to Pemberley by the two of you, and know that you are always welcome.”
“Secondly, my beloved wife informed me recently of another new member of our family who will be joining us in a few months.” Darcy’s smile nearly extended from ear to ear. Waiting a few moments for everyone to realize what he was speaking of, Darcy continued. “Our first born will make his or her appearance in a little more than five months.”
Jane jumped from h
er seat and embraced her sister. “Lizzy, oh, this is such wonderful news.”
Elizabeth was laughing. “Thank you, Jane. I cannot wait until you and Charles begin to have children as well, so they can all play together.” “My first grandchild.” Mr Bennet stated proudly. “Which do you prefer first, William? The heir, or a daughter?” “Fortunately, there is no entail on Pemberley, therefore I can leave it to whomever I wish, male or female.” Darcy replied. “Though I have to admit, I wish for a daughter who looks just like her mother.”
“You had best learn to accept torn gowns which become quite dirty, if you have a daughter like Lizzy.” Mrs Bennet announced. “That girl was forever getting into mischief and exploring in the park. I swear, she was better at climbing trees than the boys were.”
Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement. “And if I were not an old married woman who is in the family way, I would show you my skill.” “Heaven help me.” Darcy moaned. “I do not wish to see my wife climbing in any trees.”
“But, if we have a daughter, you had best be prepared if she wishes to climb in them.” Elizabeth teased. “It was one of my favorite pastimes.” The remainder of the evening was spent discussing the baby, as well as childhood antics Elizabeth had gotten herself into. Darcy could not remember laughing so hard. Looking into his wife’s eyes, he counted himself as the luckiest man alive.
~~ ** ~~ Mrs Bennet was determined to speak with her eldest daughter, the night before her wedding, to impart her pearls of wisdom concerning the marriage bed.
“You must submit to him, whenever he wishes. You must become with child quickly. Mr Bingley will require an heir, so you must tolerate his visits to your bed as often as he desires, until you are with child. Most men will then leave their wives alone, turning to mistresses or those houses in Town where men go for their carnal needs. I know you will find this all distressing, but you must lay still, and allow him to do as he wishes. The first time he takes you, there will be pain. And you will bleed. I can remember the pain which coursed through me that first time. Oh, and you must remember, it is not proper for a lady to enjoy relations. Your husband will think you wanton if you find pleasure in the coupling. My dear Jane, how I wish for you to beget a child quickly, so you do not have to endure his desires often.”
Mrs Bennet wiped her eyes with the handkerchief she had been fluttering about with her hand as she spoke. Finally, seeing the terrified look on Jane’s face, Mrs Bennet felt her daughter understood her duty, and, after placing a gentle kiss on Jane’s forehead, she left her daughter’s room.
Fortunately, Elizabeth had not left Longbourn yet. She went to her sister’s room, knowing what their mother would have spoken to Jane about. “Jane, as I have heard Mamma’s lecture on marital responsibilities in bed, and I have first-hand experience with being with my husband, I thought I should speak with you.”
“Lizzy, Mamma has left me trembling with her words. How could there be so many children born if women are to find no pleasure in coupling? We are supposed to submit to our husband, lying still and allowing them to do whatever they wish? And Mamma said there will be pain the first time. I cannot even think of looking at Charles after what Mamma discussed.”
“Mamma does not have a love match as you and I do. Papa and Mamma tolerate each other, but there is no love for the other. I can promise you this, Charles will be gentle and kind with you. The first time he takes you, there will be a moment of pain. That is when you know your virtue has been taken, and you are truly his wife. As to Mamma’s theory of lying still and allowing him to do as he pleases, this is completely false. For me, I wish to know my husband as much as he wishes to know me. We are equal in that fact, as I am sure you and Charles will be. And I am certain Mamma told you that ladies are not to find pleasure in the marital bed, else their husbands will believe them wanton.”
“She did say such. Do you…find…pleasure in the act?”
“Yes, Jane, I find a great deal of pleasure in the act of coupling. And you should allow yourself to enjoy your relations with you husband.” Jane bit her lower lip between her teeth. “Do you worry about William turning to a mistress, now that you are with child?” With a laugh, Elizabeth shook her head. “No, dearest Jane, I do not. Men who turn to mistresses or the ladies in Town are not happy in their marriages. My husband is pleased with our life together, he has no need to turn elsewhere. Do not fret over such nonsense, Charles will be a faithful husband, I am quite sure of it.”
“Thank you, Lizzy, for speaking to me. I was so frightened after Mamma spoke.” Jane stated as she embraced her sister. “I shall remember your words and forget what Mamma said. Now, you should be off to Netherfield. Your husband awaits you.”
“Very well. I will see you in the morning, my dearest sister.” “Goodnight, Lizzy.”
~~ ** ~~ The morning saw a flurry of excitement. Mrs Bennet was in such a state of nerves as she saw to all the final preparations for the wedding of her eldest and, as she claimed, her most beautiful daughter. Mrs Hill and Sarah, the maid who assisted the Bennet sisters, arranged Jane’s hair beautifully, though Mrs Bennet insisted on them redoing the style three times before she approved.
“Mamma, we will be late if you keep insisting my hair will not do. Lizzy stated her approval, as have Mrs Hill and Sarah.” “I am you mother, I know better than anyone else.” Mrs Bennet huffed. “Very well, I will settle for this style. Oh, we must finish getting you dressed. Your father will be impatient if we do not hurry.”
Finally, wearing a pale blue gown, Jane Bennet left her childhood bedchambers for the last time. Soon, she would be Mrs Jane Bingley, living at Netherfield with her husband. No matter how prepared she was for the change in her life, Jane still felt a wave of melancholy flow over her as she stepped into the hallway. Remembering all the late night chats with Lizzy, sitting on the bed as they discussed their futures and the men they would fall in love with, brought tears welling in her eyes. Elizabeth could see her sister’s mood. She leaned close to Jane’s ear and whispered. “It is time to meet your prince at the altar, my Janie. Your future is looking brighter than we could ever have dreamt.”
A sweet smile grew on Jane’s lips. “Thank you, Lizzy. Let us go to the chapel.”
~~ ** ~~ The day was bright and sunny, and Mrs Bennet could not have wished for a more perfect day for the wedding of her first born daughter. The chapel was filled with family and friends, all ready to witness the marriage of two of the sweetest natured people in all England.
Mr Bennet escorted his daughter towards her betrothed, patting her hand which was holding tightly to his arm. Though he was pleased for his daughter to marry such a good man, Mr Bennet could not help but think of his girls as they were. They would always be his little girls, sitting on his lap, allowing him to wrap them in his embrace and scare away all the monsters who frightened them. They would always be the little girls wanting to hear a bedtime story, trying to sneak an extra biscuit or piece of cake, or playing with the dolls they had been given. It was difficult to see Jane as an adult, as he placed her hand on top of Bingley’s hand. Giving his daughter a kiss on the cheek, Mr Bennet stepped to the nearby pew and sat down beside his wife.
Yes, his daughters were growing up. And now, his beloved Lizzy would soon be a mother. He knew it would not be long before his younger daughters would be finding young men to marry as well, and then he would be at Longbourn, alone with his wife.
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 22 Jane had never been happier than the moment she was pronounced Mrs Charles Bingley. The newlywed couple walked towards the back of the chapel, where they signed the registry. When Jane turned to embrace her beloved sister, she could no longer control her delight.
“Can one die from being truly happy? Oh, Lizzy, I wish everyone the joy I feel at this moment.” “Jane, you will feel this way for the rest of your life. Every day is a new adventure to journey. I cannot wait to read letters from you as the years go by. It brings me joy to see you so happily situated.”
“We will be stopping at Pemberley next month, on our way back from our wedding trip. Can you believe, Charles is taking me to Ireland? It will be wonderful.”
“And when you see me again, I will most likely be much larger. Perhaps I will even waddle.”
Jane kissed her sister’s cheek. “I cannot wait to see you so. You are so beautiful, and the joy of motherhood is making you even more so.” “My dear sister, I could not agree with you more.” Darcy stated as he welcomed the new Mrs Bingley with a kiss on her hand. “Of course I am slightly prejudiced when it comes to my wife.”
Elizabeth embraced her new brother, welcoming him to the family. “I hope your trip will be safe and enjoyable. We will be excited to hear about it when you visit us at Pemberley.”
“I will guard my bride with my life. Have no fear, Elizabeth. She is a treasure I plan to keep near for the rest of my life.” Bingley stated. The two couples made their way outside the chapel, accepting the greetings from their family and friends. Soon enough, everyone had moved to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. No one who had ever dined at Longbourn could complain, for Mrs Bennet always set a wonderful table. For her daughter’s wedding, Mrs Bennet went all out with her planning.
An hour passed by, and Elizabeth was growing fatigued. She had been standing most of the morning and, though her body was begging for rest, Elizabeth did not wish to miss a moment of her sister’s wedding breakfast.
Darcy stayed close to her, as he could sense her fatigue. He had become very aware of her every movement, and his concern for her was extremely apparent. Elizabeth knew the pregnancy was going to wear their relationship thin, but she would be patient with him as much as possible.
Finally, the newlyweds were ready to leave on their wedding trip. They would stay the first night in London, at their townhouse. Then they would be on their way to Ireland. After a round of farewells to each family member, they stepped into their carriage and were off.
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