One of the maids and two footmen had been sent to escort Elizabeth to London. The maid was a young woman in her late twenties by the name of Annabel and was a pleasant traveling companion. She and Elizabeth passed the journey to London in animated discourse about the delights of London and a plethora of various subjects that came to mind as they traversed. Elizabeth could not help but smile when, every so often, Annabel asked her a vague question about her background, clearly trying to learn about the future Mrs. Darcy. Although Annabel never said that she knew of her master’s impending marriage, Elizabeth suspected that she must know of the situation, even if she was not privy to all the details, and would be sure to share any information she had learned about the future Mrs. Darcy with the rest of the staff at Darcy House.
Darcy carriage pulled up to the Gardiner House in the early evening, and Elizabeth was happy to see her father waiting to hand her out. “Elizabeth,” he said, “I am glad you have arrived safely. Go inside to your aunt.”
Thirteen
Mrs. Gardiner greeted Elizabeth at the door and the two women retreated to the small guest room above stairs. Mrs. Gardiner closed the door and said, “Elizabeth, I am glad you have come. Since I returned to London, little progress has been made to extricate Lydia from her situation. I expect you have already learned of what has been done.”
“Yes, I have been informed. Do you think that there will be a happy ending to this disaster, for I cannot believe that there will be?” said Elizabeth, twisting the fabric of her dress in her hands.
“Mr. Darcy seems rather optimistic, as does Colonel Fitzwilliam. They have a better knowledge of Mr. Wickham, so I can only trust their judgment. Mr. Darcy had made it quite clear that he will not give into Wickham’s outrageous demands, but he will be the one to pay the price to remedy Lydia’s predicament.”
Elizabeth could easily imagine Darcy stubbornly informing her father and uncle that he alone would be the one to take responsibility for the situation. She adored his deep sense of honor. “How did my father take it?” asked Elizabeth.
Mrs. Gardiner favored her niece with an amused expression. “I have never seen such a stubborn argument in my life. It was a sight to behold, but your Mr. Darcy finally won. If this is a glimpse of the future for you and Mr. Darcy, I can say that I would not want to be caught in the middle of an argument between the two of you.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Aunt, I pity anyone who might be caught in the middle of an argument between myself and Darcy. Is there any other news from these past few days?”
Mrs. Gardiner spent the next half hour telling Elizabeth all that had occurred in the past few days, finishing with a brief version of Darcy’s conversation with Mr. Bennet the previous night. Elizabeth flushed at her aunt’s recounting of the event as told to her by Mr. Gardiner. It must have been especially painful for her father to learn that his favorite daughter had acted in such a senseless manner, and Elizabeth’s guilt rose to the surface once again. When Mrs. Gardiner finished her tale, Elizabeth said quietly, “I cannot imagine my father’s disappointment upon hearing about our indiscretions.”
“Elizabeth, it is better that he was informed sooner rather than later,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “I know how you must be feeling, but the situation will soon be remedied.” Mrs. Gardiner did not need to say anymore, and only drew her niece into her arms as Elizabeth gave way to tears and guilt until she was summoned to dinner.
***
Elizabeth rose with the sun the following morning. She was terribly disappointed not to see Darcy the previous evening. Mrs. Gardiner had revealed to Elizabeth that Darcy had gone to obtain a special license and to visit his uncle and aunt to inform them of his upcoming nuptials. He had been expected that evening at Gracechurch Street, but had sent a note at the last moment expressing his regret that he could not come due to a family issue that needed resolution.
Elizabeth had gasped at this revelation, jumping to the worst possible conclusion. She immediately began pacing and wringing her hands together, voicing her fears that Darcy’s family might try to keep them apart.
Mrs. Gardiner did her best to reassure her niece, but it came to nothing, and Elizabeth collapsed wearily into bed, though sleep eluded her until well past midnight. Even when sleep did arrive, she had a recurring nightmare that something would force her and Darcy apart. Until that night she had not realized how empty her life would be if she were made to do without him.
After she dressed she went downstairs to discover that everyone else was yet abed. Elizabeth returned to the parlor a few moments later with the novel she had been reading in hand, hoping for a distraction. She tried to read, but after a few moments of scanning the same paragraph several times, she realized it was a pointless effort, as her thoughts were too frantic to be put to rest. Instead she looked out the window in contemplative silence, dwelling on every interaction she had ever had with Darcy.
At nine o’clock, the Gardiners and her father finally came down to discover that Elizabeth had fallen asleep at the window seat. Mrs. Gardiner awakened her gently and the four of them sat down to breakfast. The silence from her father battered her spirits.
A short time later the maid came in and announced Mr. Darcy’s presence. Forgetting herself in her excitement, Elizabeth rose and went straight to the foyer where Darcy was handing the maid his hat and coat. With a cry of relief Elizabeth ran into his arms. If Darcy was caught off guard by this improper display, he gave no sign of it, and only tightened his arms around her, nearly lifting her from the ground as he embraced her and kissed her hair. “My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, you cannot know how happy I am to see you.”
“And I you, William,” said Elizabeth, “These past days have been lonely without you. I have missed you.”
Mr. Bennet interrupted their reunion, and Elizabeth and Darcy separated, each with an embarrassed countenance. Darcy, however, did not release Elizabeth’s hand and drew her to his side as he greeted Mr. Bennet.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy, it is good you have come so early, as we have much to discuss,” said Mr. Bennet, “If you would be so kind as to release my daughter, Mr. Gardiner and I would like to meet with you in the study.”
Darcy glanced hesitantly at Elizabeth, his wish not to release her evident in his features. Elizabeth glanced from her father to him and nodded almost imperceptibly. Mr. Bennet smiled sardonically at this exchange and regained a little bit of his good humor. “Come, my boy, Elizabeth will still be here when we are done, a separation for an hour will not kill you.” His eyes twinkled mischievously in a way not unlike Elizabeth’s did as he looked at the young lovers. “On second thought, it might, but I shall have to take my chances. I am sure that you, my dear girl, have a stronger constitution than your young man.”
Darcy displayed a confounded expression at Mr. Bennet’s jesting, but Elizabeth was relieved to see a trace of his good will towards her return. She flashed a brilliant smile at Darcy, which served to convince him to release her hand and follow Mr. Bennet into the study.
***
“Did you obtain the license?” asked Mr. Bennet.
“Yes,” said Darcy, offering him the document. “I also had my solicitor draw up a settlement on Elizabeth.” He offered Mr. Bennet the second document.
After a few moments, Mr. Bennet said, “The license seems to be in order. However, are you sure you wish to be so generous in the settlement on my daughter. Thirty thousand pounds seems extravagant. Even for a man who brings in ten thousand pounds per annum.”
“It is no more than she deserves. I can easily afford it,” said Darcy calmly, “In the event of my death I want to make sure that she is well provided for. She shall have access to Pemberley and Darcy House as long as she lives, even if she does not provide me with an heir. I want to be certain that she will be taken care of no matter what happens to me.”
Mr. Bennet chose not to argue the matter further, secretly taking great pleasure from Darcy’s evident wish to provide for his daughter.
“I ha
ve arranged for the local rector, Mr. Stevens, to perform the ceremony here tomorrow,” said Mr. Gardiner. “It shall be a very quiet affair.”
Darcy said nothing for a long moment, and as he sat in silence, his eyes were fixed firmly on no other object but the floor.
“Do you have a concern?” asked Mr. Gardiner at length.
“I have had an unpleasant reaction from some members of my family when I told them that they were soon to be gaining a most excellent niece.”
“Before you continue, sir, I must warn you that I shall not hear any insults that your family has paid to my daughter. Nor can they prevent the ceremony, in light of all that has happened.”
Darcy’s eyes widened in shock at Mr. Bennet’s implication, and then grew pale with anger. “Nothing will stop me from marrying Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet, you have my word as a gentleman. However, my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh had much to say on the matter.”
“Mr. Collins’ patroness?” asked Mr. Bennet, “whatever can she have to say on the subject. She has already met my Lizzy while she was staying in Kent.”
“This is true. However, for many years she has been under the mistaken impression that I would marry her daughter, Lady Anne. I could have chosen the most sought society lady in the ton and my aunt would still have a problem with my choice, as it was not hers. I will not insult you with the particulars of what she has said about your daughter, but my concern is that she may wish to try and prevent the ceremony.”
Mr. Bennet only laughed. “I doubt that my cousin’s esteemed patroness would deign to be seen in Cheapside, Mr. Darcy. What did your uncle have to say on the subject?”
“My uncle and aunt only want my happiness. They are not so concerned with wealth and status as they would like society to believe. I invited them to the ceremony, and they have accepted. Colonel Fitzwilliam will also be in attendance.”
“Peerage of the Realm in my home,” said Mr. Gardiner in an amused tone, “My wife will be so pleased. I shall inform her.” Mr. Gardiner then excused himself to find his wife, who was at that very moment assisting the cook with preparations for the wedding breakfast.
Mr. Bennet leveled a serious gaze upon his future son-in-law, “Mr. Darcy, before you rush to Elizabeth’s side as I know you have been longing to do, I still have more to say to you.”
“You may say whatever you wish, sir,” said Darcy, evenly, suspecting yet another tongue-lashing from his future father-in-law.
“Elizabeth has always been my favorite, and you shall see to it that she is content. If I ever learn otherwise, you shall be very sorry indeed. I know that my daughter loves and respects you very much. Do not do anything that will change her high opinion of you.”
“I give you my word that I will spend every day of the rest of my life making Elizabeth happy. You have nothing to fear from me. I take my responsibilities very seriously.”
“Yes, I expect you do,” said Mr. Bennet, “Now I would imagine that a certain young lady is eager to see you. I shall not have you disappoint her. You may go.”
Darcy stood up and bowed correctly, and left the room with great relief.
***
Elizabeth awoke the following day right as the sun began to rise, and immediately she reflected on the speed of yesterday’s passing. Darcy had only visited for two short hours, departing just before noon, so to give the inhabitants of Gracechurch Street enough time to prepare for the ceremony. All of Elizabeth’s gowns had been laundered, pressed, and packed for her removal to Darcy House, the rest of her belongings to be sent at a later date. Mrs. Gardiner’s wedding gown had been taken out. It was fortunate that in her younger years, Mrs. Gardiner had been about Elizabeth’s size so only a few minor alterations were necessary. Mrs. Gardiner also presented to Elizabeth a new wedding bonnet and a pair of white gloves to be worn with the dress. Her final wedding gift to Elizabeth was a lovely silk shift and nightgown for her wedding night. Elizabeth was astounded by her aunt’s generosity and hugged he hugged her tightly, thanking her profusely for everything she had done.
Mrs. Robinson, the cook, and the two maids had slaved away in the kitchen all day preparing the wedding breakfast for the next day. The fare would be simple yet elegant. When Mrs. Robinson learned that the Earl of Matlock and his family would be in attendance, she redoubled her efforts to perfect her chosen dishes. After the wedding breakfast, none of the guests in attendance would have anything negative to say about the event, much to Mrs. Robinson’s delight.
They dined later than usual and after dinner Elizabeth spent the remainder of the evening in the company of her father. Elizabeth was grateful to have been so quickly forgiven, and they spent the time teasing one another about recollections of the past. At length, Mr. Bennet sent his favorite daughter off to bed after kissing her forehead and wishing her happiness in her future with Mr. Darcy, grudgingly admitting that no other man could manage her.
Elizabeth smiled as she recalled her father’s words. She knew that her father was correct. There was no other man in the world that suited her in talents and disposition as well as Mr. Darcy did, and for that she would be eternally grateful.
The chiming of the hallway clock brought Elizabeth back to the present day. Contrary to most brides, she was not nervous for her wedding day. After all the trials and tribulations that her relationship with Darcy had suffered, this day was a welcome one. She was not naïve enough to believe that their marriage would be without conflict, however, she loved and trusted Darcy enough to believe that they would face any difficulties together, and that there would be no repetition of their acrimonious disagreements from the past. They had both changed so much since that unfortunate day in Kent.
As Elizabeth sat in front of the mirror brushing out her hair, she dreamily thought of her future with Darcy. She imagined roaming woods of Derbyshire and Christmas at Pemberley before her thoughts wandered to the children they would one day have filling the halls of the manor with laughter and rambunctious antics. So lost was Elizabeth in her musings that she was startled when her aunt knocked on the door.
Elizabeth bade her to come in and she entered with the wedding gown in hand, coming to assist her niece’s preparations for one of the happiest days in a woman’s life.
The dress was made from creamy muslin, and accented with light blue ribbon with the half-sleeves and hem trimmed with delicate lace. The overall style of the gown was simple but sophisticated, which suited Elizabeth’s tastes very well indeed. After she slipped into the dress, Mrs. Gardiner coiffed her hair in an elegant style, before settling the traditional wedding bonnet upon her head. Elizabeth pulled on her elbow-length kidskin gloves while her aunt sparingly applied rouge to her cheeks and gloss to her lips. Afterwards, Mrs. Gardiner stepped back to admire her work. “Elizabeth, my dear, you look stunning!”
Elizabeth turned to the mirror and was surprised to discover that her aunt’s compliment had merit. She had always envied Jane for her classic beauty, but now Elizabeth imagined that on this day she looked almost as lovely as her sister. She thanked her aunt once more for everything that she had done for her in the past months.
***
The furniture in the Gardiner’s sitting room had been rearranged for the ceremony. The children were sitting on one sofa, while Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and the Earl of Matlock and his wife sat in chairs behind the sofa. Darcy was amazed at how comfortable his titled aunt and uncle seemed to be in this part of London and he was grateful for it.
Richard stood beside him. He had already made a few jests about matrimony at Darcy’s expense and was now content to stand still with a pleasant expression. Mr. Stevens, the local vicar, stood serenely in his vestments, awaiting the ceremony to begin.
At long last, Elizabeth appeared on the arm of her father and Darcy’s heart skipped a beat. She was gorgeous in her gown. A pearl and diamond necklace, gifted to her by Darcy, was beautifully displayed against her chest. However, all of her accoutrements paled in comparison to the beauty of her face, which was resplend
ent with joy, her lush lips curved into a breathtaking smile, and her eyes twinkling with happiness and inundated with special warmth that was only for Darcy. He could not help but stare raptly at her as if hypnotized. So enthralled was he by her beauty that he hardly noticed when Mr. Bennet placed his daughter’s hand into his. The warmth of her hand in his broke the spell, and Darcy gazed deeply into Elizabeth’s eyes with a devastating smile curving his lips.
Elizabeth was equally entranced with the man before her. She had never seen him look so handsome in the entire course of their acquaintance. The way his dark eyes gazed into hers as if penetrating her very soul was mesmerizing. She could feel the heat of his touch through her gloves and it seemed to spread over every inch of her body.
Such was the love between them that it was moments before they looked to Mr. Stevens to begin the ceremony, and only then due to Mr. Stevens sharp cough. Elizabeth and Darcy flushed simultaneously and tried to focus their full attention on the ceremony. Darcy, however, was unable to tear his attention away from the bewitching woman beside him for more than a second. Elizabeth was more successful in the endeavor. Still, both Elizabeth and Darcy would be hard pressed to remember the exact words of the ceremony, or the particulars about it including the recitation of the vows, and slipping the wedding band onto Elizabeth’s finger.
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