Previous Section, Section IX
Chapter 25
There was total silence in the church as everyone witnessed the exchange between Elizabeth and Darcy. While they knew his feelings for her were intense deep, they did not comprehend the extent of his love for her.
Elizabeth wiped the tear from his cheek then leaned against him. He wrapped his arms around her and held her while he recovered himself.
When she felt his breathing slow and he seemed calm again, she pulled back, and looking him deeply in the eye, said in a whisper, "I love you, Fitzwilliam."
"I love you, Elizabeth."
Darcy's vision drifted to the ruby that Elizabeth was wearing. A fresh smile suffused his face.
"This belonged to my mother," he stated.
"Georgiana told me it was her favorite jewel," replied Elizabeth.
Darcy fingered the stone, watching the light reflect off the facets.
"You are far more beautiful than this ruby, Elizabeth. You shine for me more brilliantly than any gem."
Elizabeth and Darcy gratefully received the congratulations of the small party that accompanied them to church, and while they were as attentive as possible, it was clear to all that their only desire was to be alone together. To that end, the Gardiner's excused themselves and the Bingleys and Georgiana escorted Mr. and Mrs. Darcy to their waiting carriage.
Elizabeth shared a private word with her sister and was then Darcy handed her into the carriage. Just before he stepped in, Georgiana approached and gave him a small box that he deftly slid into his coat pocket before seating himself across from Elizabeth.
"Mrs. Darcy," he began.
"Yes, sir?" she said with a smile.
"May I sit with you?"
"Would that be proper?" she teased.
"Yes, I believe so," he replied.
Elizabeth moved over on the bench and extended her hand to him. He took it and sat next to her. At first they spoke little, but sat quietly together. Words were not required. Her hand was cradled between his and their occasional glances into each other's eyes reflected their own feelings of contentment.
Elizabeth's thoughts went back to that final moment at the altar when he had spoken of the gem she was wearing. His expression was penetrating and spoke of deep emotion. His fingers felt warm against her skin as he handled the stone.
"Fitzwilliam," said Elizabeth, "please tell me more about this ruby I am wearing."
He turned on the bench until he faced her and then began.
"That ruby belonged to my grandfather's first wife, Cecily, who passed away at a very young age. When he was going through her possessions after she died, he came upon a small box that contained that stone. Accompanying the ruby were instructions to a jeweler that it be set in a man's ring, and that the shank of the ring be engraved, 'To Edmund, with all my love, Cecily.' Edmund was my grandfather's name."
"As you can imagine, my grandfather was quite moved at this discovery. Because the stone had belonged to Cecily and was a gift to him, he felt it would be disrespectful to his second wife if he were to have the ring made, so when my father was approaching his marriage, my grandfather gave him the ruby. He said it had been a gift of love, and he told my father to give it as a gift of love to my mother. On the occasion of their marriage, my father gave it to her, in that simple setting and with that chain."
"My mother prized it highly and wore it as often as she could. You will see when we get to Pemberley that she wore it when her portrait was painted."
"No wonder Georgiana is so attached to it," said Elizabeth.
Darcy shifted in his seat and brought out the box that Georgiana had given him.
"Elizabeth, I have something for you that I hope will some day become as important to your daughters as this ruby is to Georgiana."
"My daughters?" she asked questioningly
"Yes. When I found you after your fall, a piece of ribbon had become detached from your bonnet. You are familiar with how I kept that ribbon with me. As I grew more and more in love with you, the ribbon meant even more to me. When I was away from you, it was a constant reminder of your beauty. When you woke, it became a token of your attachment to me."
Elizabeth watched him attentively, heedless of the sounds of carriages or the roughness of the road.
"When I left Hertfordshire, I felt that the only way I could free myself from you and begin to come to terms with your loss, was by returning the ribbon. How could I bear having such a remembrance with me when I could never have you? When you returned the ribbon to me, the pain of unfulfilled longing was healed. You would not have sent it to me unless you were offering me the opportunity to regain your love."
"Even now I carry it with me wherever I go." Darcy took the ribbon out of his pocket. "You see, I even have it with me now."
Elizabeth smiled.
"The color of the ribbon is purple," continued Darcy, "and that color is found in nature in a stone called amethyst."
Darcy opened the box and displayed it for Elizabeth's view. It contained a necklace of rectangular cut stones separated by large diamonds in a pattern that repeated itself.
"I would like you to have this," concluded Darcy.
Elizabeth took the necklace out of the box and held it up to the light. The purple stones were dazzling against the brilliance of the diamonds.
"It is beautiful, Fitzwilliam. Where did you find such a treasure?"
"I was not to be found, but crafted by a friend of mine who is a jeweler," replied Darcy.
"So this is your doing? You had this created for me?" asked an astonished Elizabeth.
Darcy answered with just a slight bow of his head.
In unison they reached for each other in a motion that ended in an embrace. Darcy was pleased to have presented her with such a gift and to find it so well appreciated. Elizabeth felt treasured to have received something so beautiful. What made the necklace even more important to her was that it was created for her in celebration of the love she shared with her new husband. It was indeed a treasure.
"Elizabeth, the color purple will always remind me of the love you have for me, and that love is symbolized in this necklace. On the day our daughters are married, I hope to place this necklace around their necks and send them off to their futures remembering the love their parents shared, and that love, extended to them, is something they can pass on to their children."
"When you wear this, I want you to think of me and know that you are cherished. When I see this necklace grace your neck, I will remember how I am loved by you. Let this necklace seal our union, and let the love it represents be the foundation for all that we do."
Elizabeth had a tear in her eye. "I will, Fitzwilliam. I will always remember how much you love me."
Darcy brought a hand up to her chin and raised her lips to his and kissed her with all the fullness of his heart. How he loved her! How well it felt to be loved by her!
Elizabeth reached up and touched his cheek. "May I wear it now?" she asked.
Darcy reached up to the nape of Elizabeth's neck, unfastened Georgiana's ruby and replaced it with the amethyst necklace.
"Let this be the first of many traditions we will establish for our family."
"Thank you, Fitzwilliam," she said. "Thank you so very much."
Darcy settled back in the seat and held her against him, her head leaning on his shoulder. With one hand she touched the necklace and reflected on the generosity and love of her husband, and with the other, held one of his.
Darcy felt her body form against his as a heavy silence enveloped the carriage and hushed the sounds of the road. In what seemed the passing of just minutes, the coach came to a gentle rest.
Elizabeth looked up at her husband. "We are home, Fitzwilliam."
"Yes, my love, we are."
Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were alone. The servants had been given the day off and only Mrs. Jamison and the cook remained in the house. Georgiana had just left with the Bingleys. She was to stay with them at Netherfield until Elizabeth and Darcy joined them in two weeks. There had been a warm send off by Jane, who knew full well the pleasures that Elizabeth could expect that night.
"Are you nervous, Lizzy?" asked Jane. Had Elizabeth noticed, she might have observed the far away look in her sister's eyes as she recalled the experiences of that special night.
"Were you?" was Elizabeth's shy reply.
Elizabeth's voice recalled Jane to the present. "I was nervous when Charles first came to me, but I trusted him. Everything was perfect, Lizzy. I could not have wished for more."
"And I trust Fitzwilliam."
"Then you will be very happy," smiled Jane.
Darcy led Elizabeth through the whole house. Their tour finished in the library.
"How do you like your new home, Elizabeth?" asked Darcy. "It is truly yours now. And I must congratulate myself. So far I have kept my promise that we should never be apart, and now we will never spend another night alone."
"You cannot imagine how happy you have made me," said Elizabeth in a soft voice.
"Was it just last night that we slept in each other's arms on this sofa?" he inquired, patting the cushion against which he was standing.
"Yes, it was. It seems like a lifetime ago," said Elizabeth. "I feel as though I am a new person now. I feel like I am beginning my life," she mused.
Darcy interrupted her with a kiss that she gratefully returned.
"We are at the beginning of our new life together," said Darcy.
Elizabeth stood next to him, brushing his hair off his forehead and caressing his face.
"Fitzwilliam, I am so happy that you are mine. You cannot know the joy you have brought to my life."
Darcy traced her necklace with his finger.
"But I do know it, my beloved. I know it very well."
After sitting through a light dinner that neither of them truly tasted, Darcy escorted Elizabeth to her new bedchamber. Standing in front of the door, Elizabeth embraced him and held herself close against his chest. He returned her embrace, taking pleasure in the closeness of her body.
She said softly, "Fitzwilliam, I will be changed forever after tonight."
"Yes, forever," he repeated. "Are you afraid?"
Of course, Darcy thought, how could she not be nervous? He kissed her hair and awaited her answer.
After a pause, she repeated the words she had spoken to Jane, words that removed Darcy's apprehension for her.
"I trust you, Fitzwilliam," she whispered.
Releasing the embrace, she opened the door to her room, took one step inside, and then turned to face Darcy with a look of expectation on her face.
"When shall I come to you, Elizabeth?" he asked.
Elizabeth was torn between a desire to rush into his arms and not suffer his absence at all, or requesting that he allow her an hour of privacy. An hour would be time enough for her to dress in her nightclothes and still allow time for reflection. She settled on a compromise.
"In a half-hour," she replied.
"A half-hour, it is, then. Is there anything I can do or provide for your present comfort? I am at your service," said Darcy. His heart was filled with admiration for his new wife. Her beauty, even in the dimly lit hall, was breathtaking. He felt his desire for her increase.
"Yes, there is something, Fitzwilliam," she answered. "Is there a clock in this room? I would like to know when a half-hour has passed."
"I do not recall," said Darcy, "but here, take my watch." He lifted his watch out of his pocket and detached the chain from his coat.
"Fitzwilliam, if you give me your watch, I shall never return it," laughed Elizabeth as she opened her hand to receive it.
Just as she was folding her fingers around the watch, Darcy pulled it away.
"Never?" he smiled.
"Well," replied Elizabeth, "I will return it on one condition."
Darcy pulled the watch away from her as she tried again to take it.
"No, no, no, Elizabeth. Not until you tell me how to get it back. This is my favorite watch, you know."
"I will return it if you promise to change one part of our wedding vows."
"What?! Are you a little heretic and I never knew it?" he said laughing.
"I just want to add a little part," said Elizabeth, "just a little something about..." She paused and eyed the watch.
"About what, my love?"
"We must add a part about you honoring and obeying me as well!"
He laughed. "You drive a hard bargain, Mrs. Darcy."
"Yes, I do," smiled Elizabeth, "but if your watch is that important to you, of course, you will agree to it!"
"Come here," he said, putting the watch in her hand.
She stepped up next to him and put her arms around his neck. He held her against him, and their lips came together in expressions of love and words of tenderness.
"Mrs. Darcy," he said, with his lips pressed against her cheek, "I promise to honor and obey you all the days of my life. But," he added, after one last kiss, "I want you to keep the watch."
Without a tinge of humor in her voice, she said, "You are too good to me, Fitzwilliam."
In a hushed voice, he made a request of her.
"Mrs. Darcy?" he breathed.
"Yes, my love?" He tightened his hold on her.
"Elizabeth, please do not let down your hair tonight," he said huskily.
He kissed her lips and she felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Very well."
Darcy released her and she stepped back, holding out her hand to him. After kissing her fingers, he watched her withdraw into the room and shut the door.
A half-hour, Darcy thought as he entered his room. A half-hour and I will make her mine. How I have longed for this moment! How I suffered when I thought it could never be!
Darcy stepped out of his clothes and into the black dressing gown he wore the previous night when he encountered Elizabeth in the library. Stepping over to the fire, he stirred new life into the fading embers and sat down. Looking into the flames, he inhaled deeply, and by closing his eyes, could imagine Elizabeth standing before him.
The vision began to move, and in an instant, the image of his father appeared behind Elizabeth. He walked slowly up to her and put his hand on her shoulder. She offered him her cheek, which he gently kissed. With an expression on his face that spoke of pride and admiration, old Mr. Darcy took Elizabeth's hand and offered it to Darcy. Just as he reached out to take her hand from his father, the vision faded and he fell back against the sofa.
Since his decision to return to Netherfield and regain Elizabeth's love, Darcy had never doubted his intentions or questioned his motives. If she would have him, he was going to marry Elizabeth. His satisfaction with having done so was now heightened, by what was to him, the acknowledgement of his father's approval.
Darcy glanced up at the clock on the mantelpiece. There yet remained a quarter-hour. His anticipation grew. Last night he had taken great pleasure in being with Elizabeth and holding her through the night. Soon, he would find great delight in her love and tenderness.
Elizabeth sat in front of a dressing table and set Darcy's watch down near a brush and comb. The face of the watch was white with gold numerals that marked the hour. When she closed the lid, she noticed that the Darcy crest had been engraved on the cover. This was no ordinary watch, but rather an emblem of the traditions of the Darcy family. By satisfying her desire to keep the watch, he had symbolically given her everything, and thus she became an heiress to wealth, honor and kinship.
She opened the watch again and saw the second hand trace an arc around the numbers. Moments in time blurred into seconds, and seconds grew into minutes before she caught herself dreaming about Darcy and his proposal to her by the stream. Was it really only three days? The emotion she felt on his appearance there had been so intense. He had come contritely, blanketed in uncertainty, in an attempt to change the past in such a way that he might enjoy a future with her.
She had to confess that there was once a part of her that had difficulty accepting his explanation for abandoning her, but there was no question of her forgiveness. Despite his imperfections, she was fully prepared to give herself to him. The instant he took her in his arms and kissed her, all her pain was overcome by the happiness of being desired by him.
Him, she repeated to herself...Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. Soon that man, her husband, would be coming to her. Coming for her, truly, to claim her as his own.
She looked at the watch. There were ten minutes remaining until he came. She eyed the door that joined their rooms and wondered what her husband was feeling.
Darcy's composure failed him and he was now pacing the floor near the fire, his mind and eyes never dwelling long on any object, but focusing inward on the image he had created in his mind of how Elizabeth would look when he first saw her.
He recalled the first sight he had of her in her room at Netherfield after her fall. She was resting peacefully, her hands at her side outside the blanket, and her face surrounded by a pool of curls that tumbled below her shoulders. Her pale skin appeared so white in contrast to the dark color of her hair.
Darcy remembered another occasion when he was looking at her while she was asleep. He had been attracted to the fullness of her lips and the hint of a smile that graced them. All he then felt for her, everything for which he yearned, he expressed in three words - Please, come back!
She had come back and had brought him the love and acceptance he had sought all his life. Now she was his wife, and the happiness he would derive from his relationship with her would be unbounded. There could be nothing greater.
Darcy looked at the clock. Five more minutes.
The nightgown that Jane had chosen as her gift for Elizabeth was soft and delicate, and Jane assured her it was very becoming. Elizabeth felt beautiful in it. It was a simple, white silk design that was edged with lace. Her feet were bare. She had prepared herself to receive him in the simplicity of her love.
Elizabeth rose when she heard his knock. She glanced at the watch and smiled. It had been exactly a half-hour.
"Come in, Fitzwilliam."
Darcy took a deep breath, turned the doorknob and slowly entered the room. He stepped aside to shut the door, then turned to face Elizabeth and raised his eyes.
"Elizabeth!"
A vision of arresting beauty stood before him. She was perfect.
"Are you real?" he asked her.
She answered with a smile and a gesture of her hand that invited him to come near her.
"Elizabeth, you cannot know," began Darcy, "you have no idea...you are so beautiful! Oh, my love, I..."
"Thank you, Fitzwilliam," she interrupted with a shy smile.
He closed the distance between them and took hold of her hand. He opened his mouth to speak again, but she put a finger against his lips and hushed him into silence.
"Fitzwilliam," began Elizabeth, "you may tell me how beautiful I am as many times as you wish, but I want you to know how much I adore you and I am proud, so very proud, to be your wife."
"Elizabeth, you cannot know how happy it makes me to hear that. I love you so very deeply and am grateful that we will always be together from this day forward. I could not live without you by my side."
Darcy raised both hands to her face, leaned down and kissed her. It was a delicate, tender kiss that confirmed the emotions they felt for each other. He broke the kiss just in time to see her open her eyes. Her smile melted his heart.
He took her hand and led her to the bed and sat next to her on the edge. They turned to face each other, holding hands and rejoicing in the intimacy of each other's presence.
"I never dared hope that this day would come, until I received your note," said Darcy.
"I wished with all my heart that you would come back," replied Elizabeth.
"I remember coming upon you by the stream. You had let your hair down and it was flowing across your back, tossed around by the breeze. Your head was tilted, revealing your lovely throat. I have never seen such an enticing image as you appeared to me at that moment."
"I did not know you were watching me, Fitzwilliam. It is not very gentlemanly to spy, you know!" The teasing look in her eye spoke of the humor she felt as she recalled the incident.
"I wish I could have been there when you let down your hair," said Darcy.
He reached up and cupped her cheek, then slid his hand around the nape of her neck to the knot of hair on the top of her head.
"I wish I could have witnessed this," he said as he pulled out a hairpin. A lock of hair fell free. "And this." He pulled out another pin.
She looked up at him with growing desire. Her hair was loosened and she shook it free around her shoulders.
"You are so beautiful," Darcy told her. He pulled her close and combed his fingers through her hair. "Since that time by the stream, I have always wanted to do this."
She felt a shiver run down her spine as he brushed her hair to one side and slowly trailed kisses down her neck.
"Fitzwilliam..."
Elizabeth's words were lost when his lips claimed hers with fierce intensity. Words could no longer describe their love or express the passionate feelings in their hearts.
Breathlessly, Elizabeth broke the kiss and leaning back away from him, favored him with a slow smile. Once again their eyes locked. The desire exchanged between them was nearly overpowering.
Darcy watched her wet her lips with her tongue as he began to release the ties that held her nightgown around her shoulders. As it tumbled to her waist, Darcy knew that she was not the only one that would be forever changed that night.
Chapter 26
The next morning, Elizabeth woke from what had become a familiar dream, yet this time it was different. The warmth and security of Darcy's embrace as he held her against his chest, did not fade into a chill. When she opened her eyes, she did not find herself back at Longbourn. As she thought back to the prior evening, she acknowledged a feeling of joy that she had never imagined in those early morning dreams at Longbourn.
It was a beautiful morning. The air was fresh and clear, the sun warm and bright, and most importantly, she was not alone.
"Fitzwilliam," she said in a whisper, "are you awake?"
He had wrapped her up in his arms and held her against him. Her head lay on his chest and she could hear his heartbeat.
Darcy's happiness knew no bounds. His wildest dreams had come true and he would be quite content to spend the rest of the day holding Elizabeth. He was careful not to move, not wanting to wake her, but when he heard her voice, he began to gently stroke her hair and shoulders.
In an equally hushed voice, he answered, "Yes. Good morning, my love."
"How long have you been awake?"
Her words were muffled as she spoke into his chest. She dared not move for fear of breaking the spell.
"For a little while," said Darcy. "I have been lying here thinking of last night."
"I do hope they were agreeable thoughts."
"They were exceedingly pleasant, I assure you, madam," he said.
"It was my pleasure, sir," she said looking up at him with a flirtatious smile. "Oh, Fitzwilliam, I have never been happier!" cried Elizabeth as she clung even more closely to him.
"My love, you cannot imagine how I feel when you say such things."
But she could imagine, and did, as his hands slid across the silken curves of her body and his lips devoured hers.
It was with the greatest reluctance that they surrendered to Mrs. Jamison's demands that they enjoy the nice dinner her cook had prepared. As expeditiously as possible, Elizabeth and Darcy separated to their dressing rooms and prepared to go downstairs.
Dinner was a sumptuous affair as Cook proudly displayed her skills for the new mistress. Elizabeth was once again left wondering at the advantages that had come into her life because of Darcy's love for her.
"Elizabeth," said Darcy as they were sitting in the drawing room that evening, "I have made a little change in our plans. I hope you do not mind."
Elizabeth was looking at a display of elegant glass figurines over the chimney- piece. She had never noticed them before and it reminded her just how much she had yet to learn about her new home.
"I am sure I shall not," responded Elizabeth, turning to face him. "What change did you make?"
"I have instructed everyone in the household and asked all who attended our wedding to keep our marriage a secret," said Darcy. "No one is to know. I want you all to myself for as long as possible."
"Does that mean, Fitzwilliam, that there will be no callers offering their congratulations, and that I shall have you all to myself?" she asked as she slowly began to walk towards him. "Will I not be required to share your time and attention?" she said, thrilled at the prospect.
"No one knows we are here, Elizabeth," he said in a deep, throaty voice. "We will be entirely left alone."
"Then I thank you very much for that change in plan," she softly, "because having you all to myself is my only wish."
She was close enough for him to reach her. He quickly took her hand and pulled her onto his lap. She threw her arms around his neck with a laugh.
Mrs. Jamison thought that Mr. and Mrs. Darcy might enjoy some tea, and she was just approaching the drawing room when she heard the sound of laughter that forestalled her progress.
With a smile and a happy recollection of her newlywed days, Mrs. Jamison silently retreated to the kitchen. The Darcys would not be requiring tea that evening.
The pleasant weather on the following day was similar to that of the day Darcy received Elizabeth's letter containing the ribbon. He had wanted to tell her about that day, and the present moment seemed particularly suited to the occasion.
"Elizabeth," said Darcy as he came upon her in the drawing room, "would you like to take a walk in the park?"
"I would like that very much," she answered. It was a beautiful morning.
Darcy offered her his hand, helped her to her feet and they were out the door almost immediately.
Elizabeth slipped her arm through his as they crossed the busy street. Darcy smiled at her in appreciation. Every expression of love on her part sent a thrill through his body.
They entered the park and turned down a path with which Darcy was quite familiar.
"My love," began Darcy, "I came to this park, to this very spot, after I received your letter."
"You came here?"
"Yes," he answered. "I could hardly contain myself. I came and nearly ran down the walks out of sheer joy. That ribbon had meant too much for me to mistake your meaning when you sent it. I saw it as an invitation to love you again. The darkness that had weighed on me was suddenly lifted and I felt free and alive for the first time since..." He hesitated and then paused as painful memories intruded.
"I knew when you wrote your letter to Mr. Bingley," said Elizabeth quickly, turning the conversation in a safer direction, "that you were writing to me."
"I was, as much as I dared," admitted Darcy. "Bingley's letter taught me to hope. I had imagined that by then you were," he put his hand over hers, "married to Mr. Grinly. The relief I felt on having that ribbon restored to me was indescribable."
"I was very nervous about sending it," said Elizabeth, "but Jane said I needed to let you know how I felt. It seems that she was right."
"Here it is."
Darcy took the ribbon out of his pocket and showed it to her.
Elizabeth stopped walking and leaned into him. He put his arm around her.
"I carry it with me wherever I go," he said. "I lace it through my fingers and let my mind runaway with thoughts of you. I fell in love with you while you were still asleep, and I treasure the memories of my visits to you before you woke up and after. I have never been able to confide in anyone until I met you. It was such a relief to unburden my heart to you that day. When I am with you I am filled with feelings of happiness and joy which I have never before experienced."
"Thank you for telling me that, Fitzwilliam," said Elizabeth. "I was very much in love with you from almost the first moment I saw you. I recognized your voice and the touch of your hand. I know you must have spent many hours with me while I was asleep."
"I never felt happier and more at peace than when I was with you."
Darcy took a quick look around them, and determining that they were unobserved, he kissed her. Elizabeth caressed his face as he held her against him. All her feelings of love swelled in her breast as she realized once again how truly she loved him.
After a kiss that seemed all too short, he pulled back from her and with a smile led her down another walk.
Towards the end of the Darcy's first week of marriage, Mrs. Jamison found Elizabeth sitting alone in the library behind her husband's desk. Mr. Darcy had stepped out, but was expected back at any moment.
"Mrs. Darcy," said the housekeeper, "I am sorry to disturb you, ma'am, but there are two people who wish to call on you."
"They asked to see me?" replied Elizabeth, setting down her pen.
"Yes, ma'am. The people who are here to see you are Mr. and Miss Tilden," said Mrs. Jamison. "I do not know how they even knew you were here. Mr. Darcy's instructions were that the servants tell no one and I am certain we have not."
Mrs. Jamison knew Mr. Darcy and Mr. Tilden had disagreed and she knew very well that it concerned Miss Tilden.
"Please lead the way, Mrs. Jamison. I will do the best I can."
Mr. Tilden had heard through obscure channels that Mr. Darcy had married. Apparently, his suspicions regarding Darcy were well founded. He had been attached to someone else and that is why he refused his daughter. "Who was she?" and "Did he regret it?" were questions that he wished to settle for himself. He was offended on his daughter's behalf at Darcy's refusal, and he knew he would find satisfaction in demonstrating to the lady herself the superiority of his daughter. It was convenient that Mr. Darcy was not home.
Mrs. Jamison, knowing that her master's marriage had not been announced, was suspicious of Mr. Tilden's motives in coming to call on Mrs. Darcy and resolved to remain close at hand. She would immediately bring tea and titter about the drawing room and hall so that she might overhear as much of the conversation as possible and intervene in Mrs. Darcy's behalf if the situation warranted.
Elizabeth followed Mrs. Jamison to the drawing room.
The Tildens rose at Elizabeth's entrance to the room. Elizabeth favored them with a low curtsey. Mr. Tilden walked over to her and bowed.
"Mrs. Darcy, thank you for seeing us. It is a pleasure to meet you. We have been eager to become acquainted with Mr. Darcy's wife."
"Thank you, Mr. Tilden, though I was not aware that my marriage was generally known." Elizabeth gave him a sidelong glance. "I apologize for Mr. Darcy. He has been called away on business, but I expect him very shortly."
"Mrs. Darcy, please allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Miss Clara Tilden," said her father.
Miss Tilden curtseyed and Elizabeth invited them both to sit, eyeing Miss Tilden with interest. She was a pretty young woman.
Elizabeth took a chair opposite the sofa she had offered to the Tildens. From her vantage point, she was able to see the entrance to the room, and was expecting Darcy to enter momentarily.
Darcy had been guarding the fact of their marriage from common knowledge in an effort to give them some privacy, and had hoped to do so for least for another day or two. Elizabeth felt he would not be pleased to see these visitors. This consideration led her to feel very cautious.
"Mrs. Darcy," began Mr. Tilden, "the social world of London knows nothing about you..."
Elizabeth interrupted him with a laugh. "And you are their representative, Mr. Tilden?"
"I ... well ... I am just curious," said Mr. Tilden, "that is all, one of many who are curious. Mr. Darcy and I have been friends for some time now and that he would marry, but say nothing to me about it, is a little surprising."
"I can understand that you might feel that way, but it is not for me to venture an opinion of my husband's motives," said Elizabeth with smile.
"Of course not," he conceded.
He was impressed by Elizabeth's discretion and beauty, but he came to humble her, and he would.
"My daughter, Mrs. Darcy, descends from an ancient family and is blessed with a noble fortune. Tell me about your family."
Elizabeth was shocked, but immediately recovered and chose to give him the answer he must wish to hear.
"I am the daughter of a country gentleman of no importance in the world, having few accomplishments, even fewer connections, and no fortune at all." Elizabeth could not suppress a smile. "I am afraid, Mr. Tilden, that in my marriage, I received all the advantage and Mr. Darcy very little."
Mr. Tilden seemed taken back.
She continued. "Indeed, Mr. Tilden, I am afraid that I bring only one benefit to Mr. Darcy."
"And just what is that?" he asked testily.
"I love him," she stated firmly.
"Ah ... love," said Mr. Tilden in a condescending tone of voice. "Yes, Mr. Darcy said something to me of that, though I cannot remember exactly what it was. Do you not believe, though, Mrs. Darcy, that it takes more than love to make a good marriage? Do you not believe that if a man has an opportunity to make an equal match as to fortune and connections that it is his obligation to take advantage of such an offer?"
Elizabeth looked at Miss Tilden, who was staring down at her hands in her lap, and despite a pause on Elizabeth's part, would not look up.
"When it comes to marriage," said Elizabeth, "I do not believe anyone has an obligation until they have exchanged their wedding vows. Each person, man or woman, must decide his or her priorities. If fortune and connection are important, then by all means a match under any other conditions ought not to be formed."
It was now obvious to Elizabeth that Mr. Tilden had considered Darcy a worthy match for his daughter. How far Darcy had pursued the matter was irrelevant. He had returned to Hertfordshire and had married her. She rejoiced in the thought, but spared just enough feeling to have some compassion for Miss Tilden. It would be impossible for her not to know her father's intentions, and indeed, in all likelihood she had been encouraged to attach herself to Darcy, and must now be suffering some disappointment.
"There had been some talk of my daughter marrying Mr. Darcy," frowned Mr. Tilden, "but that was before he fell under your influence."
Elizabeth would not respond to the provocation.
"Have you nothing to say, madam?" asked Mr. Tilden with some frustration.
"No," replied Elizabeth in a quiet, but deliberate voice, "I have not."
Mr. Tilden eyed Elizabeth carefully. She was a beautiful woman, but no more so than Clara. She confessed to having no accomplishments, no connections and no fortune. What did she have?
"What were Mr. Darcy's motives in marrying you? Could you possibly explain them?"
Elizabeth did not conceal her contempt when she answered.
"Yes, Mr. Tilden, I can explain them in one word. Happiness."
Mr. Tilden shook his head and Elizabeth saw Miss Tilden redden.
Elizabeth rose to indicate an end to the interview. Miss Tilden rose also, but Mr. Tilden remained seated.
"Mr. Tilden," she said, concealing the offense she felt at his rudeness, "I am sorry for any disappointment you and your daughter have suffered on hearing that Mr. Darcy has married elsewhere. I am his wife and am under his protection now, and I believe he would not appreciate me allowing myself to continue to be subject to your questions and demands."
Darcy had returned as quickly as he could to Elizabeth. They had enjoyed the intimacy and privacy of the past week while their marriage was unknown to the world.
Being away from her at this special time for even short periods was not pleasant. He was impatient to see her and was filled with anticipation as he entered his house knowing he would spend the rest of the day and night with her. He expected to find her in the library behind his desk. With playful impertinence so entertaining to a lover, he had submitted to her desire of writing and reading at his desk. She told him it gave her a feeling of connection to him during those times when they must be apart, and those feelings were of a type to be encouraged.
With these pleasant thoughts in mind, he was annoyed to learn from Mrs. Jamison that the Tildens were at that moment with his wife in the drawing room.
As Darcy approached the drawing room, he heard Elizabeth speaking. Her voice was firm, and though not loud, it was tinctured with anger.
"...married elsewhere. I am his wife and am under his protection now..."
Darcy stayed himself to hear the remainder of her speech.
"...and I believe he would not appreciate me allowing myself to continue to be subject to your questions and demands."
Before Mr. Tilden could respond to Elizabeth, Darcy entered the room.
"Indeed, I would not!" Darcy said forcefully.
Elizabeth looked at her husband with a smile. Having acknowledged his protection it was gratifying to benefit from it. He returned her smile, but as he turned away from her, she saw his countenance change from the warmth he had shown her to one of severity and coldness.
Mr. Tilden rose from his seat when Darcy entered the room. The slight to his wife had not gone unnoticed by him.
"Mr. Tilden," said Darcy in a commanding tone, "you seem to choose particularly inconvenient times to call."
"Well, there is nothing in that," said Mr. Tilden, suddenly uncomfortable. "I just wanted to meet your wife, that is all."
"Your desire to meet my wife seems to have resolved itself into an opportunity to insult her, I dare say. Well, Mr. Tilden," Darcy said scowling his displeasure, "I suppose it will have to be swords or pistols at dawn tomorrow. I will allow you your choice of weapon."
Elizabeth had never heard of Mr. Darcy ever being involved in a duel and could not possibly imagine that he would take such offense to Mr. Tilden's remarks. Elizabeth gave her husband a look of surprise, concern and astonishment. Darcy turned to her and returned her glance with a wink. She understood and turned away to hide a smile.
Mr. Tilden was shocked into silence.
"My cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam," continued Darcy, "has been my tutor in both weapons and I feel quite confident in prevailing. He will be my second, and can be reached in St. James Street. He has just returned to London from a foreign post and is currently on leave from his regiment. Please have your second contact him to make arrangements for a place to meet so that you may voice your ill opinions of my wife and I can defend her from the insult."
"I ... sir..."
"Is there anything else you wish to say before you leave?" asked Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy, are you ... calling me...out?" Mr. Tilden's voice was wavering.
"Sir," replied Darcy in an authoritative voice, "you leave me no option when you enter uninvited into my home and insult my wife."
"I cannot fight you, Mr. Darcy," insisted Mr. Tilden, "I have never..."
"Are you afraid, Mr. Tilden? Surely you cannot be. You must be quite confident in your abilities to be so bold as to treat, in the worst possible manner, another man's wife."
"Mr. Darcy, this has gone far enough," cried Mr. Tilden.
"Far enough for your honor, but not mine," cried Darcy, with feigned anger. "You have assaulted that which is most precious to me and I must be allowed satisfaction."
"Please, Mr. Darcy. This is not right. Surely you cannot be serious. I admit that I was unkind, that I..."
Darcy interrupted him. "If you are forming an apology, it should be directed to my wife."
"Yes, of course." Mr. Tilden cleared his throat, and turning to Elizabeth, said, "Mrs. Darcy, please forgive me for insulting and offending you. It is my pride that has been hurt, which I wanted to heal by humbling yours. I admit I was very wrong and I am sorry. Please, I beg of you, do not allow my indiscretion to become something even more grievous."
Miss Tilden spoke for the first time. "Mrs. Darcy, I am very sorry for both my father and myself," she said nervously and with a voice barely heard. "His ... our ... intentions ... were wrong."
Mr. Tilden began to speak, but was cut off by his daughter.
"Father, please!" cried Miss Tilden. "No more!"
Elizabeth looked at Miss Tilden with a smile and felt some compassion for her. It was obvious that she was just another tool her father utilized to gratify his own ambitions.
"I accept your apology, Mr. Tilden," said Elizabeth. She walked up to him and offered her hand. "Good day," she smiled.
Mr. Tilden took her hand with some confusion.
"Thank you, ma'am," said Mr. Tilden diffidently. "Please, excuse us."
He bowed to Mr. Darcy. "Sir."
Darcy did not acknowledge him.
When the door was to the townhouse shut on the Tildens, Elizabeth broke out in so much laughter that she was required to sit down. Darcy sat next to her, as amused by her humor as he was by the encounter with Mr. Tilden.
When Elizabeth had had her laugh, Darcy realized that Mr. Tilden was not the only one that owed her an apology.
"Elizabeth," said her husband, "I am so sorry. You should not have had to endure that. Please, forgive me. I will ensure that no one has access to the house when I am not in."
"Thank you, but I am well as you can see," she said. She leaned into him and kissed his cheek, and taking his hand, asked the question Darcy was hoping to avoid.
"Who is Miss Tilden?"
"Uh ... Mr. Tilden's daughter, of course," hemmed Darcy. "An acquaintance, that is all."
"An acquaintance? Come now, Fitzwilliam, who is she?" pressed Elizabeth.
Darcy looked to her for some sign of escape, but she would not provide it. Acknowledging his defeat with lowered eyes and a deep breath, he began his explanation.
"She is a young woman to whom I tried to attach myself..."
"And just when was that?" asked Elizabeth.
"I met her two years ago at her coming out ball. She is a pleasant, amiable young woman who is well educated and highly accomplished."
"In other words," frowned Elizabeth, "everything that I am not."
Elizabeth was quite conscious that her strength lie in her ability to love Darcy and make him happy. Of all the accomplishments to which she could possibly attain, this was the only one that mattered. She knew it, and so did he.
"Her father spent a fortune on her education and as luck would have it, she was a good student. Since that ball," continued Darcy, "I have maintained a casual acquaintance with Miss Tilden and her father. When they entertain large parties, I am generally invited."
He was silent for a moment, but her eyes commanded that he continue.
"I am very embarrassed by this, Elizabeth."
She took his hand and kissed it. "You must know that all wives are curious about the former love interests of their husbands."
"I assure you that there was never any loved involved..." Darcy cleared his throat. "After I left Netherfield the first time, Mr. Tilden invited me to a small dinner party. The obvious purpose of this meeting was to provide an opportunity for Miss Tilden and me to begin forming an attachment. I saw them several times in like manner."
Darcy felt Elizabeth's grasp on his hand tighten.
"I tried to attach myself to Miss Tilden, but I could not. She was not you. I could never forget you and the love I felt for you and from you. No woman could replace that, and having tasted your affection, no other was satisfying to me."
"I suppose I should have discouraged their attentions to me," he went on, "but I did not. I was flattered and I was lonely. One evening, after dinner, Mr. Tilden took me aside in his study to talk about Miss Tilden. It was his desire, he said, that I should marry his daughter. I told him I did not love her. He said that it takes more than love to make a good marriage, and he offered me £35,000 if I would marry her."
"What were her feelings?"
"We were comfortable with each other, but at no time had we discussed anything of a personal nature. It is my opinion that she has no thoughts at present of marriage, though she could be persuaded by her father to do almost anything. I made no promise to her and I have not broken faith with anyone."
"You walked away from an immense fortune, Fitzwilliam," said Elizabeth.
"My experiences with you and with the Tildens taught me that there is nothing other than love that is required to make a good marriage. I wanted happiness, not money. I knew you loved me. I was more confident in that, than in any other thing. I loved you, and having acknowledged my desire, which was to marry you, I set everything in motion for an immediate removal back to Hertfordshire. Before I could leave, I received Bingley's letter announcing your engagement."
"That is quite a story, sir," she said as he took her up in his arms, "and I am highly gratified to know that you acted honorably towards Miss Tilden. I believe you and am satisfied, Fitzwilliam," continued Elizabeth. "Let us speak of it no more."
Chapter 27
Darcy did not keep his promise of showing off his wife to his friends and family after their marriage became public. They had obliged themselves for every evening during the second week of their marriage, but each day the engagements fell away in favor of privacy and solitude for the couple.
Elizabeth was quite comfortable with her new husband and returned his attentions to her as eagerly as he gave them. Never had she known such a period of happiness and contentment as she was now experiencing.
She looked forward to the future. The life they would lead at Pemberley would be filled with pleasure and delight. They would participate in what society the neighborhood had to offer, but mostly they would stay in their quiet family party. Elizabeth looked forward to the days she would spend getting acquainted with Georgiana when Darcy was away and awaited with even more pleasure the nights she would spend alone with him.
At the end of the second week, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy entered their traveling carriage and embarked on the road to Hertfordshire. In addition to changing horses, Darcy anticipated one additional stop on their way to Netherfield.
When the carriage pulled up in front of Longbourn, the door opened and Darcy stepped down. After a word to his coachmen requesting that he remain in the front of the house, he silently approached the door. He was nervous, not for his own sake, but because he hoped to effect a reconciliation between Elizabeth and her mother. He felt responsible for their breach. If he had never returned to Hertfordshire, Elizabeth would be married to Mr. Grinly and happy in her mother's affection. As this was not an alternative he wished to consider, his only satisfaction would be in a reunion of mother and daughter. To this end, he knocked on the door.
Mrs. Hill answered.
"Oh, Mr. Darcy!" cried Mrs. Hill, immediately recognizing him. "How may I help you, sir?" It had been quite a while since he had been at Longbourn.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hill," said Darcy anxiously. "Would it be possible for me to see Mrs. Bennet, if it is not inconvenient for her to spare a few minutes for me?"
"Do, please, come in, sir," said Mrs. Hill. "I will let Mrs. Bennet know that you are here."
"Thank you."
Hill took his hat and gloves and ushered him into the drawing room and seated him there with a promise of returning quickly with Mrs. Bennet.
Darcy rose from his seat after Mrs. Hill left the room and walked to the window. The lawn and grounds of Longbourn were pleasant to view.
Looking to the right he could see their carriage in the paddock and wondered what Elizabeth might be feeling.
"You are very welcome, Mr. Darcy," said Mrs. Bennet as she entered the drawing room.
Darcy turned to her and bowed.
"Thank you, Mrs. Bennet."
She was confused by his presence. He had been a rare visitor at Longbourn, and she had never seen him outside the company of Mr. Bingley. She was aware that he had not been in Hertfordshire for sometime now, and so was quite surprised when Hill announced that he was in the drawing room waiting for her.
"Please forgive me for calling at such a late hour," said Mr. Darcy, "but I have just arrived in Hertfordshire for a visit with the Bingleys and I wanted to call and learn for myself if you were well."
Mrs. Bennet was pleased with the attention. Moving to a sofa she sat down and invited him to do the same.
"It has been a long time since I have seen you, sir, and it is very kind of you to call," said Mrs. Bennet, warming up to him.
"May I inquire after the health of you and your daughters?" he asked politely.
"I am quite well, thank you, and so are my daughters, at least, I hope all of them are well." A look of sadness passed over Mrs. Bennet's face.
"What do you mean?"
"You would not be interested..." began Mrs. Bennet.
But he was. "No, no. Please, continue," he urged.
"Well, I ... I have not seen Elizabeth in quite some time," she answered mournfully.
"I am sorry to hear that," he replied.
"She has been staying at Netherfield with the Bingleys, and has recently accompanied them to London, or so I am told. We had a disagreement, and I have not seen her since."
"I am sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?"
"Did you happen to see her when you were in town?" asked Mrs. Bennet. "I know that Mr. Bingley is your close friend."
"Yes," said Darcy, "I did meet Miss Elizabeth on several occasions."
"And how is she?" asked Mrs. Bennet, animated at this news.
"I have never seen her looking better, and she appeared to be so happy. She is a very beautiful woman, Mrs. Bennet. You must be proud of her. I am grieved that difficulties have arisen between you."
Mrs. Bennet was silent for a moment.
"Sir," she began, "did you ever happen to know that she was engaged to be married?"
"I did hear something of that from Bingley," said Darcy with more composure than he felt. The memory of the day he learned that news would never be forgot. "I believe it was to a gentleman from Wiltshire?"
"Yes," responded Mrs. Bennet, "but it did not turn out well."
"Oh, what happened, if I may be permitted to ask?"
"For some reason, Mr. Darcy, he changed his mind and would not have her."
"Did he give a reason?"
"He said that he could not make Elizabeth happy, and that it was, therefore, impossible for him to marry her. He would not be persuaded otherwise, Mr. Darcy."
"I see."
"I blamed Elizabeth," said Mrs. Bennet. "She became very upset and left Longbourn to stay with Mrs. Bingley."
"I am very sorry," Darcy said with genuine sincerity, "that anything occurred that made either of you unhappy."
"I had such great hopes for her being happily settled, and now they are all ruined."
"She is all loveliness. She will find a man who will love her."
"I hope so. I miss her very much, Mr. Darcy." She hesitated. "I must confess, and I do regret, that I was very unkind to her. You will see her, I am sure, while you are at Netherfield. Would you tell her ... well ... I..." Mrs. Bennet could not finish.
"I understand, ma'am," said Darcy. "When I see Miss Elizabeth, I will let her know that you are thinking about her."
"Thank you, sir, that is kind of you. Please, do tell her."
"I have not told you my good news, Mrs. Bennet," he said with a smile.
"Oh, and what is that?" she returned.
"I have recently married. Just two weeks ago."
"You have?" Mrs. Bennet said with surprise. "Congratulations, sir. I wish you joy!" cried Mrs. Bennet. "And when will I be introduced to your bride?"
"She has accompanied me, but desired to remain in the carriage until she knew she would be welcome."
"Welcome, Mr. Darcy? Of course, she is welcome! How could you allow your wife to remain out of doors when we have been sitting here so comfortably? I insist that you bring her inside. Oh, I am mortified! What will she think of me?"
Mrs. Bennet jumped to her feet and ran from the room, calling out behind her. "Come along, Mr. Darcy. It is abominably rude to keep her waiting."
Darcy smiled to himself and followed her from the room.
Elizabeth felt uncertain. Darcy had been in the house for what seemed like an eternity, and she had heard and seen nothing.
She had just looked away when suddenly, the front door of the house was thrown open and Mrs. Bennet herself came running across the paddock and up to the carriage followed closely by Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth sat back to avoid her sight until the last possible moment.
Mrs. Bennet grasped the handle to the carriage and turned the lock, at the same time pushing aside the coachman who had been waiting to perform that duty.
"Mrs. Darcy," cried Mrs. Bennet as she opened the door, "you are very welcome to Longbourn. Please forgive me for allowing you to..."
Mrs. Bennet finally caught sight of Elizabeth and was silenced. Darcy came up to the door and reached in for Elizabeth's hand.
"Mrs. Bennet," he said as he assisted Elizabeth from the carriage, "please allow me to introduce you to my wife, Elizabeth Darcy."
Elizabeth stood in silent suspense, not knowing how her mother would react.
"Elizabeth Darcy!" repeated Mrs. Bennet. "Lizzy, is it true? Did you really marry Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, Mama."
"Lizzy, my girl! How very clever of you to reject Mr. Grinly when you found out you could have Mr. Darcy. He is so very rich, you know..."
"Mama!" Elizabeth could have died for shame. How could her mother say such a thing in front of Mr. Darcy? "That is not..."
"Mrs. Bennet," interrupted Darcy after giving Elizabeth a compassionate smile, "I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am being married to your lovely daughter. She has brought so much joy to my life, she..."
"Oh, Lizzy! Jane will be nothing to you, nothing at all..."
Elizabeth was mortified.
"...she is the dearest person to me, Mrs. Bennet," continued Darcy with some determination. "And it will be a pleasure to me to be called your son."
This recalled Mrs. Bennet.
"Son?" she said thoughtfully. "Well, I suppose that is true. Here," she giggled, "let me give you a kiss."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Darcy bent down so she could reach his cheek while looking up at Elizabeth with a twinkle of humor in his eyes. She was visibly relieved.
Mrs. Bennet had the ability to bring out unknown aspects, both good and bad, in nearly everyone's personality as they struggled to deal with her coarseness, noise and silliness. While Elizabeth was confident in the knowledge she had of Darcy's character, she was surprised to witness the easy manner in which he directed her mother's thoughts and conversation. The prospect of bringing Darcy to Longbourn seemed just a little less daunting knowing that he understood her mother so well.
"Well," said Mrs. Bennet, "this is quite a surprise. I must say, though, that I should have been present at your wedding. I should have been consulted. Lizzy, whatever did you do for wedding clothes?"
"Please do not be angry, Mama."
"Angry? Well, I suppose I should be, a little," cried Mrs. Bennet. "but how could I be angry when you have brought home such a delightful young man as a husband."
"He is delightful, Mama, and I am pleased that you appreciate his good qualities."
During the length of the Darcy's stay at Netherfield, Jane had been pleased to spend as much time as she could with Elizabeth and to enjoy her liveliness and high spirits. Her easy manner and the simple joy of living that she projected made Elizabeth lovelier than ever. Jane gave Darcy all the credit for the improvements in her sister.
"Oh, Lizzy, it is good to see you so happy."
"I am happy, Jane," said Elizabeth, "and I owe so much of it to you. Please let me thank you with all my heart for your kindness in helping to reunite Mr. Darcy and me."
"I do not feel as though I have done much. Indeed, I feel it is quite the opposite, for it was I who encouraged you to accept Mr. Grinly's offer, and that brought you nothing but grief and heartache, and it was I who was resistant to your relationship with Mr. Darcy, but look how well that has turned out." Jane hoped in future that her advice would be more efficacious.
"Jane, I know that all you wanted was my happiness," said Elizabeth, "and I could not and do not fault you for that. And besides, as soon as I convinced you of my love for Mr. Darcy, you did everything in your power to unite us. Without you, I would not be so happy. We are greatly indebted to you."
"Lizzy, I have something I want to tell you!" Jane said eagerly. "I want you to be the first to know," said Jane, her excitement building. "Well, maybe the second," she laughed.
"Yes?" Elizabeth was all curiosity.
"I am with child, Lizzy!" cried Jane. Elizabeth embraced Jane with tears in her eyes.
"Oh! Jane, that is wonderful news! I am so happy for you. What does Charles think of this?"
"He is so proud. He will make such a good father. Oh, Lizzy, everything I have wished for in my life is coming true. I have such a kind and loving husband, you are so happily settled and now Charles and I are to have a child. How will I bear such happiness?"
Jane was nearly breathless from delight.
"Does our mother know she is to be a grandmamma soon?" asked Elizabeth.
"No, I have not yet told her. I did not want you to hear it from anyone but me, so only Charles knows, and Mr. Manning, of course. Charles insisted that he come from London to attend me."
"What a considerate man your husband is!" said Elizabeth. "I feel nothing but respect for Mr. Manning and I know you will have the best of care."
"Lizzy, I am so happy!" cried Jane.
"And if anybody deserves it," said Elizabeth, "it is you."
Elizabeth was just returning from a solitary walk around the grounds of Netherfield when a footman brought her a letter. Elizabeth took it and thanked the man.
It was addressed to "Miss Elizabeth Bennet" and as she was not expecting any correspondence, she was surprised to receive it. She turned the letter over to see from whence it came and her heart sunk. It was from Mr. Grinly.
Elizabeth walked to a secluded bench where she could be assured of privacy while thinking about what it meant to receive a letter from him. Of course, he could not possibly know that she was married. Had he changed his mind? Did he still want her? Was there something the matter with Constance?
As she explored these feelings, she knew that regardless of Mr. Grinly's sentiments, marrying Mr. Darcy was the right thing to do. Her heart was all Darcy's and it had been ever since she knew him. She had no regrets. She loved Darcy and could love no other.
Elizabeth recalled the time, when she was still engaged to Mr. Grinly, that she had received Darcy's farewell letter and had doubted the wisdom of opening it. How would her life be different had she given it to Mr. Grinly, as she knew she ought to have done? Putting Mr. Grinly's unopened letter in her pocketbook, she returned to the house to nervously await the return of her husband.
Darcy had enjoyed the morning out shooting with Bingley. Since his return to Hertfordshire, there had been no tension at all between the two of them, and it was a relief to be on such good terms with his friend once again.
Elizabeth could easily part with Mr. Darcy when she could spend that time with Jane, but now he had returned, and it was a pleasure to have him back by her side. She was a little apprehensive when she considered her errand. More than once she tried to approach him and tell him about the letter, but with each attempt her courage failed her.
When they retired to dress for dinner, she followed him into his dressing room to make another attempt. He sensed her uneasiness.
"Elizabeth," he said with a knowing smile, "you appear to me to be quite preoccupied. What can I do for you?" he asked, folding her in his arms.
She felt comforted by his touch.
"I confess that there is a matter which is weighing on me," replied Elizabeth slowly. "I want to discuss it with you, but I do not want you to become angry or unhappy."
"Well, my love," he smiled, "if I promise to do neither, will you confide in me?"
Elizabeth laughed as he pressed her body more firmly against his.
"I will," she said. His calm presence of mind was reassuring. "I received a letter today, but I am uncertain of its contents."
"You mean you did not open it?"
"No, I did not," answered Elizabeth.
"Pray, why would you not?"
"Because I do not know if it is appropriate for me to have received it," said Elizabeth, "and I want your opinion as to what I should do, whether I should read it or return it unopened."
"And why would it not be right for you to have this letter?"
"Because, sir," sighed Elizabeth, "it is from Mr. Grinly."
There was a moment of silence between them as Darcy considered the matter. His name had not been mentioned between them since their wedding.
"Here it is," said Elizabeth as she offered the letter to her husband. "Would you care to read it?"
Darcy looked at Elizabeth, then at the letter, and then to Elizabeth again, but did not take it from her.
"Elizabeth," he said with resolution, "thank you for your faith in me. Thank you for trusting me, but you see, I also trust you. The letter is addressed to you, and I think you should read it. If it contains anything you would wish to tell me, I would be happy to hear it, but if it is of a personal nature, I do not wish to intrude on your privacy."
Elizabeth shook her head and smiled at him. With every word he spoke her love for him increased.
"In that case, Fitzwilliam, will you read it with me?"
"Certainly."
They sat next to each other on a sofa near the fireplace and Elizabeth opened the letter.
SappingfordMiss Elizabeth,
Please forgive the liberty I am taking in writing to you, but as I feel confident in your regard and friendship for me, I wanted to share with you certain recent events in my life.
First of all, Constance is very well and sends her love. She does not cease to speak of you and I thank you again and again for the good influence you were in her life.
I want to thank you for the opportunity you gave me to love once more. I learned a great deal from your kindness and affection. I have recently become engaged to a lovely woman named Susannah Cook. We have known each other for many years as she is a former schoolmistress at a school that Constance attended. She has recently returned home to care for her elderly mother. She is the joy of my life and I love her ever so dearly. We will be married within the month. I am very pleased with the kindness and gentleness with which Susannah treats Constance. Constance has confided in me that she will come to love Susannah as much as she does you and approves very much of our marriage.
I wanted you to know how things stood with me. I hope that you are well and I am certain that Constance would enjoy hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Thomas Grinly
Darcy was the first to comment.
"That is wonderful news about Mr. Grinly. I am delighted for him."
"I am so happy for him and for Constance," said Elizabeth. "They both deserve to be happy and knowing that they are gives me great pleasure."
"You were very close to Constance, were you not?" asked Darcy.
"Yes, I loved her dearly. She is so intelligent and such a joy to be around. I am going to take the first opportunity to write to Mr. Grinly and wish him joy and announce our marriage. I am so pleased that he wrote." Elizabeth was silent for a moment, then she took Darcy's hand in both of hers.
"I love you very much, Fitzwilliam." She held his hand against her heart.
"I love you, too, Elizabeth. Thank you for sharing your letter with me."
The day arrived that was to take Elizabeth, Georgiana and Darcy to Pemberley. The pain of separation that Jane and Elizabeth felt was more than made up for by the anticipation of a reunion in a few months' time. Elizabeth and Darcy would soon return to Netherfield to assume their roles as godparents to the Bingley's child.
The trip was accomplished without alarm or inconvenience. Elizabeth was enchanted by her new home and spent hours wandering through its halls. Of particular interest to her was the portrait gallery where she regularly visited the paintings of Darcy's parents. Just as Georgiana had predicted, Elizabeth also discovered their mother to be a beautiful woman.
Darcy promised her that soon her own likeness would adorn the wall of the gallery and she fancied what it would look like hanging there next to his parents. Darcy's likeness already occupied a place on the wall and hers would proudly join his.
Everyday for Elizabeth was new and exciting. The happiness that she felt, occasioned by her marriage to Darcy, did not wane. Every moment she spent with her husband brought a new sense of belonging. She recalled the way she felt with him when they used to talk while she was recovering at Netherfield. The intimacy of those moments was such a joy to her, yet it paled in comparison to the love and closeness she now felt from him.
Like Jane, she felt that her life was complete. She, too, gloried in the happiness of a beloved sister and rejoiced in her own situation. Surrounded by Darcy's love and Georgiana's affection, her own happiness knew no bounds. The beauty of the estate and park of Pemberley added to her pleasures as she explored the turning of every path that wound its way through Pemberley Woods.
Epilogue
Darcy saw his own image in the face of his child, a son, born within a year of his marriage. Elizabeth quickly recovered, and gloried in the happiness her son and husband brought into her life.
Mrs. Bennet, now a grandmother for the second time, divided her time between the homes of her two grandchildren. Her nurturing instincts flourished as she assisted in the care of the infants. Her noise and selfishness lessened and she was a welcome visitor at both Netherfield and Pemberley.
Mary Bennet accepted Elizabeth's invitation to reside at Pemberley and she and Elizabeth grew as close in love and sisterly affection with each other, and with Georgiana, as any of them could wish.
The presence of love had long overwhelmed past feelings of sorrow for Elizabeth and Darcy, and everyday it grew stronger and deeper.
Twice a year the Darcy family visited the Bingleys, and on every occasion Elizabeth and Darcy walked out in the woods alone to rediscover each other by the rocks in the stream.