After signing the register, Darcy led Elizabeth down the aisle of the kirk to the foyer for a private moment. He cupped her face gently, leaning in to share their first kiss as husband and wife. The kiss was tender, filled with love and promise.
Fitzwilliam cleared his throat with a grin as the newlyweds pulled apart, his amusement evident. “I suppose it is time to congratulate the happy couple,” he said, stepping forward to clasp Darcy on the shoulder and give Elizabeth’s cheek a kiss. “I have rarely seen my cousin so content. You must be quite the woman, Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth blushed at the title, her heart swelling with happiness. “I shall try to live up to it,” she replied with a smile.
Darcy wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. “You already do, my love,” he whispered in her ear, causing shivers to run down her spine.
They exited the kirk to where their carriage awaited them. Darcy helped his new wife inside, his hand lingering in hers as if he could not bear to let her go even for a moment. He followed immediately behind and took the seat next to her. Though they had often travelled this way on their way north, it was different now, for she was finally his.
Richard climbed in behind them, taking the opposite seat with a satisfied grin. “Well then,” he said, leaning back, “I suppose I shall forever be remembered as the cousin who assisted in a grand elopement.”
Darcy chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving Elizabeth as he leant down to place a lingering kiss to her hand. “A grand elopement, indeed. But one that was well worth the wait.”
Chapter Ten
FRIDAY, 11 OCTOBER 1811
PEMBERLEY
At Pemberley, Georgiana was shocked to receive an express from her brother. It was unusual for him to go to such an expense on her behalf, and she heard from the servants that Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds received a letter as well.
For a moment, she twisted her hands in nervous anticipation. Why would her brother have sent her an express? What news did he have to convey to both her and their head servants? Was something the matter? Was he injured?
As her mind conjured all manner of potential ills that had befallen him, the handkerchief that somehow appeared in her hands grew more and more twisted. Her companion, Mrs. Annesley, found her in quite a state.
“Miss Darcy, whatever is wrong?” she asked upon observing her troubled countenance.
Georgiana visibly started, having not heard her companion enter the room. “Oh, you startled me,” she cried, placing her hand on her chest as she attempted to calm her racing heart. “No, all is well, or at least I suppose it is. Truly, I do not know for I received an express from my brother and have been too worried about what it might say to read it.”
Mrs. Annesley smiled down at the girl. “It is equally possible the letter contains good news, Miss Darcy, and you will not know what to think unless you read it.”
Georgiana smiled self-consciously and shook her head. “You are correct. Will you… will you remain with me while I read it? If it is good news, I can share it with you.”
The companion smiled indulgently at her, sitting beside the girl to provide silent encouragement.
Drawing in a deep breath, Georgiana broke the seal and opened the letter.
Wednesday, 9 October 1811
Along the Great North Road
My dear Georgiana,
Four years ago, we both lost someone we cared about very much. I was disheartened when I travelled to Longbourn all those years ago and was informed that Elizabeth Bennet was engaged to another. You were likewise affected when she never wrote to either of us, and we were unable to account for it.
I met Miss Bennet, Elizabeth, again in Hertfordshire. By some twist of fate, there was an assembly in the village of Meryton the very night of my arrival. Nearly immediately, I learned that she was neither engaged nor married, despite what her father told me. We spoke and soon discovered that her father had lied to us both.
To prevent him from keeping us apart any longer, we decided to elope. Dear sister, I know that is not how things are supposed to occur, but it was unavoidable. We have already waited so long to marry—neither of us had forgotten the other—and we could not see our way forwardby any other means. I do regret that you will not be able to be here with us.
Elizabeth and I will travel first to Scotland and then to Pemberley. Depending on how our news is received by our relations, we are likely to remain at Pemberley for some time. I hope you can be happy for us, my dear sister. Your heart was broken nearly as much as mine when we lost Elizabeth, so I hope you can forgive us for not waiting for you.
Your loving brother,
Fitzwilliam
Georgiana slowly let out the breath she had been holding when she finished the letter. “My brother is to be married,” she breathed.
Mrs. Annesley took in her charge’s face and was uncertain how to respond. Her concern only grew when Georgiana burst into tears. “Come now, my child, and do not worry. There will be time for you to get to know the lady before they are wed, will there not? Your brother would want you to be comfortable with his bride.”
