At Darcy House, the preparations were more easily done. While both of her aunts and Georgiana were assisting the maid, they allowed the maid to do what was needed without causing the bride too much concern.
By half past nine, almost everyone had arrived for the wedding. The kitchens were putting the final touches on the wedding breakfast, and servants had moved most of Mr. Darcy’s things into his new room. Elizabeth’s things were already there,although she was dressing in the guest room she had used before. The ladies left her alone for a few minutes to check on the decorations in the library and the dining room.
Georgiana also checked to ensure her trunk was ready to be taken to Matlock House, where she would stay for the next fortnight so William and Elizabeth could have a honeymoon. Since William did not intend to leave his rooms for the first week, he had thought it best Georgiana had some company during that time.
Just before ten, Edward Gardiner knocked on his niece’s door to escort her downstairs. When she opened the door, it took several attempts before he could speak.
“You look beautiful, Lizzy,” her uncle said.
She smiled at him. “Thank you. Shall we go down?”
He escorted her downstairs and to the library doors. Two footmen opened the doors, and they entered the room.
William had to remind himself to breathe. When her uncle placed her hand in his, he squeezed it and whispered, “You take my breath away, Elizabeth. You are stunning.”
“That’s a far cry from ‘merely tolerable’, William,” she teased quietly. He groaned at the reference to his initial slight of her, and she became serious, “Thank you, my love. The emeralds are beautiful.”
The ceremony was blessedly short, and soon enough, the archbishop declared them man and wife, and he turned to her before capturing her mouth briefly in a kiss, aware of the audience. Family members approached them to offer their congratulations. Darcy had his back slapped at least once byevery male family member in attendance. Soon enough, the earl and countess lead the way to the dining room for the wedding breakfast, but William put his hand out to hold Elizabeth back.
Instead of leaving the library, he pulled her into his study and immediately captured her mouth in an ardent kiss. “Finally, Mrs. Darcy, I have you alone. Do you think we will be missed at the wedding breakfast?”
She laughed lightly. “I think our families might notice if we did not appear. A couple of hours more, William, and then we will be alone for a sennight.”
He sighed, kissed her again chastely, and then escorted her into the dining room. Their lateness had been noticed but was not commented on, although Richard winked at Darcy.
Breakfast was a joyous celebration, and Elizabeth enjoyed speaking with the archbishop, as well as the other members of her new family. It felt strange to be marrying without at least Jane in attendance, but overall, she was ecstatic to finally be married to William.
When everyone finished eating, they repaired to the drawing room for a time before the cake was served. When Mr. Gardiner announced he needed to depart for a business meeting, others began to withdraw as well. Within half an hour, William and Elizabeth were left alone in the house.
He grinned at her. “Well, Mrs. Darcy, would you like to check on the progress in our rooms?”
She laughed at his rather obvious ploy. “Would you like the housekeeper to join us so she can take notes on any changes still needed?”
William growled. “I would prefer she not attend us just now. I rather hoped to have you all to myself.” He moved to stand before her and pull her out of her chair. He proceeded to pick her up into his arms and carried her upstairs, only setting her on her feet when they reached his room.
He paused. “If you would like time to prepare yourself, I will call your maid to attend to you and escort you into your rooms.” His eyes grew dark. “But if you would allow me, I would like to play lady’s maid for you this afternoon.”
Elizabeth smiled lovingly at her new husband. “William,” she breathed, remembering what both of her aunts had said about trusting. “I would be delighted for you to assist me.”
When he grinned, she knew she had made the correct choice. He began to undo her buttons, kissing her skin as it was exposed. Her dress was simple, but there were still many buttons and ties that had to be carefully handled. However, before too much time had passed, she was dressed only in her shift, and he was gazing at her admiringly.
He kissed her again as he had in the study, and when he finally released her, both were breathing hard.
“You, my dear, have too many clothes on,” she commented.
He laughed as he reached to untie his cravat.
Sometime later, when he woke, Elizabeth was wrapped tightly in his arms. He pushed up on one elbow and watched his new wife sleep. After several minutes of observation, she woke and smiled when she noticed him. “Hello, love,” she said sleepily, eliciting a matching smile from him.
He kissed her then until her stomach grumbled. He laughed. “Should I request a meal served in our sitting room, dearest?”
“I think you had better,” she replied when his stomach grumbled. They both laughed, and he got up to ring for a servant. She blushed slightly to see him thus but recovered quickly. While he spoke to whoever answered through the door, she fumbled around looking for her robe but remembered that it was likely in her dressing room, several rooms away. As she considered what to do, she failed to realise her husband was watching her.
“Is there something you need, my dear?” he asked, his concern evident in his voice.
She blushed. “It is nothing, really, but I just realised my robe is several rooms away, and I cannot rise from this bed as I am.”
He grinned at her. “You can,” he said slowly.
