“Cousin, if I was not the happiest man in the world this day, I might call you out for your references to my cowardice.” Darcy was in a good mood. “In reality, Edward, I could not be here today without your good counsel. You were more than a cousin; you were my salvation. I pray you and Anne live long and are happy.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I wish you and Elizabeth the best life has to give.You won an amazing woman.”
“Will you escort Georgiana back to Pemberley after the ceremony?”
“Back to Pemberley? Will you not be in London for the Festive Season?”
“Elizabeth and Georgiana want to be at Pemberley. It is time to stop grieving for my parents.”
“Fitzwilliam, you will be fine. Elizabeth will help make Pemberley greater than it ever was.”
“I hope to have a small gathering at New Year’s. Would you and Anne consider being our guests?”
“I will not promise; much needs to be finalized at Rosings, but we will try.”
“You and Anne are always welcome in my home; come any time, Edward.” Darcy looked around nervously. “I believe it is nearly time to begin.” Edward hugged Darcy, slapping him on the back several times. Both men had gigantic grins as they moved into the church.
“Fitzwilliam,” Georgiana came forward and lightly kissed his cheek, “I just saw Elizabeth; she is the most beautiful bride ever. The lace delicately frames her face; she looks like an angel.”
Darcy could not imagine Elizabeth looking more beautiful than she did this morning walking toward him out of the mist; the passion rushed through him. “Georgiana, you are prejudiced on Elizabeth’s behalf.”
“’True, Fitzwilliam. I am nearly as anxious as are you.”
“I doubt that,” he laughed lightly.“Edward will accompany you back to Pemberley.”
“The colonel and I will take great pride in singing your praises, Fitzwilliam,” she giggled as she hugged him one last time.
Darcy and Bingley took their places at the front of the church. Moments later a hush fell over the congregation, and Darcy turned to see Mr. Bennet with Jane on one arm.Then his gaze fell on Elizabeth on the other side. She looked exquisite! The fine muslin and white satin drape of the dress hung close to her body revealing her curves. The dress scalloped round the bottom was finished with a green ribbon twist.The delicate lace she chose to trim her bonnet also decorated the long sleeves, which were scalloped to correspond with the bottom of the dress and ornamented with more green ribbon. A green silk sash encircled her waist. Green ribbons accented the neckline, and green beaded hairpins peppered her close curls. The diamonds and emeralds glistened as they caressed the soft indentation of her neck, and the green of her eyes piercedhis soul; Darcy was not sure, but he thought he let out a moan. Then she was by his side. Mr. Bennet took her hand and placed it in Darcy’s, and he accepted the love she gave him this day.
Remembrances of the actual ceremony were not to be had; Darcy was too busy looking down at Elizabeth’s face, noting again the thickness of her lashes, the blush of her cheeks, and the ghost of a grin playing about her lips. Flashbacks of the past year—the assembly, her singing at Lucas Lodge, Elizabeth’s mud-covered petticoat, the Netherfield Ball, the walks at Rosings, her initial refusal, the lawn at Pemberley, her acceptance—danced through his head. When asked, Darcy’s resonant “I will” brought titters from some of the younger town girls and a loud sigh of disgust from Miss Bingley, but other than that, nothing remarkable happened. Both couples retired to Longbourn following the proceedings for the traditional wedding breakfast. Mrs. Bennet was the “perfect” hostess for a “perfect” reception; at least in her opinion, everything was “perfect.” She managed to marry off her eldest daughters to two of the area’s most eligible bachelors. “Oh, Mr. Bennet, we are so blessed—three daughters married.”
Mr. Bennet looked less enthusiastic than did his wife. Although Jane would be close by at Netherfield, his Lizzy would be far away in Derbyshire. Mr. Bennet learned to respect Mr. Darcy over the past few weeks, but that would not lessen his feelings of loss. Kissing his daughter’s forehead, Mr. Bennet’s eyes welled up. “Lizzy, this house will be so lonely without your laughter; I will miss you child.”
“Papa, no one will replace you in my heart. I will always be your Lizzy.” She kissed him on the cheek.
“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet cleared his throat as he turned to his new son, “Elizabeth is very special; I expect you to respect her worth and to protect her from any harm.”
“I will, Mr. Bennet.Trust me; I will.” Darcy spoke softly as the charge from Mr. Bennet was solemn; the man was losing his favorite child, and Darcy understood his sentiment.
Never comfortable in large gatherings, Darcy accepted the congratulationsof each guest with as much civility as anyone recalled seeing him do. Being always no more than an arm’s length from Elizabeth throughout the gathering helped him persevere. His arm often slipped around her waist to keep her close to him; she rewarded Darcy with smiles, which reflected her happiness. A squeeze of his hand reminded him in a few more minutes they would be alone on the road to London. Each time she did so increased the intensity of Darcy’s gaze directed exclusively toward Elizabeth.
They were standing close together whispering endearments when the Bingley sisters approached to offer their respects. “Miss Eliza,” Caroline Bingley began,“you look lovely today.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. Being so deeply in love makes it easy for one to appearlovely.” Elizabeth smirked.
“Congratulations go to you, Mr. Darcy.” Caroline did not mean what she said, and disappointment laced her voice.
“Thank you, Miss Bingley, for your congratulations; I must agree with you; Mrs. Darcy is beautiful. Of course, I always thought she hadfine eyes.They pierced my soul.” He enjoyed being part of his wife’s cut.
“Yes, I recall your saying as such on several occasions.” Caroline bit the words.
“Did you really, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth turned to her new husband and feigned innocence.
Darcy looked down at her lush lips and nearly drank of their sweetness in front of everyone. Caroline and Louisa stepped back slightly as if they invaded their privacy.“I believe, Mrs. Darcy, I saw no face but yours since the assembly at Meryton.” He pulled her closer.
“Miss Eliza,” Caroline fought for Darcy’s attention even if it meant speaking to his wife,“is your necklace a family heirloom?”
“It is, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth enjoyed baiting the woman, and Darcy knew Caroline did not stand a chance.
