Page 63 of Midnight at Pemberley

Darcy slowly rose from the chair. His whole body responded to her entrance. Like the flame and the moth, she enticed him simply by walking into the room. Speaking softly but firmly, he said, “Bingley, may I present my wife.”

“Your wife?” Bingley exclaimed. Before he could recover from the shock, he asked, “When?”

“Three days ago,” Elizabeth said sweetly, a hint of amusement playing across her face as she moved to where Darcy stood. “Please return to your seats, gentlemen. I simply came to welcome you to our home, Mr. Bingley.” She stood beside Darcy as Bingley sat down quickly.

Darcy took her hand and brought the back of it to his lips. “I was just about to divulge our surprise to Bingley when you joined us, my dear.”

“I apologize for interrupting you, my husband.”

“Please join us, Elizabeth.” He seated her beside Bingley.

Elizabeth poured the tea as Darcy began his explanation. “Bingley, I should have shared my situation with you before we departed Netherfield, but under the circumstances of two deaths, I could not speak of it. I presented my plight to Elizabeth the night of your ball. However, because of the gruesome discovery of Miss King’s body, Elizabeth could not provide me with an answer.” He paused to accept the tea Elizabeth offered him. “Knowing I was leaving with you, she sent her response by courier. Fortunately, the man she dispatched met Lucas along the road. Lucas, sent on another task, brought me news from Georgiana of the Earl of Matlock’s arrival in London on family business. She had no idea we had departed Netherfield on the same morning. As fate would have it, coincidentally, we all met on the road to London. When I read Elizabeth’s message, I immediately returned to claim her hand. Once I held Mr. Bennet’s permission, I moved heaven and earth to make the wedding happen before Christmas. Mrs. Darcy’s aunt and uncle graciously arranged for her to marry in their home parish, and the Matlocks witnessed our joining.”

Elizabeth said with a customary teasing tone, “As you well know, Sir, Mr. Darcy can be very persuasive.”

Bingley regained his composure. “Permit me to wish you happy. You have claimed a fortuitous match.”

“It is fortunate, Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth said calmly, “that my dear William and I hold each other in deep affection.”

Bingley flushed in embarrassment. “I meant no offense.”

“No offense is taken,” Elizabeth reassured him. “I expect you are simply surprised by the speed of our courtship.”

Darcy explained, “I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation of my affection. I was in the middle before I knew I had begun.” He sipped his tea.

“After you and William saved me from my attacker, I became dependent on him. I think his tender care eliminated any doubts I held.” Elizabeth added.

“Mrs. Darcy and I married while his lordship was in Town, for it was important to me to have my mother’s brother both witness and bless my joining. Colonel Fitzwilliam stood up with me, as he and his parents graciously attended the ceremony. In fact, Georgiana returned to Matlock with my aunt and uncle earlier today. Elizabeth and I will leave for Pemberley the first part of next week. I was remiss in informing you of my change in marital status. It was shameful of me. I neglected my friends. Forgive me. I pray you will think my happiness is well worth my lack of information. The festive days are upon us and I wish to welcome the new year with the promise of happiness, at last.”

Bingley shifted uncomfortably. “It is perfectly understandable, Darcy.” He chuckled self-consciously. “Seeking you out was a reasonable excuse not to follow my sisters to Hampshire. In reality, I should thank you for aiding my escape.”

Elizabeth stood. “I will leave you to your conversation.” She returned her cup to the tray. “I hope you will join us for supper, Sir.”

“Mrs. Darcy, I cannot intrude on you so soon after your wedding.”

“Nonsense, Mr. Bingley. It is the least my dear William can offer you after causing worry. Moreover, my husband graciously encourages me to share our new home with my aunt and uncle. He realizes I will miss my family when we depart for Pemberley. With your permission, William, I would send word around to Gracechurch Street.”

“Charming idea. The Gardiners are excellent company, and you will wish to share the house with Miss Bennet. She must report to your mother regarding whether you are truly satisfied with your situation or not.”

“Miss Bennet is in London?” Bingley asked in surprise.

“My sister accompanied me to my uncle’s house.”

“I will be pleased to see Miss Bennet again.”

Elizabeth smiled at Darcy. “After I draft the invitation, I will speak to Mrs. Perkins about the menu.” She curtsied. “I shall be in my sitting room if you have a need of me. I must wrap the packages to send home with Jane.” Elizabeth touched Darcy’s cheek in a loving gesture before turning to his friend. “Until later, Mr. Bingley.”

Elizabeth’s thoughts drifted to her husband. She missed him. He was below with his friend, but she missed him. She sighed in resignation and peered down into the withered garden. But, as if she conjured him up with a wish, a light tapping on the door brought Darcy. Just his presence brightened the room, and she bestowed a full smile on him. “Mr. Darcy,” she greeted him, coming to her feet.

He appeared pleased to see her. “Ah, there you are, Elizabeth.”

“You required me, Sir?” She gazed at him lovingly.

Slowly he closed the door behind him and set the lock. “Mrs. Darcy,” his voice came out a bit raspy, “I always require you.”

Elizabeth rushed into his welcoming arms. Darcy lifted Elizabeth to him and held her close. She snuggled into him, resting her head against his chest. “I know it is the most absurd foolishness,” she whispered as he lifted her higher, “but I was just considering how very dear you are to me.”

“Oh, my dearest Elizabeth,” he murmured, his lips resting above hers. “Nothing is as right as you in my arms.”