Darcy's Voyage: A Tale of Uncharted Love on the Open Seas (38 page)

One month later

Darcy stood up at the front of the church at Longbourn alongside his best friend, Charles Bingley. The small chapel was filled to overflowing with guests waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Bingley looked out at the people who had become his neighbours since first coming to Netherfield. He made eye contact with several, giving them a wide grin, all the while anxious for his bride-to-be to make her way down the aisle.

In stark contrast to his ebullient friend, Darcy avoided the eyes that were upon him. He kept his eyes set on the back of the church, waiting for Elizabeth to come down. As he patiently waited for her beautiful, reassuring face to appear, he began to suffer that all too familiar sense of being scrutinized by those seated before him in the church and wished that he could disappear into the crowd unnoticed. But he could not. Not today.

Bingley and Darcy. Best friends. Soon to be brothers-in-law.

When Darcy had returned to Hertfordshire after his short stay in London the previous month, he was welcomed into the Bennet household, particularly by Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth had the sole responsibility, while her father and husband were still in town, of informing her mother that she and Mr. Darcy had married. Her father had written from London to say that Lydia was acquainted with the situation and that it would be futile to try to keep their marriage a secret any longer.

Mrs. Bennet, however, first received the news that Lydia was not to be married and bore it with great disappointment. It was all Elizabeth could do to soothe her spirits. Her mother had held such strong hopes that Mr. Wickham would marry her sweet Lydia! In her vexation and disappointment, she blamed her husband and Mr. Darcy for their interference. Elizabeth waited until she had calmed down before she told her what she knew she must.

When Elizabeth felt her mother was in a condition to attend her words, she gently told her of her marriage to Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet could not think poorly of Elizabeth’s situation, but she hardly understood why a man of Mr. Darcy’s stature and wealth would look twice at her second eldest daughter. But that he did, she considered with great pleasure, although the truth be owned, her attention dwelt a great deal more on Lydia’s disappointment than on Elizabeth’s happiness. When the reality of Elizabeth’s good fortune became clear, suddenly everything paled in comparison. Word of Elizabeth’s happy alliance spread quickly about the countryside, propelled mainly by Mrs. Bennet herself.

It was apparent to Elizabeth that her mother had no qualms about their marrying on a ship, by a captain instead of a clergyman, and she was not even disturbed that they had kept it a secret for all these months. Instead, Mrs. Bennet noted all the advantages of such an alliance; particularly that it would throw her other daughters in the path of rich gentlemen.

This day, Darcy stood alongside his best friend for the wedding. But he was not just standing up with Bingley; he and Elizabeth were going to recite their vows for all to see.

Most guests in attendance eventually knew the truth of this couple’s situation. But it was also common knowledge that the couple had not lived together as man and wife, per the fervent admonition of Mr. Bennet. As much as he graciously welcomed Darcy into the family, he did insist that their marriage be solemnized by the church first. And as the guests at the wedding looked upon the striking, but quite nervous Mr. Darcy standing at the front of the church, most had forgotten that he and Miss Elizabeth Bennet had been married for several months already.

Darcy had agreed to abide by Mr. Bennet’s constraint for another month’s separation to ensure that there would be no scandal to besmirch the union, given its unusual start. Fortunately for Darcy, the month passed quickly, as plans for the ceremony took precedence over all other things. He satisfied himself, however, with stolen kisses along solitary walks with Elizabeth and whispered endearments during dinner engagements.

Among those looking up at the two men in the front of the church was Miss Caroline Bingley. It had been her brother who had the daunting task of informing her that the man for whom she had harboured longtime hopes was married to Elizabeth, and had been for some time. She took the news as one would expect she would, making inane comments about how London society would appreciate the new Mrs. Darcy’s attempt to bring country dances to the ton and how she had never understood what women saw in Mr. Darcy anyway.

Noticeably missing was Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She still stung from her nephew’s rebuke and had not reconciled in her mind the need to apologize to his wife. The unfortunate consequence of her decision was that Darcy’s cousin, Anne, could not be in attendance. Truly glad for her cousin to have found a wife he so greatly loved, she sent along her best wishes and apologies for her mother’s cruel and unrepentant attitude. She hoped in time Lady Catherine would see the error of her ways and accept the woman he had married, and expressed a wish to meet Elizabeth as soon as could be arranged.

The lingering disturbance Darcy felt over his aunt’s actions and her adamant refusal to attend today’s ceremony was reasonably assuaged by the support and attendance of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and his family. Darcy’s uncle could offer no excuse for his sister’s behaviour and had no reason to question Darcy’s good judgment in matters of the heart.

Just when Darcy felt he could no longer abide the scrutinizing eyes of the people in the church, Elizabeth and Jane began to walk down the aisle, escorted on their father’s arms. Everyone’s attention turned from him to the beautiful women slowly walking toward the two gentlemen. Elizabeth walked intently toward the man waiting up front for her, the man who had waited patiently for almost six months for this day to come to pass when she would, in the eyes of God and society, truly become his wife.

Darcy’s heart made a leap as the trio came toward him. For those who previously had witnessed only Darcy’s controlled demeanour, it came as quite a surprise to see him with a full-fledged, albeit nervous, smile, returning the warm and reassuring one Elizabeth gave him as she approached closer.

Seeing her so close yet still out of his reach, nothing could prevent Darcy from stepping forward to bridge the final distance and taking Elizabeth from her father’s side, bringing her alongside himself. Bingley remained firmly planted, eyes wide and a resolute grin etched firmly on his face, as he waited for Jane to take those final steps to reach him. That he displayed a more open admiration was apparent. But at that moment, Meryton society got a small glimpse of the regard that the stoic and proper Mr. Darcy obviously held for his bride.

Darcy and Elizabeth recited their vows again to one another, promising to love one another and remain faithful through all the seasons of their life. Darcy spoke with determination, not taking his eyes off the woman to whom he was making these vows, consumed by the depth of his love and admiration for Elizabeth. This time, Elizabeth spoke each vow with warm conviction, treasuring in her heart all she was saying. When the vows had been recited, he placed a simple elegant ring on her wedding finger and a tender kiss on her lips. Then they were pronounced man and wife… again.

Netherfield hosted the wedding breakfast, and to Elizabeth’s amusement, Darcy displayed a constant impatience to leave for London. Bingley and Jane’s plans were to remain at Netherfield and to take a short journey up north after a few days. Elizabeth did not envy her sister having to remain in a household spilling over with visiting friends and family, although she was aware that going to Darcy’s townhome in London, which she had never visited before, was going to be awkward enough. Having never met the staff there, she was certain she would be under the strictest scrutiny.

One of the first people eager to meet Mrs. Darcy at the wedding breakfast was Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. After Lady Catherine departed London that day a month ago, the two cousins did a great deal of talking, mostly pertaining to Elizabeth. Richard had never seen his cousin so happy and content and looked forward with great anticipation for the opportunity to finally meet her.

When Darcy had departed London to return to Hertfordshire, Richard was required to report back to duty the following day. He only arrived for the wedding late the previous night, so this was the first occasion he had to meet Elizabeth.

Colonel Fitzwilliam watched the couple intently as they stood side by side during the wedding. He was amused that Darcy was unable to keep his eyes off Elizabeth. He was understandably sympathetic to his cousin’s attachment to this fine lady. She met her husband’s gaze with a lively one of her own, and Richard felt a sudden tug of jealousy that he had yet to find a woman so worthy.

At length, Darcy brought Elizabeth over to meet his cousin, who took her gloved hand and kissed it, all the while keeping his eyes lifted to hers.

“Mrs. Darcy, I have long desired to make your acquaintance.”

Elizabeth smiled at this reasonably handsome man, noting several similarities in his features to those of her husband. “I am pleased to finally meet the man my husband holds in the highest regard.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam gave a slight bow and smiled. “And I am steadfastly able to say the same about his regard for you, Mrs. Darcy. My cousin spoke admiringly of you while in London. Indeed, I can see the truth of his words.”

“Thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam. You are too kind.”

He put up his hand. “No formalities, please. Please be so kind as to call me Richard.”

“And I shall be Elizabeth to you.”

Darcy enjoyed listening to the repartee between his cousin and his wife and then watched curiously as his cousin leaned over to whisper something in her ear. His eyes narrowed as he overheard the words Richard deliberately spoke loudly enough for him to hear.

“Elizabeth, may I prevail upon you, the next occasion that we meet, to visit with you on some of my cousin’s peculiarities. While he may convey a most disciplined and upright comportment to most, I do have many stories I could share with you of his most unconventional behaviour at times.”

Elizabeth laughed merrily at Richard’s words and her husband’s grimace. “I should very much enjoy comparing notes with you, Richard.”

There were many more introductions that morning between family members and acquaintances. It was with great relief, then, that they were finally able to sit down to enjoy the breakfast. Darcy relished these few moments of reprieve from having to endure the social strictures of meeting so many new people. He was simply able enjoy his wife’s company and those few more intimate friends and family who were seated around him. He found himself finally able to relax for the first time that morning.

Following the wedding breakfast, when Elizabeth felt that they had remained long enough to be deemed proper and acceptable, she gave her husband the nod he had been waiting for.

Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy bade farewell to all the well-wishers. Although Mrs. Bennet was put out that they seemed inclined to leave the gathering so hastily, she felt great satisfaction in her heart knowing that this daughter, her husband’s favourite—whom she had always slighted because of her jealousy for Mr. Bennet’s affection—had secured their future by marrying a man of more than abundant means.

Before leaving, Elizabeth sought out Jane and when she found her, the two brides, who were also the closest of sisters and friends, embraced. They promised they would write to one another often. They were fully aware that they would now be separated again, as they had been when Elizabeth had travelled to America. Both Jane and Elizabeth secretly hoped that someday Charles would see fit to find a home an easy distance from Pemberley so the two families could reside near each other.

Elizabeth then sought out Georgiana, who felt deeply the imminent separation from her brother and his wife. She knew it would be temporary, but she had grown extremely close to Elizabeth during that month. As Elizabeth came toward her to bid her farewell, Georgiana fell into her arms in tears.

“Please forgive me, Elizabeth,” Georgiana said through her sobs. “I am truly happy for you, both. But I shall miss you; miss our talks.”

“Truly, Georgiana, I am of the same mind,” Elizabeth replied.

Darcy walked up and asked, “Are you ready, my love?”

Elizabeth nodded. She turned back to Georgiana and gave her an ardent hug. “I shall look forward to our return to Pemberley and seeing you there, Georgiana. Remember, we both love you.”

Tears came again to Georgiana’s eyes. “And I love you both, too.”

When Elizabeth stepped away from Georgiana, Darcy took the opportunity to embrace her. “We shall not be away too long, Georgiana. You be a good girl now for Lord and Lady Matlock, do you understand?” He pulled away and lifted her chin up with his fingers.

Georgiana smiled and nodded at her brother for his most fatherly display.

Darcy turned before she could see the tears coming to his eyes.

Darcy and Elizabeth walked out to the waiting carriage amongst the hugs and salutations of all their well-wishers. As it pulled away slowly, they turned toward the window and waved one final farewell to everyone.

When they were at last out of sight, Darcy turned back to Elizabeth with a look of anticipation.

“May I ask just what you are thinking, my dearest husband?”

He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing several kisses on it. He held it there as he spoke, and she could feel the warmth of his breath and the light touch of his lips brush against it. “My dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth. I am thinking that this day, which I have so long awaited, is finally here. I fear even to turn my head from you, lest I look back and find you gone and that this blessed day has only been a dream.”

“It is not a dream, William.”

The sight of her seated next to him, her eyes sparkling with love, her lips so inviting, parted in a smile that seemed to call out to him; her fragrance, permeating his senses… He slowly turned and kissed the open palm of her hand and then took her face in both of his.