Pirates and Prejudice (29 page)

“Is she awake?”
Elizabeth asked. “Should I go to her now?”

Mr. Bennet gave
a solemn nod. “Might as well get it over with. There are not many things that
will put her in good spirits as news such as this.”

Elizabeth
watched her father leave and pursed her lips. As much as this would please her
mother, Elizabeth expected she would react with vehement gushing.

Before going up,
she went to the kitchen and armed herself with a cup of steaming tea and some
sweet biscuits. She knew her mother would have her smelling salts at her side.
She then straightened, drew her shoulders back, and marched up the stairs.

When she came to
her mother’s room, she placed the cup and saucer on a nearby table and tapped
lightly on the door.

“Oh, my head!”
came the agitated voice from inside. “Hill, did you bring my tea?”

“It is Lizzy,
Mother. May I come in? I have tea and biscuits.”

Without waiting
for a response, she opened the door, picked up the cup and saucer, and entered
the dark room. She placed them on the table at her mother’s side and promptly
went to open the curtains.

“Lizzy! It is
too bright! If you have to open them, just a little.”

“Yes, Mother,
but I have something to tell you, and I wish to see your face when I do.”

“Oh, dear!
Another terrible missive has come, has it not? Where are my smelling salts?”

“They are right
at your side, where you always keep them.”

Her mother’s
face drained of all colour. “Something terrible
has
happened?”

Elizabeth gave
her head a toss, a smile forming on her lips. “No, Mother. Something wonderful
has happened. Mr. Darcy has made me an offer of marriage, and I have accepted!’

Mrs. Bennet went
rigid, the only movement being the slow widening of her eyes as she
comprehended her daughter’s words.

Elizabeth
reached for the smelling salts. “Do you need these, Mother?”

She took a deep
breath and lifted her hands towards them, but stopped. “Of course not! Why should
I need smelling salts after hearing news as wonderful as this?”

“I am glad you
are pleased!”

“Pleased? I am
ecstatic! I am… I am…” She waved her hands through the air.

“Speechless?”
Elizabeth asked with a smile.

“Heavens, no!”
Mrs. Bennet quickly sat up. “Oh, there is so much to do! Two weddings! Is this
not the finest way to start your day?”

Elizabeth had to
agree it was.

“Give me my
robe, Lizzy.” Mrs. Bennet clasped her hands together. “Imagine Mr. Darcy marrying
my Lizzy! I always thought he was the most distinguished gentleman, so gracious
and attentive.” She pointed her finger at her daughter. “I can only say it is
the most splendid thing that Mr. Adams departed. I was growing quite tired of
him. What if he had asked for your hand? I never believed him to love you! Oh,
I am so glad he is gone!”

Elizabeth sighed
and shook her head. Her wedding day could not come soon enough.

*~*~*

Later that day,
Georgiana arrived at Netherfield with her companion, Mrs. Annesley. Darcy
brought her to Longbourn without delay so she and Elizabeth could begin to
further their acquaintance before the wedding.

Since Jane had
already begun planning her wedding, Elizabeth’s main objective was to have her
dress made. Darcy arranged for the banns to be published, announcing their
upcoming nuptials, not only in the Longbourn parish, but also in his Pemberley
parish.

Darcy remained
at Netherfield a few more days before he had to depart. He made sure his sister
was well situated before he left. Mr. Bingley’s sisters had arrived, and
although he knew his sister was not particularly at ease around them, he knew
they would likely leave her alone now that there was no longer a reason to
impose themselves on her. Miss Bingley had always hoped for her brother and
Georgiana to marry, thinking that if that had occurred, she may have been able
to secure his hand in marriage. As both gentlemen were now getting married,
there was no need to ingratiate herself with the young girl. He was also confident
that Georgiana would be spending a good amount of time with his betrothed and,
therefore, would not be subjected to those two ladies.

The Gardiners
arrived the week of the wedding, just as Darcy returned. Elizabeth was pleased
to introduce them to Fitzwilliam and his sister. They shared many stories about
Pemberley and nearby Lambton, where Mrs. Gardiner grew up.

As the wedding
day drew closer, Darcy’s family descended upon Netherfield. Elizabeth enjoyed
meeting them all, but took great delight in seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam, again.
He had become a very special friend when she had met him at Rosings in the
spring.

The only person
noticeably missing was his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter,
Anne. When Elizabeth inquired about her, Darcy winced, informing her that he
had received another letter from his aunt after she had heard about his
upcoming wedding.

“What did it
say?” Elizabeth asked.

Darcy pressed
his lips together and shook his head. “She is not happy, of course. She claims
I have shown no consideration for her, her daughter, and for the reputation of
my family, and she adamantly refuses to attend such a disgraceful affair.” He
gave his head a slight toss as if to show he cared little for her accusations.
Looking up at Elizabeth and smiling, Darcy added, “Anne sent her regards in
another letter. She is delighted with my choice of bride and wishes us great
joy.”

He leaned in and
kissed the tip of Elizabeth’s nose. “I cannot believe, my dearest, loveliest,
Elizabeth, that my most heartfelt dream is going to come true.”

Chapter 29

On the day of the wedding, everyone and everything in
the Bennet household was in an uproar, mostly due to Mrs. Bennet’s nerves.
Elizabeth was grateful for her aunt’s calming presence. Mrs. Gardiner had the
unique ability to assist with the tasks Mrs. Bennet fretted over, all the while
making her believe that she was taking care of them herself. Elizabeth did not
think she and Jane would have survived the days before the wedding without her
dear aunt’s encouragement to them when they needed it most.

Elizabeth had
been pleased that she and Jane had similar tastes and were of one accord in
their wedding plans. The two men left all the decision making to their brides-to-be.
Elizabeth knew that Fitzwilliam’s only care was that they be married when they
left the church.

Despite Mrs.
Bennet’s qualms that some great catastrophe would occur, the two couples were
married in what everyone said was a lovely ceremony.

After the
wedding, everyone set out for Netherfield for the wedding breakfast. The
beautiful August day allowed the two couples to ride in open white phaetons
decorated with ribbons and flowers and drawn by stately white horses. The
procuring of the phaetons was the one arrangement Darcy insisted upon making
himself. He brought them in from a neighbouring town, wanting his bride to ride
in elegance and be shown off to everyone who saw them pass by. As Darcy drove,
he and Elizabeth enjoyed their time alone together – conversing, laughing, and
stealing kisses when no one was near to see them.

*~*~*

When they
arrived at Netherfield, the throng of well-wishers greeted them. Since the
guests included Darcy’s family and close friends, as well as those of the Bennets
and Bingleys, there were many introductions to make.

Elizabeth held
tightly onto his arm and gently encouraged him when he showed signs of fatigue
and stepped back into a reserved deportment. She knew how to invite him into
the conversation, especially when they were speaking with someone she knew
well.

The wedding
breakfast passed in a flurry of activity, and by early afternoon, many of the
guests began to take their leave. Darcy suggested to Elizabeth that they do the
same. Her mouth went dry as she contemplated what this would mean, but she was
just as eager to be alone with him as he was to be alone with her.

They bid family
and friends farewell, spending more time with the other wedding couple. Jane
and Elizabeth hugged tightly, as they knew it would be a while before they
would see each other again.

“Take care,
dearest sister,” Elizabeth said. “I know you shall be delightfully happy.”

“But how I wish
we lived closer! I shall miss seeing you.”

Elizabeth smiled
and took her hand. “Perhaps someday we shall.” They kissed and parted.

The Darcys
boarded the Pemberley carriage and waved once more to everyone as the coachman
drove away to the inn Darcy had selected. He pulled Elizabeth close and kissed
her. As he drew back, he said, “I did not think we would ever get away.”

“You were eager
to leave, then?”

Darcy eyed her
longingly. “Very much so. You know how wearisome I find these things.”

“You performed
admirably. Elizabeth lifted a brow and tilted her head; a teasing look touched
her features. “But is that the only reason you wished to leave?”

His response was
to pull her close and kiss her again.

When they drew
apart, he looked down at the necklace she wore. “Are you pleased with my gift?
I think it suits you perfectly.”

Elizabeth
fingered the diamond necklace Fitzwilliam had given her. “It is the most
beautiful thing I have ever seen, aside from the ring.” She held her hand up so
the large marquis diamond, flanked on either side by two sapphires, shone with
brilliancy.

“I thought you
would like my grandmother’s ring best.”

“You have
excellent taste, my dear Fitzwilliam.”

“Yes, I do.”
Darcy let out a contented sigh and looked into her eyes.

“And speaking of
gifts, I have one for you!”

“For me?
Elizabeth, you should not have done that!”

“And why not?” She
reached down at her feet, pulling out a wrapped parcel. She held it out to him.
“It just arrived last evening. I thought it would not get here in time.”

“What is it?”

“I believe you
must open it to find that out!” Elizabeth laughed gaily.

Elizabeth held
the bundle while Darcy slowly pulled at the ribbons. Finally growing impatient
with the slow pace in which he was proceeding, she opened it the remainder of
the way.

Elizabeth peeked
sideways at her husband as she watched him pull out a beautifully carved wooden
ship. It was a faithful replica, laden with unfurled sails and even tightly
wound cordage. He reached over and carefully ran his fingers against the
polished wood. “Elizabeth, it is beautiful!”

Elizabeth bit
her lip. “I thought it might look nice on one of the mantels and be a reminder
of our adventure.”

“It will look
splendid in the library! You could not have chosen a more perfect gift! But
this must have cost you a fortune!”

Elizabeth shook
her head, her eyes flashing with mischief. “Are you not aware that you married
a lady of great fortune? The reward for the jewels was more than enough needed
to make the purchase.”

Darcy shook his
head. “You should not have spent your money on me!”

“And why not?”
she asked. “You specifically told us we could spend the money however we
wished. Did you not?”

Darcy chuckled,
fingering a loose strand of her hair and bringing it back to the side. “You are
correct. I did say that.”

He slipped his hand
behind her neck and pulled her close. “Thank you very much, my angel!” He then
met her lips with his.

Elizabeth’s eyes
widened, and when he drew away, she exclaimed, “Angel?”

“Most
definitely! You looked just like a heavenly angel, robed in silver, as you
walked towards me this morning.” He let out a sigh of contentment and looked at
her with a wide smile.

“That will not
do, my dear Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth laughed.

His smile
wilted. “What will not do?”

“Charles has
already claimed
angel
as his endearment for Jane. You must choose
another.”

“Oh, dear,” he
replied. He eyed her from the top of her head down to her feet. “Well, if you
are not an angel, you are then the very substance of my dreams.”

Elizabeth cocked
her head. “Would that be a
remnant of your dreams
, then?” When he turned
to look at her, she pressed her finger into the corner of each of his eyes. “I
fear I see no remnant, now.”

Darcy smiled and
took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “That is because my dreams have come
true. Oh, Elizabeth, if you only knew how often you were in my dreams. If this
is a dream, I hope never to waken.”

*~*~*

They rode for
several hours, arriving late in the afternoon at the inn Darcy had selected for
their first night. The carriage door opened, and Elizabeth and Darcy stepped
out. As he walked her to the inn, Elizabeth looked about her, admiring the
secluded area surrounded by dense trees.

She smiled.
“This is lovely, Fitzwilliam!”

“I hoped you
would be pleased. There is also a lake on the other side of the inn we can walk
down to.”

“It sounds
heavenly.”

They entered the
inn, preceded by Darcy’s valet, who was securing the key to their room. The
servant then got the key to the room for him and the footman.

Darcy decided
that Elizabeth would use a lady’s maid from the inn. He wanted her to take her
time in choosing her own once they arrived at Pemberley.

The valet and
footman led the way to Darcy and Elizabeth’s room, where the footman opened the
door and stepped aside to allow them entrance. He carried in their overnight
luggage and set it down in the bedroom.

“The meal is
served in the dining room at six o’clock,” said the valet. “We are down the
hall at the end on the right. Feel free to summon us if you need us. We shall
be ready to leave by nine o’clock tomorrow morning, as you requested.”

“Thank you,”
Darcy said and closed the door.

Elizabeth looked
about her. She suddenly felt awkward and wondered what she was supposed to do.

She walked over
to the window and gazed out. “Oh! You can see the lake from here! It is
lovely!”

Darcy came up
behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “It is an easy walk down to it.
We have plenty of time to do that before dinner.” He leaned down and kissed her
on the back of her neck, then wrapped his arms about her, clasping them at her
waist.

“Yes, that would
be nice,” Elizabeth said, clasping her hands over his.

“Shall we change
into something less formal and set out? Shall I send for the lady’s maid to
assist you?”

Elizabeth moistened
her lips with her tongue and shook her head. “No, I shall not need her now.”
She directed Darcy to a large overstuffed chair. “You can wait here for me
while I get ready.” She looked nervously about her. “I shall return directly.”

Elizabeth began
to walk into the bedroom but stopped. She looked behind her at her husband.
“Would you mind terribly unbuttoning the back of my dress? In that, I believe I
do need some help.”

She watched him
slowly rise and come towards her. She turned back to look straight ahead as his
fingers seemed to fumble with the tiny buttons. Neither said a word; the only
sound Elizabeth heard was her heart pounding and Fitzwilliam’s deep breaths. As
he quickly became quite adept at unbuttoning it, she also felt his breath along
her back.

When he
finished, she felt his lips press against her back between her shoulders.

“Do you need any
more assistance?” he whispered in her ear.

Elizabeth’s
breath caught. “I… I… perhaps later.”

She quickly
walked into the bedroom and shut the door behind her. She was nervous and
filled with anticipation at the same time.

*~*~*

It was some time
before Elizabeth stepped out of the bedroom. She walked into the sitting area,
where she found Darcy holding a newspaper that his valet had left for him to read.
He did not seem to be reading, however, as he was staring at the wall.

He heard her
come in and asked, “Are you ready?” When he turned and saw her, he bolted to
his feet. “Elizabeth!” He sucked in a breath and held it, finally letting it
out in a soft whisper. “Elizabeth.” He quickly walked towards her.

She reached out
her hand, and he took it. She had no desire to walk around the lake now, and
she was fairly certain he had other things on his mind. She had gone to their
room and pulled out the sheer nightdress that her aunt had given her that
morning. She and Jane had each received one, along with a gentle talk about
what to expect that night; a talk that had been so much more beneficial than
the one their mother had given them. Elizabeth had loosened her hair from its
upward styling, allowing it to flow down her shoulders and back.

She felt very
exposed, but the reaction of her husband was well worth it. She began to pull
him closer to her, but he resisted.

“No, allow me
the pleasure of just feasting my eyes on you for a moment.”

Elizabeth felt
her cheeks blush at his perusal, but when he gave her hand a gentle squeeze,
she smiled. He drew her to him and wrapped his arms about her, stroking her
back and shoulders.

He then pulled
back and placed his hands on either side of her face. He searched her eyes and
then leaned down and met her lips in a kiss. His fingers wound their way up
through her hair and out to the ends. He pulled back and asked breathlessly,
“Are you certain, Elizabeth? It is only four thirty.”

Elizabeth looked
up at him with beguiling eyes. “I was not aware of there being any rule as to
the time one…”

Darcy pressed
his lips to hers again as he nudged her towards the bedroom. When he reached
the door, he picked her up in his arms, and then with his foot closed the door
behind them with a decisive thrust.

*~*~*

At the first
sign of light the next morning, Darcy awakened and turned to his bride. He
still could not believe she was his. The most magnificent and satisfying thing
about it was that she appeared to love and desire him just as much as he did
her! He could not now imagine what would have happened had she accepted his
first offer of marriage out of an obligation to her family or because she
merely wished to marry a man of fortune.

He let out a
sigh as he watched her sleep. Her hair was splayed across both pillows, and a
smile tugged at her lips. He thought back to the joys of yesterday and her
willing playfulness when their coming together could have been something she
had looked upon with trepidation. He was completely sated and contented.