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The two days between Elizabeth’s birthday and the wedding were busy. The day after her birthday, the Gardiners, as well as Lord and Lady Matlock, arrived from town. Everyone was invited to Netherfield to dine that evening. Elizabeth and Jane both had to pack all their clothes and personal items in preparation for their moves to their new homes. Elizabeth wished to see several of the tenants, especially the children, before departing for Pemberley.
Mrs. Bennet relentlessly demanded their attention with last-minute details. It took all of Jane’s talents and Elizabeth’s patience to calm her when she began to second-guess the plans she had made. Fortunately for the two brides to be, Mrs. Gardiner convinced their mother to allow her to speak to the girls about what to expect on their wedding night. Though Mr. Bennet had been paying more attention to his wife since his brush with death, their relationship was still not one Elizabeth or Jane wished to emulate. The marriage of the Gardiners, however, was a different story. Mrs. Gardiner was both sensitive and sensible in her explanation and answered any questions with patience.
One morning, Elizabeth and William took a final walk to Oakham Mount, and then Elizabeth devoted an afternoon to visiting with her father in his study. They spoke of many topics—except her wedding—and played a game or two of chess.
Now the big day was here. The first rays of sunshine were creeping around the curtains when Elizabeth Bennet opened her eyes. As she stretched, the realization of the day swept over her. I am getting married today! She thought back to the day almost a year ago when she had first laid eyes on William. Immediately she had found herself drawn to him until she had overheard his opinion of her. The relationship had suffered from several ups and downs and misunderstandings. They had come a long way since then.
Now Elizabeth could not imagine her life without William in it. Never had Elizabeth expected to find someone she could love and who would accept her as she was. Elizabeth loved William dearly and looked forward to the life they would build together.
Checking the clock on the mantel, Elizabeth realized that if she hurried she should be able to take a short walk before she needed to prepare for the wedding. She donned an old dress and braided her hair before grabbing a bonnet and shawl. She slipped quietly down the stairs and out through the kitchen door.
The morning air was slightly cool, and little white clouds dotted the brilliant blue sky above. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves and birdsong filled the air. Here and there, flowers still bloomed, and the leaves had not yet changed their colors. Elizabeth made her way in the direction of Netherfield, stopping atop a rise from where she could view the house. She had no plans to meet William this morning, and she wondered if he was awake yet. From this distance she could not see anyone stirring, so turned towards home to begin her preparations.
After bathing and washing her hair, Elizabeth joined her family for breakfast. When the meal was over, Mrs. Gardiner offered to assist her in dressing, as Mrs. Bennet planned to help Jane.
Once in her undergarments, Elizabeth sat before the mirror at the dressing table while Mrs. Gardiner’s maid dressed her hair. “I am so pleased for you, Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “You and Mr. Darcy are well suited and obviously very much in love.”
“I have you to thank for that. If you had not invited me to join you on your trip north during the summer, I would most likely have never seen Mr. Darcy again, and Mr. Bingley might never have returned to Hertfordshire.”
“Oh, I think you would have met again at some point, for you seem destined to be together.”
“I am glad I do not have to wait to find out if you might be correct. William is the best man I know, and I could not be any happier than I am now. I cannot wait to marry him.”
“Well, you do not have to wait long.”
“What do ye think of yer hair, miss?” asked the maid.
Elizabeth turned her head from side to side, watching her reflection in the mirror. “It has never looked lovelier. Thank you.” The maid bobbed a curtsey, then stepped to the closet, returning with Elizabeth’s wedding dress. The maid and Mrs. Gardiner eased it down over Elizabeth’s head without disturbing her hair. As the maid fastened the tiny buttons on the back of the dress, Mrs. Gardiner assisted Elizabeth with her gloves and bonnet.
They descended to the parlor to wait until it was time to depart. The three younger girls were the only ones present, but Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner entered almost on Elizabeth’s heels. Her sisters were already crowded around her, exclaiming over her dress.
Mr. Bennet was finally able to get a glimpse of his favorite daughter on her special day, and the sight brought tears to his eyes. “You look lovely, Lizzy.”
“Indeed, you do,” agreed her uncle.
Mrs. Bennet bustled into the room, practically dragging Jane with her. Again, the sisters gathered to admire one another, but Mrs. Bennet soon put a stop to it. “It is time to leave for the church. We do not wish to be late and allow the gentlemen any time to change their minds.” Mary, Kitty, and Lydia groaned at their mother’s ill-conceived comment, while Jane and Elizabeth merely shared a smile at her silliness. They knew the gentlemen would wait forever if necessary, but they were happy to depart and eager to see their grooms. The five daughters rode in the Bennet carriage while Mr. and Mrs. Bennet rode with the Gardiners.
As the sisters had grown much closer over the past few weeks, Elizabeth and Jane had not been able to choose one or even two to stand with them when they married. Consequently, the elder girls decided that all three of the younger sisters would attend the brides. Because of that, Richard Fitzwilliam stood up with his cousin Darcy. Bingley also had a cousin attend him, and lastly, a mutual friend from university stood up for both gentlemen.
Mr. Gardiner escorted both his wife and sister to their places. When the music began, Francis Hayward, the university friend, escorted Lydia to the front of the church. Kitty followed with Mr. Robert Bingley and then Colonel Fitzwilliam walked with Mary. Lastly, Mr. Bennet traversed with Elizabeth and Jane to the gentlemen waiting not so patiently at the altar.
The Bennet sisters looked like a bouquet of pastel flowers as they stood together before the congregation. Jane, wearing blue, stood between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. On Darcy's other side, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia stood together, dressed respectively in yellow, green, pink, and lavender.
The wedding went smoothly, and before they knew it, Reverend Carter was pronouncing the couples husband and wife and saying the last of the prayers. After signing the register, the two couples, oblivious to all others present, walked out to the waiting carriage and climbed in for the short ride to Netherfield Park.
Mrs. Bennet had certainly outdone herself with the arrangements for the wedding breakfast. The Netherfield ballroom looked even more spectacular than it had during the ball the previous autumn. Many of the locals were in awe at the fact that an earl and countess were in attendance. Everyone was eager to speak with the newlyweds, but occasionally there were a few murmurs questioning the absence of the Hursts and Miss Bingley.
Finally, after a sumptuous meal, many toasts, and even a few dances, the time came for Darcy and Elizabeth to depart. They would be spending the first night at Darcy House before making the trip to Pemberley. Georgiana would travel back to town with the Matlocks, who were also departing, so that Mr. and Mrs. Bingley could enjoy their wedding night without having guests to entertain. Mrs. Bennet, never one to miss a chance to show off her remaining daughters, invited Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hayward to stay the night with them before they returned to their homes. With Elizabeth’s and Jane’s rooms empty, space would be available for the additional guests.
It was late afternoon on the fourth day after their wedding when Darcy’s well-sprung carriage crested a hill and pulled to a halt. He jumped down and turned to Elizabeth. His large hands wrapped around her small waist as he lifted her down to stand beside him. They walked closer to the edge of the hill and looked at Pemberley, spread out in the valley below them.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Darcy.” From where he stood behind her, William whispered the words in Elizabeth’s ear, his arms around her waist.
“I cannot believe I am to be mistress of such a magnificent place.”
“It is a very special place to me, but before your arrival it was just a large building. Now it will be a home.” Darcy nuzzled her neck before continuing, “Hopefully, the sounds of our children will soon fill the halls.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed at his words, but she replied daringly. “Shall we go practice making those children?” She looked over her shoulder and cocked her brow at her husband.
In answer to her question, Elizabeth felt Darcy’s lips descend towards hers. The next thing she knew, he lifted her off her feet and stepped up into the carriage, never breaking the kiss. Though they paused for breath on occasion, the kissing continued until they felt the carriage roll to a halt.
The footman put down the step and opened the carriage door. Darcy exited the carriage before turning towards and assisting Elizabeth. Without appearing to rush, Darcy introduced Elizabeth to the main members of the staff and promised further introductions on the morrow. Then he swept his wife into his arms and carried her over the threshold. Still holding her against his chest, he took the stairs two at a time before turning down a hallway. In the entryway below, the staff could hear the laughter of the master and new mistress float back to them. Everyone smiled and, with a word from Mrs. Reynolds, scattered to their respective responsibilities.
As she stood staring at the empty staircase, the housekeeper gave a contented sigh. “He is finally happy, and Pemberley will be a home once again.”
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THE BEGINNING
