Even with Mr. Darcy’s help, they had limited success pinning up Elizabeth’s hair, but her chemise was on, her stays were tied, and the gown donned.
Mostly.
“Let me help you,” Mr. Darcy said, kissing her neck as he laced up the back of Elizabeth’s gown. “We don’t want you to appear ravaged when we return to Longbourn.”
“Then perhaps you should stop ravaging me now?”
“If I was to ravish you again, there would be no mistaking it.”
“Do not tempt me. It will be a trial, waiting for our wedding night.”
“It will,” Mr. Darcy said with a sigh. “I suppose we shall endure like the knights of old, kneeling on cold stone meditating on the hunger inside.”
“Goodness!” Elizabeth giggled. “Your knees cannot endure such a trial! Nor mine! I will tell them you enchanted me, and we must sign the special license tonight, with no need for ceremony.”
“Your sister’s heart will break.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Then we must wait. I would never hurt Jane.”
“And your mother will faint dead away!”
“And my father...”
“I do not want to have a duel with your father over your honor.”
“That would be something to see.”
“I would have to lose, and it would leave your father with a daughter prematurely despondent over the death of her fiancé.”
“And thoroughly ruined for any other man.”
“Decidedly.”
“I would not like to lose you. So stop doing that to my breast!” Elizabeth gasped as tiny shocks of pleasure passed through her. “I must look put together when we reach my home.”
“My lady.”
To Elizabeth’s regret, Mr. Darcy did as she asked.
Elizabeth said, “But after our wedding breakfast, I will ravish you again.”
“Will you?” Mr. Darcy spun her to face him. “I will hold you to your word.” He smiled down at her when he said it, and her cheeks warmed in response. Would she ever get used to the way he looked at her? She doubted it, and she did not want that to happen either.
His hand brushed her cheek gently.
Elizabeth smiled. “Will you stay with me until death do us part?”
“I will, my love.” Darcy whispered in response. “And beyond, if the Lord allows.”
Elizabeth leaned against him, her ear to his chest. “When I lean my head against you, listening, I hear my name beating in your heart. I have already drawn the will of my life, my love in your name.”
“That goes without saying, my love.” He wrapped his arms around her.
“May our connection remain for the length of life between us. The ceremony is only a ceremony. But this... if we were never to wed, we would be married in this moment. I want you to know that.” She hugged him tightly.
“I am already yours. Being without you is no longer possible.”
“Then let us see the world together. You will show me the wonders, and I will see the wonder of your world and mine, because my wonder will forever be you.”
They stood silently for a few seconds, until sound of hoof beats and the rattle of an approaching carriage crunching twigs forced Elizabeth to take a reluctant step away from her love.
“Blast propriety!” Mr. Darcy said, taking her hands and pulling her close to steal one last kiss.
And another.
If her gown was in disarray when the footman knocked, they could blame it on her abductors. And say no more.