The Darcys stayed tucked away at Pemberley for the entirety of the following week. They rarely left their rooms during the first couple of days. Both gained a greater appreciation of their love as they began to confide intimate details of their lives, Elizabeth more so than her husband. For after living in his homes for over a year and a half, Elizabeth was all too familiar with Darcy’s closest relations, their idiosyncrasies, and their expectations of him. Darcy, however, had not been in the company of her family since their earlier acquaintance in Hertfordshire. He was completely oblivious to the trials she had suffered at Longbourn. Elizabeth had grown so accustomed to confiding her innermost hopes and fears in no one other than Jane, and so it had been all her life. It profoundly touched Elizabeth when Darcy confessed to her that his greatest wish was that she would let him be the one she turned to. She was eager to share everything with him. Now, it seemed, her husband held that coveted role of friend and confidant in her life. Darcy understood as Elizabeth expressed her deepest concern to him.
“I did not miss the fact that your mother thought very little of me, but then again, I did nothing to court her good opinion. I promise you that I will attempt to make up for that when she visits with us,” he said, when Elizabeth spoke of her mother’s abhorrence towards him.
“I am afraid you do not know my mama. It is not that she merely dislikes you. She is not easily swayed.”
“You underestimate my charms, I see. I believe I can be quite persuasive.”
“Careful, sir,” she expressed, “too much of the famous Darcy charm and Mama might insist upon residing here at Pemberley with us.”
“I understand. Nonetheless, I want you to be certain that your family, all of your relations, are welcome here at Pemberley for as long as they wish to stay. The dowager house has remained undisturbed for far too long.”
“I appreciate that, more than you know, but I sometimes think that one can actually be settled too near one’s family. In such cases as this, no cause is better served by good roads. Where there is a fortune which makes the travelling cost unimportant, distance becomes no evil. What with your fortune, I should imagine the long journey to Hertfordshire is a trifling pursuit at best,” she spoke with a smile.
“Then, that settles it. We will do all that we can in assuring that your mother lives comfortably, but she must continue to live far, far away in Hertfordshire,” he teased.
“Thank you. I love you, Mr. Darcy.” She was glad that he understood her apprehensions as regarded her mother and would not let that affect his esteem.
“Mr. Darcy?” he echoed.
“William... I love you, William.”
Soon Darcy found it necessary to work with his steward in preparation for his planned absence from Pemberley for the rest of the summer into early fall, as well as finish the arrangements for the wedding journey. This left Elizabeth with much time on her hands. Having resided at Pemberley for months, Elizabeth was no stranger to the overall workings of the great estate. She began to meet with Mrs. Reynolds daily to become familiar with the details of the household administration. She enjoyed an excellent relationship with Mrs. Reynolds, one that she was eager to keep up, for she recognised the value of having her as a strong ally. Elizabeth also recognised the importance of maintaining a strict routine in the household management. She was impressed with Mrs. Reynolds’s seemingly effortless rule. Elizabeth accepted that for the foreseeable future, what with the extended honeymoon they were about to take, Mrs. Reynolds would continue to manage the household. Still she was eager to learn all that she could, so that she might take over her responsibilities as mistress immediately upon her return.
The next several days were spent thus. Darcy and Elizabeth generally slept late, as newly-weds ought and separated for a few hours during the day to attend to estate and household matters. They promptly reunited to enjoy leisurely afternoons in each other’s company, followed by intimate dinners.
They spent each night agreeably, in the arms of one another.
Georgiana returned during the second week to spend her last days at Pemberley before moving to her husband’s home in Stafford. Elizabeth endeavoured to keep to her schedule of daily meetings with Mrs. Reynolds, as well as to spend time with Georgiana during her stay. The Darcys also received a few callers during that week—a very few, as they were anxious to spend as much time alone as possible without appearing inhospitable. Sometimes, it could not be helped.
Lady Catherine and Anne were away from Rosings Park when the letter from Darcy arrived, in which he had stated his intention to marry Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Lady Catherine was distraught by Darcy’s revelation at Matlock that he did not intend to marry Anne. The resulting getaway to Brighton had provided a much-needed period of convalescence. Somehow, Lady Catherine’s housekeeper had failed to forward Darcy’s letter to her during her sojourn. Having read the letter in haste and without properly ascertaining the all the details, she immediately arranged to travel to Pemberley to put a stop to such nonsense, completely unaware that the happy event had occurred over a fortnight ago.
Upon her arrival at Pemberley to make her opinion on the marriage known, she was extremely vexed—first of all, to learn that the marriage had indeed occurred, and second, to find that the couple had departed for their wedding journey. Lady Catherine allowed little time to pass before travelling to Matlock to chastise her brother and sister for allowing and even participating in the travesty.
“I always suspected that little upstart had Darcy in her sights from the moment of my acquaintance with her at Rosings Park. She practically had him sniffing at her heels and bowing to her whims. Imagine Darcy treating her, a paid companion, as Georgiana’s equal. I thought it merely a passing fancy. Never did I believe he would abandon the principles of a lifetime, only to succumb to her arts and allurements. Alas, I was mistaken. Nevertheless, fear not, I will carry my point. I will see to it that they are censured, slighted, and despised by everyone connected with us. Their alliance will be deemed a disgrace, their names will not be mentioned, and no one of decency will receive them. This is not to be borne,” Lady Catherine warned her brother and sister.
Coming to Elizabeth’s defence, Lord and Lady Matlock both defended the union and spoke of the joy they had witnessed on the day of the wedding.
“I am shocked and astonished. I expected to find both of you reasonable. However, do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede,” Lady Catherine persisted.
“Then, it will be you who are perceived as a fool, for we will do all that is within our power in support of Fitzwilliam’s marriage. You would be wise to do the same, if for nothing else than for the sake of appearances and family harmony.
“I will host a dinner party for the two of them immediately after the Twelfth Night Ball in January. Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy will be officially presented,” declared Lady Matlock.
“Why, that obstinate, headstrong girl! Unrefined, a gentleman’s daughter indeed,” Lady Catherine spat, sarcastically. “One of five sisters, reared with no governess or benefit of the masters. She will prove an embarrassment to the Fitzwilliam family name. This marriage is a travesty. I came here with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose. I will not be dissuaded from it! I have not been used to submit to any person’s whims. I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.”
“Leave it, Catherine! It is done! It is time to make the best of it. Fitzwilliam appears as happy as we have ever known him to be,” Lord Matlock stated adamantly.
Her ladyship was highly incensed. “And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well, I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine I will be silenced on this, or that your desires for the new Mrs. Darcy will be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable; but depend upon it, I will carry my point.”
Lady Catherine ranted on, in that way, until she was at the door of the house. Turning hastily around, she added, “I take no leave of you, brother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased. You have not heard the last of me,” Lady Catherine threatened.
At the same time, those at Longbourn engaged in the art of persuasion, as well. Mrs. Bennet was determined to set off for Pemberley, or London, or wherever the Darcys were, to teach Elizabeth all she needed to know to be a great mistress.
When Elizabeth’s family received the news of her engagement to Darcy, Mrs. Bennet acclaimed to anyone who would listen how she knew it would be. She was sure Elizabeth was so clever for something. She would not even allow that Elizabeth was in love with the proud man and practically implied that her daughter simply was mercenary. She thanked God that her prayers had been answered and that their lot in life had been raised immensely. Now, her greatest concern was that Elizabeth would somehow ruin it all by failing to be a good mistress of Pemberley, thereby incurring Mr. Darcy’s wrath and stemming his benevolence towards the family.
“But Mama, Lizzy has promised to invite the entire family to Pemberley for an extended holiday in December. Everyone is invited, including the Gardiners and my Uncle and Aunt Phillips. Surely, we should honour their wishes. It would be unmannerly to visit them sooner,” Mary insisted.
Poor Mary... with Jane comfortably settled ten miles away and Kitty similarly situated with her husband, she alone bore the responsibility to sit with her mother and placate her nerves.
“Oh never you mind all that!” Mrs. Bennet wailed. “Have you no compassion for what your sister must surely be suffering? I am her mother. Pray, why should I stand on ceremony? What does Lizzy know about being the mistress of such a grand estate? She needs me!”
“Begging your pardon, but I shall not advance a single shilling to assist you in imposing upon Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.” Mrs. Bennet spun around and stared at her son-in-law with her mouth gaped open. “I demand that you desist at once and look forward to visiting with them in December, along with the rest of the family.” Mr. Collins spoke with such authority as to silence Mrs. Bennet from any further speech on the matter.
Charles Bingley was delighted to hear that his old friend had finally chosen a wife. He was sure that they might reconnect now that Darcy had relinquished his bachelor status and joined the ranks of marriage. The fact that Lady Grace and Elizabeth got along swimmingly, he deemed favourable, as well. Bingley was positive that he and his family would always be graciously received at Pemberley.
Miss Caroline Bingley was deeply mortified by the news of Darcy’s marriage, but as she thought it advisable to retain the right of visiting at Pemberley, decided it best to drop all her resentment. Once presented with the opportunity, she would be almost as attentive to Darcy as ever and would make an effort to pay off every arrear of civility to Elizabeth.
News of Mr. Darcy’s wedding equally astounded Miss Theresa Rupert. She pondered long and hard as she considered his choice of a bride. Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet... Elizabeth Bennet, she thought, where have I heard that name before?
Lady Harriette was beside herself with the news. Now that they were family, she felt that the elusive Mr. Darcy was firmly within her grasp. No matter, she thought, he is married, not dead. Of course, she would marry as well, undoubtedly to someone of high rank and birth. As regards Darcy, she would simply bide her time.
The Darcys spent a glorious honeymoon in the beautiful spa towns of Bath and Cheltenham, as well as in Weymouth, the highly fashionable seaside resort. Darcy let the finest lodgings available in each town.
Among the most exciting adventures during their stay in Bath were frequent outings to the theatre, assembly rooms, and concerts. Elizabeth’s favourite outing was a visit to Sydney Gardens. Darcy found that he enjoyed the concerts and the dazzling illuminations and fireworks displays as much as his dear wife.
Though it rivalled Bath in its various forms of amusement, it was the semi-rural charms of Cheltenham that most delighted Elizabeth. The private lodging secured by Darcy for their stay was a spacious and airy villa with its own garden and staffed with a full complement of servants. Darcy and Elizabeth were contented with early morning walks before breakfast, leisurely afternoons in the seclusion of their holiday home, and nightly entertainment in the Assembly Room and the Royal Theatre.
The final destination of the wedding journey was the picturesque coastal town of Weymouth. There, they lodged in a beautiful villa, situated by the sea. Elizabeth and Darcy enjoyed easy access to the beach, and took complete advantage to enjoy frequent sea bathing excursions.
On one balmy afternoon, an attractive young lady and an older woman approached Darcy and Elizabeth whilst they were out for a leisurely stroll.
“Mr. Darcy, imagine seeing you here in Weymouth, of all places!”
“Lady Calder,” Darcy bowed.
“I heard of your dear sister Georgiana’s, or rather Lady Georgiana’s, marriage to Lord Harry Middleton. Pray, how does she get along?”
“She does quite well, thank you,” Darcy replied curtly.
“And you sir, what brings you to Weymouth, of all places?” she asked, without acknowledging Elizabeth.
“Pardon me, Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, this is Lady Gwendolyn Calder. Lady Calder, allow me to introduce my wife.”
“Did you say your wife?” she retorted. “Surely, you jest. I have not heard a word of your marrying. Can this be true?”
“Would I say so if it were otherwise?”
“Of course, if you say it, then it must be so,” she replied, sensing his annoyance. Still, she was curious. She asked, “When did this come about?”
“Lady Calder, it is a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Darcy and I married nine weeks ago. We are here on our honeymoon,” Elizabeth intervened.
“The pleasure is all mine, I am sure, Mrs. Darcy,” she condescended. “Mr. Darcy, I am here with my parents. They would be honoured to receive you. Oh, and you must bring your lovely wife along as well.”
“Lady Calder, please be assured that should I decide to call upon your parents, it would only be in the company of Mrs. Darcy. Now, I beg you, please pardon us, we must be on our way. Goodbye, Madam,” Darcy said, as he bowed and resumed his walk with Elizabeth on his arm.
Some moments later, Darcy said, “I hope you were not offended by Lady Calder just then, my love.”
“Certainly not... she is much like most of the ladies I have met since my acquaintance with you, sir; although, I wonder at her attitude towards you. Is she another Miss Theresa Rupert?”
“I am afraid so, my love.”
“She seemed particularly familiar. Did you fancy her at all?”
“No, that is to say, no more or no less than any of the other young ladies thrown in my path by my aunt over the years.”
“I imagine I shall have to get used to meeting old rivals.”
“No, not rivals, simply old acquaintances. No one from the past should ever concern you. My heart belongs to you alone. It has always been so, as it will remain forever more,” he whispered in her ear in an openly public display of affection that might have been frowned upon had it been witnessed. Of course, the entire display was completely unobserved.
How advantageous for the Darcys that their beach-front house boasted a covered veranda off the side facing the water. With nothing separating the house and the water except for a long sandy, secluded beach, that night, as well as every other night, the private veranda was the spot of clandestine intimacies most appropriate for a young newly-wed husband and his bride.
Sunlight streaming in, Elizabeth awakened in Darcy’s arms. At last, they had returned to Pemberley a fortnight ago. Her early morning rambles had indeed become a thing of the past. She thought nothing of lying awake thus, admiring her husband’s beautiful face. Upon that particular morning, while watching him as he slept, she recalled the night before.
He had made love to her through the night, evoking sensations that kindled her passions like fire, yet soothed her body like a gentle rain. Filling her completely with deep rhythmic thrusts again and again, his only purpose, it had seemed, was to give her pleasure. Darcy had engaged in a soft, familiar calling of her name at his moment of completion that had left her enthralled.
He was an extraordinary lover, she surmised, as generous as he had pledged he would be on the day of their engagement. Despite the independent spirit that defined her, night after night, Elizabeth gave in to the overwhelming sense of impassioned surrender. On the day of their engagement, he had told her that he wanted her, and he needed her. She realised now that she wanted him and needed him just as much. Her husband, her lover, her friend, and confidant… he was everything to her.
Thinking back to the beginning of their marriage, Elizabeth reminisced on the many ways he loved to explore every aspect of her body with his long fingers; sometimes one, more often times two, massaging, gauging—determining whether she was ready. She was always ready. She marvelled at the many parts of her body that he explored with his tongue, light and flickering when she wanted it to be, hard and firm when she needed it to be. Recalling how much he seemed to enjoy it when she paid homage to his broad chest, she wondered if there might be any other part of him that would revel in such treatment. As her fingers traced down along the rippled path of his torso, she considered… he certainly liked it enough when she touched him there.
Darcy thought he was dreaming, but unlike times before, the dream was more vivid, more real. His hands were deeply entwined in long flowing tresses. The sound of soft moans, an exquisite trailing silkiness, and a warm, moist cradling accompanied his own urgent thrusting… most undoubtedly—not a dream.
Some hours later that same morning, it was Darcy’s turn to awaken and admire his wife’s beauty. He caressed her and gently nibbled on her earlobes to rouse her while she feigned sleep to savour the quiet intimacy of the moment as long as possible. Her soft moans gave her away when she could no longer restrain her responses to his ardent attentions.
“Good morning, my beautiful bride, I was beginning to think you might never stir.
“Is it my fault you insist upon interrupting my sleep each night?”
“Indeed, it is entirely your own doing. As passionate as you are, how am I to resist?”
“Far be it from me to argue your point, sir.”
Continuing his tender adulation, he asked, “Then, what shall we do today?”
“To linger here, by your side, and make love all day is my only wish,” she decreed.
“Your wish is my command,” he murmured, eager to fulfil her every desire. Spooned behind her, he flooded sensual kisses to the back of her neck. Once buried inside her, he engaged in a cadence of deep thrusts, altering from gentle and unhurried to powerful and swift, glorious and intense.
Words could not describe this new experience. He was bringing her to the edge repeatedly, easing and then resuming his passionate onslaught. She could take no more. Elizabeth unceremoniously straddled him and took her own pleasure. Satisfied, she affectionately repaid him the same kindness that he had rendered her.
The two lovers were on the balcony outside of the master apartment under the moon and the stars, enjoying the warm night air. Darcy wrapped Elizabeth in his loving embrace as he stood behind her, sprinkling light kisses behind her ear and along the back of her neck.
“How are you feeling this evening, Mrs. Darcy?” he murmured affectionately.
“I feel wonderful. I could not wish for a more perfect evening,” she said, as she looked heavenly in admiration of the bright, full moon casting a romantic glow over the pond.
“Surely, there is something I can do to make the evening even more perfect,” he softly spoke, suggestively. “My greatest wish is to please you.”
“Say you love me,” she said blissfully, as she cradled herself closer into his arms.
“You know I do, dearest.”
“Yes, but I want you to say it to me again and again, every day for the rest of our lives.”
Darcy guided his lovely wife around to face him. He lifted her chin to gaze into the eyes of the woman who meant more to him than life itself. He lightly kissed her right cheek and seductively whispered into her ear, ever so subtly, “I love you.”
Darcy returned his gaze into her eyes before lightly kissing her left cheek, and whispered, ever so softly, “I love you.”
He looked into his wife’s eyes once more, placed a light kiss upon the tip of her nose, and whispered, ever so tenderly, “I love you.”
Capturing her amazing eyes once more, he lightly brushed her lips with his fingertips. Before bringing his lips to hers and kissing her passionately, he whispered, ever so ardently, “I love you.”
♥ ♥ ♥