After the happily ever after

Chapter 1: The long-awaited wedding

"He-hem, ladies and gentlemen-Sir, could you, um, yes, thanks. Ladies and gentlemen." A rosy-faced Fitzwilliam Darcy called rather reluctantly and beat his knife against his champagne flute with increasing gusto as his number of failed attempts to call a speech increased.

The newly appointed Elizabeth Darcy put her hand upon her husbands arm and gave him a reassuring squeeze, she knew only too well how much he despised drawing attention to himself in a social situation; even so, she thought, he may have embraced it a fraction more on their wedding day.

Finally, after numerous attempts, and a rather battered, but surprisingly unbroken, champagne flute, Will-as he was affectionately known-began his speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, I can only thank you for what has been the best day of my life so far. Lizzy and I have gone through a lot more than, er, most, and, until a few months ago, I wasn't sure if this day would ever come; but it has and, Lizzy you've made me happier than I ever knew anyone could be, so thank you. I love you.

There was distinct 'awwwwing' from the crowd, and a number of sniffs. Lizzy's eyes were also glistening somewhat brighter than usual.

"I also wanted to say to everyone, there is a slight change of plan that only a certain few are aware of" at this point, Will glanced distinctly passed Lizzy to the blonde, and visibly pregnant, bridesmaid, Jane Bingley, who returned his smile and nodded encouragingly. "As I was saying, this plan, err, well, Lizzy, I know we decided on returning straight to Pemberley but I felt, I don't know, as though we should go away somewhere and, well, erm we're going on a little trip." He looked down at her, expectantly, praying she'd like the idea.

At the very moment of this announcement, Mrs Bennet squealed in a rather unbecoming manner. Now, Mrs Bennet had attended her fair share of weddings, including her eldest daughter's not 6 months previously, yet somehow, she had still not quite grasped the sense of decorum that is required at one-especially if the groom is rather uncomfortable with grand gestures and public speaking.

This, thankfully, had gone unnoticed by the newlyweds, as there time had been more 'agreeably engaged' than listening to the mother of the bride.

A smile had slowly been growing on Lizzy's face as Will turned to face her and fix her with that expression which forced her to receive a jolt in her stomach.

"Are you sure, I thought you were desperate to get home"

"It can wait, I know you wanted to go on a honeymoon and I regret to say it, but I fear I'm becoming slightly powerless before you."

She didn't reply to that. She didn't need to; the look that passed between them said more than they ever could have out loud.

"So ladies and gentlemen, I regret to say that we'll be departing for a hotel in London soon so we can catch a early flight tomorrow without getting up at the crack of dawn. Finally, I'll ask you to enjoy whatever's left of the food and the last few songs, and thank you again for coming and making this the day it was."

Everyone applauded as Will retook his seat and Elizabeth turned to him-an expression of good-humoured mockery came over her face.

"Mr. Darcy, you must have practiced." He must have looked puzzled as she elaborated with a slight roll of the eye "That was an extremely fine speech you just made. In fact, I never remember you being quite as articulate in front of a room of people ever since I've known you."

"Yes, Will, it was rather good" came the voice of Will's closest friend and Best Man, Charles Bingley "but, it didn't receive quite as large a reception as mine, I don't think." he added as an afterthought, grinning.

"Don't get me started on your speech!" Will retorted with only half-joking anger, as colour rose in his face slightly.

"Come on Will, you know it was funny" the cheerful voice of Richard Fitzwilliam (known as Fitz) said.

"I don't recall it being so amusing"

"No, not at all" said Bingly, his voice dripping with sarcasm in mock-seriousness. "The story of the time that time I looked out of our dorm window at 3:30 in the morning to find you with half of you hair died bright ginger and wearinga bin-liner. Only to be told later, you had drunk almost an entire bottle of whisky and demanded your present company to make you, what was it, oh yeah "'look like George Michael'-which failed miserably-and had half of Trinity in hysterics by Monday morning. Not funny. Nope not at all." Charlie stifled a laugh as Will's 'fit to kill' expression came over him. Fitz was howling in the background. "I never didfind out about the bin-liner though." Charlie added in a would-be innocent voice.

"Bingley! I swear if my wife and yours were not right here-" The colour in his face had intensified due to anger and an increasing blush as his story was recited for the second time that afternoon. However, he was laughing through the anger. Which was always a good sign.

"Uni was fun." Charlie said absent-mindedly, gazing away into a distant memory.

A boyish grin had replaced Will's stony expression "Yeah, it was. Oh, alright Charlie I guess it was pretty funny, and I was sort ofexpectingsomething after your weddin-"

"You bloody well should have been!" Charlie cut in, mock-anger in full swing, laughing he said "So, we're even now?"

"I suppose so" Will smiled, and rolled his eyes at his best friend.

After about 20 more minutes of chatter, dancing and eating, the bride and groom bid their farewells to all-which included many tears from the Bennet family.

Mrs. Bennet was, unsurprisingly, the most vocal with her tears and hugged Lizzy as though there was no tomorrow, even though before Lizzy had gained the 'Darcy' name, she had been her least favourite daughter.

Her younger sisters could only manager her a quick goodbye as the band that had been playing were leaving soon and both Lydia and Kitty were determined to acquire at least one number each that night.

Mary wished her well and said she was sure they would be very happy.

Mr. Bennet confessed that his intellect would be at least halved now that she would be living even further away. Lizzy urged him to visit whenever he wished and he kissed her on the forehead.

Finally, Lizzy, whose eyes were, yet again, unusually bright, turned to Jane and let out a sob.

"Janie."

"I know." She managed through her-hormonal-tears. They didn't need to say anymore. They'd changed, grown up. The sheer happiness, mixed with a slight amount of uncertainty and babies on the way made everything much more emotional than usual. They stood, hugging for long while.

When they broke apart Jane shakily said "I really hope you enjoy your honeymoon, call me whenever, if you want"

"Of course, Love you Janie"

"Love you too Liz"

As she got in the car with Will, a swirling figure of brown flowing hair raced up to the car.

"I didn't say bye to you Lizzy, see you when you return home"

"Georgie! Sorry! Oh, God, I'm a terrible sister. See you soon" she flung her arms over the car door and Georgie bent down-which was no problem as the car was a convertible-and the two had a brief hug, after which the car-a white vintage Rolls Royce-zoomed the couple away from the festivities and into the centre of the capital.

The mid-July evening of Will and Elizabeth's wedding was beautiful. As they drove over Waterloo Bridge The Thames seemed to be on fire and the trees lining the streets were a deeper green than she had ever recalled seeing them. When the driver reached Sloane St. he pulled up next to a very old, red-bricked building.

"We're spending our Wedding night at the Sloane Club?" questioned Lizzy, rather impressed, despite herself.

"Yeah" replied Will, in an off-handed tone. "I thought I'd would be better to stay in a hotel tonight. I stay here when I'm in the city odd nights sometimes."

"Oh." Was all Lizzy could manage for the time being. She was still finding it hard to really to accept the sort of family she was now part of. Not that any of that stuff ever bothered Lizzy, but at times it did catch her off guard as to what her life really entailed now, and if she didn't want to upset or embarrass Will she would have to improve on hiding her initial emotions. Something Lizzy had never been great at.

As Will was at the desk, discussing the following morning with the receptionist, he caught Lizzy glancing around at the lobby room. He knew she'd been to places like these; the Bennet's weren't hard up by any means, but Will still felt a bit awkward, hoping he hadn't made her uncomfortable by bringing her here. He wanted it all to be perfect.

"Your room is ready Sir, would you like to go up?"

"Yes please. Thank you. Lizzy, are you Ok?" He turned to face her and was relieved to see her smiling; her took her hand as they entered the lift.

"Which floor?"

"Oh, 4"

"The top floor?" she replied with a wry grin

"Only the best" he replied quickly, but smiling nervously.

As they reached their room, Will turned the key and opened the door onto the most beautiful suite Lizzy had ever laid eyes on. It took her breath away, the dull, but clear light, mixed with the stunning antique furniture. Lizzy briefly noticed 2 very large suitcases in a corner of the reception area. Taking a right turn, she was in the bedchamber, which was holding a beautiful dark-wooded four-poster; there were rose petals scattered across the sheets, and, Will.

Her was looking at her, trying to see her reaction but as she turned to him and with her voice barely above a whisper said.

"You did all this?" Her witty streak had buried itself, so it seemed, and vulnerable Lizzy surfaced. Will had only seen the Vulnerable Lizzy once before, but seeing as things were so different now; he pushed the memory to the back of his mind.

He nodded and moved towards her, it seemed to be the only thing he could do, it made sense, and he was drawn to her, as though she were a magnet.

As he kissed her, he leaned out behind her and flicked a switch. Soft notes from a guitar echoed through the room. Lizzy broke the kiss with a giggle "Eric Clapton?"

"I know it's a bit cliché"

"Cliché can be a good thing," she murmured as he kissed her again, the melody slowly engulfed them and the night dissolved into them.

A/N: Hey,I hope you enjoyed that. Its just a little idea I've been toying with for a while which I've finally decided to write down.

For any of you that are curious, the Eric Clapton song played at the end of this chapter was "Wonderful Tonight" a beautiful, yet a bit of a cliched song. Definitley worth a listen if you havent before.I would've had them mention the titlethen,but i didntwant them sounding like DJs at that particularmoment:op

I have a good feeling about this myself and will aim to update about once a week, but sorry if i'm not that constant!

Please drop a reveiw asI love to know people's thoughts! Thanks for reading!