Seconds ticked by as Elizabeth failed to make a sound. Finally, she uttered a reluctant, "I do." Darcy let out the breath he had been holding. It was done. She was his wife. For a minute there, he thought she was going to refuse to marry him.
In fact, he was still in shock that she had agreed to his proposal in the first place. Darcy knew that she did not like him nor feel any regard for him. On top of that, his proposal had been less than flattering. Yet she had clearly held back the words she had been itching to say and had politely consented.
As he walked with her back down the aisle, he felt a strange mixture of contentment and anxiety. He was arm in arm with the woman with whom he had fallen in love. He had never seen her look more breathtaking. Everyone lauded Jane Bennet's beauty, but somehow overlooked the younger sister's pretty looks, wit and vivacity. To him, Elizabeth possessed all the qualities of a true lady. Well, save for one, good breeding. And that was the root of all his anxiety.
He mentally sighed. Her family was most certainly a problem. Acknowledging them as relations was something he would not relish. Their station and situation in life was far below his own. Not only that, but their constant lack of decorum had made him wince more than once. He sometimes wondered how two genteel ladies such as Jane and Elizabeth had been born into such a family. Although he must admit, their father acted more often than not like a gentleman. Her mother and younger sisters' behavior were what would expose him to ridicule.
Darcy realized he should probably be grateful for her family's lack of social standing and wealth. If her family had not been in such financial need, Darcy knew that Elizabeth would have never agreed to marry him. He knew that she perceived him as arrogant and rude. His behavior, at times, could be used as evidence to support that perception. Not a man of many regrets, he did wish he could go back in time and stand up with her that first evening. If he had done so, maybe she would not be standing so stiffly next to him.
He helped her into the carriage that was taking them to Netherfield for the wedding breakfast. She politely accepted his help, but scooted as far away from him as possible when he joined her.
Hoping to ease her apprehension, he remarked, "I thought we could visit Longbourn before our journey to London. Would you like that?" He was tempted to add a 'dearest' to the end of his sentence, but thought better of it. She was certainly in no mood for an excessive display of his affections.
"Yes. I am sure that once we arrive at your estate it will be a long time before I see any of my family again. I would like to tell them farewell."
Darcy sighed, "I do not intend to hold you captive. Your family will always be welcome at Pemberley. You could ask Jane to visit once you have settled in. I'm sure it would be a nice change from Meryton."
Elizabeth cast a steely glance his way at the mention of her sister. Her lips pursed and she looked ready to spit venom, but instead she bit her lip and closed her eyes. He suspected that she knew about his interference into her sister and Bingley's affairs. He did not wish to argue with his bride on their wedding day so he discontinued conversation altogether.
They arrived at Netherfield and joined their guests for the wedding breakfast. After eating, they mingled around the room and accepted congratulations from their guests.
Bingley approached them with a wide grin. "I could not be more happy for such a union to take place. Darcy, my man," he said, patting him on the shoulder. "I never thought this day would come. Bachelorhood seemed to be your destiny. I am happy to be proved wrong. And Miss Bennet or Mrs. Darcy, I should say. You look absolutely beautiful."
Darcy was chagrined that his friend had managed to get a smile and appreciative thanks from his wife. As her husband, he should have told her how wonderful she looked on what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of their lives. Yet, his friend had beaten him to it and was reaping all the rewards. Darcy could not help but be a little disgruntled.
After a few more guests congratulated them, Miss Caroline Bingley advanced toward them. Stopping his eyes in mid roll, Darcy braced himself for her impending cattiness. Over the past few years, Miss Bingley had made it quite evident that she herself had set her sights on marrying him. She had not taken his engagement to Elizabeth well. He expected that she would have no kind words to speak.
"Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy. Please accept my warm wishes for your future health and happiness," she said coldly. "And Mrs. Darcy, considering your upbringing at Longbourn, you will no doubt feel overwhelmed by the refined society which you will soon be thrust into. If you ever need a few pointers about what is expected from a lady in your position, know that you are welcome to visit my sister and me. We can help you navigate a world of which you are surely not accustomed. We would so hate for you to feel unwelcome amongst our friends and acquaintances."
A glimmer of anger lit his bride's eyes, but the tone of her voice did not betray her true feelings. "Miss Bingley, you are too kind. However, I must decline your offer of assistance. I find my manners and disposition are appropriate for all types of society. If Mr. Darcy, being from such a fine family and reared in such elegant society, had found fault in my behavior, I am certain he would not have asked me to be his wife. Thank you for your kind regards, but if you'll excuse us I believe Sir Lucas would like a word."
He barely heard his wife mutter 'insufferable woman' as they walked away from Miss Bingley. With his lips upturned ever so slightly, Darcy felt confident that his wife wouldsucceed in any form of society. Whereas he could be reticent and a bit dull, Elizabeth never failed to apply her wit and convictions to any conversation. Despite his many reservations, he was certain that his Elizabeth, with her very fine eyes, would make him a very fine wife indeed.