Wednesday May 19, 1813 – Longbourn

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in Holy matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which Holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought..."

The familiar words resonating in Elizabeth's ears now had a significance as though she had not heard them a dozen times before, and she could not help looking away from the reverend and focusing on the man with whom she was to be joined. She was surprised and pleased to see that the solemn words were affecting him as well, their familiarity in no way lessening their import. He listened in rapt fascination, his eyes fixed on Reverend Adams, but he seemed to sense Elizabeth's gaze and his head slowly turned until his eyes fixed on hers. Elizabeth almost shivered at that moment, for she could feel the intensity of his gaze. The bond between them which had its tenuous - and unrecognized, by her at least - beginnings in Hertfordshire and been almost ruptured in Hunsford had, in the last five months, grown to an almost unbearable strength. Neither knew how long that gaze lasted, in which the world only encompassed them both, but their awareness was drawn back to the ceremony only when Reverend Adams addressed Darcy.

"Fitzwilliam Darcy, wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

Darcy's voice was firm and echoed throughout the church, "I will."

And then it was her turn. "Elizabeth Bennet, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy state of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

Elizabeth's response was equally firm, her eyes once more fixed on Darcy, "I will."

"Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?" asked Reverend Adams.

"I do," said Mr. Bennet, and, releasing her hand to the reverend, he stepped back to join the others standing around Darcy and Elizabeth. Reverend Adams had Darcy and Elizabeth turn to face each other, then, taking Elizabeth's hand, he placed it in Darcy's and commanded Darcy to say after him:

"I, Fitzwilliam, take thee Elizabeth, to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth."

Then Darcy released Elizabeth's hand, and the Reverend took Darcy's right hand, giving it to Elizabeth to hold in hers, while he directed her to repeat after him: "I, Elizabeth, take thee Fitzwilliam, to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth."

Bingley placed the ring on the Bible held by Reverend Adams who then gave the ring to Darcy. It had been his mother's wedding ring – a simple gold band that had graced the hand of the Mistress of Pemberley for six generations. He lifted Elizabeth's left hand and slid the ring onto her fourth finger. Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment feeling the overwhelming significance of the action, so simple in execution but complex in its import, and then looking down at the ring that signified so much for her future – connecting and linking her to Pemberley's past. She raised her eyes once more to meet those of Darcy who continued to hold the ring on her finger as he said, his eyes locked with those of Elizabeth and his voice husky with emotion, "With this ring, I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Darcy released her hand but could not release his gaze from hers. Her eyes promised him all the love, devotion and passion which was hers to offer and which he would receive with the greatest joy. He could only hope that she could see the same promise in his as Reverend Adams then said, "Let us pray. O eternal God, creator and preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life; send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Mr. Adams took the right hand of both Elizabeth and Darcy, and looking out at the assembly of family and friends, said, "Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

The rector released their hands, though they remained clasped together, as he continued, "For as much as Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth have consented together in Holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

He concluded with the blessing, "God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen."

At last the moment had arrived that Darcy had waited for over a year. Elizabeth was his wife. He stood, drawing her to her feet and smiling leant down to brush the lips that were smiling up at him. If it were not for all the eyes upon them, he would have pulled her more closely and prolonged the kiss. Instead he released her and brought her two hands to his lips to bestow a fleeting kiss before turning to face the well-wishers who thronged about them. Georgiana, with tears streaming down her cheeks, embraced Elizabeth and then her brother. Mrs. Bennet could hardly restrain herself but for once was at a loss for words and simply kissed Elizabeth and hugged her new son-in-law. It was some time before Darcy and Elizabeth could make their way to the parish registry to sign their names. Elizabeth realized that it would be the last occasion in which she would sign as Elizabeth Bennet; henceforth she would be known as Elizabeth Darcy or Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

It took only a few minutes for their carriage to deliver them to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. Deprived of several evenings of elaborate dinners to celebrate the engagement, Mrs. Bennet had spared no effort in preparing a wedding breakfast to celebrate the marriage. It is to be hoped that she realized a full measure of satisfaction from the compliments that were delivered by the guests but for the bridal couple, the few hours they spent there were interminably long and a source of little pleasure. Finally, after accepting the best wishes of all the guests and sampling a small portion of food, Darcy and Elizabeth announced that they were departing for London.

As they made their way through the crowd towards their carriage, Mrs. Hill bustled up to them saying, "Mr. Darcy, the hamper you requested is in the carriage." Turning to Elizabeth she impulsively gave her a hug, "You take care of yourself now, Miss Elizabeth."

With a catch in her voice, Elizabeth returned the hug of the woman who had been as much her friend as housekeeper for over twenty years. "I will indeed, Hill. And you take care of my sisters as you did me."

As Darcy was about to hand Elizabeth into the carriage, her father approached for a final word, his eyes suspiciously wet. "Good-bye my child. Write to me often, please. I shall miss you sorely."

"Oh Papa, you know I will. We will be back in the fall but, you know, you might hazard to write me a letter at least once before then."

Turning to Darcy, Mr. Bennet extended his hand which Darcy clasped and shook, "I know you will take good care of her Mr. Darcy; however, I may just make a quick trip to make sure you are doing so – and to visit that marvellous library I have heard so much about."

"Papa!" admonished Elizabeth.

Darcy chuckled, "You will always be a welcome guest, sir. You need not wait upon an invitation." With which he assisted Elizabeth into the coach and entered himself to sit beside her. With a final wave, they settled back as the carriage began its journey to London

Inside the carriage there were a few minutes of complete silence as neither seemed to know how to begin a conversation. For Elizabeth, this was the first time in her life she had sat beside a man in a carriage who was nether her father or uncle. After looking at her hands for several minutes in some embarrassment, she finally ventured a glance up at her husband only to find him staring at her with the most intense gaze she had experienced. Turning to face her more directly, he cupped her face with his hands and leaning forward, whispered, "I have wished to do this for so long, you cannot imagine…" and he kissed her. What started as a gentle pressure on her lips, quickly deepened as he allowed his passion a freer reign. Parting his lips he tasted hers until she allowed hers to open and felt his tongue enter seeking hers. Slowly following his example, she found herself welcoming his kiss and her passion rising to meet his. Without being aware of it, her hands had risen to the back of his head as she held him close. His hands had dropped and she could feel them stroking her hair, her ears, her neck and then her shoulders. Lost in his caresses, it was only when she felt him slowly easing the intensity of their kiss, that she realized that she had pressed herself so closely to him that her breasts had been flattened against him. Embarrassed, she drew back, her face a bright red, "I…I…"

Darcy stopped her words with a finger on her lips, "I love you. I love the passion that is so much a part of you. I will not apologize for kissing you but, if I have been too eager, too forceful - please tell me. I will not do anything that you would not wish. I would not have you frightened."

"I am not frightened. Just a little nervous and it was a mite unexpected." And with a teasing glance as her blush receded, "…and most pleasurable."

Darcy's mien wore a slight smile, "I should hope so."

"You, sir, are a little smug!"

Darcy just nodded, "I should hope I am very smug. I have just married the most beautiful woman I know. If that is not a reason to be smug, I know not what is." Drawing her close within the circle of his arms, he murmured, "I am a very lucky man, Mrs. Darcy."

Elizabeth stroked his cheek with her hand and feathered a kiss across his lips, "and I have married the very best of men."

They remained in this quiet embrace for some time interspersing endearments with slight caresses, neither wishing to disturb the pleasure of the closeness that hitherto they had not been permitted to enjoy. Finally Elizabeth looked up at Darcy, "William, I have been thinking. Georgiana is to come to Pemberley in July with your cousin. Is that not so?"

"Yes, Frances and Henry plan to bring her and visit us for a fortnight."

"I know we talked of inviting Kitty to come with them and stay for the summer until we return to London? Georgiana might enjoy the company and my sister could benefit from her company. I have yet to extend the invitation."

"I am quite agreeable but you will be Mistress now and I know you like company. Should you wish to invite someone, I trust your judgement on this. Shall you write to Georgiana?"

Elizabeth gazed fondly at her husband. She knew his discomfort with those with whom he was not closely acquainted, "I shall endeavour to not discomfit you too much, William." She paused for several moments, "I had thought to invite Miss Thompson for a visit but she mentioned that her family was planning a trip to The Lakes in August."

Darcy considered her words and guessing at her thoughts, ventured, "Would you like to invite them to visit during their trip?"

A small smile graced Elizabeth's lips, "You are getting altogether much too good at reading my thoughts, Mr. Darcy."

"I suspect that, in this case, they mirror my own. I would like to repay their considerable kindness in hosting myself and my family for the wedding. As well, I have enjoyed their company and would like to know them better." He chuckled, "I rather think that if we invite the Thompsons, Bingley may invite himself to visit at the same time." At Elizabeth's questioning gaze, he continued, "Bingley informed me before we left that he had been invited to stay at Netherfield until Monday next when he must return north. I venture that Miss Thompson may be the reason for his accepting."

Elizabeth sat up, forcing Darcy to loosen his grasp of her, "Truly? I had not seen any particular interest or attentions on his part."

"Apparently he enjoyed several talks with Miss Thompson during his stay. He said little to me about it but I detect some interest."

"Oh dear. Georgiana will be…disappointed." Elizabeth was not prepared to reveal too much and, in truth, she was not sure herself of the depth of Georgiana's interest.

Darcy was a little surprised at Elizabeth's comment, "I was not aware …that is she is too young to consider a serious attachment." He thought then of the comment from Mrs. Annesley when Bingley had visited Pemberley, "however, I do remember that Mrs. Annesley had discerned some interest on his part and perhaps on hers. Has Georgiana spoken to you on this?"

Elizabeth detected a note of concern in his voice and thought of how best to alleviate it without breaching Georgiana's confidences too significantly, "She has spoken of him and with some interest although I cannot, at this point, say with any confidence the extent to which her affections have been engaged. I agree she is much too young, too inexperienced to consider marriage and I would not be overly concerned if she did not marry for several years. I did not see any signs that Mr. Bingley was trying to fix her interest."

They discussed the matter for a further quarter hour and agreed to invite the Thompsons whose company, as well as that of the families of Darcy's aunts, would see Pemberley more lively than it had been for years. However, it was decided that plans to invite the Matlocks would best be deferred until the fall. The discussion was interrupted by a low growl emanating from Elizabeth's stomach. Trying to hide her embarrassment, she looked at Darcy with a quizzical eye, "I believe, William, that I need sustenance and I must assume that you asked Mrs. Hill to provide us with such since I see a rather largish hamper under the seat."

"I rather thought we might not eat much at the wedding breakfast and asked Mrs. Hill to select some of those foods you particularly enjoy." Releasing Elizabeth he straightened up and reached over to lift the basket onto the seat. Removing the cover he began to lift out the various delectables and it was not long before they both were devouring a warm meat roll, washing it down with a glass of wine. Tarts, biscuits, cheeses and sundry other items quickly followed until they both leaned back in satisfaction. Elizabeth tidied up returning the remains to the hamper. Once it was once again stowed away beneath the seat, she turned to Darcy with a slight blush saying, "I wish to have you hold me once more." Darcy was more than willing to oblige and they settled comfortably together, talking quietly about all manner of things for a while until Darcy noticed that Elizabeth had fallen asleep. Placing his legs on top of the opposing seat, he turned his body slightly with his back resting against the side of the carriage – after placing a pillow betwixt himself and the wall - and settled Elizabeth against his chest. Stoking her hair and listening to her soft breathing, he let himself relax and drifted into a light sleep.

It was the noise of London that eventually woke him. As he moved to sit up, he became aware that Elizabeth was looking up at him with quirked lips. "I rather like watching you sleep, husband." He smiled and stroked her cheek once more and leaned forward to taste her lips. Feeling her immediate response, he let his tongue taste her lips once more and when he felt hers, he pulled her more closely and kissed her more strongly; however, he realized he could not let it continue and gradually lessened the pressure and began feathering kisses over her face. Leaning back, he struggled to control his breathing, "Mrs. Darcy, you test my control most seriously. We must desist for now."

Sitting up, he opened the curtain on the window and looked out. Recognizing their location, he turned to Elizabeth saying, "We should arrive at Darcy House in a quarter hour." Elizabeth immediately became concerned about her appearance, her hair was seriously disarranged and a search for the missing pins was undertaken. Once most had been retrieved, she attempted to fix her hair while Darcy looked on in bemused wonder. "I have never seen you with your hair down. I think I will enjoy the prospect of relieving you of those pins." Elizabeth gave him a stern look that was offset by the twinkle in her eye. "Mr. Darcy, I must ask you to behave. This is most unseemly." The smile that attended her words robbed them of any offence.

At last, the carriage drew up in front of Darcy House. It was clear that their arrival had been anticipated since the vehicle had not even come to a stop before a line of servants had formed on the steps of the entrance. The carriage door was opened and the footstep readied before either Darcy or Elizabeth could move. Darcy looked at Elizabeth and smiled, "I believe your arrival has been greatly anticipated, Mrs. Darcy." Stepping out of the carriage, he turned to help her to descend and then with her hand on his arm they entered Darcy House.

Once they reached the entrance, they were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Hodgkins who made no effort to make their appreciation for the new Mrs. Darcy. Elizabeth was formally introduced to the servants many of whom she had already met. Upon being informed that a light meal had been prepared, Elizabeth and Darcy expressed their intention of refreshing themselves before partaking. Darcy was quick to escort his wife to her chambers where Julia awaited her. A quarter hour later, he knocked on her door and entering found her sitting in front of her mirror with Julia arranging her hair. Leaning against the doorway, he was content to watch his wife's preparations, a quiet smile on his lips. Once Julia was finished, he moved to offer Elizabeth a hand to rise, nodding his appreciation to Julia as he did so. "Shall we venture down to eat, Mrs. Darcy?"

Elizabeth could not but smile at his formality in front of the servants - even Julia - but was not discomfited by it. "Indeed, husband. I find I am hungry once more."

Darcy led her downstairs but not to the dining room as she expected but rather to the morning room. "I asked Mrs. Hodgkins to serve us here. I find it more comfortable for just the two of us. Do you mind?" Receiving her assent, he seated her at the table and sat beside her. As though that had been a signal, Mrs. Hodgkins appeared to direct footmen in the serving of the meal. As she had stated, it was a simple and light meal. Mrs. Hodgkins had left shortly after the last dish had been placed on the table, shooing the footmen out ahead of her since Darcy had indicated their intention to serve themselves. Once they were alone, neither Darcy nor Elizabeth could make themselves do more than nibble on the various foods. When Elizabeth looked over Darcy he was pushing his food around on the plate and studiously not looking at her. Finally she caught him making a quick glance up at her and knew him to be as nervous and uncertain as herself. She wiped her mouth with a napkin and stood, "I am feeling a little fatigued, shall we retire now?" It took Darcy a second or two to respond but he immediately sprang to his feet and offered her his arm, his eagerness bringing a slight tinkle of laughter from Elizabeth.

They walked in silence until they reached the door of her bedchamber where she turned to him saying, "I will come to you in a half hour." Darcy could only nod and watched as the door of her bedchamber closed before hurrying to his own rooms to bathe and ready himself.

A half hour later, bathed and dressed in loose breeches and a dark green robe, he waited sitting on the settee in front of the window that overlooked the street below. Watching the slow evening traffic but wrapped in his thoughts he did not hear Elizabeth enter the room. The flicker of movement on the edge of his vision alerted him to her presence and he stood so quickly as to almost fall. She stopped when she saw him rise and was only prevented from rushing to his aid by his upflung hand. "Please, Elizabeth…do not move."

Darcy found himself short of breath. The nightgown she wore was cream coloured and diaphanous, both revealing and hiding the body it contained. Her dark hair spilled and curled over her shoulders and down her back. His concentrated gaze had brought a flush to Elizabeth's face that spread down over her shoulders. Its further progress was obscured by her nightgown but her embarrassment was evident. With an effort he breathed in, "You are so very beautiful…Behold thou art fair, my love; behold thou art fair;" reaching out he offered her his hand which she grasped and was led to sit beside him on the settee where she smiled and said, "My beloved is mine, and I am his"

Drawing her into his embrace they began to exchange kisses and caresses with increasing boldness and fervour until finally Elizabeth drew back and looked pointedly at Darcy, "I believe, sir, it is time for you to take me to your bed." Darcy suddenly realized that she had taken the initiative in deciding it was time to retire and to move to the bed but that all further initiatives were his responsibility. Standing, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed, depositing her gently in its centre before settling himself beside her. Elizabeth looked up at the man who now had power over her completely but knowing his kindness and gentleness she was not afraid of what was to follow. Trusting him completely she opened her arms to welcome him to her body saying, "Come husband, make me truly your wife."

It was the urgent pressure on her bladder that woke Elizabeth the next morning. Without thinking she scooted out of bed before realizing that she was completely unclothed. Looking around she found her nightgown lying on the floor beside the bed. Reaching for it she became aware of the streaks of blood on her thighs and looking back at the bed could see blood stains there also. "That did not occur to me!" putting on her nightgown she rushed to her dressing room to relieve her bladder and clean herself. When she returned to the bedroom it was to find Darcy gone from the bed. Putting on her robe she sat on the settee to await his return and considered the events of the previous night. When Darcy had finally entered her body, it had been painful but not unduly so. His caresses had stirred her so as to make the joining eagerly awaited and he had been patient and careful, allowing her time for the discomfort to ease. She had been able to find pleasure in their first joining and more in the second that took place during the night.

When the door of his dressing room opened and he saw her sitting he moved quickly to her side, "My love, are you well? I saw the blood. I did not realize…you must be in pain"

Elizabeth knew she had to relieve his distress, "Truly love, I am fine. I am well. There is no pain. Not now at least. I did have some at first but it did not last." She smiled at him, "the pleasure quite made me forget it all; however, I have discovered that I am most hungry. What time is it?"

"It is just past eight in the morning. Shall I have Mrs. Hodgkins arrange a breakfast for us in the morning room?"

This received Elizabeth's approval and he opened his door to order a footman to have Mrs. Hodgkins to attend them. When the housekeeper arrived, she was requested to have the bed sheets changed and to arrange a breakfast in the morning room. After Mrs. Hodgkins had left, Elizabeth returned to her dressing room to bath and dress. Julia was waiting for her with a very hot bath. "Mrs. Hodgkins thought you might wish to soak for a while and has sent extra hot water."

"Thank you, Julia. That sounds delightful."

Ma'am, Mrs. Hodgkins asked me to find out if you were in any….discomfort."

Elizabeth smiled up at Julia, "You may tell Mrs. Hodgkins that I am quite well."

After soaking in the tub for near a half hour, Elizabeth allowed herself to be towelled dry and thoroughly cosseted. Dressed in one of her new morning gowns and with her hair washed and pinned up, she moved to the settee in her bed chamber to wait for her husband who obliged her by entering the room some few minutes later to escort her to the morning room.

After a leisurely breakfast they decided, since the day was pleasantly warm, to walk in Hyde Park. It took Elizabeth but a few minutes to discover that her unaccustomed exercise the night before had caused stiffness in her thigh and hip muscles. Apprising Darcy of this elicited a warm chuckle, a somewhat salacious grin – which earned him a slap on the arm – and the recommendation that a brisk pace might ease her discomfort. So it was to be although it took almost an hour for the last residue of discomfort to disappear. By the time they returned to Darcy House after absenting themselves for two hours, Elizabeth was feeling very much her usual self. Repairing to the library with the intention of reading, Darcy found her presence to be totally distracting and his attempts to read quite futile. Elizabeth, observing his focus on her, began to tease him and it was not long before her kisses and caresses led them to return to his bed chamber.

Later as she lay quite comfortably enfolded in his arms, Elizabeth had a disquieting thought – one that she knew not whether she should even raise with her husband. Darcy was not insensible to the change in her mood or to the pensive expression that had laid claim to her face. "What disturbs you so, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth found herself torn. This was a topic she felt she should not ask her husband to address and yet she yearned to know the answer. She knew enough of her nature to realize that not knowing could produce more pain than knowing. She also could not look at him while she asked. Her continuing silence began to worry Darcy, "Elizabeth, there is no question you cannot ask me. I will answer to my best ability."

Closing her eyes Elizabeth assayed a response, "You may think…oh, I know not how to phrase this. You know my ignorance of the marriage bed, of marital intimacies. I did not expect that you would be lacking such experience and truly you gave me much pleasure but I would know…"

Whatever question Darcy had expected, this was not one of them. He stumbled for an answer – how much could or should he say. His silence which lasted for several moments only increased Elizabeth's discomposure and she was about to rise from the bed in some embarrassment and a fear that he was displeased when Darcy locked her in his arms. "Please, Elizabeth, give me some time to order my thoughts. I assure you I am not displeased or angry." He was silent for a few more moments.

"As you can observe, your question quite caught me by surprise. It is not one I think that husbands expect on the day after they marry." He smiled at her, "But given the nature of our courtship perhaps I should have expected such a question. Nevertheless I will tell you of my experience, as slight as it may be."

He paused for a few seconds to organize his thoughts, "I attended Cambridge for four years. In my second year, my father paid me a visit. He took me to London and, while we were there, he brought me to a townhouse of a modest size. I was introduced to a woman some ten years my senior. My father had arranged, as something I suspect he felt as a necessary part of my education, for her to instruct me on how to please a woman. I stayed with her for some three or four days. I learned afterwards that she did this regularly. I have not seen her since nor have I been with another woman until last night. I felt no love for her and I suppose I should be grateful for the instruction although I know I could not do the same for a son of mine." He paused before continuing, "You must believe me on this. What we shared last night was as new to me as it was to you."

Elizabeth lay back and drew him down to kiss, "Thank you, William. I did not want cause you distress but I did fear some previous attachment." And murmuring against his lips, "Although I must commend her teaching ability."

"I do also. In fact, she taught me this …." And a few moments later, "…but this comes from my own fantasies…"

Soon the only sounds were the low murmurs of appreciation and enjoyment issuing from Elizabeth's lips.