Hi everyone! I apologize for the delay in posting this chapter. Usually I post every three weeks like clockwork but there were delays this time, including but not limited to a family battle with Covid. Fortunately we are all well. I hope you are too! And I hope you enjoy this chapter. It was such fun to write! Please tell me what you think of it.
The servants came forward to congratulate the two new couples. For such a small wedding there was a surprising amount of noise and commotion in the room. Now that the ceremony was over, Jules was darting about happily and he nearly collided with others several times before Mrs. Gardiner asked one of the servants to take him upstairs. Gardiner and Father Pierre disappeared into the study and closed the door behind them, presumably to discuss arrangements for the child.
"My darling! You are Elizabeth Darcy now. How I have longed for this day!" Darcy raised both of Elizabeth's hands to his lips, and she knew that he would have taken her into his arms if not for the presence of other people. "How soon do you think you can be ready to leave? Our carriages are already outside."
"Not so fast!" Mrs. Gardiner had overheard him. "We have a small meal prepared in the breakfast room. It may be hours before you have a chance to sit down and relax again. By the time you finish eating your trunks should be loaded."
They obediently followed her into the breakfast room, where, to their surprise and delight, the servants had managed to lay out a wedding breakfast. It was simple for the occasion but carefully arranged, and it was more than either Jane or Elizabeth had expected under the circumstances. "How do we deserve such goodness?" Jane exclaimed. "What have we done to earn everything that our aunt and uncle have done for us?"
"It is no more than you deserve, my dear girls," Mrs. Gardiner said, looking at both of them fondly. "You have been like our own daughters, and made our life here in Paris complete. Now that we have Jules to round out our little family I do not see how we could possibly be any more content. God has been very good!"
"We owe you more than we can say," Darcy answered her. "Bingley and I are grateful- eternally grateful- for entrusting your nieces to us." Bingley strongly seconded him.
"Get them safely to England, and we will consider the debt paid in full," Mrs. Gardiner rejoined, before she disappeared once again. The two couples could hear her voice coming from the other rooms, directing servants as they moved, disassembled, cleaned or packed away whatever items she pointed out.
"How very beautiful you are, my sweetest, loveliest Elizabeth." Darcy's voice was low and intimate, for her ears alone. "From the moment you confronted the man chasing Jules, I knew you were the only woman I could ever marry. Tell me that you are happy, too."
"You know that I am," Elizabeth answered, trying to show him her heart in her eyes. But she could not quite conceal a certain nervousness in her voice.
"You do not look as happy as I want you to be."
"I am trying, but I cannot help wondering. The only way out of the house is through the busy street, and the only way out of the city is through one of the gates. I do not understand how you plan to get us out of Paris without being seen, yet I know you must have a plan."
"You must learn to trust me, my dear. I have sworn your safety to your aunt and uncle, and a gentleman always honors his promises. You shall see for yourself in just a little while."
"In all the hurry and rush, I did not even ask you where we are going."
"We will accompany Bingley and Jane straight to Longbourn so that you can see your family. We can stay there as long as you wish. After that it is up to you." He squeezed her hand under the table.
They were interrupted by the Gardiners, who entered with Father Pierre. Elizabeth looked at them expectantly. "Is everything done? Is all of Jules' paperwork in order now?"
Mrs. Gardiner smiled but there was a worried look in her eyes. "There are still some details to work out, but it is nothing for you to be concerned about. Your uncle and Father Pierre will manage it. Have you finished your meal? I will have the rest of it packed up and loaded into the carriages for you."
Darcy frowned. "What seems to be the problem?"
Father Pierre answered. "When I examined the records that Monsieur Gardiner had copied out, I saw that they were not from my parish after all. The borders were done over a few years ago, you see. That means that the child was not born in my parish. And that means that I cannot change the records, at least not on my own. I will have to convince my brother priest to go along with the scheme."
There was a moment of silence. Then, "Surely not!" Bingley exclaimed, disbelieving. "There must be a way around such a trifling detail!"
"It is terribly unfair to Jules," Elizabeth added, just as dismayed. "He was living without any protection or support when my aunt and uncle took him in. Why should anyone in Paris care about his welfare now?"
"Can you not simply leave and take Jules with you?" Jane wondered out loud.
"We wouldn't dare try." Gardiner looked at Darcy. "Would we?"
Darcy shook his head soberly. "Ever since the king and his family tried to escape in disguise, the authorities have been watching for anyone who tries to leave the country. You must not give them the least excuse to take you into custody. If you claim Jules as your son and they make a check of the records, the records must support what you say."
Father Pierre made a dismissive gesture. "I will find my brother priest and explain the circumstances to him. Fortunately I know him. He will be happy to assist, once I convince him that we are doing God's work."
"God's work?" Elizabeth repeated, raising one eyebrow.
"But of course! Does Scripture not say that the almighty places orphans in families? By helping little Jules become part of the Gardiner family, we are helping God himself in his mission."
Elizabeth was not reassured. "How long will this convincing take?"
"A day, perhaps two." The priest shrugged. "No more than that."
"We cannot leave my aunt and uncle behind," Elizabeth began, but Gardiner shook his head.
"No, Lizzy. You promised us. You have to go now." His voice made it clear he would brook no argument, and Elizabeth's heart sank. Father Pierre saw the look on her face.
"All this worry for nothing! I will go now and speak to my brother priest and we will change the records together. Then I will return and your and uncle will be free to go."
With that, the mood in the room became somber. The servants brought the cloaks, hats and other items the two couples would wear on their journey and they put them on quickly. The trunks had already been taken out the door, and the Gardiners together with Jules gathered in the entryway to say farewell. The moment had come.
Mrs. Gardiner, who had been stoic all morning, now let her tears flow freely as she embraced her two nieces. Mr. Gardiner fixed both of the gentlemen with a severe look. "You will take my nieces to safety, or you will answer to me!" They shook hands solemnly.
Elizabeth gasped when she saw the two carriages waiting outside the door. There was nothing quiet or discreet about them. Rather, they were the largest carriages she had ever seen, with polished surfaces and gleaming metal, accompanied by drivers and footmen in bright livery. And both carriages were decorated with cheerful arrangements of flowers and ribbons around the top of the vehicle. Already there was a small group of onlookers gathered curiously on the sidewalk. Several men cheered when the two couples appeared on the doorstep, with the ladies clutching their bridal bouquets, ready to climb inside.
"This is your idea of how to leave town quietly?" Elizabeth asked Darcy in disbelief. Her voice could barely be heard above the sounds of the street, with people thronging by on every side.
Darcy looked amused, not worried. "As you said, anyone on the street would see us leaving if we tried to be discreet. If one cannot leave quietly, one should be as obvious as possible instead."
"So that we appear not to be trying to escape!" Elizabeth could hardly believe his daring. "But what if someone tries to stop us?'
"Why would they? We are doing nothing wrong. We are merely two newlywed couples on our way to a happy ever after!" To drive home his point he kissed her in full view of everyone on the street, eliciting more cheers and a round of applause. Next to him, Bingley did the same with Jane.
Elizabeth looked at the crowd around them, realizing that her new husband was right. They were surrounded by well wishers. Suspicion could not be any further from their mind.
But she could not forget her aunt and uncle and Jules. What if something went wrong and they could not leave Paris at all? Was this the last time she would ever see them? Was it really right to leave them behind?
Her aunt and uncle gave no sign of fear. They were on the front step of the house, with Jules between them, watching their nieces and smiling. Suddenly she realized that they, too, were acting a part. They had to behave as though nothing was wrong. Jane, on Bingley's arm, was smiling joyfully, but she was naturally of a tranquil disposition. She needed no coaching to behave as she always did. It was Elizabeth who would have to exert herself. She owed her aunt and uncle that much.
She clutched Darcy's arm in a show of excitement and laughed out loud. Footmen on either side opened the doors of the vehicles. Bingley handed Jane up the steps of the nearest carriage and she disappeared inside. Elizabeth took Darcy's proffered hand and stepped up into their own luxurious vehicle. Darcy seated himself next to her. She leaned her head out the window and waved to her aunt and uncle, smiling as though she had not a care in the world. For added effect she even waved to the little group of onlookers, who responded with appreciation. Only when the carriage began moving, and her aunt and uncle disappeared from sight, did she feel tears begin to sting.
Darcy saw the look on her face and his gaze softened. He put his arm around her shoulders. "Not yet, my darling, not yet." His voice was warm and reassuring in her ear. "Wait until we are through the city gates. Be strong until then!" He left his arm around her and continued to wave to the people outside the carriage. Elizabeth took a deep breath and followed his cue, though her heart threatened to break.
Their vehicles attracted more attention as they moved through the streets, with shouts, laughter, and general good cheer following them. It was as though the people of Paris, desperate for something encouraging in these dark times, were directing all of their good will towards these two carriages with their newlywed occupants. In short order they came to a halt before the city gate.
The carriage Darcy and Elizabeth rode in was ahead of Jane and Bingley's, and the captain of the gate approached the window closest to Darcy. He gave no hint of surprise or pleasure at seeing two such unlikely vehicles come before him. He held out his hand and gave a crisp command. "Papers, citizen!"
"Very well." Darcy produced a rolled up scroll, tied with a bright red ribbon. "You'll find everything in order."
"We'll see about that." The captain struggled to untie the ribbon while the soldiers behind him watched curiously. When the roll opened in his hand he frowned as he quickly scanned the lines. "Your names?"
"Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley, citizens of England, along with our new wives."
"Purpose for leaving the city?" The captain did not look up from the scroll in his hand.
"Is it not obvious?"
At the impertinent answer the other soldiers around guffawed. The captain looked up and frowned at the elaborately decorated vehicles. "Taking any valuables with you?"
"Certainly!" Darcy answered boldly. "I am taking the most beautiful item in France! Just try to stop me!" He pulled Elizabeth close and kissed her full on the mouth. Elizabeth did not need to pretend to be shocked by his forward display, and she buried her face in his shoulder as she felt her face flame.
The soldiers standing a few feet away were quick to laugh appreciatively, with some calling out ribald comments. "My girl is the most beautiful creature in France!" one yelled in mock protest. "She has a neck like this, and a wide backside!" He used his hands to draw suggestively in the air.
"That's because she's your horse!" another called back, to more laughter.
"She's still a sight prettier than you!" came the rejoinder.
The captain swept his men with an impatient look. "Quiet down, and let me do my job!" He looked back at Darcy. "We will have to search all of your baggage."
"As you wish. You'll find nothing but clothes and personal belongings. But do try to make it quick. My friend and I have plans for tonight! Vive l'amour!"
Elizabeth, now utterly shocked, felt her mouth fall open as the soldiers laughed and elbowed each other knowingly. "Vive l'amour!" When had Darcy become such a libertine?
But Darcy was not finished yet. He pulled a purse out from inside his jacket. Elizabeth gasped as she saw that it was bulging with coins. Darcy took a fistful of the coins and held them out the window. "All of you, in honor of our marriage, have a drink on me! Vive l'amour, and vive la revolucion!" With a flick of his wrist he threw the coins to the ground. They landed with a loud rattle and clatter, spilling all over the street.
Instantly there was a mad rush. Soldiers and citizens from every direction jumped or scrambled to retrieve the coins from the ground. All was disorder and mayhem as small fights broke out. The captain made an exasperated sound. "Mon dieu! What trouble you have caused!"
"My apologies, monsieur. Please take what is left as a token of my gratitude." Darcy held out the purse, now lighter but still containing a substantial sum.
The captain eyed it only a moment before snatching it away. He quickly concealed it inside his coat. "Begone with you!"
"Are you sure you do not wish to search our baggage?"
"No! Just go, now!" He stepped back as he called out the command. "Open the gates!" The great wooden gates swung open slowly, laboriously. Darcy's carriage, and then Bingley's, moved forward, leaving the chaos and noise on the streets behind. In a moment they were through.
The tumult, the uncertainty, the fear and the relief were almost too much. As soon as Elizabeth heard the gates close behind them again she buried her face in her hands. The tears flowed freely as the hopes, fears and joys of the past few days overtook her. Darcy cradled her close. "My darling!" he soothed. "My own beautiful, brave darling! The worst is behind us now! This is the last time you will ever need to weep, for here is where we start our own happily ever after!"
So, our favorite couples have made it out of Paris! But will they make it out of France, and what will become of the Gardiners and Jules? I'll see you back here in three weeks! In the meantime please do leave your thoughts on this fun chapter. I treasure each and every comment left! Have a great weekend. -Elaine