An Accidental Elopement

Chapter Six


Elizabeth stood before Mr Darcy wide eyed unable to speak, or breath for that matter. The silence that hung in the small room was thick and oppressive.

Mr. Darcy was sure he would be answered right away but now several minutes had past and Miss Bennet was still giving him a horrified expression, his confidence began to waver.

Mrs. Gardiner and Georgiana stood in silence looking back and forth between the two . Both afraid to speak for fear of disturbing the situation they were currently in.

"Mr. Darcy...," Elizabeth choked out and shook her head as though to clearer her thoughts.

This caused Mr. Darcy a small amount of panic thinking she was actually regretting his offer.

"..…yes of course I accept your offer." With that Elizabeth's fate was sealed.

•••

The carriages were once again speeding off from the small town of Lambton. This time, however, they were heading in the same direction.

After a short discussion the small party felt it was best to stick to the story of a romantic elopement rather then become the laughing stock of the ton for having been comprised and forced into marriage. At least that was Mr. Darcy's opinion.

Being not yet of her majority, Gretna Green was the best and quickest option. They would not have to wait the days it would take to receive Mr. Bennet's consent. Thus allowing the rumors to spread further.

Having just spent almost a full day in Mr. Darcy's company and wished for a slight reprieve before she was trapped for the rest of her life with the gentleman, Elizabeth opted to follow the Darcy carriage in her uncle's.

Everyone approve of this arrangement as is gave Darcy the much needed balm of his dear sister's company. It also gave him some time to clear his thoughts and organize his feelings about the woman he was now promised to.

As the carriage steadily rocked toward their destination Mrs. Gardiner eyed her niece wearily.

"Please aunt, I need some time to think," we're Elizabeth's words as they started off on their journey. That was well over an hour ago and nothing further had been said.

Margaret, knew that her niece must be exhausted, wished for her to sleep but even more so, to speak with her before that. Mrs. Gardiner knew that once they woke up there would be little time between when they arrived and when Elizabeth became the wife of Mr. Darcy.

"My dear niece, I know you need time but we must speak. There is much that will happen over the next few days and I wish you to be prepared. First has your mother spoken to you about a wife's duty to her husband?"

She quickly waved off this statement "Yes aunt I can guarantee you that much." Elizabeth was quickly transported back to the horrifying and uncomfortable conversation her mother had with Jane, Mary and herself once Mary was out. Their mother felt it best to get it out of the way all at once since her charming girls would soon catch husbands and she would have no time with the wedding planning to sit down with them. Plus it was best to know what was in store for them their mother had said. But now Elizabeth had something else to worry about, "You don't think Mr. Darcy would exercise his right so soon aunt?"

"I don't know Lizzy. From what I've heard Mr. Darcy is a good man but he still is a man and it is with in his rights."

This talk was not making Elizabeth predicament any better.

"My dear, Mr. Darcy's attentions are the least of your worries. As I'm sure you are well aware, we do not travel in the same circles of society. Once word gets out that the rich, handsome young man eloped with a country gentleman's daughter, the whole of the ton will be at the door to meet you. There will of course be those who are cordial, even seek your friendship but I fear the majority, at least at the start will not think well of you. They will wonder how someone of your standing and caught such a prize. I tell you this not to worry you but to prepare you. I feel you may need to trust your husband and follow his lead on who to befriend and who to steer clear of. You will have a short reprieve from this while you remain at Pemberley but I want you prepared."

Elizabeth now had a splitting headache as she rested it on the cool windowpane. She had been so worry about marrying for something other then love that none of the other repercussions had even entered her thoughts.

"I understand aunt. I promise you I will TRY to work with Mr. Darcy to build a partner ship for I fear if I don't, I will be doomed to a life dominate by disappointed hopes and misery. I do believe I must rest aunt. I don't want Mr. Darcy rescinding offer once I meet him at the altar with bloodshot eyes and dark rings around them." Casting a small smile at her aunt, Elizabeth continued staring out the window praying sleep would find her.

At this point, all three women heading to Gretna Green were soon asleep, the stress of the previous day finally taking its toll. Only one of the travelers remain awake. Try as he did, he could not settle his mind enough to allow it.

Miss Bennet's eyes were currently swimming in front of his face. He could not remember ever seeing such expressive eyes; warm and laughing one minute, angry and flashing the next. He was truly worried. Would he be able to make this a happy marriage? Sure he had been enchanted by the young woman but many of his fellow acquaintances were also charmed by a pretty face and were now living in misery. Although he knew Miss Bennet was more then just a pretty face. She had a sharp mind and a teasing nature.

His mother has possessed these qualities as well and had made his father happy beyond measure. His parents. Would they have approved or even liked Miss Bennet? Surely they would have been proud that he rescued the young woman's reputation but if he hadn't let his sister down he wouldn't have been in this situation at all. Georgiana would have continued with her studies in London after her trip and he would be off with with his friend Bingley to see the estate he was to lease.

He would have never met Miss Elizabeth Bennet. This idea caused him pause. Why had the thought of having never met Miss Bennet cause a sudden sharp pain in his chest. Darcy shook off this thought as nothing more then a minute of stress, nerves and sleeplessness.

Not quite convincing himself but determined to not dewell on it for the present, Fitzwilliam Darcy closed his eyes following his sister in to sleep.

Georgiana shifted, resting her head on her brother shoulder spilling her fragrant hair under his nose. Darcy last sleepy though that crossed through his mind was 'roses…Elizabeth smells of lavender.'

•••

The two carriages coming to a stop jostled all their occupants awake.

The peaceful dream Elizabeth had been have of walking through the trails of her home were quickly replace by an over whelming feeling of dread. Her aunt gave her hand a reassure squeeze as they exited the carriage to meet her future husband.

Mr. and Miss Darcy were already standing outside of there own carriage waiting for the others to appear.

"Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy good morning," replied Mrs. Gardiner.

The two people who were addressed were still to shocked over the events of the past day to offer more then a polite bow and curtesy. Thus the group stood in silence for several minutes, no one quite knowing what to do.

Eventually Mr. Darcy was able to gather his wits enough to speak.

"Miss Bennet if you'll excuse me I have a few things to take care of before...before we are to wed."

This received nothing but a nod from Elizabeth.

"Mr. Darcy perhaps you would like to leave your sister with us," suggested Mrs. Gardiner. "I think it best if we were to go freshen up at the inn and meeting you in an hours time. Would that be a sufficient amount of time for you sir?"

"Yes madam I believe I will be able to accomplish everything I need in that time." With that Mr Darcy escorted the ladies to the inn and set off on his business of writing letter and making sure everything was in place for them to wed that very day.

Back at the inn Mrs Gardiner had her work cut out for her trying to put everyone including herself at ease. While at Lambton she had sent expresses to her husband and to her family in Hertfordshire. Hopefully Mr. Bennet would be able to stem any rumors that may have already made their way there.

This lessened her stress but did little to help the to young women in the room.

Elizabeth, staring at the clearly shy and dispirited girl in front of herself, was determined to stop being this silly quiet version of herself and engage this young woman. After all in an hours time they were to be sisters.

"Miss Darcy I have heard you are a great musician. I play a little but never put myself to practice as I should. Perhaps you can help me improve my still once we return to Pemberley."

Georgiana looked up startled and slightly teary, "You wish for me to remain with you," she ask softly.

Drawing her brows together in concern Elizabeth replied, "Of course. Not only are we to be sister but Pemberley is as much your home as it is mine. I would never send you away so please have to more thoughts of that. Anyways, from what I hear about Pemberley, I will need you at my side at all times, less I will get lost and disappear forever," she finished with a smile.

She was happy that is also gain a smile from her future sister. "I look forward to playing with you Miss Bennet and being your most devoted tour guide."

Elizabeth and her aunt laughed well at this almost startling the young girl again.

"Also no more of this Miss Bennet or I guess Mrs Darcy it will be. You must call me Elizabeth or Lizzy if you prefer."

"And please call me Georgiana. I must admit Miss... Excuse me, I mean Elizabeth, I have always wanted a sister.

Elizabeth raised her eye brow mischievously, "Be careful what you wish for Georgiana for you are about to gain five."

This only gain a wider smile from the girl.

"Lizzy I had thought to save this for you on our return to town for the theater but I see it will be best to give it to you now."

Mrs. Gardiner started to unwrap a package that Elizabeth had not even noticed she brought in.

As the wrapping gave way both Elizabeth and Georgiana gasped at the contents. The package held one of the most beautiful dresses Elizabeth had ever seen. It was a lovely pale blue down with cream flowers embroidered along the bottom and the bust. A matching cream ribbon adorn the waist with a thinner ribbon lace through the edges of the sleeves.

Elizabeth, while one not often move quickly to emotion tears, found her eyes starting to well up. Georgiana make no attempt to stop hers from rolling down her cheek.

"Well let have no more of that," sniffed Elizabeth's aunt. "We need to start getting you ready and it won't do well to have us all show up with red nose."

Everyone chuckled at this and started assisting Elizabeth. Georgiana, while sorry her mistake had such an ever last consequence on her brother, could not help but feel a bit happy at the moment. Having grown up with a much older brother, who was really more like a father, she never got to experience this. The teasing and laughing that accompany getting ready with a sister. The closest she ever came was her ladies maid telling her an amusing story of her younger brother.

"Oh Elizabeth. You look simply exquisite," cried Georgiana.

"I must agree. Lizzy you are a vision," agreed her aunt

Turn toward the mirror Elizabeth had to admit she look almost good enough to blend into the first circle of society. This thought brought a small smile to her face. 'Try to find something to look down on now Mr. Darcy,' she thought.

"I promise you Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam won't be able to take his eyes off you," Georgiana continued to beam.

"Who?," asked Elizabeth turned toward the girl.

"Fitzwilliam my brother," she replied with a quizzical look.

The realization just hit her. Elizabeth Bennet was about to marry a man she knew almost nothing about. Not even his Christian name. Her breathing started to increase as her eyes grew wide.

Seeing her niece about to lose her calm, Mrs. Gardiner quickly interceded. "My dear everything is going to be already. Things happen for a reason and I have a feeling it is going to end up as a blessing for all involved."

Feeling more confidence then she had ever in her entire life, Georgiana added laying a hand lightly on Elizabeth "I know I already feel blessed to gain such a wonderful sister."

Elizabeth turn from her terrified image in the mirror toward the girl standing next to her. Suddenly all her immediate fear were quieted for the moment. After all if he raised such a sweet girl as Georgiana he couldn't be that bad.

Smiling she replied, "As am I."

This moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. Mrs. Gardiner opened only far enough for the person on the other side of it to see her.

"Everything is ready madam. If you would be so kind as to escort my sister and your niece across the street, I shall be waiting."

"Of could sir, we shall leave presently."

Waiting a few moment to allow Mr. Darcy to get to his position, Mrs. Gardiner turn to her niece. "It's time my dear."

Nodding Elizabeth went to follow but stopped, "I always imagined when I got married my sister Jane would stand up with me, Georgiana would you mind doing me the honor of taking her place," she finished turn toward her.

Georgiana was so overcome by the gesture she could only give the slightest squeak in acceptance. The two girls then linked arms and walked through the door.

The inn keeper, always ready for the unprepared brides, handed her a bundle of fresh picked daisy as Elizabeth walked across the street. It would be the last thing before her life would be forever changed.

Darcy waited at the alter rather impatiently. It had been all but a couple of minutes since he left the inn but it felt like 30.

During his hour he spent every minute wisely. He first sent an express to his solicitor to draw up a marriage settlement and one to his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam to prepare the family for what was about to happen and his house keeper to ready the mistress's rooms. After that he quickly rummaging through his own luggage. He had one of his mother's ring cleaned and reset with the anticipation of gifting it to Georgiana once they had arrived at their aunts. She had a trying last couple weeks and he thought it would have brightened her a bit. Now it was to be his wife's wedding ring. He also felt it best to change his clothing into something nicer and something he had not been traveling in for that last day.

After all this was accomplished he had remembered to send his aunt their regrets that Georgiana and himself would be unable to visit at the present but that she was more then welcome to Pemberley at her earliest convenience where more would be explained at that time.

Now all that was left was to wait.

After what clearly had been several hour, or rather five minutes, the doors open revealing his betrothed's aunt. She quickly stood in front of the pew nearest the alter and turned to once again face the back of the church.

Darcy couldn't help but grin at the smiling face of his sister walking down the aisle. Giving her brother a quick wink she stood slightly off to the side to await the bride.

To say Mr. Darcy was dumbstruck by the sight before him would be an understatement. Where his early impression of Elizabeth has been that of a woodland sprite, he now thought she could be the queen of the fairies. Her hair was done up simply but had such a natural beauty to it, that the small silk flowers affixed to it only made it more lovely. The dress was very fine indeed displayed to her fullest advantage the lovely figure that had somewhat hind underneath her traveling dress. Lastly he could have sworn her eyes sparkled. Once again deep brown in the dim light of the church he was struck by the fact they seemed more lively every time he saw them.

Elizabeth was equally struck by the handsome man in front of her. Part of her suddenly wished they had met under different circumstances and were able to get to know each other better but another part of her could stop her heart from fluttering at the small smile he gave her.

In what seemed as though a few moment had pasted, Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn was wedded to Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley and the small party was currently taking some refreshments back at the inn.

Little was spoken other then polite small comments that rarely need more then a cordial nod in response. After an hour of forced niceties, Mr. Darcy felt it best the start their journey back to Pemberley, clearly indicating they would not be spending the night in Scotland. Elizabeth could not but help breath a sigh of relief a this earning a rather amused look from her husband. Blushing profusely, Elizabeth turn and pretended to ready herself for the trip.

Mr. Darcy first helped his wife's aunt into their carriage followed by his sister. Since they were all family now they would travel together. Also since the Gardiner's carriage was slower, it was sent ahead with their luggage. Mrs. Gardiner quickly pulled the young girl to sit with her forcing her niece and new husband to sit next to each other. Georgiana smile widely at this and was the picture of ignorance when Elizabeth was handed into the carriage. Give an amused glare at her aunt she sat down opposite of her. Lastly Mr. Darcy joined the group. Seeing the only seat available was next to his wife he dutifully sat and away they went.

The return trip was silent but no one notice being so wrapped up in their own minds:

Mrs. Gardiner was happy her niece was handling the situation so well but worried about what was to come. Georgiana was delighted by the idea of showing her new sister all her most favorite spots at Pemberley and sharing in duets together. Elizabeth was playing over every conversation and word spoken between Mr. Darcy, Fitzwilliam, whatever she was to call him and herself and wondering if the grounds of Pemberley were as wonderful as she had been told. And as his wife thigh rest against his own, Darcy wondered if the seats had always been this small.

AN: Sorry if there's an unually large numbers of errors this time as I rushed editing this one. You go from thinking "oh I'll work from home. It'll be great. We'll save on child care and I'll have extra time to do stuff around the house. To a year later thinking I can't remember the last time I brushed my hair. I'm assuming I did cause it's not knotted but I still have no memory of doing it." Anyways time is limited for me.

Again I thank you for reading and reviewing, it really keeps me going. I was surprised at how many people thought this wasn't going to be a forced marriage story. I really thought the title gave it away. Anyways I hope that doesn't scare anyone away.

Disclaimer: Pride and Prejudice belong to Jane Austen. This story is protected under copyright law and is not allowed to be used, copied, or republish without written consent from the author.