The wedding day has arrived. This is a longer chapter enjoy.
Monday morning dawned bright and sunny. Mrs. Taylor arrived with tea and a small repast for Elizabeth.
"How are you this morning, Miss Elizabeth?"
"I am feeling much better. The tea has helped a great deal. My throat hardly hurts at all now."
"I am glad. I have assigned Hannah to be your lady's maid. The maids are filling the tub in the dressing room. Once it is ready we will assist you to it."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
Mrs. Taylor went to check on the progress of the tub. She returned a short time later with Hannah. They assisted Elizabeth the short distance to the tub. She was left for a time to soak and wash. Hannah returned to assist her with her hair. Once she finished, Elizabeth was assisted back into her room. She was nearly dressed when Georgiana arrived with Mrs. Gardiner and Jane. A great fuss was made over the styling of Elizabeth's hair. Lady Matlock and Anne entered during the discussion. The two older women watched amused as the younger ladies finally agreed on a style. Hannah was quick to her duties and had Elizabeth's hair in place. Lady Matlock presented Elizabeth with a wide choker.
"It matches your dress quite well." she remarked. "I thought you might like it to cover the last of the bruising. If it is not too uncomfortable."
The choker was secured around her neck.
"It is perfect. Thank you." Elizabeth replied, looking at her reflection.
A knock alerted the ladies to the arrival of the doctor. Lady Matlock escorted the younger ladies out of the room while Mrs. Gardiner stayed with Elizabeth.
While Elizabeth was welcoming her sister and aunt, Mr. Darcy was informed of the arrival of Mr. Jameson. He and Mr. Bennet met the man in the hall and moved to the study. The marriage contract was quickly gone over and signed. Mr. Jameson assured that the document would be filed right away and departed. The gentlemen returned to the drawing room to discover it now had more occupants than when they departed. Mr. Darcy entered and welcomed his guests.
"Your aunt and Anne have already gone up to speak to your betrothed." Lord Matlock remarked. "Mr. Bennet, allow me to introduce my elder son, Anthony Fitzwilliam. Anthony, this is Mr. Bennet, the father of Darcy's betrothed."
The gentlemen bowed to one another.
"I have not had the pleasure of meeting your daughter yet, sir, but I have heard a great deal about her from my cousin, Anne. She is quite verbose on the subject of her greatest friend."
"I never thought anyone would use the term verbose to describe Anne." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked thoughtfully. "Miss Elizabeth is certainly a miracle worker."
"Indeed." Mr. Darcy added as a footman stepped in the room. "Excuse me."
Mr. Darcy stepped over the the footman. After a brief word, Mr. Darcy stepped out of the room. He was back after a few moments with Mr. Malone. The man was greeted and introduced to those he had not met. The ladies entered the room a minute later. Mr. Bennet excused himself to speak to Jane. Mr. Darcy rejoined his cousins.
"I must say, Darcy, I was quite surprised when Father said you would be marrying today." his cousin, Anthony, remarked. "I was sure he was jesting."
"Father never jests about marriage." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked.
"He told me last week I should marry Miss Putnam. If that was not a jest then I may have him sent to Bedlam."
"Bridget Putnam? She is a lovely woman. You would be lucky to have her."
"Bridget Putnam married three months ago. He meant her younger sister, Sarah."
"Surely you were jesting." the colonel said to his father.
"I did not say they should marry. I said he should speak to her a bit to see if they might suit."
"Trust me, they will not suit. Anthony has too much personality and Sarah Putnam has none."
"She might be a lovely girl if either of you spoke to her."
"She simply agrees with everything a man says. Darcy had her agreeing to three different contradictions in one evening."
"Did she really agree to three different contradictions in one evening?" Anthony asked.
"She did. We shared the supper set at a ball in February." Mr. Darcy stated with a nod. "It was the longest meal I have ever had."
"You usually avoid the supper set."
"I was seeking distraction."
"Distraction? Several men at the club thought you were on the hunt for a wife with as much as you have danced since Twelfth Night. Perhaps they were right."
"The men at the club gossip nearly as bad as their wives." Mr. Darcy said.
"That they do. Fitzwilliam Darcy caught in the parson's mousetrap. They will not believe it. Will you be taking her about this week?"
"No and we will not be taking any callers except family until we return from Hertfordshire."
"Mother is making arrangements for the introduction of the new Mrs. Darcy when they return." the colonel commented.
"Surely there will be an announcement in the paper before that."
"The announcement will be in Friday's paper. With luck we will be in Hertfordshire by Saturday." Mr. Darcy replied. "And I will ask you to refrain from bandying about my name and situation at the club."
"This is a great task you ask of me, cousin." Anthony stated in mock seriousness. "What about a vague wager that your name will appear in the social section on Friday?"
Mr. Darcy rolled his eyes and walked away.
"That was not a no."
Captain Carson was quite impressed with Elizabeth's progress. He agreed that Elizabeth could walk down the aisle as long as she was careful and took her time.
"Are there are any other limitations on Elizabeth's activities, aside from taking care when walking?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.
"The tea for her throat should be continued and she should rest if she feels tired. I do not believe she needs the tonic any longer as the swelling has gone. The poultices can be continued, if you wish, though the bruising is nearly gone."
"Is there anything else?"
"I would not recommend horseback riding for at least another week. Traveling by carriage should be fine in a few days, as long is care is taken entering and exiting. She should have someone beside her when using stairs as well, up and down." Captain Carson replied.
"Are those the only restrictions?"
"Is there an activity you are particularly concerned about?"
"Given today's event, sir, are there any restrictions?"
Captain Carson looked confused for a moment. Realization crossed his face and he reddened.
"As long as Miss Elizabeth is comfortable, there are no restrictions."
"Thank you."
"I will join the rest of the party downstairs. Congratulations, Miss Elizabeth." he said then quickly fled the room.
"I think you scandalized him quite thoroughly, Aunt." Elizabeth remarked quietly, her own cheeks red.
"Given the circumstances, it is an important matter, Lizzie." her aunt replied, a bit amused.
"It is but I do not think Captain Carson has treated many young ladies so it is not a matter he is used to discussing with ladies."
"That is likely so but I was not sure if Mr. Darcy would think to ask him about it. By his reaction, I do not think he would have thought to mention it either."
Elizabeth nodded.
"I know marital duties are something you expected your mother to discuss with you before your wedding but since she is not here the duty falls to me to prepare you." Mrs. Gardiner stated.
"I understand the basics of it from the books I have read."
Mrs. Gardiner nodded, "I will tell you the first time there will likely be some pain. Try to relax and trust your husband. The marriage bed can be quite enjoyable when two people care about each other."
"Thank you, Aunt."
Mrs. Gardiner assisted her to the chair waiting in the sitting room. Once Elizabeth was seated, Mrs. Gardiner spoke to the footmen waiting in the hall. She was informed that the rest of the party was ready and waiting in the front drawing room. The two footmen entered and lifted Elizabeth's chair. As they exited the room Mrs. Gardiner led the way down the hall. Mr. Bennet awaited them at the bottom of the stairs. Mrs. Gardiner gave his arm a squeeze then moved to the drawing room.
"You look lovely, Lizzie dear."
"Thank Papa."
"Let us get you to your young man."
Elizabeth nodded and Mr. Bennet walked ahead of them into the drawing. The footmen followed carrying Elizabeth. When they entered Jane made her way up to the front of the room. Mr. Bennet came to a stop just before the first row of chairs. The footmen stopped beside him and lowered the chair. Elizabeth glanced at Mr. Darcy. A confused looked crossed his face as the chair was set on the floor. The two men stepped back. Mr. Bennet offered his daughter his hand to assist her to her feet. Mr. Darcy's smile returned as she rose. The trip up the short aisle was slow. Elizabeth swayed a bit as she turned to her betrothed. His hand came out quickly to steady her. Her father and Jane were only a moment behind him. Once she was steady, Mr. Bennet nodded to the minister to begin.
The ceremony seemed to pass quickly. Soon Mr. Malone pronounced the couple man and wife. A light kiss sealed the declaration. Their families were soon gathered around to congratulate them. Elizabeth turned and her legs gave out. Mr. Darcy was quick to catch her. Her face reddened as he carried her to an open chair. Once she was seated, Mr. Malone was formally introduced. He brought the register for them to sign. With the task completed, Mr. Darcy left Elizabeth in the care of their female relations. More chairs were brought in. A sideboard had been placed along the wall the night before and was soon filled with trays full of food. The ladies' chairs were soon rearranged around Elizabeth. Lady Matlock introduced Lord Matlock and her eldest son, Anthony, to Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner. Everyone filled their plates. Mr. Darcy brought Elizabeth a plate. He gave her a smile then moved to join the men, taking a position that gave him a view of his new wife.
The wedding breakfast passed with much laughter and joy. Soon it was time for the Bennets and Mr. Bingley to depart. The ladies gave Elizabeth privacy for a private goodbye.
"Take care, Lizzie." Jane said hugging her sister. "You are still healing. I look forward to seeing you soon."
"I will be fine, Jane. Do not worry over me. Thank you for taking my letters."
"I am happy to be your messenger."
Jane moved to say goodbye to the other ladies. Mr. Bennet stepped over to his daughter.
"First you are stolen away by a young man and I expect by Mr. Bingley's attentions, Jane shall be next. I am destined to lose both of my most sensible daughters."
"Papa." Elizabeth admonished.
"I suppose I shall have to train the other three up to be as good company as the two of you."
"I suppose so. Mary is quite good at chess and Lydia is fierce at checkers."
"Are they? There may be hope for them yet."
"Do be kind though, Papa. They do not always find you as humorous as I do."
"I promise, Lizzie." he replied.
He glanced at Mr. Darcy. The younger man reddened at being caught watching his new wife and looked away. Mr. Bennet smiled and looked back to his daughter.
"Darcy is a good man."
"He is." Elizabeth said with a smile.
"Do not give him too much trouble. I know how you are when you are restricted. He only wants what is best for you and you are still recovering."
"Yes, Papa."
"Now I must go endure your mother's claims of ruination followed by her raptures when I tell her you married Mr. Darcy. I sent a note this morning that we would arrive today."
"I hope her raptures are quelled a bit by the time we arrive to visit."
"Only if you plan to postpone your visit for a year or so." he replied with a chuckle. "I am sure she will be fairly distracted with Jane's courtship as well."
"Do not let her fuss over Jane too much. She deserves a pleasant courtship."
"She will have it, I promise."
Elizabeth hugged her father and kissed his cheek.
Mr. Bingley came to offer his congratulations before the group departed. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner came to say their goodbyes as well.
"We must get back to the children." her aunt remarked. "I know they would love to see you once you are well though."
"I will be sure to bring her to call before we leave for Hertfordshire." Mr. Darcy said coming over.
"I appreciate that, Mr. Darcy. I hope you will join us for dinner as well once you return."
"I look forward to it, Mrs. Gardiner."
After the Gardiners departed, Mr. Malone and Captain Carson offered their congratulations again and made their farewells. Captain Carson asked Mr. Darcy to walk him out. Mr. Darcy followed the men out the door. Lady Matlock moved to sit with Elizabeth.
"We will be taking Georgiana with us when we depart." the older woman said.
Elizabeth began to protest.
"You and William have not had many conversations since Kent. I believe you should have time to speak privately now that you can. I do not want you or William to feel guilty for wanting to spend time together in private or that you are neglecting Georgiana. She has agreed."
"As long as Georgiana is in agreement. I do not want her to think we are sending her off."
"She understands, Elizabeth."
Mr. Darcy reentered the room. His face a bit more pink than when he left. His eyes found Elizabeth and he blushed a bit more. Beside Elizabeth, Lady Matlock chuckled.
"I think I should collect the others and depart. We will call tomorrow afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, my dear."
"Thank you, Lady Matlock."
"We are family now, Elizabeth, I insist you call me Aunt Rachel as all my nieces do."
Elizabeth smiled, "Thank you, Aunt Rachel."
Lady Matlock rose and crossed to her husband. Her place was quickly filled by Anne.
"I hope you do not mind me stealing away Georgiana and abandoning you to only William's company."
"I do not mind at all, Anne." Elizabeth said with a smile. She took Anne's hands in hers. "Thank you, my friend, for everything you have done for me."
"I only wish I could have done more and saved you so much pain."
Elizabeth glanced at her husband.
"It was worth bearing to be sitting here now."
Anne hugged her quickly and whispered, "I am so happy for you."
Elizabeth returned the embrace as Georgiana came over. The younger girl sat down on Elizabeth's other side. Elizabeth turned and offered her a hug as well.
"I am so happy to have a sister." Georgiana said. "I know you and William will be so very happy."
"Thank you, Georgiana."
The others came to say their goodbyes as well.
"Send word if you need anything." Mr. Darcy told his sister.
"I will have Aunt, Mrs. Annesley, and Anne." his sister replied. "I shall be fine."
"I will be there as well." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked.
"You have nothing to worry over, William." Lady Matlock said. "We will take care of Georgiana."
"Thank you Aunt."
"Now it has been a busy morning and Elizabeth is still recovering. We should allow her to rest."
Mr. Darcy escorted his guests out then returned to the drawing room. Elizabeth rose and he crossed to her quickly.
"Elizabeth, you must be careful."
"I awaited your return before I stood. There is no need to worry."
"Would you care to rest?"
"I have been in bed more than a week. I am fairly rested." Elizabeth replied. "I am not taking the tonic anymore so I shall not fall asleep as I usually do at this time."
"You need not sleep. Perhaps a cup tea while you rest on the bed. It has been a busy morning."
"And what will you do while I rest, husband?" she asked.
He stepped closer, "That is up to you, dearest."
"Me?" He nodded. "How so?"
"Well if you wish to rest alone then I will find something to occupy my time until you are fully rested."
"And if I do not wish to rest alone?"
"Then I would be happy to provide companionship."
"I think I would prefer companionship."
He smiled and quickly picked her up.
"You need not carry me." Elizabeth said as he carried her to the door.
"Walking at present will only tire you further." her husband replied as they exited the drawing room and headed for the stairs. "There is no need for you to exhaust yourself."
Elizabeth laughed quietly, "I must admit this is a rather luxurious way to travel."
Up next our dear couple finally gets a chance to talk a bit.