Disclaimer: All hers, my lovely, dear, intelligent idol, Jane Austen.
A/N: Well…here we are again. My exam is over! So to celebrate, I'm writing a new chapter!!! I only updated last week, but by popular demand, I have decided to get on with it and work towards the end of this story. I know, I have been cruel to delay the wedding again and again…but…all in good fun, right?
Hmm…thanks reviewers…you guys rock…Oh guess what? I saw becoming Jane the other day. It was totally historically inaccurate and reminded me disturbingly of the 2005 P&P movie but otherwise it was a sad and romantic little tale…sort of like an exaggeration of Jane Austen's life…otherwise good…see it just for the sake of it…I wouldn't trust the facts though…
ON WITH THE SHOW!
Darcy paced. He felt the inactivity of the moment and began to pace again. Like a fortnight earlier, Darcy paced in presence of his fellow bridegroom Bingley, however this time, the fair-haired gentleman paced with his dark haired friend.
The matter on their minds was none other than the long awaited and too oft postponed wedding between the eldest Bennet sisters and the two fine gentlemen of large fortune.
While the happy day had finally arrived, both gentlemen could help but worry at what else could go wrong. After suffering a fortnight of controversies and separation from their recovering brides, both men had enough time to dwell over the matter and imagine all forms of disasters to interrupt their pending nuptials.
While Mr. Bingley was simply beset by pre-wedding nerves, Mr. Darcy felt just the opposite. His sole purpose at that very moment was to see his darling bride and whisk her down the isle before any other misfortune could befall them.
Darcy cast his mind back to just three days prior. It had been his last visit to Longbourn and he could recall, with vivid detail, Elizabeth's laughter as he cautioned her against any morning strolls on the day of their wedding. Elizabeth had been rather eager to finally be allowed a moment alone with her fiancé and when the first thing Darcy had said to her was such a speech; she had promptly burst into mirthful laughter.
Darcy however, was rather serious and after seeing the loathed countenance of severity on her beloved's face, Elizabeth quickly acquiesced to the request, swearing to him to keep out of harms way until he could protect her himself.
A faint cough interrupted his musings. Darcy looked up.
Lord Matlock stood at the door of the bright and sunny parlor, smiling amusedly at his young nephew and Bingley.
"My dear gentlemen, are you dressed already? The wedding is scheduled for noon…why that's a good two hours from now. Surely, you are not so eager to be leg shackled?"
Neither Darcy nor Bingley had the opportunity to answer. Lady Matlock appeared silently behind her husband, a look of bemusement upon her face.
"What are you telling these young bridegrooms?"
Lord Matlock coughed awkwardly and stifled his urge to blush.
"Nothing my dear wife, I am simply whiling away the hours before the wedding…"
Lady Matlock looked unconvinced for a moment before she smiled.
"Well," she said playfully, "since you seem to have so much time on your hands, why don't you give them the talk."
Lord Matlock flushed.
"The talk…" He muttered quietly.
His wife raised a questioning eyebrow and turned to face him.
"Did I stutter, my dear?"
The elder gentleman shook his head vigorously.
"No of course not my dear, but surely, they are gentleman of means and fortune, surely they do not be versed on…such…matters…"
Lady Matlock scowled.
"That matters not! You cannot know it for sure…"
The lord raised his hands in surrender, reluctantly relinquishing himself to the awkward task. His wife smiled in approval, waving him off while she strode away to dress and ready herself for the happy celebration.
Bingley stepped forward to greet the man whom had just entered the room.
"Lord Matlock…"
"Andrew, call me Andrew dear boy…"The elder gentleman waved absently for the two young men to sit.
Darcy and Bingley exchanged concerned looks, anticipating some bad news having missed the conversation between lord and lady Matlock.
Lord Matlock braced himself, suppressing the heat, which had risen to his face.
"Now, gentlemen…you are to become husbands in a matter of hours…thus…"Lord Matlock paused, hesitating to continue.
Darcy and Bingley exchanged looks of perplexity but lord Matlock plowed on regardless.
"Thus…all husbands have certain duties…and obligations to…uh…"
Darcy could hardly keep a straight face as he realized the illusive subject his uncle was attempting to grasp. Instead of allowing Lord Matlock to stutter on, Darcy chose to interrupt.
"…to produce an heir."
Lord Matlock exclaimed in relief. "Yes! Yes, exactly that. Well…uh…producing an heir of course entails…certain activities…"
Lord Matlock blushed to his roots and faltered.
Bingley finally caught on to the topic at hand and exclaimed loudly before he could stop himself.
"Oh! Of course! Yes…I understand now!"
Darcy and Lord Matlock turned to assess the young gentlemen with surprised expressions and Bingley flushed in embarrassment.
"That is…I…well you see…that came out rather strangely…"
Darcy emitted a strangled choke sounding suspiciously akin to a laugh.
Lord Matlock groaned. This is proving much more difficult than first imagined.
Little did the gentlemen know, the Bennet ladies seemed to be experiencing the very same difficulties, only the sentiments were expressed an octave higher.
A squeal of frustration pierced the still air of the room.
Make it two octaves higher.
Mrs. Bennet was having a field day attempting to explain to her daughters the duties of the marriage bed, what with Jane fleeing the room in fright moments ago and Elizabeth frozen to the spot before her, an expression of morbid fascination apparent on her features, Mrs. Bennet realized she was failing at her motherly duties most appallingly. Nevertheless, she continued onwards regardless.
"…It is a most unpleasant experience…just…just lie still…and…well…pray that you have a boy as your first child…after that I'm quite positive…"
Elizabeth's jaw clicked shut and she stood and fled from her mothers extravagant waves and wailing. Madeline Gardiner, thankfully, had already spoken to her nieces about the intimate matters of marriage and both Elizabeth and Jane trusted their aunt's advice implicitly and decided to simply have faith in their soon-to-be husbands.
Moments after her departure from the room, Elizabeth sought out Jane who was ensconced in the empty dining room, seemingly hidden in the in the shadow.
"Lizzy, that was…"
"Horrible, horrendous, mentally scarring?"
Jane grimaced. "I am inclined to agree."
Elizabeth giggled and pulled Jane into a tight embrace.
"If I ever have any daughters, I certainly hope I perform the duty with more…decorum."
Jane smacked her sister lightly. "Mama is…"
"Hopeless."
Jane's eyes lifted heavenwards as she suppressed her laughter.
"Come Elizabeth, let us forget these things and prepare. Mama will have a fit if we are not ready in time…"
"Not to mention our dear fiancés will think I have taken another walk of disaster."
Jane shook her head in amusement. "Then I'm afraid your Mr. Darcy would never forgive me."
Elizabeth frowned. "Whatever for?"
Jane feigned thought for a moment before she whispered quietly: "Your Mr. Darcy has made me swear to keep you indoors to ensure your safety."
Elizabeth smiled wickedly. "Oh that insufferable man…"
The silent room was engulfed in the laughter of the two sisters.
Darcy heard not a whisper of the congregation as Elizabeth glided down the aisle upon her father's arm. The moment she spotted him and met his eyes, her face broke into a luminous smile, her fine eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation that Darcy could not help but return.
He barely acknowledged Jane's shining presence next to her sister, as he was so fixated on the woman before him. He had anticipated this moment since months before and only the voice of the pastor seemed to penetrate the haze of exhilaration surrounding his senses. He listened just long enough for Elizabeth to recite her vows and he to return the very same words before he immersed himself once more in the beauty of the moment.
He was jolted to reality when he felt a small hand resting gently upon his sleeve. Looking down, he was rewarded with the breathless sight of a small golden band resting on Elizabeth's ring finger.
He beamed when he met her amused glance. She leaned forward slightly and engulfed him with her alluring scent. Darcy breathed deeply and bent to peck her lightly upon her cheek as the pastor had instructed. Taking the opportunity, Elizabeth whispered gently into his ear.
"Is the event so tiring my dear, that you must stare at me incessantly in that manner?"
Darcy smiled playfully against her cheek, his lips still whispering against her soft skin.
"Not at all, Mrs. Darcy, I was simply admiring the impertinent sparkle in your eyes."
Elizabeth and Darcy turned and strolled back down the aisle, Bingley and Jane following blissfully behind. Lizzy sighed at his words and lowered her voice to a dramatic whisper.
"I am afraid my dear, that these may be the last moments in which you will have this opportunity."
Darcy raised his eyebrows curiously.
"For what reason?"
"Well…"Elizabeth stated playfully, "now that I am your wife, I must conduct myself as to suit my status and position and you could hardly have such an impertinent wife, now could you?"
Darcy smirked at her. "Shame, I had so looked forward to you directing that impertinence at someone other than me…seems that I must derive my amusement elsewhere."
Elizabeth smacked his arm in annoyance.
"I was hardly that cruel to you!"
Darcy said not a word but simply met her eyes.
Elizabeth sighed. "Oh very well, there were moments."
"Just moments? I would've thought our entire acquaintance was based upon your impertinence."
"And tears and dramatics." Elizabeth quipped.
Darcy chuckled which surprised many of the wedding guests who had never so much as seen the man smile let alone laugh.
"And whose fault is that?" He inquired, ignoring the startled stares.
Elizabeth pouted prettily. "Yours of course."
Darcy looked stunned for a moment before mustering a reply. However, he never had the chance to retaliate as Mrs. Bennet chose that very moment to rush into her daughter's arms and sob piercingly into her shoulder.
"My girl, my baby girl. Married! And to such a fine, rich gentleman! What a life you will lead! You must come visit me soon and I must come to Pemberley…oh…oh Pemberley, I have heard such fine things about it…"
Elizabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes but embraced her mother fondly anyway.
"Mama…"
Mr. Bennet gently pried his hysterical wife away from his favorite daughter and gently pushed her towards her eldest daughter. Mrs. Bennet did not hesitate to comply and rushed away to congratulate Jane.
Mr. Bennet drew his darling child into his arms and embraced her warmly. He emitted a shuddering breath and could not help the tear that slipped from his eyes.
"My little Lizzy. When did you grow into such a fine woman?"
Elizabeth returned his embrace fondly and kissed him gently upon his forehead.
"Do not fret papa, you are always welcome at Pemberley and I will visit you as often as you wish…"
Mr. Bennet shook his head. "If I had my way, you would never leave Longbourn…"
Darcy nearly pouted at the thought, which caused Mr. Bennet to laugh and amend his words.
"However, I am not sure you husband would appreciate the sentiment…"
Elizabeth laughed and released her father before walking to Darcy and wrapping her arms around his waist.
Darcy's expression brightened immediately as he leaned down to kiss his bride. Life could not be better in his opinion and he was more than content to indulge in the moment. However, it was never meant to be as Mrs. Bennet's voice pierced the air.
"The wedding breakfast! We must proceed to the breakfast at Netherfield! Everyone…"
Darcy shook his head in exasperation and turned to his lovely bride.
"Must we attend? I can think of much better things to do…"
Elizabeth gasped and flushed under his playful gaze. "William! You…you…"
Darcy nearly burst into hysterical laughter at the sight of her but Elizabeth was having none of his newly acquired sense of humor and attempted to sniff disdainfully at her husband.
"I never thought you'd be so rude as to neglect our guests."
Darcy smiled and rubbed his hands together in glee. "Oh yes, I am terribly rude, may we leave now?"
Elizabeth gasped and giggled with amusement. "Wedding breakfast, Darcy. Now."
Darcy sighed with false resignation. He promptly scooped his wife into his arms, ignoring her scream of protest and walked with her towards the carriage.
The crowd parted with amusement at the actions of the young couple. They watched as Darcy deposited the squirming young woman into the carriage and instructed the man to drive on.
As soon as they were safely out of view, Darcy grasped Elizabeth's soft hands and lifted them to his lips. Elizabeth smiled brightly and happily leant towards him. Darcy wasted no time in capturing her lips in a deep kiss and tasted the sweetness upon her lips while he inhaled her intoxicating scent.
Elizabeth could not believe this moment was real; it had been so long in coming that Elizabeth feared this was simply another heavenly dream but when her hand brushed against the warm lapel of Darcy's coat, she nearly reeled with the implications of the sensation. She slid her arms upwards until she reached the dark curls at the nape of his neck. Wasting no time, she buried her fingers in his locks and ruffled his hair, pulling his head closer, deepening the kiss even further.
Darcy sighed at the sensation of her gentle fingers in his hair and lightly nipped her lip before soothing it with a lick. Hesitatingly, Elizabeth kissed him back, feeling him explore every inch of her mouth as his hands stroked her waist.
Darcy was almost overcome with the sensations of Elizabeth's lips and growled into the kiss, pulling her roughly into his lap so he could press her closer to him.
"FITZWILLIAM DARCY! What has come over you?"
Startled, Darcy jerked his head back abruptly, breaking the heated kiss, much to Elizabeth's consternation. He snapped his head towards the direction of the voice and spotted the Bingley carriage quickly pulling even with his.
Charles Bingley smirked at his blushing friend, a look that seemed eerily foreign on his usually happy features. Beside him, Jane was forcibly glancing at the passing view, suppressing the urge to howl with indignant laughter.
Charles glanced at his blushing bride and met her eyes. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley immediately burst into laughter much to the Darcys exasperation. Once the their laughter had subsided, Charles glanced into the Darcy carriage only to see the young couple once more immersed in a passionate kiss, carelessly ignoring them. He rolled his eyes.
"Save it for the wedding night, love birds!"
Darcy pulled away long enough to smirk at his friend. "Are you quite sure you're newly married?"
Charles Bingley looked startled for a moment before turning to the angel beside him as he muttered quietly under his breath: "Good point." Without warning he leaned down and captured the shocked lips of his new wife.
Darcy was tempted to laugh but Elizabeth silence him in the most effective way she knew how. She kissed him and Darcy was more than happy to submit.
The breakfast was in full swing and Darcy was attempting to fend of the over eager congratulations of the guests as Elizabeth took it all in stride while she glanced over to him occasionally. He nearly growled as he spotted her laughing away happily at something his cousin Richard had said.
Excusing himself as politely as he could, he stalked over to his lovely bride and placed a possessive arm around he waist, glaring conspicuously at his cousin. Quickly spotting the look upon Darcy's face, Elizabeth smirked and turned to Richard, assessing his regimentals with a critical eye. Scanning the room, Elizabeth looked for one face in particular and spotting the desired person, she immediately waved her over.
"Kitty! Have you met the colonel?"
One Miss Katherine Bennet turned at the exclamation of her name and settled her eyes on the colonel with frightening intensity. Her eyes glittered and a wide, devious smile, overspread her features.
"No," she exclaimed thoughtfully, "No, I have not…"
Colonel Fitzwilliam's eyes widened in fright at the predatory gleam in Kitty's eyes and turned quickly to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled sweetly and leant close to him as if she were ready to share a secret.
"Run."
The colonel did not need to be told twice. Pivoting, he quickly disappeared into the crowd, muttering something about finding Anne. Kitty quickly spotted his retreat and turned to follow, Richard redoubled his efforts to escape.
Darcy laughed and planted a lingering kiss upon Elizabeth's smooth neck.
"Mmm…I knew there was a reason why I fell in love with you."
Elizabeth smirked at her husband and leaned into his embrace contentedly. Darcy looked up from her and saw Bingley standing across the room. The two men exchanged a quick look and a nod before Bingley strode away in search of his lovely bride whom was speaking to the Lucas family.
Darcy leaned down to Elizabeth's ear and kissed it gently before whispering to her: "Come, my love, I have a surprise for you."
Slowly, Darcy drew Elizabeth towards the exit of the Netherfield ballroom and away from all the guests.
Elizabeth however, seemed rather reluctant.
"A surprise? I am not entirely sure I could stomach anymore surprises."
Darcy smirked and continued to pull her away. "This is a good surprise. I swear you would enjoy it."
They were soon in the hallway and the noise had died down to a quiet rumble from within. Upon seeing the mischievous glint within his eyes, Elizabeth quirked her brow and drew closer to her handsome husband.
"Oh? And what exactly would that be?" She whispered seductively.
Darcy's smirk widened. He bent and planted a heated kiss upon her neck, lightly nipping and licking at the soft skin as he went. Elizabeth whimpered quietly into his ear and felt him smile against her skin.
"Darcy. For goodness sake. Could you stop for a moment?"
Darcy lifted his head and grinned at the Bingleys who had just emerged from the ballroom and rubbed his neck sheepishly.
"Excuse me Charles, but my new wife has the art of distraction perfected to an intricate art."
Elizabeth chuckled at the description Darcy gave her and turned to the other couple. Quickly releasing Darcy's hand, she walked towards her sister and engulfed her in a hug before linking Jane's arm with hers.
Darcy frowned as she left him and quickly spotting the look upon his face, Elizabeth smiled playfully.
"You said it yourself my love, I am far too distracting when I am near you."
Charles Bingley grinned and went to stand by his friend.
"Too right, too right."
Darcy scowled at Bingley but Charles promptly ignored him.
"Come ladies, your surprise awaits."
Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a glance before walking past their husbands towards the awaiting doors of the drawing room.
Darcy and Bingley smiled and followed them, soundly shutting the door of the drawing room behind them.
Elizabeth turned towards the men, the corner of her lips quirked in amusement.
"Gentlemen…"
Darcy held up a hand to quiet his wife.
"My dear, before you accuse us of kidnapping you two innocent young ladies, look behind you."
Elizabeth quirked a brow but obeyed. Immediately, both Elizabeth and Jane's eyes were drawn to a large table near the window. Upon the table sat four large ornately carved chests surrounded by several multicolored boxes and packages.
The two men wrapped their arms around the waists of their respective wives as Charles said: "Our first gift to our lovely, charming brides."
Elizabeth and Jane slowly moved away from their husbands and walked towards the table. Hesitantly, Elizabeth reached out to one of the large chests nearest to her and eased open the heavy lid.
"Oh my." She whispered, before she snapped the lid shut and rushed into her husband's arms. "Thank you, William! You shouldn't have…"
"Yes I should have. Go on, open them. Enjoy."
Elizabeth and Jane did not need to be told twice. They dived into the sea of new gowns; accessories, shoes and hats, squealing like little girls reminiscent of the behavior of Lydia and Kitty in a ribbon store.
Darcy and Bingley exchanged a sheepish look before seating themselves upon the lounge. After 20 minutes of very limited attention from their wives, the men decided to break the next surprise. Darcy cleared his throat loudly, slowly drawing the attention of the two lovely women.
"Ladies, it is time for you next gift."
Jane turned to Charles and her eyes widened in astonishment. "More?"
Charles nodded gently and gestured for her to come to him. Jane happily complied as Elizabeth eagerly leapt into Darcy's arms.
From his coat pocket, Darcy drew two slips of paper and offered them to the lovely woman cradled in his arms. With little hesitation, Lizzy took the proffered items and scanned over the writing upon the paper.
Her eyes widened. "Italy?" She gasped.
Her eyes swung to meet Jane's and both shared the same shocked expression.
Darcy smiled warmly. "Yes. We will be gone for three months."
To say that Elizabeth and Jane were excited would have been a sad understatement.
A/N: DONE! And that is it my dear lovely peoples! However, I will be writing an epilogue, so look out for that and that will be truly the end. This chapter is like a semi-ending so don't forget to check for chapter 15.
Hmm…Thanks to my reviewers and readers for sticking through this story…but I'll save my tearful goodbyes for the epilogue. Love you all! Please REVIEW!
Love C.