The morning sun streamed in through the curtains as Elizabeth awoke. For a moment she was confused then she remembered - she was Mrs. Darcy now. Her cheeks flushed as she became aware of her new husband sleeping soundly beside her.

Careful not to disturb him, Elizabeth slipped out from under the covers and rang for her maid. She chose a pretty blue gown from her limited wedding trousseau and had her hair arranged in a becoming style.

By the time she emerged from her dressing room, Mr. Darcy was also up and ringing for his valet. They exchanged shy "good mornings" before he disappeared to wash and change.

Once ready, they headed down to the dining room for a quick breakfast before departing for Longbourn. Elizabeth's stomach fluttered with anticipation at seeing her family again for their wedding celebration.

As soon as the carriage pulled up the drive, Mrs. Bennet came bustling outside, face wreathed in smiles. "Lizzy, my dear married daughter! Oh, and Mr. Darcy, such an honor to have you here as one of the family."

She grasped his hands effusively as they alighted from the carriage. "You must be eager to celebrate your nuptials properly with a feast! Come in, come in!"

Elizabeth bit her lip to hide a smile at her mother's dramatics as Mrs. Bennet ushered them inside chattering all the while.

"And Lizzy, you look quite refreshed and glowing this morning! Marriage clearly agrees with you already..."

"Mama!" Elizabeth hissed, casting an anxious glance at Mr. Darcy, who diplomatically appeared absorbed in his surroundings.

The rest of the Bennet sisters soon joined them, cooing over the newlyweds. Mr. Darcy bore their lively attentions with stoic politeness.

After the initial enthusiastic welcomes, the group moved to the dining room for the celebratory wedding breakfast. Elizabeth felt self-conscious taking her seat beside Mr. Darcy at the table crowded with her eager family. But she kept her chin high, determined not to let her mother's antics ruffle her composure.

"Is the ham to your liking, Mr. Darcy? Our cook cures it herself using a special technique... And I must say again what a fine figure you cut in that coat, sir! Our Lizzy is a fortunate young lady indeed..."

On it went, Mrs. Bennet overflowing with compliments and dramatic gestures. Mr. Darcy responded minimally, letting his new wife field her mother's antics. Elizabeth flushed with embarrassment but her father's sly smiles hinted at his amusement.

Lydia piped up cheekily, "Lizzy, you should have seen Mr. Collins' face when he burst into the church and saw you marrying Mr. Darcy! I thought smoke might burst from his ears, he turned so purple with rage."

Kitty dissolved into giggles. "Oh yes, and the horrid things he shouted, vowing revenge! I've never seen him so undone."

Elizabeth flushed, avoiding Mr. Darcy's gaze. "Yes, well...let us not dwell on that unpleasant scene."

"More ham, Mr. Darcy?" Mrs. Bennet offered effusively. "Cook prepared it special this morning with a delectable apricot glaze."

"Thank you, but I am quite satisfied," Mr. Darcy responded politely.

"My dear, do give Mr. Darcy a moment to digest his meal," Mr. Bennet remarked wryly over his newspaper.

"Oh yes, of course!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. "We wouldn't want to overtax your appetite after all this rich food, Mr. Darcy."

Dabbing delicately at her lips with a napkin, Mrs. Bennet turned inquisitively to the newlyweds. "Speaking of yesterday's dramatics, did you have any further encounters with your aunt Lady Catherine after your wedding, Mr. Darcy?"

Mr. Darcy dabbed his mouth before responding diplomatically to Mrs. Bennet's inquiry. "Fortunately, Lady Catherine quit Netherfield swiftly after our marriage was announced. Though I've no doubt we shall hear her opinions on it soon enough."

"Oh dear, let us hope she does not make too great a fuss," Mrs. Bennet fretted. "Such a formidable woman! I can scarcely imagine anyone brave enough to stand up to her."

"Now now, Mrs. Bennet, I'm sure Darcy can handle his domineering aunt," Mr. Bennet remarked from behind his newspaper.

Kitty chimed in, "La! I wish I could have seen Lady Catherine's face when she learned the news. Such high drama!"

"Hush now, Kitty, it's not polite to rejoice at another's misfortune," Jane gently admonished. She turned to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy with a sympathetic smile. "I do hope Lady Catherine's passions cool in time and she comes to accept your marriage."

"With my aunt, it may be some time before her outrage abates," Mr. Darcy said wryly. "But she shall have to accept the new Mrs. Darcy eventually, like it or no."

Under the table, he gave Elizabeth's hand a subtle reassuring squeeze. She smiled gratefully at him. No matter Lady Catherine's reaction, at least she and Mr. Darcy could face it together now.

"Well, enough dwelling on the past!" Mrs. Bennet declared brightly. "We must look ahead to more joyful events. Jane, now that your sister Lizzy is respectably wed, we can finally announce your engagement to Mr. Bingley! I shall have to speak with your Aunt Philips about lace for your gown..."

After the lively wedding breakfast at Longbourn, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth made their farewells to her family before departing back to Netherfield. Elizabeth hugged her sisters tightly, lingering a bit longer in Jane's embrace.

Elizabeth embraced her sister tightly. "I have missed you these past days, Jane. Promise you will visit again very soon?"

"Of course!" Jane exclaimed. "Just as soon as I am able. I know Mr. Bingley plans to call on me at Longbourn today, but I shall come again to Netherfield shortly."

She squeezed Elizabeth's hands warmly. "I could never bear to be apart from my dearest sister for long."

Elizabeth smiled affectionately. "Nor I from you! My days are not complete without my closest confidante to share them with."

Jane's eyes grew tender. "I feel the same, Lizzy. We shall see each other frequently, I am sure of it."

With final farewell waves, Mr. Darcy handed Elizabeth into the carriage before climbing in himself. As they settled in for the brief journey to Netherfield, he remarked, "That was a lively meal. Your family is quite...enthusiastic."

Elizabeth laughed. "They mean well, though I know their effusions can be overwhelming at times." She flushed slightly. "I hope you did not find it all too much."

"That was a lively meal. Your family is quite...exuberant," Mr. Darcy remarked delicately as their carriage pulled away from Longbourn.

Elizabeth flushed, avoiding his gaze. "I apologize if my family's unrestrained spirits tried your patience. I know they can be...overwhelming."

"I confess such dramatic displays are unfamiliar to me," said Mr. Darcy carefully. "But I shall grow accustomed to their ways in time, I'm sure." His tone did not betray much optimism on that count.

Elizabeth bit her lip. "Thank you for enduring my mother's effusions with such patience this morning. I realize her manner must seem excessive."

"It was an experience unlike any other," Mr. Darcy responded diplomatically. He said no more on the subject, but Elizabeth suspected it would take him significant time to feel comfortable amongst the unrestrained and eccentric Bennets. But at least he was making an effort at tolerance for her sake.

The carriage soon pulled up the drive to Netherfield Park. Mr. Darcy handed Elizabeth down, his touch lingering slightly on her elbow before letting go. Elizabeth wondered if she was alone in sensing the subtle new charge in the air between them, now that they were husband and wife.

As they entered the foyer, Miss Bingley descended the stairs, her eyes widening almost comically at the sight of them. "Why, Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy...you've returned." She attempted a brittle smile. "How delightful."

"Good day, Miss Bingley," Elizabeth greeted her politely. "I trust you are well?"

"Quite well, thank you," Caroline responded automatically, before turning her attention fully to Mr. Darcy. "Your aunt, Lady Catherine, departed most suddenly yesterday evening after you...announced your marriage." Her lips pursed over the last words.

Mr. Darcy's expression remained impassive. "I expected she would swiftly take her leave. Likely returning to Rosings Park to draft a dissertation on my failings as a nephew."

Miss Bingley let out a shrill, affected laugh. "Oh, what a droll notion! Your aunt is too harsh by far. I am certain she will come to accept your choice of bride eventually." Her smile faltered slightly as she glanced at Elizabeth.

Eager to avoid any awkwardness with Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth and asked, "Do you play chess at all? I would be honored to teach you, if you are interested."

Elizabeth's face lit up. "I have always wished to learn, though I've never had a suitable partner to teach me. Papa did not enjoy the game."

Mr. Darcy smiled, pleased by her enthusiasm. "Let us retire to the gaming room then."

Just then, Miss Bingley spoke up primly. "Pardon me, Mr. Darcy. A letter arrived for you while you were out."

She gestured to a nearby servant. "Please fetch Mr. Darcy's post directly."

"Thank you, Miss Bingley," Mr. Darcy said as the footman hurried off.

Moments later the servant returned and presented Mr. Darcy with the letter on a silver tray. As Mr. Darcy scanned the page, his brows drew together in a thunderous frown.

Concerned, Elizabeth touched his arm. "What is it?"

"A letter from your cousin, Mr. Collins," he said grimly. "Making wild accusations and demanding compensation for loss of Longbourn."

Elizabeth's eyes widened in dismay as she quickly read her outrageous cousin's letter. Mr. Darcy's expression was stony. "I must draft a firm response to these baseless allegations at once. Forgive me, my dear."

With an apologetic look, he hurried off to Mr. Bingley's study to compose his stern reply, leaving a vexed Elizabeth behind. She sighed, her enjoyable afternoon of chess lessons suddenly disrupted by her cousin's bitter interference.

After Mr. Darcy's abrupt departure to respond to Mr. Collins' letter, an uncomfortable silence descended. "Eliza, please accept my apologies for the unpleasantness with your cousin's letter. I hope you are not too distressed."

Elizabeth managed a polite smile. "Thank you, Miss Bingley. I appreciate your concern."

"Of course. I imagine your servants will be bringing the rest of your belongings today?" Miss Bingley gave a dismissive laugh. "Pardon me, you could not have had much to begin with, coming from such a small country home."

Elizabeth tensed at the callous remark, but kept her tone cool. "Yes, I traveled lightly. But I have everything I need."

"If you will excuse me, I believe I shall take some air in the gardens before luncheon," she announced, eager to escape.

Relieved to exit the stifling company and wondering how she would manage the Bingley sisters before Mr. Darcy and herself departed for Derbyshire, Elizabeth made her way out to the lush formal gardens. She strolled along the gravel paths, admiring the orderly flowerbeds and neatly clipped hedges. It was not the wild, sprawling grounds of Longbourn, but it had its own beauty.

Inhaling the fresh floral scents, Elizabeth felt the tension of the morning's events leave her. Out here surrounded by blossoms and greenery, she could almost forget the turmoil stirred up by Mr. Collins.

Elizabeth was admiring the flowering roses when she heard footsteps approaching on the gravel path. She turned to see Mr. Darcy striding towards her, his expression considerably calmer than earlier.

"There you are," he greeted her warmly, coming to her side. "I apologize again for the abrupt interruption to our plans. But rest assured, I have dispatched a strongly worded response to Mr. Collins."

Elizabeth smiled in relief. "Thank you for handling that unhappy business so swiftly. With any luck, we shall hear no more from my obstinate cousin."

Mr. Darcy took her arm as they strolled together. "I am optimistic the matter is resolved. Now, shall we resume our pleasant afternoon? I believe I promised you a chess lesson."

Elizabeth bit her lip. "That sounds lovely. But before we do..." She hesitated, not wanting to disrupt the recovered mood. "Do you think we have heard the last from your aunt, Lady Catherine? She was so vehemently opposed to our marrying."

"Have no fear, I will smooth things over with my aunt in due time," Mr. Darcy assured her, seeming to read her thoughts.

Elizabeth smiled up at him. "I have no doubt you shall succeed. She may be implacable, but even Lady Catherine cannot resist your persuasion forever."

The corners of his eyes crinkled slightly in that subtle smile she was coming to know. Elizabeth felt her nerves settling in his steady presence as they walked in comfortable silence for a time.

"The gardens at Pemberley are even more expansive and elaborate than these," Mr. Darcy commented. "I look forward to showing them to you."

"As do I," said Elizabeth sincerely. "I must confess, I am eager to see your estate and meet the staff."

Mr. Darcy smiled fondly. "My housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds has been with my family since I was a boy. I know you will find her a warm and welcoming presence."

He went on describing Pemberley's grandeur, from its extensive libraries to the mile-long gallery housing generations of Darcy portraits. Elizabeth listened with genuine interest.

Soon their steps led them back around to the front entrance.

After strolling the gardens together and discussing Lady Catherine, both were ready to move on to more pleasant diversions.

Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm. "Shall we proceed to the gaming room? I believe I still owe you your first chess lesson."

Elizabeth brightened, looping her hand around his elbow. "Yes, I would like that very much."

He led her to the cozy gaming room, where a beautiful chess set with carved jade and ivory pieces sat ready on a table.

Soon they were immersed in the game, Mr. Darcy patiently explaining each piece's permissible moves. Under his tutelage, Elizabeth found she could grasp the basic strategy, though her novice skills were no match for his experienced ones.

"I shall have to practice diligently if I ever hope to beat you," Elizabeth remarked wryly after he had declared a gentle checkmate.

"I look forward to many engrossing games together." Mr. Darcy's smile was warm, sending an unexpected flutter through her.

Far too soon, a footman entered to announce luncheon was served. As Elizabeth walked with her husband to the dining room, she felt immensely cheered by the easy rapport they had established. Perhaps this marriage would not be such an ordeal after all, but rather the start of a true partnership.

There's one more chapter left! It's a 5,000 word chapter but still, one left.

The book is up for preorder on Amazon already and goes live Friday July 28. Elizabeth's Rush to the Altar.