A/N - this has been updated to correct grammar and spelling - a big thanks to my beta reader Ann ( goclimbatree), who has begun reading through and helping me fix errors and ensure clarity. I took down several chapters and am slowly adding them back. Some chapters have been split, so this is not the same as the original chapter 10.

Let me know if you continue to see any issues. This story will be published on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited at some point once it is finished (August?).


Chapter 10

As was her habit, Elizabeth awoke early the morning of her wedding, and even as she relished surrendering the name Bennet and taking the name Darcy, she was still amazed at how completely her understanding of her betrothed had changed in just a few days. He had affected her strongly from the moment she saw him at the assembly, and she had once read that there was a thin line between hate and love and knew it was true for her.

While she pondered these thoughts, her aunt came bustling into the room, followed by her sister and a maid carrying a bathtub that was soon filled with water lightly scented with lavender and rose petals. Elizabeth relaxed in the warm bath as her hair was washed, then sat in front of the fire in her dressing gown while Jane brushed out her hair. The sisters talked quietly, each thinking this was likely one of the last times they would do this, until Mrs Gardiner returned and sent Jane from the room on an errand.

"Elizabeth," her aunt began, "how much do you know about what to expect … about tonight?"

Elizabeth blushed. "Having grown up on an estate, I have seen the farm animals, so I have some idea of the anatomy and ... uh, the mechanics of it, I suppose. Neither Papa nor Mama would answer questions, and a few times I read some of the books Papa would have preferred I not read, but they left me more confused than not. I have heard my Aunt Phillips and other matrons refer to it as a 'duty' and make it sound rather unpleasant for the female."

"Your Aunt Phillips is incorrect, Elizabeth," Aunt Gardiner replied after a moment, her own cheeks heating slightly. "From the little time I have spent with Mr Darcy, I believe he loves you deeply, and because of that, he will help you find pleasure in the act as he will. Many women are told to lie still and think of something else, and I dare say that would be the advice your mother would have given you, were she here. However, I will say, trust your husband in this, my dear. He will want to know what you enjoy and will seek your pleasure. Be as honest as you are able, and speak to him about what you like.

"Elizabeth, keep in mind that your parents and your aunt and uncle Phillips are poor examples of the marriage state. If the other matrons around Meryton describe marital relations as a chore, I would say they have either not made love matches or have simply kept silent. I hope you have seen a better relationship between your uncle and me, and I can assure you that marital relations are anything but a chore. The most important thing you can do to have a good marriage is to communicate with your husband, both in bed and out of it. Tell him what you are thinking and feeling. Never assume he is a mind reader – even when he knows you better than he does now, he will still be unable to know what you are thinking much of the time. He will get better, but he will still be a man and oblivious to things that seem perfectly obvious to you. In everyday things, Mr Darcy has been in sole charge of his estate for many years and is used to making decisions. Do not allow yourself to be too upset if he continues this practice and forgets to consult you at times after you are married. Speak to him about your concerns and encourage him to solicit your opinion, but allow him time to learn as well."

Mrs Gardiner took a deep breath and laid a hand on Elizabeth's. "My dear, you are both, I think, of a passionate nature. I know you have, at times, spoken before you considered your words and regretted them almost immediately. In any relationship, it is easy to allow little hurts to fester until you blow up and let loose your anger. Do not let your feelings fester, and do not allow arguments to last for days. Do not hold grudges against your husband, dear Elizabeth, but speak with him about your thoughts and your fears. That is the key to a long and happy marriage. Your uncle had a similar conversation with your husband last night, I know."

Elizabeth nodded at the long speech from this aunt, whom she admired above her parents. She could imagine this would have been a very different conversation with her mother and was thankful her aunt did the honours instead. "Thank you, Aunt. I do wish to emulate your marriage over that of my own parents and many others I have seen. You and Uncle are happy together, and I have noticed the closeness you share, and I wish for the same in my marriage. I will try my best to heed your advice on this. I cannot promise it will be easy, as I am used to keeping my own counsel, but I will do my best to keep your words in mind."

"I must warn you, Lizzy, there may be some pain the first time you are with your husband … intimately," Mrs Gardiner warned. "It should be a fleeting pain, especially if you are well prepared, and it will only happen the first time. But again, trust your husband in this and allow him to take the lead in this for now. And do not forget that you will likely find enjoyment as well. The marriage act itself will create an additional sense of intimacy between a husband and a wife, and it is something to be relished and most certainly not a chore or a duty. Remember that your husband loves you and will seek your pleasure along with his own. Allow him to lead you now, and you can take the lead when you are comfortable doing so."

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of marital relations, Elizabeth hugged her aunt tightly for a moment. Jane returned and joined the embrace. "I will miss my family, or at least most of them. I am extremely happy to be marrying William, for he is very dear to me, but I will miss you, Aunt Maddie, and you, Jane. I will even miss my younger sisters, although not as much as the two of you."

Mrs Gardiner laughed lightly. "You will remain in town for a while, you said, Lizzy. We will see each other for the next several months, and when you leave for Pemberley, we will exchange letters."

"But it will not be like it was," Elizabeth protested. She sat back and laughed wryly. "I am being silly, I know, but it will not be the same."

Mrs Gardiner agreed, and they hugged each other tightly until they were interrupted when the maid brought in Elizabeth's gown. Jane and their aunt helped Elizabeth with her wedding gown and then retreated to prepare for the wedding while the maid worked on Elizabeth's hair and fastened the emerald necklace and bracelet William had sent to her that morning. Finally ready, Elizabeth descended the stairs to wait for the others.

Once everyone was ready and had exclaimed over Elizabeth's appearance, they hurried to the waiting carriage. Darcy stepped outside when he saw the carriage arrive at Matlock House.

"You are not supposed to be out here," Jane cried, stepping down from the carriage and shooing Mr Darcy inside before allowing Elizabeth to disembark from the carriage. "Colonel, please keep Mr Darcy inside and out of the way so Lizzy may enter the house."

The Colonel grinned before pushing Darcy into the house and then into the study, shutting the door behind them. Darcy resisted slightly and grumbled about not being allowed to see Elizabeth ahead of the ceremony. Richard laughed at his cousin and teased him about his besotted state.

"Come now, cousin," Richard jested. "Your bride is here, as is the bishop, so we need to get you to our makeshift altar in the drawing room and allow the bride to make her grand entrance." He pushed William through one more set of doors into the room. The only ones missing were Mr Gardiner and the bride.

Darcy took his place by the bishop and, with Richard beside him, turned to watch Elizabeth's entrance. As Georgiana played, the doors at the back of the room opened, revealing Elizabeth to his greedy eyes. He barely saw anyone else at that point; his world narrowed to the woman slowly approaching him. Their eyes locked, and she smiled at him softly and tenderly, and his heart melted a little more.

Finally, his Elizabeth stood at his side, her small hand in his. Still looking deeply into her eyes, he squeezed her hand before bringing it to his mouth for a kiss. The small audience chuckled at this show of devotion, and he tore his attention from Elizabeth's dear face to the bishop's voice. It was a great struggle, but he managed to divide his attention between the woman at his side and the man in front of him, speaking the words that would bind him and Elizabeth together as man and wife.

"I, Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy, take thee Elizabeth Victoria Bennet. to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth," Darcy stated, his voice serious and grave but his eyes were shining.

The bishop turned to Elizabeth, and she repeated her vows. "I, Elizabeth Victoria Bennet. take thee Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy, to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth. " Elizabeth responded solemnly.

The bishop asked Richard for the ring, which he placed on his Bible and blessed before he handed it to Darcy. Voice breaking slightly with emotion, Darcy repeated: "WITH this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." He slid the solid band on Elizabeth's finger and brought it to his lips for a kiss, his eyes speaking of his love for his bride.

Finally, the bishop proclaimed, "FORASMUCH as Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth have consented together in holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. "

Darcy captured his bride in his arms and kissed her with all the passion he felt for her. His cousin's hand clapping down on his shoulder brought him back to himself, and he ended the kiss to chuckles and applause from the gathered guests. The newly married couple and witnesses signed the register, making the whole thing official and greatly relieving Darcy's mind, knowing that nothing could justly separate him and Elizabeth ever again.

As their family gathered around the new couple and congratulated them, they were sometimes separated but maintained their gazes on each other while accepting the embraces and congratulations. When the Matlock's housekeeper announced breakfast was ready to be served and the families made their way to the dining room, William took Elizabeth's hand in his, holding her back from the rest. When the door closed behind the last person to exit, he pulled her into his tight embrace and kissed her deeply.

"I have missed you, my dear, and it has only been a few hours since I saw you last night," he said as he kissed her hair. "I love you, my darling Elizabeth, and I am so glad you are finally mine to hold as I will. Now, do you think anyone will notice if we slip away to Darcy House and skip the breakfast?"

She laughed before kissing him lightly on the cheek. "While I would like nothing better than to be alone with you, my darling William, I do believe we will be missed by our family if we are not in attendance at our own wedding breakfast. Now kiss me again quickly before someone comes looking for us. We can make our escape in an hour or so."

Obediently, he complied with her request and kissed her deeply, being careful not to muss her hair or dress but desperately wishing they were alone at Darcy House. He broke the kiss when they heard a voice in the hallway. They were still attempting to regain their breath when Richard entered the room, grinning.

"Ahh, I knew you two would still be in this room," he said. "As you cannot miss your own wedding breakfast, I urge you to come to the dining room before my mother comes for you herself. We will only keep you here for a few hours."

Darcy glared at his cousin. "One hour, Richard," he said before he escorted his new wife to the dining room.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy enjoyed visiting with those of their family gathered for the wedding breakfast, and the hour passed pleasantly. Darcy was anxious to get his wife alone, and once the breakfast was over, they took their leave.

"Aunt, I thank you for hosting our wedding and wedding breakfast, but it is time my wife and I depart for Darcy House," William said. "Thank you, everyone, for attending; we are very pleased you could share this day with us. Miss Bennet, we will hope to see you at Longbourn soon, but do write."

Mrs Gardiner spoke first, "Actually, Jane will remain in London with us for the next month or so. Jane will attend the ball Lady Matlock is hosting to celebrate your wedding in three weeks, so she will stay until at least then."

After a few more embraces, the newly married couple were finally in their carriage for the short trip to Darcy House. William closed the shades and kissed Elizabeth deeply, a kiss lasting for most of the ride. When they arrived at Darcy House, there was a moment's delay before the carriage door opened and the couple departed the carriage, much to the amusement of the grooms who accompanied the carriage.

At the top of the steps, Darcy lifted Elizabeth into his arms and carried her over the threshold and into their home. She laughed at his uncharacteristic impetuousness and snuggled deeper into his arms. "I love you, my dearest Elizabeth," he whispered into her ear as he gently set her down inside the foyer where his, now their, staff had gathered. Most were carefully smiling, even as they were slightly shocked at their normally staid master acting in such an affectionate way. However, it was his wedding day, they reasoned, and he was clearly in love with the new mistress, which pleased them.

Darcy performed the introductions, requested a light repast be delivered to their sitting room later that afternoon, and then dismissed the staff to return to their duties. He introduced his valet, Mr Stevens, and Miller, her maid for the present, to Elizabeth. These personal servants were sent upstairs, and Darcy and Elizabeth slowly followed.

"Elizabeth," Darcy spoke softly as they walked arm in arm toward the stairs, "are you ready to retire to our rooms, or would you prefer to tour the house? I was assuming you would like to change out of your wedding finery, but I may presume too much. If you prefer to dine downstairs rather than in our sitting room, please tell me. I will admit to being anxious to be alone, but if you prefer to do something else …" he trailed off, uncertain of how to continue.

She stopped and caressed his cheek with her free hand, smiling softly at him. "I am very tired, my dear, and ready to retire for the afternoon. I would enjoy dining with you in our sitting room later after we have … rested. I have seen my rooms, but, but I was not able to peek into yours. Will you … would you show me now, my love?" she asked, trying to be bold in the face of her uncertainty. She was ready to truly be his wife, but at the same time, she worried about appearing wanton before her new husband.

Darcy stared down at his wife for a moment as he watched colour flood into her face. She dropped the hand that was caressing his face and began to speak, "Oh, William, I … I apologise if I was too forward …" her voice trailed off as she dropped her eyes.

He started, realising she had misread his response. "No, no, Elizabeth, you are not too forward. I am delighted, my dear, but had not expected … " He stopped and took a deep breath to start over. With his free hand, he lifted her chin until her eyes met his. "Elizabeth, I would be thrilled to show you my bedchamber. Would you like for us to change into something more … comfortable first?"

She considered the question for a moment. "Yes, William, I will change first. Shall we meet in the sitting room in half an hour?"

He led her upstairs through their shared sitting room to the door to her room. "I will see you in half an hour, my love," he said, giving her a quick parting kiss. However, as she lifted her hand to touch his cheek, she touched her tongue to his, and he deepened the kiss. Her hands found their way into his hair, while his drifted to her waist and clasped her tightly to him. Several moments later, the need to breathe caused them to separate, touching their foreheads together as they caught their breath.

William reached around Elizabeth and opened the door to her room. "Sweetheart, I will see you back here in thirty minutes," he said huskily. He kissed her forehead and watched as she walked through the open door.

She leaned against the door, watching him as she closed it and whispered, "I love you, William," just before he heard it fully shut. He noted she did not lock it.

Desperate to follow, as he quite literally ached for her, he instead took several deep breaths to calm himself before moving to his own chambers. His valet was waiting in his dressing room and helped him remove his wedding attire. Not wanting to presume too much and make Elizabeth uncomfortable, he removed his shoes and dressed simply in a loose shirt and breeches, covering both with his banyan. He nearly laughed when his valet handed him a small finger of whisky, but he drank it quickly, hoping to ease his nerves.

"Stevens, please quickly bring a bottle of wine and two glasses to the sitting room," William requested, as he realised if he was nervous, Elizabeth was likely more so. A bit of wine would help calm her nerves and relax them both.

Well before the half-hour was completed, Darcy was sitting in their shared sitting room with a book in his hand that he was not reading. His entire focus was on the door to her room. He was briefly distracted when his valet returned with a bottle of wine in a bucket of ice, two glasses, and a small tray of cut fruit and cheeses.

"Thank you," Darcy said. "I will ring for you if you are needed again." He picked his book back up and pretended to read until Elizabeth's door opened and he forgot to breathe. She stood there, bathed in the sunlight from the window, clad in a silk dressing gown, her hair down around her shoulders, and her face a lovely shade of pink.

Darcy stood and stared at her for several long moments as her cheeks became even rosier. Somehow, that was the impetus for him to speak. "You are so beautiful, Elizabeth," he said huskily as he strode the several steps to meet her. She gazed back at him, taking in the open neck of his shirt under his banyan.

They kissed passionately until he pulled his head back and loosened his hold on his wife. "Now, Mrs Darcy, I believe you asked to visit my bedchamber," he said in a serious tone. Holding out his arm very formally, he asked with a teasing wink, "Might I escort you there?"

Elizabeth laughed, taking his arm as though she were not dressed in her nightgown and dressing robe, and allowed him to escort her into his bedroom. However, she noticed very little about the room once the door was closed.


Copyright 2023 Melissa Anne