"Charles, how is Mr. Darcy?" Caroline Bingley asked her brother, who was reading a letter from Mr. Darcy with a big smile on his face.
"He is doing very well. He is in Hertfordshire, and he is getting married in two days!" He replied enthusiastically.
Caroline tried to conceal her disappointment as she believed that Fitzwilliam Darcy would either call off or delay his wedding for several months following the demise of Frederick Darcy. She deeply lamented not paying Mr. Darcy any more attention during their initial meeting a few years ago.
Caroline had certainly noticed he was a handsome, kind and intelligent man, but as a second son destined for the clergy, she dismissed him as a prospective spouse. She never imagined that Mr. Darcy's brother would be killed and Fitzwilliam Darcy would inherit Pemberley at a young age!
Concealing her disappointment, she responded in a neutral tone, "I had assumed that the wedding would be postponed for several months due to his brother's passing."
Bingley shook his head. "No, Caroline. Despite his brother's tragic passing, Darcy decided to get married on the originally planned day. The ceremony will be kept private, and only the bride's family will be in attendance. Then, the Darcys will return to Pemberley."
"Are you going to his wedding?" Caroline asked.
Bingley shook his head again, "No; Darcy did not even invite his uncle, Harold Darcy, to his wedding." He paused and smiled. "But he has invited us to spend a few days in Pemberley when we return from Scarborough."
Caroline's face lit up with delight. "That is excellent news! I have been longing to visit Pemberley for several years…" Although she knew it was too late to win Mr. Darcy's affection, she planned to leverage her brother's friendship with him to gain entry into London's high society. Perhaps she could even become friends with Mrs. Darcy…
PPP
At last, the long-awaited day arrived; around fifty people – mainly tenants and their children – gathered at Longbourn Chapel to witness Elizabeth Bennet's wedding to Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Mr. Bennet entered the church arm in arm with his niece. Elizabeth was radiant in a new ivory-colored gown embroidered with silver threads and beautiful flowers and pearl adornments in her hair. Darcy was wearing a dark suit with a black band on his arm.
When Darcy saw his bride walking down the aisle towards him, he was immensely moved. He had never seen his Elizabeth so beautiful and radiant. Mr. Bennet, with a slight nod, kissed Elizabeth's forehead and placed her hand on Darcy's.
The couple said their vows with conviction and feelings, both of their voices trembling with emotion and subsequently signed the register. Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet signed as witnesses.
To Darcy and Elizabeth's surprise, several children who had been learning to read and write, wrote them a beautiful and moving letter. Over the years several of these children - because they could read and write - got good employment and led a better life. Throughout their lives they would fondly remember Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, whom they considered to be the best of men and women.
PPP
After the wedding, Elizabeth and Darcy bid tearful farewells to all their acquaintances, friends and family. They departed for London, where they would spend their wedding night and the next few days. Then they would continue on their wedding trip to Pemberley, where they would make their home together.
As soon as they entered the luxurious carriage and were alone, Darcy passionately kissed Elizabeth and hugged her tightly. "We are finally married, my love! I was so afraid that something bad would happen to us and we would have to postpone the wedding indefinitely; but now that we are here, I can't believe how lucky I am."
Elizabeth smiled tenderly. "I confess that due to your brother's untimely death, for a few days I was convinced you would suggest postponing our wedding." She gently caressed his cheek. "I am so glad that we are married."
He shook his head and kissed her again. "No, I had never even thought of postponing our wedding; I am very selfish and possessive, Dear Elizabeth."
"Selfish and possessive? In what way?" She asked surprised.
"I have to admit, I can be selfish and possessive when it comes to you. It's just that I love you more than anything in this world and I want to keep you all to myself." He paused, and added, "I want to spend every single moment with you, creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime." He kissed her hand. "I long for the freedom to hug and kiss you without any interruptions or needing someone else's permission." He kissed her other hand. "You are the most important person in my life, and I hope to be the same for you." Finally, he leaned in and tenderly kissed her lips. "If I am convinced of anything in this life, it is that my happiness is derived from being with you."
"And mine is to be with you. I love you so much, Fitzwilliam…"
They kissed passionately, and for the rest of the trip they were hugging and making plans for the future.
PPP
The first night of their marriage was a magical experience, full of love and passion, that they would both cherish forever
Darcy slowly removed her clothes as he kissed and caressed her until she was completely naked. He looked at her with a mixture of love, passion, lust and wonder; his Elizabeth was even more beautiful than he had imagined. He gently caressed her skin, marveling at how soft it was, and her beautiful and long hair.
Elizabeth had seen some classical nude male sculptures in a museum and several illustrations in some of her uncle's books, but none of them could compare to the body of her beloved husband without clothes; his body was so beautiful, and so different from hers. With trembling hands, she hesitantly yet tenderly caressed his broad, muscular chest. Darcy kissed passionately and caressed her for a long time until she was ready to consummate the union. Despite the initial pain and discomfort of their first union, she truly wanted to try a second time that night.
Darcy was overjoyed, his Elizabeth was a passionate and curious woman, and their lovemaking was even better than in his wildest dreams.
They fell asleep late in each other's arms with a big smile on their faces. The next morning, between kisses and caresses, Darcy woke Elizabeth to leave for Pemberley… but they ended up making love again, and they left two hours later than they had planned.
September 1811
Fortunately, the three-day trip to Pemberley was uneventful since the roads were well -maintained and the weather was clear and sunny. Besides, Fitzwilliam's valet had left for Pemberley a few days earlier, and had taken the precaution of renting the best rooms at the inns for them.
During the long trip, Elizabeth and Darcy discussed their plans for the near future, including the challenges they would face at Pemberley. They also touched on topics of Frederick Darcy and Darcy's father.
Finally, on the third day, they entered the main road of Pemberley. Darcy requested his coachman to stop near a hill.
Darcy asked Elizabeth to close her eyes, and led her to the top of the hill. Then he told her she could open her eyes. Despite Darcy's meticulous descriptions, Elizabeth was in awe the first time she saw Pemberley. The house and the grounds were more beautiful than Elizabeth could have imagined, and all of this was theirs. The house had four floors, dozens of large windows, and was painted in light-colors that contrasted with the green of a forest which was only a short distance away. The main garden was breathtaking, and there was a fountain with beautiful statues. In the distance she could see the mountains with their snowy peaks.
"How do you like your new house, my love?" Darcy asked with a smile on his face.
She beamed at him. "Oh, Fitzwilliam, it is even more beautiful than I had imagined! The house is in perfect harmony with nature, and it looks like a picture out of a fairy tale book."
He smiled tenderly and said, "You have no idea Elizabeth how happy I am that you like Pemberley and you are finally here with me. I love you so much." He kissed her lips gently and pointed to the west. "If you look west, you can see the estate that belonged to your grandfather. I know the current owners, so if you wish we can visit it. We can also go to the parsonage where you were born."
"Unfortunately, I have very few memories of Derbyshire." Elizabeth smiled sadly. "But I would like to visit my grandfather's estate. Even though he has been dead for years, I still miss him so much. For many years, he was the most important person in my life. He taught me so many valuable life lessons and also hired the best piano and language masters to teach me." She paused, and took a deep breath, "A few days ago, I remembered that in his will he left me several valuable jewels that are kept in a safe at the Bank. When we return to London, I would like to collect them…"
They lingered a few more minutes, enjoying the embrace, the conversation, and the beautiful landscape, and then they continued towards the mansion.
The servants, and Mrs. Reynolds, in particular, were pleased to have a new mistress, especially one who was obviously deeply in love with the new master.
The couple spent the first few days at Pemberley exploring the house, the gardens, and the park. Elizabeth, being a voracious reader herself, was instantly drawn in by the house's impressive library. On the third day, she met Mrs. Reynolds for the first time to discuss household expenses, menus, and other tasks that would gradually become Elizabeth's duties.
Mrs. Reynolds was a valuable help, and before long, Elizabeth was comfortable in her role as mistress of Pemberley.
