PP AU NON-CANON GENERAL REGENCY

Family Ties

Previously:

Thomas was surprised when Peter tossed him a folded parchment; upon seeing that it was a special license, he thanked the gentleman.

"Consider it my wedding present to you and Mrs. Bennet, for I know how you feel about Scottish irregular laws. And, everything considered, this way will be safer for the both of you."

Private Wedding

Ch. 18

Georgianna stood in a spacious room with luxurious white cream-colored carpet beneath her feet. The early morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the elegantly furnished room. Her delicate lace wedding gown, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, hung on a nearby dress form, its intricate details shimmering in the light.

She moved gracefully to the vanity table, where an array of fine jewelry and heirloom accessories awaited her. The scent of fresh roses from a nearby bouquet filled the air, lending an air of romance to the scene. As she sat down, her fingers lightly brushed against the smooth surface of an antique hairbrush, a gift from Thomas.

"I saw you eyeing this in London though you spoke not a word. I will not promise you to curtail my humor; however, I will give you my word not to mock you as I did my late wife for so many years. All I ask of you is not to embarrass me in public. If you have a problem with me, or any of my actions, give me your tongue lashings behind closed doors."

Georgianna had given her word to Thomas and now she was full of excitement and nervous anticipation. Today, they would formalize their union in the eyes of her family and of society, a day she had found herself thinking of since Thomas had claimed her as his wife to Radcliffe's man. She studied her reflection in the mirror and smiled softly to herself; she was going to get a real wedding...one Fitzwilliam's sister had thought was not hers to ever have.

Georgianna's ladies-in-waiting soon arrived, bustling around her with a flurry of activity. They carefully arranged her hair in an elegant hairdo, adorned with delicate pearls and ribbons. The final touches were made to her attire, and she stood, a vision of rare beauty, ready to descend the grand staircase and embrace her future without fear—sort of.

The idea was there—in the back of her mind—that Mr. Radcliffe, or one of his men, might try to ruin things for them, but since Thomas and her family had not spoken a word of what was actually going on, it was not likely. As she took a deep breath and prepared to step into the world as Mrs. Thomas Bennet, she knew that this day would be etched into her mind, and her heart forever. Georgianna knew that last part to be so because, for as decent enough husband as Patrick Gordon had attempted to be, the truth was he had been married just as much to the sea—if not more—than to her.

"Ready?" Fitzwilliam stepped into the room and was amazed at the lady his sister had become. "You would think your future husband had not been married before for as nervous as he was getting ready."

"I sympathize with his feelings." Georgianna turned and walked over to her older brother as she bit her lip. "Are you truly fine with our marriage? He is older than me by quite a few years and your father by the law."

"I admit..." Fitzwilliam lifted a hand slightly. "I was shocked, but with what Elizabeth's father had written I totally understood his actions. Though I confess..." He broke out in a wide grin and even chuckled. "I have not a clue now what to call your husband."

Georgianna laughed. "I would suggest asking him."

Fitzwilliam guided his sister down a winding set of stairs, down a corridor with marbled floor and into a spacious drawing room. More than one chandelier shed its diamond-like fractured light throughout the room. Lady Catherine's furniture had been arranged, and additional chairs were hauled in and situated to create an aisle. Thus, Thomas stood by Parson Thompson, a visiting clergyman replacing Mr. Collins, who was away visiting family.

As Georgianna reached the end of the aisle, her eyes met Thomas's, and a tender smile graced her lips. Thomas took her hand in his, his touch gentle and reassuring. Parson Thompson began the ceremony with a few solemn words.

"Dearly beloved," Parson Thompson intoned, "we are gathered here today in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

It had been agreed the parson would not mention the fact the couple was technically already married but would perform the ceremony as if they were not.

Turning to Thomas, he continued, "Thomas Caleb Bennet, do you take Georgianna Darcy to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

Thomas looked into Georgianna's eyes; his voice steady—no signs of wavering. "I do," he affirmed.

Parson Thompson then addressed Georgianna, "Georgianna Darcy, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

Thomas could feel Georgianna's hands shaking a little as she responded softly. "I do," but her voice had never wavered.

Parson Thompson nodded and continued, "Let us pray. Almighty Lord, who hast consecrated the state of matrimony, that in it is signified and represented betwixt Christ and his Church; look mercifully upon these thy servants, that they may live together in faithfulness, loyalty, and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven from battles outside their four walls and a place of blessings and of peace."

The couple was then pronounced man and wife. Thomas turned Georgianna towards her family and walked her down the aisle. People clapped him on the back, or hugged Georgianna, thrilled to have her back home—even if it was not in the way they had expected. Thomas was not surprised when Fitzwilliam pulled him aside once the women had his new wife sitting in a corner and handing her all sorts of presents.

"We have not said a word to Georgianna as you asked." Fitzwilliam spoke low as Colonel Fitzwilliam, and the other men joined him on the other side of the room. "But all the brothers agree that guards need to be maintained around all our places. This Mr. Radcliffe fellow has too many eyes on him now; whatever he has smuggled in the past, well, he attempted to pin onto Captain Gordon. And now you are married to his widow."

"Are you saying he may try to pin his smuggling activities onto me?"

"No, but only because your estate manager has—with all our help—gotten Longbourn so secured that his route that way has been cut off. However, he is looking for something. So, men could very well be sent your way. One by one, trying to wear you down or, at the very least, trying to break into your house if you brought anything down with you."

"I will keep my eyes open. Now, if you men do not mind. It looks as if the women want a small celebration past opening presents even if often others in our society simply marry and go home." He chuckled as Elizabeth went to the piano and started playing. No one cared if it was not technically correct.

Thomas went and took Georgianna by the hand and took his wife to the middle of the floor and began to dance as the chairs had already been taken to the side of the room.