Page 35 of Searching for Elizabeth
But Elizabeth’s laugh bubbled up, and she said, “I play pianoforte, although not as well as I should. I also sing, speak French and Italian, read German, and write poetry, essays, and stories for children. I consider myself a rank beginner in riding, but I am quite an expert at walking.” She laughed again and explained, “And I do not speak of the elegance of my stride so much as my ability to walk two or more hours at a shot.”
Darcy’s aunt and uncle chuckled, and everyone smiled atElizabeth’s impressive yet humbly stated list. Of course, Darcy could go on and on, listing many more of Elizabeth’s accomplishments, but he decided to add just one more:
“Georgiana, I hope that you will not be upset about this, but I feel that it is important to tell you all another of Elizabeth’s accomplishments. The context is important, so I will share that George Wickham joined the militia that happened to be quartered here in Meryton.”
Darcy waited until his relatives had made the expected exclamations. Georgiana was quiet but lifted her chin in a show of strength, which was exciting to see, and Richard stood up,glowered, and began to pace. Seeing these reactions, Darcy quickly continued, “Wickham being Wickham, he started running up debts almost immediately, and I warned his colonel about his less-than-sterling character. Since then, Ifound out that Wickham was investigated and imprisoned, but somehow he broke out of gaol almost a week ago. After doing so, he kidnapped Elizabeth, presumably to lay his hands on a substantial sum, courtesy of yours truly.”
At this point in his story, all the newcomers gasped and turned to look at Elizabeth. Georgiana looked to be in pain, but her hand shot out towards Elizabeth, who warmly took it in both of hers and smiled in a comforting way.
Darcy went on, “The thing is, Elizabeth was able to foil the kidnapping almost single handedly.” He proceeded to tell the tale:Elizabethleaving a “W” drawn at the site of the kidnapping, so he would know who was responsible for the horrific deed, the trail of paper shreds, the startling of the horse, causing it to buck off and abandon Wickham, and then her attempt to kick Wickham—and the awful result.
Georgiana was not done gasping, but she took a break from her gasps to informElizabeththat she was very brave, and Richard said, “Good for you, Miss Elizabeth! My only regret is that I do not get to run the blackguard through myself!” The earl bobbed his head in enthusiastic agreement, and Stephen (the Viscount Blackstone) made 38 praising comments such as, “Well done, my dear; very well done,” and “Amazing, quite amazing,” and “Oh, my! That is sad but also so wonderful!”
Richard decided that, on the basis of Elizabeth ridding the world of Wickham, forever, she was the perfect bride for Darcy. Darcy laughed and agreed: “Well, sheisthe perfect bride for me, but you do not know the half of it.”
However, all of his relations exchanged knowing glances, and Darcy decided that he must look as utterly besotted as he felt.
And as he whispered his goodbyes toElizabeth, before he rode out to the inn, Darcy thought,Tomorrow she will be mine, and I will be hers, and we will not have to say goodbye at nighttime anymore.
Chapter 29: Darcy and Elizabeth
—the next day—
Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennetweremarried in a ceremony at the church in Meryton.
Elizabeth’s sister Mary stood up with her, and Darcy’s cousin Richard with him.Elizabeth’s beloved Uncle Edward walked her down the aisle as his wife and children sat in the front rowwith Elizabeth’s other sisters. The Phillips and Fitzwilliam families attended, along with Georgiana Darcy. Many of the families from neighboring estates came, and almost all of Longbourn’s and Netherfield Park’s tenants attended as well.Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte Lucas was there, although that lady’s betrothed, Mr. Collins, did not travel from Kent for the ceremony. Darcy had invited Bingley, but he had responded with his regrets.
Elizabeth’s parents sat in the very back of the church. Few of their neighbors and former friends and none of their tenants made any effort to speak to them. They were not fully shunned, but they were far from honored as is usual for the parents of the bride.
The Longbourn servants joined with congratulations once the crowd gathered at Netherfield for the wedding breakfast. Darcy had worked with Mrs. Hill to create a menu that would especially please Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet sniffed and complained, just as the first guests arrived at the manor house, saying thatsheshould have been the one making decisions on theevent, but the look Darcy leveled on her in response stopped that whine and prevented any others.
Even Mr. Bennet was grateful to Darcy for doing so.
When it got close to noon,Elizabethand Darcy said their goodbyes and their thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Hill, Mary Bennet, and Bernie Millcroft. They climbed into Darcy’s comfortable and spacious carriage.
Those who knew Elizabeth and Darcy would have been surprised if they ever found out exactly how the couple spent the four-hour ride to London. Elizabeth was a lady and an innocent, and Darcy’suniversitynickname, “the Monk,”indicated that he wasalwaysvery proper,nevergiven to excess. Some said that he did not know how to enjoy life.
But, it turned out, withElizabethby his side, and within the relative privacy of a carriage with curtains drawn, Darcy very muchdidknow how to enjoy himself and bring joy to his wife.
At one point, Darcy consulted hispocketwatch(once he located his pocket!) and peeked out of the window to check for familiar landmarks. He said, “Elizabeth, we will reach Darcy House in about twenty minutes.” He then proceeded to straighten his clothing, brush off his hat, and re-tiehis cravat. His bride fussed even more, attempting to restore her complex hairdo before giving up and merely creating a simple chignon.
She felt a bit mortified to be meeting the servants with her hair less than perfect, but Darcy assured her that she looked lovely. He did not mention that her lips were a bit swollen and darker pink than usual, and he certainly did not mention the mark he had accidentally left on her neck.
“Yes,” Elizabeth said, “I suppose that all will be well.”
“Because,” said Darcy, “Will wills it that all will be well.”
Elizabeth shot him a fond glance. “Do you know what I want to do when we first-first arrive?” she asked.
Darcy bit his lip. It was asking too much that she was thinking of what he was thinking. After all, she was still a maiden, still innocent of the many different extensions and variations on their in-carriage activity that remained yet unexplored. He asked, “What do you want to do whenwefirst-first arrive?”
“I want to see if there is a letter from Mr. Briggs. I did what you suggested and gave him your London address, and I think there might be an acceptance letter waiting for me.”
Darcy laughed. “I should have known, Madam Authoress, that it would have been yourTales, not my tails,that were on your mind.”
Elizabeth’seyes danced and sparkled. “Well, you look very nice in your tailcoat, husband, and myTaleswere quite emphatically not on my mind half an hour ago, butyouinterrupted those thoughts with all your propriety.”
At that moment, the carriage stopped. A footman opened the door and put down the step, and Darcy exitedbeforereachingin for Elizabeth’s hand.
