Page 96 of To Go Against Her Heart
“As much as we shall miss your presence here, we are happy to part with you to Mr. Darcy, who truly deserves you. I promise to write often, and Charles assures us that we shall be at Pemberley for Christmas,” Jane said.
Mrs. Hill interrupted them, reminding them that they must not be late for the ceremony. As the family was ready to leave, Jane and Elizabeth felt the emotions of carrying the Bennet name for the last time; their hearts stirred with emotion as the carriage rolled toward the chapel.
The whole village had gathered for the weddings, which had been the talk of the town, and happy faces adorned the church. Darcy and Mr. Bingley waited at the altar, each wonderingwhether the images they had formed of their brides would match reality, and they were not disappointed, for as Jane and Elizabeth entered, the entire church was captivated by their beauty in their respective attire.
Darcy drew a deep breath as he beheld Elizabeth walking toward him. Even from afar, her eyes sparkled, and he found her utterly enchanting. Long before declaring his vows, he promised himself that he would do everything in his power to keep her safe and happy.
As the couples took their places, Darcy cast Elizabeth a mock look of triumph, and she smiled in return, recalling her conversation with Jane about gazing into his eyes on Jane’s wedding day.
Somehow, she felt it was indeed a victory for him, for he had, with persistence, patience, and above all, unwavering love, won her heart—a heart that had once been enveloped in darkness, leaving no room for hope.
In the moment they exchanged vows, Elizabeth finally felt a sense of belonging; she had given herself entirely to where she was meant to be, with Darcy. The depth of feeling in his eyes needed no words; the man who had been so reserved in the beginning now revealed his emotions so openly. Mr. Bennet watched with tears as his most deserving daughters became married women, each finding true love.
As the ceremony concluded, the couples walked from the church amongst cheers of those in attendance. The day was bright and sunny, silently foretelling the future happiness of the newlyweds. The wedding breakfast was to be held in Netherfield, and Elizabeth and Darcy were to leave for town along with Georgiana and the Matlocks after that.
“Was it difficult to meet my eye at the altar?” Darcy asked her in a coarse whisper as they approached his carriage.
“It certainly was, but I endured it for my sister’s sake,” she said, avoiding his gaze. Darcy helped her into the carriage, closed the door, and immediately drew the curtains. “Fitzwilliam, what would people think…” She cried in shock as the carriage started.
However, she was taken aback when Darcy captured her lips, gently, and though entirely unanticipated, Elizabeth savored their first kiss with delight. She found herself melting in his touch, as his hands caressed her cheeks, and unknowingly she gripped his coat. As they parted, Darcy could see her cheeks turn red, and she blushed deeply.
“I finally found a way tosilenceyou, Mrs. Darcy,” he said with a smile.
Chapter 40
Several months later, on a cold winter’s night, Elizabeth lay awake in her chamber. The early hours afforded her no rest, and she knew the house would feel strangely altered the next morning, as all the guests had departed from Pemberley after staying with them for Christmas. The past few weeks had been most memorable for her, for not only had she been reunited with her family, but also with her dearest friend Charlotte. Amidst the Christmas festivities, Richard and Charlotte had been honored with an engagement party in anticipation of their wedding in town. Yet above all else, the greatest joy shared at Pemberley was Elizabeth’s announcement—she was with child.
The news had both surprised and delighted everyone, for it had been known only to Darcy and Elizabeth a few weeks before the guests arrived, and they had resolved to preserve it as a happy surprise for their family.
Though Elizabeth was thrilled to be carrying the Darcy heir, she often felt fatigued, and Georgiana had undertaken much of the arrangements for the season with the help of the housekeeper. Elizabeth’s persistent nausea caused Darcy great anxiety and worry for her health. Though both his aunt and Mrs. Bennet assured him that such ailments would soon pass, he could scarcely endure seeing her unwell. His concern and worry warmed her heart, yet Elizabeth could not help but wonder how he might bear the greater trial when the time came for her to deliver the child.
Unable to sleep anymore, she silently sat up, not wanting to disturb her husband.
“Where do you think you are going at this hour?”
“Good Heavens! You scared me,” Elizabeth cried upon hearing Darcy’s words.
Darcy gently pulled her back into his arms.
“Do you feel unwell again? You hardly touched your supper last night,” he asked, softly caressing her curls. To his distress, he thought she seemed to grow thinner, which only deepened his anxiety.
“No, I do not. I am merely restless, and I did not wish to disturb you.”
“And pray, enlighten me, as to what did you intend to do upon rising?”
“I wished to go downstairs.”
“You wished to go to the kitchen at this hour without summoning your maid? How often must I remind you that there are people at your disposal, and you must know how much the staff care for their mistress?”
“I do, but all my life I have lived in a small household with very few servants. I am accustomed to attending to such tasks myself, even in the middle of the night.”
“I have allowed you your freedom in this matter before, but now, in your delicate state, I cannot permit you to exert yourself in the slightest.”
“You are making me lazy, and I wish you would realize that,” Elizabeth protested.
“You need all your energy when the baby arrives, and as much as I admire your impertinence, this time you have to obey me.”
“You are scaring me, Fitzwilliam. I am beginning to believe that you will forbid everything that gives me pleasure, especially attending Charlotte’s wedding.”
