Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

29. Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

It was an odd sort of let down to realize that all the plans she had gone over with William and her uncle would not see any kind of traction until after her wedding. Elizabeth tried to shrug off the odd sort of anticipation and dread that came with waiting for something so significant and emotionally charged. So she focused on the plans that were underway for her wedding. Thankfully, there was no need to argue over lace. A situation that would have surely arisen had Mrs. Bennet been involved.

The high note was that she had a small collection of books from Hatchards, as William still insisted that he meet her there after every shopping trip. He had even added her to his account, which seemed to thrill the proprietor. Actually, she had been added to quite a few accounts. There was the modiste that Georgianna and Lady Matlock frequented, as well as all their favorite shops. William had really been quite thorough trying to make sure she would have access to everything she might need or even want.

Now she was waiting for her sisters at her aunt and uncle’s home on Gracechurch Street. Elizabeth hoped that her mother would have let all her daughters come to London, but she was still unsure who would get out of the carriage when it arrived. Her most recent letter from Mary smuggled through Georgianna said that Mrs. Bennet was intending to only send Jane and Lydia because they were the most deserving of such a treat . William had assured her that Bingley would try to convince her mother to send all the girls.

To prevent Jane from having to hide anything from their parents, she made the choice not to disclose to her that they would have a chance to spend quality time together. So it would be quite the surprise when Jane entered the parlor and saw Elizabeth sitting there. Elizabeth had wanted to greet her in the hall with her aunt, but as a precaution, she stayed in the parlor. Mrs. Bennet was supposed to be staying back at Longbourn, but if she should arrive with Jane, Elizabeth would be told, and she could sneak out the back.

Happily, that was not the case, and Elizabeth soon heard the happy chatting of her sisters in the hall. The moment Elizabeth came into view, her sisters rushed towards her, engulfing her in a chaotic mix of hugs and tears, their emotions overwhelming any coherent words. Lydia was the first to speak, saying, “Lizzie, what a fantastic surprise!”

Mary was next to speak, having waited to hug her until her other sisters had received their fill. “I had hoped that we could contrive to see you while we were here, but I had not expected to see you so soon,” Mary exclaimed while hugging her tightly.

Kitty merely hugged Elizabeth while saying she was glad to see her older sister, and Elizabeth smiled kindly at her shyest sister. Turning her attention to Jane, who seemed unable to speak for her tears, Elizabeth led her over to one of the settees and encouraged her to sit. Hugging her older sister to her, Elizabeth let her cry while she listened to her mumbled talk about how hard it had been to be separated from her.

Eventually Elizabeth leaned back and, taking Jane by the shoulders, she said, “Come now, you cannot spend our entire time together in tears. From tomorrow onwards, Aunt Madeline has planned appointments for you at a modiste and various other shops, where you can find all the essentials for your trousseau. I’m looking forward to cherishing our time together, but not if you cannot stop crying.”

Hearing her words, Jane seemed to pull herself together and after wiping her face with a handkerchief, she smiled, saying, “You are right Lizzie, I cannot carry on like this. It is a time of celebration and joy.” Clutching Elizabeth’s hands, she continued, “I promise that I have not been moping the entire time you have been away. I have been so happy planning my life with Charles. Really, the only sliver of upset has been that you have not been there to join in my joy.”

“And I have missed being there for you, though I have been there for you in spirit,” consoled Elizabeth. Looking at her other sisters, she said, “I am so happy you have all come to London. I was afraid Mrs. Bennet would not let you all come.”

Mary smiled, explaining, “Mother was going to keep Kitty and myself at home, but between Lydia and Mr. Bingley, she really had no choice.”

With a giggle, Lydia exclaimed, “I made a scene, demanding Kitty and Mary’s help in carrying my packages. Mr. Bingley, however, intervened and convinced Mama she would be more efficient in planning the wedding without our distracting presence. He has gotten very good at manipulating her. I think it is because of his experience with his sister, but Jane won’t hear it.”

Grabbing Elizabeth’s hand in the way that only younger sisters do, Lydia said, “Forget being sad. I want to know where you got this gorgeous ring, Lizzie.”

Blushing, Elizabeth allowed Lydia to study the ring that William had gifted her as an engagement present. It had been in the Darcy family for generations. It was passed on from one Darcy bride to the next, and Elizabeth felt honored to wear it. Clearing her throat, Elizabeth said, “That is part of my surprise.” Looking around at her sisters’ curious stares, she said, “I have not told you all everything that has been happening here in London like I promised. It was just too personal to put in a letter. I wanted to tell you in person. I am engaged.”

Her sisters’ faces displayed a range of shock, while Mary, with a knowing smile, said, “I had sensed a growing connection between you and Mr. Darcy before you left. When did you realize your feelings for one another?”

Feeling slightly embarrassed despite the kindness behind the question, Elizabeth couldn’t help but blush as she answered, “Actually, it was not something we realized so long ago, only about three weeks.”

After a flurry of hugs and congratulations, an excited Lydia asked, “So have you started planning the wedding? Do you think we will be able to come?”

Elizabeth’s response came out as a hesitant yet enthusiastic “Yes, and yes,” as she couldn’t contain her nervousness excitement to open up about everything with them, after so much time. Taking a breath, she looked at them all, saying, “William and I are getting married this coming Friday, two days after I reach my majority, and you are all invited to be there. We arranged things so that you could attend.”

The strength of Lydia’s hug almost bowled Elizabeth over. After hugging her back, Elizabeth turned to Jane, saying, “I don’t want you to think I am trying to overshadow you and Mr. Bingley. I know you are going to be getting married a little more than a week later, but it was the best way we could think that we could attend each other’s weddings.”

Lighting up, Jane said, “So you will attend my wedding?” Jane reached out to grip Elizabeth’s arm continuing, “Charles said he thought you could come, but I still worried.” With a sense of immense happiness, the two sisters locked in a warm and comforting hug, grateful for the opportunity to be there for one another, just as they had always yearned for.

Kitty looked around at the excited faces and asked, “Does this mean we have to shop for two weddings? When do we start?” The sisters all laughed until they cried.

Darcy knew he was spending half the time with Bingley distracted, but he could not help it. As usual, his mind was on the woman he loved. He wondered what Elizabeth was doing with her sisters and Georgianna on her last night away from him. Tomorrow marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where they would no longer have to endure long periods apart. Not if he could help it.

Bingley seemed to be good natured about it though, not commenting on the many times Darcy would fade out of the conversation. Looking back at Bingley, Darcy valued his pleasant smile as he requested, “All I ask is that you don’t comment if I become disinterested in your presence during my wedding.”

With a nod and a smile, Darcy acknowledged his distraction, saying, “I’m sorry for not being fully present.”

Waving him off, Bingley took a sip of his brandy. It was unusual for Darcy to see him drinking something besides coffee, but they were celebrating his coming wedding, and brandy seemed more appropriate. Putting down his glass, Bingley asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Turning his own glass in circles on the desk next to him, Darcy contemplated the question, before saying, “Over the last several weeks, months, even I have grown to crave time with Elizabeth. After tomorrow, propriety will not keep us apart. I will savor all the precious moments we have together, making the most of the time we are given.”

“I can well understand the frustration. Recently I have become exasperated by having to limit my visits to see Jane to visiting hours and always in the presence of others.” Taking a sip of his drink, Bingley seemed lost in thought before finally uttering, “I long for the simple joy of unhindered conversation, where I can freely discuss my thoughts and concerns without fearing interruption by her mother”

Wincing, Darcy could not help but be grateful that his courting Elizabeth had not been done under the greedy eye of her mother. “I am sorry, my friend. I had not thought of how difficult it would be to court Miss Bennet while in the company of her mother.”

“This situation has been quite challenging, mainly because of my knowledge of how she harmed Miss Elizabeth and the hurtful remarks she makes about Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, and occasionally Miss Kitty,” sighed Bingley.

Darcy found it hard not to want to leave and confront Elizabeth’s parents just knowing they were still being cruel, even without her presence. Then a thought occurred to him, and he asked, “Have they ever acknowledged where Elizabeth went? I know at first, they said she was helping her aunt in London, but they had to have given that up if they agreed to have her sisters stay with their aunt. The story would have fallen apart easily.”

Bingley shrugged saying, “At first, they said that Elizabeth had an understanding with that buffoon but was in London to help her Aunt Madeline. The town, however, did not receive their story well.” Chuckling, he added, “Miss Lydia spread her own tale of her leaving to avoid the pressure her parents were putting on her to marry Mr. Collins because of his cruelty. The bookshop owner supported her story by saying that he had been horrible to her and abusive just before she disappeared. Lydia excitedly shared with everyone that Miss Elizabeth had accompanied a newfound and wealthy friend from her volunteering days in London. This friend had kindly extended an invitation for Miss Elizabeth to stay until she reached her majority, thus escaping her parents’ manipulation.”

Darcy could not help but smile, saying, “At first, I did not like Miss Lydia much, but she has since won me over. She has proved very protective and much wiser than I first thought. What happened after that?”

“Mrs. Bennet lost some creditability with her friends when Miss Lucas revealed she had a letter from Miss Elizabeth confirming Lydia’s tale. Then she told everyone that Miss Elizabeth had fled Longbourn, and her family wanted nothing to do with her anymore.” Laughing, Bingley added, “It was not the best idea to say that because Miss Elizabeth was well respected in the community. These days, Mrs. Bennet is seldom included in social gatherings, and I believe it’s for the best, even though I haven’t expressed this sentiment to her to avoid upsetting Jane.”

Rubbing at his forehead, Darcy said, “Miss Bennet seems to be upset when there is discord.”

“Yes, but she has grown stronger,” commented Bingley, his voice filled with admiration. “Of late, when Mrs. Bennet says something about one of her sisters, Jane has begun to tell her mother that it is not something she wants to hear and that she needs to stop, or she will leave with her sisters to spend time elsewhere.”

“That is good.” Making a snap judgment, Darcy said, “After you leave on your wedding trip, I am going to confront Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and I think you may find a very different Longbourn when you return.”

“Somehow, I am not surprised,” responded Bingley. “If someone had treated Jane the way they did, Miss Elizabeth, I do not know what I would do. You are already the most chivalrous man I know. The thought of witnessing a lady you love being mistreated by her own family, or anyone for that matter, is something you would never tolerate, standing unanswered. Just let me know if there is anything you need my assistance with.”

Nodding at his friend, Darcy lifted his glass to his lips and sipped at his brandy, thinking of how things might go when he confronted Elizabeth’s parents. He was looking forward to the confrontation, but not nearly as much as he was looking forward to being married to Elizabeth. Smiling, he said, “I will let you know if I need any help, but that is for later. My focus right now is completely on tomorrow, when I will finally marry the love of my life.”

To Elizabeth, it seemed that the week with her sisters had gone by in a flash. It had been enjoyable, but she was more than glad to shift her attention to the man that she was about to marry. The next few minutes would mark a profound moment in their lives as she made a lifelong commitment to the man who held her heart.

Looking over, Elizabeth smiled up at her uncle, who stood beside her. At any moment, someone would give a signal, and she would walk into the chapel on her uncle’s arm. It was not at all as she had pictured as a little girl, but she was happy to have him there for her. Her Uncle Gardiner had been fully supportive of her even against his sister- and brother-in-law’s wishes. He was exactly who she wanted to walk her down the aisle.

Then, suddenly, they were walking down the aisle. Though she knew both of their families were there, she did not see any of them. She only had eyes for William. As if in a lovely trance, she said her vows and listened to his but knew she would never be able to remember all he said, only the power of the moment. A moment that was cemented by his lips, warm and supple on hers, binding them in them in the most primal of ways.

Elizabeth clasped William’s arm, cherishing the feeling of their connection as they made their way down the aisle, surrounded by the joyful voices of their loved ones. They hugged people in the vestibule, and Elizabeth finally realized that there were more people there than she had realized. The gathering was a grand affair, with all of her sisters, aunt, uncle, and his family in attendance. The earl, countess, and both his cousins were there, along with his sister, Georgianna. In fact, the man who had married them was none other than his godfather, the archbishop. They all embraced them in hugs before agreeing to meet them back at Matlock House, where their wedding breakfast was to be held.

After what seemed like an eternity, she and William were in the carriage alone together, really alone for the first time since they had accidentally run into each other back on Oakham Mount. Soon they were kissing again, this time more passionately than ever before, and Elizabeth was quite happy that her aunt had told her that her passion for her new husband was not something to be ashamed of.

Out of breath, they broke apart and William panted, saying, “Please tell me that we do not have to stay at the wedding breakfast long.”

Chuckling, Elizabeth leaned her forehead against his shoulder and, after breathing in his scent that somehow seemed woodsy, it took a moment for Elizabeth to remember that she was supposed to be answering him. Clearing her throat, she said, “We will probably have to stay longer than either of us prefers, but once we leave, I promise we will be able to hide from them all back at Darcy House for at least a week.”

Nodding, William reached out to push a pin back into Elizabeth’s hair, where it seemed to have come loose. Then, leaning back against the cushions of the carriage, William breathed deeply before saying, “I will hold you to that promise, Mrs. Darcy.”

Reaching out, he held her hand, running his thumb along her skin in a way that made it difficult for her to slow her heartbeat. It did not help that he had called her Mrs. Darcy; the way the title rolled off his tongue resonated deeply with her. A hidden part of her, unknown until now, seemed to have been yearning to hear it for a while.

They were not far from Matlock House and Elizabeth did not want to show up looking a mess and out of breath. It would be too embarrassing. So she distracted her new husband and herself, saying, “I love hearing you say Mrs. Darcy, but I wonder if that is what you will call me all the time or are you going to come up with pet names for me?”

A smile spread across William’s face as he glanced over at her, his voice filled with warmth. “Pet names?” he questioned. “I had not thought of any pet names. I am just happy that I can call you Elizabeth without shocking people now. Would you like a pet name?”

Elizabeth couldn’t help but blush at the overwhelming love conveyed in his words. With a newfound confidence, she whispered, “I would not have thought so, but the title of Mrs. Darcy caught me off guard, but in the best possible way. I am not entirely certain what I would have you call me. Regardless of the name, as long as it’s spoken with love, I have a feeling that it will have the same impact on me.”

“What impact would that be?” asked William, a smug sort of glee now settling into his eyes.

Elizabeth resisted the urge to pout in response to that smugness, opting instead for honesty. “Hearing you say, Mrs. Darcy, sent a tendril of delight coursing through me. I am thrilled to have you acknowledge me as the woman who holds your heart, the one who brings warmth and love to your home. Being Mrs. Darcy is a role that encompasses not only being your wife but also being the woman you trust to oversee the well-being of your staff and tenants. I am grateful for the pride you show in me by giving me your name.”

As Elizabeth observed her new husband, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction as she saw his mouth slightly part and the smug expression on his face fade away. She waited for him to say something, but for a while he did not. He only stared at her.

William opened his mouth and then closed it before finally saying, “I am the one honored by your agreeing to marry me. I do not know what I could have done to be gifted with your attention and love.” Leaning in, he kissed Elizabeth, his lips brushing against the soft skin of her cheek.

Gasping at the sensation he was creating, Elizabeth said, “William, I cannot understand how you could doubt your ability to garner my love. You saw me in distress, and you befriended me. You saw me in pain, and you came to my aid. If our lives had unfolded centuries ago, people would have hailed you as a gallant knight, William. You would be my knight.”

Sadly, when William attempted to capture her lips in response to her words, Elizabeth said, “William, my love, the carriage has stopped. We need to get out and attend our wedding breakfast.”

William let out a groan of frustration as he rested his head on her shoulder. He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly before saying, “We’ll be leaving as soon as we can get away with it, Mrs. Darcy.”