Page 26 of A Letter in the Wind (Mayhem and Scandal Collection #1)

Upon leaving Mr Lincoln’s office and returning to the altar, the remainder of the ceremony passed in a haze for Elizabeth. Darcy loved her! He still wanted to marry her despite the betrayal he must have felt at her hiding the truth about Lydia from him. His was not a weak inclination. When he promised to love through sickness and health, rich and poor, through hard times and easy times, she now knew he meant it. Nothing could take her cheer—not even her mother’s exclamations once the ceremony ended.

“Gracious, Lizzy!” Mrs Bennet bellowed as she followed them down the aisle and out of the church. “I thought for sure this day would not come. I was certain you had found a way to muck everything up even in the last moment.”

Then, Mrs Bennet flew into a nervous flutter, waving her handkerchief around and calling for salts. Darcy looked at Elizabeth curiously, but she said nothing. She would not allow her mother’s antics to ruin a happy day.

Although Longbourn was near the church, her mother insisted on a carriage to convey the newlyweds. Once seated inside, Darcy gathered Elizabeth’s hands in his and kissed them. When he lowered them, he had the most enormous grin she had ever seen. Her breath caught.

“What?” He asked. “Why do you look at me so strangely?”

“You must have no idea how handsome you are with such a large and free smile.” She shook her head. “I cannot believe that I am the reason for your bliss. What have I done to deserve such devotion, especially after I concealed Lydia’s elopement?”

“Let us not speak of that now. There will be enough time to review the sad situation later.” He paused and squeezed her hands before continuing. “I am determined that whatever our larger families do, it shall not affect our family.”

A moment later, they arrived at Longbourn. After Darcy assisted Elizabeth out of the open carriage, he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. Then, they gathered in the main hall to greet guests. Once everyone was inside, the happy couple was shuffled into the drawing room by Mrs Bennet.

Georgiana was the first to claim their attention. “My dearest brother!” She embraced Darcy. “And now, my sister!” She took Elizabeth’s hand in hers. “I do hope you will call me Georgiana or Georgie now.”

Elizabeth beamed at her new sister. “And you must call me Lizzy or Elizabeth.” She leaned forward and dropped her voice. “I will need you as an ally against your brother. He loves laughter and folly so much that I will need help scolding him into seriousness.”

Georgiana looked at Elizabeth in confusion. “William is never irreverent or ridiculous…” She looked at her feet. “I had admired that, but perhaps—”

Immediately, Elizabeth realised her error. Her new sister was unaccustomed to teasing. She raised the girl’s chin and met her eyes. “You are perfectly correct to love that about your brother. I feel the same way. I am only teasing. My family loves a good laugh. I must learn your Darcy ways, I think.”

The girl’s smile returned. “I think I shall love having a sister to tease and laugh with.”

Richard approached them then, and after congratulating the couple, directed Georgiana to Elizabeth’s middle sister, Mary. Elizabeth noticed Darcy closely watching the interaction for a moment. Then, more guests came forward to congratulate and reminisce.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Instead of the success of the breakfast soothing Mrs Bennet’s nerves, she became more agitated. As the hours ticked by, she became louder with her complaints about Elizabeth. She loudly extolled thankfulness to have her off of her hands and out of the house.

When it was time to depart, Elizabeth changed in her old room. Still, she lingered instead of going downstairs directly so they could leave and begin their honeymoon. She sat in the chair beside the window and took a few deep breaths. She feared Mrs Bennet would save some explosive invective for her departure. Maybe they could slip out the back door?

A knock jolted her from her reverie. “I am coming!” she cried. She jumped from the bed and opened the door, expecting Jane or one of her other sisters. Instead, she came face to face with her new husband. She started. “I thought you were Jane.”

“I noticed you had been upstairs for some time, and I was desperate to escape. I claimed that I had forgotten something in the chamber I used. Are you well, darling?” He wiped a tear she had not known slipped out.

“Of course, I am.” She affected a happy smile. Taking a breath, it came out shuddery. “Are you ready, then? I am sorry for keeping you waiting.”

He turned his head left and right before stepping into her room and shutting the door. Elizabeth stifled a gasp. A man in her chamber went against all she was taught.

“Have I shocked you, wife?”

Her lips twitched at his words. It was a helpful reminder. “I adore hearing that, husband,” she said with a sigh.

He took her hand in his. “I love it too.” He stared into her eyes for a moment, stroking her hands in his. He cleared his throat. “Has something troubled you? Beyond what you discussed at the church?”

She shrugged. “Not really. I am just tired and hoping to restore my equilibrium.”

“I hope being married to me does not strain you so much.”

“Oh no! It is not that. My mother is more excited than usual, and I am steeling myself. Perhaps you should do the same.”

“I will not pretend that I enjoy her hysterics, but her insults to you anger me.”

Mrs Bennet’s screeching from below interrupted them. “Lizzy!” She pounded up the stairs. “Where have you got to! You wretched girl! You have kept Mr Darcy waiting!” She flung the door open, coming eye-to-eye with Darcy.

She gulped and then directed a glare at Elizabeth. “For shame that Mr Darcy had to come and fetch you himself. He will not put up with your wild ways. Now, it is time to say goodbye. Mr Darcy says you must depart.”

“Mrs Bennet,” Darcy said coldly, “do not put words in my mouth. I am collecting Elizabeth and have it well in hand. We will be downstairs shortly.”

She snorted in outrage and then stomped off, muttering to herself. Despite her dropped voice, phrases such as “ungrateful child” and “troublesome chit” stood out. Elizabeth turned bright red. She supposed no other woman had her mother treat her that way on their wedding day. No matter what, she could never make Mrs Bennet happy.

Darcy turned to face Elizabeth. He started at her expression and hastened back to her side. “Why does she hate you?”

Fear welled up in Elizabeth. He may have accepted that Lydia had run off, but would that love survive after he learned why her mother despised her? She feigned a smile but could not meet his eyes. “It is not nearly as dramatic as that. My ways are so different from hers that she does not understand me. She is more stressed than usual since Lydia eloped, and now with the wedding…” She shrugged. “It is not always this way.”

Then, she stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm. The lie stung, but she could not bear to tell him all now. There had been too much potential heartache already this morning. “Are you ready to begin our lives as husband and wife?” This time, her smile was genuine.

“In just a moment.” He swallowed. “Would you mind…that is…”

He looked pained as he struggled to find the right words. He took a deep breath and crushed her to him. He squeezed her tightly at first, then loosened his arms. His hands slowly wandered up and down her back, sending sparks to her skin. Under her ear, she heard his heart pound. When he spoke, she could hear the vibrations in her whole body.

“At the church…I did not say it properly. I love you, Elizabeth. More than I ever thought possible. All I want in life is to make you happy.” Darcy pressed a kiss into her hair. “I do not think I can wait until we reach the house, but I do not want our first kiss to be in a carriage. Do you think…that is…” He lowered his arms and then stepped back from her. “I had thought you reciprocated some of my feelings…but perhaps I presume too much. I am selfish, again.”

Elizabeth surged toward him without a word, reaching up on her tiptoes and kissing his cheek. The stunned look on Darcy’s face made her heart swell. Immediately, he swooped her into his arms, lifting her off the ground as he pressed his lips to hers. His taste, his smell, and the feel of him made her dizzy as her pulse raced. She closed her eyes in pleasure to savour every sensation. Light danced behind her eyelids, igniting every sense. Even once he set her down on the ground, the floating feeling remained.

When he broke the kiss, her eyes flew open. He opened his mouth, but she pressed her finger to his lips. “Shh. My turn.” She placed her hands on his shoulders and tipped her head back to meet his eyes. “I love you, William. You already make me happier than I ever dreamed I could be.”

She went on her tiptoes again. This time, he bent his head, meeting her halfway. It started soft and brief, but he immediately kissed her again and again. Each kiss grew with intensity, and soon, he gripped her tightly to him, the kisses deepening until everything but his presence melted away from her. Darcy released her mouth and rained kisses all over her face.

He pulled back and dropped his forehead to hers. His breath was just as ragged and short as hers. Her heart pounded so loud she was sure he could hear it.

“We need to go,” he said at last.

She slowly nodded. He was right.

At the bottom of the stairs, everyone gathered in the hall to wish them off. First, Elizabeth said goodbye to her neighbours. Darcy joined her in front of the Gardiners.

“Mr Darcy, I hope you can forgive me for encouraging Lizzy to conceal things from you,” Mr Gardiner said. “Miriam told me what you discussed in Mr Lincoln’s office.”

“All is well,” Darcy said graciously. “You do not know me. You could not guess how I would react or that I could have a motivation beyond honour for marrying Elizabeth.”

Mrs Gardiner laughed a little. “Perhaps he did not, but I was quite certain you did.” She met Darcy’s eyes. “I am glad that I was proven correct.”

Elizabeth then embraced her dear aunt. “You are always wiser than me! How shall I bear not meeting with you as often? You must come to us for Christmas.” She met Darcy’s eye, and he nodded approvingly, echoing her invitation.

“We would not miss it for anything,” Mrs Gardiner agreed.

Another round of hugs and handshakes ensued before they went to Elizabeth’s sisters. Mr Bingley had gathered with them.

“Well,” Bingley said as he shook Darcy’s hand and clapped him on the back. “I am surprised at how it all turned out! We shall be brothers before long and in a way that will make everyone infinitely happier than how some imagined.” He winked at Darcy.

Elizabeth laughed. She could almost feel pity for Miss Bingley’s disappointment. Almost.

“My deepest congratulations and best wishes, Mrs Darcy,” Bingley said as he shook her hand. “I know that in your care, my friend will be in a better disposition than ever. You will tease him into good humour.”

“That I shall,” she promised with a grin. “In return, I will count on you to take care of my dearest friend.” She looked at Jane, who blushed. “But I have no concerns there.”

“Indeed, you have no reason to fear. I should warn you both now,” Bingley said with raised brows, “you shall have to return to Longbourn before the summer is over.”

Such news sent Elizabeth flying to Jane. The sisters embraced tightly, and, for a moment, tears pricked Elizabeth’s eyes. With whispered words of love and promises for many letters, they separated. Then, Elizabeth said goodbye to her younger sisters. Georgiana had gathered with them, and despite her excitement for the future, Elizabeth was too conscious that Lydia and her signature exuberance were missing.

Elizabeth saved the most painful partings for last. Despite losing esteem for her father recently, she had always loved him. When she had despaired of ever making her mother happy, he was always there, inviting her into his library and allowing her to curl up next to his fire with a cup of tea and a book. Now, his eyes shined as he said goodbye. He said little more than the generic good wishes. It was not his way to say more, but she saw with his looks that no matter how complicated his feelings were and the trouble he had in expressing them, he did love her and would miss her. To her husband, Mr Bennet gave a warm handshake and muttered an apology. Darcy smiled at him, and they appeared to part as friends.

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth turned to her mother. She drew strength from Darcy just at her back. “Goodbye, Mama. I hope you will write to me.”

Elizabeth hesitated, unsure what sign of affection she should give her mother. She determined to follow the woman’s leading, her heart sinking at Mrs Bennet’s pinched look.

“Yes, well, married women do not have as much time to write and pour over letters. Pray, do not send me such long ones as you are in your general want to do. I have not the time, and you should not neglect your husband.” She looked Elizabeth up and down. “Not that I think you will have any trouble there.” She leaned closer to her. “Be sure to comfort him as best you can, and do not be too angry once he goes to another. You should not be foolish enough to suppose you can keep him happy or that he will forgive you when you do not bear an heir.”

Elizabeth drew back, speechless at the vehemence in her mother’s voice.

“Goodbye, Mrs Darcy,” her mother said with a falsely sweet smile and a genuine look of triumph. “How well that sounds!”

“Mrs Bennet,” Darcy said with a scowl and a slight nudge to Elizabeth.

She stepped to the side. He whispered something to Mrs Bennet, which made her pale. Her eyes darted around, but she said nothing. It was all done so fast that Elizabeth was not quite sure she had truly seen it. She glanced at others, and no one else appeared to have observed the interaction.

In the next instant, Darcy handed her up into the carriage. After a brief wave, he ordered the coach forward, and they left Longbourn behind. As soon as they turned onto the road, Darcy pulled Elizabeth onto the seat beside him. He gently removed the pin to her bonnet and tenderly embraced her, bringing her head to his chest.