Page 62 of Elizabeth in Scotland (Elizabeth and Darcy Abroad #2)
They made their way to the grand salon, where tables had been set out with white linens and the finest place settings the cupboards of Netherfield Park could offer. The room had been decorated with hothouse flowers, making it a garden even in the midst of fall.
The musicians he had hired began to play, and he twirled Elizabeth around, allowing the skirt of tartan to flare out as they made their way to the head table.
Their guests filed by the table, offering congratulations and words of joy at their union.
Her mother cried, as was only natural, and Mr Bennet approached to shake hands.
“I could not be more pleased that you are the gentleman who won my Lizzy’s heart, sir,” Mr Bennet said, adding with a broad grin, “Take care of him, Lizzy. He is yours now.”
“I shall, sir,” Elizabeth said laughingly.
“Is that a promise, love?” Darcy whispered in her ear to tease her.
Elizabeth looked up at him with wide eyes. “Indeed it is,” she said.
“Good,” he said, and caught up her hand and kissed it, making her blush.
When Bingley came through the line, he was glad to see that he had Georgiana on his arm. Though the two were chatting easily, Darcy had caught the way Bingley looked at Georgiana from time to time, with a softness that did not speak only of friendship.
“I cannot say how happy I am,” Georgiana said earnestly to Elizabeth. “We are well and truly sisters now. Fitz, I think you must be the most brilliant man in England for having found her.”
“Thank you, Georgiana, but I think I can hardly claim credit,” Darcy replied. “Indeed, perhaps I ought to thank you, for it was Elizabeth’s attentions to you, my dear sister, that first showed me that her kindness and generosity of spirit are equal even to her beauty, elegance, and wit.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks coloured, and she leant in closer to his side. “It is almost like a dream — this day. I am afraid I might awaken at any moment and find it has not really happened.”
He kissed her hair, restraining himself with great difficulty from whisking her away so he might do more.
After everyone had come through the greeting line, they sat down to the wedding breakfast. All were lively as they shared in the joy of their family and friends.
Darcy looked about him with gratitude, thankful for everyone who had gathered to send the new Mr and Mrs Darcy off into their new life together.
With the wedding breakfast concluded, people began to depart.
At last, Darcy finally had a chance to speak with Elizabeth in private.
They strolled through the gardens, soaking in the sunshine.
“May I ask you something? Please do not take this the wrong way, for you look wonderful. But what happened to the other gown you were to wear today?”
Elisabeth looked down at the ground, smoothing the skirts of her tartan gown.
“Unfortunately, my other gown met with an accident.” She looked up at him, sadness filling her eyes.
“Though I was sad not to wear the gown you had made for me, perhaps this is not so bad. I am rather fond of this tartan. It reminds me of how we met. Likely we never would have, if I had not travelled to Strathalt House with my father.”
“Then it is the finest gown you could wear.” Darcy stopped near a willow tree and took her hands. “Am I right in concluding that the accident you speak of had to do with Miss Bennet? Is that why she and Mr Collins were absent today?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, you are correct. I am ashamed to tell you a sister of mine could have done such a thing, but I am afraid she snuck into my room and tore up my gown. She said that she wanted to postpone the wedding, show me what it felt like to have my dreams dashed.” She took his hands, and he pulled her into his chest. “But my father said something that struck me. He was right.”
“And what was that?”
“At the end of the day, it didn’t matter which gown I wore or how the decorations looked — although they were wonderful. The thing that matters most is that we are wed. That is the most important thing. As long as we are together, we can face anything.”
“Your father is a wise man.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing her palm.
“And your outfit means more to me than perhaps you know. I hope you will not be angry at what I am about to reveal, for I must confess something rather scandalous. Your thistle pin is not only a gift from Georgiana, but from myself as well, for it was I who bought it.”
“I suppose I can forgive you,” Elizabeth said laughingly. She beamed up at him and touched his cheek tenderly. “Particularly as I knew all along. You are wonderful, Mr Darcy. Oh, how I love you!”
“And I love you, Mrs Darcy,” he said. He looked deeply into her eyes.
With an effort, Darcy turned away, scanning the gardens around them. Thankfully, there was no one near. He need not hold back any longer.
Elizabeth was looking up at him, her eyes wide and her lips slightly parted. Slowly, he stepped close to her and enfolded her in his arms. Their lips met in a kiss that lasted until they broke apart for breath.
Darcy looked at her, at once alive with passion and strangely at peace. Elizabeth. His wife, his love, his everything. She was his now, and wherever she was, he was home.