Page 165 of Obligation and Redemption
He smiled as he explained for her and the rector alone, “Seven months ago, we stood here and made wedding vows that neither of us had any desire of keeping. That has changed. And I want you, your family, my family and all of England to know that I, Fitzwilliam Darcy, love you and would marry you again if given the choice.”
Elizabeth smiled a large becoming smile and said, “You seem to be staking a lot on the assumption that I would marry you again. Well, I suppose since you are so rich, and handsome , that I will comply with your little exhibition.” She looked out to the congregation to see the whispering taking place, and then continued, “Last time I married out of love for my family, but this time I marry out of love for you. I would be pleased to accept your offer.”
And so, in front of all those congregated, Fitzwilliam Darcy married Elizabeth Bennet Darcy, again.
A public display such as that could not fail to make its mark in the society papers the following day.
Although still not accepting of the match, the earl and countess could not deny the invitation to come.
Darcy had written to his uncle telling him of the viscount’s treachery and attack on his wife.
He threatened repercussions that would forever divide the family unless they were to, in all ways required, show public support and affirmation for his marriage.
The earl and countess brought with them their daughter, Lady Victoria, whose husband had again chosen not to come, but whose presence was not missed.
The wedding breakfast, held at Longbourn afterwards, was a scrumptious affair and truly highlighted Mrs. Bennet’s one true accomplishment.
She was subdued in the presence of nobility – perhaps in part out of reverence, but certainly a direct layover from her private conversation with Elizabeth’s husband.
Colonel Fitzwilliam attended the wedding and breakfast afterwards but had to make a hasty retreat to Brighton on war business.
However, he would not have missed the renewal of the Darcy vows for a house in town off Grosvenor Street.
“Darcy, my friend, you have made a wise decision marrying up as you have,” said he as he leaned over to kiss Elizabeth’s hand.
“I am well aware of the great advantage that has come my way in securing my wife’s hand in marriage – again, no less.”
“Elizabeth, you are radiant, but you know that in marrying my austere cousin again, you put yourself at risk of renewing the jealousies of all the women of the ton , reminding them anew that you were successful in securing one of the wealthiest men in England.”
“Is he that rich? I had no idea, I am sure.”
“Indeed he is. Now do you regret your decision?”
“Hmm,” said she as she tapped her finger to her cheek, “I suppose since it is too late to change my mind, I will have to accept my lot without regrets, but I shall not marry the affluent man a third time.”
The three laughed at the absurdity of the conversation, but then the Colonel became more serious when he said, “Elizabeth, I want you to know that I am pleased you are in the family. I have never seen my cousin happier. He verily glowed when repeating the vows, in earnest this time.”
“Your cousin is a superior man, and I would marry him as many times as necessary, if it pleases him. ”
Before leaving, Fitzwilliam pulled Darcy aside to tell him what had happened with Langston while at Matlock. “Darcy, I too spoke with Langston about his dealings with your wife.”
“James.”
Holding up his hand, the colonel continued, “I just made certain he knew that you love your wife dearly and reaffirmed your strictures on him. He also knows that I would support you in whatever way you deemed necessary in order to secure your wife’s safety.
I left him fearful of your changing your mind one day, for he knows your skill at sword and pistols.
I assured him that I would second you without a moment’s thought.
He tried to blame Mrs. Darcy at first, but I disabused him of the notion.
Truly, I never knew him to be such a coward. ”
“He has always been so. Only a coward would treat a woman, the weaker sex, as he does. I would say, ‘the sex unable to defend themselves,’ however now I know differently.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let me just say that my wife is quite accomplished in the skill of defence against a man.”
Fitzwilliam laughed, “You don’t say. You told me she got away but did not tell me how, and Langston certainly did not say anything. You must be careful in the future not to say or do anything to make her angry.”
“There was something else that I meant to ask you while at Pemberley, but it quite escaped me when you mentioned my aunt. Did Wickham happen to say how he obtained my wife’s handkerchief? That is the one part of our dealings that has me confused.”
“What are you two men whispering about?” asked Elizabeth, stepping up and putting her arm through her husband’s. “I promised to love, honour and obey, but I do not remember saying anything about keeping out of your private conversations.”
“It is nothing, my dear.”
“I heard you mention my handkerchief, so it must concern me. Please, do tell.”
Fitzwilliam looked over to Darcy and said, “If you will excuse me, I must say goodbye to my parents and Vickie.”
They said their farewells, and when Fitzwilliam walked away, Elizabeth turned to her husband and said, “Darcy, what is the matter? And what were you saying about my handkerchief?”
“Curiosity is your true fault, isn’t it, my love?
” Darcy said smiling fondly at her. Then he continued, “When I went to town at my sister’s summons, she gave me a handkerchief, specifically one of yours that your sister had made for you.
Georgiana told me that Wickham had shown it to her as proof of your affection for him. ”
“But how did he get it?”
“That is what I had hoped Fitzwilliam would tell me.”
Then Elizabeth recalled having left one in Hertfordshire on her last visit.
“Darcy, I am only missing one. Do you remember the day that you arrived and found me with Wickham?” He looked at her, eyebrow raised.
“Of course you do. Forgive me. When I left my room, I went to Lydia’s.
I was very upset and must have left it in there. I suppose she gave it to him herself.”
“But why?”
“She has had an infatuation with him for some time, and she is not the brightest girl.” She stood contemplating the idea. “I will ask her.”
“No, please do not. I have no doubt in your innocence. I was just curious. Let’s just drop it.”
“If that is your preference, then I will think on it no more; but you do still have it?”
“Yes, it is at Darcy House.”
“Then I am satisfied. Jane’s gifts mean so much to me that I would hate to no longer have it in my possession. I already sacrificed one to your wounds that day in the woods.”
As if on cue, Jane and Bingley walked up.“Oh, Lizzy, I am so happy for you.”
Elizabeth laughed, “Only you, Jane, would think of me and my pleasure on your own wedding day. But as happy as I know you to be, I think that I may be more so.”
“I would have it no other way.”
“But, dear sister, I cannot help but worry that we intruded upon your own special day. Did you know of my husband’s secretive designs to take over your wedding?”
“Oh, Lizzy, do not think that way. When Charles mentioned the idea to me, I fondly remembered the many times of our youth when we had spoken of a double wedding and how perfect it would be for us all.”
Bingley then went on to say how grand it was, for the two sisters who loved each other so well, that their long hoped for double wedding would be realised on that day, even if a little unconventional in its execution.
“Bingley,” said Darcy as he shook his hand. “I thank you for accommodating us, my friend. Also, I must wish you congratulations! You look well pleased. I do not think you could have chosen a bride more perspicaciously,” he finished with all sincerity.
“I am sure I know not what that means, but I can say that I have never been more pleased, and now we are brothers!” Then turning to Elizabeth, he continued, “and you are my dear sister. Thank you for taking such good care of my Jane all these years. She has told me time and again about your kindnesses towards her.”
“She has? But did she tell you of all the times that she had to take care of her overly zealous sister? I certainly owed her a great deal of recompense for her efforts during our growing up years.”
“I know nothing about that, but I do know about your recent generosity in securing my angel’s future. However, I can no longer let you continue on as you have. In fact I plan on putting the money thus far given into an account for your other sisters. Perhaps Darcy would like to help as well. ”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she realised that Darcy was likely just now learning of her contributions to her sister’s dowry fund. Turning to him, she said, “I can explain.”
He held up his hand, “No need to. I know all about how you have been sending your pin money each month to help your dearest sister and friend. You are most generous and an example that I mean to follow. So yes, Bingley, I too would like to add to their dowries, if it is acceptable to Mr. Bennet, that is. I will speak with him before we leave Hertfordshire to set up the details.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam. You are most generous. I had no notion of your ever doing so, I can assure you.”
“I know, and I also know that you did not marry me with that expectation. I want to help.” This earned two lovely smiles from the eldest Bennet sisters.
“You are truly a good man, Mr. Darcy. I knew when Lizzy married you that you both would somehow find contentment, but now I see that you have found so much more.”
“We are now brother and sister. Must you call me Mr. Darcy? Please, call me either Darcy as everyone else, or perhaps Brother, as my sister does.”