Page 16 of Suddenly Married

Shortly before ten in the morning, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were married.

The ceremony was brief, attended only by Elizabeth’s family.

All of Meryton soon heard of the wedding, and in light of Mr. Bennet’s condition, the privacy of the occasion was well understood.

Moreover, the rumours concerning Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were silenced the moment they became husband and wife.

After the service, the family returned to Longbourn, where Jane, Mary, and their Aunt Phillips had prepared a modest wedding breakfast. Mr. Darcy appeared uncomfortable, speaking only a few words to Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Phillips, and answering Mrs. Bennet rather curtly when she attempted to engage him in conversation.

Elizabeth, lost in her own thoughts, did not perceive this, though Jane did.

Just as they were about to eat, Mrs. Carter arrived to announce that Mr. Bennet had passed away.

Elizabeth hurried to her father’s room, her husband following closely, while Mrs. Bennet fainted in the drawing room.

Jane and Mr. Gardiner attended to her, carrying her to her bed and offering what comfort they could.

Elizabeth scarcely knew what was happening elsewhere in the house.

She was in her father’s room, holding her husband tightly while he spoke words of reassurance.

“I am sorry, my love, but do not worry; I shall take care of everything. Remember, you have a husband who adores you and will look after you.” Elizabeth was aware that much was occurring around her, yet she had no wish to leave Mr. Darcy’s arms, for only there did she find the comfort she sought.

After two hours, he led her to her bedroom, and once she had fallen asleep, he returned to the inn at Meryton.

He would have preferred to remain by her side, but he understood that she needed to be with her family.

Mr. Darcy stayed for the funeral and, as he had promised, allowed Elizabeth a week at Longbourn to take leave of her family.

In the meantime, he attended to urgent matters in London, planning to take her to Pemberley for the remainder of the mourning period, certain that the tranquillity of the countryside would aid her recovery.

On the third day, following Mr. Bennet’s burial, Mrs. Bennet suffered an apoplexy, which confined her to bed.

Though she survived, she was left with partial paralysis of her face and left hand, as well as difficulty walking.

When Mr. Darcy came to take Elizabeth to Pemberley, Mrs. Bennet was not able to receive him, and Elizabeth—keeping her word—said nothing to her husband of her mother’s condition.

She took her leave quietly, promising to visit as soon as possible.

“Mama, take care of yourself, and do not forget me. I shall pray for your swift recovery.” Mrs. Bennet only gazed at her daughter and stroked her cheek, unable to speak the words she longed to say.

“Mrs. Bennet, remember what the doctor advised. Please do not distress yourself; it will harm your health,” said Mrs. Carter gently, touching her face to soothe her.

“Your mother wishes to tell you many things, but when she is stronger, I shall help her write a letter so she may say what she cannot today.” “Mrs. Carter, as soon as I can, I shall send you money—” Elizabeth began.

“Mrs. Darcy, do not trouble yourself. I have grown fond of your mother and sisters, and I have my savings. I shall remain until your mother improves,” replied the nurse, fully aware of the family’s difficulties and unwilling to abandon them at such a time.

When the carriage was ready, Elizabeth’s sisters came out to bid her farewell.

She had already explained her husband’s restrictions and apologised for not being able to invite them to visit, but they assured her that they would always love her.

Mr. Darcy waited patiently while his wife said her goodbyes, knowing it was the greatest kindness he could offer.

He felt deep sympathy for her situation and could not help imagining how different their happiness might have been had Mr. Bennet not suffered that fateful accident.

“I shall miss you, my dear sisters,” Elizabeth said, her voice trembling.

“And we shall miss you, Lizzy,” Lydia and Kitty replied, both in tears.

“Do not worry, Lizzy, I shall write every week without fail to tell you all that is happening here,” Mary promised, speaking nervously and trying not to cry.

“Thank you, Mary. At least you have the most legible handwriting of us all,” Elizabeth replied, taking her hand, knowing how her sister cherished such praise.

“Oh, Lizzy, take care of yourself, please,” Jane added.

“I shall, Jane. And promise me you will ask for my help if Mama needs it.” “Do not trouble yourself; all will be well here.” They embraced, kissed, and wept until at last they parted.

The leave-taking was painful, yet Elizabeth, having had a week to prepare, bore it with composure.

Once in the carriage, she allowed herself a few tears before quickly drying them.

She asked her husband about his week in London, and he replied that he had resolved all his business.

After that, they spoke of nothing significant, travelling mostly in silence.

Mr. Darcy watched her with concern, understanding that she was melancholy and preferred quiet.

He contented himself with holding her, kissing her hands or her forehead to offer comfort.

As evening approached, they stopped at an inn for the night, where Mr. Darcy’s valet and Elizabeth’s new maid awaited them.

She was fatigued, ate a little supper with her husband, and went at once to her room.

After a bath prepared by her maid, she put on her nightgown, intending to sleep, yet found herself unable to rest for the sadness and loneliness she felt.

She was in bed, braiding her hair, when Mr. Darcy entered in his nightclothes.

Though she felt a little shy, she concealed it.

Removing his robe, he blew out the candle and lay beside her.

“Sleep, Elizabeth; tomorrow we must rise early. You are very pale, and you need your rest,” he murmured, drawing her into his arms. She nestled against him, feeling comforted, and he kissed her lightly.

Elizabeth returned the kiss, and he deepened it, though still with tenderness.

After some minutes, she began to weep, and he continued to hold her, stroking her hair and pressing gentle kisses to her forehead and cheek without speaking.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she whispered at last. “I love you, Mrs. Darcy,” he replied. They fell asleep in each other’s arms.

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At Longbourn, Jane stood at the window, her eyes fixed upon the darkness, reflecting with quiet melancholy on what the future might hold, while in London, Lawrence Clark was making his preparations for the journey to Hertfordshire.