Page 29 of Suddenly Married

Elizabeth was much entertained in reading all that Lydia and Kitty had written in their letters.

They described their new life in Meryton, reported that Mrs. Bennet was improving daily, and gossiped about all their neighbours.

Elizabeth knew that Jane's husband had purchased her mother and sisters' house and was providing for all their expenses.

She supposed that Mr. Darcy was likely aware of this change in her family's circumstances, though in truth, he was not.

He had left everything in the hands of his solicitor and had never enquired.

She hoped that now, knowing her family was no longer a burden to him, he might relent and finally accept them.

When she read Mary's letter, she laughed merrily.

"Dante, Mary is to marry the handsome Captain Walker in ten days.

Do not look at me in that manner; I do not know him, but that is what Lydia and Kitty are always saying.

I am a married woman, and he will be my brother.

Besides, my husband is also very handsome—although sometimes quite insufferable.

" Mary had, of course, invited her, and Elizabeth wished more than anything to attend; yet she did not know if it would be possible, and for now, speaking to her husband on the matter was out of the question.

Elizabeth could not deny that her husband was among the most significant persons in her life, and she had come to admire him.

He was honourable, intelligent, attentive to her well-being, and devoted to his family.

She was now convinced that there was some misunderstanding between him and Mr. Wickham, for she could not believe him capable of what he had been accused.

But she admired not only his character; each day she noticed some new detail in his appearance—his strong arms, the becoming aspect of his growing beard, and the lips that kissed her so wonderfully.

At times, she felt she loved him, but she preferred not to dwell upon it.

She could not love a man who did not accept an essential part of who she was: her family.

Although she would not admit it to herself, she remained resentful and had not forgiven him for forbidding her to invite her relatives to her new home.

His pride and prejudices still often led him to disregard her feelings, and no matter how hard she tried, she could not ignore that.

Elizabeth continued reading the letters from her uncles and aunts, and at last Jane's—the one she always reserved for the end.

Jane's letters often included a page written by her brother-in-law, who would tell her more about himself.

This time, Jane's letter contained a passage that Elizabeth read twice to be certain she had understood it correctly.

"Oh, Dante, my dear Jane is happy… allow me to read you this paragraph so you may understand what I mean…

" …my dear Lizzy, I am the happiest of women; I love my husband, I love him so dearly that I cannot imagine how I could ever have thought what I felt for Mr. Bingley was love.

My dear Lizzy, my happiness is now complete, for I believe I am with child.

I have not yet told my husband, as I am not certain, but my aunt Gardiner is convinced, from my symptoms, that I must be.

You are to be an aunt, my dear sister… Overjoyed by all her sisters' happy news, Elizabeth began dancing with Dante, who barked and ran about her, sharing in the joy of his favourite human.

Unwittingly, Elizabeth became entangled with him and lost her balance, falling onto the bank of the small lake.

Though she rose quickly, her gown was soaked and muddied.

She attempted to brush off the dirt and smooth her hair, knowing she ought to return to the house at once to change, for the dinner hour was approaching.

To her misfortune, as she looked towards the path leading to the house, she saw her husband walking straight towards her.

"I am in trouble, Dante; I still remember when Mr. Darcy looked at me with such disapproval because my petticoat was muddy.

I am certain that after this, he will ignore me for weeks!

" She continued speaking to her dog, laughing so heartily that she did not care what her dignified and always impeccably dressed husband might say.

Mr. Darcy, from a distance, had seen Elizabeth laughing and playing with her dog, and he quickened his pace to discover the cause.

Yet, as was his habit when overtaken by intense feeling, he said nothing at first, only looking at her intently.

Elizabeth, mistaking his silence for displeasure, supposed he was angry.

He could not stop gazing at her—so lovely, her face radiant with mirth.

At last, he spoke in a serious tone. "What has happened, Mrs. Darcy?

" A little vexed by his manner, Elizabeth smiled to show she would not allow him to spoil her good humour.

"I had a small accident. If you will excuse me, I must change my clothes, for I would not wish to be late for dinner.

The Master of Pemberley is very strict about such matters.

" "I see…" "If you will excuse me, sir." She once again adjusted her gown and began walking towards the house with her head held high.

Mr. Darcy could not resist; he caught her in his arms and said with playful determination, "I know you delight in teasing me, Mrs. Darcy, but this time I shall not let you.

" "Sir, please behave," Elizabeth replied, trying not to laugh.

Mr. Darcy attempted to kiss her, but she evaded him, and both laughed; by now, his clothes, too, were somewhat damp.

"Sir, please—here comes Mr. Harris. He looks as though he wishes to speak to you," said Elizabeth.

Mr. Darcy instantly grew solemn and released her; the last thing he desired was to speak with his steward.

He stood for a moment, scanning the path, until he realised it had been a ruse.

Elizabeth was already running towards the house, laughing at having deceived him.

He at once gave chase. Elizabeth darted inside and hurried to the staircase leading to her chamber, her laughter echoing through much of the house.

Mrs. Reynolds, who was in the drawing room, came out to see what was happening and beheld the extraordinary sight of Mrs. Darcy, her gown soaked, running and laughing—followed by Mr. Darcy, equally wet and laughing.

As Elizabeth reached her chamber door, her husband caught her about the waist. He kissed her neck and murmured, "You thought you could be rid of me so easily.

" Then, lifting her in his arms, he carried her inside, closing the door with his foot, while Elizabeth laughed uncontrollably.

Mrs. Reynolds promptly silenced any remark from the staff and ordered them back to their duties.

She could not help but be glad to see her master so happy.

From boyhood, he had been solemn and solitary, burdened with responsibilities from a young age.

The new Mrs. Darcy had brought joy to the whole household.

'I think I ought to tell Miss Darcy that Mr. and Mrs. Darcy will not be able to dine with her, as they are indisposed,' Mrs. Reynolds murmured with a smile, as she went in search of Georgiana.

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