Page 31 of Suddenly Married

Captain Roland Walker was a man of very rigid principles.

Although only eight-and-twenty, he was highly regarded and respected for his intelligence, bravery, and loyalty.

He had begun sailing at the age of twelve and had devoted the greater part of his life to his career.

His father was a prominent Admiral, and his elder brother was also Captain of his own ship.

Having spent more than half his life at sea, surrounded solely by men, he had never learned to socialise with women.

He was considered handsome, and women often sought his attention, yet he ignored them, believing they had nothing of interest to say.

On the day of his friend's wedding, he met Mary Bennet.

She engaged his notice at once. She was unlike the women with whom he was usually obliged to converse at social gatherings—there was neither pretension nor flirtation in her manner.

Rather, she appeared perfectly content to sit at the pianoforte while others engaged in idle chatter.

When he offered to turn the pages of her music, it was with no intention beyond hearing the performance more closely; yet he could not help but be impressed by the sight of a timid, pretty young lady who scarcely spoke to him.

Once the first awkwardness had passed, they conversed with ease for hours.

The very next day, he found himself at Mrs. Clark's house, eager to see Mary again.

After two months of courting her, Roland knew he did not wish to live without her.

His ship remained in dock for repairs, giving him one more month on shore, and he resolved to ask the reserved Miss Bennet to marry him, that she might henceforth accompany him on his future voyages.

Mary had liked Roland from the day they met.

She was not captivated by his handsome appearance, but by the manner in which he spoke and expressed his opinions.

To her mind, most men either spoke much and said nothing, like Mr. Bingley, or spoke little but in such a complicated fashion that few could understand them, like Mr. Darcy.

Captain Walker, however, spoke plainly and sensibly.

Mary enjoyed their conversation at Jane's wedding breakfast, yet it was still a great surprise when he presented himself at Mrs. Clark's house the very next day, wishing to see her—and that day proved to be the first of many.

Her mother, Kitty, and Lydia immediately remarked upon and jested about the situation, particularly Mrs. Bennet, who declared that Mary must secure the Captain without delay.

Men like Roland—handsome, honourable, and with a good income—were not easily found.

Fortunately for Mary, Mrs. Bennet and her younger daughters soon returned to Hertfordshire, allowing the relationship to develop naturally, free from their constant interference.

Mary had always believed she would never marry; yet now she was engaged and soon to become Mrs. Walker.

Though not accustomed to expressing her feelings, she spoke to her betrothed about her sister Elizabeth, whom she greatly missed.

She explained that she had invited her to the wedding and dearly wished for her attendance, though she was uncertain whether Elizabeth would be able to come.

"Lizzy could not be at Jane's wedding, and most likely she will not be able to attend ours.

My dear Captain Walker, sometimes I cannot understand why life must be so unfair," Mary said sadly, though with resignation.

"My dear Miss Bennet, I can speak to your sister's husband if you wish.

If he cannot understand and refuses to allow his wife to attend our wedding, I know how to make him understand.

Moreover, I shall make it clear that none of us desire his presence at the ceremony—we wish only for your sister to be with us," Roland replied, visibly irritated.

"Thank you, my dear Captain, but I do not wish to cause Lizzy any trouble with her husband.

When we most needed it, she sacrificed herself for us all, and I shall never forget that.

" Mary was obliged to speak with her betrothed for several minutes before he was reassured.

That day, Mr. Darcy acquired another enemy.

Captain Walker silently vowed that if ever they met, he would tell him to his face that no one despised Mrs. Walker or her family without suffering the consequences.

◆◆◆

Elizabeth listened to her husband's steady breathing.

He was fast asleep, holding her close, his hand resting possessively upon her waist. She still did not understand why she had told him that she loved him; in doing so, she felt, in some measure, that she had betrayed her mother and sisters.

She had spoken those words to the man who despised her family and had compelled her to keep them at a distance.

He believed that her relatives might harm his social standing, as though they were pariahs or criminals.

Yet there was another side of Mr. Darcy that Elizabeth could not help but admire.

Before Mr. Clark had intervened, he had taken care of her mother and sisters.

With her, he was unfailingly affectionate and tender.

He loved her—of that she was certain—although his love bore a selfish nature.

When he had told her that she might visit her family, she had felt as though the last barrier between them had fallen, granting her the freedom to love him without guilt.

But upon further reflection, she knew nothing had truly changed.

Resolving not to dwell upon it, she yielded to her fatigue and longed for sleep.

Elizabeth made an effort to rise, intending to retrieve her nightgown from the floor, but a strong arm held her fast. Mr. Darcy delighted in sleeping through the night with his wife's bare form in his embrace, and he rejoiced that they had overcome their early reserve and now shared such intimacy without hesitation.

"My love, that is not necessary. If you are cold, I know how to warm you," he murmured, drawing her closer still.

Then, in a softer tone, "Sweet dreams, Elizabeth.

I love you." "Good night, Mr. Darcy," was all she could reply.

◆◆◆

Jane was pleasantly engaged in conversation with Mrs. Roberts and her daughter, both of whom were most amiable and welcomed her warmly into her husband's circle of friends.

Yet, whenever she glanced towards the group of gentlemen, she met her husband's gaze—those intense blue eyes fixed upon her just as they had been since their first meeting.

That evening was to be special for them.

She intended to tell him that she was with child, that she loved him, and that he was the only man she had ever loved.

Jane listened with interest to the ladies' remarks, her thoughts occasionally wandering to her own happiness, until she noticed a striking, provocatively dressed woman take Lawrence's arm and speak to him.

She did not like seeing another woman approach her husband with such familiarity, but she schooled her features and refused to attract notice.

From the conversation around her, she gathered that the lady was none other than Lady Isabella, wife of Lord Fleming.

Jane returned her attention to Mrs. Roberts and her daughter, determined to ignore the woman who was so openly flirting with her husband—until something most unwelcome occurred.

Without warning, she saw Mr. Bingley advancing to greet her.

Her heart gave a startled leap, and she could not help but blush.

When he addressed her, she could only reply with his name.