Page 42 of The Power of Refusal

T he change in Mr Couper was staggering. Darcy had wondered at how Mary Bennet had agreed to wed the tyrant he had encountered when he first arrived. Once his terror of his wife’s condition had receded, Mr Couper was a genial, interested man who could not do enough to assist Darcy in his quest to marry Elizabeth.

“I would be delighted to provide a licence. Or, if you wish, you might contact a bishop. You might make faster arrangements in London. How might I best assist you? There is nothing too great for you to request. I owe you all for saving my Mary’s life.”

If Darcy had the choice, they would wed on the morrow, but he would wait to allow Elizabeth to have the power of choice about their wedding. Elizabeth wished to consult with Mary. She would not abandon her sister without support as she recovered from a gruelling birth.

With an uncharacteristic shyness, Elizabeth expressed a wish to have Jane attend her, but she was loath to leave Mary without care. Mary was awake and seemed almost herself as she insisted Elizabeth leave immediately for London and her wedding.

“You have been the sister who takes care of all of us for ten years, Lizzy. You must seek your own happiness, your own life. I will be well.”

Express letters crisscrossed the land to and from Alton, Lockwood, Matlock, Gracechurch Street, and Briar Lodge announcing the betrothal. Congratulations and expressions of delight swiftly arrived in Alton. Georgiana and her family would travel to London. Jane and Bingley would come to Darcy House. Darcy would deliver the bride-to-be to the Gardiner’s home. The wedding would take place as soon as may be. Almost as an afterthought, Darcy penned a letter to Mr Bennet. He had abdicated his role as Elizabeth’s father, but it was proper to notify the man.

Elizabeth more reluctantly sent a short note to both her parents announcing her upcoming marriage. Her missive was short on details and did not include a true invitation.

Darcy engaged a wet nurse, a night nurse, a day nurse, and an additional maid to ensure Elizabeth could part with Mary with confidence she would be well cared for.

“I have nothing suitable to wear for a wedding, surely not for my own,” Elizabeth mused as the carriage reached the main road towards London.

Darcy looked her square in the eye. “Are you troubled by that? We have a few days to fetch a proper gown if you wish. For myself, I am not in the least concerned with what you will wear to say your vows. You may appear in a doublet and hose, for all I care. Once we are wed, we can raid the best modistes in London for everything your heart desires. What matters to me is that you are my bride. And that there be no unnecessary delay.”

Elizabeth blushed at the intent and rather passionate expression he directed at her. He did not break away but stared at her with his eyes full of all the longing and desire he had suppressed for a decade. After a moment, she looked away, saying, “I believe I understand your sentiments. In truth, I never expected to marry, so I have no particular dream of some elegant wedding. Nor do I have any sense of the… matters that will follow.”

Darcy realised he had perhaps been too transparent in his desire. Elizabeth was a maiden, despite her mature years. He reflected on their kisses, starting in the kitchen that eventful night and progressing in their meetings since. Elizabeth was inexperienced, but, as he could only have wished, she was a very quick student. Perhaps his long-suppressed dreams of her passionate nature were not premature.

“I hope you trust me, Elizabeth. I am entirely at your mercy. Your wishes will determine what follows.”

Elizabeth blushed again, then met his eyes. “I trust you. And I appreciate your patience with me. One would think a lady who dreamt of marrying you for nigh on ten years would have herself well prepared. Perhaps I never truly believed it could happen.”

Darcy leant forward, his face close to hers. “I hope to make all your dreams come true, Elizabeth. Please, do not hesitate to tell me what you wish for. I have been dreaming of this for as long—or longer—than you were.”

Elizabeth was caught up in contemplating how long she had dreamt of being married to Mr Darcy. Her dreams were gauzy and warm, but sorely lacking in detail. Ought she not to have more information about what occurred between a woman and her husband? After a moment, she shook herself from her reverie. There would be time enough to speak with Jane and her Aunt Gardiner once she was in London. She trusted them to advise her well.

∞∞∞

Mr and Mrs Gardiner waited just inside when Elizabeth and Darcy entered their stately home on Gracechurch Street. Mrs Gardiner embraced Elizabeth whilst Mr Gardiner reached to shake Darcy’s hand.

“Mr Darcy, may I present my dear aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Edward Gardiner? Aunt, uncle, I present my betrothed, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.” As she spoke, Elizabeth felt a thrill travel from her toes to her head. She saw tears shining in her aunt’s eyes as she curtseyed to Mr Darcy.

They were welcomed into the drawing room, where Mrs Gardiner had a tea tray awaiting them. Polite inquiries about their travel and the health of their respective families filled the air as each grew accustomed to the others. A lull in the conversation fell, and Mrs Gardiner looked at Elizabeth with a questioning gaze.

Mr Darcy spoke. “Mr Gardiner, I have directed my solicitor to draft a settlement for Elizabeth. With your permission, I would like to present it to you for approval. I know Elizabeth is more than capable of making her own decisions, but we agreed that it would be best to request your advice as well, rather than allow there to be any questions as to her capacity to enter into a contract.”

Mr Gardiner’s brows rose. “I see. You will not be seeking Mr Bennet’s approval?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I have not had my father’s protection in nearly a decade, Uncle. You have been far more of a paternal figure in my life since I left Longbourn.” Those facts she had long accepted, but the feelings that arose as she spoke them were still bitter.

Mr Gardiner sighed. “I cannot dispute that, Lizzy. I am happy to watch out for you. I believe I would prefer to let your father know I am doing so. Should he trouble himself to open my correspondence, he will not be able to say he did not know.”

“What are your plans, Lizzy and Mr Darcy? Your last letter was not specific about a date, or whether you would ask your family from Longbourn to travel to London. We could accommodate them, if need be,” Mrs Gardiner said.

Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged a look.

“We would ask your indulgence for a few days whilst Fitzwilliam obtains a licence, and I acquire a new gown. Once that is in order, we will have a quiet ceremony in the chapel at St George’s. We do wish to have you, my sister and Charles, and Fitzwilliam’s sister and London family attend. I have no wish to invite my Longbourn relations. Only Mary and Jane have been attentive to me, and, of course, Mary is unable to travel from Alton.” Elizabeth spoke in a subdued tone.

“Your mother will not be best pleased. I doubt your father would stir himself to come to London.” Mr Gardiner narrowed his lips in an expression of disdain. “I understand your feelings, and I cannot dispute your right to have only those who are part of your life now in attendance.”

“With luck, Jane and Lady Halliday will be able to be in town in the next few days. And perhaps we will find a gown whose buyer has not returned to purchase. Would you help me, Aunt, to look for a gown tomorrow?” Elizabeth asked.

Aunt Gardiner agreed to clear her day to shop with Elizabeth. After a short further discussion about dinner plans, Mr Darcy stood to leave.

Elizabeth accompanied him to the door. They paused in the hallway, a comfortable silence enveloping them. Darcy looked down at Elizabeth, his eyes soft with unspoken emotions. She met his gaze, feeling a rush of warmth in her chest.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding, Fitzwilliam. This sudden change in my life, though long awaited, still feels like a dream,” Elizabeth murmured.

Darcy reached out, his hand gently cupping her cheek. “You are my dearest wish come true, Elizabeth. I am honoured to be by your side in your dreams.” He leant down and pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

∞∞∞

Standing before the pier glass in Mrs Gardiner’s dressing chamber, Elizabeth admired the shimmering silk gown. Mr and Mrs Gardiner had used their connections in the dressmaking community to secure an elegant gown for Elizabeth’s wedding. The modiste was happy to find a buyer for the creation abandoned by a young lady who had exceeded her budget. Elizabeth’s slight frame allowed the fitting to be completed without tedious work to enlarge the bodice.

Elizabeth felt a bit like mutton dressed up as lamb. She was not in the first blush of youthful beauty. She was well aware of some small lines around her eyes. The dewy complexion of her girlhood was duller. Still, the excitement of the event lent her brilliance, and her eyes still sparkled.

“Will I do, Aunt Gardiner? Not too elderly to pass for a bride?” Elizabeth said. Mrs Gardiner embraced her niece, taking care not to crease the silk.

“You are a beautiful bride, as you can see for yourself. Your Mr Darcy will be enchanted,” her aunt reassured her, her voice warm with affection.

Elizabeth sighed. “To be honest, I never expected this day to come. It feels like I am dreaming.”

“I expect the day will pass very quickly, my dear. Once the wedding breakfast is over, you will feel as though it went by in an instant.”

Elizabeth smiled, then felt warmth creep onto her cheeks.

“I am both longing for and dreading that, Aunt. I long to be alone with Fitzwilliam, to spend my life with him. I cannot feel confident, however, about being a wife. I am a maiden. I have no idea how to please a man. I am nearly paralysed with fear. I know Fitzwilliam is kind and gentle, but it is all so new.”

Aunt Gardiner sat down across from Elizabeth.

“You have no reason to fear, my dear,” she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. “Marriage is a partnership, a journey you both will embark on together. Fitzwilliam cares for you deeply, and your happiness will be his priority.”

Elizabeth nodded, her fingers nervously smoothing the delicate fabric of her wedding gown. “I know he is a good man, Aunt. But what if I am not enough? What if I disappoint him? I am truly uncertain about what happens in the marriage bed. My knowledge extends only to the mechanics of farm animals, which is hardly… What advice can you give me, what can you explain about what will take place?”

Mrs Gardiner watched Elizabeth with a mixture of compassion and understanding in her gaze.

Elizabeth listened intently, her eyes fixed on her aunt as if trying to absorb every word she said. The knot of anxiety in her stomach began to loosen slightly as Mrs Gardiner continued.

“As for the more intimate aspects of marriage,” Mrs Gardiner said, her cheeks colouring slightly, “it is a journey of discovery for both of you. Communication is key. Do not shy away from expressing your feelings, your desires, and your fears with your husband. He will understand and cherish your honesty.”

Elizabeth’s mind swirled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The veil of mystery surrounding the marital bed had always been an enigma, shrouded in whispers and half-truths. Yet here was her aunt, speaking openly and tenderly about a subject that had never been discussed in Elizabeth’s upbringing.

Mrs Gardiner reached out gently to grasp Elizabeth’s hand, with a warm and reassuring touch. “My dear niece, intimacy between a husband and wife is a dance of trust and affection. It is not merely a physical act but an expression of love and closeness. You need not fear it, for love encompasses understanding and patience.”

Elizabeth felt a sense of relief wash over her, mingled with a newfound sense of courage. The prospect of sharing such intimacy with Fitzwilliam could be a bond to be explored together, a journey into uncharted territories of the heart.

“Remember,” Mrs Gardiner continued softly, “openness and honesty will strengthen your marriage more than anything else.”

Elizabeth reflected on the many tragic and comic misunderstandings that she shared with her betrothed. Without question, openness and honesty had since served to strengthen their love.