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“I believe she does, too.” Mrs. Annesley looked about the room. “Now, if I can find where I left the book I was reading, I hope to finish it before tea is served.”

“Good luck!” Richard said as he headed towards the stairs that would take him to his rooms. “All of the commotion surrounding Miss Bennet’s injury has left me exhausted and tomorrow I return to my office, as General Lassiter has grown weary of my excuses for being off duty. Therefore, I intend to rest until teatime.”

Chapter 30

Two months later

As William feared, it had taken longer for Elizabeth to get back on her feet than he had hoped, and two months after her injury, she was still too weak to stand for long periods of time. Nevertheless, his tender care caused Elizabeth to fall more in love with him each day, and the beautiful wedding gown hanging in a wardrobe in her bedroom—a creation by Lady Matlock’s modiste—made the idea of delaying their wedding further almost unbearable. Therefore, it was decided they would marry sooner rather than later.

The gown fit perfectly and Elizabeth felt like a princess every time she donned it for fittings. It was fashioned out of white satin with a square neckline and sleeves that were puffed at the top but immediately slimmed as they continued to her wrists. It also boasted a single wide strip of delicate Belgium lace, interspersed with tiny white pearls, just under the bosom. This same lace with pearls was featured along the bottom of each sleeve and the hem of the gown.

On the day of the wedding, a cascading veil made of tulle was attached to two white, pearl combs in Elizabeth’s upswept hair, whilst several dark curls were styled to hang on each side. It was an image that William found enchanting when he stole a glance at his bride before the ceremony.

As Lady Matlock had promised, guests were kept to a minimum—mostly family, with a few of the Fitzwilliams’ dearest friends. Elizabeth was satisfied to have all her sisters present, in addition to her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Mrs. Bennet, who had been sent back to Netherfield under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Hill, was entirely oblivious of missing a significant family celebration, as would be the case for the rest of her days.

Since the front parlour was large enough to accommodate the wedding party, they chose to forgo the ballroom for a more intimate setting. Therefore, the parlour was cleared of all furnishings except the pianoforte and then fitted with enough chairs to seat the guests. Georgiana had agreed to provide music for the ceremony and because Elizabeth was not yet able to walk far, William carried her downstairs and deposited her next to a side door into the parlour. Just before the ceremony was to begin, she crossed directly to a makeshift altar where William and the bishop were waiting.

Once the ceremony started, everything went as expected. The liturgy was kept as short as possible to accommodate Elizabeth’s heath, and after being pronounced man and wife, William led her back through that same door she had entered. Then, out of sight of the guests, he swept Elizabeth off her feet and, whilst Georgiana delayed everyone with the joyous music concluding the ceremony, swiftly carried her to the dining room, where an elaborate wedding breakfast awaited.

Without a glance at the plethora of sumptuous food, William set Elizabeth upon her feet and pulled her tightly to his chest. Then, laying his forehead against hers, he murmured softly, “Mrs. Darcy … Mrs. Darcy. Do you have any idea how many times I have called you that in my dreams, only to awaken and find it was just that … a dream?”

Elizabeth sighed as she sank deeper into his embrace. “After what I said about our children that night in the cottage, you must know I have suffered these same disappointments.”

William pulled back to look into her eyes. “Before our guests find us, I intend to kiss you in the manner that I have desired to kiss you all day.”

He proceeded to do just that, and they were so completely lost in the throes of passion that neither noticed when Richard entered the room and were thus startled when he let go a mock cry of horror. “Come now, Cousin! If you keep that up, you shall embarrass all your guests, who are, at this very moment, making their way here. Not only that but consider what the headlines in tomorrows’ papers will read: Fitzwilliam Darcy Shows No Restraint When It Comes To His New Wife!”

“I doubt that any of our guests would spew such drivel to the papers,” William responded wryly. “However, you have made your point! Now be quiet or our guests will hear you.”

“Which would serve you right,” Richard replied, winking at Elizabeth. Then he added, “I suggest we begin enjoying the food that your cook and others have gone to such great lengths to prepare, or else we shall be here all day.”

After looking at the sideboards full of fare, Elizabeth declared. “It is a veritable feast. I have no idea how such a small group is expected to eat even half of it.”

“Do not worry,” Richard replied. “I will make certain that none of it goes to waste. Besides, I plan to take a portion to General Lassiter to appease him for again allowing me time off—this time, to celebrate your wedding.”

“Do with it as you wish,” William said, his attention still focused on Elizabeth. “I am so deliriously happy that I have no appetite.”

“Come now, Darcy. You are not going to allow so momentous an occasion to keep you from eating, are you?” Waggling his brows to make Elizabeth laugh, he added, “After all, a groom needs all the strength he can muster for his wedding night.”

Having never informed Richard, or anyone other than Mr. Graham, that he and Elizabeth would not be consummating their marriage until her health improved, William caught sight of the look of despair that crossed his wife’s face, and he brought Elizabeth’s hands to his lips whilst Richard began filling a plate with food.

Placing soft kisses thereon, he whispered, “Frowns are not allowed on our wedding day, my love. Just think! Now and forever more you are mine! My wife, my lover, the one who, God willing, will be the mother of my children. I refuse to let anything steal one iota of joy from this day.”

As she blinked back tears, Elizabeth’s smile returned. “Every time I think I cannot love you more, you prove me wrong. Thank you for reminding me to count the joys in life and not the difficulties.”

Just then Lord and Lady Matlock entered the room, followed closely by Elizabeth’s family and the other guests. Amongst many murmurings about the quality of the food, the wedding breakfast commenced.

After the Fitzwilliams’ friends had left, leaving only family, Lady Matlock tapped a spoon on her glass to gain everyone’s attention before making an announcement.

“Because Elizabeth is in no condition to travel, we should allow her and Fitzwilliam to have a honeymoon right here at Darcy House. I said nothing about it until now, as I wished it to be a surprise, but by leaving them completely alone for at least a fortnight with the knocker off the door and a good many of the servants given time off, it should provide some semblance of privacy. My niece and Mrs. Annesley have already agreed to stay with us, and their trunks were packed and taken to Marlock House this morning.”

Instantly expressions of approval spread throughout the room, so she continued. “Mrs. Wickham, I hope you do not mind but I had the maids pack your things, too, and you are welcome to stay with us as well.”

“I appreciate the offer,” Lydia said. “However, I am anxious to return to Lambton and take over the bakery whilst Mrs. Potter is still willing to guide me. I believe now is the perfect time. I shall just move in with Jane until I am ready to travel.”

“But … but I was to learn alongside you—to be of help if needed,” Elizabeth began to object.

“Lizzy, you have yet to recover completely from your injury, and I dare say it will take many more months until you are yourself again. Besides, now that you are married you should focus on your husband, not me and the bakery.” At Elizabeth’s uncertain look, Lydia reached out to hug her. “Lizzy, you have done so much for me already, and to be honest, I wish to prove that I can do this myself—for Emma as well as for me. And I know I will have no kinder teacher than Mrs. Potter.”