“No, Will, your choice was wise. Papa Darcy was right, you know.” Lizzy stroked his cheek. “You needed to see if there were other choices before you. You needed to go on your Grand Tour in order to see as much of the country as possible, and you needed to dance with beautiful ladies and call on them to see what you truly wanted. If you had never experienced courting ladies outside of our friendship, how would I know that you would not regret me in the future?” She smiled, “Now that you have seen the choices before you and still chose me, I know that I am yours and you are mine.”
William laughed, “Is that your way of telling me that you wish to be courted by other gentlemen? It is too late, you know. We are to marry tomorrow!”
Lizzy laughed as well, “No! I had never wished to marry before and having John Thorpe pursue me that one day in Ramsgate and your believing me betrothed to Captain Wickham should be sufficient to remind you that I am quite sought after and that you had better not make a terrible blunder or else I will have my vengeance!” She giggled as she covered her mouth, “Remember that I am quite talented in character study and I know you better than anyone else!”
“I will never forget, milady,” William kissed her cheek and smiled. “You are precious to me and I know what I am gaining.”
“Oh, Will, we are gaining each other. I hope we will always see each other as equals. That is the greatest wedding gift you can give me.” Lizzy embraced him tightly around his waist.
William kissed her head, “We are equals, Lizzy. You are the best woman I know. I will see you tomorrow morning at the chapel. Hours to go, my love, hours.”
After another kiss, William mounted his horse and slowly departed for Netherfield. He smiled broadly and waved as he returned home on the familiar path, separating from his heart for the last time.
Lizzy returned indoors and found Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner grinning broadly at her. “What? What has happened? Everyone else has retired?”
Mrs. Gardiner answered with a smile, “Yes, Lizzy. Since it is the night before your wedding, your mother and I have a very serious discussion that we must have with you.”
Mrs. Bennet anxiously giggled, “Yes, very serious. Let us go to your bedroom.”
Lizzy saw the nervousness of her mother and the amusement on her aunt’s face and guessed that the ladies wished to speak of the wedding night and consummation. Although she did not know the specifics of what was to happen the next night, she had some general ideas of it, especially noticing the excitement of William’s body while they spent many hours kissing and embracing each other.
She rolled her eyes but agreed and walked with them to her room, hoping that they would be upfront and honest about the experience. She wished with all of her heart that it would not be frightening but as enjoyable as it had been described in many of the novels she had read, even if they were written by men.
~*~
June 1810
The wedding was beautiful in its simplicity, which both brides had requested, and although Lizzy would have wished for a pirate captain to perform the ceremony on a ship instead, she relished every moment of officially becoming Mrs. Darcy.
Mr. Bennet discreetly wiped his eyes after walking his favourite daughter down the aisle, Mrs. Bennet nearly called for her smelling salts when Lizzy paused before proclaiming ‘I do’, and Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne thanked the heavens that they were alive to see their son marry the most wonderful girl they had known.
After farewells were completed, Lizzy waved to everyone from the carriage and departed with her husband to Darcy House for their wedding holiday.
“I think we should have stayed closer to Netherfield, Lizzy.” William groaned, as he kissed her neck and ear. “Richard warned me that the four-hour ride will be miserable but I did not believe him and I am now suffering for it.”
Lizzy giggled, “I do not fully understand you but I suppose that is one of the disadvantages of being a girl; I simply do not know how the male form functions.”
William kissed her lips with a smile, “I am infinitely glad you are a woman, Lizzy. I will need your help to keep my mind off tonight so let us converse about something else.” He sat up to take several breaths. “Do you think you would be interested in learning to swim so you could achieve the feat like Lord Byron had in Turkey?”
“Oh, to swim across the sea like the mythical love story of Hero and Leander would be quite an accomplishment, but ladies must swim with a full set of dress on and I think I would drown within several feet. I wish I could swim in the nude. That would be most efficient.” Lizzy raised a brow in tease.
“Good lord!” William exclaimed as he moved himself across the other side of the carriage for distance. “Perhaps we should play chess; or sleep. I think I will try to sleep now.” He closed his eyes and crossed his arms.
Lizzy smiled as she reached over and sat on his lap while William wrapped his arms around her, “Husband, we are man and wife now, and there is no reason for you to restrain yourself. I have been told about what to expect and I do not see a reason for the delay to wait for nightfall. As soon as we arrive at Darcy House, you and I will have the privacy needed to join but for now, allow me to enjoy being Mrs. Darcy and we can teach each other how to appreciate being together.” She began to kiss his lips seductively and ran her
