Darcy’s musings were interrupted when the doors at the back of the church swung open. He watched as Jane walked slowly down the aisle, glancing at her husband and smiling as she passed him. When at last Elizabeth stepped out with her uncle by her side and began to walk toward him, Darcy took in a sharp breath. She was beautiful and he let out his breath in a long sigh of contentment.

As Elizabeth walked toward him with her gloved fingers tucked through Mr. Gardiner’s arm, she saw only him, the man who would be her husband, her companion, her love, her protector and provider. In the course of the hour, she would be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

As she came near, it took every ounce of control for Darcy not to step forward to take her from her uncle’s arm. Quite believing he would, the Colonel gently reached out to stay him with his hand.

When Elizabeth reached him, they faced Reverend Grierson. He began to speak the traditional words of the ceremony; words that had been spoken thousands of times before and would be spoken again countless times in the years to come. The words were familiar to Darcy, but this time they were being spoken to him and his beloved Elizabeth. He never imagined his feelings would be so violent.

Darcy and Elizabeth spoke their vows and responded to the reverend’s questions with heartfelt earnestness. There was no doubt in each of their minds that they would love and honour, serve and obey… in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death did part them.

As a sign of their covenant and commitment, Darcy gently took her hand and slid the ring upon Elizabeth’s finger. She gasped as she caught the sparkle and brilliance of the centre diamond flanked on either side by two sapphires. She lifted her eyes, and her lips parted, wishing to express her wonder at such a gift. She spoke not a word, but her face told him the extent of her feelings.

Every fibre in Darcy’s body wished to draw Elizabeth to him and kiss those beguiling lips. He merely had to wait until that pronouncement. I can do that… he told himself. I can do that… I…

In the midst of his silent resolution, he heard a voice, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You shall no longer be known as you were, but from this day forward you shall be known as Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

At long last the moment Fitzwilliam Darcy had been waiting for was here. Elizabeth was now his wife! He looked at her first and smiled, and then leant down and kissed the lips that had earlier beckoned him and now smiled back at him. He savoured their sweetness. He wrapped his arms about her, delighting in her soft touch. If it were not for the multitude of eyes upon him, he would have been tempted to prolong the kiss. He slowly and reluctantly pulled away.

The newly wedded couple turned to face their guests and walked back up the aisle as man and wife.

* * *

Pemberley’s ballroom had been transformed into a room worthy of the celebration of its Master and his new bride. The foods they prepared and musicians that played were the finest in the county. Flowers filled every corner, topped every table, and were even placed in small vases along the wall. Candles were lit even though it was daylight, providing a warm and magical atmosphere.

After the breakfast, Darcy and Elizabeth were expected to begin the dancing. As Elizabeth faced her husband, waiting for the piece to begin, she smiled as she thought back to their dance together at the Netherfield Ball and how she had so misjudged him.

It was midafternoon when finally the couple began to say their farewells and thank everyone for coming. After receiving a celebratory send-off, the couple departed Pemberley, eager to begin their life together.

Darcy made arrangements to stay at a small cottage on a lake about an hour’s carriage ride away. As they sat together in the carriage, Elizabeth gently stroked her husband’s hand. “I have been doing much thinking of late, Fitzwilliam, and am quite of the opinion it was best for the two of us that I had such strong feelings of dislike for you initially.”

Darcy raised an eyebrow and looked at her. “Truly? Why is this?”

A smug smile swept her face. “In my study of the character of ladies such as Caroline Bingley and Rosalyn Matthews, I believe that they once were quite amiable. I knew for a fact that Rosalyn was. We got along quite nicely while in London. But something changed at Pemberley.”

“What changed?”

Elizabeth slipped her hand through Darcy’s arm and leaned back in the carriage, her eyes turned forward. “She became quite unreasonable, suspicious, even scheming.” Elizabeth shook her head. “I can only assume that this is what has happened to every young lady who set her eyes upon you as a prospect for marriage.”

Darcy shook his head. “This is preposterous!”

“Is it?” Elizabeth asked slyly. “Consider the fact that you could find no suitable lady in Town. The only reason for that is they all knew who you were and what you were worth. Their behaviour around you was altered beyond anything suitable for you.”

Darcy rolled his eyes. “And you?”

She rolled out a long sigh and tightened her grasp about him. “Due to the fact that I initially found you quite objectionable, I was spared any character transformation.” A satisfied smile lit her face.

Darcy turned his eyes to her. “Your reasoning is flawed, my dear, for you did soon come to view me with strong regard.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, but that was after becoming acquainted with the real Fitzwilliam Darcy. I do not wish to grieve you, my love, but I fell in love with you, and not your fortune or your estate or your standing in society.”

Darcy feigned disappointment. “That is a heavy lot, indeed. I had hoped that at least one of those would have worked in my behalf.”

Laughing at his humour, she leant over and kissed his cheek. “Perhaps when I saw Pemberley I was quite moved to change my opinion of you.” She pursed her lips and cast a sly glance at him.

Darcy cupped Elizabeth’s face with his hand, bringing it toward him. “I had so wanted another opportunity to show you I took your criticism to heart and made an attempt to mend my ways.”

Elizabeth was prevented in responding to him as the carriage came to a stop and the door opened. They stepped out and walked up to a small cottage. An inn was located just at the end of the lane.

“This is where we shall spend our first few days, Elizabeth. I hope it will please you.”

“It looks delightful, Fitzwilliam.”

“Our staff will reside at the inn and we will either take our meals there or have them brought to us. They arrived earlier to prepare our room. Shall we go in?”

Elizabeth nodded just as Mr. Grant opened the door. Anna and two additional servants welcomed them. She gasped as she peered inside. Although small, it had a simple elegance. A meal was waiting, and a small table was set for just the two of them. Flowers and candles added to the ambiance.

Elizabeth looked around her and walked over to a window overlooking the lake. “Shall we be able to see the sunrise from here, do you think?” she asked.

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Darcy joined her at the window and pointed to some hills on the far side of the lake. “It ought to rise just over that ridge.”

Elizabeth turned and clasped her hands in joy. “This is delightful! We shall have not an idle moment as we watch the sunrise, explore the paths, read Cowper’s poems and Shakespeare’s sonnets, play chess…” Elizabeth paused and looked up into his eyes with a teasing smile. She wrapped her arms about his neck and brought her lips to his ear. She whispered softly, “And more?”

Darcy’s breath caught and he placed his hands on either side of Elizabeth’s face, combing his fingers slightly into her hair. He looked deeply into her eyes, his own smouldering. “And much more,” he whispered as he slowly lowered his lips to meet hers. She rose up on her toes again to meet his lips, and the two remained captured in a fervent, passionate kiss. The servants discreetly turned their attention to small chores that in truth needed no tending.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy did not seem inclined to end the kiss, prompting Mr. Grant to usher the servants out the front door, quietly closing it behind them. Turning to the grinning servants, he said with a smile of his own, “I believe it would be prudent of us to adjourn to the inn and wait until we are summoned.” Assuming a manner of authority and tact, he added, “I trust it will be some time before our services will be required.”

Epilogue

One year later

Darcy stood atop the ridge behind Pemberley looking down toward Braedenthorn. He had climbed to the summit with the hope that he would see Elizabeth returning from a visit with her sister. The warmth of the late afternoon sun pressed against his back, and a slight breeze rustled his coattails. He took in a deep breath as he gazed at the view in silent wonder. How could he be so angry at a woman he loved so overpoweringly?

He paced back and forth, as if his fierce strides would bring her into view. She knew he did not want her making that long, strenuous walk in her condition! Not alone and especially not when she was carrying their child!

He gazed out at the valley below, his eyes taking in the verdant greens that would soon give way to the reds and browns of autumn. He watched the path that wound its way down the hill toward Braedenthorn. He did not see her.

He had just returned from three days in London and was disappointed that she had not been home to greet him. When inquiring of Mrs. Reynolds as to her whereabouts, she informed him that Mrs. Darcy was visiting her sister and would return in time for dinner. The look of apprehension on her face prompted him to press her for the particulars on her means of transportation.