“Thank you, Aunt,” said Elizabeth, now fully embarrassed.
In truth, it was very pleasant kissing William and he smelled of sandalwood and maleness, a very heady combination. His lips were soft and inviting, and when they kissed, her sensibilities were excited in a way she had never experienced. His touch made her tingle all over, and she quickly grew weak in the knees. In a few hours they would be married, and she doubted that she would ever be the same once they had spent the night together.
Predictably, Mrs. Bennet had given Elizabeth a rather embarrassing talk about what to expect with the marriage bed. Mrs. Gardiner, on the other hand, had described the union of a man and woman in a completely different manner.
Following her explanations, Mrs. Gardiner held Elizabeth’s hands and said, “What passes between a married man and woman on their wedding night and for all of the nights to come is something very special. It is a bonding that mere words alonecan never describe. And when the two of you have conceived a child, your lives will be blessed beyond measure.”
A child….The thought of having a child with William nearly brought tears to her eyes. William was so sad when he told her about the loss of his stillborn son, a fully formed babe who was denied his first breath. She longed to give him another son and prayed that God would bless them with many children.
On Sunday, Mr. Bennet had called Elizabeth into his book room to choose two books from his collection as his wedding gift. Elated, it had taken her more than an hour to decide. How could one choose from so many favoured tomes, ones which she had seen her father read over and over again throughout the years? At length, her choice was made not merely because of the subject matter, but because her father had pencilled many of his thoughts in the margins. Even after he was long gone, Elizabeth knew that reading his script would be one way of keeping him with her.
To that end she had chosen a rather battered copy of Plato’s “Republic,” a book which she and her father had discussed in depth during their studies together. Smiling to herself, she recalled how the two of them had never come to an agreement on the philosophies put forth by the author concerning the common man. William enjoyed a good debate and wondered how they would fare discussing this book along with so many from his personal collections. The second book she chose was a history book which her father had been given by his favourite professor at Oxford. Like the Plato, it had many of Bennet’s impressions pencilled in the margins. Both of these treasures would provide many hours of meaningful discussion, and she cherished the thought of sharing them with William.
Although William’s initial time with her father had been limited, Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed watching their battle of wits during a game of chess. Taking note of his every move, shewas able to discern what William’s approach was and looked forward to testing her own stratagems against her new husband. With that in mind, she was inspired to purchase a chess set which might be taken on their travels. While she suspected William had several fine sets at his homes, Elizabeth wanted something more practical. Remembering a beautifully carved set of cherry wood at the local woodworking shop, Elizabeth sent a footman into the village to make inquiries. Although Mr. Henry Dobbs was known for his cabinets, tables and chairs, the kindly gentleman was a craftsman of many specialty items and this particular set would make the perfect gift for William. She was elated when the footman returned and informed her that it was yet available.
The last time Elizabeth visited the shop she had purchased some carved trinkets for her Gardiner cousins. For as long as she could remember, this shop had been a favourite. The shop itself was modest, but on every shelf and on every table rested one of Mr. Dobbs’ unique hand-crafted items.
With that purpose in mind, Elizabeth had joined her mother when she went to the village to purchase the trim for her wedding gown late Saturday morning. Like her father’s book room, the shop had a distinct smell, in this case being wood and hint of varnish. And while Mrs. Dobbs managed the storefront, the Mister worked away at the rear where he often hummed a merry tune to pass the time.
Over the years Elizabeth had bought many a gift from the kindly gentleman. In addition to the chess set, she was pleased to find a sweet little wooden cat for Anna and a lovely music box carved of maple for Georgiana. Though many of the items in the shop were functional, Mr. Dobbs excelled in quality and in attention to detail. Each item she purchased had its own distinct character provided by the gentleman’s gifted touch.
“Elizabeth,” said Mrs. Gardiner, interrupting her reverie. “Hill says all of the guests have arrived and it is time for you to come downstairs and join your father.”
Holding out her hands to Mrs. Gardiner, who stepped forward and embraced her, Elizabeth answered, “Yes, Aunt, I am ready.”
The front parlour of the manor house was filled with guests who were chatting quietly while Miss Mary played soft music on the pianoforte. Mr. Bennet was sitting comfortably in a chair near the open door, waiting for Elizabeth. Every now and then Richard muttered something amusing, attempting to distract William from his seriousness, but William barely acknowledged him, or anyone for that matter. His breath was shallow, and he anxiously waited for the moment when Elizabeth would enter the room.
Everything that William had been praying for was becoming a reality. He would no longer be alone, and Anna would have a mother and Georgiana a sister. Soon he and Elizabeth would be man and wife, and once again, he silently vowed to do everything within his power to ensure their life together would be filled with love and happiness. Whatever trials might come their way, it mattered not, for they would have each other to weather the storms and build the kind of life he had always dreamed of. Together they would be one, and nothing would ever part them.
It was not long before Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth’s sisters passed through the doorway and his beautiful bride stopped at the entrance, where she waited for Mr. Gardiner to assist her father. Once Bennet was standing, he kissed his daughter on the cheek and whispered something that made her smile. Together they walked forward to where William and the minister stood.
William could not have been prouder when he saw Anna’s ribbon woven through Elizabeth’s silky curls and his mother’s pearls adorning her lovely neck. Mrs. Gardiner’s lace veil trailedin the back and she carried his gardenias with a few sprigs of fresh lavender. When Elizabeth looked at him with her adoring gaze, his breath caught in his throat where he involuntarily held it until Richard nudged his arm.
“Breathe, man,” he whispered. “She is what you have been waiting for all of your life.”
Moments later, they were standing side by side with her hand in his and the minister reciting the message he had prepared for the occasion. Her touch was warm, and she responded in kind when he gently squeezed her fingers and gazed into her loving eyes. Holding the ring in his hand, her eyes misted when he tipped it for her to see the inscription,My Only Love. After the vows were said, and the ring placed on her finger, William unreservedly kissed Elizabeth for all to witness. They were truly husband and wife, and nothing could be more perfect.
Turning to his new father and extending his hand William said, “I thank you, sir, for sharing your daughter with me. You have made me the happiest of men, and rest assured: I shall stand by you and all of my new family in the days to come.”
Bennet nodded, a lump forming in his throat. “I know you will, son, and I am grateful.” Not to be overcome with melancholy, he nodded in the direction of his wife adding, “It appears Mrs. Bennet is quite pleased with the fruit of her efforts today. With so much activity in the span of less than a week, I thoroughly expected her to relapse into a fit of nerves.” He chuckled. “Be forewarned, the day is young.”
Yes, the day was young, and after two hours of socialising at the sumptuous wedding breakfast Mrs. Bennet had organised, the newly married couple agreed it was time to bid their farewells and begin their journey to Town. Once Elizabeth had changed into her traveling clothes and the carriage was made ready, the happy couple cordially said their goodbyes and proceeded down the walkway towards their vehicle. BeforeWilliam was able to hand Elizabeth into the carriage, however, he was startled by an express rider who had come from Darcy House. Taking the letter in hand and quickly reading the missive, his face hardened, and he motioned for Richard to come forth.
Ramsgate
24 June
William,
Why have you not written? Could it be you never received my letters? I fear I am in trouble, for my situation has not improved. Mr. Wickham is still a frequent visitor here at the cottage, and as of late, Mrs. Younge leaves us unchaperoned, which makes me uncomfortable. Thus far I have resisted his attentions, but he is very persistent and often loses his temper when I mean to excuse myself from his presence.
Late this afternoon, my maid overheard Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge speaking in confidence while I was practicing the pianoforte. To my horror, she learned that their object was to convince me to go with them to Gretna Green and marry Mr. Wickham. Brother, I promise you this is not what I want. After I finish getting ready for dinner, my maid will go into the village and try to find someone who can post this letter by express. I am afraid of what might happen and pray that you will come and take me away from this madness as soon as you are able.
Your devoted and loving sister,
Georgiana
“William, what is it?” Elizabeth asked, taking his arm.
