Once Mr. Pierce announced them man and wife, the new Mr. and Mrs. Bingley and their witnesses made their way into the registry. Darcy and Elizabeth witnessed their signatures and then exited the room, with Darcy pulling the door closed behind him. It was more than five minutes before the newlyweds emerged, both with rather swollen lips.
The wedding breakfast at Longbourn reflected the estate’s mistress’s well-deserved reputation for setting a fine table—the finest in the neighbourhood.
After close to an hour, Elizabeth accompanied Jane to what, up to that morning, had been their shared chamber for the latter to change into her travel attire. While his wife was changing, Bingley approached his friend and best man.
“Darcy you must allow me to thank you for the use of Seaview Cottage for our honeymoon,” Bingley told his friend.
“Bingley, you know it is my pleasure. You and your wife are welcome to reside there any time it is available,” Darcy stated as he clapped his friend on the back.
Thecottagewas a house Darcy’s late father had purchased as a wedding present for the late Lady Anne, on a bluff close to Brighton.
“Where is Fitzwilliam,” Bingley looked around realising he had not seen Darcy’s cousin since the ceremony.
“He escorted Anne back to Netherfield Park. She still has more than a month of deep mourning remaining, hence her absence at the wedding breakfast,” Darcy elucidated.
“Are they…?” Bingley enquired.
“Possibly, but unless or until there is an official announcement I will not speculate. Have an enjoyable honeymoon my friend.” Darcy inclined his head towards the door of the room where the new Mrs. Bingley entered followed by Elizabeth.
Jane and Bingley made a final round of the guests expressing their gratitude for sharing this most special of days with them.
With that done, the newly extended family, plus some who would be soon enough, made up the group of farewellers who, after hugs, kisses, and slapping of backs, waved to the retreating rear of the Bingley coach.
Chapter 36
For the first half of the journey into Kent, the five ladies rode in the Darcy coach. Two of the three men would have ridden alongside had the temperatures not been frigid.
Regardless of the weather, the clergyman would not have mounted a horse as he had never been taught to ride. He admitted the same to the cousins with him and they offered to teach him the skill, if he in fact wanted to learn. Their offer was gratefully accepted as it had always been something William Bennet had wanted to do, but as his father had not been able to ride himself, it was never an option for him growing up as the son of Clem Collins.
From Bromley, one William, joined his wife in the Darcy coach while the other one the lady he was courting. Anne, Tiffany, and Giana were with Richard in the de Bourgh barouche.
Elizabeth and Darcy sat opposite one another, she facing forward and he looking to the rear. Mary was on the bench with her older sister while her husband sat next to Darcy. For the first half hour there was no conversation between the courting couple who were satisfied with just getting lost in each other’s eyes.
Every now and again—by accident of course—Darcy would reposition his legs and his knee or shin would come into contact with Elizabeth’s legs. Each time she felt a frisson of pleasure travel from the point they touched to her entire body.
Before the hour was up, William Bennet fell asleep and Mary seemed much taken with the book she was reading. Darcy stretched his one leg—understandably to place it in a more comfortable position—and when he had found a position which suited, his thigh was firmly against Elizabeth’s shin.
The result was the deepest blush Darcy had ever seen from the lady he loved. Rather than make her uncomfortable, or put her in a position for her younger sister to have to remonstrate with her regarding propriety, Darcy withdrew his leg.
As soon as William moved his leg away, Elizabeth felt bereft of the warmth she experienced when it had touched her own leg. She looked over at Mary and saw an arched eyebrow behind the book of sonnets she was reading. Her younger sister had not pointed it out, but it was obvious she was a rather observant chaperone.
“Miss Elizabeth, you like morning rambles, weather permitting of course, do you not?” Darcy verified.
“Yes, indeed I do Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth confirmed.
“One of the paths through the groves runs right next to the parsonage. If there is no precipitation, with your sister’s and brother’s permission, may I collect you to show you the wonders of the nature at Anne’s estate in the morning?” Darcy requested.
“You know I would never turn down the opportunity to explore nature,” Elizabeth accepted.
Both looked at Mary expectantly.
“Personally I have parish duties in the morning, especially as we have been away for a sennight,” Mary mused. She did not miss the way the courting couple’s faces fell. “However, as long as you have a chaperone, I am sure Lizzy will enjoy the walk. Your sister or one of your cousins is acceptable, and if not, a maid or footman will suffice.”
“I am sure Tiffany and Giana would be more than happy to join us,” Darcy responded as he perked up.
Elizabeth was pleased as well. She forgot Mary had a wry sense of humour and she enjoyed teasing at times, as she had just done.
“What time do you break your fast, Mrs. Bennet?” Darcy enquired.
