“No, sir, none at present.”
“Very well, my dear. I wish that you would always feel free to ask me about anything. It would be better for our marriage if we addressed our questions and concerns openly. I find it remarkably easy to be candid with you, Elizabeth, and I am very pleased that this is so.”
“Let it be the same for me. I would rather you ask me directly when you have a question than have us stumble forward in uncertainty.
Mr. Darcy’s brow furrowed. “I do not mean to command you, but I ask that you please remain near me, or with your father or sisters during the Wedding Breakfast. I do not trust Mr. Collins. Marriage may not deter him.”
Elizabeth said, “Oh, my father told me this morning that Mr. Collins is betrothed to Miss Mary King, and they are to be married sometime next week.”
Darcy’s expression did not change. “That is very good news, but I still do not trust him. However, his betrothed may be one of those who likes to hang on a man’s arm. If that is so, she will do us a great service.”
They were laughing as the carriage rolled into the Longbourn drive. As they walked past the rose garden toward the entrance, she reflected on their conversation. Her new husband was remarkably easy to speak with; he listened attentively, and his replies were thoughtful. She was surprised at the endearments he had used, yet found herself pleased to be calledmy darlingandmy dear. The words had slipped from his tongue with the ease of long familiarity, as though they had been married for years instead of minutes. She smiled to herself. All in all, she was contented and felt she had made the right decision. Perhaps, in time, theirs might become a true love match.
Chapter 20: The Wedding Breakfast
When the Darcy carriage pulled into the drive at Longbourn, Elizabeth noticed that there were already several conveyances in the drive and the yard. Miller opened the door and set down the steps. Darcy descended and then handed Elizabeth down.
The sight of her made his breath catch in his throat. She was elegant and altogether lovely, the bronze streaks in her hair catching the sunlight as brightly as the diamonds at her throat. His eyes followed the necklace to where it rested against the swell of her bosom, which looked as smooth as silk beneath the lace. The graceful lines of her figure drew his gaze lower until her words recalled him.
“Shall we go in, Mr. Darcy?”
“Elizabeth, your gown is exquisite. When did you find time to go shopping?”
She laughed softly. “My father sent Aunt Gardiner money and an urgent message to shop for me. I have two others just as lovely.”
He placed her hand on his arm, and together they entered the house.
Mrs. Bennet came forward to greet them. Elizabeth braced herself, expecting the familiar shrill tone and a set down. Instead, her mother inclined her head and greeted them in a modulated voice.
“Congratulations, daughter. I wish you happy.”
Elizabeth inclined her head, but inwardly she felt surprise. For once, there was no trace of censure. It was not a warm greeting;on the other hand, it held no reproach. Mrs. Bennet turned to Darcy and curtsied.
“Congratulations, sir. I wish you happy.”
He bowed. “Thank you, madam.”
Mr. Bennet stepped forward, amusement lighting his eyes. He kissed her cheek.
“Congratulations, Lizzy.” Then, in a low, confidential voice, he asked, “Are you pleased with your mamma?”
“Very,” she said with a laugh. “She was decorous.”
He smiled broadly. “Yes, she was. She is teachable, Lizzy.”
As they moved farther into the room, Elizabeth saw Mr. Collins with Miss King on his arm. He gave her a slow, deliberate grin, then he winked. She flushed and averted her eyes. Darcy missed the exchange, but he felt her start and looked down at her.
“What is it, Elizabeth?”
Her cheeks were crimson. He scanned the room and saw Mr. Collins watching them with a smirk.
“It is well, my darling. He will not trouble you so long as you remain at my side or with your father.”
Just then, Richard approached and bowed.
“Mrs. Darcy, a pleasure. You are one of those rare women who look equally lovely walking in a garden in simple muslin or dressed in diamonds and silk on her wedding day.”
Darcy grimaced. “Enough, Richard. If I had known you meant to flirt with my bride, I would not have allowed you to attend me.”
