Page 100 of Roses from Pemberley
CHAPTER 44 Ceremony and Honeymoon
They were married in the chapel at Pemberley - Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Bingley - in late October of the year 1812, almost exactly six months after Mr. Bennet passed away. Only their closest relations attended - Georgiana, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, and their daughter Diana; Mrs. Bennet and her remaining two daughters; and the Gardiners and Philipses. After the wedding breakfast, all the guests save the newlyweds repaired to Matlock where they were invited to spend the next few weeks, allowing the two couples to remain at Pemberley in relative solitude. The Bingleys were given their own wing of the house while the Darcys occupied a different wing wherein master’s and mistress’s suites were located. As agreed upon by all parties, they would only meet at dinner every night and then return to their prospective wings to spend more time in pursuits fitting for newly married couples.
Thus, it was that Elizabeth Bennet Darcy found herself in the mistress’s chamber in the early afternoon of her wedding day, after having changed into a nightdress and robe. She turnedaround slowly in the room, taking in each detail. The walls were papered in pale gold with white stripes and the wainscoting was painted in a creamy white. Her large four poster bed was made of light wood and had cream coloured beddings spread upon it. There were also vases of roses set all about the room - Pemberley’sFitzy’s Little Rainbow- suffusing the air with their scent. Overall the effect was light and lovely, and reminded her of a warm summer morning.
She stepped up to the window and stared at the still lake further down on the lawn, reflecting a cloudless sky. She was at Pemberley now, and married.I am Mrs. Darcy,she told herself with an inward smile, scarce able to believe it. Perhaps it would take years before she did.
She leaned lazily against the casement and wondered when her husband would make an appearance. She did not have to wait long for, when she next turned around, Elizabeth saw that he was already there.
He paused at the entrance to her chambers and studied her for a moment, a faint smile gracing his lips. She stood still, appreciating his lean form and ever handsome face, made more so by the look of tenderness she saw in his eyes. Nevertheless, she felt a little embarrassed and subconsciously drew her robe a little closer to herself.
“Elizabeth,” he said, then wordlessly stepped up to her and took her in his arms.
His kisses were gentle and his touch light. She became caught up in them, losing her embarrassment and pulling him closer. He pushed her against the casement, continuing his slow and deliberate caresses. She had a sense that they had all the time in the world, that for once, no one expected anything of them.
Soon, he had unbuttoned her dress and lifted her up, placing her on the side of the bed and continuing his languoroustouches. He only wore his breeches now, and a white lawn shirt with the cravat undone. He smiled again and held off all movement for a few seconds, seeming to take in the sight of her. She hoped she did not disappoint.
Elizabeth returned his smile then pulled gently on his undone neck cloth, bringing him closer. This seemed to enflame him and his movements became more urgent.
“It is not even dark yet,” she said absently, tilting back her head and enjoying his breath against her neck. “What will the servants say?”
“Do you really care?”
She shook her head and chuckled. He pushed her down onto the bed and she closed her eyes. Moments later, she felt the mattress sag slightly as he knelt on the bed beside her. His touches recommenced.
Elizabeth Darcy thought no more of the servants that afternoon.
She awoke hours later, and saw that he was still asleep. She was his now in every sense, and luxuriated in the knowledge of it and the warmth of his body beside her. The sun was still high in the sky and she surmised that it was some time in the mid-afternoon. Her hair was mussed and she felt lazy. Hungry as well. She stared at him for another twenty minutes, studying the contours of his face and the slight stubble that had developed on his cheek. And then her stomach growled and his eyelids flew open.
“Elizabeth,” he said lazily.
“My love.”
He smiled and kissed her. “I take it you are hungry?”
She nodded, still smiling. (It seemed that she could not stop smiling, her happiness threatening to overflow.)
He pulled himself up and leaned against the headboard, pulling her against his chest. He yawned, then asked, “Are you well?”
“I am. Extremely well.”
For a while they lay in bed, propped up against the headboard and did nothing more. Elizabeth had nothing in particular to say and so remained silent. Unfortunately her stomach growled again. He kissed the side of her head then stood up, completely unclothed. Elizabeth took the opportunity to admire his form before he shrugged into his robe and tugged on the bell-pull.
“Shall we go for a walk after we eat? he asked.
“I would like nothing more.”
They ate lunch in their shared sitting room, still in their robes. Meat pies, fruit tarts, sandwiches. Cream puffs, chocolate covered strawberries, orange and blueberry scones. They drank wine, tea, ratafia, and lemonade.
Afterwards, they drifted out onto the balcony and admired the view of the lake and lawn that expanded outward into woods and rolling hills. The trees were in full autumn foliage, their leaves in shades of deep red, orange and gold.
Half an hour later, they walked beneath a hanging wood, along a path that bordered a small stream. They talked of everything and nothing in particular. They made plans for the upcoming holidays and what they would do that evening. They found a little patch of grass beside the stream and sat underneath a tree, alternately kissing and talking. They even fell asleep there for a short while, tired from their heavy meal. But when they awakened and kissed again, the kisses turned more passionate. So they returned to the house once more, locking the doors to their suites and taking their ardour to its natural end. They had a light repast of fruits and sweet wine then fell asleep again in each other’s arms.
“I feel that I have been remiss in my duties as hostess,” said Elizabeth lazily when Darcy joined her before dinner that evening as she sat at her vanity.
“Really?” he said with a mischievous smile. “And do you feel that Jane would have wanted you with her while doing whatever it was she was undoubtedly doing today?”
“Mr. Darcy!”
