Page 45 of Through the Eyes of Love

But her hopes were to be dashed. When the ceremony was over, Mr. Darcy’s cool deportment reminded her that her view as she walked down the aisle had only been wishful thinking—a girlhood dream. Although she wanted to put on a good face for their friends, the groom did not smile as they left the church, so was it worth it? Elizabeth could tell by her husband’s laborious gait that he was in a great deal of pain. Could that be the reason for his unapproachable mien? The aloof expression reminded her so much of his lack of openness in the weeks before the wedding that the backs of her eyes prickled.

* * *

A breakfastin their honour was held in the drawing room of Pembrook Cottage. Under Mrs. Reynolds’s direction, the cook had prepared a wide variety of dishes, and several toasts were offered even though the guests must have witnessed the lack of enthusiasm from the newly married couple. Despite her inner turmoil—which she thought she deserved under the circumstances—the bride attempted to smile and mingle withtheir friends and family. She had to put on a bright face for both of them since Mr. Darcy spent the reception standing against the wall averting his eyes from everyone. Even so, the guests were enjoying themselves, so the breakfast was a success. Elizabeth was weary so she stepped aside for a moment while the conversations took place.

Miss Darcy was seated with Mrs. Hopkins and Mrs. Murray. “Elizabeth tells me you are related and said she was staying with you when she met my brother.”

“Yes, her aunt is my dearest cousin, and when I heard that Elizabeth was travelling to Derbyshire, I insisted she stay with me,” said Mrs. Hopkins. “Mrs. Murray is my neighbour and a close friend, and the three of us spent a great deal of time together until Mr. Darcy began courting Elizabeth, I should say, Mrs. Darcy.”

The women both offered their smiles, and Miss Darcy clasped her hands to her heart and grinned. “When my brother sets his mind on something, he does whatever necessary to achieve his goal. He wrote to me about his feelings for Elizabeth weeks before they became betrothed. I am glad he found a lady so charming to love.” They all turned to where Mr. Darcy appeared to be gazing out of the window. Elizabeth could not face them and stared into her teacup. If only they knew the truth of the matter! “It appears they have had some kind of disagreement. They are married now, and I am sure their love will overcome any difficulties,” Miss Darcy added quietly, and Mrs. Hopkins and Mrs Murray nodded and concurred. Elizabeth could cry at the error her new sister made in her assumptions. At least the ladies and Miss Darcy had good intentions.

“Mrs. Reynolds, pray send my compliments to the cook. These lemon biscuits are the best I have ever tasted.” Lord Matlock smiled as he took another bite.

“I am gratified to do so, my lord—she will appreciate your compliment. They are the bride’s favourite. I shall have some wrapped to take with you.”

The earl stood. “Another time, madam. I believe we must depart. I have some pressing business to take care of in Matlock.”

The couple received the hearty congratulations and best wishes from all the guests, and in short order, the bride and groom were alone. Elizabeth sneaked a look at her husband.This beautiful man could never love me.Mr. Darcy had not touched her since the ceremony and had yet to kiss her.Today has been a terrible mistake.I should have left the chapel when I saw the distressed expression on Mr. Darcy’s face while he stood at the altar.

The room was very quiet, and she did not know what to do. Her new husband sat down and picked up a book. “Would you like me to play for you?”

“As you wish,” he replied but failed to glance up from what he held in his hands.

She began to play. In the meantime, her husband was now mindlessly staring at nothing across the room. Elizabeth was not made for despair and could not take another minute of this treatment! How could he be so heartless on their wedding day? Everything he said to her at Mrs. Hopkins’s home had been a lie—a dreadful agonizing lie! He had even lied to Mr. Martin about his feelings for her.

What was Mrs. Reynolds thinking when she said everyone who honeymoons in the cottage was elated and their love conquered all obstacles?Herlove was not enough! If he did not love her, they could never have complete happiness in their marriage. Her hopeful dreams of life with him were over! Tears came unbidden to her eyes as her stomach turned. She could no longer endure being in the same room as him.

Elizabeth slammed the instrument closed, ran up the stairs, threw herself on the bed, and sobbed into the pillow. It was too late to leave that day, but in the morning, she would travel to London. If she remained and watched her husband’s resentment increase a little more every day, it would destroy her peace of mind. Elizabeth had been full of foolish optimism—she should have left Derbyshire when her aunt first invited her to live with her family.

PART2: ENCHANTMENT

* * *

CHAPTER 11

“Find a woman who will love you as you are, someone who will take care ofyou.” Richard’s words suddenly came to mind as Darcy watched his bride run up the stairs, away from him.Is Elizabeth that woman? He stood and followed his wife. Could Elizabeth ever love him? Was it wrong to go through with the wedding and condemn her to a life with a disagreeable, broken man? The sooner he released her from their marriage, the better he could protect her from scandal.

All the emotions he had kept buried deep inside of him for months came to the surface when he opened her chamber door and found her sobbing into her pillow. Until this moment, he never knew himself.I love her. I love her with every fibre of my being.She was the most wonderful woman he had ever known.He sat beside her on the bed and attempted to turn her towards him, but she resisted.

“Go away, Mr. Darcy!” she pleaded between sobs. “You have never been honest with me, and I have had enough! I shall be gone in the morning, and you will never see me again.”

“Elizabeth, if you ever cared for me at all, you must listen to me—to what I should have told you months ago. I wish to beyour husband more than I can say, but whatyouwant is more important. Pray look at me.”

He drew her towards him, and she yielded to his touch. He did not hesitate to pull her into his arms. When they looked into each other’s eyes, an incandescence filled the room. His wife’s face glowed in the light. “My love, why have I never before told you how beautiful you are?”

“After all your lies, how can I believe you?” Even with her questioning words, her eyes held a tenderness and her fingers reached out to caress his face. “You are not scarred,” she said in a whisper. Her touch was magic. The gesture was so gentle and loving, and his desire for his wife was so great, he found it difficult to speak.

Despite his fear of rejection, he gently stroked her face and was elated when she leaned into his hand. “Your cheek is perfect, and my leg did not pain me as I walked towards you. What has happened to us?” Her eyes widened, as did his own, with the realization it was the enchantment of the cottage that surrounded them.

She perused his countenance with awe. “We are changed. . .physically—we no longer appear as we were.”

He pulled her close and whispered, “I tried not to show you my love, but my feelings for you are too strong to deny. All I have wanted to do was tell you what was in my heart but I. . .I could not. I am ashamed to think of how I hurt you. For months, I foolishly refused to acknowledge how perfect you are for me and how much I love you. Youmustforgive this ridiculous man you married because I willneverlet you go. I love you so deeply and ardently, Elizabeth Darcy, and I always will.”

“There is nothing to forgive now that you are here. My heart is yours now and always, my dearest Fitzwilliam. Tonight, we shall begin our enchanted lives together.” Darcy lifted herchin and tenderly scattered kisses over her face before briefly touching his lips to hers. “Husband, that was our first kiss.”

“Did you like it?” Darcy could barely speak; he was so filled with his thirst for more. She blushed and smiled.

“I shall remember this moment for the rest of my life.”