A Wife for Mr. Darcy

compliments to be paid and deference to be shown to Her Ladyship or how her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, frequently passes the parsonage on her way to the village and how she drives her own phaeton and…”
    If Lizzy had not kicked Kitty under the table, she would have continued. Mr. Collins could be exasperating, but he was their cousin, and one who held their future in his hands.
    Kitty’s suggestion thwarted Lizzy’s plan to withdraw immediately after dinner, and she was forced to listen to Lady Catherine’s vicar praise everything his patroness said or did. It wasn’t until Mrs. Bennet pointed out that the groom-to-be had a very busy day in front of him that he retired.
    As soon as Mr. Collins was out of the room, Mrs. Bennet collapsed into her chair. Fortunately, Aunt Gardiner offered to see her sister-in-law to bed. Lizzy gave her a look of such gratitude, and her aunt responded with a knowing smile.

    “Lizzy, do you think Mr. Darcy’s efforts will succeed?” Jane asked as the sisters burrowed into their bed and snuggled together for warmth.
    “I do not know, but I am hopeful because Mr. Wickham has no idea that anyone is aware of his plans. But enough about Lydia. Charlotte is to be married in the morning and you in two weeks’ time, but everyone is talking about Lydia.”
    “Charlotte’s wedding is to be a simple affair with only family and close friends invited to the wedding breakfast. Mr. Collins said that Lady Catherine is insisting that a habit of economy be established from the very start, and I think it is what Charlotte prefers. You know she does not like being the center of attention.”
    “True enough. So, tell me, how do things go with Mr. Bingley?”
    Even in the dimly lit room, Lizzy could see her sister’s smile. “I think about Charles all day long, and I want to be with him all the time. I will be very happy when our wedding day has come. He is only gone to London for a few days, but I miss him terribly.”
    “Jane, has Charles ever kissed you?”
    “Yes, but ever so briefly, because Mary and Kitty or Mama are always about, and it is the same at Netherfield. Although the Crenshaw twins have been sent to boarding school in Scotland, their mother and the other children are always about. Charles does write very nice love letters intimating that he wishes we had more time together alone, but that is it. Why are you asking? Have you been kissed?”
    “Yes, I have. Truthfully, I do not know what I was expecting a kiss to feel like, but it was better than anything I could have ever imagined. When Mr. Darcy swept me up in his arms, I felt a sensation that went throughout my body, and I have to admit that it was most pleasant.”
    “Oh, Lizzy, I am so happy to hear that you found it to be pleasant. I have to admit I am a little nervous about my wedding night. It is so strange to me that something that is absolutely forbidden to me on Friday will be required of me on Saturday. And it is not as if I do not know what is going to happen. After all, we do live on a farm. I just do not know how it all comes about and what is required of me.”
    “I do not think all that much will be required of you, Jane. When Mr. Darcy kissed me, he held me so closely that I felt something hard against me that had not been there a minute before.”
    “What was it?”
    “A bedpost.” And the two sisters exploded into laughter. “Other than kissing him, I did nothing. It seems to be a miracle of Nature, and one that comes in a goodly size.”
    “Lizzy, I cannot believe you are saying these things, but I am glad you are. All I know is that when Charles kisses me, it is not enough. I want more.”
    “Well, no need to worry, Jane, because I am quite sure Mr. Bingley will be happy to oblige.”

Although Mercer had done everything he could to expedite the journey, there was no avoiding the stops necessary to change the horses. The carriage had to be checked to make sure a wheel wasn’t loose or an axle bent, calls of Nature answered, and simple meals eaten as well. But when they arrived in Brighton shortly after 10:00 in the morning, nine hours behind Gregg, his efforts were rewarded. As soon as Darcy entered the colonel’s residence, he was immediately reassured by Colonel Forster that Wickham’s plans had been thwarted, and after receiving such information, Darcy asked Mercer to see to the drivers and to get some rest.
    “My aide will assist you in that,” and the colonel ordered Lieutenant