59. Chapter 54:Husbands love your wives

[b]Ch 54: Husbands love your wives*[/b]

The following day, Darcy stood in his dressing room, fidgeting as his valet finished readying him. A knock at the door caught his attention. Before he could respond, Richard walked in.

"Taking your time this morning, cousin?" Richard walked around him, inspecting.

Darcy grumbled and dismissed his man with a wave of his hand.

"Testy this morning as well."

"Enough, Richard! How could she? What would possess her to…"

"Calm yourself…"

"Calm myself! How can you possibly suggest such a thing? You heard her as well as I did. With our wedding in just a month's time I doubt I shall sleep for wonder of what that…that woman shall do next!"

Richard laughed heartily as Darcy gritted his teeth and paced the room. "You really must stop that, or you shall crack a tooth! That will spoil your wedding day faster than Aunt Catherine."

"Then you have far greater faith than I!" Darcy stopped to stare out the window at the road that had just yesterday carried his aunt's carriage to Longbourn.

"Have you thought that there might be a reason for that?"

Darcy slowly turned to face his cousin. "What did you say? Explain yourself."

Richard smiled as he leaned his shoulder into the wall, crossing one foot over the other. A victorious smile lifted his lips. "I had a rather interesting conversation with her before handing her into her carriage."

"Do not vex me man! Tell me what was said." Darcy stepped closer.

Richard's hearty laughter filled the warmly appointed room. "You really should see yourself. You are quite the sight!" He rubbed his hands together. "I merely reminded our aunt of a few points that it seems she had forgotten."

"Such as?"

"I suggested to her that without us there would be no one she trusts to go over her books and reassure her that her steward and tenants are not cheating her. Apparently our spring visit to Rosings is of greater significance than you might have realized."

"Truly?" Darcy rubbed his lips with his knuckles. "As much as she complains about it, I had no idea."

"Really, cousin, you must have Miss Elizabeth teach you something about understanding people!" He rolled his eyes.

Darcy sighed. [i] That has never been my strength. I doubt it ever will be.[/i]

"Buck up man! This means you have little to fear from the great Lady de Bourgh. She has too many of her own interests at stake to continue to harass you over Miss Elizabeth."

"I do not believe that alone would stay her hand. She still can turn to your father and brother for the same service."

"She could do that, and in fact she has, but her brother, my exalted father, staunchly refuses to get involved in her affairs. As I understand it, he did it for a few years and they had a tremendous falling out over it. My brother was a very young man back then, but was witness to the unpleasantness. He will not get involved either."

"Even so, it does not seem to be enough."

"Perhaps, but you must also remember that it does not do to displease my mother."

"What has your mother to do with any of this?" Darcy crossed his arms irately.

"She is a stubborn woman and thinks very highly of you. Should Aunt Catherine make any attempt to discredit you or your bride, my mother is very likely to come to your rescue. I do not think our aunt was very sanguine about the possibility of my mother throwing a ball in Miss Elizabeth's honor."

Darcy's eyes widened, then he began to laugh. Throwing back his head, he slapped his thigh. "I had not thought of that! But Aunt Matlock has always been a very contrary lady."

"Mother may not have been entirely pleased with our choices, but she would not tolerate her sister cutting us or our wives. That would be a declaration of war and my mother is a seasoned general of the Ton."

Darcy nodded with a new appreciation of Richard's mother.

"Then there is another consideration… Anne."

"Anne? What of her?"

"Now that you are marrying another, there is no husband for her daughter. She now must consider other potential matches for her daughter. Any scandal to the family will end up reflecting poorly on Anne. That will stay her hand." A mischievous glint brightened Richard's eyes. "My mother told my father something very similar regarding my sister and yours. Whatever is spoken against us will count against them as well. They have no desire to harm innocent young ladies. Father was in a full blown temper, lecturing me about my duty to my family when Mother turned it about and reminded him of his duty to his daughter and niece, stopped him cold in his tracks."

Darcy's eyes flicked back and forth in an expression Richard recognized as deep thought. "Your mother is a shrewd woman. I am glad to have her standing with us."

"You certainly would not want her against you," Richard laughed heartily. "So now, will you calm yourself? We cannot have you standing up with Jacobson while appearing more nervous than the groom." He brushed imaginary dust from Darcy's coat. "How is it that you are standing up with this Bennet cousin whom you hardly know? As much as you hate attention…"

Darcy's expression softened. "Be kind to the poor man. He has no close family and few friends."

"Something of which you could have no understanding." He elbowed Darcy's ribs.

Darcy tugged his waistcoat. "He was grateful for my help in drafting the arrangements with Mr. Bennet. We spent much time together. I believe he has come to see me as a friend."

"He is a peculiar bird." Richard scratched his head.

"He has not your easy way with people. Not all of us do."

"So, you have found a kindred spirit?"

"I will be glad to continue our acquaintance. He has asked for advice in running his estate…"

"Just how many of us are you going to take under your wings!" The clock in the hallway chimed and cut him off. "It seems it is time for you to renew your acquaintance and make certain that he arrives at the altar. I will be happy to accompany you to Longbourn to assist you."

Darcy rolled his eyes. "He is hardly a reluctant groom. He has scarcely stopped praising his good fortune in finding such a woman to accept him. I will not need help on that account. But you may attend me if you lose that insufferable smugness before we arrive. It is most unbecoming."

Richard and Darcy stood patiently at the door waiting to be admitted into Longbourn. Hall opened the door and ushered them inside. "Mr. Jacobson is in the drawing room. Hill has set out a light repast if you would care to partake, sirs."

Jane and Elizabeth appeared in the foyer. "Good morning, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam." The sisters curtsied in unison, with matching beaming smiles. Winking at each other, the gentlemen both reached for the ladies' hands.

"Good morning, dearest," Richard murmured, pressing his lips to Jane's hand. "Would you consider a brief stroll in the garden?"

Jane blushed pleasantly. "It is a very lovely morning and mama's blooms are most fragrant in the early hours." She beamed as he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. They quickly retreated to the garden.

"You look very lovely this morning, Miss Elizabeth." Darcy lingered over her hand. "I fear you might have to stay behind this morning and not attend your friend."

"Why ever for?" Elizabeth drew back in confusion.

"I have it on the highest authority that it is considered poor form to outshine the bride." His eyes twinkled teasingly.

She laughed merrily, the musical sound echoing off the walls. "I do believe you have been practicing your teasing ways, sir."

"Is that not the way that one becomes a proficient?" He offered her his arm.

Taking it, she walked with him toward the drawing room. "You are very kind to agree to stand up with my cousin. He has been extolling your generosity all morning." She laughed brightly.

"It is a small thing to do…"

Lizzy paused and cocked her head at him. "I would believe that if it was Colonel Fitzwilliam making such a declaration. But for a man such as yourself, it is not such a small thing at all. I know how ill-disposed you are to be noticed in company. For you to stand up in front of so many and be noticed is no inconsequential act." She glanced around to make sure they were alone. She reached up on tip-toe and kissed his cheek. "But I do know what it costs you and I appreciate it."

"If joining you as you stand up with your friend was not ample reward, your kiss was. You have made any discomfort on my part quite worthwhile." He lost himself in her eyes for a long moment. "Shall we attend your cousin?" he finally asked and they made their way to the drawing room.

A month later, on a bright Sunday morning, two couples stood in the Meryton church before Mr. Bradley. He looked out on the group gathered with them and smiled broadly as he identified the Gardiners. [i] How very small the world seems at times. To think that she would have taught the young ladies that stand before me now. How mysterious are the Good Lord's ways.[/i]

A short time before, he had met with the two grooms in Netherfield's study. "You both have been richly blessed to find such young ladies as you have," he admonished them.

"You have never spoken truer words, sir," Richard quickly agreed. Darcy merely nodded.

"There are many things I could tell you right now, but I shall limit myself to just one," he laughed at himself, leaning lightly on his cane. "Men often make much of the Good Book's injunction for the wife to obey her husband. I would remind you of the similar command upon you. 'Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.'

As our Savior laid himself down as a servant to His church and sacrificed Himself for it, so too are you to offer yourselves to your wives. If you remember this, it will go well for you all."

"You said something very similar to my father, did you not?" Darcy smiled faintly.

"I did. If you remember his example, I believe you will have his felicity in marriage as well. Come now, it is time."

Jane and Elizabeth's eyes were bright as they stood beside their grooms and listened to the vicar's voice:

[indent]DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman and this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; [/indent]

Mary glanced up at her husband. [i] We heard those words spoken over us only a fortnight ago. I know it is only a brief time, but it feels like I have always been with you. I pray my sisters have such felicity.[/i] Pierce returned her smile, pressing his shoulder against hers.

[indent] is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.[/indent]

[i] My angel, finally I have found rest.[/i] Richard sighed, filling his eyes with Jane.

Darcy's eyes met Elizabeth's. [i] My helpmeet.[/i]

[indent]First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.

Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ's body.

Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.[/indent]

Mr. Bennet looked lovingly at his wife, twining his fingers with hers. She smiled up at him, her eyes moist.

[indent]WILT thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?[/indent]

Together Richard and Darcy replied, "I will."

Bradley turned to the sisters, his own eyes shining.

[indent]WILT thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?[/indent]

Jane swallowed hard and whispered, "I will." Tears trickled down her cheek. Unable to stop himself, Richard caught them on his finger.

Elizabeth drew a steady breath and began to speak, but was halted by the intensity of Darcy's gaze. She lost herself in his attention for a long moment. Finally he winked at her and she remembered they waited upon her. "I will."

The next few moments were a blur until she felt him slip a ring on her finger.

[indent]WITH this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.[/indent]

He guided her to kneel with him before the vicar.

[indent]Let us pray.

O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this Man and this Woman, whom we bless in thy Name; and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.

FORASMUCH as they have consented together in holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.[/indent]

He helped her to her feet and they turned to face their family, man and wife.

*Eph 5:25