One month later
Darcy stood up at the front of the church at Longbourn alongside his best friend, Charles Bingley. The small chapel was filled to overflowing with guests waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Bingley looked out at the people who had become his neighbours since first coming to Netherfield. He made eye contact with several, giving them a wide grin, all the while anxious for his bride-to-be to make her way down the aisle.
In stark contrast to his ebullient friend, Darcy avoided the eyes that were upon him. He kept his eyes set on the back of the church, waiting for Elizabeth to come down. As he patiently waited for her beautiful, reassuring face to appear, he began to suffer that all too familiar sense of being scrutinized by those seated before him in the church and wished that he could disappear into the crowd unnoticed. But he could not. Not today.
Bingley and Darcy. Best friends. Soon to be brothers-in-law.
When Darcy had returned to Hertfordshire after his short stay in London the previous month, he was welcomed into the Bennet household, particularly by Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth had the sole responsibility, while her father and husband were still in town, of informing her mother that she and Mr. Darcy had married. Her father had written from London to say that Lydia was acquainted with the situation and that it would be futile to try to keep their marriage a secret any longer.
Mrs. Bennet, however, first received the news that Lydia was not to be married and bore it with great disappointment. It was all Elizabeth could do to soothe her spirits. Her mother had held such strong hopes that Mr. Wickham would marry her sweet Lydia! In her vexation and disappointment, she blamed her husband and Mr. Darcy for their interference. Elizabeth waited until she had calmed down before she told her what she knew she must.
When Elizabeth felt her mother was in a condition to attend her words, she gently told her of her marriage to Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet could not think poorly of Elizabeth’s situation, but she hardly understood why a man of Mr. Darcy’s stature and wealth would look twice at her second eldest daughter. But that he did, she considered with great pleasure, although the truth be owned, her attention dwelt a great deal more on Lydia’s disappointment than on Elizabeth’s happiness. When the reality of Elizabeth’s good fortune became clear, suddenly everything paled in comparison. Word of Elizabeth’s happy alliance spread quickly about the countryside, propelled mainly by Mrs. Bennet herself.
It was apparent to Elizabeth that her mother had no qualms about their marrying on a ship, by a captain instead of a clergyman, and she was not even disturbed that they had kept it a secret for all these months. Instead, Mrs. Bennet noted all the advantages of such an alliance; particularly that it would throw her other daughters in the path of rich gentlemen.
This day, Darcy stood alongside his best friend for the wedding. But he was not just standing up with Bingley; he and Elizabeth were going to recite their vows for all to see.
Most guests in attendance eventually knew the truth of this couple’s situation. But it was also common knowledge that the couple had not lived together as man and wife, per the fervent admonition of Mr. Bennet. As much as he graciously welcomed Darcy into the family, he did insist that their marriage be solemnized by the church first. And as the guests at the wedding looked upon the striking, but quite nervous Mr. Darcy standing at the front of the church, most had forgotten that he and Miss Elizabeth Bennet had been married for several months already.
Darcy had agreed to abide by Mr. Bennet’s constraint for another month’s separation to ensure that there would be no scandal to besmirch the union, given its unusual start. Fortunately for Darcy, the month passed quickly, as plans for the ceremony took precedence over all other things. He satisfied himself, however, with stolen kisses along solitary walks with Elizabeth and whispered endearments during dinner engagements.
Among those looking up at the two men in the front of the church was Miss Caroline Bingley. It had been her brother who had the daunting task of informing her that the man for whom she had harboured longtime hopes was married to Elizabeth, and had been for some time. She took the news as one would expect she would, making inane comments about how London society would appreciate the new Mrs. Darcy’s attempt to bring country dances to the ton and how she had never understood what women saw in Mr. Darcy anyway.
Noticeably missing was Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She still stung from her nephew’s rebuke and had not reconciled in her mind the need to apologize to his wife. The unfortunate consequence of her decision was that Darcy’s cousin, Anne, could not be in attendance. Truly glad for her cousin to have found a wife he so greatly loved, she sent along her best wishes and apologies for her mother’s cruel and unrepentant attitude. She hoped in time Lady Catherine would see the error of her ways and accept the woman he had married, and expressed a wish to meet Elizabeth as soon as could be arranged.
The lingering disturbance Darcy felt over his aunt’s actions and her adamant refusal to attend today’s ceremony was reasonably assuaged by the support and attendance of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and his family. Darcy’s uncle could offer no excuse for his sister’s behaviour and had no reason to question Darcy’s good judgment in matters of the heart.
Just when Darcy felt he could no longer abide the scrutinizing eyes of the people in the church, Elizabeth and Jane began to walk down the aisle, escorted on their father’s arms. Everyone’s attention turned from him to the beautiful women slowly walking toward the two gentlemen. Elizabeth walked intently toward the man waiting up front for her, the man who had waited patiently for almost six months for this day to come to pass when she would, in the eyes of God and society, truly become his wife.
Darcy’s heart made a leap as the trio came toward him. For those who previously had witnessed only Darcy’s controlled demeanour, it came as quite a surprise to see him with a full-fledged, albeit nervous, smile, returning the warm and reassuring one Elizabeth gave him as she approached closer.
Seeing her so close yet still out of his reach, nothing could prevent Darcy from stepping forward to bridge the final distance and taking Elizabeth from her father’s side, bringing her alongside himself. Bingley remained firmly planted, eyes wide and a resolute grin etched firmly on his face, as he waited for Jane to take those final steps to reach him. That he displayed a more open admiration was apparent. But at that moment, Meryton society got a small glimpse of the regard that the stoic and proper Mr. Darcy obviously held for his bride.
Darcy and Elizabeth recited their vows again to one another, promising to love one another and remain faithful through all the seasons of their life. Darcy spoke with determination, not taking his eyes off the woman to whom he was making these vows, consumed by the depth of his love and admiration for Elizabeth. This time, Elizabeth spoke each vow with warm conviction, treasuring in her heart all she was saying. When the vows had been recited, he placed a simple elegant ring on her wedding finger and a tender kiss on her lips. Then they were pronounced man and wife… again.
Netherfield hosted the wedding breakfast, and to Elizabeth’s amusement, Darcy displayed a constant impatience to leave for London. Bingley and Jane’s plans were to remain at Netherfield and to take a short journey up north after a few days. Elizabeth did not envy her sister having to remain in a household spilling over with visiting friends and family, although she was aware that going to Darcy’s townhome in London, which she had never visited before, was going to be awkward enough. Having never met the staff there, she was certain she would be under the strictest scrutiny.
One of the first people eager to meet Mrs. Darcy at the wedding breakfast was Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. After Lady Catherine departed London that day a month ago, the two cousins did a great deal of talking, mostly pertaining to Elizabeth. Richard had never seen his cousin so happy and content and looked forward with great anticipation for the opportunity to finally meet her.
When Darcy had departed London to return to Hertfordshire, Richard was required to report back to duty the following day. He only arrived for the wedding late the previous night, so this was the first occasion he had to meet Elizabeth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam watched the couple intently as they stood side by side during the wedding. He was amused that Darcy was unable to keep his eyes off Elizabeth. He was understandably sympathetic to his cousin’s attachment to this fine lady. She met her husband’s gaze with a lively one of her own, and Richard felt a sudden tug of jealousy that he had yet to find a woman so worthy.
At length, Darcy brought Elizabeth over to meet his cousin, who took her gloved hand and kissed it, all the while keeping his eyes lifted to hers.
“Mrs. Darcy, I have long desired to make your acquaintance.”
Elizabeth smiled at this reasonably handsome man, noting several similarities in his features to those of her husband. “I am pleased to finally meet the man my husband holds in the highest regard.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam gave a slight bow and smiled. “And I am steadfastly able to say the same about his regard for you, Mrs. Darcy. My cousin spoke admiringly of you while in London. Indeed, I can see the truth of his words.”
“Thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam. You are too kind.”
He put up his hand. “No formalities, please. Please be so kind as to call me Richard.”
“And I shall be Elizabeth to you.”
Darcy enjoyed listening to the repartee between his cousin and his wife and then watched curiously as his cousin leaned over to whisper something in her ear. His eyes narrowed as he overheard the words Richard deliberately spoke loudly enough for him to hear.
“Elizabeth, may I prevail upon you, the next occasion that we meet, to visit with you on some of my cousin’s peculiarities. While he may convey a most disciplined and upright comportment to most, I do have many stories I could share with you of his most unconventional behaviour at times.”
Elizabeth laughed merrily at Richard’s words and her husband’s grimace. “I should very much enjoy comparing notes with you, Richard.”
There were many more introductions that morning between family members and acquaintances. It was with great relief, then, that they were finally able to sit down to enjoy the breakfast. Darcy relished these few moments of reprieve from having to endure the social strictures of meeting so many new people. He was simply able enjoy his wife’s company and those few more intimate friends and family who were seated around him. He found himself finally able to relax for the first time that morning.
Following the wedding breakfast, when Elizabeth felt that they had remained long enough to be deemed proper and acceptable, she gave her husband the nod he had been waiting for.
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy bade farewell to all the well-wishers. Although Mrs. Bennet was put out that they seemed inclined to leave the gathering so hastily, she felt great satisfaction in her heart knowing that this daughter, her husband’s favourite—whom she had always slighted because of her jealousy for Mr. Bennet’s affection—had secured their future by marrying a man of more than abundant means.
Before leaving, Elizabeth sought out Jane and when she found her, the two brides, who were also the closest of sisters and friends, embraced. They promised they would write to one another often. They were fully aware that they would now be separated again, as they had been when Elizabeth had travelled to America. Both Jane and Elizabeth secretly hoped that someday Charles would see fit to find a home an easy distance from Pemberley so the two families could reside near each other.
Elizabeth then sought out Georgiana, who felt deeply the imminent separation from her brother and his wife. She knew it would be temporary, but she had grown extremely close to Elizabeth during that month. As Elizabeth came toward her to bid her farewell, Georgiana fell into her arms in tears.
“Please forgive me, Elizabeth,” Georgiana said through her sobs. “I am truly happy for you, both. But I shall miss you; miss our talks.”
“Truly, Georgiana, I am of the same mind,” Elizabeth replied.
Darcy walked up and asked, “Are you ready, my love?”
Elizabeth nodded. She turned back to Georgiana and gave her an ardent hug. “I shall look forward to our return to Pemberley and seeing you there, Georgiana. Remember, we both love you.”
Tears came again to Georgiana’s eyes. “And I love you both, too.”
When Elizabeth stepped away from Georgiana, Darcy took the opportunity to embrace her. “We shall not be away too long, Georgiana. You be a good girl now for Lord and Lady Matlock, do you understand?” He pulled away and lifted her chin up with his fingers.
Georgiana smiled and nodded at her brother for his most fatherly display.
Darcy turned before she could see the tears coming to his eyes.
Darcy and Elizabeth walked out to the waiting carriage amongst the hugs and salutations of all their well-wishers. As it pulled away slowly, they turned toward the window and waved one final farewell to everyone.
When they were at last out of sight, Darcy turned back to Elizabeth with a look of anticipation.
“May I ask just what you are thinking, my dearest husband?”
He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing several kisses on it. He held it there as he spoke, and she could feel the warmth of his breath and the light touch of his lips brush against it. “My dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth. I am thinking that this day, which I have so long awaited, is finally here. I fear even to turn my head from you, lest I look back and find you gone and that this blessed day has only been a dream.”
“It is not a dream, William.”
The sight of her seated next to him, her eyes sparkling with love, her lips so inviting, parted in a smile that seemed to call out to him; her fragrance, permeating his senses… He slowly turned and kissed the open palm of her hand and then took her face in both of his.
“I love you, Elizabeth. You are my love, my life.” He drew closer to her and kissed her; warmly at first and then allowed it to deepen passionately. At length, he reluctantly pulled away, knowing they had a long ride ahead of them.
Elizabeth took in a deep breath in an attempt to recover from the feelings her husband’s kiss had evoked. She nestled against her husband and he encased her with his arms as they settled in for a leisurely—but occasionally passionate—ride to London.
As the carriage reached London and ambled through town, Elizabeth curiously looked out the window and then back to her husband. “Did you not tell me your townhouse is near St. James Park?”
Darcy nodded, “Indeed, I did.”
She kept her eyes on the buildings passing by. “Is it not, then, on the other side of town? Are we not travelling in the opposite direction?”
“Yes, it is on the other side of town, and yes, we are travelling in the opposite direction.”
“But why?” She asked this question as Darcy made an attempt to smother the smile that was forming on his lips.
“There is something I would like us to see one last time.”
Elizabeth eyed him suspiciously. He seemed intent to be silent, although he finally lost in his effort to keep a broad smile from gracing his face.
At length, she realized they were nearing the harbour, and the carriage slowed as they passed several ships. Elizabeth’s heart pounded as she kept her eyes open for the one ship that would be all too familiar. The carriage soon pulled to a stop and Elizabeth looked out at the grand sailing ship, Pemberley’s Promise.
She looked at Darcy with delight. “You did not tell me we would be coming to the ship.”
“I wanted to keep it a surprise. Come, Elizabeth. I believe we are expected.”
As they walked toward the ship, Darcy took her hand and told her that he was in the process of selling the great vessel and wanted to take one last look at it with her.
“Selling it? But why?”
Darcy brought her hand to his lips. “It was a profitable investment when I purchased it, and it did well. But my trust in the seaworthiness of this vessel rode heavily on Captain Wendell’s excellent reputation as its captain. As he is getting on in years, he has decided he would like to captain something that perhaps only makes the crossing of the Channel to the continent and back or up and down the coast of England.” He looked over at Elizabeth, whose eyes were misting over. “You are not sad it is for sale, are you?”
“I admit I am. After all, this is where we were married.”
“That is why I brought you down here. Look, there is Captain Wendell now.”
They walked onto the ship, and Elizabeth looked around her, remembering their time together on board this vessel: their walks, their misunderstandings, and her walking off that last day, believing she would never see him again.
“Mr. and Mrs. Darcy! I am exceedingly pleased to have you back onboard! And may I offer my sincere congratulations and deepest satisfaction that you not only found each other, but found one another to be of the same mind in regards to your marriage.”
“Thank you, Wendell,” Darcy answered.
“Thank you, Captain,” replied Elizabeth.
The captain looked at Darcy. “If you will follow me, sir, everything is prepared for you.”
Wendell turned and Darcy took Elizabeth’s arm, smiling at her inquisitive glance. “Come, dearest Elizabeth.”
They walked slowly behind the captain, and Elizabeth quickly realized he was leading them to the room that had been theirs the month they had been on the ship. He opened the door and stepped back.
“If you have need of anything, I shall be in my quarters. Your meal will be brought to you in approximately an hour.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Darcy nodded at the gentleman and watched him turn and walk away.
Elizabeth began to take a step into the small room, but Darcy stopped her. “There is one thing I must attend to first, before we walk in,” he told her. Without pausing, he reached down and easily lifted her up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“Do you remember this is how I first brought you into this room?”
A wide smile passed Elizabeth’s face as she recollected his having to carry her because she had sprained her ankle. “I may have been ill at the time and suffering from a painfully sore ankle, but yes, I do remember.” She looked at his face and gently caressed it with her hand. “Even back then, I enjoyed the feel of being held in your arms.”
Darcy smiled. “Is that a fact?” He stepped into the room and continued to hold her as their eyes were locked together, one to another. “If I had known that,” he said softly, “I would have done it more often!”
They both laughed, suddenly feeling as though they stepped back in time. As they glanced around them, they both had to catch their breath. The little table was covered with a crisp linen tablecloth and scattered rose petals. A shallow crystal dish also held rose petals floating in water. Candles were lit just above the table in wall sconces, and there was a bottle of wine and two goblets set out for them.
“William! How beautiful! Was this your idea?”
“I cannot take credit for all of it. I asked Wendell to make the room look nice as I wanted to bring you back to it. I asked him to have the chef prepare something special and to make the table presentable for our wedding day meal.”
Elizabeth giggled. “I do believe if you had brought me to your room that afternoon and it was in this state, I should never have wanted to leave!”
Darcy, still holding her, walked over to the bed that Elizabeth had slept in, sitting down so she was now seated in his lap. Leaning in to her, he gently kissed her. “You have no idea how much I wanted to kiss you that morning I comforted you and held you like this when Mrs. Trimble passed on. You were so beautiful, even in your distress.”
Elizabeth sighed. She had to admit that her feelings toward Darcy had truly altered after that day. She felt that he sincerely cared for her as she grieved for Mrs. Trimble. He had held her, consoled her, and let her cry against him. Then later that day, they sat at the table and talked about themselves.
The two found themselves gently swaying along with the rhythm of the boat’s rocking. Darcy looked over at the other bed, which had been his on their voyage, and suddenly recalled waking each morning and looking directly over to the sheet that had given Elizabeth her privacy. It was hard for him to believe that this night they would sleep in the same bed and there would be no need for ever hanging another sheet. An involuntary sigh escaped him.
“What are you thinking, William?”
Elizabeth’s voice startled him from his reverie.
“Hmm.” Darcy nestled his head against Elizabeth’s neck. “Truth be told, my dearest, I was contemplating the sheet.”
Elizabeth pulled slightly out from him and asked, “The sheet?”
“Yes. You remember…”
“Of course, but that is what you were just thinking of?”
Darcy nodded his head. “More along the lines of not needing the sheet. Nor a door, nor a room, nor a house ever separating us again.”
Elizabeth smiled and looked around her at the small cabin. “Are we to stay here for the night, then?”
Darcy’s eyes widened. “Here? I should say not! I have something arranged that I trust you will find more pleasantly accommodating. A little more spacious in regards to certain amenities.” He glanced at the bed as he said this and Elizabeth, blushing, turned away.
But a sense of disappointment swept over her and she looked back at Darcy. “I think I would prefer to spend our first night here.”
Darcy looked at her incredulously. “But Elizabeth, certainly you cannot expect us…” He looked at the beds and back to her in exasperation. “I have no intention of sleeping in separate beds after all the time I have waited! These beds are barely wide enough for one person, let alone the both of us!”
“Please, my love?” Her drawn-out plea and her twinkling eyes gave him a moment’s pause to reconsider.
But then, quickly, he answered, “No, Elizabeth. I promise you that you will greatly prefer the plans I have made.”
“You were hoping to spend the night at your townhome, were you not?”
Darcy shook his head, “Our townhome and, as a matter of fact, no, I had something else in mind.”
“And what would that be?”
Darcy shook his head. “I wish it to be a surprise.”
Elizabeth suddenly pulled herself out of Darcy’s lap and stood up, folding her arms in front of her. “Is there any reason, other than your judgment that the beds are too small, that we cannot stay here for the night?”
“That is reason enough for me!”
Darcy stood up and walked over to Elizabeth. A very mischievous look crossed her face and she pulled herself up against her him. “If I recall correctly,” Elizabeth began, “when I awoke that night we had to sleep on the floor, we were not taking up much space together at all!”
Darcy smiled as he recollected waking up to Elizabeth snuggled tightly against him and forcing himself to think of her as Caroline Bingley to ensure his behaviour was kept in check. “Are you saying you wish to sleep on the floor?”
Elizabeth smiled. “If we end up there, so be it. I would merely like to spend our wedding night where we were first married.”
A wide grin spread across Darcy’s face as he battled with Elizabeth’s romantic notions and insistence. He finally relented.
Drawing close to Elizabeth again, he said, “I shall inform the captain that we will be spending the night here and have Durnham bring in our overnight bags.” He leaned down and gave her a tender kiss.
After Darcy returned and they waited for the meal to be brought in, he poured the wine and the two sat at the table, reflecting on their journey to America and their journey back to each other.
The winter sun descended quickly toward the horizon, and soon the room was illuminated solely from the candles. They ate their perfectly prepared meal in the ambiance of a candlelit room, rocking softly to the rhythm of the gentle swells of the Thames River.
Although Darcy hated to leave Elizabeth, he knew it would be only proper for him to give her some privacy to allow her to ready herself for bed. He stepped out of the cabin and walked toward the dining room where he found Durnham and Winston visiting with some of the crew. He stopped and talked with them and then walked out on the deck.
As he walked, he thought back to those times out here when he had struggled about his feelings for Elizabeth. How could he have waited so long to tell her he loved her? He felt a tremor pass through him as he considered that after they departed the ship, he might never have found her again. He closed his eyes at just the thought of that possibility.
His thoughts took him back to Elizabeth, who was now back in their cabin, readying herself for him to come to her, and it was all he could do to not return to the room directly. He walked the deck a couple of times and finally decided he had allowed her sufficient time.
He came to their door and lightly knocked. “Elizabeth…”
“Come in,” Elizabeth answered softly.
Just hearing those simple words from Elizabeth’s mouth made Darcy’s heart race and his mouth go dry. He slowly reached down and took the door handle in his hands, giving it a turn. As the door swung open, he looked in; his eyes needed a few moments to adjust to the soft dimness of it. Elizabeth had extinguished most of the candles save a few.
She was still sitting in front of the mirror when he first walked in and saw her. He was rendered speechless as he watched as she unhurriedly stood up and turned around. The gown she wore shimmered and clung to her curves. His eyes took in every inch of her standing before him as well as the back of her from the reflection in the mirror.
He was so captivated by the sight of her, he was torn whether to take those few steps and take her in his arms or stand and watch her from afar.
He was finally able to muster the words, “Elizabeth, you are beautiful.”
She looked down and smiled. As he still seemed incapable of movement, she began walking toward him. She came up to him and wrapped her arms about his waist, looking up at him. He needed no further prompting to take her in his arms.
As his lips came down upon hers, she suddenly felt all apprehensions about the night disappear. She felt right in his arms and he felt so right in hers. Their kiss grew in intensity and soon their passions were ignited beyond abandoning.
At length, Elizabeth noticed that her husband had never closed the door to the room. “Dearest husband, it will not do to have me standing here in this attire and in such a passionate embrace for all the ship’s crew to see. Would you mind closing the door?”
Darcy kept his arms tightly wrapped around Elizabeth as he used his foot to manoeuvre the door closed behind him. It shut with a resounding bang that announced to all that from now until dawn, they were to be left alone, no visitors would be accepted, and no interruptions would be tolerated.
***
The door to the cabin did not open again until almost 9:30 the next morning. For two people who enjoyed rising in the early hours, it was evidence that neither had slept adequately.
They took a leisurely walk arm in arm up on deck and then proceeded to the dining room. The chef in the ship’s galley had prepared a simple morning repast and they enjoyed it while sitting alone at the table Elizabeth had been sitting at when Darcy made his unusual offer of marriage. They both looked around them, knowing it might be the last time they would ever see the ship.
“Must you truly sell the ship, William?” Elizabeth asked in a melancholy manner.
“No, but I believe it to be the best thing to do.”
His hand went to the back of Elizabeth’s neck and kneaded it gently.
Elizabeth sighed contentedly and then said with a touch of resignation, “I shall truly miss it.”
Darcy only nodded and smiled.
When they finished their meal and Durnham and Winston had taken out their bags, Elizabeth took Darcy’s arm as they walked toward the door that brought them back out on deck. Before they reached it, though, they came to a hanging sign that boasted the name of the ship.
“A moment, please,” Darcy said. He called out to one of the crewmen that was working in the dining room and asked if he could assist.
Elizabeth watched curiously as the man helped Darcy remove the sign.
Darcy thanked the man and he turned to Elizabeth, holding out the sign. “A remembrance for you.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Oh! Where should we hang it?”
“I am sure we will find the most suitable place for it!”
They walked out and as Elizabeth began walking toward the carriage, Darcy nudged her away from it. “Come, let us walk a ways along the harbour.”
Always eager for a walk, Elizabeth obliged. They engaged in small talk as they passed several ships. It was but a few moments later that Darcy stopped suddenly. Elizabeth looked at him curiously.
“Shall we go back, then?”
A furtive smile crept across Darcy’s face as he answered, “No.”
At Elizabeth’s questioning glance, he pointed to the ship moored directly in front of them.
Elizabeth turned and gasped when she found herself facing a smaller replica of Pemberley’s Promise . Darcy watched her face as her eyes travelled the length of the ship and fell upon the name engraved upon the front, Pemberley’s Promise II.
She looked at her husband, at the ship, and then back to her husband. “William, what is this?”
“This, my dear, is where I had planned to spend our wedding night.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Elizabeth, your wedding gift from me. Our own ship, with our own private cabin, to be captained by Wendell wherever we wish to go.”
“Our own ship?” Elizabeth’s eyes were wide and sparkled in delight.
Darcy nodded. “Would you like to see it?”
“Oh yes!”
The two walked aboard the ship as Darcy explained to her how he had come to London after she left Netherfield to make the arrangements to purchase this ship and sell the larger one. With Wendell desiring to sail more locally, he did not want the burden of finding another captain for Pemberley’s Promise . So he decided to sell and found this smaller ship, built by the same builder, and knew he had to have it.
As they boarded the ship, Elizabeth was surprised to see Wendell already onboard.
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Welcome aboard your new ship, Pemberley’s Promise II.”