Chapter Text
It’s a week after William Darcy proposes that they actually bring up the idea of a wedding. Lizzie Bennet is firmly against some time wasting tradition when they could simply elope. William understands that she does not want to go through the stress of her mother taking over the wedding planning like she did with Jane’s.
His only argument is that of their first dance. She says that they can dance anytime and gave him a little smile.
“Lizzie. I don’t care if 500 people come or 5 people. I want the opportunity to prove myself on the dance floor after our most awkward dance ever.”
“William, you’ve already proven yourself to be an excellent dancer. Why are you so stubborn on this?” she asks.
“My parents…my parents danced a lot when I was a child. I want that new memory of you and me dancing. At OUR wedding…where I can call you my wife. We can do away with all the other outdated traditions of the garter toss and cake cutting. I just…I want to dance with you, Lizzie Bennet” he says slowly.
Lizzie stares at him for a moment before giving him a teary smile and resting her hand on his cheek.
“Oh Will,” she murmurs. “I would love to share that first dance with you.”
In the end, Lizzie stands her ground and her mother gets no say in the wedding. It takes place at a small banquet hall in Lizzie’s hometown and only 20 guests are invited. They want to be only surrounded by their closest friends and family.
The ceremony is short but full of emotion and nobody has seen William Darcy happier than when the officiant announces them husband and wife. He smiles from ear to ear before wrapping his arms around Lizzie, picks her up and kisses her with enthusiasm. She laughs into the kiss and wraps her arms around his neck before he puts her down and rests his forehead against hers. They turn to the small but spirited crowd and make their way back up the aisle grasping hands.
After congratulations are said and most of the pictures are taken, everybody but the couple return to the banquet hall. Lizzie and Darcy stay outside the doors for just a few moments in a quiet stupor. There is a gentle breeze under the willow tree and it gives Lizzie goosebumps. William ends up being the first to break the silence and Lizzie welcomes his voice.
“Have I told you yet how beautiful you look?”
“Maaaybe but I don’t mind if you tell me again,” Lizzie teases.
“Well, Lizzie Bennet-“ William smiles
“Darcy!” she interrupts.
“Wow. How dare I. Lizzie Darcy,” William likes the sound of that on his tongue as he continues. “You are a sight to behold. You took my breath away when you walked through those doors.”
Lizzie inches closer to him and slides her hand in his before giving him a quick kiss.
“You’re not so hard on the eyes yourself,” she breathes out.
They linger under the willow tree for a few moments more before Gigi bursts through the doors.
“Come on, you love birds! You need to be announced and have your first dance. Don’t make me push you again!” she exclaims.
They exchange a quick knowing look and head in behind Gigi who is practically skipping from excitement down the hallway.
They wait behind the French doors and listen for their cue.
“For the first time ever…please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Elizabeth and William Darcy!”
The French doors open and they are greeted with love and enthusiasm from their family and friends, Lizzie distinctly hears Lydia holler, "get that mancake sis!” William gives Lizzie’s hand a tight squeeze and chuckles before leading her to the small table labeled ‘Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.’ She smiles at the sight of the small, handwritten by Jane place card and lets out a small giggle at realizing for the first time that she is really married to William Darcy. He lets out a happy sigh before tucking his chin in out of old habit and then helps her into her seat. Her tea length cream colored gown gives her no troubles but the gesture is engrained in William’s head. He joins her in the seat next to her, makes sure to grab her hand once more and slowly strokes her hand with his thumb. She gives him an encouraging smile because despite the crowd being small, she knows he is never comfortable being the center of attention.
There is a clink of glasses and an outburst from Lydia, “Kiss the shit out of him!” followed by Lizzie’s mother reprimanding her.
Lizzie and William laugh but follow tradition with the clinking glasses. William leans over and caresses her cheek before gently kissing her lips and breathing her in. They kiss for a moment more before they break apart and share a loving look. William whispers “I love you” as he rests his forehead against hers once more.
As the night progresses, dinner is served and all the speeches are heard. Everyone laughs when Gigi retells the story of pushing and locking them in a room together and everybody cries when she talks about how their parents would be so proud of him.
After the cake is served and the plates are cleared, the tables are moved to make way for dancing.
It is time for their first dance.