Yesterday, I was talking with a couple of people about Finally Mrs. Darcy, and afterward, the song “Ten Minutes Ago” from Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella popped into my mind as I was thinking about Darcy and Elizabeth’s whirlwind reunion to married story in that little novella of mine. It seemed to be a good pairing, and I decided I would share that song and novella today as my story connections post.
As you can see (and hear), between making that decision and creating this post, I changed my mind about what song I was going to share.
I went to YouTube, typed in my search info, listened to a recording studio sort of video of the song I was looking for, and then saw the title for this song. I suffer from excessive curiosity at times — today was one of those times. 🙂 I clicked on the video and by the time the song was half over, I had changed my mind that this song might be an even better fit for Finally Mrs. Darcy, since both the song and the story play with the idea of time — looking forward and back.
And I think it still captures the elation and hope that Darcy and Elizabeth feel mere moments after meeting again at a ball and beginning, though never finishing, a dance.
Here’s part of that scene:
Their hands met again. “Lydia is also married, as you well know.”
He blinked and halted his steps nearly causing another gentleman to stumble. “And why would I know that?”
She lifted an eyebrow and stared up at him. “Because, you were there, sir.” She smiled. “Lydia cannot keep a secret, and when she and her husband visited Longbourn, she mentioned your attendance at her wedding. I admit that bit of information piqued my curiosity and my mind would not rest until I ferreted out the remaining information from my aunt Gardiner.” She looked away from his eyes for a moment. She wished to ask him why he had done so much for her sister and yet cut all ties to her family, but her heart faltered as a couple wound their way past her. So, instead, she said what she had wished to say those five years ago. “I must thank you on behalf of my family.”
Upon returning her gaze to him, she was startled to find a pained expression in his eyes. Thinking that in speaking of the incident, she may have spoken amiss, she was about to apologize when Darcy swiftly took her by the hand and led her out of the line, behind one of the columns next to the garden door and onto the terrace.
“You were right.” He said as they took the steps which led to the garden. “The dance floor was not the best place for such a conversation.” He placed her hand on his arm as they descended the steps and began down a path. “My actions toward your sister and Mr. Wickham were to salve my own conscience by guaranteeing you would not be harmed through my lack of openness regarding Mr. Wickham’s lack of character.” He stopped and looked at her. “I believe I thought only of you.”
She shook her head in disbelief. How could he say such a thing? She had hoped that he had helped Lydia for her sake, but then, when Mr. Bingley had returned to Netherfield alone and said his connection with Mr. Darcy was at an end, her hope had faded. It was as she had first feared, he wanted nothing to do with a family who was so shamefully tied to Mr. Wickham.
“Why?” The question would not go unasked. “Why would you think so highly of me, and yet not…” She turned away. “Why did you not return?” She closed her eyes and attempted to prepare herself for whatever excuse he might give. She did not have a wish to hear his reason. It was something far more demanding. It was a need. She needed to know the truth for good or for ill.
Darcy watched her wrap her arms around herself and take one step away from him. “I spoke to Bingley shortly after Miss Lydia married Wickham.” He closed the distance between them. “I attempted to confess all that I had done to separate him from Miss Bennet, but he only heard half before he refused to listen further and stormed from my home.” The dirt on the path crunched lightly as he dug his toe into it.
“It was not because of Lydia?” It was a shocking thought, for she had never considered any other possibility.
“No,” Darcy replied firmly. “It was because of me. Bingley has had no contact with me since, other than to return my letters unopened and request that I not contact him or any of his family. By that time, you were included in that group, since he and your sister were married. So, I stayed away hoping that by doing as he requested, he might, at some point, forgive me. I continue to wait.”
“He speaks of you.” Elizabeth gave a quick glance over her shoulder. “Since Papa died. You may not have much longer to wait.”
“I have waited for an eternity, Elizabeth, and it has cost me dearly.” The depth of the pain in his words pierced her heart.
“When you did not return with Bingley, I thought it was because you did not wish to be associated with a family tied to Mr. Wickham or such foolish girls as Lydia – and who could blame you?” She turned to face him. “It broke my heart. I refused to attend assemblies for nearly a year. Mama thought it was because I missed Jane, but it was you I missed.” She took one of his hands. “Eventually, I could no longer refuse to attend, and I met Jack. He was a pleasant man. He smiled much and spoke well of all he met. I believe he was constitutionally incapable of being disagreeable. He respected me, and I was happy, but he was not you.” She squeezed his hand. “I loved him, but not as I love you.”
“You love me?” Darcy stood perfectly still. His breath caught in his chest as he waited for her reply. The thought that his affections might be returned threatened to make him embarrass himself by either causing him to weep or shout or, heaven forbid, both.
“For these five long years, I have loved you. I have tried not to, but it is impossible. I fear I shall always love you.” A breeze tugged a wisp of hair free, and she brushed it away from her face. “It is why I have told my uncle I do not wish to marry again – not that he will hear of that, but it was not fair to Jack and would not be fair to another to give him only part of me.”
“You love me.” Thankfully, his delight only spread across his face and did not express itself with any more exuberance than that.
She nodded.
“Are you certain you will never marry again?” He stepped closer to her, looked into her eyes, and brushed that wayward wisp of hair from her cheek.
“Never.” She drew the hand she held around her waist. “Unless it is you.”
“You will marry me?” Again, the happiness of his heart wished to be released in a cry of victory, but he would not allow it.
“If you will have me.” She smiled up at him as his arms pulled her close.
“You will marry me.” He bent his head to kiss her softly. “My feelings and wishes have never changed. I love you now as I loved you then, most ardently.”
[From Finally Mrs. Darcy]
Such a romantic scene, and such a romantic song
Oh, I agree. It’s just a fabulously romantic song! (And Darcy is rather swoony in that scene 😉 )
Perfect song to fit your story. It was so romantic.
It was rather a love a first hear for that song for me. I’m glad you agree that it fits the story well. 🙂
Finally Mrs. Darcy is one of my favorites by you. Also, I have always loved the R&H Cinderella musical. Laura Osnes became a favorite after discovering her in a few Hallmark Christmas movies. So you’ve given me remembrance of several favorites today including such a great song. I think you made my morning.
Oh, I love the R&H Cinderella! I like several of their musicals. They have great music. I was thinking yesterday that I had seen her in some Hallmark movies, but I didn’t stop to look it up. I’m glad to know my memory was right. And, I’m really happy that this post could give you some pleasant moments to start your day. 🙂