Chapter 17
Chapter seventeen
Elizabeth stood at the front of the church, her hands loosely clasped before her. The murmur of conversation softened as the doors at the back opened.
Sir William Lucas entered first, his expression radiant with pride, Charlotte on his arm.
Both were beaming. Charlotte looked very pretty, her hair dressed more elaborately than her usual low bun, soft curls framing her face.
She wore a gown of fine ivory muslin with a delicate lace overlay that caught the light as she moved.
Yet Elizabeth saw at once that Charlotte noticed nothing of the room. Her entire attention was fixed upon Colonel Forster waiting at the front of the church. There was no mistaking her happiness.
Across from Elizabeth stood the colonel, tall and composed in his red uniform, Captain Langley at his side. Both men bore themselves with easy confidence, though there was unmistakable warmth in the colonel’s expression as Charlotte approached.
As the clergyman began the ceremony, Elizabeth allowed herself a brief glance over the assembled guests.
She smiled to see her family seated together, though her mother appeared more subdued than usual.
Mr. Bingley sat beside Jane, his attention so wholly fixed upon her that he seemed scarcely aware of anything else.
Nearby sat Mr. Darcy with Miss de Bourgh and Lady Catherine. Darcy’s gaze, however, did not remain upon the ceremony for long. It shifted, almost inevitably, and met Elizabeth’s for a moment before she turned her attention forward again.
The vows were spoken with quiet sincerity. Charlotte’s voice, though soft, did not falter. When Colonel Forster answered her, there was a steadiness in his tone that spoke more clearly than any flourish could have done.
Elizabeth felt, rather than thought, that Charlotte had chosen well.
When the ceremony concluded, a gentle stir passed through the church. Captain Langley stepped forward and offered his arm to Elizabeth with quiet politeness. She accepted with a grateful inclination of her head, and together they followed the bride and groom toward the register.
Colonel Forster and Charlotte signed first. Then Captain Langley stepped forward when called upon, adding his name with practiced ease.
Elizabeth paused a moment before taking the pen, aware of the weight of the moment for her friend, how long Charlotte had waited, and how uncertain her prospects had once been.
Then she signed.
***
When she stepped outside, she found Darcy waiting.
“The carriage is ready to take us to Lucas Lodge,” he said.
He offered his arm, and she accepted. There was something in his manner, quiet and attentive, that she could not quite dismiss.
She was surprised, however, when she entered the carriage to find Lady Catherine and Anne already seated within.
“Good morning, Lady Catherine. Good morning, Anne.”
“Miss Bennet,” Lady Catherine returned, studying her closely.
Anne smiled gently. “Good morning.”
Elizabeth took her seat, and Darcy followed beside her. A tap of his cane against the roof set the carriage in motion.
Lady Catherine observed the arrangement for several moments before speaking. “Anne should be seated with you, Darcy.”
Anne turned toward her mother with composed calm. “But I am quite comfortable here, Mother.”
Lady Catherine regarded her in silence, clearly dissatisfied, but did not press the matter further.
Elizabeth kept her expression steady, though she was not unaware of Darcy’s nearness.
***
Lucas Lodge proved even more crowded than it had been at the engagement dinner.
Elizabeth would not have believed it possible, but Lady Lucas had accomplished it.
The rooms were filled with guests, tables laden with food, and chairs gathered from every conceivable source.
Elizabeth briefly wondered who had lent them all.
Darcy leaned slightly toward her. “I have found a table, if you would care to sit.”
She nodded, and he escorted her through the crowd.
Mr. Bingley and Jane were already seated there, and Elizabeth could not help but notice the ease between them.
Jane’s gentle composure was met by Bingley’s open admiration in a way that made their understanding unmistakable.
Elizabeth sat, aware of Darcy taking the seat beside her.
Charlotte and Colonel Forster soon entered, moving through the room together, pausing often as they thanked their guests. When they approached the table, Elizabeth rose at once.
“You look beautiful,” she said, embracing Charlotte carefully so as not to disturb her gown. “I am so happy for you.”
Charlotte smiled, her hand resting lightly on her husband’s arm. “I am very happy. And I am especially grateful to you…for standing with me, after everything.”
Elizabeth met her gaze. “I would not have missed it.”
As Charlotte moved on, Elizabeth glanced toward her family. Her mother remained quieter than usual, though clearly pleased. Kitty and Lydia were engaged in animated conversation with Maria Lucas, while Mrs. Tyler stood nearby, watchful as ever.
Later, those who wished to see the couple depart gathered outside. The air was lively with well-wishes and laughter. Elizabeth lifted her hand in farewell as the carriage drew away, carrying Charlotte and Colonel Forster toward their future.
Darcy stood beside her. “Would you care to return inside?” he asked.
She shook her head slightly. “We may go back to Netherfield, if you like.”
A faint smile touched his expression. “I was hoping you would say so.”
He soon located Bingley and Jane, and within a short time the four of them were seated in Darcy’s carriage, beginning the journey back.
Elizabeth glanced behind them. “What of Miss de Bourgh and Lady Catherine?”
“They brought their own carriage,” he replied, with a hint of amusement.
She laughed softly. “You have arranged matters very neatly.”
“I thought it prudent,” he said, meeting her gaze, “to secure your company while I might.”
Elizabeth felt a small, unexpected warmth at his words. She did not answer immediately, but her smile lingered.
***
When they returned to Netherfield, Elizabeth glanced at Darcy. “I intend to change and ride over to check on Mr. MacDonald and the progress at Longbourn.”
Darcy smiled. “If you are asking whether I would wish to accompany you, I would.”
She smiled in return. “Then I shall meet you at the stables in thirty minutes.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I will be there.”
A short time later, Elizabeth entered the stable. She had changed into another riding habit, this one a rich ruby red, though she wore the same black hat.
Darcy looked at her a moment longer than was necessary. “You look very beautiful.”
Elizabeth smiled softly. “Thank you. Shall we go?”
He nodded and led the horses out, assisting her into the saddle before mounting his own.
Soon they were cantering toward Longbourn.
Fallen leaves crunched beneath the horses’ hooves, and the air carried a sharper chill than the day before.
Elizabeth drew in a steady breath. She would be glad to see the work progressing.
As they approached the gatehouse, a dog began to bark, its tail already wagging in recognition.
Mr. MacDonald stepped out to greet them.
“Mr. MacDonald, how are you today?” Elizabeth asked as Darcy helped her dismount.
“Very well, miss. They’ve been busy carting away crates all morning.” He nodded toward the wagons, stacked high with furniture and boxes. “Several loads yesterday, and more today.”
The dog approached Elizabeth, sniffing her briefly before sitting at her feet, its tail sweeping the ground in contentment. She reached down to pet him.
“I am sorry I did not bring a treat.” She glanced up. “What is his name?”
“Patch,” Mr. MacDonald said, giving the dog a fond pat. “Good watchdog, he is.”
Elizabeth nodded. “That is reassuring. We shall continue to keep guards here for the next few days. I would like the house fully emptied. After that, depending upon whether we rebuild, we may simply board it up.”
She paused, studying him. “Would you be uncomfortable remaining here alone? We will, of course, ensure you are supplied with meals, but I would not wish you to feel isolated.”
Mr. MacDonald grinned. “I am not alone, miss. I have Patch. I shall be quite fine.”
Elizabeth returned his smile. “Very well. Do let me know if anything changes. The stables at Longbourn will remain staffed for now.”
She turned to Darcy. “I would like to see the house before we leave.”
He assisted her back into the saddle, then mounted Atlas. They waved to Mr. MacDonald and continued on.
Harris was just coming out of the house with another crate as they approached. He set it into the wagon before walking over.
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Harris, how is the work progressing?”
He wiped his brow. “We should have most of it cleared today, miss… everything but the attic.”
“That is excellent progress.” She paused, considering. “I would like two men to remain here each night for now. They may take turns. And if there are no cots already here, have some brought before this evening.”
Harris nodded. “We will see to it, Miss Elizabeth.”
She turned, then glanced back over her shoulder. “The dangerous areas remain roped off?”
“Yes, miss. We have been most careful in those sections.”
Elizabeth’s expression grew more serious. “I do not want anyone injured.”
“We are taking every precaution.”
She gave a small nod. “Good. Inform me if any difficulties arise.”
She turned to Darcy. “Is there anything I have overlooked?”
Darcy smiled slightly. “Nothing that I can see.”
She laughed lightly. “Then we may return.”
They mounted and set off again, the pace easier now.
After a short distance, Elizabeth glanced over at Darcy as he rode beside her. There was a steadiness in his presence she had not expected to rely upon, and yet she found that she did.
The realization pleased and surprised her.
***