Chapter 32
Chapter thirty-two
The days passed quickly, filled with shopping and early morning rides in Hyde Park. Lady Matlock spoke often of what must be done in anticipation of Elizabeth’s curtsey before the Queen. But today she gave little thought to any of it. Today was her wedding day, and she intended to enjoy it.
Millie was brushing her hair when a knock sounded at the door. She answered it and stepped aside to admit Mrs. Bennet.
“Good morning, Mother.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled. “Good morning, my dear.”
She paused for a moment, as though collecting her thoughts.
“I wished to tell you how very happy I am for you.”
She drew a breath.
“I know I did not always approve of your management of Longbourn. I feared it might make you and your sisters less… desirable in the eyes of the world.”
She nodded, as if settling the matter at last.
“I was mistaken. You have taken excellent care of us, and I am most grateful.”
Elizabeth rose from her seat and embraced her. “Thank you, Mama. I am glad to hear you say so.”
Mrs. Bennet’s gaze fell upon the gown hanging by the door.
“Oh, my dear, it is a very beautiful dress.”
She dabbed lightly at her eyes with her handkerchief, though her smile remained.
“I shall not keep you. I must go and see how Jane does.”
She leaned forward and kissed Elizabeth’s cheek.
“Two daughters married,” she said with evident satisfaction.
With that, she turned and left the room.
Elizabeth returned to her seat as Millie resumed her work, the quiet of the room settling once more about her.
***
Elizabeth and Jane stood in the vestibule of the church with their father. It had been decided, when they met with the clergyman, that Jane and Mr. Bingley would marry first, and Elizabeth and Darcy would follow.
Elizabeth gave Jane a careful embrace, mindful of their gowns. Mr. Bennet offered one arm to each daughter, their hands resting lightly upon his arms.
The music began, and the doors opened as they proceeded up the aisle.
Elizabeth noticed the Gardiners seated beside her mother, and the Philips were also present, having come to London at her invitation and now staying with them.
Lord and Lady Matlock were seated on the groom’s side, along with Lady Catherine and Anne.
Elizabeth smiled to see Mr. Denham beside Anne.
Behind them sat Miss Bingley and the Hursts.
Few others from Meryton were present; Charlotte had sent her regrets.
Jane stood beside Mr. Bingley. Darcy and Elizabeth stood to one side. Elizabeth could not help but think he looked particularly handsome.
The clergyman began reading from the Book of Common Prayer.
When the time came for the vows, Mr. Bingley’s voice was firm.
Jane’s, when her turn came, was softer, but no less certain.
Before long, the ceremony was concluded, and Mr. Bingley bent to kiss his bride.
He then led Jane to a seat in the front pew.
Then it was Elizabeth’s turn.
The clergyman began again, the familiar words seemed to wash over her. When the time came for the vows, Darcy’s voice was steady. When her turn came, she was grateful to remember them.
The question was asked. “If any of you know cause, or just impediment, why these two persons should not be joined together in holy matrimony, ye are to declare it.”
Elizabeth became aware, for a brief moment, of Lady Catherine’s presence, and was quietly relieved when no interruption came.
Soon, it was done, and they were married.
She felt excited, relieved, and, to be honest, a little afraid. Yet when Darcy drew her into his arms and kissed her, then smiled down at her, she knew that though everything might not always be easy, they would meet it together.
The register was then signed, with Elizabeth and Darcy standing as witnesses to Jane’s marriage. Jane and Mr. Bingley, in turn, added their names as witnesses.
Before long, they were entering Darcy’s carriage, while Jane and Mr. Bingley followed in his.
Darcy held Elizabeth’s hand, and before long, he drew her closer and kissed her. It was difficult to think clearly when he kissed her. Even so, she was aware that he took care not to disturb her gown or disarrange her hair. It would never do to arrive in disorder.
Soon, she had forgotten every lingering concern.
***
Elizabeth and Darcy stood outside the ballroom at Darcy House, with Jane and Mr. Bingley beside them, waiting for Simmons to announce their arrival.
The doors were opened, and Simmons declared in a firm voice, “Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, and Mr. and Mrs. Bingley.”
The ballroom had been transformed. Dozens of tables were arranged for the guests, with a larger table set at the front for the bridal party. Each table was adorned with tall arrangements of flowers. Elizabeth suspected Lady Matlock had emptied half the florists in London.
Servants moved steadily among the tables, carrying platters of food. Elizabeth smiled to see Georgiana nearby, composed as she quietly directed the servants.
Darcy escorted her to the head table, and they took their seats. Jane and Mr. Bingley joined them.
Mr. Bingley leaned toward Darcy. “My dear fellow, Lady Matlock has been exceedingly industrious. There is enough here to feed half London.”
Darcy allowed himself a faint smile. “I should not doubt it.”
He then turned toward Elizabeth, his expression warm. “And how do you find yourself, Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth returned his smile. “Very well. Though I can scarcely believe it is all quite real. I do wonder when you intend to tell me where we are to go on our wedding tour.”
He took her hand and pressed a light kiss upon it. “If I tell you now, it will cease to be a surprise.”
She laughed softly. “That is very cruel. However, I shall overlook it for the present.”
When the meal had concluded, Darcy and Elizabeth rose and began to move among the tables, offering their thanks to the assembled guests.
They first approached the table where Lady Catherine, Anne, and Mr. Denham were seated with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet was speaking animatedly to Darcy about the beauty of the ceremony. He listened with patient attention, and Elizabeth could not help but smile at the sight.
She inclined her head toward Lady Catherine. “Thank you for your assistance.”
Lady Catherine returned the inclination. “It is not what I would have chosen. However, I think you will do very well as Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth’s smile was faint but sincere. “I am obliged to you, Lady Catherine.”
Lady Catherine gave a small nod, as though the matter were now entirely settled.
They continued on, greeting the remaining guests, until they came to Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley.
Mrs. Hurst smiled. “The ceremony was most elegant, and the wedding breakfast is the finest I have ever seen.”
Miss Bingley gave a light laugh. “My dear Louisa, you are too easily impressed. Still, I am sure Miss Eliza has done all she could.”
Elizabeth met her gaze with a pleasant expression. “I shall be sure to convey your opinion to Lady Matlock, who was so good as to arrange the breakfast.”
Miss Bingley’s smile faltered, if only for a moment.
When they had finished visiting the guests, Elizabeth and Jane went upstairs to change into their traveling clothes.
Elizabeth had just turned toward her room when Millie approached.
“Mrs. Darcy, your things have been moved to the mistress’s suite.”
Elizabeth paused, then smiled. “I see. Then you must show me the way.”
Millie inclined her head and led her to the room. Once there, she assisted Elizabeth in changing from her wedding gown.
“Your bags have already been sent down to the carriage,” Millie said.
Before long, Elizabeth was dressed, her hair neatly arranged once more.
“There, Mrs. Darcy. You look very well.”
Elizabeth smiled. “It still feels rather strange to be called so.”
“I daresay you will grow accustomed to it,” came Darcy’s voice from the adjoining doorway.
Elizabeth turned to find him there. He offered his arm. “Shall we go down?”
She placed her hand upon it with a warm smile. “Yes.”
As they descended the main staircase, many of the guests had gathered to see them depart.
Elizabeth embraced her mother and her father. “We shall return before Christmas.”
She had just time to embrace Jane before they were ushered toward the carriage.
Moments later, they were seated, and the carriage set in motion.
Elizabeth turned toward Darcy. “I think this would be an excellent moment for you to tell me where we are going.”
Darcy smiled. “A friend of mine has an estate some ten miles outside London. We shall go there first.”
Elizabeth nodded. “And Jane and Mr. Bingley?”
“They are bound for Netherfield. They will return before Christmas.”
Darcy drew her a little closer and kissed her gently. “For the next week, Mrs. Darcy, we shall concern ourselves with nothing else at all.”
Elizabeth leaned against him, her smile softening. “That sounds perfectly wonderful.”
Darcy’s hand closed gently around hers. “I am very glad you think so.”
She glanced up at him, her eyes bright with quiet amusement. “I find I am very glad of you.”
His expression softened, and he bent his head to kiss her once more.
She settled comfortably beside him as the carriage moved steadily onward, the future no longer something to be managed, but something to be shared.
The End