Chapter 51
Chapter Fifty-One
WEDNESDAY, 3 JUNE 1812
R ain began falling early on the morning of Richard Fitzwilliam and Jane Bennet’s wedding day. While Mrs. Bennet might have been upset by the weather, as it would make travelling to the church more difficult for her and her many daughters, she still managed to find a silver lining.
“You are marrying on a Wednesday, Jane, which is already lucky, and now it’s raining—a further sign of favour,” she said cheerfully. “Of course, I would prefer if it stopped raining before it makes the ground too wet, for you know how Lizzy is. Even married and with child, she is just as likely to arrive at the ceremony with her petticoats covered in mud. Still, since she so generously allowed us to plan this ceremony and host the breakfast at her home, I suppose I should be content.”
Jane rolled her eyes at her mother’s ramblings, a gesture she had been repeating often of late. As her mother bustled away, another took her place. Mrs. Gardiner, who had arrived the previous Saturday with her husband, their children, and Kitty and Lydia, merely patted her hand reassuringly.
“She is pleased to be a part of your wedding, particularly since you are marrying a viscount,” she said. “Yours is the first wedding she has been able to plan, since Lizzy eloped. Despite her words, you know she loves all of you.”
Sighing, Jane conceded the truth of her aunt’s words. “I know you are right, Aunt, but might I confess that I am looking forward to not sharing a roof with her for some time? I know she is reluctant to return to Longbourn, and I daresay Lizzy is particularly eager to have her gone, but I am ready to be on my own. Lady Julia has already moved into Matlock’s dower house, so when Richard and I arrive at his estate, I will finally be, for the first time ever, truly without a Bennet in residence with me. Is it selfish of me to feel that way?”
Mrs. Gardiner gave her niece a gentle, understanding smile, her eyes soft with sympathy. “Not selfish at all, my dear,” she replied kindly. “It is only natural to want some space and peace, especially after all the upheaval your family has undergone of late. I can imagine it has been quite overwhelming at times, moving to live with your sister because of the trouble with your father. You deserve to enjoy your new life with Richard without feeling that you have to constantly accommodate others. No, Jane, it is not selfish. It is simply a desire for your own home.” She patted Jane’s hand affectionately. “You will find it refreshing, I am certain.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s smile softened. “Your mother means well, Jane, but she can be overwhelming. She thrives on company and excitement—it is not a lack of love but simply her nature. Returning to Longbourn and her familiar routine will suit her. You, however, deserve peace, and there is no shame in seeking it. Every home should have a space for solitude, and you have earned yours.” She squeezed Jane’s hand reassuringly. “Do not feel guilty for wanting your own place, especially as you begin this new chapter with Richard.”
“But Lizzy has not really had that time. She has dealt with so much, and she still has Mama here at Pemberley. I feel as though I ought to offer Mama a place at Matlock, but I cannot invite her to the dower house, for that is Lady Julia’s home now,” Jane replied.
Elizabeth approached just then. “Mama will not be at Pemberley long, my dear Jane,” she said, her eyes twinkling as she looked at her aunt and her sister. “My dear husband has arranged for her to travel to the seaside for a time along with our youngest sisters. When the lease of the house ends, they will return to Longbourn until it is time for Kitty and Lydia to go back to school. Surprisingly, both girls are pleased for the opportunity of one more year of education.”
“What of Mary? How did I not know of these plans?” Jane asked.
“The arrangements have only recently been finalised, and my husband has yet to mention them to my mother,” Elizabeth replied, her eyes still twinkling. “Mary will remain with Georgiana for the time being. The two girls have become quite good friends over the past months and benefit from each other’s company.”
She paused, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “As for Mama, Mrs. Annesley’s sister—a lovely, steady woman who has agreed to act as a companion for her and the younger girls—will accompany them. She brings a kind and calming presence and will continue the ‘lessons’ begun here, helping them all refine their behaviour for society. Kitty and Lydia have already learned a great deal at their schools, though there is always room for improvement. With the new companion and their lessons, I believe Mama’s more… exuberant tendencies will be kept in check.”
Mrs. Gardiner shook her head with a small chuckle. “I am not sure they can ever fully restrain her enthusiasm, but I do trust they will help her moderate it to a more reasonable level. It is only natural that your mother’s excitement might get the best of her at times, especially when she is so invested in everything. I have every faith that with the right guidance, she will remain at least somewhat composed. Your mother and sisters are certainly in good hands, and I am glad you have been able to make these arrangements, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth cleared her throat and gave her sister a warm smile. “Yes, now, are you ready, Jane? The carriages are waiting at the door, and the footmen have several umbrellas and rugs prepared to lay on the ground so that our slippers and gowns do not get wet. Mama and the other girls left for the church only a few moments ago, but we cannot begin without you, dear sister. Come, let us get you married.”
They descended the steps into the main foyer where servants were waiting. Mr. Gardiner stood at the front door.
“Jane, you look lovely,” he said. “I am happy that I am here for your wedding day, even if I missed your sister’s. But you will be very happy with Colonel Fitzwilliam… forgive me, I have still not become accustomed to his new title. He is the viscount now.”
Jane sighed. “He is, and I am still astounded by all that has taken place. I liked him very well when he was simply the colonel, but that a peer wished to marry me was beyond my comprehension. Lizzy would be far better suited to the position.”
“Yes, and while I do like Richard very much, I do not like him nearly as well as I do my own Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth said with a playful grin. “You and Richard are certainly well suited to each other, and I have no doubt you will make a wonderful countess. But can you imagine me, having to entertain members of Parliament?” She laughed at herself at the thought. “I would scarcely be able to keep my tongue, and I am quite certain I would offend someone within the first ten minutes. No, it is far better for England that I remain a commoner. I can speak my mind without worrying about which noble sensibilities I might trample upon.”
She looked at her sister with a teasing smile. “Of course, I would be the first to admit that a life without the burden of keeping up appearances does have its charm. You and Richard will do well together, Jane.”
Laughing, Elizabeth took her sister’s arm and carefully led her towards the waiting carriage. The rain had stopped, but the ground was still damp, so they moved slowly, lifting their skirts to avoid contact with the wet ground.
The carriage ride was brief, and soon, the four were disembarking from the carriage. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner entered the church first, taking their seats near the front, and Elizabeth beamed when she saw Darcy standing next to his cousin.
“I love you,” she mouthed at him when their eyes met.
“I love you,” he mouthed in reply, his expression full of his love and devotion.
Their attention was diverted when Jane entered, her uncle’s arm linked with hers, followed by Mary. The sight of Jane in her wedding gown, radiant and serene, made Elizabeth’s heart swell with happiness. She could not help but smile, feeling an overwhelming sense of love for her sister and a quiet sense of peace knowing that everything had worked out as it ought to have.
The wedding ceremony proceeded in the time-honoured manner. As Jane and Fitzwilliam exchanged their vows, Elizabeth felt a rush of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. The memory of her own wedding day, less than a year ago, flashed in her mind—when she had married Darcy in a small kirk near Coldstream, Scotland, with only Richard Fitzwilliam in attendance. Her eyes filled with tears of happiness as she looked at her dear husband, finding him looking back at her with the same quiet affection that had first drawn her to him. The life they were building together, their child on the way, and all they had overcome filled her with a deep sense of gratitude and hope.
Her breath caught as she saw him subtly nod, a small but reassuring gesture that spoke volumes to her. In that moment, Elizabeth knew how truly blessed she was. The weight of his steady gaze, full of understanding, steadied her, and she returned the look with a smile that reached her eyes.
As the ceremony continued, Elizabeth’s gaze never wavered from Darcy, who gave her a knowing, affectionate smile. The ceremony was filled with such solemnity and joy that time seemed to pause for a moment, as if it recognised the significance of the day—not only for Jane but for Elizabeth as well.
The wedding breakfast was a celebration not only of Jane’s and Richard’s union but of family and love. As Elizabeth and Darcy stood together, watching the newlyweds, her heart swelled with happiness. Life had already brought them so much, but with each passing day, it promised even more.
A little over a fortnight later, Mrs. Bennet left Pemberley with her two youngest daughters and her brother. Mr. Gardiner was reluctantly escorting his sister to the seaside and would ensure that all was in order before returning home to London. He would travel back to Pemberley at the beginning of August to collect his wife and children, who were staying so Mrs. Gardiner could be there for Elizabeth’s confinement.
At first, Mrs. Bennet had not wanted to depart, but the promise of a month in Lyme had quickly won her acquiescence. The more she considered the matter, the more she agreed that it was best for Mrs. Gardiner to be there to assist Elizabeth with the birth, since that lady had experienced it far more recently. In fact, as Mrs. Bennet recalled what a dreadful process her own confinements had been, she felt a month at the seaside was far preferable to waiting on Elizabeth.
The four Gardiner children proved to be much more pleasant houseguests than their aunt had been. Content with the well-stocked nursery and a few maids to attend to their needs, they required little of Elizabeth, allowing her to enjoy some peace. Mrs. Gardiner, too, was a far more restful companion. While Darcy focused on necessary estate business, she encouraged Elizabeth to rest, offering quiet support and providing assistance discreetly, without imposing. Elizabeth found great comfort in her aunt’s gentle presence. One afternoon, as they sat together in the drawing room, Elizabeth sighed, leaning back against the cushions.
“I cannot remember the last time I felt so… at peace,” she said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude.
Mrs. Gardiner glanced at her with a smile. “It is good to have a moment of respite, my dear. You have been through so much these past months. Allow yourself to enjoy this time. It will end soon enough,” she said meaningfully, her gaze drifting to Elizabeth’s distended stomach. “I believe there is not long to go now.”
Elizabeth’s hand instinctively rested on her belly, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Yes, I suppose I cannot put off the inevitable,” she said with a wry smile, her voice tinged with both excitement and nervousness. “It seems as though this little one is determined to arrive on his or her own schedule.”
Mrs. Gardiner chuckled. “They often are. But rest assured, Elizabeth, you will manage just as you always have.”
“I do hope so,” Elizabeth replied, her tone more uncertain than she meant it to be. “It is strange, is it not? This feeling of waiting. It is almost as if life is on pause until… until everything changes.” Her voice trailed off, as she considered all the changes that had taken place in the last months and that would soon occur.
Mrs. Gardiner’s expression softened with understanding. “Change can be daunting, but it is also the most wonderful part of life. You will find, my dear, that this change is one you will embrace with joy, even on the hardest days.”
Elizabeth turned to her aunt, a question lingering in her eyes. “Did you ever feel this way? When you were waiting for your own children?”
Mrs. Gardiner thought for a moment before answering, her gaze growing distant with memory. “Of course, I did. There were moments when I was overwhelmed by the thought of it all. But then there were other moments—small ones— when everything felt just right, and I knew that I had all the support I needed.” She looked at Elizabeth meaningfully. “You have the best kind of support, my dear. Fitzwilliam will be by your side, just as he has been these last months. Even when you were apart, he was in your heart, was he not?”
Elizabeth’s heart warmed at the mention of her husband. “Yes, he has been… incredible,” she said softly, her voice filled with affection. “I sometimes wonder how I could have ever survived without him. He has been my rock through everything.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled gently. “You were not the only one who has struggled, Elizabeth. The path you have both walked has not been an easy one. But look at where you are now. You are both stronger for it.”
Elizabeth nodded, her hand resting on her belly once more. “Yes, I suppose we are. I am beginning to see that everything we have been through has led us to this moment. I only hope that I can be the mother I want to be.”
“You will be,” Mrs. Gardiner said confidently. “I have no doubt about that. You will have all the love in the world to give your little one.”
Just then, the door opened, and Darcy stepped into the room, his eyes instantly going to his wife. A soft smile tugged at his lips when he saw her with her aunt, the two women sharing a quiet moment.
“How is my favourite lady?” he asked as he leant over to lightly kiss her lips, his voice warm and affectionate.
“I am well, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth replied, her smile widening as he came to sit beside her. “We were just discussing the changes that are soon to come.”
Darcy placed a hand on Elizabeth’s, his touch comforting. “Indeed,” he said, “but I think, my love, we are ready for whatever comes. Together.”
Elizabeth looked at him, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. “Yes, together.”
He turned to Mrs. Gardiner with a playful glint in his eye. “I trust you have been taking good care of her?”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded with a knowing smile. “Of course, Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth is in excellent hands.”
Elizabeth rested her head against Darcy’s shoulder, feeling the weight of the world lift from her chest, if only for a moment. They had come so far, survived so much uncertainty, and she was delighted in the peace she felt with him.