Chapter 48
Elizabeth had agreed to wed at Matlock House after its mistress had enumerated the requirements of accommodations for the families and servants, and the number of carriages laden with provisions for the celebration that would be needed to travel to Meryton; it was all far too much for the small town, advised Lady Matlock. Elizabeth was amenable, for she also wanted to treat her sisters to a fortnight in London. She missed Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Letters do not provide satisfactory embraces!
Her betrothed, eager to be wed, was happy to do as she wished. As was their custom, Darcy broke his fast with Elizabeth, both being early risers.
“I am surprised Georgiana does not join us,” said Elizabeth.
“She may be a daughter of Pemberley, but she has always been a creature of town when greeting the morning,” he said fondly.
“With that being the case, how shall you entertain your intended for the next set of hours?” Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow, hoping to tease him into a kiss. Instead, she earned a serious reply.
“This morning, you shall accompany me to Doctor’s Commons.”
“Shall I? Whatever for?” she asked.
“To obtain a common licence so that we may wed.”
“How interesting.” She reached for the jam, still intent on teasing him. “As I assume this is a matter of business, is my presence required? Not that I would eschew the chance to spend the morning by your side.”
“Nor would I, my dear,” he said, smiling. “You are needed. Your part—the pertinent matter—is to sign a sworn statement you are of age and free to marry.”
“And then?”
“And then I shall take you to Gunter’s for a cup of chocolate. And, of course,” he added, “once we have the licence, we are free to exchange vows in the parish designated by the presiding official.” He sipped his coffee. “It is customary that the bishop allows the groom to stipulate the parish.”
“There is no waiting period for the banns to be read?” she asked.
“No, there is not. A se’nnight later, we may exchange vows. Are you certain you wish to be wed in London?”
Elizabeth smiled at his endearing look of concern. “I am, truly.” She squeezed his hand. “I must write to my mother and father of our plans upon our return.”
Two hours later, Darcy handed Elizabeth from the carriage at Doctor’s Commons. They entered the ecclesiastical office, where a familiar grey-haired man sat in a chair.
“Good morning, Darcy,” the robed man said with a cheery smile.
Darcy was uncertain whether to kneel or bow. He reached for the priest’s hand, then drew back.
“What is it?” Elizabeth whispered.
“It is our cousin, the archbishop,” he said, weakly.
The older man clarified somewhat mischievously, “The Archbishop of Canterbury, if I may be so bold.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened and she quickly curtseyed. “Your Excellency.”
Darcy regained himself. “Your Grace.”
“Imagine my surprise. I come to town to see to church business and I spot your carriage from across the lane.” He paused. “Shall you apply for a licence, from my hand?”
Darcy pressed his lips together. The archbishop’s dry humour was legendary in their family circle. He gathered himself, now that his shock had dissipated and he was on more familiar territory. “Allow me to introduce my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”
The archbishop’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “How long have you known Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
“Your Excellency,” Darcy replied with gravitas, “I fear your premise is incomplete.”
“What should my question be?”
“I would ask you to amend your enquiry to ‘How long have you searched for your betrothed?’”
The archbishop seemed to savour the wordplay. “And your reply, my dear boy?”
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.”
“Aristotle. How delightful.” The archbishop opened a large leather book. The pages were filled with names, numbers, and parish designations. “I heartily approve.”
Upon their return, Elizabeth commandeered Darcy’s study. She later handed him a letter for her father. The following morning, she opened his prompt reply, which brought her desires to fruition—the Bennet family would arrive at Darcy House two days hence.
The Bennet carriage entered the city and continued at its sedate pace towards its destination. As the lanes crowded, the carriage moved at a crawl.
“Remember Jane’s guidance,” Franny told the younger girls. “Miss Darcy is a delightful young lady but naturally shy. We must present ourselves well to dissuade her reticence.”
“Miss Darcy is fortunate to be gaining Lizzy as a sister,” offered Kitty. “I hope she will like our gift.”
Lydia patted her hatbox. “Of course she will! This creation is perfect for her. I made sure the veil met with Jane’s instructions.”
“How clever are our girls, Franny. Arriving in Bethlehem with gifts,” Mr Bennet said with an indulgent smile upon them all.
“None of your wit, dear. Save it for your friend.”
He waggled his eyebrows, gaining smiles and giggles just as the carriage turned into Grosvenor Square.
In the withdrawing parlour, a large tea tray, cold sandwiches, and fruits sat on the sideboard. Mama, Kitty, and Lydia had accompanied Mrs Annesley and Miss Darcy on a house tour. Mr George Darcy and Papa had paired off by the dormant hearth, heads close together. Mr Darcy entertained Elizabeth and Jane. Mary sat with Lady Catherine, who seemed to be measuring her. For what, pray tell?
“Miss Mary Bennet, do you know why I have sought you out?”
“Something to do with Mr Collins I suppose?”
“Has my parson made you an offer of marriage?”
“He has, and I have accepted him.”
Lady Catherine seemed pleased. “And has Mr Collins sought your father’s blessing?”
“He has not.”
“That does surprise me.”
Mary glanced at her father, who returned her silent enquiry with a raised eyebrow. “It has surprised my father as well.” She turned back to Lady Catherine. “I have complete faith in Mr Collins.”
Lady Catherine glanced over her shoulder, then turned back to Mary. “Mr Collins loves you dearly, child. I look forward to seeing you regularly at Rosings Park.”
That evening, Jane and Elizabeth joined the younger girls in Georgiana’s sitting room. Having donned dressing gowns and robes, they all took seats on the floor, just as they might have at home. Georgiana looked hesitant for a moment, then with a giggle, sank down with them.
“It is lovely to be amongst you,” Georgiana said. “I hope my lack of experience with sisterly society will not make me seem silly.”
“You shall be our newest, most beloved sister,” said Mary reassuringly.
“Perhaps when Mary marries Mr Collins, we three may have our first Season together!” Lydia exclaimed.
“Our dearest Mary has captured the heart of an excellent man,” said Elizabeth, “but Jane has the most admirable suitor of all.”
“Jane? You do? Who is he?”
Jane sighed. “My most constant friend. At Season’s end, we shall wed.”
“I am so pleased for you,” Georgiana said. “If he is as excellent a man as my brother, you will be happy indeed.”
“Oh, he is a fine man,” Jane said, smiling at Elizabeth. “Even Lizzy would agree he rivals Mr Darcy in looks and character.”
“Jane! Now Lizzy will get that dreamy look and forget we are here!” Lydia threw a small pillow. Everyone laughed.
Georgiana dropped her eyes. “I am very happy for you all. I shall enjoy being the aunt who visits regularly and teaches your children to play their instruments.”
“Whatever do you mean?” asked Kitty.
“Well, I doubt I shall ever marry.”
Lydia, Kitty, and Mary turned to Elizabeth, who whispered. “Jane? Perhaps you might…?”
Jane turned to Kitty, “Have you your drawings, my dear?”
“Oh! Of course.” Kitty rose and hastened away, returning quickly with her sketch-book.
Lydia took Georgiana’s hand. “There is no one so admired as Jane.”
“Although Jane has always been the perfect beauty to us, she has not always been as flawless in the eyes of society,” replied Mary.
Kitty turned her sketch-book to show her drawing. She had captured Jane perfectly. Her golden tresses. Her blue eyes. Her ruby lips. And across that perfect face were two angry, blood-red crevasses—one from her forehead across her nose, the other from her cheek to her chin.
“I have never seen something so beautiful and at the same time, so beastly.” Georgiana gasped and covered her mouth. Reaching to grasp Jane’s hand, she said, “Forgive me. I never knew.”
Jane pulled Georgiana into an embrace as she went on, “You are all so brave, so wonderful.”
“As you shall be,” replied Mary.
“How do you know?”
Georgiana looked at Elizabeth, who smiled sweetly before replying, “Because you shall be our sister, and all Bennet sisters are brave and wonderful.”