Chapter 51
Chapter Fifty-One
Rain 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.