Chapter 34 Jane Weds
The church stood empty save for Sir Gareth’s parents, his sister, the three Bennets, and Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth attended her dearest sister, while Richard attended Sir Gareth.
As Jane’s sweet voice intoned the solemn vows, Elizabeth lifted her gaze and met her father’s eyes. Tears coursed silently down his cheeks. Mary stood silent next to him, pressing her handkerchief to her own eyes.
Afterward, they entered their names into the marriage register. After the simple ceremony, they returned to Rosings and shared a meal together. There was no wedding breakfast nor celebration, for Lady Catherine lay upon her deathbed.
Anne left the church as soon as the ceremony concluded, hurrying back to her mother’s side, lest she pass in her absence. She joined her uncle at her mother’s bedside and was grateful she still breathed.
They all dined at Rosings, and Sir Gareth, along with his family, remained at the grand estate for three hours, allowing Jane time with her father.
Now, Elizabeth was upstairs with Jane, helping her pack away the remaining accouterments used to prepare her for her wedding ceremony.
“Lizzy, Mr. Darcy has arranged matters with Papa and my dear husband so that you may accompany us when we travel to London for the season. He intends to resume his courtship there.”
Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled. “I feel like a foolish green girl, Jane. I am filled with raptures, flutters, and excitement at the thought of dancing at a ball in the arms of Prince Charming, to whom, against all expectation, I find myself betrothed.”
Jane took her sister’s hand and twirled her around. “You and I are the most fortunate creatures that ever existed, Lizzy.”
When she released her, Jane’s eyes clouded. “If only our sister’s marriage would improve.”
Jane departed with her new family, while Mr. Bennet accompanied Mary back to the parsonage. She intended to pack her belongings while her father explained to her husband that she would return to Longbourn under his protection.
Thomas Bennet took both of Mary’s hands.
“Are you quite certain, my dear? Do you understand what you are doing?”
“Papa, Mr. Collins neither esteems nor respects me. He scarcely believes a word I say, and for some reason, he does not trust me. He is jealous, sir, though I have never offered him the slightest cause. He has convinced himself I was violated during my captivity and refuses to believe me when I assure him otherwise.”
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
“Sir, he appears to think me of no consequence because I brought him no dowry. I will not remain with such a man. I hope a separation may teach him what he stands to lose.”
“And how are we to explain your return to our neighbors?” Mr. Bennet asked. “What excuse shall he offer his parishioners?”
“I hoped you might invite him to visit us at Longbourn for one week each month so he may learn the management of the estate. Our neighbors will see that we are united. As for my return, we shall say Mamma will care for me through a difficult pregnancy.”
“Are you with child, my dear?”
“I believe so, Papa. I have not experienced many signs of the condition as yet, but I suffer from severe fatigue. I shall know more once I have spoken with my mother.”
Thomas Bennet fell silent as he considered all that his daughter proposed.
“Will his patroness permit him to absent himself one week each month?”
“Yes, sir, I believe they will. The Fitzwilliams are my close friends, and they wish for my marriage to succeed. They are pleased with the service Mr. Collins has provided to the parish. If our neighbors see him from time to time, they will be less inclined toward gossip.”
Mr. Bennet considered this.
“If I take him through the shops at Meryton, and introduce him to the tenants and neighboring families, I believe we may carry this off, my dear. I will speak with your husband. I doubt the man fully understands what there is in his manner that others find disagreeable, but we may at least attempt to mend matters.”
And so, it was settled.
Thomas Bennet remained closeted with his son-in-law for two hours while they discussed the arrangement and worked through every detail.
Thomas would send his carriage each month to collect Mr. Collins, and at the end of the week, it would return him to Hunsford in time to conduct Sunday service. The Fitzwilliams approved of the arrangement and also informed the rector that they expected to remove to London within a week or two.
The following day, Mr. Collins bid farewell to his father-in-law and his wife.
Mary had feared he might treat her with resentment or anger, but he behaved kindly. Indeed, he appeared desirous of repairing their difficulties, and she took what comfort she could.
Mr. Darcy and Georgiana sat with Elizabeth while she awaited her father’s arrival.
“My darling, we return to London after the burial. It shall not be long now. Dr. Miller has cautioned that my aunt has only a few hours left.”
“Yes, sir.”
Georgiana threw her arms about Elizabeth’s neck. “I shall miss you, Lizzy.”
“We shall meet again in London very soon, my dear. Jane and her husband travel to Longbourn in three weeks to celebrate a belated wedding breakfast. They will visit for only a week. I shall send you a note once I arrive in town.”
The young girl dried her eyes and blew her nose. “May I write to you?”
Elizabeth kissed her cheek. “Yes, we shall write to one another.”
Anne descended upon her husband’s arm and took Elizabeth’s hands. “Lizzy, I remain grateful for all you have done. I wish you might remain with us.”
“I would dearly love to, but Papa declares it improper now that Mr. Darcy and I are betrothed.”
“I understand. I shall visit you once you are settled in London.”
Drake entered the room. “The Bennet carriage has arrived, sir.”
Darcy escorted Elizabeth outside, with the others following behind. He bent his head and, in a lowered voice, said, “Elizabeth, I wish I could go with you.”
Her eyes filled at his confession. “Sir, I wish the same.”
Mr. Bennet’s voice was firm. “Come, Elizabeth. We must depart.”
Darcy pressed her hand while assisting her into the carriage. She watched him through the window until they rounded a bend and the grove concealed him from view. Elizabeth settled against the squabs and fought the loneliness tightening her throat. Then her father’s voice broke through her misery.
“Do you miss your husband already, my girl?”
Mary pressed her handkerchief to her eyes and sniffed. “No, sir. I weep from relief. Mr. Collins’s presence weighs heavily upon me, like a burden. At this moment, I feel as though that burden has been lifted.”
“Burden?”
“Yes, sir. He believes me unworthy of him. Had I brought him a dowry, he would have esteemed me for my financial value. Had I possessed great beauty, he would have prized me as the handsomest woman in his parish. It means nothing that I manage his household efficiently, nor that the servants come to me with every difficulty.”
Elizabeth’s heart ached for her sister. She drew near and placed an arm about her shoulders.
“Well then, my dear, we must teach him. He shall begin his education through the inconveniences your absence will create. He has grown accustomed to a well-ordered house, mended collars and cuffs, darned stockings, a good table, and your serene presence. And you have a fine face and figure. He shall learn, provided he is not entirely witless.”
“Yes, sir, that is my hope. In the meantime, I shall be very happy to return to Longbourn and spend a few months free from his darkness.”
That evening, when Mary was handed down from the Bennet carriage, Mrs. Bennet was astonished to see her married daughter returned home without her husband.
She asked, “Why, Mary, where is Mr. Collins? Have you come on a visit without your husband?”
Mr. Bennet winced inwardly at yet another deception he must now sustain.
His thoughts drifted to Lydia, somewhere upon the sea, bound for India. He and Elizabeth must ever hide the true date of the marriage, and the circumstances surrounding it must remain concealed forever.
Now he faced another nine months, perhaps longer, of deception while Mary and her husband attempted to mend their differences.
He met the moment directly.
“Mrs. Bennet, your daughter is with child and in need of your care and guidance. I insisted upon bringing her home to ensure the well-being of the future heir of Longbourn.”
“Of course, Mr. Bennet. You have acted very properly in bringing her home to me.”
She looked about for her faithful servant.
“Hill, have Alice prepare Mary’s room at once, and pray serve tea in the front parlor. Mary, my dear, come inside with me. It is far too cold for you to remain standing outdoors. You must be chilled through.”
As Mary led the party into the house, Mrs. Bennet halted and fixed her attention upon Elizabeth.
“Why, Lizzy, what has brought you back to Longbourn? Mr. Bennet declared that you and Jane were both to marry. Never tell me your intended has cast you off. Have you been jilted, Elizabeth? I confess I am not in the least surprised, for you have always possessed an obstinate and headstrong disposition…”
Elizabeth drew herself up, but her father answered before she might speak in her own defense.
“Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, lies very ill. The family expects she shall pass to her eternal reward before the day concludes. Mr. Darcy must wait at least six weeks before he may marry quietly.”
“Oh, my dear Elizabeth, I did not know. Well, I am thankful to learn he has not cast you off.”
“Mamma, you must not speak in such a manner,” Elizabeth said, exasperated.
Thomas Bennet’s face reddened. “Mrs. Bennet, I do not wish to hear such nonsense from you again. Do you intend to drive Elizabeth’s wealthy suitor away?
If you make our daughter’s name a byword, ma’am, you may rest assured no respectable gentleman will bind himself to her. Is that your wish, Frances?”
Elizabeth met her mother’s gaze with wounded eyes.
“No, sir.”