Chapter Eighty-Eight
Atriple wedding was certainly not something that happened every day.
The Gardiners, who came to Longbourn for Christmas every year, stayed for it.
Miss Bingley and the Hursts were in attendance.
Miss Bingley told Mrs. Bennet, rather shyly, that she had met a gentleman who was interested in the same things that she was, and that she enjoyed his company far more than she had ever enjoyed Mr. Darcy’s.
It being a triple wedding, there were three attendants: Kitty, Lydia, and Georgiana. Everyone was in their best looks and on their best behaviour.
For the three brides and the three grooms, the ceremony was just a blur. Elizabeth almost felt that she had been in a stupor of some sort, and came to consciousness only when everyone gathered at Netherfield for the wedding breakfast.
Miss Bingley had begged to be allowed to assist Mrs. Bennet in arranging it, pointing out that there were a good many viands - not to mention flowers - that were more readily available in London than in Meryton.
Mrs. Bennet agreed, and so the breakfast was the most elegant spread than anyone in Meryton had ever seen.
Hothouse flowers bloomed on every surface; there were three different wedding cakes, and breads, meats, cheeses and fruits of all sorts were on the table. There were a good many gasps of surprise and delight from the guests, and the room was soon filled with happy laughter.
Mr. Darcy took Mr. and Mrs. Bennet aside and said, “When Georgiana has her come-out, I hope you will allow me the honour of sponsoring Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia as well. It will not be this year, of course, but next year or the one after.”
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat and said, “The expense –“
“No,” Mr. Darcy said at once. “I will bear the entirety of the expense. Please understand; it will make Georgiana far easier if she has her friends beside her.” He cleared his throat and went on.
“In addition, I will add five thousand pounds to each of their dowries, in thanks for the service they did my sister. I hope both of you will join us in London for that occasion. There is room in the townhouse for everyone, and I believe that you, Mrs. Bennet, would enjoy yourself immensely. As for you, sir,” he went on, turning to his new father by marriage with a twinkle in his eye, “I can tell you that the library at my townhouse, while small in comparison with the one at Pemberley, is not insignificant.”
Eyes filled with joy and anticipation, Mrs. Bennet agreed at once. Mr. Bennet grumbled, but his wife poked him, and he said, sighing, “Very well. But only because of the library!”
Two hours later, Mr. Darcy turned to his new wife and said, “Are you ready?”
“I suppose I am,” she said. “Oh, how I will miss them all!”
“I know; but they will be our guests at Pemberley as often as I can arrange it, dear Elizabeth. And, of course, you will have –“
“Me!” Georgiana crowed. She had been standing behind Elizabeth for the past minute.
Elizabeth laughed and turned to hug her new sister. “My fifth sister!” she said. “Very well, Fitzwilliam, I am ready.”
Her trunks were already strapped to the back of the Darcy carriage. Goodbyes were said again and again, hugs were exchanged, promises of correspondence were made, and finally – finally! – Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and Miss Darcy were on their way home.