Jane’s eyes filled with tears, and she reached for Elizabeth. “Oh, Lizzy, what should I do without you? You have always been my dearest friend as well as my sister. When my spirits have faltered, you have lifted them; when I have doubted, you have given me courage. I am glad beyond words that you will be near, even after I am married.”
Elizabeth pressed her cheek to Jane’s shoulder, smiling through her own emotion. “And I am glad beyond words that Charles has the sense to see what a treasure he has won. He could not have chosen better, Jane. If I were he, I would either marry my sister to some poor soul or else send her to live with his large family in Yorkshire.”
Jane laughed, though her tears ran down her cheeks. “And perhaps he will. I may even summon the courage to suggest it to him.”
The sisters remained awake for a long while, discussing the future, until the candles burned low and the house fell silent.
Chapter 26: Jane Marries
Jane and Mr. Bingley were married in the first week of November. It was a grey morning, and the fields lay barren. The ash and beech trees had already shed their leaves, and the oaks on Oakham Mount were nearly bare as well. Yet inside the Meryton chapel, it was warm with well-wishers and kind neighbors, gathered to see the young couple begin their new life together.
Jane entered on her father’s arm, dressed in her sapphire gown and wearing a short white fur cloak to keep her comfortable through the service. She was happy, and instead of her usual serene countenance, she smiled as she walked up the nave, her eyes fixed on Mr. Bingley. He stood waiting at the altar, and the usually jovial man had tears in his eyes. Mr. Darcy, tall and dark, stood beside his friend, but his gaze was directed toward Elizabeth, who stood opposite the altar, standing as a witness to her sister’s marriage.
The rector was the same man who had baptized Jane as an infant. He smiled at the young woman he had watched grow up, then lifted his voice in the familiar words:
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony...”
His voice filled the church. The vows were spoken first by Mr. Bingley and then by Jane. Elizabeth felt her eyes sting with tears when she heard her sister’s sweet voice repeat her vows. Only then did she realize that Jane’s dearest companion was now her husband. He had taken her place in Jane’s heart. And althoughshe knew that all was as it should be, she felt alone. Jane was now one of those whom she had lost in the past months. Alexander had been the first. She had loved him for most of her life; then Lady Lucas and Charlotte, both had been her refuge when her mother was petulant, and now, in a measure, she was losing Jane.
When the rector finished the blessing, a murmur of approval rose from the pews. Elizabeth forced aside her thoughts and followed the couple to the parish register to enter the marriage lines. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley signed side by side, smiling at one another as each took a turn. Elizabeth then watched as Mr. Darcy bent to sign his name. He was an attractive man, and she thought it a great pity that he was so disagreeable and had done so much to injure her and her family.
When the marriage lines were entered, Jane and Mr. Bingley walked arm in arm down the nave, both laughing. Mrs. Bennet stood to watch them pass, her hands pressed to her bosom, tears in her eyes. The congregation turned to watch the procession, many remarking how beautiful Jane looked. The sun had broken through the grey mist, and light was streaming through the high windows. Elizabeth admitted to herself that life was not always grey. Along with two very fine marriages, her father had at last taken Lydia under control, and the family was unlikely to face ruin on her account. Elizabeth smiled with gratitude for these blessings and followed the young newlyweds out of the church.
She was standing alone in the churchyard when Alexander approached with a slight frown.
“Elizabeth, you remained in London far too long. The enticements of city life will have turned your head.” His gaze swept over her figure. “And that gown is fashioned to display every advantage you possess. I find it difficult to look away, andI observe that others are equally ensnared. You are drawing far too much notice.”
Elizabeth’s eyes flashed. “Mr. Lucas, your remarks are impertinent. My gown is perfectly modest and entirely proper for a wedding. It is cut in the latest mode, and I like it very much. A compliment to my appearance would have been welcome, instead of your censure.” She frowned at him. “It would be well for you to remember that you address a gentleman’s daughter, and I expect the respect due my station.”
Mr. Darcy had followed Elizabeth out, and now he stepped forward before Alexander could reply. His baritone voice caught them both by surprise. “You would do well to apologize, sir, and to moderate your speech. A gentlewoman deserves respect, and if you would be thought worthy of her notice, you must treat her well.” Caroline Bingley placed herself just behind Mr. Darcy, smirking with evident malice. Elizabeth turned away.Was it not enough to endure the insult of two men, but that Caroline must also be present to relish every humiliation?
Alexander looked at the man, then apologized to Elizabeth and withdrew. But Mary King, who had watched the entire scene, now came up and took his arm. “Why are you speaking to Elizabeth again? I saw you staring at her as she walked down the nave, and then you followed her out. What were you telling her that was so important? I believe you still have feelings for her, but you will not admit it to me. You looked like a wolf on the hunt.” She clung more tightly to his sleeve.
“Mary, you should temper your remarks. You sound like a jealous cat, and I will not bear it.” He disentangled her arm and moved away.
Charlotte came up to her brother. “Alexander, have you argued with Mary?”
He was angry, and before he could stop himself, said, “I know Mamma means well, but the lure of ten thousand pounds weighs less heavily with each day I pass in Mary’s company.”
At the wedding breakfast, Mr. Darcy stationed himself near Elizabeth and Georgiana. He did not speak, but he watched Elizabeth and attended to her conversation with his sister.
“Lizzy, I am so happy to see you again,” Georgiana said. “I have missed you, and I have missed being in Meryton. I feel lonely in London.”
Elizabeth took the young girl’s hand. “I am sorry we did not spend time together when I was in town, but I am certain you have been busy. How is it going with your new music master?”
The two young women were still talking when Sir Lawrence approached and bowed. “I have saved a place for you, Miss Elizabeth, at the table. Will you join me?”
Elizabeth looked at her young friend. “Come with us, Georgiana.” She took her hand, and the two followed Sir Lawrence.
“Sit here, Miss Elizabeth, and save this chair for me.”
Elizabeth set her reticule and gloves upon the chair to reserve it while he seated Georgiana at her other side. “I shall fetch our plates.”
Elizabeth caught his arm. “Sir Lawrence, bring only one plate for me and Georgiana. We will share. I have very little appetite.”
He smiled down at her. “Miss Elizabeth, I have seen how close you are to your sister. Are you missing her already?”
She smiled up at him. “I am afraid so, sir.” She released his arm, and he moved away to serve them.
