The day before the party from Kent was to arrive, Jane and Elizabeth were visiting Netherfield Park to join Louisa for tea. The latter two were in a discussion in which Hurst was also involved.
Jane and Bingley sat on a settee a little away from the rest where they could speak without being overheard. “My aunt in Scarborough informed us of Caroline’s tantrum when she heard of the courtship between Lizzy and Darcy,” Bingley revealed.
“Surely she is not so delusional as to think Mr. Darcy would suddenly change his mind about her?” Jane enquired in wonder.
“No, she is aware of that fact. However knowing that and being sanguine about the woman she blames for all her ills succeeding where she never would have are two separate things,” Bingley explained.
“So, she is a dog in the manger,” Jane shook her head. She decided to speak of something more pleasant. “It pleases me no end to see Lizzy as happy as she is. It has always been a dream of mine for her to be as happy and in love—well almost as much—as me. It is only a pity when they marry they will be in the north and we here.”
“Did you think I would have you separated from your most loved sister?” Bingley averred. “My lease here is until the end of October of this year. I intend to ask Darcy to be on the lookout for an estate in his neighbourhood for me to purchase.”
The smile of pleasure that lit up his fiancée’s face told him of her approbation of his plan. “Only the weekend after today and then Monday before we marry,” Bingley reminded his Jane, “I cannot wait.”
“It is the same as I feel,” Jane agreed.
In another two hours, the Bennet carriage arrived to transport the two eldest Miss Bennets back to Longbourn.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Thanks to the younger married Bennets being hosted at Longbourn, that estate was the first stop for the coaches arriving from Rosings Park. Mary and William were warmly welcomed home by their family.
“Marriage becomes you,” Fanny beamed at her middle daughter.
“Thank you, Mama,” Mary replied with a warm smile.
If there had not been her whole family and those in the conveyances watching, Elizabeth would have fallen into William’s arms. “It isverygood to see you,” she said instead when William, who had alighted to allow her sister and brother to do so, approached her.
Darcy gave a stately bow. “Not nearly as pleasurable as it is to see you,” Darcy stated. “My hearing you had accepted your sister’s invitation warmed my heart.”
“As it did mine when Mary extended it,” Elizabeth averred.
“You two will see one another at dinner here this evening,” Bennet said amusedly as he watched the looks of love passing between his second daughter and her suitor.
Both coloured as they had entered their own world in which no one else was around them when Bennet’s remark had brought them back to reality.
Fanny swatted her husband’s arm playfully. “Thomas, you are embarrassing them!” Fanny exclaimed quietly.
“Until dinner then,” Darcy bowed over his beloved’s hand, bestowing a kiss on it, which had not the impediment of a glove.
Her blush only deepened as she felt the waves of pleasure from feeling his lips on her skin.
Darcy reboarded his coach. He struck the ceiling with the head of his cane and the conveyance lurched forward as the horses took up the strain and began to pull the equipage back towards the estate’s gateposts.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Overjoyed was Fanny Bennet when she witnessed her eldest marry. It was her second daughter to do so, and with Lizzy being courted, the number would soon increase to three daughters well situated.
The wedding was being held in the Longbourn village church and like Mary’s wedding, there was not an open pew available. Jane had looked resplendent in a pale blue wedding gown which had accentuated the cerulean blue of her eyes.
Rather than a wedding bonnet like Mary had worn, Jane wore a veil made of delicate Belgium lace. Her gloves were satin and pure white which reached her elbow where the sleeve of her gown ended. Jane was wearing a sapphire bracelet, necklace, and earrings—all engagement gifts from Charles.
When the congregation stood to signal the bride’s approach, Elizabeth broke her eye contact with William. She turned her sight towards the inner vestibule doors. Jane began gliding up the aisle on their father’s arm.
Bingley had been mesmerised when he saw his Jane begin her walk towards him, but Darcy had prodded him so when Jane arrived at the head of the aisle, he was waiting for her.
Before either member of the couple could blink they were exchanging vows and giving and receiving rings. They had decided to each give a ring even though most did not.
Darcy and Elizabeth’s eyes were locked one on the other’s, hardly blinking as they each silently recited the words of the vows to themselves when Jane and then Bingley recited them aloud.
