“Yes, I am there for the winter. Well, at least, I was. That is —” Darcy let his words trail off, but he was not above laughing at himself for his clumsiness. “I am to be married.”
His aunt nearly swallowed her tongue in surprise, but the look on her face was by no means displeased. She glanced at the people crowded around them before hurrying him out of the room. When at last she found a private corner, Aunt Beatrix fixed him with a level stare. “What is this? I have received no letter. When is this to take place?”
“Well, that is why I am here. You will likely receive my letter with the news shortly. We had intended to wait for the banns to be read. However, I have much business to attend to at Pemberley, and I find I cannot bear to go back without taking my Elizabeth with me.” Darcy took a deep breath, thankful that every word was the truth, for he had never cared for deception. If he misrepresented the origin of their plans, it was at least entirely true that business awaited him at Pemberley, for it always did, and that he could not bear to be apart from Elizabeth one moment longer than absolutely necessary. “I’ve come to London to apply for a license, and if it is granted, we will be married as soon as I return to Meryton.”
“This week! My goodness, I have heard of short engagements but this —” She smiled and shook her head, wrapping him in a motherly embrace. “I could not be happier for you, my boy. And your cousins will be pleased as well. Catherine will be furious, of course, but you need not concern yourself with what my sister thinks. I certainly never do!”
“Thank you, Aunt,” Darcy said. “I shall do my best. I only hope that she does not upset my bride.”
The countess eyed him narrowly. “You have chosen a woman of wit and spirit, I hope?”
Darcy smiled, picturing Elizabeth. “Of course.”
“Then she will handle Lady Catherine,” Aunt Beatrix said, nodding decisively. “Your uncle and I will make the trip to Hertfordshire, if you like. Fitzwilliam is on assignment now, or else he would have loved to come.”
“We would be delighted by your attendance.” Indeed, he would like to have the occasion honoured by some of his relatives. With his Aunt Catherine’s stubbornness and CousinAnne’s fragile health, he would not be surprised if they had refused to come if the wedding had been held a few months from now, let alone a few days. “It will be a small wedding party. Perhaps we can hold a party in the spring, when the roads are better.”
“Yes, that is a marvellous idea. It does my heart good to think of Pemberley alive with parties and music again. It was a shame when your father closed the house off to guests following your poor mother’s death. He was never the same again without her.”
Darcy bowed his head at the mention of his mother and father. “I am afraid I would have sorely disappointed them with my choice of a wife. She is a wonderful person, but — even though her father is a landed gentleman — the family is far from our own level of wealth and consequence. And the property is entailed and will go to Mr Bennet’s cousin from Kent, the Reverend Mr Collins. I believe Aunt Catherine is his patroness.”
“Ah, yes, she has written about the funny little man. I suppose she chose him because he is easily controlled.” She pursed her lips and rolled her eyes heavenward. “But enough about that. Tell me about your bride to be.”
To speak of Elizabeth could only be a pleasure. Darcy found himself speaking with a volubility he had not known he possessed, telling his aunt how beautiful Elizabeth was, and how brilliant, how she completed a part of him he had not understood was missing, and how he could not live without her — hang his father’s plans for an illustrious marriage to a London heiress.
Far from looking impatient with his rhapsodising, the countess encouraged him, at last saying, “Well, I am not surprised that you will go for the license tomorrow. If youencounter any difficulties, you must come to us. Your uncle has his connections, you know.” She nodded, sure of herself.
Though it would likely be unnecessary, Darcy would be glad of any help to speed along the process. Already his heart was aching for his love, eager to return to Elizabeth and make her his wife.
His aunt was smirking at him when next he looked up. “What is it?” he asked.
“She has bewitched you, I see. I never thought I would see this day.” Aunt Beatrix chuckled low. “Love looks well on you.”
“She has bewitched me,” Darcy agreed. “Body and soul.”
Chapter 29
The week before the wedding was to take place had flown by as though on wings. Mr Darcy had returned with the wedding license in good time. Elizabeth had heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing him approach Longbourn, firstly for his safe return, and secondly because all could now go forward as planned.
Now, at last, the day of the wedding had arrived. Elizabeth had woken up early, nestling herself in the window seat of her bedroom one last time. She curled the blanket around her shoulders, watching the sunrise over the hills. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that she might never again see the sunrise from this spot.
Of course, she was elated to be marrying Mr Darcy. But there could be no great change without some grief, and her life was about to change forever. Elizabeth would marry the man she loved, leaving behind her childhood forever. She would be a wife by the end of the day, and perhaps one day not so far in the future, a mother. She would move to Derbyshire — so far away from all she knew. It was a daunting thought. But she also knew that if Mr Darcy were at her side, they could conquer anything.
Elizabeth rose from her seat, folded her favourite blanket, and took a last look about the room. Her gown had been finished only just in time and delivered from the dressmaker theprevious day. It was hung on the screen to prevent any wrinkles from forming, for nothing could be allowed to mar its pristine perfection. She went over and lightly stroked the delicate, shimmering silk. She hoped Mr Darcy would be as pleased with it as she was. For now, there could be no question of taking the risk that she might spill a spot of tea or a drop of jam on it during breakfast with her family. There would be time enough to come above stairs and change before the wedding.
It would be a light breakfast today, for the wedding breakfast that Mr Bingley and Georgiana had helped her plan would be everything extravagant. She had tried to tell them it was too lavish, but they had insisted. When she arrived in the dining room, everyone was already seated. Her father had been waiting for her by the arched doorway, and took her hands as she came in. “My dear Lizzy, I cannot believe that we part with you today. But I could not be happier, or more proud of you.” To Elizabeth’s astonishment, she thought his eyes looked rather moist. But Mr Bennet was not one to give way to sentiment for long. Clearing his throat, he went and sat at the head of the table. He picked up his fork, and breakfast commenced.
The younger girls all congratulated her, but her mother drowned them out. “I am only glad that you had the good sense to find a wealthy gentleman, Lizzy, and snap him up. Now, your younger sisters will not be destitute.”
“Mama, please,” Elizabeth laughed.
“Of course they will not be destitute, my dear. You forget, we have also been blessed with Strathalt House,” Mr Bennet said. “When I die and Mr Collins and Jane take over Longbourn, you may be secure and safe in Scotland, if nothing else.” He gave a sour glance at his eldest daughter and her fiancé. It was no secret that he was not pleased with the match, but Janehad evidently convinced him to give his permission, if not his blessing.
Elizabeth looked at her plate, but her appetite had fled. She comforted herself with the knowledge that she would soon be away from Jane and Mr Collins, and all the painful thoughts of the sisterly relationship that had gone so far astray.
“Yes, it is a fortunate day, is it not? Elizabeth has trapped herself a wealthy husband. But at what price to her virtue?” Jane asked. She raised her glass and sipped, as if to toast her hateful speech.
The whole table went silent, and even Mr Collins tried to speak up. “My dear, that was unkind. I do not —”
