“I would like a practical man. Someone I can speak with about ordinary matters. I do not know how you can bear to debate with Papa about philosophy. I should be bored to tears. I want a man of action, a man of purpose, such as a physician, a rector, or a solicitor.”
Elizabeth asked, “How about an estate owner?”
Mary hesitated. “Yes, perhaps, if the estate were moderate in size and not too grand. I want a man willing to work with his hands.”
Elizabeth stepped out from behind the screen, wrapped in a towel. “Ring for Miss Ellis. She may bring your water up now.”
As Mary rose to do so, Elizabeth went to the window and pushed it open. “What say you, Mary? There is nothing below this window but grass. Shall I empty the bathwater here and save Miss Ellis another trip up and down the stairs?”
Mary grinned. “Yes, do it. I will do the same.”
Elizabeth took the empty bucket and began scooping the used bathwater into it with a cup until the hip bath was drained. Both sisters laughed as she worked. Then she tipped the bucket out the window. Elizabeth set the empty bucket by the door and dried her hands. “There, that will help a little. Now, Mary, help me dress for breakfast. Aunt Maddie said she would come soon to help me dress for the wedding.”
When they were both bathed and dressed, they stopped to collect Jane and Georgiana, and they went down to breakfast together. The gentlemen were out riding, so the ladies sat with Mrs. Hurst and took their meal in cheerful company.
The women were relaxed, conversing in the breakfast parlor, when a bustle sounded in the front entrance. Mrs. Gardiner was announced. Elizabeth rose at once and hurried to her aunt.
“Lizzy, come up with me. I am to deliver you to the church on time. We must get you dressed. Mr. Darcy wrote that the service is scheduled for nine, the wedding breakfast at ten, and you are to leave for London by three. Come, it is already eight o’clock.”
“Aunt Maddie, allow me the pleasure of presenting my future sister-in-law, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgiana, this is Mrs. Madeline Gardiner, my aunt.”
After the introductions were performed, Mrs. Gardiner said, “Come along, girls, you must all dress. We must not make Lizzy late to her own wedding.”
The women hurried up the stairs, chattering and laughing. Miss Bingley stood in the hall. “So, it is your wedding day, Miss Eliza. Poor Mr. Darcy. I quite despair for him. He will never know another happy day in his life.”
Louisa came up behind her and took her arm. “Come, dear, you are still unwell. Come back into your room.”
All the women watched as Louisa led her sister down the opposite corridor toward the family wing.
Mrs. Gardiner asked, “Is that young woman ill?”
Elizabeth answered, “Not to my knowledge, Aunt Maddie, but she has loved Mr. Darcy for seven years, and she is much distressed by this unexpected marriage.”
Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece. “And you, Elizabeth? Did her scorching words injure you?”
“No, ma’am. Mr. Darcy told me only yesterday that he remains of a mind to marry me, and he believes we shall be very happy.”
“I believe so, too. For who could not be happy with my little Lizzy? He will soon learn to laugh. Yes, he will be very happy indeed.”
Elizabeth sat at the dressing table while Miss Ellis arranged her hair in an elegant chignon. Some of the tresses were braided and intertwined. Pins and a pearl circlet secured thedelicate veil. Elizabeth was dressed in a rose-colored silk gown with an empire yoke and a scooped neckline; the bodice and three-quarter length sleeves were covered with a matching lace overlay. Her slippers were of the same shade.
They heard a tap at the door, and when she answered it, Jane saw Mr. Darcy’s valet standing there. He handed her a small box. “Miss Bennet, Mr. Darcy asks that his betrothed wear this during the service.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Jane brought the box to Elizabeth. Inside was a velvet bag, and when she untied the strings, a diamond necklace slipped into her hand. She stood staring down at the lovely piece. The women drew near, and they all four stood speechless, looking at the beautiful thing that lay glittering on Elizabeth’s palm.
“Lizzy, he must love you. This is an exquisite wedding gift.” Jane kissed her sister’s cheek and added, “All will be well. You shall see.”
Mrs. Gardiner took the necklace and clasped it around her neck; it rested just above her bosom. “My girl, this bodes well for your life with Mr. Darcy. I, too, believe he is already in love with you.”
“Well, Lizzy, you are dressed for your wedding, and it is now eight forty-five. Mr. Darcy’s carriage is waiting. Your father’s carriage is also ready. Mr. Darcy and the other gentlemen are already at the church.”
Elizabeth’s stomach fluttered. She looked anxiously at her aunt.
“Never fear, my dear,” Mrs. Gardiner said gently. “It will all go well. You are both willing to speak openly and to work things out. You are both young and handsome, so there can be no want of attraction. Always remember, Lizzy, that you are lovely. Donot let Mr. Darcy’s careless words about your appearance make you believe otherwise.”
“Yes, Aunt Maddie, I will try to remember.”
