Thus, it was only Darcy, Georgiana, Mrs. Darcy, and Bingley who departed Netherfield that fine spring morning for Longbourn and Darcy’s destiny. Mrs. Younge, who was only slightly less objectionable than Miss Bingley, stayed behind to offer the woman companionship for the day.
It was not long before the carriage arrived at Longbourn, and though Darcy had the presence of mind to hand his mother and cousin down from the carriage, it was a near thing. Mrs. Hill greeted them, seeming to sense that significant events were in the offing, and led them at once to the sitting-room where the family awaited them. The moment he entered the room, Darcy’s eyes rested on Elizabeth like a starving man on a feast, and he greeted her with alacrity, though their reunion did not last long.
“Mrs. Bennet,” said he to the matron, “can I trouble you to send for Mr. Bennet? There is a matter of some urgency to discuss.”
Though Mrs. Bennet appeared mystified, she did not hesitate, and soon Mr. Bennet entered the room and welcomed Darcy to Longbourn.
“Darcy! To what do we owe the pleasure of your coming this morning?”
The moment upon him, Darcy glanced down at Elizabeth, and seeing her curiosity, he grinned and clasped her hand in his. “I have come this morning because I have decided I can no longer tolerate this state of affairs.”
Darcy reached into his jacket pocket and produced the wedding license. “As I have our license here, I wish to go at once to Longbourn’s church and have Mr. Smith perform the ceremony.”
For a moment, stunned silence prevailed in the room. Mr. Bennet’s loud guffaw broke the sudden quietude.
“I see I was correct, son!” exclaimed he, wiping a trace of tears from his eyes. “I had wondered if you would endure another week.”
“Married today?” demanded Mrs. Bennet. “What a silly notion! You cannot upset all our planning and marry at once. Why, what will the neighbors think?”
Though Darcy exchanged a look with his pending father-in-law, Mr. Bennet motioned to him to take the lead, his expression suggesting that Darcy had provoked this and had best assume the burden of persuading his future mother-in-law. Darcy did not hesitate to make his case.
“Mrs. Bennet,” said Darcy. “If you recall, Elizabeth and I would already be married these past two months complete had I not needed to go to Pemberley. We have already delayed the wedding for that reason.
“As we have discussed, Lady Catherine knows the date of the wedding and will almost certainly act to disrupt it, if not object in the middle of the ceremony. If we marry today, then we will thwart her designs, and Elizabeth will not need to endure a disturbance in the most consequential event of her life.”
“What my friend hasnotsaid,” added Bingley, “is that my sister is not content to visit and not make her case to supplant Miss Elizabeth as the bride.” Mr. Bingley offered Elizabeth a grin. “I know she has no chance of prevailing, for I can see my friend’s besotted state and eagerness to unite with you.”
“I am no less eager,” said Elizabeth, beginning to regain her poise. “Then Miss Bingley has provoked you to this impulsive suggestion?”
“Perhaps not in full,” said Darcy. “Yet I believe it is best that we marry at once, for we have waited long enough.”
“What of the wedding breakfast and the ball?” wailed Mrs. Bennet. “What of all the work we have done to make your day special?”
“It will still be special, Maggie.” Mrs. Darcy approached the Bennet matron, sitting beside her and taking her hand. “Those events may still proceed as designed. The wedding itself is a simple ceremony that does not have a particular defined schedule and may be completed whenever convenient. Instead of an engagement ball, we can have a wedding ball, and the wedding breakfast can proceed as planned.”
“You know, I believe you are correct, Darcy,” said Bennet, his slow nod indicating his quick warmth toward the idea. “Itismore than a little unorthodox, so much that I would not have suspected you of proposing it, but I believe it would be best for you and Lizzy to marry at once.
“Do not trouble yourself, Mrs. Bennet,” continued he to his wife. “As Mrs. Darcy suggested, we may still hold those events as planned, and you may show your daughter to all and sundry as you have designed. The only difference is that she will be married, rather than on the cusp of resigning our name.”
Mrs. Bennet did not appear convinced, but she offered a dubious nod, allowing Bennet to turn his attention to Elizabeth. Father and daughter, as close as any Darcy had ever seen, shared a knowing grin.
“I believe the final decision must rest with Elizabeth, for she is the other principal in this affair. What say you, Lizzy?”
TO SAY THIS ALTERATIONto their plans did not shock Elizabeth would be incorrect, for she had never been more surprised than when William suggested they marry at once. While confusion reigned in her breast, William caught her gaze and held it, and something profound passed between them. The more she considered it, the more Elizabeth had no choice but to acknowledge that she had no wish to wait any longer. Perhaps this was unorthodox as her father suggested, but Elizabeth feltthe indecision fall away in favor of peace, a rightness in her heart that told her she also did not wish to endure the coming week. She had waited long enough—now was the time for action.
“Then let us go to the church, William,” said she, setting his features to glowing with happiness at her agreement. “I shall step into these uncharted waters without hesitation if I know you will sail them by my side.”
Darcy raised her hand to his lips. “Always, my beloved. If you will prepare, we shall go at once.”
Thereafter, Longbourn was a flurry of activity. With the decision made, the family took themselves to their rooms to prepare for the coming wedding, the maids helping Elizabeth into her dress while her mother fussed and fretted and directed them all to twenty different tasks. It was fortunate that Mrs. Darcy was at hand; she had a way of calming Mrs. Bennet and turning her focus to the most important matters. Mr. Bennet sent John, his footman, to the church with a message, warning Mr. Smith of their imminent arrival, and soon all was in motion.
“Oh, Lizzy!” exclaimed Jane a short time later as she entered Elizabeth’s room and enfolded her in an embrace. “I expected to have my sister to myself for another week! I shall endure it, however, for I am beyond happy for your good fortune. Mr. Darcy is the best man I have ever seen—I wish you all the bliss in your coming situation.”
“Even better than Mr. Bingley?” asked Elizabeth, fixing her sister with a crooked grin. “I declare, Jane, that Mr. Bingley’s expression as he watched Mr. Darcy make his case showed the gentleman was considering the possibility of meetinganotherBennet sister at the altar.”
“Do not be silly, Lizzy,” said Jane, showing a demure smile. “I have not known Mr. Bingley long.”
“Perhaps you have not,” agreed Elizabeth. “But I am certain the gentleman already knows his mind.”
