“So long as he is gone, and no longer a threat to Elizabeth.” Darcy rose. “I believe I shall ride to Longbourn now.”
The Ladies Montrose had chosen to remain with the Bennets. Though the accommodations were humbler than Netherfield, Elizabeth wished to be near her dearest sister in the days before the wedding, and the Dowager Countess had no desire to be separated from her granddaughter. Darcy continued to reside at Netherfield Park with Bingley and his family.
Miss Bingley and Sir James had arrived the day before; the Hursts were already in residence, having remained through the winter. The dismal state of Bingley’s wine cellar stirred his indignation, and he announced to his relations they must depart promptly after the wedding.
Darcy called for a fresh horse. Bingley and his sister were likely already at Longbourn, as they went near daily. Miss Bingley busied herself with the wedding preparations, and her brother hovered devotedly at hisangel’sside.
In truth, Darcy envied him. Though he understood why he and Elizabeth were forced to wait, he did not like it. He longed to begin their life together in Derbyshire—far from danger, far from prying eyes—where he could have Elizabeth all to himself.
Lord and Lady Matlock had encountered Elizabeth at several events. His aunt had speculated about his connection to the newly discovered countess, but he had offered no information that might be passed along through theton.Lady Matlock, unfortunately, had a penchant for gossip. She would learn the truth, along with the rest of society, when the engagement was announced at Elizabeth’s ball.
Eager to see her, Darcy mounted the horse and urged it into a gallop. As the hooves thundered across the fields, each stride carried him nearer to her side. One vigorous ride later, he dismounted, handed the reins to a waiting servant, and hastened to the door.
It swung open before he could knock. Mr. Collins nearly collided with him on his way out.
“Oh! Forgive me, sir, I was not attending.” He beamed and bowed. Miss Mary came up behind him, resting a light hand on his arm.
“I had no idea you had returned to Hertfordshire,” Darcy said, offering a polite smile. He had not come to know the parson well, but he appeared steady; responsible and eager to be of use.
“I came for my dear cousin’s wedding…and for unfinished business.” Heglanced bashfully at Miss Mary, who looked equally shy.
“Then you must go to it.” Darcy grinned and stepped aside. The couple hurried toward the gardens, and he watched them go, recalling his own proposal.Mrs. Bennet will be pleased,he mused.Three daughters married. That is no small feat.
He stepped inside, where Hill greeted him and took his coat and hat. The old servant lingered, as though he wished to speak. Darcy nodded, granting permission.
“I just want to thank you, sir, for taking care of our Miss Lizzy,” Hill said respectfully. “I remember when she first came to the Bennets. She is one of theirs, and we never saw her as anything else.” He cleared his throat and turned away.
“You are most welcome,” Darcy replied. “She is easy to love.”
“That she is, sir. That she is.”
Darcy followed the sound of conversation to the parlor. Bingley sat with Mr. Bennet and Thomas, engaged in a lively debate. He turned instead toward his betrothed. She sat amongst her female relations, deep in discussion of wedding details. Miss Bingley was with them, speaking animatedly to Jane as they reviewed a list of final tasks.
“Ladies,” he greeted them. “Is everything prepared for the wedding?”
“It is,” Elizabeth replied. “Have you resolved your business?” She spoke vaguely, glancing at her adopted mother and giving a subtle shake of her head.
The Bennets do not know, then.He would honor Elizabeth’s choice to keep them unaware. Heaven knew they had worries enough already.
Chapter Thirty-Two
March 5, 1812
Longbourn
Elizabeth
Elizabethwaitedquietlyforher turn to walk down the aisle. Jane had gone ahead on their father’s arm, looking resplendent in a gown of cornflower blue. Her bouquet, a delicate arrangement of early spring blossoms, complemented her angelic countenance—now made lovelier still by joy. Elizabeth followed her sister and took her place across from Darcy. He stood up with his friend, just as she did for Jane.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony…”
Darcy met her gaze, and for the rest of the ceremony, they only looked at one another. Elizabeth imagined his thoughts mirrored her own. She pictured their wedding day; trees dressed in green, and flowers blooming everywhere. June felt far away. Part of her longed to elope, if only to bring this long wait to an end.
The ceremony concluded, and the bride and groom signed the register. Elizabeth took Darcy’s arm and followed them from the church. The wedding breakfast would be held at Netherfield, and so thither they would go.
Darcy handed Elizabeth into her grandmother’s carriage and then climbed in beside her. He had arrived with Charles and had sensibly yielded the bridalcarriage to the married couple. Caroline rode with the Hursts and Sir James. Privately, Elizabeth wondered how her friend could endure even a brief ride in the Hursts' presence.
They had warmed considerably toward Jane, and indeed toward the Bennets generally—Elizabeth included—after the Dowager Lady Montrose had arrived. Somehow, they had either missed the announcement in the London papers, or failed to connect Elizabeth Bennet with Elizabeth Montrose. Whatever the case, as soon as her connection to the Dowager became known, Mrs. Hurst promptly determined that Elizabeth must be her closest friend. Now it seemed there was no escaping the association—her dearest sister had married the brother of that most tiresome woman.
