The door stood open, and Darcy stepped out and extended his hand. She placed her hand in his, and he helped her descend the carriage. The air was crisp, scented with fresh hay and distant rain, yet it was not the change in weather that made her feel breathless. It was the realization that something had shifted. Their course was now set, not by grand declarations, but by a simple question, a quiet answer, and the trust that tomorrow would come.
By late afternoon, they reached London. The carriage drew up before Gracechurch Street, and Maria, blinking sleep from her eyes, roused herself enough to climb down from the carriage.
When Elizabeth reached the door of her uncle’s home, she turned for one last glance at Darcy, whose eyes had never left her. No further words need be spoken—there was no need. The promise had already been made.
Tomorrow.
Chapter Twenty-Five
April 1812
London
Elizabeth
ToElizabeth’sastonishment,thedoor opened before they could knock, revealing not a servant, but Jane—radiant and unmistakably happy. Mary rushed to join them.
“Jane!” Elizabeth cried, rushing into her sister’s arms.
“I could not wait any longer!” Jane exclaimed, drawing her close. “I arrived only yesterday. Charles brought me to town for wedding clothes—and I bring news!”
“Girls, girls, come! Mrs. Gardiner called, ushering them inside. Warm greetings followed, and the parlor soon hummed with animated chatter. Jane’s arrival was a delightful surprise, but her announcement left Elizabeth truly astonished.
“Mama has insisted we move the wedding forward,” Jane said with a laugh, her cheeks flushed. “She claims spring weddings are all the rage and has persuaded Papa that it must take place by the end of April.”
Maria clapped her hands in delight. “How wonderful! Spring in Hertfordshire is my favorite time of year!”
Elizabeth leaned forward, her eyes alight with amusement. “And what does Papa make of all this?”
“He said that so long as Mama does not redecorate the drawing room again, he will permit it.” Jane smiled. “I believe he is quite content. He and Mr. Bingley have become very fond of one another.”
Elizabeth’s heart warmed further at the mention of her sister’s betrothed. He and Jane truly seemed destined for happiness.
“And there is more,” Mary added. “I am engaged!”
“You are?” Elizabeth repeated, delighted by her sister’s good fortune.
“To Mr. Marcus Finch,” Mary confirmed. “You recall the gentleman. Jane has not yet met him. He is rather intelligent and attentive. I am very happy!”
“Yes, our sister is happier than I’ve ever seen her.” Jane said, beaming. “Perhaps we ought to have a double wedding!”
“That is extraordinary. Oh, I am very pleased to see you all. I have missed my family.”
“Mama wrote to me,” said Mary, retrieving a letter from her pocket. “Jane brought it from Longbourn. Here. You must read it—Mama’s reaction was exactly as you would expect.”
Elizabeth unfolded the letter and read aloud the line Mary indicated with amused disbelief:“‘I am astonished that of all my daughters, it is my plainest who secured such a match. Still, I suppose Mr. Finch must appreciate piety and pianoforte more than beauty.’”
All the ladies dissolved into laughter.
That evening, after supper and once Maria had retired early, fatigued by the journey, the three sisters lingered in Jane’s room, nestled together like they had done as girls.
“You are glowing,” Jane said affectionately, brushing a stray curl from Elizabeth’s brow. “Mary told me Mr. Darcy called here before you left. Is it true what I suspect? Did you see Mr. Darcy in Kent? Has he spoken to you?”
Elizabeth's smile spread slowly, forming a gentle curve of her lips. “He has. And he means to call tomorrow.”
“Lizzy…how did you forgive him?” Jane asked. “After all that happened?”
Elizabeth studied her hands in quiet reflection for a moment. “It took time,” she admitted at last. “But he offered a sincere apology. How could I do otherwise than forgive him? He showed humility in acknowledging his misunderstanding of the conversation he overheard, and the grave mistake he made by fleeing to London instead of remaining and asking for clarity. He listened when I expressed both my distress—and my own failings. He became not only the man I could love, but one I could trust. He proved himself worthy of forgiveness—and of affection. And…” she darted her eyes between her sisters, “He asked for a courtship.”
