Jane and Mary appeared in the hall behind her, both smiling in anticipation. Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy and he gave her the smallest of nods.
“Yes,” Elizabeth said, laughter dancing in her tone. “We are engaged.”
Cheers and warm embraces followed. Jane embraced her tightly, tears in her eyes, and Mary, uncharacteristically animated, clasped both of Elizabeth’s hands. “You are to be Mrs. Darcy. You shall be mistress of Pemberley!” she exclaimed. “Oh goodness, what will Mama say?”
Maria practically danced with excitement. “Oh, how I shall enjoy carrying this news back to Meryton! They will never believe it—though they must, for I saw it with my own eyes. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy engaged! What a tale it shall be!”
Mrs. Gardiner called from the stairs as she descended, drawn by the noise. “Whatever is the matter?” Her eyes widened when she took in the scene, then softened with understanding. “Well,” she said, arching an elegant brow at her niece, “I suppose congratulations are in order.”
She stepped forward and ushered them toward the drawing room. “Come now—there is no need to celebrate in the entrance hall.”
Elizabeth blushed and curtsied playfully as they moved into the room. “Yes, Aunt. Mr. Darcy proposed in the park. He will write to my father for permission. But I believe Papa will not object.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled knowingly. “Three marriages in one spring. Your mother will go distracted.”
The room burst into laughter.
“Yes,” said Elizabeth, glancing at her sisters. “And I believe we must begin shopping at once for bonnets, gowns, and lace. Jane, Mary—will you come with me tomorrow? With three ladies to clothe, we have no time to lose!”
“Of course,” Jane said, still radiant herself.
Mary nodded primly. “Indeed. I believe it is my duty, as your most sensible sister, to ensure you are properly attired.” Thisdrew another round of laughter, for Mary’s wit and spirit had transformed since her time away from Longbourn.
They had barely caught their breath when the Gardiners’ butler entered to announce, “Mr. Bingley and Mr. Finch, ma’am.”
Mr. Bingley entered first and bowed to the company—his ever-cheerful smile brighter than ever—and made straight for Jane. Mr. Finch, a tall, genteel man with intelligent eyes and a quiet reserve, followed close behind and offered a polite bow.
“I believe I now understand why we find the house so animated today,” Bingley said, glancing between Elizabeth and Darcy with clear delight. “May I offer my hearty congratulations? I hoped all would work out for the best—and now we shall be brothers in truth!”
Mr. Finch echoed the sentiment with a soft smile. “It seems, Miss Mary, that I am in excellent company among future grooms.”
Introductions were made all around. Mr. Gardiner emerged from his study to welcome the visitors, and soon the drawing room was alive with conversation.
Mrs. Gardiner addressed the three gentlemen with warm hospitality. “You must all dine with us this evening. We cannot allow such joyous news to pass uncelebrated.”
“I would be delighted,” said Bingley, beaming at Jane.
“And I would not dream of refusing,” added Mr. Finch, his gaze resting fondly on Mary.
“It would be my honor, ma’am,”” said Darcy. “I thank you.”
As everyone seated themselves and tea was brought in, Elizabeth looked about the room—at Jane, glowing with happiness; at Mary, serene as she had never been before—and at Darcy, who now held her gaze with love and certainty. She felt her heart brim with gratitude.
Three sisters. Three marriages. And a house full of laughter and affection.
Tea was served—light cakes, buttered toast, and delicate sandwiches. Elizabeth was nestled between Jane and Darcy, while Mary and Mr. Finch shared a quiet corner of their own. Mr. Bingley, ever the genial guest, divided his conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner with such cheerful ease that even Maria, unaccustomed to such fashionable company, appeared perfectly at home.
Mr. Gardiner, after complimenting the gentlemen on their timely arrivals, smiled and nodded at each in turn. “You are fortunate men,” he said warmly. “May you find as much joy in marriage as you have brought to this house today.” Then, with a fond glance to his nieces, he added, “And if I do not return to my warehouses now, I shall accomplish no work today at all.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled as she watched him go. “He will carry the news to every clerk in the building. I dare say the price of tea shall rise in celebration.”
“I shall be very pleased to pay it,” Darcy replied, his gaze still resting on Elizabeth.
Across the room, Maria was eagerly asking Jane about her wedding plans, quite overcome with the notion of the three Bennet sisters married within the same spring.
“Shall you have matching dresses?” she asked earnestly. “Or is that too much to hope for?” Her sly smile betrayed her jest.
Jane laughed lightly. “I believe that would be too much for Meryton to bear—three sisters in identical gowns.”
