The three weeks passed, then another, and the day of Elizabeth and Darcy’s wedding arrived. Mrs. Bennet was in her element, flitting between calling on the neighbors to brag about Mr. Darcy, and giving orders about the wedding breakfast.
“I do hope Mr. Darcy does not plan to disappoint us this time.”
“Whatever do you mean, Mama?” said Elizabeth with a frown.
Mrs. Bennet sniffed. “It would not be the first time. Surely you have not forgotten how he failed to come for dinner that first day when he came to Longbourn.”
Jane burst out laughing. “Ihave certainly not forgotten it. I had to bear the brunt of your disapproval.” She shook her head at her mother’s foolish ideas. “I think we can safely assume that he will attend his own wedding. Nothing can keep him away from Lizzy.”
She looked towards her sister. “Oh, Lizzy, I shall miss you so much. It is hard to believe you will be going so far away to Derbyshire.”
“Nonsense,” said Mrs. Bennet. “You will not have time to miss her. You have Mr. Bingley to occupy you.”
Jane’s heightened color told Elizabeth everything she needed to know. She was certain Mr. Bingley was halfway towards being enamored with her. William had dismissed the matter, telling her that Bingley fell easily in and out of love, but Elizabeth thought he might be earnest this time.
“Anyway, enough talk about me,” said Jane. “I have promised to make Lizzy into a most beautiful bride, and that is what I intend to do. Come now. We cannot have the bridegroom waiting.”
Darcy arrived in St. Mary’s church in Meryton far too early. No one was there, but he wanted a moment to himself before anyone else came in. He had always expected to marry in St. George’s in Hanover Square, but he preferred this quiet location much better. He was not one for pomp and grand displays. He looked around him at the unassuming church, wanting to make sure this moment stayed in his mind for the rest of his life.
The sound of footsteps drew his attention, and he saw his cousin – Colonel Fitzwilliam – coming towards him.
“You are here early.”
“I had the feeling you would be here, and I came to join you. I am here to lift your morale.”
“My morale is perfectly intact, Cousin. I am marrying Elizabeth, not going into battle. Though I am grateful for your presence.”
“That was what I meant, and you know it very well. At least one of the Fitzwilliams should be here to bear witness,” said Richard. “Besides, I would like to make a last-ditch effort to see if I might win over Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps I can catch her before the ceremony.”
“You had your chance, Cousin,” drawled Darcy. “I cannot imagine any situation in which she would have chosenyouoverme.”
“It was hardly a fair competition,” said the colonel, with a grin. “Since you have the advantage of a large property, and I have none.”
“True, but I do not believe she loves me because of my property.”
“You can never be certain,” said the colonel, in the spirit of fun. “You must remember, she encountered Pemberley first, before she even set eyes on you. It might have been love at first sight.”
Darcy was happy to have his two closest friends at his wedding, though it pained him that the only other representative of the family was Richard. Darcy felt it was no great loss. They had not taken it well. There was a stack of angry letters on his desk in London waiting to be read. He had opened them all, just in case, but they all started the same way, with expressions of disapproval for his folly. He had no intention of reading any further. His family and acquaintances would grow accustomed to the idea – or not. He did not care at this point. He had been raised to care about family above all else, but if they would not support him, then so be it.
The dozen or so people who were attending began to come in. The Lucases, and the Philipses. The local militia officer, a Captain Foster. Then Bingley came up to Darcy and shook his hand vigorously.
“I wish you well, Darcy. I hope you will be happy. I never thought I would see you getting married before me. Though, I say, I still think it was shabby not to invite Caroline and Louisa.”
“Considering your sister called my future wife a thief, you should not have expected it.”
“True enough,” remarked Bingley, blithely. His mind on other matters, he surveyed the church. “Where do you think Miss Bennet will be sitting?”
Darcy chuckled. “You had better wait until everyone is seated before choosing your place.”
“That is an excellent suggestion,” said Bingley, cheerfully. “Did I tell you she is an angel?”
“I believe you may have. A number of times.”
Bingley beamed. “There you are, then. Now you know.”
Before Darcy could engage in further conversation, there was a commotion at the back, and the voice of Mrs. Bennet reached him.
At the same time, the vicar came in and stood in front.
