When the ladies left the men to their libations and cigars, Charlotte steered her mother to where Eliza and Mrs. Gardiner were seated, apart from the others. Lady Lucas had no objection to a double wedding; it would not cause any changes in what she had planned for Charlotte. The weddings would be held at St. Alfred’s in Meryton, followed by a wedding breakfast at Netherfield Park.
When the men re-joined the ladies, Madeline nodded to her husband who stood and announced that Lizzy and William would be married in the same ceremony as Charlotte and Richard.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
When Bingley read the announcement inThe Times of Londonthe second day after the betrothal, he was thankful his younger sister was no longer in England. He doubted that even her ruination in society would have stopped his sister charging to London to make her sentiments known.
Later that morning a letter arrived from Darcy. Bingley broke the seal and opened the missive with all speed.
11 February 1811
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Bingley,
It is still strange writing to you from this address, which was yours until the Gardiners purchased the estate.
If you do not know it yet, Miss Elizabeth Gardiner, my beloved betrothed, and the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet are one and the same. Your letter telling me of your sister’s crowing about Elizabeth’s misfortune arrived a few days before I departed Pemberley. The reasons are various, which I will share with you when we see one another.
Elizabeth and I are celebrating our nuptials in the same ceremony with Charlotte (Miss Lucas) and Richard. I was to stand up with him, but now his brother Andrew, Viscount Hilldale, will do the honours.
My request to you is for you to stand up with me. I know your invitation was for next week, but my soon-to-be in-laws have stated you are welcome whenever you wish to join us.
I could speak in flowery poetic terms about my Elizabeth, but I will spare you for now, my friend.
I look forward to seeing you again,
FD
Bingley decided he would travel into Hertfordshire the following day. He looked forward to seeing all of the friendly people of the neighbourhood once again.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Jane read the announcement for the third time in a row to make sure her eyes were not deceiving her.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner
of Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Proudly announce the betrothal of their daughter
Miss Elizabeth Rose Gardiner
to
Mr. Fitzwilliam Robert Darcy
of Pemberley, Derbyshire
The Earl and Countess of Matlock join the Gardiner family in bestowing their best wishes to the betrothed couple.
Lizzy and Mr. Darcy had come together regardless of all her vile attempts to turn them away from one another. Jane felt no jealousy; she found she was happy for her former sister.
Even though she would never see her sister again, she could be of service to her. As quickly as she could, Jane removed the page from the London paper which contained the announcement and cast it into the fire. She watched until there were only ashes, then stirred them for good measure.
She would not breathe a word of this to the dragon in her lair at Rosings Park. Even though she refused to pay for them, Lady Catherine demanded the Collins maintain a subscription to the paper, read it, and inform her only when it contained something of interest to her.
He did not do so every day, but her husband perused the paper occasionally and Jane would not take the chance he might see the announcement and scurry off to report it to his patroness.
