He smiled, taking her hand. “I will marry you in any manner you wish.”
Bingley nodded eagerly. “I think a double wedding will be quite charming.”
Mr. Bennet murmured under his breath, “And half the expense of two weddings.”
Elizabeth pretended not to hear him. “As Longbourn is not yet finished, we thought it best to marry here in town.”
Darcy inclined his head thoughtfully. “We could marry at St. George’s. However, as neither Elizabeth nor Jane is sufficiently settled in the parish, we shall need to obtain special licences.”
Mrs. Bennet looked slightly alarmed. “A town wedding, people will expect it to be very grand.”
Darcy turned to her kindly. “I am certain my aunt will be pleased to assist you.” He paused. “And I do not suppose we shall escape Lady Catherine’s involvement.”
Elizabeth coughed lightly.
Darcy continued, “Bingley and I can call at St. George’s and determine what dates may be available three or four weeks hence.”
Mrs. Bennet hesitated. “I had thought three or four months would allow sufficient time for planning.”
Darcy smiled gently. “I am afraid three or four weeks is all I can endure, though my staff will assist in every possible way.”
Elizabeth smiled and gently squeezed Darcy’s hand.
Bingley nodded in agreement. “Indeed, even three or four weeks will feel quite long.”
Mr. Bennet rose. “It appears everything has been settled. I shall be in the library if I am required.”
***
Anne sat in the drawing room, trying to contain her excitement. She had long wished to visit the museum. She had heard of it often, of course, but had rarely left Rosings to go anywhere of consequence. Now she would go not only in company, but in the company of Mr. Denham.
He listened to her.
She found she liked that, being heard.
Her mother had shown some improvement, but it still felt as though the situation might revert at any moment. Like the quicksand she had once read of, one did not always perceive the danger until one was already sinking.
She smoothed her hand over her dress. It was one of her new gowns from Madame Beaumont, and she felt a little braver in wearing it.
Soon the others joined her. Darcy and Elizabeth entered and took their seats.
Elizabeth smiled. “Are you looking forward to our outing?”
Anne nodded. “Very much. I have been, since it was first proposed.”
Bingley and Jane entered next, followed by Georgiana and Mary.
Bingley smiled brightly. “Well, are we ready, then?”
Darcy shook his head. “Not just yet.”
After a few minutes, the butler appeared in the doorway. “Mr. Denham.”
Mr. Denham entered. “I hope I have not kept you waiting.”
Darcy inclined his head. “Not at all. You are precisely on time. The carriages are ready.”
Servants assisted them with their outerwear, and they soon made their way outside.
