As the clergyman began the ceremony, Elizabeth allowed herself a brief glance over the assembled guests. She smiled to see her family seated together, though her mother appeared more subdued than usual. Mr. Bingley sat beside Jane, his attention so wholly fixed upon her that he seemed scarcely aware of anything else.
Nearby sat Mr. Darcy with Miss de Bourgh and Lady Catherine. Darcy’s gaze, however, did not remain upon the ceremony for long. It shifted, almost inevitably, and met Elizabeth’s for a moment before she turned her attention forward again.
The vows were spoken with quiet sincerity. Charlotte’s voice, though soft, did not falter. When Colonel Forster answered her, there was a steadiness in his tone that spoke more clearly than any flourish could have done.
Elizabeth felt, rather than thought, that Charlotte had chosen well.
When the ceremony concluded, a gentle stir passed through the church. Captain Langley stepped forward and offered his arm to Elizabeth with quiet politeness. She accepted with a grateful inclination of her head, and together they followed the bride and groom toward the register.
Colonel Forster and Charlotte signed first. Then Captain Langley stepped forward when called upon, adding his name with practiced ease. Elizabeth paused a moment before taking the pen, aware of the weight of the moment for her friend, how long Charlotte had waited, and how uncertain her prospects had once been.
Then she signed.
***
When she stepped outside, she found Darcy waiting.
“The carriage is ready to take us to Lucas Lodge,” he said.
He offered his arm, and she accepted. There was something in his manner, quiet and attentive, that she could not quite dismiss.
She was surprised, however, when she entered the carriage to find Lady Catherine and Anne already seated within.
“Good morning, Lady Catherine. Good morning, Anne.”
“Miss Bennet,” Lady Catherine returned, studying her closely.
Anne smiled gently. “Good morning.”
Elizabeth took her seat, and Darcy followed beside her. A tap of his cane against the roof set the carriage in motion.
Lady Catherine observed the arrangement for several moments before speaking. “Anne should be seated with you, Darcy.”
Anne turned toward her mother with composed calm. “But I am quite comfortable here, Mother.”
Lady Catherine regarded her in silence, clearly dissatisfied, but did not press the matter further.
Elizabeth kept her expression steady, though she was not unaware of Darcy’s nearness.
***
Lucas Lodge proved even more crowded than it had been at the engagement dinner. Elizabeth would not have believed it possible, but Lady Lucas had accomplished it. The rooms were filled with guests, tables laden with food, and chairs gathered from every conceivable source. Elizabeth briefly wondered who had lent them all.
Darcy leaned slightly toward her. “I have found a table, if you would care to sit.”
She nodded, and he escorted her through the crowd. Mr. Bingley and Jane were already seated there, and Elizabeth could not help but notice the ease between them. Jane’s gentlecomposure was met by Bingley’s open admiration in a way that made their understanding unmistakable. Elizabeth sat, aware of Darcy taking the seat beside her.
Charlotte and Colonel Forster soon entered, moving through the room together, pausing often as they thanked their guests. When they approached the table, Elizabeth rose at once.
“You look beautiful,” she said, embracing Charlotte carefully so as not to disturb her gown. “I am so happy for you.”
Charlotte smiled, her hand resting lightly on her husband’s arm. “I am very happy. And I am especially grateful to you…for standing with me, after everything.”
Elizabeth met her gaze. “I would not have missed it.”
As Charlotte moved on, Elizabeth glanced toward her family. Her mother remained quieter than usual, though clearly pleased. Kitty and Lydia were engaged in animated conversation with Maria Lucas, while Mrs. Tyler stood nearby, watchful as ever.
Later, those who wished to see the couple depart gathered outside. The air was lively with well-wishes and laughter. Elizabeth lifted her hand in farewell as the carriage drew away, carrying Charlotte and Colonel Forster toward their future.
