Miss Caroline Bingley, Mrs. Louisa Hurst, and Mr. Hurst were likewise in attendance, though the smiles worn by the two sisters were of so fixed and brittle in nature that one feared they might fracture beneath the slightest strain of civility.
Also wearing a countenance of pronounced gravity, in striking contrast to his wife’s radiant satisfaction, was Mr. Collins. He had arrived that very morning bearing what he considered grave intelligence from Lady Catherine—namely, her extreme displeasure at the match and her firm conviction that it ought not to proceed.
Darcy listened with perfect composure before replying, in a voice of calm resolve, “My aunt has already expressed her opinion on the matter, and, as I informed her in my letter, it is of no consequence.”
What Mr. Collins did not know was that a second message had arrived, this one from Miss Anne de Bourgh’s letter. In it she confessed that her mother had expressly forbidden her even to breathe in the direction of the impending wedding, yet she nevertheless offered her sincere congratulations upon the engagement.
Lady Catherine's earlier letter had been less temperate, filled with pronouncements about enchantment and degrading alliances. Darcy had read it and tossed it into the fire without comment.
Now, as Elizabeth reached the altar and placed her hand in Fitzwilliam's, she thought of that letter turning to ash and felt only relief.
The ceremony was beautiful. Jane and Mr. Bingley made their vows first, then Elizabeth's turn came.
"I, Elizabeth, take thee, Fitzwilliam..."
His eyes never left hers. When the vicar pronounced them man and wife, Fitzwilliam smiled with such unguardedhappiness that Elizabeth forgot they were in a church full of people.
***
The wedding breakfast at Longbourn was joyous. Elizabeth moved through the crowd on her husband's arm, greeting guests and accepting congratulations.
She paused when she saw Catherine Dobson with Sarah, both dressed in their finest, standing somewhat apart. Elizabeth approached immediately.
"Miss Dobson, I am so glad you could come."
Sarah looked up with wide eyes. "You're the lady Papa talked about when he came back to Bath!"
Darcy knelt to Sarah's level. "And now she is my wife. What do you think of that?"
"I think it's wonderful!"
Miss Dobson’s eyes filled with tears. “You have been exceedingly kind to us, sir. Now that you have found your own happiness, I can do nothing but wish you every joy.” She turned to Elizabeth, her expression softening further. “And the same to you, ma’am.”
Elizabeth took her hand. "You are always welcome at Pemberley. Always."
Nearby, Elizabeth caught sight of another man who Darcy soon introduced as Thomas Hewitt. He had told her everything about his father after the proposal—the morning walks, the counsel and the deathbed words.
"I am so sorry for your loss," Elizabeth said. "Your father meant a great deal to my husband."
"He would have been pleased to see this day," Thomas replied, his eyes bright. "He always believed he would find happiness."
"Because of him, I did," Darcy said simply.
***
Later, amid the cheerful bustle of the festivities, Mrs. Bennet drew Elizabeth aside with an expression of scandalised importance.
“Have you heard?” she whispered, though her whisper carried farther than she intended. “Mr. Wickham has been apprehended! They seized him as he attempted to board a ship for America. Mrs. Long just told me that he is confined now in a debtor’s prison in London!”
Elizabeth felt a solemn, sober satisfaction rather than triumph. “I cannot say I am surprised,” she replied quietly.
Georgiana, who stood nearby, had grown very pale at the name. Darcy moved instantly to her side, his presence protective without being ostentatious.
“He can harm no one now,” he said in a low, steady voice. “He must answer for his conduct.”
Elizabeth reached gently for Georgiana’s hand. “You have shown remarkable courage, Miss Darcy.”
Georgiana managed a faint smile. “Call me Georgiana, and I have had the very best example,” she said softly, her eyes lifting to her brother with unmistakable affection.
