“But she does know that she wouldnothave to follow the drum, does she not?”
“She does; he told her early on of the estate left him by his aunt. Heavens, Aunt Ellen, tell him to just get on with it. William has already written to my father and obtained his consent.”
The Countess was back in her carriage in five minutes’ time. And half an hour after that, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was announced.
Chapter Eighty-Six
The Darcys were invited to Matlock House for dinner again, this time to celebrate the betrothal of Mary Bennet and Richard Fitzwilliam. The Bingleys and the Gardiners were invited to the dinner as well, despite the “taint of trade” those families bore.
There was great joy all around, which was only heightened by the argument over who was to host the wedding breakfast.
Elizabeth spoke up at once. “I am Mary’s sister, and she is staying at Darcy House. It is for me to host the breakfast.”
Jane immediately responded, “But I am Mary’s eldest sister, so it is formeto host the breakfast.”
Mrs. Gardiner put in, “I am the bride’s aunt! Surely I should be permitted to host the breakfast!”
The Countess listened to all of this and then rose to her feet. She did not need to say a word, as the table quieted and all faces turned to her. “I am overjoyed, truly overjoyed, to welcome Miss Bennet to the family. I have already reserved the private chapel at St. James for the wedding in a month’s time, on the ninth ofMarch, which allows three weeks for the banns to be read, and I will host the breakfast myself here at Matlock House.”
She turned then to Mary and said, in a kind tone, “You may wonder at my presumption, Miss Bennet, but I do not want anyone to think for a moment that I have any hesitation whatsoever in welcoming you to the family. My close involvement will prevent any such gossip.”
Mary did her best to voice her gratitude to her future mother-in-law, but her efforts were waved away. “It is all my pleasure, I assure you, Mary.” It was lost on no one that she used Mary’s Christian name.
Elizabeth said to Mr. Darcy, “We will have to invite my family, you know.” And at the same moment, Jane said the exact same thing to Mr. Bingley. Both couples began to laugh.
“We are rather limited as to guest rooms at Darcy House,” Mr. Darcy remarked. “Georgiana will be wild to see Lydia and Kitty; Bingley, might you host Mr. and Mrs. Bennet?”
Georgiana actually bounced in her chair until a quelling look from her aunt put paid to it.
“Fair enough,” Mr. Bingley agreed.
Elizabeth was silent for another quarter of an hour, prompting concern from her husband and her sister. She insisted that it was nothing, but finally spoke. “I was just wishing that Charlotte could come to Mary’s wedding. She was not permitted to come to mine, and now I fear that I might never see her again.”
“Charlotte?” the Countess enquired.
“Mrs. Charlotte Lucas. She is married to Aunt Catherine’s rector,” Mr. Darcy explained. “And Aunt Catherine will not permit a visit between the two, though they have been friends nearly their entire lives.”
“Oh, is that right?” the Countess asked, mildly.
Chapter Eighty-Seven
Letters were received at least daily! It was well that all parties involved had the coin to pay the postage and purchase paper and ink.
Bennet,
Miss Bennet is to marry my cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, on the ninth of March at St. James Church in London. The wedding breakfast, which you so kindly allowed me to arrange, will be hosted by my aunt, the Countess of Matlock.
While it would be a privilege to host your entire family here at Darcy House, the townhouse is not as well-supplied with guestroom as Pemberley. So you and Mrs. Bennet are to stay at Bingley House, while Georgianawould consider it a great favour to have Lydia and Kitty here with us.
Darcy
***
Oh, Mama!
I am to marry Colonel Fitzwilliam! I am the happiest girl in all the world! You and Papa and Lydia and Kitty are all to come to the wedding! And the breakfast will be at Matlock House!
Is it not like a fairy tale?!
