He sat.
Richard watched with satisfaction as Darcy took a piece of toast.
“Eat all of it,” he warned mockingly, “or I shall be forced to stand over you like a nursemaid.”
Darcy shot him a look. “I have endured your letters while on campaign. I shall endure you now.”
Richard laughed.
Fortunately for Darcy’s sanity, time passed quickly. Before he knew it, his valet had him all dressed and presentable.
Richard gave him a critical look. “Respectable. Passable, even.”
Darcy ignored him.
A servant appeared at the door. “The carriage is ready, sir.”
Darcy drew in a breath.
This is it.
He glanced once around the room, and Richard said, “Come on, man. What are you waiting for?”
They descended the stairs together and stepped out into the crisp morning air, where the carriage waited.
As it set off toward the small chapel, Darcy found his hands stilling at last.
No more uncertainty.
No more delay.
Only the moments ahead.
And the promise waiting for him there.
∞∞∞
“Elizabeth, wake up.”
Elizabeth stirred, blinking against the light as she turned her head on the pillow.
“It is your wedding day! Come on, wake up—you need to get ready!”
Rubbing the last of the sleep from her eyes, Elizabeth lifted her head up and looked around. Georgiana stood beside the bed, fairly glowing with excitement.
“Oh good, you are now awake!” She gave a little clap. “I have been waiting and waiting, and there is so much to tell you—Mama has arranged the breakfast downstairs, and there are flowers, and Mrs. Jenkinson says—”
Elizabeth let out a small, sleepy laugh as she pushed herself upright. “Good morning, Georgiana.”
“Good morning!” Georgiana returned eagerly. “Oh, it is all so very fine—you shall see everything soon, but first you must eat and be dressed, and there is scarcely any time at all.”
As if summoned by her words, the door opened.
Lady Anne entered, serene but clearly pleased, with Lady Catherine close behind her. A maid followed with a breakfast tray, which was set down at once.
“Good morning, my dear. I hope you slept well,” Lady Anne said gently. “We had a small tray prepared for you. It will be a long morning.”
Elizabeth hesitated, her gaze flickering between them—memories of the previous day still lingering just beneath the surface.
