Page 178 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Excellent! Wonderful!” Lady Kendal embraced her and exited in a hurry, declaring she would pass the happy news to Philip, and they would all discuss more of it later.

Alone again, Elizabeth set aside all the papers, and for a long while she stared out of the window. Sooner than she expected, her situation in life would change, and she would leave Elizabeth Bennet behind. What more needed to be discussed when everything was settled?

There was no turning back.

That evening, her entire family came to dinner, and the news was shared. The rapturous exclamations were even louder than Elizabeth had expected.

After many weeks, Philip and Lady Kendal were in excellent humour, obviously relieved that their assumptions had been wrong. Her mother, sisters, uncle, and aunt all appeared ecstatic at the announcement. Mr Bennet was the only one who was reticent, his countenance shadowed by a slight worry which Elizabeth tried to dissipate with her own uneasy smile.

∞∞∞

For days, Lady Kendal, Mrs Gardiner, and Mrs Bennet were involved in all the wedding preparations from the wedding breakfast to the gowns. Kitty and Lydia were part of the excitement, thrilled to be able to shop for themselves with no restraint, due to Lady Kendal’s generosity.

Elizabeth preferred to spend time with Jane, Bingley, and Philip, and even Mary joined them.

Towards her future husband, Elizabeth was attentive and caring, seeing how her mere presence was a medicine that improved his vigour.

Often, Philip would hold her arm or take her hands and kiss them. They also kissed each other on the cheek affectionately, and each time Elizabeth’s memories made her marvel at how differently a man’s touch could feel. She struggled to hide such thoughts deep inside, locking them in chains. Yet, her struggles always failed, and her torment, as well as her guilt, grew.

Days and restless nights passed and, finally, in the middle of August, Lord Alveston married Miss Elizabeth Bennet in Brighton by special licence. Of the wedding ceremony, Elizabeth recollected little, except for the joyful faces of everyone around and her surprise when she was first addressed as Lady Alveston.

“Lady Alveston, welcome to the family. We have felt you belonged with us for a long while, and we are happy to have it celebrated today,” Lord Alveston said at the wedding breakfast, in the presence of their families and all their faithful servants.

Mrs Bennet could hardly believe she had a titled daughter and expressed her joy with no restraint.

“Lady Alveston! Upon my word, this is astonishing! I would have never imagined my Lizzy to be called so! What a blessed day! What a blissful moment for a mother! I hope the newspapers will mention this wedding so Lady Lucas and Mrs Phillips will read about it!”

“Mama!” Elizabeth exclaimed, distressed by the idea of her wedding being discussed about London. She was aware the report would have spread throughout the ton by the next day, whether the papers wrote about it or not.

“My dear Mrs Bennet, you should write to Lady Lucas at once, just to make sure she has received the news,” Mr Bennet mocked his wife to end her effusions.

“I now have two rich sisters! I hope we shall attend plenty of parties and balls so we may meet some rich men too! Rich and handsome,” Lydia insisted. “Perhaps some officers! I cannot wait to stay in town for the Season!”

“Lydia, you should be reserved with your expectations about parties and balls. Both Jane and I shall be busy with other duties,” Elizabeth scolded.

“Do not worry, we shall find a way to please everyone,” Lady Kendal answered conciliatorily. “For now, let us celebrate this special day upon which I have been gifted with a granddaughter and a most reliable friend.”

“And I with a most wonderful wife and companion!” Lord Alveston added, kissing Elizabeth’s hand.

The entire day was spirited and joyful, as such a celebration required. The Bennets, the Gardiners, and the Bingleys remained at the cottage until late in the evening. Mrs Bennet used any excuse to call her daughter ‘Lady Alveston’, and the others ceased any attempt to ruin her pleasure.

Elizabeth felt her extended family’s satisfaction, her husband’s pride and delight, and her new grandmother’s enjoyment. She knew she had made the correct step towards keeping her promise. She would not repine, but the sensation of fulfilling her duty did not diminish the misery that burdened her heart.

She forced herself to show happiness, to smile at every kind word, to laugh with everyone. And most of all, she forced herself to not think of Darcy on her wedding day. And she failed.

Late that night, her family returned to their homes and silence fell over the cottage.

Mary hurried to her chamber, and Lady Kendal, the earl, and his new wife remained at the dinner table for a little longer.

Philip looked pale and exhausted, but his eyes sparkled with adoration when he looked at Elizabeth.

“We should ring for Marlowe,” Elizabeth said. “You have not rested a single moment since morning, and it is time to do so without delay.”

“I do feel tired, but I am happier than I have ever been,” Philip answered. His eyes narrowed, and Elizabeth knew this was a sign that the light was hurting his eyes and causing a headache.

He seemed to be struggling for air but smiled again. “I shall call for Marlowe soon. But I would like to have another glass of wine with you. I know I have already had one too many, but I must be allowed to dismiss any caution on my wedding night. Would you join me?”

As he tried to pour some wine, his hands trembled from fatigue and he dropped the glass. He cursed, then apologised, embarrassed by his weakness.