Page 109 of Twice Chosen

Anne eventually came to Pemberley after their marriage, traveling without Lady Catherine for the first time in years. Away from Rosings she proved dryly funny and far more observant than anyone had credited. She tired easily but enjoyed Georgiana's company and developed an unexpected friendship with Mary through letters.

Elizabeth watched Anne laugh one evening and felt another sting of humility.

The first life had taught her that even people she disliked had depths.

The second taught her that people she scarcely noticed did too.

Darcy seemed to have the same thought.

"We missed much," he said later.

Elizabeth slipped her hand into his. "We were busy being the center of our own story."

"Everyone is."

"Perhaps."

That was one more reason not to spend this life arranging everyone else's ending.

Chapter Thirty

Their Wedding

Elizabeth and Darcy married in November.

The morning was cold and clear. Frost silvered the hedges, and Mrs. Bennet cried before breakfast because she believed the weather too cold for a wedding and then cried again because she considered frost romantic.

Jane cried after breakfast.

Mary attempted not to.

Lydia did not try.

Kitty had drawn a small sketch of Longbourn as it looked from the lane and tucked it into Elizabeth's traveling case without telling her.

Mr. Bennet came to Elizabeth's room before they left for the church.

For once she was alone.

He stood in the doorway, looked at her, and seemed briefly unable to summon a joke.

"Lizzy."

"Papa."

He entered slowly. "You are very beautiful."

Elizabeth's throat tightened. "Thank you."

"And very sure?"

"Yes."

"No hesitation?"

"None."

Mr. Bennet nodded. "Then I have nothing clever to say."