Page 100 of Master of Himself

However, as you are well aware, Miss de Bourgh’s character is unassailable, and she patiently awaits the day when you will call on Rosings and beg for the honour of her hand.

Yours, respectfully,

William Collins

Epilogue

Monday 23 December

Mr Henderson made one final adjustment to Charles’s cravat, then stepped away to admire his handiwork. “You make a fine bridegroom, sir,” he said.

Charles checked his reflection in the looking glass. His new blue paisley waistcoat was the perfect complement to his dark blue coat. With his cravat fashioned into a mail coach design, thanks to Henderson’s expertise, and his favourite fobs and seals, he agreed that his valet had turned him out in grand style. “I hope Miss Bennet will agree.”

“Of course, she will. Don’t forget that the ring is in your left inside pocket.”

Charles patted the pocket – yes, it was still there.

Dressed for the most important day of his life, Charles joined the party in the drawing room. His family had assembled with Miss Darcy and Mrs Annesley.

“You look as fine as fivepence, Charles,” Louisa said.

Henry Hurst clapped him on the back. “Henderson has outdone himself today.”

Aunt Beatrice and Uncle Cecil, who had made the trip from Lancashire, came forward to embrace him. “Oh, Charles, your mama and papa would be so proud,” she said, then kissed his cheek while his uncle warmly shook his hand.

Even Caroline joined in the merriment. “Charles is surely the most handsome groom ever seen in this part of the kingdom.”

He ignored his sister’s snide comment. Nothing would ruin this day for him, but the sound of distant thunder sent a cold shiver down his spine.

“Oh, dear. I hope that’s not a storm coming,” Caroline said with mock concern. “What a disaster that would be.”

Henry merely chuckled at Caroline’s false pretences. “Who could have guessed when we first arrived in the country that you would be riveted three months later, Charles?” he said with a teasing wink.

Thankful for his brother-in-law’s sense of humour, Charles shrugged off his momentary alarm. “Certainly not I.” Despite his temporary difficulties, no hint of doubt had ever entered his mind that Jane was his one true love. But now, recalling Mrs Bennet’s prediction at the November assembly that he and Jane would soon be married, he couldn’t decide if his future mother-in-law was a boastful matchmaker or a gifted soothsayer.

Darcy entered the room with Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was to stand up with him. “There you are. Now we can finally be on our way to the church,” Charles said, relieved that there would be no delay to their departure.

“Why the rush, Charles?” Caroline inquired, with dramatic flair. “We needn’t leave for at least another hour, and we were just having a lovely chat with Miss Darcy.”

“Yes, yes, the men must be on their way,” Aunt Beatrice said, gesturing towards the door. “You mustn’t risk having even a glimpse of the brides before they enter the church.”

“Don’t worry, Charles,” Uncle Cecil said. “I’ll make sure that we all get to the church in plenty of time.”

Since they had already arranged for everyone’s transportation to the church, nothing remained but for Charles to collect his best man and head to the church. “Let’s be off, shall we, Henry?”

“I’ll be right behind you, Brother,” Henry said.

“We’ll see you all at the church,” Darcy said, then offered his arm to his sister, followed by the colonel and Mrs Annesley.

They were met in the vestibule by Mr Henderson, Mr Hobbs, Mr Winters, and two maids to assist them with their hats, coats, and gloves. “I’ll send Lockhart back here to bring you and anyone else who wants to witness the ceremony,” Charles said to the loyal valets.

Outside, two carriages awaited. With a quick salute to Darcy, Charles boarded his chaise with Henry, and a moment later, they were on their way. Once they reached the lane, he was finally able to relax. In less than two hours, he would meet Jane at the altar and they would be together forever.

***

“You remember the Haversham ladies, Fitzwilliam, do you not?” Georgiana inquired as they followed Charles’s carriage through Netherfield’s gates.

Darcy recalled their brief meeting at Vauxhall Gardens. “I believe so.”