Jane smiled. “I am so very fortunate, Lizzy. Charles is everything I could have hoped for and more. And dearest—do not let your worries rob you of the joy tomorrow should bring. If Mr. Darcy should be absent tomorrow, it will not mar my happiness. I promise you that.”
Elizabeth nodded but said nothing. She knew Jane meant it sincerely, but her own misgivings refused to be silenced. The thought that she might have disrupted the bond between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley troubled her deeply. Yet she could not undo what had been said. All she could do for Jane now was to hide her distress.
“Well,” she said at last. “I suppose I should bid you a good night. You must have ample rest for tomorrow.” She stood and lit her own candle.
She stilled for a moment, her gaze fixed on the folds of her sister’s wedding gown. Tomorrow would bring the dawn of a new life for Jane, one filled with love and contentment. It was well deserved, and Elizabeth was thrilled for her sister. But she did wonder, wistfully, whether such a life would ever be hers.
The next morning dawned clear and cold. Elizabeth entered the small vestibule of the Longbourn chapel with her father. She stood for a moment to adjust her gloves, her hands trembling slightly with nerves she had not expected to feel.
“Calm yourself, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet said dryly. “It is not you being married today.”
No. It was not. Elizabeth shot him a wry look. “Thank you, Papa, for reminding me.”
“You look beautiful, Lizzy. And the work you did on Jane’s gown is splendid. Not that I normally notice such things, but your mamma would show it off.” He chuckled and opened the door for her to take her place at the front of the church. Elizabethstepped inside, her focus drawn to where Mr. Bingley stood waiting. She smiled at her new brother as she made her way forward, and then she saw another figure beside him.
Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth’s next step faltered slightly, her breath catching in her throat. He was here, just as he had promised Mr. Bingley he would be. His tall, proud figure was unmistakable, his dark eyes watching his friend until he turned suddenly, and they met hers. The world seemed to narrow to that single point of connection, and for a moment, Elizabeth could not think. His gaze held hers, dark, intense, unwavering.
She recovered quickly, her feet carrying her forward and to her designated position. Once she was in place, she again glanced at Mr. Darcy. He inclined his head slightly, the barest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and her heart raced wildly. Had she imagined the admiration in his gaze, or was it truly there? A flicker of hope ignited within her, though she fought to suppress it. He had left. She had resigned herself to seeing him only for the wedding and then never again. But here he was—smiling at her.
She told herself to stop. This was Jane’s day, not hers. Whatever she felt, whatever hemightfeel, it must wait.
The doors at the back of the church opened, and Jane appeared on Papa’s arm. She was radiant, her gown a vision of simplicity and grace, and Elizabeth felt tears prick her eyes at the sight.
As her father and Jane reached the altar, Elizabeth stole one last glance at Mr. Darcy. His eyes were on her again, and this time, she allowed herself to hold his gaze for just a moment longer.
The ceremony began, and Elizabeth turned her focus to Jane and Mr. Bingley, whose joy was palpable. Elizabeth stole glances at Jane, her sister’s glowing countenance a testament to herhappiness. She was struck yet again by how well matched Jane and Mr. Bingley were, their mutual adoration evident in every stolen glance and gentle smile.
Elizabeth kept her gaze forward, but she was acutely aware of Mr. Darcy. She could feel his presence, the quiet strength of his bearing, even without looking directly at him.
When Jane and Mr. Bingley exchanged their vows, Elizabeth felt her chest tighten with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes as they spoke the simple words that would bind them together forever. Mr. Bingley’s voice rang with devotion, and Jane’s soft, steady response made him beam.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Bingley offered his arm to Jane, and they walked to the register, where Jane would sign her name as Bennet one final time. Elizabeth stepped forward to follow them, and as she turned, she found herself at Mr. Darcy’s side. He extended his arm, a gesture so natural and poised that she hesitated only a fraction of a second before placing her hand on it.
They began their walk together. Neither spoke. Mamma’s exclamations carried from the back of the chapel and made Elizabeth close her eyes briefly with mortification. At least Jane was safely wed now.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said at last, his voice low but steady.
Elizabeth glanced up at him, her heart beating faster than she would have liked. “And you, Mr. Darcy. I am glad you were able to return in time for the wedding. I know it meant a great deal to Mr. Bingley.”
He turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze with an expression that was difficult to read. “I said that I would return in time.”
Elizabeth’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I do not think it is a secret that Mr. Bingley was rather concerned about it. You did rather leave it to the final moment.”
“We travelled as quickly as we were able, Miss Elizabeth. ”How odd. London was only four hours away. But she did not wish to speak of his travels, so she turned the conversation another way.
“It is fortunate that your friend and my sister are so well suited.”
“Indeed,” he replied, his voice softening. There was a pause, and then he added, “I hopeyouwill forgive my sudden departure. My business was pressing, and the weather delayed us further.”
Elizabeth hesitated, surprised by his candour. “There is nothing to forgive, sir. I assumed your departure was necessary, though I admit it left some matters unclear.”
His brows pinched together, and for a moment, Elizabeth thought he might say something more. But it was his turn to sign the register as a witness, and he stepped forward to do so.
Then it was her turn and as she took the pen from his hand, he leaned forward.
“Perhaps,” he said quietly, so only she could hear, “we might have the opportunity to clarify those matters.”
