Elizabeth’s breath caught, but before she could respond, he stepped away so that she could dip the pen in ink and sign her name. She handed the pen to Mr. Brown and straightened. Mr. Darcy once again offered her his arm, and she could not ignore the fluttering in her chest or the thought that perhaps this day might see more than one new beginning.
The wedding breakfast was a cacophony of jubilant noise, a merry contrast to the solemn beauty of the ceremony that hadpreceded it. A long table laden with freshly baked bread, roasted meats, pickled vegetables, golden pastries, and the spiced apples little Davey Simmons loved so much stretched across the Bennet dining room. There was negus to drink as well as tea and coffee. Elizabeth enjoyed the hum of the conversation and gentle bursts of laughter. She wove her way through the crowded rooms, welcoming all their friends and relations, her head spinning from all good wishes being bestowed upon Jane, Mr. Bingley, and the rest of the Bennet family.
The Bingley sisters had not deigned to come. The Gardiners were here, though they had arrived only yesterday and would return home before noon. Elizabeth spied them across the room. Her uncle was speaking seriously to Mr. Bingley, but Elizabeth was able to catch her aunt’s eye.
She made her way to her aunt’s side, grateful for a moment of quiet conversation amidst the revelry. Taking Aunt Gardiner’s hand in hers, she said softly, “I must thank you for the wisdom you imparted when last we spoke of fairness. I have reflected much upon your words, and they have guided me well in these past weeks.”
Her aunt returned Elizabeth’s smile. “I scarcely think you required my counsel to come to such a conclusion. Your heart has ever been inclined towards fairness, even when your temper might lead you astray.” She squeezed Elizabeth’s hand gently. “But if my words have been of use to you, then I am gratified. It is a rare thing indeed to see my advice so swiftly put into practice. Perhaps you might speak to my children on my behalf.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “I would be glad to do so.”
Kitty and Lydia had taken it upon themselves to entertain the Lucas and Goulding boys, their giggles carrying above the din. Elizabeth was grateful that the militia officers were no longer invited to Longbourn, for at least their neighbours would not mistake her sister’s youth and high spirits for vulnerability.Mary, seated at the far end of the table, was earnestly extolling the virtues of a moral tract to an unfortunate but unfailingly polite Maria Lucas. Meanwhile, Jane, now Mrs. Bingley, was luminous as she received congratulations from every side. She and Mr. Bingley now stood together, sharing whispered words between interruptions.
Mamma, bustling with energy, called out too loudly, “Lizzy! Do ensure that Mr. Darcy is well attended to. We must not let him think we do not know how to host a wedding breakfast!” Several of the guests exchanged amused glances.
Elizabeth flushed and looked instinctively toward Mr. Darcy, who stood near the hearth speaking with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss Darcy, and Mrs. Annesley. He appeared composed, his tall figure exuding the quiet dignity she had come to associate with him. If he had heard Mamma, he was doing an excellent job of pretending he had not.
She squeezed her aunt’s hand before making her way towards him, her path interrupted twice by guests wishing to offer their congratulations. By the time she reached him, Colonel Fitzwilliam was recounting some tale that had Miss Darcy smiling faintly and Mr. Darcy listening with patient amusement.
“Miss Bennet,” Colonel Fitzwilliam greeted her warmly. “I must commend you and your family on a most excellent breakfast. I daresay even my cousin had found no cause for complaint.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” Mr. Darcy said, his tone serious but his eyes betraying a hint of humour. “It is a fine celebration, Miss Bennet. Your mother sets an excellent table.”
Elizabeth tipped her head slightly to one side, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “You mean to say, Mr. Darcy, that you are enjoying yourself at a country wedding breakfast? I hardly know what to think.”
Miss Darcy stifled a laugh behind her hand while Mrs. Annesley smiled indulgently, and Colonel Fitzwilliam guffawed. Even Mr. Darcy appeared amused.
“I feel I must remind you that I do own a country estate and have therefore attended any number of country weddings.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s smile widened, and he leaned slightly toward Elizabeth as though sharing a great secret. “His compliments must be sincere, my dear Miss Bennet. Darcy is very particular, but this morning, he has not once appeared as though he wished to flee. I daresay this is a victory for us all.”
“Richard,” Mr. Darcy said with a long-suffering sigh. “Must you always exaggerate?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam held up his hands in mock surrender. “Not at all. I simply observe what is before me. And what is before me is a man uncommonly content in the midst of all this revelry.”
Miss Darcy, her quiet smile belying the twinkle in her eye, turned to Elizabeth. “You must forgive my cousin, Miss Bennet. He delights in teasing my brother.” She glared teasingly at the colonel. “More than is necessary.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “On the contrary, Miss Darcy, I find his observations quite enlightening. It is not every day one sees Mr. Darcy so at ease. If this is the result of the colonel’s teasing, I would encourage him to continue.”
“Donotencourage him, I beg you, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy interjected drily. “Fitzwilliam requires no additional motivation to make himself a nuisance.”
“You see, Miss Bennet, this is the thanks I receive for my steadfast loyalty to my cousin.”
“I see none at all,” Elizabeth replied lightly. “But I shall not feel too sorry for you, Colonel. I suspect you are quite accustomed to taking your revenge in other ways.”
Miss Darcy’s hand flew to cover her smile. “You see, Richard, Miss Bennet sees right through you.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Indeed, she does. It is a rare thing to meet someone who learns so quickly. I must be more careful.”
“Wise,” Elizabeth replied with a playful arch of her brow.
Mr. Darcy, who had been watching the exchange, cleared his throat softly. “I believe you have monopolised Miss Bennet’s attention long enough, Fitzwilliam.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam feigned a pout but inclined his head in acquiescence. “I should speak with Sir William in any case.” Turning to Miss Darcy, he offered his arm. “Come, Georgiana. Let us ask about his ode to the king. I do not believe you have yet heard it from the poet himself.”
Miss Darcy hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between her brother and Elizabeth. “It was lovely to speak with you, Miss Bennet,” she said with a warm smile. “I hope we might have the opportunity to converse again soon.”
This request seemed a bit formal for a young lady with whom she was already acquainted, but perhaps it was due to the new connection Elizabeth now had to the Bingleys. “I should like that very much,” Elizabeth replied sincerely.
