“Mrs.Johnson hails from London and is coming from the employ ofDoctorCarson.” Louisa placed strong emphasis oneach person’s title. “Charles thought of the idea whilst in London—actually, it was by Mr. Darcy’s suggestion.”
Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose. “That was quite thoughtful of him,” she murmured.
She was forced to postpone her musings of Darcy’s thoughtfulness when a maid came to the door. “The guests have all gathered downstairs, Mrs. Hurst. Everyone is ready for the bride to begin the ceremony.”
“Oh, it’s time!” Jane squealed.
Elizabeth quickly grabbed her reticule, checked to make sure her spare hairpins were in it, and followed Jane and Louisa out of the room.
∞∞∞
The ceremony was beautiful. Elizabeth had been shocked to walk into the ballroom and see, seated behind her mother and sisters, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Mrs. Bennet was waving her hands and speaking shrilly to her younger daughters about how mistreated she was in not being allowed to plan the wedding.
Then, as Mr. Bennet escorted Jane down to Mr. Bingley, the joy radiating from both faces caused Elizabeth’s eyes to fill with tears.
This is it. In less than an hour, Jane will no longer be a Bennet but a Bingley.
Dr. Fields opened a well-worn copy ofThe Book of Common Prayer. and began to read.
“‘Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and firstmiracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
“‘The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
“‘Into this holy union Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.’”
Elizabeth held her breath and surreptitiously looked around. She half-expected Caroline Bingley to burst through the doors, but they remained firmly closed. A quick peek at Darcy revealed a soft smile on the corners of his mouth as he looked at the happy couple, which surprised her; she had expected at least a disapproving frown.
Dr. Fields continued. “‘I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God’s Word, you do now confess it.
“‘Jane Bennet, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?’”
“I will,” Jane said a bit breathlessly.
Elizabeth gave her sister a sharp glance. Jane’s face was paler than usual, and her breath was coming in short gasps. CatchingDr. Fields’s eye, Elizabeth nodded at her sister. The parson inclined his head in return, then increased his speed for the remainder of the ceremony.
“‘Charles Bingley, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?’”
“I will.”
Bingley had inched closer to Jane so he could more easily support her weight. Dr. Fields flew through the remainder of the ceremony, choosing to omit the Eucharist and traditional prayers.
Finally, it was over. Bingley immediately turned to the guests. “My sister has prepared a celebration. Please, follow me.”
He gently led Jane out of the ballroom and into the adjacent banquet hall, where a long table filled with all of Jane’s favorite foods was set. Jane was quickly settled into her chair at the place of honor as bride, and Elizabeth was relieved to see within a few minutes that her sister’s breathing had slowed to its usual state.
Once she had assured herself of herfs sister’s comfort, Elizabeth went in search of her aunt and uncle Gardiner. By this time, many of the guests had begun to arrive, and her progress was slowed by the crowd.
Finally she reached them, and joyful hugs were exchanged. “I didn’t think you would be able to come!” Elizabeth exclaimed as Mrs. Gardiner gathered her niece in for a second embrace.
“We didn’t either,” Mr. Gardiner replied. “Then yesterday afternoon, this fellow turns up with a note and a carriage. We were told we could come for the wedding in the morning and return that evening. A few servants were also provided to tend the children while we were away for the day. Of course, how could we say no to such a generous offer?”
“How kind of Mr. Bingley! Charles, I mean… he said I ought to call him that now that he is my brother.”
“It was actually Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “It was his carriage and his servants, all of it.”
Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open in a decidedly unladylike fashion, and her eyes flew around the room in search of the tall gentleman. “Mr. Darcy arranged for your journey for Jane’s wedding?”
“Yes, he did! It was quite generous of him, seeing as we are only acquaintances from the orphanage…”
