“Oh, Charlotte, how lovely.” Elizabeth was delighted to discover a cream cashmere shawl that would beautifully accessorize the day gown she would wear to the wedding. She held it to her cheek, the softness a pleasure against her skin. “This is a perfect gift from one of my favorite people in the entire world. I thank you, dear friend.”
Pleased by the admiration for her offering, Charlotte asked for a few moments of privacy.
“Dear Lizzy, I have come to inquire about your father’s heir. Your mother told me he will be arriving to choose a bride. I cannot imagine her allowing Jane to marry him since her eyes have only been for Mr. Bingley since the assembly. Mary expressed no interest when I spoke with her yesterday. I suspect he will be too seriousfor either Kitty or Lydia. Therefore, I want to know if you think I would overstep by putting myself in his path.”
Elizabeth was stunned. “Charlotte, you cannot be serious. From his letter, it is easy to conclude that he is ridiculous.”
Her friend’s heightened color and her quickness with her reply told Elizabeth that Charlotte had already considered the opinions of others. “In less than three years, I will reach the age of thirty. As yet, I have had no offers and no interest. To be settled in my own home where I am no longer the responsibility of my father and brothers to support allows me to set aside any expectations.” She reached for Elizabeth’s hands and squeezed them. “I yearn to have children. If I do not do so soon, the opportunity will pass me, which I would forever regret.”
Even though her mind understood Charlotte’s desperation, her heart railed against her plan. Biting her tongue, she wished her friend well in her attempts to attach herself to the heir of Longbourn.
“Charlotte, I suggest that you not speak a word of your plans to Mama. I fear she will not take it well.”
Later, as she wrapped the shawl around her shoulders, the only thing Elizabeth could think was, “Thank heavens, I am marrying a reasonable man.”
Parker was puttingthe final touches to Darcy’s wedding clothes when Netherfield’s butler tapped on his door. Checking his timepiece to make sure he was not late, he was surprised by how much time remained before he had to be at the chapel.
“Mr. Darcy, sir, your family has arrived.”
Family?He had not bothered sending a notice and invitation to Lady Catherine, but he had sent one to Lord and Lady Matlock. He was pleased that they would attend. Through the open door, he heard Mrs. Nicholls, Bingley’s housekeeper, as she showed them to a guest room so they could refresh themselves after their long journey from London. Then he heard Bingley mumble something.
His uncle’s voice boomed through the door. “While we appreciate your offer of hospitality, Mr. Bingley, we will stay the night at the inn. We would not want to intrude on my nephew and his bride.”
What he did not expect was a loud pounding on the door to his chambers.
“Open up, Darcy, for I am here to save you from yourself.”
Richard?Pure delight filled him. Ignoring the road dust on Richard’s coat, Darcy pulled his favorite cousin into a tight embrace.
“I am pleased to see you, Richard.” Darcy delivered several hearty slaps on his cousin’s back in the manly signal that he was delighted to be in his company. Once they stepped back, Darcy surveyed Richard from head to toe. “You are returning in one piece. I am relieved you are safe.
“Yes, well. Father pulling the right strings got me out of what would be the worst of the fighting. Napoleon is crafty and determined.”
“As are you, Richard.”
“And you, my stoic friend and cousin, are taking a bride today. I need to know only one thing. Does shemake you happy?” Richard slapped him on the shoulder. “No need to answer, Darce. Your face says it all.”
“Elizabeth is everything I never knew I wanted, Rich. She is lovely, intelligent, thoughtful, and she understands me. What first appealed to me was the dignity she showed when trying to correct her younger sisters. Day after day, I witnessed her kindness. She is not perfect, but she is the perfect wife for me.”
His cousin grinned. “I shall clean up, then ride with you to the chapel so you can tell me all I need to know about her family. I already informed Bingley that he needed to step aside. I will stand up for you during the ceremony.”
So much joy filled Darcy’s heart that it almost hurt. An hour later, after Parker refreshed his clothing, Darcy entered the carriage with Richard. Bingley and the Matlocks followed behind. The three miles from Netherfield Park to Longbourn flew by.
When they pulled up in front of the chapel, Richard’s only comment was, “It is about time one of us married. I am grateful it is not me.”
22
Darcy escorted Mrs. Bennet to the front of the chapel, where her eldest spoke with Miss Lucas and Bingley. At her invitation, Elizabeth’s mother insisted that he have the freedom to call each daughter by name and refer to her as Mother Bennet. Where it was easy enough with the former, he could not force himself to refer to his new mother-in-law informally. Perhaps in time.
Behind him, Kitty and Lydia argued over which of them was most admired by Richard. Darcy warned him that wearing his full dress, scarlet, high-necked tunic with distinctive lapels, cuffs, and collar would make him a target. His cousin foolishly laughed away Darcy’s caution, believing that the youngest Bennet girls were no threat compared to Napoleon. He was wrong. After a much-heated discussion between the two girls, which was clearly heard from every corner of the chapel, Richard entered the building with Kitty and Lydia on each arm.
Richard appeared quite smug until Lydia whispered to her sister loud enough for the neighborhood to hear: “Even though he appears dashing, he is rather worn about the edges, though his uniform is sharp enough. I would never waste my new bonnet on someone his age.”
Richard’s father guffawed while Darcy’s aunt vacillated between merriment and offense at the expense of her favorite son.
Once Mrs. Bennet was satisfied that everyone and everything was in place, Darcy took one last look over those attending. Petey and his grandmother sat in the row behind Richard’s family and alongside Mr. and Mrs. Crosgrove. Sir William Lucas and his brood sat behind them. Bringing up the rear was Parker.
Taking in a deep breath, Darcy counted to himself as he exhaled, waiting for the exact moment the door would open, and he would finally see his bride. When it happened, the reality was so much better than his imagination.
