“Elizabeth told me of her difficulties with her family. I imagine you are already aware. I want the family prepared to support this union without any dissidents—other than Catherine, of course,” Rebecca said.
The earl nodded. “She would create problems regardless of whom William married. She has perpetuated the fiction of the cradle engagement so long I think she believes it herself now.”
“We had thought obtaining a common license the simplest idea,” William said. “We did not want to risk calling the banns because of Aunt Catherine, and now, it seems the best solution.”
“Your connection to the archbishop would make it relatively easy for you to obtain a special licence,” the earl reminded him. “You might have trouble obtaining a common licence since neither of you legally resides in London. It is also too late today to get the licence. If you want to marry next week, you must meet with your great uncle early tomorrow and obtain the special licence.”
“Elizabeth, what do you think?” Rebecca asked.
She looked at William. “May we discuss it and tell you tomorrow? Nothing can be done until then anyway, correct?”
The earl and countess smiled. “Yes, dear, I think that is a good idea. Although William should meet with his great uncle tomorrow morning regardless, as it will make it easier to plan the wedding whenever we decide to have it,” Rebecca advised. “Now, I understand from William you are spending tonight at Darcy House since your aunt and uncle went to Hertfordshire to pick up their children. I want to invite all of you, especially your aunt and uncle, to dine with us Saturday night. Anthony will be here then and will be thrilled to meet you, Elizabeth.”
“I will need to check with them, but it should not be a problem. Thank you, Aunt Rebecca. I will send a note when I have had a chance to discuss it with them,” Elizabeth said.
“It is settled then,” Lady Rebecca said. “You must also send me a note about the time and date of your appointment with the modiste. We are dining out tonight, or I would invite you to dine here. Send a note if you come to any decisions tonight, or we will speak tomorrow, William.”
He nodded, and they prepared to leave. Georgiana joined them, and they got into the carriage for the short trip back to his house.Georgiana retired to her room for a rest before dinner, but Elizabeth and William headed into the library to speak further.
“I like your aunt and uncle, William,” Elizabeth said as soon as they sat down. “They are nothing like I expected, especially after meeting Lady Catherine.”
“I could say the same about your uncle and your mother,” William laughed. “Although, I belatedly realised I would prefer your mother to my Aunt Catherine. At least your mother seems to mean well most of the time.”
Elizabeth laughed. “What do you think about the wedding, William? If you obtain a common licence tomorrow, we could marry next Saturday, I think. With a special licence, we could marry whenever and wherever we like once you obtain it. My aunt and uncle attend a church near their home, and I do not know enough about the licensing requirements to know what is necessary to be considered a resident of a parish.”
“I had not considered that aspect until Uncle Henry brought it up. He may be right; neither of us meets the requirements to be considered a resident of a parish here in London, although I do own a home here and attend a church in Mayfair when I am in town. The archbishop is my great uncle, and with Uncle Henry’s assistance, obtaining a special licence might be the simplest and best solution. And it may be the only way to marry unless we wish to wait several more weeks.”
“It sounds like the most practical solution is obtaining a special licence. Once you have it, we can decide when and where,” Elizabeth said. “I do not want to wait weeks, not now.”
“I know, Elizabeth,” William said, drawing her to his chest.
“Would you like to marry here? In Darcy House? Maybe even in the library?” She grinned at the thought.
William laughed. “I think my family would appreciate the irony of me marrying in a library and find even more humour in the fact that it was my bride’s suggestion.” He paused and looked at her. “You would mind not being married in a church?” he asked her.
“I like the idea of being married—whereseems far less significant. We would need to check with my uncle to see when he would be free to give me away, but with a special licence, we can marry at any time, not just in the morning,” Elizabeth said.
“I wonder if my great uncle could be persuaded to perform the ceremony,” William said absently.
Elizabeth squeaked. “Your great uncle, the archbishop?”
He laughed. “He still performs the occasional wedding. Typically, only for family, though.”
“My mother would faint,” was her reply.
“Tomorrow, I will meet with my great uncle and take care of the licence. We can discuss dates and times with your aunt and uncle and with mine, and we can marry one day next week here in the library with my great-uncle officiating,” William summarised.
“This seems unreal, all of a sudden,” Elizabeth said somewhat shakily.
He squeezed her tighter. “How about now,” he said as he bent his head to kiss her lightly.
“You are very real, my love. It is all the rest that has me unsettled,” Elizabeth said. “I was certain I would never marry, and now we are discussing being married by special licence with the archbishop himself officiating the ceremony. Forgive me if it takes a moment to come to terms with it.”
He kissed her again and then released her, smiling broadly. “Just think, Elizabeth, next week at this time, we could be husband and wife.”
She sank back into his chest and sighed. “That sounds lovely, William.”
They sat that way for several more minutes, not speaking, just enjoying the presence of the other. Before too long, though, the dinner bell rang, and they separated to dress for dinner. William escorted her to the door of her chambers, and she kissed his cheek before entering her room and shutting the door.
