“I really do not know how to broach the subject without seeming greedy or prideful.” Darcy’s light chuckle sustained her nerves, and she went on. “When Mama heard of my marrying Fitzwilliam, you can imagine her surprise.”
Jane Bennet snorted with suppressed laughter. “You will be happy to know, Mr. Darcy, the news literally silenced our mother for some time.” Darcy smiled at the playful wit of his new sister; itwas something he did not expect to find.
Elizabeth began again. “Anyway, Mama in her ravings said something I did not consider before, but I will ask if it is possible. Mama suggested a special license.”
“Elizabeth!” Jane gasped.
Darcy’s eyes could not be diverted from the anxious look on Elizabeth’s face.“Is that what you want, Elizabeth?”
“The honor of a special license means nothing to me; I do not see it as a symbol of status, and I care not for a large wedding; family and a few friends are all I need besides you, Fitzwilliam. A special license just means we would not have to wait so long.”
“I would wish for no more either, Charles,” Jane Bennet added.
“What say you, Charles?” Darcy turned to him.
“A special license—can we arrange such a convenience, Darcy?”
Darcy turned to Elizabeth.“If Elizabeth wishes a special license, I will apply for one immediately.”
“I would want to be your wife, Fitzwilliam, as soon as possible.”
“Then we will apply for a special license,” Bingley added in reassurance.“What date will we choose?”
“Monday—a fortnight,” Elizabeth offered.
“Our poor mother,” Jane began. “Her nerves will be such a flutter.”
Realizing her mother preferred her other sisters, Elizabeth offered,“But she will only go through it once.”
“I must make arrangements for Georgiana to join us. I may bring her to Netherfield; may I not, Charles?”
“Of course, Darcy, you need not ask.”
Darcy turned back to the man whose friendship he never valued properly until of late. “It seems our days are numbered, Charles.” Darcy laughed lightly, but he squeezed Elizabeth’s hand to reassure his speech was in jest.“This evening at Netherfield, you and I will take care of the legal matters, the marriage articles, the application for the special license, and the church. I will send for Georgiana to come to your home.Are your sisters on their way?”
“They come at the end of the month. I will wait to tell them of the change in plans. Their arrival will be soon enough.” Charles Bingley’s face showed the angst he felt concerning his sisters’ arrivals. Jane Bennet, sensing his discomfort, interlocked her arm through his.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy offered her a slight nod of the head,“you have earned the love of one of the finest men I know.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she smiled as Charles Bingley caught her hand in both of his.
Elizabeth then showed her sister the lace Darcy gave her. “Is that not the same lace you wanted in London?”
“It is one and the same. Is it not a pleasant surprise?” Elizabeth gifted Darcy with a seductive pout of her lips.
“I tried to talk Lizzy into buying the lace, but she refused. Mr. Darcy, how do you know my sister so well?” Jane Bennet showed her dismay.
“Elizabeth is my other half.”The explanation spoke for itself; he took Elizabeth’s hand and kissed it tenderly.
At dinner that evening, Darcy received the pleasure of sitting next to Elizabeth; Mrs. Bennet added several special dishes to the meal in hopes of pleasing the gentleman.Although they were toorichfor his taste, he complimented his future “mother” several times. Under the table when no one looked, Elizabeth rewarded him with a squeeze of his leg just above his knee.Although all too brief, the warmth of her hand on his leg burnt his flesh, and Darcy needed several slow, deep breaths to not betray his passion to the rest of the table. Elizabeth giggled softly knowing the effect she had on this man.
Jane Bennet finally opened the discussion of the wedding with her mother. “Mama, while you were in town today, Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, Charles, and I made some decisions about our wedding.”
“Of course, dear, go on, Jane. Your father and I are most anxious to see our daughters portrayed in the best light on their special days.”
“Day,” Jane corrected. “Elizabeth and I chose a double wedding. We shall share our wedding day with friends who will then become brothers.”
“That is such a romantic idea,” Kitty sighed.
