“Georgiana and I shall also return to London. Indeed, we must, and so must Richard and Anne, for the Customs officers intend to raid this part of the county in an effort to rid us of the Aldington gang. We believe it best to know as little of the matter as possible.”
Darcy grinned boyishly. “I shall not have leave to dance, but I may meet Elizabeth at balls and soirées and continue my courtship.”
“You appear exceedingly well pleased, nephew, a circumstance I never expected to witness, for you have always despised balls and soirées.”
“Yes, my lady, but that was before I met Elizabeth. I am only saddened that I may not dance with her. I long to see her attired in a splendid ball gown and adorned with the Darcy jewels.”
Lady Helen’s eyes brightened. “That is precisely what we shall do, Fitzwilliam. I shall take her to my modiste and dress her like a princess, and you shall adorn her with selected pieces of the Darcy jewels. We shall present her as your betrothed. No one needs to know her humble origins.”
“But what if her origins become known?”
“Fitzwilliam, it will amount to no more than the whispers of gossipmongers against what the highest sticklers observe with their own eyes. No one will know you furnished her wardrobe, for I shall take her to my modiste, who exercises the utmost discretion.”
She patted his arm and smiled knowingly at him. “That is precisely what we shall do and pay no heed to what may be spoken behind your back. When society observes how thoroughly besotted you are, they will understand it was a love match. Much will be forgiven a man who marries for love.”
“Aunt, I shall agree only if we do not circulate tales of a grand dowry, elevated connections, and the like.”
“Very well, my boy. I had no intention of making any such declarations. After I have dressed her and you have adorned her with your splendid jewels, society will draw its own conclusions, and we shall not trouble ourselves to correct them.”
Darcy experienced a measure of discomfort, for he abhorred disguise of every sort.
Chapter 34: Jane Weds
The church stood empty save for Sir Gareth’s parents, his sister, the three Bennets, and Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth attended her dearest sister, while Richard attended Sir Gareth.
As Jane’s sweet voice intoned the solemn vows, Elizabeth lifted her gaze and met her father’s eyes. Tears coursed silently down his cheeks. Mary stood silent next to him, pressing her handkerchief to her own eyes.
Afterward, they entered their names into the marriage register. After the simple ceremony, they returned to Rosings and shared a meal together. There was no wedding breakfast nor celebration, for Lady Catherine lay upon her deathbed.
Anne left the church as soon as the ceremony concluded, hurrying back to her mother’s side, lest she pass in her absence. She joined her uncle at her mother’s bedside and was grateful she still breathed.
They all dined at Rosings, and Sir Gareth, along with his family, remained at the grand estate for three hours, allowing Jane time with her father.
Now, Elizabeth was upstairs with Jane, helping her pack away the remaining accouterments used to prepare her for her wedding ceremony.
“Lizzy, Mr. Darcy has arranged matters with Papa and my dear husband so that you may accompany us when we travel to London for the season. He intends to resume his courtship there.”
Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled. “I feel like a foolish green girl, Jane. I am filled with raptures, flutters, and excitement at the thought of dancing at a ball in the arms of Prince Charming, to whom, against all expectation, I find myself betrothed.”
Jane took her sister’s hand and twirled her around. “You and I are the most fortunate creatures that ever existed, Lizzy.”
When she released her, Jane’s eyes clouded. “If only our sister’s marriage would improve.”
Jane departed with her new family, while Mr. Bennet accompanied Mary back to the parsonage. She intended to pack her belongings while her father explained to her husband that she would return to Longbourn under his protection.
Thomas Bennet took both of Mary’s hands.
“Are you quite certain, my dear? Do you understand what you are doing?”
“Papa, Mr. Collins neither esteems nor respects me. He scarcely believes a word I say, and for some reason, he does not trust me. He is jealous, sir, though I have never offered him the slightest cause. He has convinced himself I was violated during my captivity and refuses to believe me when I assure him otherwise.”
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
“Sir, he appears to think me of no consequence because I brought him no dowry. I will not remain with such a man. I hope a separation may teach him what he stands to lose.”
“And how are we to explain your return to our neighbors?” Mr. Bennet asked. “What excuse shall he offer his parishioners?”
“I hoped you might invite him to visit us at Longbourn for one week each month so he may learn the management of the estate. Our neighbors will see that we are united. As for my return, we shall say Mamma will care for me through a difficult pregnancy.”
