Darcy,
You have our undying thanks. He will marry the chit as soon as the banns can be read.
Aunt Elaine
Mr. Darcy sent a message in return.
Dear Aunt,
I suggest locking him in a room until the date of the wedding.
Darcy
***
The following morning, Mr. Darcy read this in the Morning Post:
Betrothed, Miss Harriet Weatherington, daughter of Mr. Robert Weatherington and Mrs. Weatherington, to Daniel Fitzwilliam, Viscount Middleton, eldest son of the Earl and Countess of Matlock.
Daniel had made the right decision. If only someone could give Mr. Darcy as sound advice as he gave others!
***
At Weatherington House, Harriet listened to her mother witter on and on about wedding clothes, pin money, and the like. She tried to pay attention, she really did, but she had a good many important things to think about.
“Harriet!”
“Yes, Mother?”
“Did you hear me?”
“I -uh –“
“Blue or pink, girl! What shall you be married in?”
“You choose, Mother.”
This seemed to be the right answer. Harriet returned to her thoughts, the crux of which was this: would her new husband let her keep her dogs?
Chapter Forty-Eight
On the twenty-third of March, Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet climbed into the Bennet carriage. Elizabeth’s big trunk was strapped to the back; she planned to stay in Kent for a full month, and Mary had advised her to bring at least two good dresses for their visits to Rosings Park. Mr. Bennet, on the other hand, would only stay overnight, so he had packed just a small valise.
The two travelers waved as the rest of the Bennet family crowded on the front step to see them off. Lydia’s expression still looked mutinous; she had complained for days about never being invited anywhere. Kitty, uncertain if she too should complain or if she should simply remain silent, had succeeded only in looking confused.
As the carriage pulled away from Longbourn, Mr. Bennet eyed his daughter. “Happy to get away, Lizzy?”
“A change of scenery is generally welcome, I believe,” she replied, cautiously.
“Especially when one’s elder sister is so very happy, yes?”
“I am delighted for Jane!” Elizabeth cried out, stung.
“Of course you are, and I never meant to imply otherwise. But I believe you understand me.”
“Oh, Papa,” Elizabeth sighed.
“I know it is hard, my girl. I warned you and I warned him as well, but I may as well have saved my breath.”
