“Georgiana told us what you did for her. I thank God for guiding her to you that day,” the countess said, embracing her.
“We all thank you,” the earl added. “You may not know it, but our niece, nephew, and sons have been singing your praises, as has my future daughter-in-law.”
“The day we met in the park, I had the impression you were a kind, sensible young lady. I wish I had begun to reconsider the situation then, but everything has turned out as it should, and my husband and I are very pleased for Darcy and Georgiana, and for you, of course.” Lady Romsley took her hand and led her to a sofa, where she insisted Elizabeth sit next to her.
Jane was not forgotten in their greeting, and for the hours they were together, the Romsleys and Colonel Fitzwilliamasked many questions about the Bennets, Longbourn, and Larch Lane. Lord Bramwell had fewer enquiries, but he was happy to speak to Elizabeth of Rebecca and once said, “I am glad all that fuss isfinallybehind us.”
Talk naturally turned to plans for the coming months.
“Georgiana and I shall return to Pemberley in early November,” Darcy said. The doctor whose advice had proved so helpful to Miss Darcy would be in town at the end of October; he and the colonel wanted Miss Darcy to see him in person once again. Elizabeth had insisted he remain in London until everything was properly completed.
“And you, Mrs Bingley, when do you expect to depart?” Lady Romsley asked.
“Sooner than Mr and Miss Darcy but only by a week or two.”
Elizabeth knew this was because her sister and Bingley were anxious to commence the task of making Larch Lane their home.
“Have you and my cousin discussed when you would like to marry?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked Elizabeth.
“We do not have an exact date yet because it depends on when my family can make the journey to Derbyshire without worrying about winter weather. It will be in the early spring.”
“You will marry from Larch Lane?” Bramwell asked.
Elizabeth’s cheeks warmed slightly. Explaining why required sharing news she was uncertain whether her sister was prepared to announce yet.
Bingley rescued her. “Jane and I hope there will be an addition to the family in the late winter, and Lizzy and Darcy cannot possibly be married unlessIam there to witness it!” He laughed.
There were the usual congratulations, which made Jane blush.
Lord Bramwell pointed at Darcy and gave a bark of laughter. “I shall be a married man before you are.” He and Rebecca would marry in December. They would go to Romsley Hall soon after.
“As though that makes you my superior,” Darcy muttered.
The countess expressed a hope that they would see the Bingleys and Elizabeth over Christmas at either Romsley Hall or Larch Lane, depending on Jane’s health and her willingness to travel.
During the separation of the sexes after dinner, Elizabeth sat with Miss Darcy. She said, “We have months before the wedding, and you do not have to make a decision immediately, but if you are agreeable, I would like you to be my bridesmaid.”
“Would you?” Miss Darcy stared at her, her blue eyes opened wide.
“I would. We shall be sisters. Mary and Kitty were Jane’s bridesmaids, and they will understand why I have asked you instead of them. But, if you decide you would not like to do it, I shall understand. There will be other ways you can assist with planning the wedding. I do not anticipate it being very large. Your family, my parents, Mary, Kitty, Jane and Bingley, naturally, and your brother might have a few friends or other relations he wishes to invite.” Elizabeth’s words were awkward, but she wanted to make it clear that Lydia and Wickham wouldnotbe present. It ought not to be necessary, but she knew Miss Darcy was prone to think less rationally of matters that made her uneasy at times.
“Thank you,” Miss Darcy said, her voice little above a whisper.
Elizabeth decided to avoid further serious topics and spoke of music and novels until the gentlemen joined them a quarter of an hour later.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity for Elizabeth. She and Rebecca met, and the Bingleys, Darcys, and Elizabeth saw the Gardiners several times.
After much shopping and many amusements, Jane, Bingley, and Elizabeth began the trip north in the third week of October. Everything at Larch Lane was proceeding well, and Elizabeth spent the next weeks assisting Jane with ensuring the inside of the house was how she wanted it, while Bingley took to his duties as the new owner with great enthusiasm.
The Darcys followed them to Derbyshire a fortnight later, and over the coming weeks, the residents of Larch Lane and Pemberley were often together. Miss Darcy even spent a week at Larch LanewithoutDarcy. Nothing convinced Elizabeth that Miss Darcy had no reservations about her brother’s forthcoming marriage more than her calm—at times even happy—demeanour throughout that visit.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Darcy and Georgiana spent Christmas at Larch Lane. Afterwards, the family from Romsley Hall, including a new viscountess, joined them. They were a merry bunch, and on New Year’s Eve, they celebrated the end of 1813 and beginning of 1814 with some of the Bingleys’ new neighbours, whom they had invited to an evening party.
The neighbours left in time to reach their homes before midnight, and Mrs Bingley immediately went to her chamber, saying she felt fatigued after the day. Bingley had escorted his wife upstairs with a promise to return shortly. Soon after, Georgiana said that she would follow Mrs Bingley’s example.
“Good night, Georgiana. You did very well tonight, and I am confident the new year will be a wonderful one for all of us.” Darcy kissed his sister on the top of her head and continued to watch her as she said a few words to those who had decided to remain in the drawing room.
