Elizabeth turned back to Darcy. “Perhaps sooner would be wiser.”
Relief flickered in his eyes.
“When we are in London,” he said softly, “you shall visit your aunt and uncle as often as you wish. They shall be received in my house whenever they please.”
The promise steadied her.
Meanwhile, Bingley had begun calculating aloud. “As our banns must be called, Jane and I cannot marry before Sunday, the fifteenth of December—that being the third reading.”
“So, what day would be best?” Jane asked.
Elizabeth tapped her chin thoughtfully. “There is the old wedding rhyme,” she mused.
Lydia blinked. “What rhyme?”
“Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday the best day of all…” she recited lightly. “If Sunday the fifteenth is the third reading, then Wednesday the eighteenth would suit admirably.”
There was a moment’s pause.
“Wednesday the eighteenth,” Darcy repeated.
Bingley clapped his hands once. “Perfect!”
Jane smiled radiantly.
Mrs. Bennet looked between them all, clearly calculating gowns, dinners, and bragging rights. “Very well! Wednesday the eighteenth! It shall be done!”
The matter settled with remarkable swiftness, Darcy and Bingley requested a private word with Mr. Bennet.
“We must obtain your written approval,” Darcy explained. “My stepmother’s godfather is a bishop. With your letter—and Bingley as witness—the common license may be procured without delay.”
Mr. Bennet regarded him with faint amusement. “A bishop for a godfather? Very well. I suppose I must not stand in the way of efficiency.”
The gentlemen withdrew to the study.
Elizabeth stood at the window, watching as papers were later folded and sealed, as coats were donned and hands shaken. The visit, though joyful, had been briskly purposeful.
Too brisk.
She had not expected to feel the ache that settled in her chest as Darcy prepared to depart.
He approached her quietly before stepping outside.
“It will not be long,” he assured her. “Only a few days.”
“I know,” she replied, striving for cheerfulness. “You must not allow the bishop to misplace the license.”
A faint smile touched his mouth. “I shall stand over him if necessary.”
His hand closed briefly over hers—warm, steady—before he released her.
Outside, Bingley was already assisting Jane into her cloak for a moment’s private farewell. Georgiana and Lady Anne lingered near Elizabeth.
“We shall call daily,” Georgiana promised softly. “If you will permit it.”
“I shall insist upon it,” Lady Anne added with gracious warmth. “There is much we must discuss.”
Elizabeth managed a smile, though her eyes followed Darcy until his carriage disappeared beyond the hedgerow.
