Page 103 of Twice Chosen

Bingley sniffed. "You cried at your first wedding."

Darcy stared. "What?"

Bingley grinned. "I assume you will."

Darcy's heart stopped for half a beat.

Then Bingley frowned. "What?"

"Nothing."

Darcy nearly laughed at himself.

He was becoming paranoid.

Jane smiled throughout the ceremony. Not politely. Not serenely. Happily.

When Bingley took her hand, she squeezed his.

Elizabeth saw.

So did Darcy.

Their eyes met across the church.

Old joy.

New day.

At the wedding breakfast Mary played one short piece. It was not perfect, but she did not attempt anything beyond her skill and accepted applause without immediately offering a moral observation.

Kitty danced with a young gentleman from Hertford who asked about her drawings rather than Lydia.

Lydia danced three times and refused a fourth because she was tired.

Mrs. Bennet boasted extensively.

Elizabeth did not spend the afternoon mortified.

She redirected when necessary, smiled when she could, and reminded herself that her mother was celebrating a beloved daughter rather than auditioning for society's approval.

At one point Mrs. Bennet loudly informed Lady Lucas that Pemberley possessed a dining room larger than Netherfield's.

Elizabeth closed her eyes.

Darcy, beside her, whispered, "Rule seven."

She turned. "What?"

"We do not postpone happiness."

"How is that relevant?"

Darcy's face remained perfectly solemn. "I am choosing to be happy despite your mother."

Elizabeth laughed aloud.

Mrs. Bennet looked over. "What?"