Page 130 of The Engagement at Longbourn

So had she.

CHAPTER FIFTY

Two Brides Leave Netherfield

Near sunset, the carriages were brought around.

Jane and Bingley would remain at Netherfield after a short journey to the coast. Elizabeth and Darcy would leave for London the following morning, but they would spend the wedding night at a small estate house belonging to the Matlocks less than an hour away, giving both couples some privacy from a household still full of relations.

Mrs. Bennet had cried herself into exhaustion. She stood in the entrance hall holding Jane’s hands. “You will come tomorrow before you leave?”

“Yes, Mama.”

“And write from the coast?”

“Yes.”

“And Charles, you will make sure she does not take cold.”

Bingley answered solemnly, “I will guard her from every breeze.”

Jane smiled.

Mrs. Bennet turned to Elizabeth. “Derbyshire is colder.”

“Mama.”

“It is north.”

“I have coats.”

“Not enough.”

Darcy said, “Pemberley has fires, Mrs. Bennet.”

She looked at him. “See that it does.”

“Yes, madam.”

Elizabeth laughed. Mr. Bennet embraced Jane first.

Then Elizabeth. This time he did not joke. “Write to me.”

“I will.”

“Not only to your mother.”

“I know.”

“Tell me what you are reading.”

“Yes.”

“And whether Pemberley’s library is truly as fine as he claims.”

Darcy, behind her, said, “It is.”

Mr. Bennet looked past Elizabeth. “I shall judge for myself.”