Page 110 of The Crown’s Gift

"Tomorrow," Bingley said, "you will discover marriage is exactly as everyone says and nothing like it."

"Illuminating."

"You will understand later."

They drank in companionable silence.

Before dawn, snow began—light, scattered flakes that did not settle. By sunrise the sky cleared.

The wedding morning came bright and cold.

* * *

Elizabeth did not trip.

Mary's processional filled the Meryton church as Sir Thomas led her down the aisle. Every pew was occupied. Tenants from Netherfield and Longbourn stood at the back. The Matlocks sat beside Georgiana and Anne. Lady Catherine occupied the end of the front pew with the bearing of a monarch accepting an unfavorable treaty.

Darcy waited at the altar.

He saw Elizabeth and forgot the congregation.

Ivory silk moved softly around her. The Queen's locket rested at her throat. Her dark eyes found his, bright with feeling and laughter held just beneath solemnity.

Sir Thomas felt his daughter's hand tighten on his arm.

"He looks frightened," Elizabeth whispered.

"So did the King. You know what to do."

She almost laughed aloud.

At the chancel, Sir Thomas placed her hand in Darcy's. Darcy bowed to him, then looked at Elizabeth as if receiving not a transfer but a trust.

Their vows were spoken clearly.

When Darcy promised to love, comfort, honor, and keep her, Elizabeth heard the difference between keeping as possession and keeping as care. When she made the same promise, she knew honor did not mean submission and comfort did not mean shielding him from truth.

The ring settled upon her finger.

"I pronounce that they be man and wife."

Darcy's breath left him.

Elizabeth smiled. "You may look happier now."

The clergyman pretended not to hear.

Outside, church bells rang. Lydia's approved carriage bells answered from the road. No doves appeared.

Georgiana embraced Elizabeth and called her sister. Mary stood beside them with tears on her cheeks and no attempt to hide them. Jane kissed Elizabeth, then Darcy.

"Take care of one another," she said.

"She has already begun by correcting my expression," Darcy replied.

Lady Catherine approached last among the family.

She looked at Elizabeth's ring, then at Darcy.