Page 94 of The Crown’s Gift

Outside, Darcy stood beside Bingley at the church. Bingley had indeed nearly stumbled, though not where Lydia observed. His hands shook when Darcy straightened his cravat for the third time.

"What if she changes her mind?"

"She will not."

"How can you know?"

Darcy looked down the aisle where guests settled. "Because Miss Bennet does not confuse calmness with uncertainty. You should have learned that."

Bingley exhaled. "You are a comforting friend."

"I am improving."

When Jane entered, Bingley's fear vanished. He looked at her with open wonder, and she smiled in answer—no reserve, no ambiguity, nothing left for another person to interpret.

They spoke their vows clearly.

Caroline sat beside Mrs Hurst. She was pale but composed. When Bingley placed the ring on Jane's finger, Caroline lowered her eyes. At the church door she kissed her new sister's cheek and called her Jane without effort.

The wedding breakfast filled Longbourn. Lady Bennet's sixty guests became eighty-three. The western roof held. Lydia was prevented from making a speech only because Sir Thomas promised she might offer a toast at home that evening.

Mary played a composition written for the couple. It began softly, developed into a bright interwoven melody, and ended with two themes returning together. No one spoke for several seconds after the final note.

Then Bingley applauded with such enthusiasm everyone followed.

Mary rose, blushing. Georgiana embraced her. A London publisher who attended as Lady Matlock's guest asked whether the piece had been printed.

"No," Mary said.

"It should be."

Elizabeth saw confidence enter her sister not as sudden transformation but a door opening.

Kitty presented Jane with a drawing of Longbourn beneath spring trees. Lydia gave Bingley a list entitled Rules for Marrying a Bennet, including: never conceal letters, always invite sisters, and do not permit doves indoors.

"The final rule is for you," Bingley said.

"Experience makes law."

Late in the afternoon, Jane changed into a traveling dress. She and Bingley would spend a fortnight at the seaside before returning to Longbourn.

At the carriage, Lady Bennet cried openly. Sir Thomas held her. The sisters embraced Jane in a cluster of ribbons, gloves, and contradictory advice.

Darcy stood slightly apart until Bingley approached him.

"Next time it is you."

"I am aware."

"Terrified?"

Darcy looked toward Elizabeth. She stood beneath the portico with sunlight on her hair, laughing through tears as Jane waved from the carriage.

"Not of marrying her."

"Of what, then?"

"Of deserving the trust after it is given."