Page 226 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Good morning, Fitzwilliam.”

His thumb passed once across her fingers before he released them and followed her into the drawing room.

When Charles and Caroline arrived, Caroline opened the papers she had brought with her.

“I have settled most of the breakfast, but I wanted each of you to have something you particularly like. Jane, what would you choose?”

“Thinly sliced cold roast beef with mustard, please. I have always liked it that way.”

Charles took Jane’s hand where it rested beside him. “Then you shall have it.”

Caroline made a note. “And you, Elizabeth?”

“Lobster patties, if they are not too troublesome.”

“Not at all. Lobster patties it shall be.”

Darcy spoke then. “I know you did not ask my preference, but there is one thing I should like. The lemon pudding you served at dinner was excellent.”

Caroline caught his eye. “Then you shall have it, sir, with my compliments.”

She showed Jane and Elizabeth the rest of her plans, including the menu and the rooms where tables would be arranged. Several more would be placed in the formal gardens if the fine weather continued.

By the time everything was settled, the tea tray had arrived. After tea, Bingley and Caroline prepared to leave. Jane and Elizabeth accompanied them to the entrance hall.

When Elizabeth returned to the drawing room, Mr. Darcy was waiting for her.

She sat beside him and reached beneath the neckline of her gown. Her amber cross appeared first as she drew out the long gold chain, followed by her wedding ring.

“I want to give this back to you so that you can put it on my finger when we marry.”

Darcy looked at her before reaching for the chain. He worked the clasp loose and carefully slipped the ring free.

He held it in his palm, then reached inside his coat for his billfold. From a small pocket, he took a plain gold band and placed it beside hers.

Elizabeth touched his ring with the tip of one finger. “You kept yours.”

“I carry it with me always.”

Her fingers moved over the two rings lying together in his palm.

“When I take my vows, I want the same ring and the same husband.”

Darcy closed his hand around the rings and drew her nearer. “You shall have both.”

He bent his head and kissed her slowly. Elizabeth slipped her fingers into the curls at the nape of his neck.

When they parted, Darcy placed both rings together in the small pocket of his billfold. Elizabeth watched him close it and return it to the inside of his coat.

* * *

Thursday morning was clear and mild when Mr. Bennet entered the drawing room and found his two eldest daughters waiting for him.

He stopped inside the doorway and looked at them, both dressed in their new gowns.

Jane went to him and slipped her hand through his arm. “We are ready, Papa.”

He covered her hand with his before looking at Elizabeth. “You are both very beautiful.”