Page 52 of A Different Impression

Darcy could not yet trust himself to answer. Elizabeth took his hand and led him into the garden, towards a bench hidden among the hedges. Once they were seated, he handed her his uncle’s letter and watched as she read. Her face gradually lost its colour.

“Is this the same Lady Catherine whom my cousin praised so highly?”

His throat tightened, and he could only nod. Elizabeth immediately wrapped her arms around him, cradling his head against her as she gently caressed his hair. Darcy clung to her, drawing what comfort he could from her warmth.

“Oh, love,” she whispered.

For several minutes, he allowed himself to remain in her embrace. Finally, he raised his head, although he continued to hold her tightly to himself.

“I need to return to London and determine how I may help my uncle.”

“I understand, William. I do.” Her expression faltered. “Do you think we shall need to delay the wedding until matters are settled?”

Darcy gazed at her. He had considered that very question throughout the ride from Netherfield, and the thought of postponing their marriage had been intolerable.

“We have the licence, the marriage articles have been signed, and there is nothing to prevent us from marrying.” He paused and drew a steadying breath. “We could marry today—or tomorrow morning, if you would prefer. As my wife, you could accompany me to London while I help my uncle resolve whatever has occurred with my aunt and cousin. I feel certain that either my uncle or I will be obliged to travel to Kent soon, particularly if Anne’s condition worsens.”

“We should speak to my father.” Elizabeth stood and took his hand, drawing him to his feet. “We can make it known that your cousin’s illness necessitated advancing the wedding, lest it later be postponed by your need to attend her—or by a period of mourning.”

Darcy disliked hearing the possibility expressed so plainly, but he could find no fault in her reasoning.

After they explained the circumstances to Mr Bennet, he sent a note asking whether the rector would be willing to perform the ceremony the following morning. Miss Bennet was summoned to the study so they might plan an abbreviated wedding breakfast while they waited for his reply.

Before long, the rector confirmed that he was available to perform the ceremony at the church the following morning. Notes were then prepared for a carefully selected number of families in the neighbourhood. Mr Bennet deliberately included several ladies known for sharing whatever news reached them, and Darcy readily endorsed the strategy. If the proper explanation circulated quickly enough, less flattering speculation might never gain credence.

“What should we do about Mama?” Elizabeth asked her sister once the arrangements were underway. “She was reluctant to assist with the wedding when we had another fortnight in which to prepare. She will be certain that something dreadful has occurred to cause us to marry tomorrow. I cannot imagine excluding her entirely, but I confess I am terrified of what she might say if she attends.”

“Papa has had Hill inform visitors that Mama has been unwell,” Miss Bennet answered. “Perhaps the same explanation may serve if she does not attend the wedding breakfast. She might attend the ceremony, especially since the number of guests will now be quite limited. The Netherfield party will be present, as will the Lucases and the Phillipses.”

Elizabeth winced slightly.

“I know Lady Lucas and Aunt Phillips are among the most enthusiastic gossips in the neighbourhood,” Miss Bennet continued, “but Papa could hardly exclude them. I fear Mama will express her displeasure quite freely if she attends the breakfast.”

“I cannot decide which would be worse,” Elizabeth admitted. “Offending Mama by excluding her or allowing her to offend William and everyone else who attends.”

Darcy wished he could relieve her concern, but he was no more certain of the proper course than she appeared to be.

“I think your father must make that decision, dearest,” he said, “as he will be the one obliged to endure the consequences after we depart.”

Mr Bennet, who had been occupied with the notes announcing the change, set down his pen. “A compelling argument for excluding her entirely, although I shall consider the matter while I see these dispatched.”

“And I shall speak with Hill about what can be prepared for the breakfast,” Miss Bennet said, rising. She gave Elizabeth’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze before following her father from the room.

Once they were alone, Darcy took Elizabeth’s hands in his.

“Advancing our wedding also requires us to alter our plans. Georgiana and Kitty will need to accompany us to Darcy House, and we must delay our journey to Pemberley until Anne’s situation is more certain. Nor do I know whether we shall be able to attend Bingley’s ball. We may be required to travel to Kent, although I hope we might first withdraw from society for a few days and enjoy some measure of privacy before duty calls us elsewhere.” He kissed both her hands, troubled by how thoroughly the crisis had disrupted the wedding she had anticipated. “I promise I shall make it up to you.”

“Do not worry, William. It makes little difference to me where we go, so long as we are together. I am only grateful that I shall not have to remain behind while you face this crisis alone.”

She raised his hand and kissed his knuckles. The tender gesture banished the last of Darcy’s restraint, and he drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply.

“As much as I despise the circumstances, I confess I am nearly ecstatic that they have advanced our wedding,” he said when they finally parted. “Tomorrow, Elizabeth. Tomorrow we shall be man and wife. Tomorrow night, I shall not have to leave you at the door and return alone to Netherfield.”

The prospect sent a very different warmth through him. He smiled down at her.

“Tomorrow, Elizabeth,” he repeated, allowing some of his anticipation to enter his expression. “I am greatly looking forward to it, my love.”

Elizabeth awoke the following morning to bright sunlight streaming through her curtains. For one disoriented moment, she could not understand why Longbourn already seemed to be bustling around her. Then she remembered.