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“I did intend to keep them, sir!” she declared. “But circumstances prevented me!”

For a few moments, they remained silent, their eyes holding each other’s as though nothing could separate them.

“I wish to…” Elizabeth began, then repeated, “I wish to…”

“To…?”

“To be with you at Pemberley!”

For both of them, it was a longing…a promise…a dream.

Chapter 18

Jane and Charles, at long last, received word from the Meryton vicarage that the banns had been read in church on three successive Sundays, and they could now marry.

Accompanied by Mr Bennet, they hastened to the vicarage, as joyful as innocent children who had discovered paradise. Mr Walters, the vicar, and Mr Bennet watched the young lovers with delight.

“This is a sight I wish to see more often,” the vicar remarked. “Two young people so truly happy to begin their life together!”

That evening, the dining room at Netherfield Hall shone with the light of magnificent chandeliers, all lit to celebrate the couple’s approaching marriage. Charles wanted to thank those who loved them and had believed they would marry. Mr and Mrs Bennet arrived with their four daughters and were pleasantly surprised to find the Gardiners, who had just reached Netherfield.

There were warm embraces and animated conversations, and everyone was so happy that there seemed to be no room for any other feeling, all past troubles forgotten and forgiven.

The Gardiners’ children were also present, having received a special invitation from Jane and Charles. Although somewhat shy, they were happy to be included among the guests. Darcy noticed their excellent manners and silently resolved to bring up his own children as Mr and Mrs Gardiner had brought up theirs, with love and firm principles.

∞∞∞

The three Sundays appointed for the reading of his and Elizabeth’s banns in Meryton were nearly over, and Darcy had lost some of his serenity, though he tried to show no anxiety in her presence. Marriage in Scotland remained possible, but it was a desperate measure. He longed to marry among friends and family in Pemberley’s parish church, rather than travel half the country to escape his aunt’s scheme.

He was not surprised when Mr Bennet approached him and asked to speak privately in the library. Yet, despite his apprehension, Darcy found comfort in his company. More than ever, he longed for someone he could confide in, sharing his fears and asking for advice.

A maid entered with glasses of fine brandy, a gift from Charles’s father, kept since the days when England and France had been at peace.

“What dreadful news we hear from France!” Mr Bennet exclaimed. “In my youth, it was so easy to visit Paris. Now I hear of devastation and despair on every side. Someone must put an end to that Napoleon fellow before he ruins all Europe.”

Darcy sipped the fine brandy with pleasure. “Indeed. I had hoped to take Elizabeth to the Continent after our wedding!”

“It is your wedding I wish to discuss. But first, I must thank you for everything you have done for my family. I do not know how I can ever repay your kindness or the trouble you have taken…”

“Pray, sir, say no more. I accept your thanks, but I beg you not to speak of it again. I told Elizabeth that I did it all for her…but lately I have realised that I did it for you as well.”

Mr Bennet regarded him with surprise. Darcy’s sincerity was unmistakable, and he could only congratulate Elizabeth on her choice of husband.

“Since my parents died, I have felt their absence more than I can say…”

“I am honoured if my company can ease it a little,” Mr Bennet replied.

Those few words were enough for both gentlemen.

“My dear boy,” Mr Bennet continued, “you know that this morning I accompanied Jane and Mr Bingley to the vicarage.”

Darcy nodded.

“Mr Walters is an old acquaintance. He has been our vicar since my youth. He married us, baptised all our daughters, and often dines with us.

“He has received a letter from Lady Catherine that troubled him greatly. It concerns the codicil, and her ladyship insists that your marriage cannot take place.”

“I know. She sent a similar letter to the vicar at Pemberley.”