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He reached out and took her hand. "I love you, Elizabeth, and I hope you're happy to be Mrs Darcy."

"You know," she said, "I am."

◆◆◆

Netherfield was decked out with flowers. Down the hallway, along the stairs, and in the ballroom, which had been set up for the wedding breakfast. Darcy and Elizabeth walked in together, the first to arrive, of course, holding hands, and Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh.

"It's odd now, isn't it? To be allowed to be alone together? A few words and everything changes."

Darcy nodded. A few words had changed their entire lives – well, he thought, his had changed before he’d said the words, the moment he had seen Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

"I am sorry your father could not be here to give you away. And to celebrate with you," he said, and she gulped at the sudden wave of emotion that hit her.

She had thought the same, but to hear it said out loud… His concern was both sweet and heartbreaking.

"Thank you," she said, a little croakily.

She would not cry now. Their guests would be arriving any minute, and it was a happy day.

"I know you miss him," he said. "If you want to go back into mourning clothes, I will understand. I know it is not customary, but—"

She squeezed his hand. "You are very thoughtful. You observe far more than you let on. Thank you. I don't think I'll be wearing bright colours every day, but I don't wish to return to mourning when I am newly wed, either. I am happy, Darcy. I hope you believe that."

"I do not believe anyone could be as happy as I am today," he said. "But I will strive to make you so."

And then, before she could respond to such a display of affection, the guests began to arrive.

Bingley and his sisters and Georgiana first, and then the rest of the Bennets, her aunts and uncles, Lady Catherine even, although she kept her distance.

And Charlotte, dear Charlotte, who hurried over as soon as they arrived and pulled her friend into a hug.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered into the embrace. "We were not coming. My husband said we should not and could not. And I accepted that." And then she swallowed so loudly that Elizabeth could hear it. "But when Lady Catherine decreed… Oh, and to arrive so late… My dear Lizzy, I can only apologise."

Elizabeth squeezed her tightly. "Do not fret, Charlotte. I understand. And nothing was ruined. I am wed. Can you believe it?"

Charlotte chuckled and pulled away. "I cannot," she said. "Not because you are unmarriageable. Because, of course, you are the very opposite," she said. "But I was not sure who would win your heart or be a worthy match for you. And yet you have found him – in the most surprising place."

Elizabeth smiled. He was her match, she could agree on that.

But had she lost her heart to him?

She glanced over at him.

She was beginning to wonder if she was well on her way to doing so.

Chapter Forty

Elizabeth could not fully relax with all these people here, especially with her family in the same room as Darcy's. They were worlds apart – not only in money and status, but in the way they behaved in society. Although Lady Catherine was ruder than anyone in Elizabeth's family would ever be, and so she did not think it was entirely her family she needed to be concerned about.

But still, she was relieved when everyone left, apart from Mr Bingley, Miss Bingley, Darcy, Georgiana, and Mr and Mrs Hurst, of course.

How strange it felt to say goodbye to her family, to be spending the night at Netherfield alone.

Well, not alone, she supposed.

"Mr and Mrs Darcy," Mr Bingley said, clapping Darcy on the back. "How well that sounds. Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you, Mr Bingley," Elizabeth said.