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“That sounds great. I'm sure Charles will be up for it. He's been working a lot lately, and he could use a relaxing weekend. And we picked a date, by the way.”
“You did?”
“Yes. September fourth.”
“That's less than two months away!”
“I know. We spent most of Sunday talking about it, and neither of us wants a big to-do. We want a short ceremony and a small reception. Just family and close friends.”
“Mom is going to have a fit, you know. She'll wantallthe pomp and circumstance. Have you told her and Dad yet?”
Jane sighed. “No. But if we come to the Cape this weekend, I guess we can stop by and make the announcement.”
“I'm sure I'll hear Mom's squeals of delight from here.”
“Oh no, you're coming with me. The four of us can visit. It will be your first duty as my maid of honor, and Will’s as best man. You can't say no.”
“Nicely done, using our new titles to manipulate us. You have no shame.” Elizabeth heard Jane laugh. “Fine, we'll go. So where is the wedding going to be?”
“We're hoping on the Cape. There's a small chapel near New Seabury that would be perfect. We might have the reception at the house. We’ll hire a caterer and be done with it. We want it casual and fun, not stuffy. Kind of like his Memorial Day party, something along those lines.”
“It sounds perfect.”
“It does, doesn't it? I'm so excited... I can't wait to marry him, to make everything permanent. He's amazing.”
“You're amazing too, you know.”
“Next will be you and Mr. Darcy.”
“Oh, no… It's entirely too soon for that. We're still getting to know each other.”
“From the looks of that kiss, you know each other pretty damn well.”
Elizabeth grinned. “Ha. Seriously, we’ve only know each other for a couple months.”
“But doesn't it feel like longer? I feel like Charles and I have known each other forever.”
“That's because he’s your soul mate.” Elizabeth nibbled her bottom lip. “Sometimes it feels like that with Will, like we've spent years together already...” Her thoughts turned to the past weekend. “But other times it feels like I'm still tapping the eggshell, you know? We still have a lot to learn about each other.”
“But there's no rush, right? Well, not unless you ask Mom.”
“That's why I don't.”
“Smart girl. I'll let you know about this weekend after I talk to Charles, okay?”
“Sounds good. Bye, Jane.”
“Bye, Lizzy.”
* * *
Elizabeth was pedalinghome from work on Tuesday afternoon when her phone rang, and she pulled to the side of the bike path to see who was calling. Her parents’ number flashed on the screen, and though she dreaded the conversation, she decided to get it over with.
“Lizzy! Whatwonderfulpictures!” her mother said in greeting. “You’re all over Sunday's papers, and your father waited untiltodayto tell me!”
“Hi, Mom.”
“Tell meall aboutthe ball! Your Mr. Darcy looks quite handsome, and look atyou! Look at those jewels around your neck! Oh, and your earrings, I can hardly see them… Wait… Hold on…”
