Chapter Seventy-Five

January 1812

J ane and Lizzy spoke well into the night; the next morning, they declared that a double wedding was their heart's desire. Mr. Bennet was delighted to only have to pay for one event, though he did not doubt that his wife would make it an event that would never be forgotten by their neighbours.

Upon hearing the news, Mr. Darcy leapt onto his horse and made for London. There was much to be done. He had to obtain a license, as there was not time for the banns to be called. There were also marriage articles to be drawn up. And he had an idea on another subject as well.

***

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam agreed that having the Matlocks stay at Longbourn was in no one's best interest. Neither Miss Bennet nor Miss Elizabeth would enjoy the hysteria that would inevitably arise if Mrs. Bennet were to have them stay at Longbourn. And neither gentleman was eager for the Earl and Countess to spend any time at all with the two youngest Bennet daughters.

Upon being applied to, Bingley had immediately agreed to host the Matlocks, of course, and Georgiana was very much looking forward to seeing her aunt and uncle.

The Matlocks arrived at Netherfield the morning of the eleventh of January. They were ushered into the drawing room, and greeted their son, nephew and niece lovingly. Mr. Bingley was acknowledged most cordially. The Hursts were not present, as Mr. Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy thought it best to just have family together for the first few hours. The Hursts would be introduced later that day.

After enquiries as to health and the comfort of the journey, the Countess addressed her niece. "How are you, my dear? Are you content with your new life?"

"Oh, Aunt, it is everything wonderful! Charles is the kindest husband conceivable, and Louisa is like a sister to me. And Lizzy, who will marry Brother tomorrow, is the smartest, nicest, kindest sister I could have ever imagined!"

The Countess then turned to Mr. Bingley. "And you are content as well?"

"A man could not be more so," he said, happiness shining from his eyes. "Georgiana is like a gift from heaven! I could never deserve her, of course, but I try every day to be worthy of her." He smiled at his wife.

A more besotted couple the Countess had never seen! Perhaps more wealthy young ladies should seek husbands in trade, if Mr. Bingley was a fair example of such a man.

"Now, then, tell me more about these two Bennet girls. How is it that two young ladies from one unknown family were able to ensnare two of the most eligible gentlemen in the kingdom?"

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam both protested at the word "ensnare," of course, and then went on to enumerate the many virtues of their ladies.

***

Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennet witnessed the marriage of her two most deserving daughters. Jane and Elizabeth had asked all three of the younger Bennet girls to stand up with them, and the five of them resembled nothing so much as a bouquet of flowers, standing up at the altar together.

The guests included the Earl and Countess of Matlock; Mrs. Bennet was certain that never before or after would such notable guests attend a wedding in Meryton. Her husband had been briefly afraid that they would want to stay at Longbourn, which would have necessitated a good deal of redecorating, but happily for his purse, they stayed at Netherfield.

Mr. and Mrs. Collins had made the journey from Kent, despite protests from his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mr. Collins had been uncertain as to the wisdom of attending such a marriage, given that Mr. Darcy had been expected to marry Miss de Bourgh; but Mrs. Collins had pointed out that snubbing the Earl and Countess of Matlock by refusing to attend their son's wedding could hardly be considered wise.

At the wedding breakfast, surrounded by well-wishers, Elizabeth Darcy stood beside Mr. Darcy, smiling so hard that her cheeks hurt. Suddenly, her new husband said, "Would you mind if I left you for a few minutes, dearest?"

"As long as you come right back," she replied.

"I will always come right back," he promised. She watched him as he sought out Mr. Collins – of all people! – for a private conversation. The two disappeared.

When Mr. Darcy returned to his wife's side, she whispered, "Mr. Collins? What could you possibly have to discuss with him?" She nodded toward the man in question, who was now speaking excitedly with Mrs. Collins.

"I will tell you later," he promised.

After the guests departed, Mr. Darcy asked Mr. Bennet if they might speak privately, with Elizabeth present, of course. Mr. Bennet raised his brows, but led the way to his study.

"Yes, Darcy?" he asked, once Darcy and Elizabeth were seated.

"Your daughter told me, some months ago, about the entail on Longbourn."

Mr. Bennet's brows drew together. "It is not something I enjoy discussing."

"You need fear it no longer." Mr. Darcy drew some papers from his coat pocket and gave them to Mr. Bennet.

Mr. Bennet studied the papers for ten minutes, in silence. He raised his eyes to Mr. Darcy's and said, quietly, "I am not certain I understand."

"I have purchased Mr. Collin's interest in the property and transferred that interest to you. The entail is broken; you are free to bequeath the estate to whomever you wish."

"But – but this must have cost a fortune!"

Mr. Darcy shrugged. "It does not signify."

"Does not signify?!"

"No; I have given you a gift, yes, but you have given me a gift beyond compare." And the look he bestowed on his new wife rendered his meaning unmistakable. "The price was more than fair; he can purchase another estate if he so wishes, but not this one."

"Darcy, I hardly know how to thank you." Mr. Bennet's voice was unsteady.

"You may thank me by visiting my library in Derbyshire as often as possible. It is not appreciated nearly as much as it deserves."

Mr. Bennet rose and offered his hand; Darcy rose to take it. Elizabeth would later say that there were tears in the eyes of both men, but as her own eyes were wet, she could not swear to it.