Chapter 29

Queen's Head Inn

Springfield

Half a Mile from Gretna Green

Scotland

Sunday, 22nd August, 1812

Lydia looked resplendent in her best yellow gown. Elizabeth was surprised that it had safely made the journey from Longbourn to Brighton, and then to London, and then all the way to Scotland, but Lydia had produced it from her luggage in some triumph that very morning. With Mr. Bennet blessing the marriage, they had spent a leisurely night at the inn at Springfield, some half a mile from the border instead of having a hurried wedding over the anvil as soon as they crossed into Gretna Green.

Elizabeth and Mrs. Greenfield had devoted the morning to dressing up the young bride, Mrs. Greenfield carefully arranging Lydia's hair while Elizabeth hastily sewed lovely ivory ribbons onto the sleeves of the dress. Lydia looked beautiful, the yellow dress making her blonde hair and warm skin utterly vibrant, her eyes bright with satisfaction and happiness. Her white-gloved hands sat light in Sir Christopher's where he stood smiling kindly down at her.

Around the happy couple stood Mr. Bennet, his brow smoothed at last, Captain Scofield smiling faintly upon the proceedings, Mrs. Greenfield, who looked on approvingly, and Elizabeth herself, who felt overwhelming relief. David Lang, proprietor of the Queen's Head Inn, who had conducted weddings at this location for many a year, stood with his back to the fire, looking upon them all with a beneficent eye. "Dearly beloved," the man began gravely, "we are gathered…"

Elizabeth let her eyes and her mind wander. It was good to see the stress and worry smoothed from her father's face. Captain Scofield stood listening attentively with military posture, and Elizabeth felt another stab of relief and gratitude that he had ceded to his competitor so graciously. Lydia had nervously but bravely relayed her decision to him, which he had heard with unimpaired equanimity before remarking that he thought Miss Lydia and Sir Christopher were quite well-suited.

On the morrow, the party would begin their journey south to return to Hertfordshire, and there was joy in Elizabeth's heart as she contemplated going home. She was surprised how much she missed Darcy; which manifested as an ache in her chest. She could scarcely wait to see him again – his handsome face and kind heart and that smile reserved just for her – to discuss their own wedding plans. She no longer had any hesitation over marrying Darcy, with Lydia safely married to an upright man and the Bennets saved from the worst type of scandal. He was, she now knew, the best man in the world for her, and she longed to be reunited with him as quickly as possible.

"O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious," Mr. Lang declared, and Elizabeth straightened at the realization that the ceremony was almost at an end. "We give you thanks for binding us together in these holy mysteries of the Body and Blood of your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that by your Holy Spirit, Christopher and Lydia, now joined in Holy Matrimony, may become one in heart and soul, live in fidelity and peace, and obtain those eternal joys prepared for all who love you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

"Amen," Elizabeth whispered in agreement. "Amen."