Chapter 18

Eighteen

Two months to the day after Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy appeared at her door again, Mrs Bennet was proud to witness them marrying her two most deserving daughters. The wedding was the most wonderful that had ever taken place in Meryton. The girls were beautiful, the gentlemen handsome, the breakfast superb, and Longbourn was displayed in such a way that reminded the many guests that it was the second most prominent home in the neighbourhood, next to Netherfield Park, of which her daughter was mistress.

Even Mr Bennet congratulated her, saying, "You outdid yourself. This is a day Jane and Lizzy will remember with pleasure for the rest of their lives."

With that, he did a most unexpected thing; he kissed her cheek. She looked about to see if anyone had witnessed the gesture, which had become very— very —uncommon. She was not certain whether she was glad or upset that no one had. Another person could assure her she was not day-dreaming and would surely spread the news that he still held some affection for her, but, on the whole, it was better not to be seen.

Since they were travelling to London, Mr and Mrs Darcy—she delighted in calling Elizabeth by her new name—left before Jane and her husband or many of the guests. Everyone crowded by the front door to say a final goodbye before quickly returning to the drawing room to escape the damp autumn weather. Mrs Bennet stood with her sister to one side and Mrs Goulding to the other.

"You said they belonged together, and you made them see it. I congratulate you," Mrs Philips said.

A light blush added colour to Mrs Bennet's cheeks. "I could not have done it without you two. I cannot thank you enough."

"But you were the one who knew our efforts were necessary," Mrs Goulding insisted. "I remember when Lizzy—Mrs Darcy, I should say—was just a wee babe. Now she is the mistress of a fine estate the likes of which none of us have ever seen. When will you go?"

She shrugged, her thoughts on her daughter, not when she would be asked to endure the arduous carriage ride to Derbyshire. She would do it once at least, to see Mr Darcy's estate, but she expected Mr Bennet would rouse himself to go more often, to see both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy's library.

They will be very happy, Mrs Bennet mused as she continued to watch the Darcys. Jane and Mr Bingley were too affable not to have a comfortable sort of marriage, but she foresaw great things for her second eldest child. What a grand lady she would be! Knowing Elizabeth, she would use her new position in life to do good for Mr Darcy's dependents and those in her neighbourhood. Mr Darcy had hidden passion she was not certain he had yet acknowledged, but it would help sustain their mutual love for the long years of their lives.

Even when the ladies returned to the drawing room and the front door was closed, Mrs Bennet continued her observations through a window, unseen by the newly married couple. They stood, hands clasped, gazing into each other's eyes and exchanging a few words. There was such a look of profound joy on Elizabeth's face; it made her truly beautiful and caused Mrs Bennet's heart to swell with pride. Mr Darcy leant forwards and kissed his wife tenderly before they stepped into the waiting coach which would carry them into their happily ever after.