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"Are you certain, my dear, that this is truly what you desire?

If you have any doubts, we shall support you in everything," Mr. Gardiner said to his niece before entering the church.

"Do not worry, Uncle; I know this is what is best for me, my sisters, and my mother," Jane replied.

Then she kissed her uncle's cheek to reassure him and let him know she was content with her decision.

Andrew was already inside the church, somewhat anxious, awaiting Jane.

Mrs. Smith had requested a clergyman friend to officiate the ceremony in a small church situated within the business district, early on a Saturday morning.

Present were only the clergyman, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Gardiner.

After the ceremony, Mrs. Gardiner had prepared a modest wedding breakfast for those in attendance.

Both Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Smith felt sorrow upon seeing the church so empty.

Jane and Andrew deserved a beautifully adorned wedding, surrounded by family and friends.

Yet the circumstances and the urgency of the marriage had made anything grander impossible.

Andrew had insisted on discretion, lest someone alert Agnes to his plans.

When Jane entered the church with her uncle, Andrew finally felt a sense of relief.

The night before, he had hardly slept, fearing she might change her mind.

Moreover, he observed that his bride looked rather pale and had likely not enjoyed a restful night either.

Despite that, Jane remained lovely. Andrew had known many beautiful women, especially since inheriting the title of Lord Norton a few months prior.

Yet all of them had seemed cold, whereas his bride was gentle, though undeniably sorrowful.

He took a deep breath and vowed to make her happy.

For reasons he could not entirely explain, her happiness had become deeply important to him, and he believed he could attain it.

The ceremony was brief, and in less than twenty minutes, Jane became the new Baroness Norton.

From that moment forward, her life would be quite altered, and she knew she must summon strength to assist her husband in raising his nieces and to protect her own family.

Mrs. Gardiner had prepared a delightful meal, and the newlyweds appeared content.

After an hour of conversation, Jane, Andrew, and Aunt Amanda returned to the Smiths' residence.

Andrew preferred that Jane remain at his aunt's house for the time being.

He distrusted some of his servants, believing them still loyal to Agnes.

He asked Jane to accompany him to the study, for he wished to share his plans for the days ahead.

"Jane, I imagine that now you are my wife, you shall not mind my calling you by your name.

I also hope you shall feel at ease in addressing me by mine," Andrew said, a little hesitantly.

"Of course not. I believe it most fitting," Jane replied.

She wished to build a cordial relationship with her husband, hoping to be his friend before anything else.

She had always been reserved and discreet in the presence of gentlemen, but now she longed to be open and sincere with him.

"I am glad to hear it. I believe everything shall be easier between us if we communicate openly.

" "I agree." "Well then, allow me to share what we shall do in the coming days.

The day after tomorrow, we shall travel to my estate and remain there for no more than a week.

Then we shall return to London and visit your mother and sisters.

I do not wish for them to learn of our marriage through a letter.

I also mean to invite them to spend a few days with us.

I should like you to have time to remodel our house in London, so that my nieces may meet your family and, most importantly, we may resolve the matter concerning your sister Elizabeth.

Furthermore, I shall give my stepmother time to vacate the estate and take up residence in either the dower house or her London home.

After that, I hope to spend part of the spring and summer at Parkland—if that is agreeable to you.

" "It is a wonderful idea. Thank you very much for including my mother and sisters in your plans, Andrew.

" "Tomorrow, I shall visit my solicitor's office to finalise the legal matters concerning the custody of my nieces.

Thus, I should be glad if you would tell me more about your sister Elizabeth, so that I may contact her employer and coordinate the best means of terminating her contract.

" "I truly appreciate your concern, but my sister is rather special.

Furthermore, we are very close, and I doubt she would care to learn of my marriage from a stranger.

I need to speak with her personally, so that she may meet you and see that I am content with the life I have chosen.

" "I understand, and that seems most reasonable.

Then, when we return from Somerset, we shall leave the girls with your mother and sisters at my aunt's house and travel to see your dear sister.

Forgive me—there has been so much on my mind that I have quite forgotten where she is employed.

" "The estate is in Derbyshire, about two or three days' journey from London.

" "And what is the name of the family she works for?

I confess I know few people from the north.

" "She is employed at an estate called Pemberley, by the Darcy family.

She serves as Miss Darcy's companion. Although she speaks most favourably of her, I do not trust…

Well, I shall not rest easy until she is with me.

" Andrew was somewhat puzzled by this and inquired, as gently as he could, "Jane, I know Darcy—he was my classmate at university.

I cannot say we are friends, but I hold a high opinion of him.

In our circles, there are always rumours, but I can assure you he is regarded as an honourable and exemplary gentleman.

" "That may be… I do not question his honour, but rather his views on life and his opinion of those who fall outside his social sphere.

" Wishing to be fully transparent, Jane decided to tell Andrew everything about Mr. Darcy and the Bingleys' conduct in Hertfordshire, as well as the way they had treated the local families.

She also recounted what her mother had overheard, and how the Bennets had been spoken of with scorn.

"I imagine you understand why I cannot rest easy, knowing my sister lives under the same roof as a man who likely considers her little more than a servant.

" "I understand, and I entirely agree. Apparently, Darcy is honourable and civil only to those he deems worthy of his esteem.

Well, Elizabeth is now my sister, and I shall not permit her to remain in the employ of a man capable of speaking in such terms of the Bennet family," Andrew said resolutely.

"Thank you, Andrew," Jane replied. In that moment, she felt profound admiration for her husband and his desire to protect her.

To her, he now appeared the most handsome and wonderful man in the world.

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