Page 52 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)
The wedding ceremony was simple, and his mother made it sweet. She sat in the front pew directly behind her son and wiped tears from her eyes during the entire ceremony.
After the service, all guests gathered at Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. Mrs. Bennet’s tables were loaded with roast duck, roast beef, crab cakes, and chicken pie.
There were also a variety of cakes, puddings, scones, and sandwiches.
Mr. Bennet served plenty of wine, champagne, and ratafia.
Kitty and Mr. Warwick were surrounded by well-wishing neighbors who had watched the Bennet sisters grow up and were saddened to see another child marry and move away.
Alexander found Elizabeth sitting in one of the smaller, little-used parlors. He sat down on the settee next to her and sighed. “You were in Kent too long, Elizabeth. I missed you.” He ran his fingers through a curl that hung at her nape.
Elizabeth moved her head away. He continued. “I asked your mother how you were doing in Kent, but she refused to answer me.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Alexander, you know it is improper for you to touch my hair. Someone might see and start rumors.”
He looked around the room. “No one is looking at us. They are busy talking to each other.” He touched her hand.
“I haven’t heard a word of sense since you left.
No one reads anything. No one has an opinion on the tax vote currently before parliament.
I have missed you very much, Elizabeth. I miss how we used to talk everything over. ”
She moved her hand away. “Alexander, this conversation is inappropriate considering your courtship with Miss King.”
He frowned. “Elizabeth, I never thought of Miss King in earnest. It was all my mother’s idea but I have never considered myself in a courtship.”
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. “But you visited her home every day. Everyone, including Miss King and her aunt, believes you are courting her. You have gone too far to back out now. Alexander, do not think that I will ever take you back. If you jilt her, it will not be on my account.”
Alexander took her hand in his. “Elizabeth, are you serious? You would not take me back?”
She drew her hand away and frowned at him.
“I speak as I mean. You are my friend, Alexander, but nothing more. I once believed we would marry, but when you turned your eyes to Mary, you turned your back on me. The entire village believes you are in a courtship. There is no way we could ever get back together now without it becoming a scandal. I will not do it.”
Elizabeth left him then. When she entered the drawing room, she saw that Kitty was preparing to go upstairs to change into a traveling dress.
Elizabeth found a corner where she could stand and watch without being drawn into conversation. She felt a hand on her elbow, and when she turned to look, it was Alexander. He whispered in her ear. “Please, Elizabeth, take me back.”
Elizabeth pulled away and crossed the room to sit with her father. He looked down at her and whispered. “Is something wrong, my dear? Is Alexander scolding you?”
She said, “Oh, Papa. I wish I could go upstairs and hide.”
Mr. Bennet raised his eyes. He said, “Charlotte, did you get enough to eat?”
Charlotte smiled. “Yes, Mr. Bennet. I ate too much and now I am here to invite Elizabeth out for a short walk. Will you come, Elizabeth? The hermitage walk is charming.”
Elizabeth said. “It is too cold to walk out today, Charlotte.”
“Nonsense. With our cloaks and gloves, we will warm up once we start walking.”
Elizabeth looked at her father with raised brows and then stood. “Very well Charlotte. I will go with you.”
They had only been walking for five minutes when Charlotte asked, “Eliza, why aren’t you married to Mr. Warwick? If he had a choice he would have chosen you.”
Elizabeth stopped walking and stared at her friend.
Charlotte continued. “It is too late for you and Alexander. Mother will not allow it. I see how you have kept my brother on a string. He has followed you around this entire afternoon. You must let him go, Elizabeth. Think of what is best for him.”
Tears stung Elizabeth’s eyes. “Charlotte, did Alexander send you to warn me away?”
“No, Alexander is hopelessly in love with you still. Mother sent me. Face it, Elizabeth, you are the fly in the ointment.”
Elizabeth took in a deep breath. “I see. Never fear, my friend. I will return to London soon, and you will not have to worry about me anymore.”
Charlotte took Elizabeth’s forearm. “Elizabeth, this is the most difficult thing I have had to do. Mother was going to speak to you, but I volunteered. You know how appalling she can be.”
Elizabeth could not help but laugh. “Yes, she would be exactly like my mother. I will not hold this against you. I know you only want what is best for your brother, but Charlotte, the best is not always money.”
The two women turned back to the house in silence.
Elizabeth returned to her father’s side, and he gave her hand a gentle pat. “I’m sorry, Elizabeth. He is a fine boy, but he is very young and does not have the strength to stand up to his mother.”