Page 15 of Suddenly Married

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner left London early that morning to attend Elizabeth’s wedding.

Upon arrival, they greeted all their nieces and proceeded at once to Mr. Bennet’s room to see his condition.

They were both shocked and deeply grieved to find him so thin and pale.

Afterwards, they visited Mrs. Bennet, who had left her bed for the first time in many days in order to attend her daughter’s wedding.

Though she still looked unwell, she appeared somewhat more optimistic than she had of late and had even taken some nourishment.

“Dear brother, how good it is that you were able to come. Elizabeth has saved us, and we shall not have to leave our home until we have another one,” Mrs. Bennet told him, dabbing at her tears.

“My dear, you must try to keep calm and eat well. Your younger daughters need you now,” Mr. Gardiner replied, though without much hope that his sister would take the advice to heart.

He could only wish she might resume her responsibilities after Elizabeth’s marriage and cease neglecting her remaining daughters.

While Mr. Gardiner conversed with his sister, Mrs. Gardiner sought out Elizabeth.

She suspected that no one had spoken to her niece about the realities of married life.

Elizabeth listened with some discomfort, yet she acknowledged the necessity of hearing such counsel, for she had chosen to marry Fitzwilliam Darcy.

She understood the duties she was undertaking as his wife and was resolved to fulfil them.

“How are you feeling, Lizzy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked as she embraced her.

She was deeply concerned, for so much had transpired in so short a time that she could not be certain her niece had made the right choice in accepting Mr. Darcy.

At that moment, Jane entered, intending to assist Elizabeth with her hair, for less than an hour remained before they must be at the church.

But upon seeing her aunt’s arms about Elizabeth, she quietly withdrew, not wishing to intrude.

Moved by her aunt’s affection, Elizabeth became emotional and determined to confide in her.

She spoke of her doubts regarding Mr. Darcy’s character, recalling his treatment of Mr. Wickham and his interference between Mr. Bingley and Jane.

She then revealed the agreement they had reached: that her family would be provided for financially, yet not invited to Darcy House or Pemberley.

“I hope you understand, Aunt,” Elizabeth said, ashamed.

“I know that if he were better acquainted with you both, he would recognise that you and my uncle are among the most admirable people in the world.” “Of course, we understand, my dear Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner replied.

“Whenever you are in London, we shall see one another, and I promise to write often, keeping you informed of our lives, your cousins’ antics, and your uncle’s successes in business.

” Overhearing these words, Jane slipped quietly out to the garden and hid at the back of the house so that no one might witness her tears.

She felt the imminent loss of her father and her beloved sister, while her own heart still smarted from Mr. Bingley’s desertion.

That he had allowed his sisters and friend to persuade him she did not love him wounded her pride and spirit; she reproached herself for wasting so much feeling on a man unworthy of her devotion.

“I am sorry, Aunt, but I do not know what else I can do,” Elizabeth said.

Mrs. Gardiner, wishing to reassure her, took her hand and spoke with great tenderness and patience.

She, too, was taken aback, but she concealed her true opinion, not wishing to distress her niece.

“Your future husband moves in circles very different from ours, my dear. Do not be troubled; we have no need to visit you if you are able to visit us. What matters most is that we continue to see one another and remain in frequent correspondence.” She dried Elizabeth’s tears and told her she would go in search of Jane to resume the wedding preparations.

“Aunt, I only want you to know how dearly I love you and my uncle, and that, were it in my power, I would always invite you to my home and treat you as you deserve.” “I know, Lizzy. Now, it is time for you to prepare for your wedding.” Mrs. Gardiner once more wiped away her niece’s tears and embraced her, wishing to assure her that all would be well.

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