Page 20 of The Power of Refusal
J ane and Bingley were obliged to go to town for the wedding of Bingley’s irritating younger sister, but keeping no London house, they faced an awkward choice. The Hursts had offered their guest rooms, but Jane, understanding Elizabeth's reluctance to stay under the same roof as Caroline, suggested they divide their party. She and Charles would endure the Hursts' hospitality, whilst Elizabeth might enjoy the warmer welcome at Gracechurch Street.
“I cannot ask you to face Caroline's crowing every morning at breakfast,” Jane had said softly. “Not when our aunt would be so pleased to have you.”
Elizabeth, grateful for her sister's understanding, readily agreed. The thought of Miss Bingley's subtle barbs, intensified by her approaching elevation to the rank of 'Lady Brownlow,' held no appeal. The society column regularly mentioned her appearances at one party or another, always with the information she was “betrothed to Sir Wm Brownlow.” Then, upon her marriage, a column in the Morning Herald provided a detailed description that Elizabeth suspected was dictated word for word from Miss Bingley herself:
FASHIONABLE MARRIAGE
The long-awaited marriage between Sir Wm Brownlow and Miss Caroline Bingley, daughter of the late Abraham Bingley, took place yesterday at St George’s Church, Hanover Square. The ceremony was performed by Rev Croft, in the presence of more than forty distinguished personages, after which the company returned to Mr Roger Hurst’s house, the bride’s former residence on Brook Street, where they partook of a grand dinner of every delicacy prepared for the occasion. The happy pair set out in an elegant chariot with four spirited horses for Bromley Hill, the Brownlow seat, where they intend to pass the honeymoon. Amongst the company present on the occasion were Lady De Clifford, Dowager Lady Brownlow, the Misses Cutts, Mr and Mrs Charles Bingley, Mr and Mrs Short, etc.
The bride wore a superb Brussels lace dress over satin and a beautiful Brussels lace veil two yards deep, which covered nearly the whole of her figure. The Honourable Misses Cutts who attended the bride wore fine sprigged muslin dresses, with caps with Parisian plumes that had an elegant and graceful appearance.
After the wedding, Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner heard a great deal more about the affair from Jane, including the tremendous cost for Miss Bingley’s attire and trousseau, which was charged to Charles as a consequence of the bridegroom’s inability to pay. Jane confessed she would gladly forgo her pin money for a year to ensure Miss Bingley would never come to Lockwood again. Jane, who rarely had a negative word for anyone, could not disguise her distaste for her sister by marriage.
“I cannot think she will be satisfied with her situation. Whilst her husband has a courtesy title, she will not be in the rarified strata of society she aspired to. No matter—she will no longer be Charles’s burden to bear. Forgive me, these last months have been a trial.” Jane sighed, her face drawn and pale. Elizabeth regarded her dear sister with concern.
“It will be a great relief to have her settled, I am sure, and out of your home,” Mrs Gardiner remarked.
“You might have a new sort of trial with me, Janie. I might not wish for high society, but our aunt will tell you I have a terrible attraction for ineligible suitors,” Elizabeth said.
“You would meet few gentlemen in our area. Like Meryton, we are blessed with ample ladies and a dearth of single gentlemen.”
“At the moment, I would like nothing better than the absence of potential matches. I would far prefer to spend time with you and Charles.”
Jane insisted on taking Elizabeth to the modiste, chiding her sister for her “dreadful” gowns. The two ladies enjoyed taking the air after shopping. The carriage had delivered them to Bond Street, and they walked along the lanes towards Grosvenor Mews. As they passed St George’s, they saw a great deal of activity.
“Likely a wedding. Caroline insisted on marrying there. It is supposed to be the most prestigious place to wed,” Jane said.
“Shall we spy? I would be curious to see a society wedding, having missed the event of the century when Miss Bingley married,” Elizabeth teased.
Jane agreed, and the two ladies lifted their skirts to avoid the dirt as they crossed to
Maddox Street.
Elegant carriages circled the pavement around St George’s. A dozen fashionably dressed ladies were entering the church, each with the fine posture and sophistication of the highest level of society. A flower bedecked coach approached. Elizabeth pulled Jane further down the lane to take a more promising vantage point. A footman in livery opened the door and a golden-haired lady stepped out, resplendent in a gown of ivory silk. A simple lace veil floated in the breeze revealing her face.
Elizabeth gasped. “What is it?”
“Miss Darcy, it is Miss Georgiana Darcy, I swear it is.” Elizabeth’s heart beat fast and loud in her ears.
Jane peered at the lady with curiosity. Georgiana remained at the carriage door. A tall gentleman came around from the far side of the carriage and took her hand.
Elizabeth locked her knees to keep herself upright. She could never mistake that form, even with his face averted from view. Her heart pounding, she willed him to turn towards them.
“That is Mr Darcy, is it not?” Jane asked indifferently. He turned, and Elizabeth drank in his tender, familiar half smile. She dared not speak.
“Elizabeth?” Jane turned to her sister with concern.
“I am well. It is only, it has been, I know not why it is unsettling,” she stuttered.
“It has been at least five, six years. He is still a handsome man. Seems perhaps a bit thinner? Oh, so sweet, he has always been a loving brother,” Jane said as Mr Darcy embraced his sister.
A stocky man in regimentals joined them.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth whispered. Jane enjoyed the spectacle, unaware of her sister’s turmoil.
Miss Darcy took the arms of her two guardians. Elizabeth thought she saw the colonel wipe his eyes. The three ascended the steps into the church, preceded by two ladies, likely bridesmaids, one quite small and frail.
Once all the people had entered the church, Jane turned to return to the path. Elizabeth reluctantly surrendered her position and joined her. They turned about to retrace their steps. As they entered their carriage, the bells of St George’s pealed.