Page 21 of The Same Noble Line (Darcy and Elizabeth Happily Ever Afters)

T he evening before Jane’s wedding was upon them, and at last the house was quiet. Everyone was long since abed except for Elizabeth, who sat with Jane in her bedchamber, a candle flickering softly on the table between them. Jane’s wedding gown hung from the wardrobe, its delicate folds shimmering in the dim light. Elizabeth had spent countless hours ensuring every embroidered stitch was perfect, but now her mind was once again preoccupied with how their lives would change tomorrow.

Jane folded her hands neatly on her lap. “Lizzy, do you suppose Mr. Darcy will return in time to stand with Mr. Bingley? He has been such a good friend to Charles, and I know he would feel hurt if he had to ask someone else, and at the last moment too.”

Elizabeth hesitated, her own thoughts too entangled to offer immediate comfort. “I do not know,” she admitted quietly. “I had thought he would have returned by now.”

“Charles has been so excited about the wedding, but I know this uncertainty bothers him. Mr. Darcy promised he would return as soon as possible, and London is not so far away. I can see that he is worried, even if he does not speak of it. He values Mr. Darcy’s friendship so highly.”

Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt twist within her. She had told herself it was better to speak plainly, to warn Mr. Darcy of the difficulties he might face if he considered a closer connection to her family. But now, she regretted the timing. Had she waited until after the wedding, she might not have complicated matters for Jane and Mr. Bingley.

She turned to her sister. “Jane, I am sorry. I fear I may have said something to Mr. Darcy that caused his departure. I thought I was doing what was best, but now I wonder whether I was mistaken.”

“Lizzy,” Jane replied, shaking her head, “you must not blame yourself. Mr. Darcy is his own man and must make his own decisions. If he has chosen to remain away, it is not your fault but his.”

“But if I had waited, he might be here now,” Elizabeth persisted. “I might have spared Mr. Bingley this disappointment.”

“Charles understands more than you think. And I am certain Mr. Darcy’s reasons, whatever they may be, are not yours to shoulder. He is a man of honour, and if he is not here tomorrow, it will not be because of anything you said.”

Elizabeth wished she could believe that, but the unease within her remained. She forced a smile for her sister’s sake and reached for her hand. “You are too kind, as always.”

“And you are too exacting upon yourself, as always,” Jane replied with a small laugh. “Come, let us think of happier things. Tomorrow will be a beautiful day, Lizzy, and nothing will diminish it.”

She reached out to take Jane’s hand and held it tightly. “You are right, of course. Oh Jane, how happy you will be!”

Jane smiled. “I am so very fortunate, Lizzy. Charles is everything I could have hoped for and more. And dearest—do not let your worries rob you of the joy tomorrow should bring. If Mr. Darcy should be absent tomorrow, it will not mar my happiness. I promise you that.”

Elizabeth nodded but said nothing. She knew Jane meant it sincerely, but her own misgivings refused to be silenced. The thought that she might have disrupted the bond between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley troubled her deeply. Yet she could not undo what had been said. All she could do for Jane now was to hide her distress.

“Well,” she said at last. “I suppose I should bid you a good night. You must have ample rest for tomorrow.” She stood and lit her own candle.

She stilled for a moment, her gaze fixed on the folds of her sister’s wedding gown. Tomorrow would bring the dawn of a new life for Jane, one filled with love and contentment. It was well deserved, and Elizabeth was thrilled for her sister. But she did wonder, wistfully, whether such a life would ever be hers.

The next morning dawned clear and cold. Elizabeth entered the small vestibule of the Longbourn chapel with her father. She stood for a moment to adjust her gloves, her hands trembling slightly with nerves she had not expected to feel.

“Calm yourself, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet said dryly. “It is not you being married today.”

No. It was not. Elizabeth shot him a wry look. “Thank you, Papa, for reminding me.”

“You look beautiful, Lizzy. And the work you did on Jane’s gown is splendid. Not that I normally notice such things, but your mamma would show it off.” He chuckled and opened the door for her to take her place at the front of the church. Elizabeth stepped inside, her focus drawn to where Mr. Bingley stood waiting. She smiled at her new brother as she made her way forward, and then she saw another figure beside him.

Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth’s next step faltered slightly, her breath catching in her throat. He was here, just as he had promised Mr. Bingley he would be. His tall, proud figure was unmistakable, his dark eyes watching his friend until he turned suddenly, and they met hers. The world seemed to narrow to that single point of connection, and for a moment, Elizabeth could not think. His gaze held hers, dark, intense, unwavering.

She recovered quickly, her feet carrying her forward and to her designated position. Once she was in place, she again glanced at Mr. Darcy. He inclined his head slightly, the barest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and her heart raced wildly. Had she imagined the admiration in his gaze, or was it truly there? A flicker of hope ignited within her, though she fought to suppress it. He had left. She had resigned herself to seeing him only for the wedding and then never again. But here he was—smiling at her.

She told herself to stop. This was Jane’s day, not hers. Whatever she felt, whatever he might feel, it must wait.

The doors at the back of the church opened, and Jane appeared on Papa’s arm. She was radiant, her gown a vision of simplicity and grace, and Elizabeth felt tears prick her eyes at the sight.

As her father and Jane reached the altar, Elizabeth stole one last glance at Mr. Darcy. His eyes were on her again, and this time, she allowed herself to hold his gaze for just a moment longer.

The ceremony began, and Elizabeth turned her focus to Jane and Mr. Bingley, whose joy was palpable. Elizabeth stole glances at Jane, her sister’s glowing countenance a testament to her happiness. She was struck yet again by how well matched Jane and Mr. Bingley were, their mutual adoration evident in every stolen glance and gentle smile.

Elizabeth kept her gaze forward, but she was acutely aware of Mr. Darcy. She could feel his presence, the quiet strength of his bearing, even without looking directly at him.

When Jane and Mr. Bingley exchanged their vows, Elizabeth felt her chest tighten with emotion. Tears welled in her eyes as they spoke the simple words that would bind them together forever. Mr. Bingley’s voice rang with devotion, and Jane’s soft, steady response made him beam.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Bingley offered his arm to Jane, and they walked to the register, where Jane would sign her name as Bennet one final time. Elizabeth stepped forward to follow them, and as she turned, she found herself at Mr. Darcy’s side. He extended his arm, a gesture so natural and poised that she hesitated only a fraction of a second before placing her hand on it.

They began their walk together. Neither spoke. Mamma’s exclamations carried from the back of the chapel and made Elizabeth close her eyes briefly with mortification. At least Jane was safely wed now.

“It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said at last, his voice low but steady.

Elizabeth glanced up at him, her heart beating faster than she would have liked. “And you, Mr. Darcy. I am glad you were able to return in time for the wedding. I know it meant a great deal to Mr. Bingley.”

He turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze with an expression that was difficult to read. “I said that I would return in time.”

Elizabeth’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I do not think it is a secret that Mr. Bingley was rather concerned about it. You did rather leave it to the final moment.”

“We travelled as quickly as we were able, Miss Elizabeth. ”How odd. London was only four hours away. But she did not wish to speak of his travels, so she turned the conversation another way.

“It is fortunate that your friend and my sister are so well suited.”

“Indeed,” he replied, his voice softening. There was a pause, and then he added, “I hope you will forgive my sudden departure. My business was pressing, and the weather delayed us further.”

Elizabeth hesitated, surprised by his candour. “There is nothing to forgive, sir. I assumed your departure was necessary, though I admit it left some matters unclear.”

His brows pinched together, and for a moment, Elizabeth thought he might say something more. But it was his turn to sign the register as a witness, and he stepped forward to do so.

Then it was her turn and as she took the pen from his hand, he leaned forward.

“Perhaps,” he said quietly, so only she could hear, “we might have the opportunity to clarify those matters.”

Elizabeth’s breath caught, but before she could respond, he stepped away so that she could dip the pen in ink and sign her name. She handed the pen to Mr. Brown and straightened. Mr. Darcy once again offered her his arm, and she could not ignore the fluttering in her chest or the thought that perhaps this day might see more than one new beginning.

The wedding breakfast was a cacophony of jubilant noise, a merry contrast to the solemn beauty of the ceremony that had preceded it. A long table laden with freshly baked bread, roasted meats, pickled vegetables, golden pastries, and the spiced apples little Davey Simmons loved so much stretched across the Bennet dining room. There was negus to drink as well as tea and coffee. Elizabeth enjoyed the hum of the conversation and gentle bursts of laughter. She wove her way through the crowded rooms, welcoming all their friends and relations, her head spinning from all good wishes being bestowed upon Jane, Mr. Bingley, and the rest of the Bennet family.

The Bingley sisters had not deigned to come. The Gardiners were here, though they had arrived only yesterday and would return home before noon. Elizabeth spied them across the room. Her uncle was speaking seriously to Mr. Bingley, but Elizabeth was able to catch her aunt’s eye.

She made her way to her aunt’s side, grateful for a moment of quiet conversation amidst the revelry. Taking Aunt Gardiner’s hand in hers, she said softly, “I must thank you for the wisdom you imparted when last we spoke of fairness. I have reflected much upon your words, and they have guided me well in these past weeks.”

Her aunt returned Elizabeth’s smile. “I scarcely think you required my counsel to come to such a conclusion. Your heart has ever been inclined towards fairness, even when your temper might lead you astray.” She squeezed Elizabeth’s hand gently. “But if my words have been of use to you, then I am gratified. It is a rare thing indeed to see my advice so swiftly put into practice. Perhaps you might speak to my children on my behalf.”

Elizabeth laughed softly. “I would be glad to do so.”

Kitty and Lydia had taken it upon themselves to entertain the Lucas and Goulding boys, their giggles carrying above the din. Elizabeth was grateful that the militia officers were no longer invited to Longbourn, for at least their neighbours would not mistake her sister’s youth and high spirits for vulnerability. Mary, seated at the far end of the table, was earnestly extolling the virtues of a moral tract to an unfortunate but unfailingly polite Maria Lucas. Meanwhile, Jane, now Mrs. Bingley, was luminous as she received congratulations from every side. She and Mr. Bingley now stood together, sharing whispered words between interruptions.

Mamma, bustling with energy, called out too loudly, “Lizzy! Do ensure that Mr. Darcy is well attended to. We must not let him think we do not know how to host a wedding breakfast!” Several of the guests exchanged amused glances.

Elizabeth flushed and looked instinctively toward Mr. Darcy, who stood near the hearth speaking with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss Darcy, and Mrs. Annesley. He appeared composed, his tall figure exuding the quiet dignity she had come to associate with him. If he had heard Mamma, he was doing an excellent job of pretending he had not.

She squeezed her aunt’s hand before making her way towards him, her path interrupted twice by guests wishing to offer their congratulations. By the time she reached him, Colonel Fitzwilliam was recounting some tale that had Miss Darcy smiling faintly and Mr. Darcy listening with patient amusement.

“Miss Bennet,” Colonel Fitzwilliam greeted her warmly. “I must commend you and your family on a most excellent breakfast. I daresay even my cousin had found no cause for complaint.”

“Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” Mr. Darcy said, his tone serious but his eyes betraying a hint of humour. “It is a fine celebration, Miss Bennet. Your mother sets an excellent table.”

Elizabeth tipped her head slightly to one side, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “You mean to say, Mr. Darcy, that you are enjoying yourself at a country wedding breakfast? I hardly know what to think.”

Miss Darcy stifled a laugh behind her hand while Mrs. Annesley smiled indulgently, and Colonel Fitzwilliam guffawed. Even Mr. Darcy appeared amused.

“I feel I must remind you that I do own a country estate and have therefore attended any number of country weddings.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam’s smile widened, and he leaned slightly toward Elizabeth as though sharing a great secret. “His compliments must be sincere, my dear Miss Bennet. Darcy is very particular, but this morning, he has not once appeared as though he wished to flee. I daresay this is a victory for us all.”

“Richard,” Mr. Darcy said with a long-suffering sigh. “Must you always exaggerate?”

Colonel Fitzwilliam held up his hands in mock surrender. “Not at all. I simply observe what is before me. And what is before me is a man uncommonly content in the midst of all this revelry.”

Miss Darcy, her quiet smile belying the twinkle in her eye, turned to Elizabeth. “You must forgive my cousin, Miss Bennet. He delights in teasing my brother.” She glared teasingly at the colonel. “More than is necessary.”

Elizabeth laughed softly. “On the contrary, Miss Darcy, I find his observations quite enlightening. It is not every day one sees Mr. Darcy so at ease. If this is the result of the colonel’s teasing, I would encourage him to continue.”

“Do not encourage him, I beg you, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy interjected drily. “Fitzwilliam requires no additional motivation to make himself a nuisance.”

“You see, Miss Bennet, this is the thanks I receive for my steadfast loyalty to my cousin.”

“I see none at all,” Elizabeth replied lightly. “But I shall not feel too sorry for you, Colonel. I suspect you are quite accustomed to taking your revenge in other ways.”

Miss Darcy’s hand flew to cover her smile. “You see, Richard, Miss Bennet sees right through you.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Indeed, she does. It is a rare thing to meet someone who learns so quickly. I must be more careful.”

“Wise,” Elizabeth replied with a playful arch of her brow.

Mr. Darcy, who had been watching the exchange, cleared his throat softly. “I believe you have monopolised Miss Bennet’s attention long enough, Fitzwilliam.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam feigned a pout but inclined his head in acquiescence. “I should speak with Sir William in any case.” Turning to Miss Darcy, he offered his arm. “Come, Georgiana. Let us ask about his ode to the king. I do not believe you have yet heard it from the poet himself.”

Miss Darcy hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between her brother and Elizabeth. “It was lovely to speak with you, Miss Bennet,” she said with a warm smile. “I hope we might have the opportunity to converse again soon.”

This request seemed a bit formal for a young lady with whom she was already acquainted, but perhaps it was due to the new connection Elizabeth now had to the Bingleys. “I should like that very much,” Elizabeth replied sincerely.

Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy moved away, leaving Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy standing together. The noise of the gathering seemed to fade into the background as they turned to face one another, the air between them charged with unspoken words.

“Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said, his voice quieter now, his expression gentler than she had expected.

“Mr. Darcy,” she replied, meeting his gaze steadily. Suddenly, she felt nervous.

“I trust you are pleased with how the morning has unfolded,” he said, his voice low enough that it did not carry beyond her.

“Very much so,” Elizabeth replied, matching his tone. “Given the time of year, Jane and Mr. Bingley could not have asked for a more perfect day. Having you here must have made it even better for Mr. Bingley.”

“Did you truly doubt I would return?”

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she met his gaze with a faint smile. “I was not doubtful, exactly. But you left it so late.”

His expression softened, and for a moment, she thought she saw regret flicker in his eyes. “The delay was unavoidable. But I regret if it caused concern.”

Elizabeth was tempted to probe further but decided against it. “Well, we are all very pleased you are here.”

“Are you?” he asked. “I too am pleased to be here. And to see you.”

Elizabeth could scarce believe her ears. She felt the heat of his gaze, and just as when she had first seen Mr. Darcy in the church, her heart began beating a little faster.

“Miss Bennet,” he said at last, his voice steady but carrying a hint of something more. “Bingley has agreed I might remain at Netherfield when he and your sister leave for London tonight.” He paused, then asked, very distinctly, “May I call on you?”

Elizabeth blinked. Had he just asked . . . “Call on me, sir?”

“Yes,” he said, his expression resolute. “If you would permit it.”

Her mind raced, but she found herself nodding before she could overthink the request. “I would not object, Mr. Darcy.”

He smiled. “Thank you.”

Their moment was interrupted by Mamma’s voice calling for Elizabeth. Evidently, she had forgotten that Elizabeth was to make Mr. Darcy comfortable. Reluctantly, she said, “It seems I am needed elsewhere.”

Mr. Darcy nodded. “I shall not keep you, then.”

Elizabeth smiled at him before moving away, her heart racing and her mind awhirl. The loud, happy chaos of the wedding breakfast surrounded her once more, but she felt curiously removed from it, her thoughts fixed on the man who had just asked to call.