Page 33 of Why I Kissed You (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
Fitzwilliam and Bingley glanced at one another with amused expressions, then the former said, “I do not particularly like the lady at present, as what you say of her is unfortunately true. That is what this house party is for—for Miss Bingley to decide if Winfield will satisfy her ambition, and for me to determine whether I can like her enough to marry her if she should like the estate.”
Georgiana slowly nodded as she came to understand his words, then she looked to Darcy. “Am I to be one of the party, brother?”
Hoping he was not about to disappoint her, Darcy shook his head. “Not this time, dearest. You would feel very out of place, I think, being the only person in attendance under twenty—and in any case, you are not yet out in society.”
Her shoulders sagged with obvious relief. “Oh, thank you! As much as I think I might enjoy a house party, knowing all those noble people will be there rather intimidates me.”
Fitzwilliam shrugged as he tore apart a croissant. “’Tis only one earl, one countess, the earl’s sisters, and a viscount. Well, two viscounts, including Philip.”
After spreading marmalade on the bread, he took a bite, and when he had swallowed, he looked to Bingley.
“You really needn’t worry about me choosing one of Lord Winterbourne’s sisters over yours, unless she proves herself monumentally disagreeable.
Their father is a marquess, you see. I might be beneath their notice. ”
“So would Hiddleston, I daresay,” added Darcy. “Did not Philip say last evening that he should like to invite him and his sister?”
Georgiana giggled. “There will be a lot of brothers and sisters at this party.”
“That name is familiar to me…” said Bingley absently. “Do you speak of Edmund Hiddleston, whose estate is called Brooksbank—and does he not breed fine horses?”
Darcy nodded. “That is the gentleman. How do you know of him?”
“Met a fellow I went to school with the other day who said he’d just got a horse from him,” Bingley replied. “He told me if I’m ever in the market for ‘fine piece of horse flesh,’ he’d introduce us.”
“Well then, you shall certainly meet him if he joins the party,” said Fitzwilliam.
After breakfast, Georgiana headed to the drawing room to practice the pianoforte while the three gentlemen departed Darcy House to see to business.
Darcy’s visit to John Knightley’s office was a little long, but it was to his satisfaction.
He dictated all the provisions he desired, which Mr. Knightley questioned him on thoroughly, and was quite satisfied on reviewing the document.
“When do you expect to see Miss Bennet’s father to get his approval—not that he’s like to want to change anything,” said Mr. Knightley.
“He may take some umbrage with my requirements for providing funds for the younger three girls, but if there is any sense under his foolishness he will not argue,” said Darcy.
“As to when I expect to see him, I imagine as early as tomorrow. Elizabeth and I may marry tomorrow, but perhaps not until Wednesday. I will send you word, that the document may be reviewed before the ceremony.”
“Do you really think this aunt of yours will try to interfere?” Knightley asked.
“Unfortunately, I do. She did write to my uncle and essentially threaten to do something . That is why we have not retracted the original wedding announcement, as the earl believes she means to make a scene at the church—it is her style—but by then Elizabeth and I shall already be married,” Darcy told him.
“There is no reason at all that I should not marry her—she is an excellent woman. Society may grumble about her lack of fortune and connexions, but what are they, really, to true love?”
John Knightley laughed. “Your Miss Bennet must be an excellent creature, if she has changed your way of thinking to such a degree as that!”
Darcy chuckled as he handed the marriage contract back to his solicitor and stood. “I shall own to you, John, that I did not always think as I do, but some discussions between Elizabeth and myself these last few days have been instrumental in leading me to see things differently.”
Knightley laughed again. “Well, I’m glad to see she’s already changing you for the better. I do hope you’ll introduce me one day soon.”
“Had you not four children, I should be glad to invite you and Mrs. Knightley to Hampshire—my cousins Lord Rowarth and Colonel Fitzwilliam are organizing a house party at their father’s estate there.”
“You tempt me, sir, to send them to their aunt in Surrey,” said Knightley as Darcy was picking up his hat and gloves. “Or perhaps even my brother!”
Darcy smiled and bid the man good day, then took his leave.
He then directed his carriage toward Gracechurch Street, wondering if Bingley would still be there.
On arrival he found that his friend had only just left, and in silent communion, he said a prayer that Bingley would be able to keep his temper, and that Caroline would be reasonable.
His own visit with Elizabeth was pleasant.
It delighted him that she really did appear to be looking upon their marriage with a more friendly eye.
She actually smiled and laughed merrily when she spoke of the fitting appointment at Madame le Blanc’s, where she tried on five of the “plethora of new gowns” she had ordered, including one specially made for their wedding.
“Is that gown finished?” he asked. “As I now have the special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury, we can marry as early as tomorrow.”
Elizabeth paused and stared silently for a moment, perhaps shocked by the realization. She then blinked and drew a breath. “I should be happy to marry you tomorrow, sir, if my family can arrive here in time to attend.”
“Oh, I am reminded, Mr. Darcy!” cried Jane softly, who sat with her sister on the sofa.
“Mr. Bingley said he hoped you and Elizabeth might settle the matter of when you married soon, that he would know if he will see my father here in town to ask his permission to marry me, or if he should plan a day trip to Hertfordshire to speak with him before the house party.”
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and chuckled. “I should be glad to settle the matter of my wedding for Mr. Bingley’s convenience.”
“I suppose I could send an express to Papa, asking him to bring our mother and sisters tomorrow,” said Elizabeth slowly. “Of course, I have just sent him a long letter this morning, and I cannot help but wonder if it would arrive after the express.”
“Then perhaps a servant can go?” said Darcy. “I should not mind dispatching one of my footmen on horseback with your note. Then your father is saved the cost of the postage and compensation to the carrier, and your first letter will have plenty of time to arrive before the note does.”
He sat forward in his chair. “But pray, my dear Elizabeth, do not be hasty on my account. I know there is some little urgency given Lady Catherine’s threat, but if you are not ready, I would not have you distress yourself.”
Elizabeth shook her head and smiled. “It is quite all right, Mr. Darcy,” she said. “I understand the need to marry quickly so that your aunt has no chance to prevent us. As I said before, I should be happy to marry you tomorrow.”
Darcy smiled, though he did not know if he could even properly express the joy and excitement that coursed through him—he would be married tomorrow to the handsomest, most excellent woman of his acquaintance. Darcy House and Pemberley would have a mistress again.
“Then write your note, my dear. And if both you and Miss Bennet should be free hereafter, I hope you will join me on my return to Darcy House. My sister was delighted with you both, and she would be so pleased by a visit.”
Elizabeth, who had risen to walk over to the writing desk, paused and turned back. She looked at her sister, who nodded, and both women smiled. “We should be delighted, Mr. Darcy, to spend some time with Miss Darcy this afternoon,” said Jane.
“Indeed, I should be glad of a little more time to become acquainted with her, as she and I are to become sisters tomorrow,” said Elizabeth as she then sat down to write.
A short time later, the three departed Gracechurch Street in good spirits, and a feeling of contentment settled over Darcy as they crossed the city into the Mayfair district where his townhouse was located.
He could not help but be happy, to be marrying the woman he loved and starting his life anew.
He would see one of his closest friends soon married, and perhaps even his cousin. Life was good and he was happy.
When they had alighted from the carriage, Darcy took Elizabeth’s note and handed it to the footman, directing him to go into the house and pack a bag quickly once the carriage was in the mews, then to take one of the road horses and ride to Longbourn.
The young man acknowledged his orders with a bow of the head as he tucked the letter into a pocket of his waistcoat.
Darcy’s cheerful disposition was spoiled almost as soon as he entered the house with Elizabeth on his arm to find Georgiana pacing the entry hall. Darcy quickly reached for her and set his hands on his sister’s shoulders.
“Georgiana, what is it? What’s happened? Are you well?”
That she was greatly agitated was evident, and it was a moment before she could speak; Georgiana drew a breath, blew it out, then looked up at him with wide eyes.
“Brother, it is Anne. Anne is here!”