Page 53 of A Different Impression

She was to marry William that morning.

Her mother would attend the ceremony under Mrs Higgins’s close supervision. Upon being informed of the changed date the previous evening, Mama had become nearly hysterical, shrieking about ruin, early babes, and all manner of nonsense—none of it complimentary towards either Elizabeth or William. Elizabeth had heard more than enough of it from her bedchamber.

Papa had nevertheless decided that Mama must attend the ceremony, lest her absence provide the neighbourhood with further cause for speculation. Mrs Higgins had assured Elizabeth that she would return her mother to Longbourn immediately afterwards and administer the draught prescribed for her if she became agitated again. Her wan appearance would, at least, lend credence to the explanation that she had been unwell.

Once Elizabeth was ready, she found her father waiting for her in the hallway. His gaze lingered upon her, and his expression grew unusually tender.

“You look very well, Lizzy,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Your Mr Darcy is a fortunate man.”

“Thank you, Papa.” Elizabeth blinked rapidly, determined not to surrender to her tears.

“I shall miss having you at Longbourn.” His customary smile returned, although it appeared more subdued than usual. “There are very few people with whom I can converse for more than five minutes without longing for the solitude of my book room.”

Elizabeth laughed softly. “I shall miss you too, Papa.”

He offered her his arm. Once she had placed her hand upon it, he covered it with his own, his familiar teasing smile softened by affection.

“After five daughters, I am finally to gain a son—and one whose conversation I expect to enjoy nearly as much as yours. I may even forgive him for taking you from me.”

They both laughed lightly, and then together, they made their way towards the waiting carriage.

The rest of the family had already gathered at the church. Mary and Kitty kissed Elizabeth’s cheek before going inside, while Jane, who was to act as her attendant, remained with her at the church door. When the rector signalled that all was ready, Elizabeth drew a deep breath and placed her hand upon Papa’s arm. Together, they entered the church, with Jane following closely behind.

As Elizabeth walked up the aisle, she was scarcely aware of the assembled guests. The moment she saw William waiting at the altar, the rest of the church faded from her notice, and she could not look away.

William looked as nervous as she felt, but the instant he saw her, his expression changed. He appeared ready to come to her, and Mr Bingley caught his arm, restraining him with an amused grin. As soon as Elizabeth was near enough, William reached for her. She immediately released her father’s arm and clasped William’s hand, drawing quiet laughter from those gathered around them.

The ceremony passed in a haze. Elizabeth must have given the expected answers, for soon the rector declared them husband and wife. They signed the register and walked outside to accept the congratulations of their guests, although Elizabeth could scarcely have said who spoke to her or what was said.

Finally, she and William entered the carriage and were blessedly alone, if only for the brief journey to Longbourn. William appeared no more concerned than she was about who might see them. Almost as soon as the door closed, he drew her into his arms and kissed her. They remained entwined until a footman knocked several times, alerting them that they had arrived.

The wedding breakfast passed in much the same haze as the ceremony. Elizabeth remained at William’s side, speaking to the mercifully small number of guests while longing for the moment when they might depart. Nevertheless, she was mindful of the need to explain their hastened wedding and took care to mention his cousin’s illness whenever the subject arose.

At last, they were free to leave. Elizabeth then discovered that William had arranged for two carriages to depart from Longbourn. She and William would travel in one, while Georgiana, Kitty, and Mrs Annesley occupied the other. A hired carriage had already set out for London with Georgiana’s maid, William’s valet, and most of their luggage.

“Separate carriages?” Elizabeth asked as William handed her into theirs. “That seems rather extravagant, even for you.”

“Perhaps,” he conceded, climbing in after her. “But I have no intention of sharing a carriage with chaperones on my wedding day.”

The door closed behind him, leaving them alone for the four-hour journey to London.

Elizabeth smiled as her husband immediately reached for her.

Perhaps the second carriage had not been entirely unnecessary after all.

CHAPTER 23

Honeymoon Interrupted

Elizabeth had seen Darcy House when they visited London at the beginning of November, but this time she approached it as its mistress. The nearer they drew to Mayfair, the more her uneasiness grew. She must have betrayed some sign of it, for William drew her closer.

“What is it, dearest?” he asked, regarding her with concern.

She laughed at herself. “I am well, William, but it has occurred to me that this time I am entering your home as its mistress, not as a visitor.”

“Our home, Elizabeth Darcy. You have already impressed the servants. Our butler and housekeeper liked you very much when you visited, and I suspect they are as anxious to make a good impression upon you as you are upon them.” He dropped a light kiss upon her forehead.

Elizabeth hugged him. “I hardly feel capable of becoming the mistress of Darcy House. I have assumed more responsibility at Longbourn since Mama has been confined to her rooms, but this is not Longbourn. I have scarcely begun to contemplate what will happen when we finally arrive at Pemberley. You have told me very little of the house itself, but I anticipate that it is very grand. My aunt certainly thinks well of it.”