Page 69 of When Elizabeth Said Yes

She felt rather uneasy being here without anyone else she knew well, which was odd because she wasn't normally uneasy in social situations, but this was unlike anything she had ever known before.

"I think we are close enough now that you must call me Charles, Miss Bennet," he said. "Mrs Darcy," he added with a broad grin, and Elizabeth smiled.

"Well then, you must call me Elizabeth," she said. "And thank you for hosting the wedding breakfast. We would struggle to fit all these people into Longbourn, that's for sure."

Caroline Bingley tittered at that, but made no comment.

Elizabeth was sure she was not well-liked by Bingley's sister, but she supposed Miss Bingley would get over that. After all, Elizabeth and Darcy were married now. What use was there in maintaining such a negative relationship?

"Darcy, if I could borrow you for a moment," Bingley said. "I promise I won't keep you long."

Darcy nodded and murmured his excuses to the ladies before exiting the room.

"You really did make the most beautiful bride, Elizabeth," Georgiana said, smiling up at her.

Elizabeth smiled back. "Thank you. It's been a wonderful day."

"And I am ever so pleased that we shall be travelling to Pemberley tomorrow," Georgiana said as they all sat down. "It has been so long since I have been back, and I think you will love it. And everyone there will love you."

Elizabeth chuckled. "You are too kind to me, my dear. I hope I will not be a disappointment as the new mistress. I confess I never expected to be in charge of such an estate."

Mrs Hurst laughed. "Of course not," she said.

"Whether you expected it or not, I am sure you will excel at it," Georgiana said, although she clearly looked at Elizabeth through rose-tinted glasses.

Elizabeth was rather appreciative of her staunchest advocate.

◆◆◆

"I'm sorry to tear you away, Darcy, on your wedding night and all," Bingley said, and Darcy tried not to show his irritation on his face, for he had not wanted to be torn away from Elizabeth as soon as everyone had left.

And yet he would not be rude to his friend. After all, he had hosted their wedding breakfast without a word of complaint, even though it was not the traditional way things were done.

"What can I help you with?" he said.

"Well, as you're leaving tomorrow, I'm afraid this is the only opportunity I have to ask you. As you know, Miss Jane Bennet and I have become close and I plan to ask her to marry me."

Darcy nodded. "I am surprised you have not asked her already," he said.

"Well, I did not wish to overshadow or compete with your wedding, of course, but now that you and Elizabeth are wed," he said, "I wanted to check. You have no objection to me asking Miss Bennet for her hand?"

"None whatsoever," Darcy said. "I now think it's an excellent match. Society might not, but you and she are well suited. And you don't have an aunt who's going to cause a scene about it, do you?" he said with a mirthless laugh. "Although be careful with your sisters. You love them, of course, but they can be rather unkind when they want to be, and I do not believe they hold any affection for the Bennet family."

Bingley frowned. "Really?" He really was rather unobservant at times, Darcy thought.

"They do not approve of the match, as I once did not, of which, of course, you are aware. I do not think their feelings have changed. Perhaps they are not persuaded by her love for you. Although I think it may be more that she is not what they expected for you. I am not saying you should pay them any heed," he added. "In fact, had you not paid me any heed when I spoke of the same last year, then you would probably be blissfully wed already. For that, I can only apologise."

"You have already done so, Darcy. It is forgotten," Bingley said with a wave of his hand. "But I am glad that you will be happy for us to wed. I had thought to procure a common licence, but on thinking about it, I wonder if we should have the banns read in the hopes that there will be time for you and Elizabeth to return for the wedding. I hope you will stand up with me as I have with you today."

"It would be my honour," Darcy said. "Now, if that is all, would you mind if I got back to my bride?"

◆◆◆

The time seemed to come very quickly for them all to retire. There were knowing glances and sniggers between Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley, although they went to bed without saying anything directly.

Georgiana and Charles, too, wished them good night.

And then it was just the two of them.