Page 66 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“Because he believed me once when I offered him less than that. I want there to be no doubt when I finally say it.”

Jane took my hand beneath the covers.

“I don't think he doubts you. He doubts himself when it comes to you.”

This observation followed me until morning.

My wedding dress was ivory muslin, simple according to my father's wishes and far too simple according to my mother's. Darcy had given me a pearl necklace that had belonged to his mother. When Jane fastened it around my neck, I felt for the first time the weight of the family I was joining.

“You're beautiful,” she said.

“Mama thinks three additional rows of lace would have improved Mr. Darcy's judgment.”

“His judgment seems quite fixed already.”

In the church, he waited for me near the altar.

I had seen him in drawing rooms, on paths, drenched by rain, kneeling before me. I had never seen him so moved. His face remained grave, but his eyes followed me as though he feared I might vanish before reaching him.

My father gave me his arm.

“There's still time to flee,” he murmured.

“You haven't prepared a carriage.”

“I was counting on your ability to walk.”

I squeezed his arm.

“I'm staying.”

He kissed my forehead before entrusting me to Darcy.

When our hands joined, Fitzwilliam exhaled slowly. His thumb caressed my fingers once, hidden by our gloves.

I spoke my vows without trembling.

I thought not of the debt, nor of Lady Catherine, nor of the ten thousand pounds that had so occupied my mother. I thought of the man who had agreed to change without becoming weak, who had given freedom back to the woman he desired, who now waited to receive a promise he had not purchased.

When the priest declared us husband and wife, Darcy looked at me with an expression so intense that the rest of the church disappeared.

The luncheon was noisy, interminable, and happy. My mother kissed Darcy several times, which he bore with admirable courage. Lydia asked if she could come to Pemberley for an entire season. Kitty burst into tears when she realized two of her sisters were leaving Longbourn. Mary read a passage on conjugal duties until my father gently took the book from her hands.

Georgiana stayed close to me. She wore a light blue dress and smiled more than she had at our first meeting.

“May I call you Elizabeth?” she asked.

“Only if I may call you Georgiana.”

She kissed me.

Darcy watched us with an emotion he made no effort to hide.

At last, it was time to leave.

I cried as I embraced my mother, surprising even myself. Her arms wrapped around me with desperate strength.

“Write to me, Lizzy. And don’t forget that your poor mother cannot travel such a distance without a comfortable carriage.”