In truth she remembered very little about the ceremony. She had been walked down the aisle by her brother. She vaguely recollected the mixed pride and anxiety as he gave her away to Alex. From there it seemed she just remained lost in Alex's warm eyes. Anyone there could easily have asked her to purchase them a private ship, and she would have readily agreed. Everything apart from the two of them had felt trivial.
She brushed a hand against her lips as she looked out the balcony at the grand estate, remembering the way Alex's lips felt against hers as they had sealed their vows. Husband and wife through the rest of their days.
She gazed at the hills and woodlands as if for the first time. Guests lingered in the lower halls. And a few vehicles were already far in the distance. Perhaps in a way this was the first time. She was now lady Georgiana du Pont. Wife to Alex du Pont, a kind stranger that had helped her family through a dire illness, and eventually found his way into her heart.
She thought back in the years that had led up to this point. Her memories lingered on a time that felt so long ago. When she had nearly run away with a man she thought knew but had actually deceived her. One who had not one shred of feeling for her, only empty flattery, and who intended to use her against her own brother.
She toyed with the memory a few moments. This moment of foolishness had not only nearly cost her family everything, it had made her fearful. She had become fearful of her own judgment, of trusting her heart to another, of seeking out love. And yet, love had miraculously somehow found her instead.
What had been a point of shame and embarrassment in her life felt so distant now? When had something so significant faded away? She could not even recall the exact moment it stopped mattering to her. Alex had cast that spell upon her.
She thought over the memory a moment longer, and then shelved it away like a trinket someone outgrew from their childhood. To eventually be forgotten completely. That time had been significant at the time. But now it was time to look toward a new and exciting future with the true love of her life.
She smiled as she felt a pair of arms wrap around her, and she leaned back to settle into Alex's arms. She was his wife. They could enjoy each other's warmth and embraces, a lingering touch, a gentle kiss. They had so much to share, and a whole new adventure to begin together... She smiled to herself as she felt him lean his chin into her shoulder. “Your family seemed nice.”
“They are absolutely entranced by you.” He did not try to hide the pride I his voice as he pressed his lips against her shoulder and then followed her gaze out over the grand estate. “They kept us much longer than I expected them to. Are you certain you are alright with us waiting until morning before we travel out on our honeymoon?”
She smiled as she twisted in his arms so that she could look up into his eyes. “We could wait longer if you like. It's been a long time since you have seen them.”
“Yes...” he smiled as he shook his head. “But I can make that up with them at a future date. Right now my mind is only on us being alone together for a time.”
She could agree. She was long used to escorts and such. But even so, it had been maddening always having each move watched and reported at all times. “You have traveled to so many places. Where would you want to go most after business in Italy is done?”
“Where?” He squeezed her close and ran a hand through her hair. “Right back here. Right in this moment. Just like this. I cannot imagine a better place to be.”
Georgiana smiled. She could not agree more.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Lady Catherine and Mr. and Mrs. Covington were all smiles when they attended Georgiana’s wedding. With Kitty in the wedding party and Lady Catherine and Anne being relatives, sitting near each other at the wedding breakfast could not be helped. Lady Catherine talked more about her daughter and son-in-law than about her just married niece.
“It has been such a pleasure to have Mr. Covington at Rosings. He is quite the entertainer. He and Anne remind me very much of myself and Mr. de Bourgh. Anne gave her new husband a pony cart of his own as a wedding present and those two are always having a good time together. Neither could have chosen better,” had been her words, said full of meaning.
Kitty heard it all and was relieved to find that no tears threatened to form in her eyes. No sadness intruded on the happiness she felt for her dear friend. She found Lady Catherine’s attire to be comical and felt Mr. Covington was just where he belonged, which was not with her. She did not know how she would take seeing him again but found that her heart had mended and desired his attentions no more.
Colonel Fitzwilliam slowly made his way down toward the garden. The wedding had been spectacular. It did his heart good to see Georgiana so happy. Alex had been beside himself for the hours leading up to the wedding, swinging from elation to worry. He imagined that Georgiana had been a typhoon of emotions for poor Elizabeth.
After years of investing as his cousin directed, he was in a fine position to marry now. Who would have imagined that the little wanderer would beat me down the aisle? Fitzwilliam shook his head with a fond grin. Alex had been so busy wandering from one dock to the other trying to earn his own name. When Fitzwilliam had seen how Alex and Georgiana got along, how could he resist intervening just a little?
Fitzwilliam took in a deep breath as he entered the garden. The scent of flowers and green hedges was almost intoxicating after so many weeks in the salty sea air. A lot of fond memories were in this place. Playful afternoons of youth. Tea as they discussed their studies. Dreams and fancies. Escapes from instructors. Welcomes and goodbyes. This place had watched them grow and change. Whenever he came home, he always looked for an excuse to linger in the garden for a spell.
He paused as he saw someone already in the garden. He had assumed all the guests had made their way home. In fact he could have sworn he just watched the last carriage make its trek toward town just a moment ago. But there she was. A young woman walking regally around the garden center, delicately plucking the petals of a rose and letting them drift lazily to the ground by her feet.
“Well, well!” he smiled as he made his way closer. “Fancy meeting you here, Miss Bennet.”
The young woman turned her head and gave a very pretty teasing smile. “Oh dear, here comes trouble.”
Fitzwilliam gave a sideways grin and a soft laugh. “So warns trouble herself.”
Kitty's eyes seemed to sparkle at the response as she smoothed the graceful bridesmaid dress. Fitzwilliam remembered what a handful she had been when she first came to the mansion. Elizabeth and Georgiana had the patience of saints. Her posture and demeanor were much better than when he last saw her. But there was still that spark that made her Kitty Bennet in her eyes.
“You looked very well today, Miss Bennet. You made a lovely bridesmaid.” he said pleasantly now that their familiar teasing greetings were commenced.
“Well thank you, Colonel,” she replied, a mischievous smile pulling at the corner of her mouth as she tried to look exaggeratedly prim and proper, “You did not do so poorly yourself.”
“Well thank you, mi ‘lady.” he said with a grin. “It was a shame that not everyone was so refined today. I noticed that dear Aunt Catherine was wearing someone's cat.”
“Oh that fur coat? I thought a bear had wandered onto the bride's side.” she bat her eyes as she rose a finger to her cheek thoughtfully. “Though I did have to wonder why a bear would wear a big yellow hat.”
“The world is full of mysteries,” Fitzwilliam answered with as much solemnness as he could muster.
“I suppose so,” Kitty nodded speculatively. “Like the mystery of how you could possibly look so well in uniform. It should be a crime really. I can bet you made girl's cry at the docks. What have you to say for shamelessly breaking the hearts of fawn eyed girls swooning all over the streets?”
“You exaggerate greatly,” Fitzwilliam laughed under his breath. She had gotten sharper since he last saw her. “You share your sister's wit. I did not
know it ran in the family.”
“Oh nonsense!” Kitty sniffed and gave a small smile. “I have never been good at sharing anything. My wit is my own, thank you very much.”
Fitzwilliam smiled as she placed a fist on one hip, tapping the bud of the half-plucked rose against her cheek. “Of course. Forgive me, Lady Bennet.”
“I shall place it under consideration. But only because you bow so gracefully,” she stated, giving him a friendly smile as she dropped the game. “Still, it is good to see you again, Fitzwilliam. Have your travels been treating you well?”
“As well as can be expected. The roads, the fatigue, and sleeping in tents can be a harsh mistress.”
“Are there other sorts of mistresses? It seems people only ever mention the harsh ones.” Kitty asked as she leaned against a low wall, dropping the proper postures and speech being it was just the two of them. They had a long history of mischief at each other's expense. There had been several unhappy instructors when Kitty avoided a dull lesson.
“A good point.” He said in a good natured tone. Compared to her first days at the mansion, even this spell of wit was very tame. She had really grown up in the time he was away.
“Oh, excuse me,” she stifled a yawn. “I promise it is not the company. I was up before the sun. I dare say I might have gotten less sleep than Georgiana, I was so excited for her.”
“It was certainly worth seeing,” Fitzwilliam nodded. “I should not keep you up. Perhaps we will meet at the breakfast table?”
“Perhaps. If the tide has not carried you off,” she scolded lightly, setting the rose down onto a table to be cleaned away by the staff. “Do not go disappearing on me. I missed running into you by only a hair the last two times you came! You owe me some stories of the trouble you get into when my brother is not there to scold you.”
Fitzwilliam smiled and bade her good night, pausing as he looked into her eyes quizzically.
“W... what is it?” Kitty stammered, taken aback by the sudden intensity of his stare.
“I never realized how blue your eyes were,” he mused, surprised at how red she blushed at the proclamation.
She blinked and bat her eyes in confusion, but quickly recollected herself and crossed her arms. “All these years and you do not know what color my eyes are?”
“I suppose not,” he said in as apologetic a tone as possible as he took a step back. “They are lovely. I am surprised I never took notice before.”
“Ohhhh you are impossible!” Kitty huffed as she started for the doorway. He rose a hand, half afraid he might have offended her. But then she half turned and stuck the tip of her tongue out at him, a playful reminder of earlier days. “You best know the color of my hair by breakfast. There shall be a quiz!”
Fitzwilliam laughed, surprised at the wave of relief he felt that he did not make her cross. He had seen the capricious young lady that had terrorized the halls as a little sister. Someone to tease and keep safe. He did not know why it suddenly felt important to him to know what color her eyes were. At the same time, he wondered why he never noticed those eyes before. “I will be sure to study for it.”
“You best!” she proclaimed, a smile tugging at her lips despite her attempts to look annoyed. “Good night, Colonel.”
“Sweet dreams, Miss Bennet.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam left the next morning to visit with his parents in London and the Bennets returned to Longbourn. Both Fitzwilliam and Kitty were to return to Pemberley when Georgiana and Alex returned in a month’s time from their tour of England. They would stay a week at Pemberley before setting off for Italy.
Once Pemberley returned to its pre-wedding state and the Bingleys returned home, the families turned their attention to another important event. Both the Bingleys and the Darcys had anniversaries coming up.
Chapter Twenty-Five
"Papa! We need to go!!"
Mr. Bingley blinked his eyes open, meeting the excited gaze of his oldest child, Harry. The room was still dark, but the first rays of dawn were peeking over the tops of the trees outside their windows. He sighed and turned towards the other side of the bed, deciding that his wife's sleeping face was one he would rather see first thing in the morning.
The Bingley family was one looked upon both in awe and with respect, but no one in town could believe that two quiet, slightly reserved members of the family could have such a talkative and overzealous child. Harry was an anomaly, but Jane was often reminded of her younger sisters whenever he said something less than appropriate in polite company. Charles could not help the fear he felt whenever his son had those moments, thinking of what might happen as he grew older. Jane would always sooth him, reassuring him that Harry was going to be a fine boy since he had such a wonderful father.
Jane was beautiful both inside and out. Charles loved that about her, how she would be able to look at any person and never judge them on their appearance or initial introductions. She was polite, and she claimed she needed to learn to read people better, especially after the Mr. Wickham incident. Her sister, Elizabeth, was more than happy to take on the task.
Mr. Bingley could go to Mr. Darcy for any issues of his own and his brother-in-law and close friend would explain bluntly and precisely what Charles had been doing wrong. Elizabeth had softened him up enough to make him a bit more tactful, but even he had nothing but good things to say about Jane and also their son, for the most part.
Speaking of Harry, he had climbed onto the bed and was currently trying to shake his father awake, even though Mr. Bingley had already shown that he was awake.
"Papa, come on!! We have to prepare before she wakes up!" he stage whispered, and Charles watched as a small smile formed on his wife's lips.
"I am sorry for waking you, my angel," he whispered, settling a kiss against her cheek.
"No worries, my darling," she whispered back, "Have a good time in town."
"Mama, you are supposed to be asleep!"
"I am asleep, my dear. I am sleep talking. Listen to your father when you are out in town."
"Yes, mama. Sleep tight!"
Charles could not help the grin affixed to his lips as he readied himself and Harry for the day ahead.
The town was bustling with activity even with the sun barely over the tops of the trees. Derbyshire had become something of a wonder to the rest of the country, having many high-class families visit the shops and stalls.
Today, he hoped that he and his son could go through their plans without much interruption. He was forced to put off their previous plans for a shopping expedition when he had suddenly come down with a fever and a nasty cold a week ago. It was a special day, after all, and he wanted everything to be perfect. Seven years ago, he and Jane had vowed to be husband and wife. Today needed to be productive, and Harry had been more than enthusiastic to tag along and help him search for the perfect gift for his angel. They both would have some work to do when they returned home, but for now, they allowed themselves the leisure of walking slowly through the town, stopping at a few shops to appraise their wares.
Harry was the one who found his gift first. While passing a shop known for its rare and unusual gifts, he coaxed his father in to look through some of the items. Mr. Bingley thought that it was merely child-like curiosity that brought the boy there, but Harry made a beeline for the store's counter and was conversing quite well with the shop keeper. The worker pulled something out from behind the counter, and Harry took it in hand and moved carefully towards his father.
"Papa, this is what I would like to give to Mama," he said, holding his hands out in front of him so that Mr. Bingley could get a good look at what he was holding.
Harry had a small rock in his hands that was split down the middle. It looked like something that could be found along the riverbank, but then Harry pulled the rock apart and revealed tiny jewels within it.
"Mr. Gregory calls it a ‘geode.’ He says that it is rare in these parts, and I thought it would be perfect for Mama."
"How
is it perfect for her?" Mr. Bingley asked. He was genuinely curious to hear the answer.
"Because Mama is the most beautiful on her inside. She is the kindest, most wonderful mama that I have ever known, and I want her to see it."
Mr. Bingley smiled fondly at his son, happy that he loved his mother so. He paid for the geode, and they headed deeper into town to look for something that Charles would gift to her.
A sapphire necklace caught his eye in one of the windows. The jewel had the same color as Jane's eyes, and he found himself drawn into the shop to get a better look at it. It even matched the ring he had given her so many years before, but he needed to make sure that it was something that would completely suit her.
The necklace was gorgeous, but not overbearingly studded with glitz and glamour. It was becoming fashionable now for the stones in a necklace to be smaller and subtle against a lady's skin and Charles thought that the necklace would suit his wife perfectly. He bought it on the spot and didn't miss when some of the ladies in the shop tittered at his choice. He would give them a week before they were wearing smaller stones on their necklaces.
By the time they arrived home, it was nearly lunchtime. Jane was sitting on the settee when Charles kissed her on the forehead, and Jane smiled when he brushed his lips against her cheek.
"You two look as though you found what you were looking for," Jane mused, eyeing their packages.
Love is in the Air Page 14