Bingley was also dressed to perfection, his features were perfectly regular and pleasing, but to Elizabeth he just always seemed to lack a little ginger to his character. He was perfectly handsome, and perfectly pleasing, but somehow Fitzwilliam still beat him in looks. But not in character, not for the bride anyway, Bingley was the perfect husband for Jane and they would make each other very happy. At this moment, the couple was a bit distracted, though. The heavy snow was a serious problem, it could very well be dangerous to drive to church in this weather, but without going to church there could be no wedding today.
'What shall we do, Darcy?' Bingley started. 'We have everyone gathered here in safety, and frankly I don't feel like risking more lives than strictly necessary on our trip to church. Do you think we can take just one carriage to church, with Jane and myself, Mr Bennet of course, the two of you, and maybe Kitty and Mrs Gardiner? Leave the rest of the party behind in safety, and celebrate here when we're back?'
That sure sounded sensible, but would Bingley's sisters agree to be left behind? Fitzwilliam obviously shared his beloved's doubts.
'But what will your sisters say when you tell them you're not taking them along, Bingley? I cannot imagine Miss Bingley just accepting not being present at your exchange of vows.'
'Actually, Darcy, it was Caroline's own idea to stay behind, she hates deprivations, and cold is the worst in her opinion. The whole idea of getting stuck in a snowbank or the Meryton Arms for the night makes her very skin crawl. That is exactly what she told me, by the way. Also, there is Mr Grenfell, she has taken quite a fancy to him I think. But that is something I didn't hear from her, I deduced that myself.'
'If your sisters don't object I see no problems in the scheme, do you want to take your carriage? Your horses know how to find their way in this neighbourhood, I think.'
Bingley was in doubt.
'I'd prefer to have your Bob on the box, he's the best driver we have among us, and it will be a real challenge to find our way to Meryton in this.'
Bob was that good? But Elizabeth tended to agree with Fitzwilliam, having local horses could be very important as well, somehow most horses knew where their stables were, and if the weather worsened that might help them get back to Netherfield.
'Elizabeth's little carriage is rather small for six of us, seven if Kitty wants to come, but it's very stable and the slow team is fit and has been especially shod for snow. Bob loves a challenge, he'll get us to Meryton despite the horses not knowing the way, though it's probably sensible if one of us rides along on horseback, just to be sure.'
That was a very practical improvement on their plan, and they decided Fitzwilliam would ride along on his black horse, it had a certain sensibility that would benefit them if the snow got too thick to see where they were heading.
Georgiana didn't mind staying behind, especially not since Kitty decided she'd rather stay at Netherfield as well. Mr Gardiner was perfectly satisfied to stay put, but Mrs Gardiner really wanted to come, so she put on a warmer dress and a warm coat. Soon, they were all ready to go, the snow was still not letting up but there was a rather strong wind blowing from one direction, and the road was reasonably clear as far as they could see. Bob asked his master for a companion on the box, with a shovel, in case they ran into a snowbank in some turn of the road, a very sensible proposal that was of course followed. They decided on Rick, a strapping local fellow from the stables, who could help find the way as well as dig them out of a drift.
The bride and groom seated themselves in Elizabeth's beautiful little carriage, and Elizabeth, Mr Bennet and Mrs Gardiner joined them inside, a bit cramped but all the warmer for that. Fitzwilliam mounted his tall black, horse and master both enjoying the prospect of riding a few miles through the snow, that much was clear. Bob and Rick took their places on the box, protected from the worst of the icy wind by a screen, and the solid team set off, almost frisky with the cold.
As long as the road was straight, crossing the relatively flat grounds of Netherfield, they made excellent time and the first mile passed by without incident. Darcy could see the road easily, the snow was still fresh so it didn't stick much, it blew right across the road to gather in large drifts where a line of trees or a hill hindered its advance. The slow team was strong and had
excellent footing with the frost-nails on their shoes, and the occasional accumulation of snow up to a foot and a half was no problem at all, they just waded right through and the carriage followed.
But as soon as they left the Netherfield grounds behind, trouble started in the shape of a snowbank filling up a hollow in the road. Darcy tested the solidity of it, and his horse had no trouble wading through, but it was probably too high for the carriage to pass unscathed. And indeed, as Darcy turned his horse and caught Bob's eye, not an easy feat through the flurrying snow, Bob shook his head at his master: the carriage could not make it through the drift. He brought the team to a halt, Rick jumping off the box with his shovel before it had come to a complete standstill, and the sturdy man set to work straight away. Snow was flying, Darcy noted Rick flinging it to the side where the wind would take it away from the road, a clever fellow who undoubtedly hoped they'd be able to return without further shovelling. In five minutes, Rick had cleared the road enough for Bob to shout at him to catch his attention, then gesture to stop digging. With a slight slip of the wheels the carriage came back to motion, and Bob expertly guided the horses through the narrow gap Rick had dug. Rick got back on the box, and off they were.
Until they hit the first bridge, a rather steep incline up, followed by the same incline down, covered in a thick layer of powdery snow. Fearlessly, Darcy set his black to go up, and it did indeed slip once or twice, but his horse was unshod, while the slow team, though hindered by the weight of the carriage, was protected from sliding by its special shoes. Bob didn't even hesitate, he urged the team on with his voice, and up they went, pretty fast, actually.
Then it was back down, and to Darcy it seemed as if the carriage shocked all the way down, he hoped the bride and groom wouldn't get sick inside. As the horses kept their footing easily, the carriage seemed to be following their track perfectly, and it didn't show any signs of overtaking the horses. Darcy realised Bob was using the brake on and off, to slow the carriage down but prevent the wheels from blocking and acting like the runners of a sleigh.
Such an excellent driver, his passengers and his horses were very fortunate to have Bob watching over their safety.
Without worse mishap than another few drifts they reached the church, and as Bob led the team to the local stables, Darcy handed Rick his black's reins and a nice tip.
'You have both earned a square meal with a little extra, Rick, Bob and yourself. Treat yourselves at the Arms. Stay sober, though, we still have the return trip ahead. I'm sure your master has a feast planned for you, too, tonight. It's not like him to celebrate and leave his staff with an ordinary supper.'
Rick accepted the money and put it away with one hand, then voiced his appreciation for Darcy's gesture.
'Thank you for rewarding our efforts, Mr Darcy. Enjoy the ceremony, we'll get your loved ones home safely.'
The first should be easy, compared to outside the church was relatively warm, and lighted beautifully. No profusion of flowers for Jane on her wedding day, but his sister-in-law didn't look a bit less beautiful or happy for it.
The damage done to his own outfit by riding through the snow was minimal, the advantages of leather pantaloons and a thick coat, and Elizabeth ruffled his hair and whispered to him, 'You look even better for your ride, though Simon's efforts with the darkening of your eyelashes have backfired a little: the cold wind and the snow have caused it to run just a tiny bit, making you look like a melancholy hero. It makes me want to swoon in your arms, to complete the picture. Will you continue reading that pirate story when we're back home? You look like the pirate captain, I can't wait to picture you in a dramatic scene, being wounded in action and saved and lovingly tended to by his
second-in-command, that ravishing black-haired young lady who fights like a demon.'
They snuggled secretly, until Darcy felt someone watching him. It was the minister of all people, catching them behaving improperly in his church! He hadn't come over to scold them, though, he merely asked Darcy to follow him to the groom to prepare for the ceremony.
Darcy had totally forgotten about that with all the fuss about the snow. Of course, he was Bingley's witness, he needed to be at his side during the ceremony, and Elizabeth would have to stay behind and sit there all by herself. Having to leave his beloved suddenly, Darcy felt a bit put out, while he followed the minister to the altar towards his overjoyed friend and the glowing bride, the latter's sister was left sitting by herself. Darcy looked back at his beloved to check whether she minded, and saw Lydia and Wickham descending on her. Wickham managed to push himself in front of
his boisterous wife and ended up sitting right next to Elizabeth, who clearly did not appreciate Wickham's cheek and acknowledged his hearty greeting with a mere handshake. The impudence of that man knew no bounds, Darcy could feel his excellent mood vanish, replaced with irritation and yes, a spark of anger. He wanted to walk over and escort his beloved wife to sit with her aunt Gardiner, who was still standing, talking to her sister-in-law, but of course he could not, it would be very indecorous and a triumph to Wickham for having disconcerted Darcy. He'd make a spectacle of himself showing such jealousy towards a man so far beneath him, even if Darcy was convinced Elizabeth once considered that man with a certain tenderness.
Forcing himself back to tranquillity by breathing in and out slowly, Darcy reminded himself that Elizabeth chose him, loved him and had married him.
The thought gave him a feeling of triumph, and his excellent mood quickly returned. Elizabeth was perfectly able to take care of herself, she had no need for a jealous husband to come to her aid. It was her independence he fell in love with, and if she decided she would humour Wickham again to make him feel at home in the family she was not doing that for Wickham, she was doing it for her sister, whom she certainly loved, little though the noisy child deserved it.
Elizabeth being nice to Wickham was no sign of her still having warm feelings for him, the very thought was an insult to his beloved, she might have once liked him more than a little, but that was before she really knew him. No-one realised having escaped the loss of every prospect in life through Wickham's misdeeds more than Elizabeth, not even Lydia and Jane, Darcy was convinced neither of them was aware how close they had been to irremediable infamy through Lydia's elopement, just as Georgie probably didn't realise yet what she had barely escaped by telling Darcy about her plans to elope with Wickham.
They had become so close since then, Georgie had developed so beautifully, too bad she couldn't be here for Elizabeth to sit beside. But it had been a good decision to leave her at Netherfield, they had managed to get here relatively easily, but that might change for the return trip.
By now, Elizabeth was talking with both Wickham and her sister. She didn't seem to feel imposed upon, though Lydia of course was a bit loud for the church. Now it was Wickham's turn to be uncomfortable, while Elizabeth didn't seem to care at all, Lydia was not her responsibility anymore. With
the few attending family members present and seated, Mrs Gardiner now on Elizabeth's other side, the minister asked for attention.
And after usual sermon on the subject of marriage Bingley and Jane spoke their vows as sincerely and as clear-voiced as Darcy and Elizabeth had done, looking as happy as they must have done, and a lot more relaxed since they didn't have all those important relations to face afterwards. Just friends, neighbours and close relatives to congratulate them on a long-expected union. Rings were placed on each other's hands, and the new couple shared their first official kiss, Darcy knew for a fact they had been stealing kisses as often as Elizabeth and himself had done, they had been engaged for such a long time, it must have been incredibly difficult to refrain from further intimacies.
Somehow, witnessing the ceremony for the first time since pledging himself to Miss Elizabeth Bennet after months of heartbreak and suspense, his feelings overflowed, and he heard himself swallow a few times before he had them under control. Fortunately Elizabeth soon approached him to congratulate the happy couple together, and of course she had seen his expression, probably feeling some it it herself. Since Bingley and Jane were busy receiving Mr and Mrs Bennet's congratulations they took each other's hand firmly and waited for their turn.
Elizabeth was not controlling her emotions, she had indeed experienced some strong feelings when dear Jane promised to cherish Bingley, as she herself had promised Fitzwilliam. To be looking on instead of standing there exchanging vows was a bit disconcerting, but Jane did so deserve to be happy in love, Elizabeth's happiness could not be contained. She smiled broadly as she kissed her sister and shook hands with her new brother.
'Congratulations, you will be so happy together!'
Jane was showing her feelings for once, she was so beautiful today, and Bingley looked so happy to finally have her all to himself. They'd have a house full of guests this week, and after that the newly-weds would join the Christmas party in London, but Elizabeth was sure her sister and her husband would find the time to be together at least some of the time. It was not much use to plan a honeymoon in the depth of winter, they could always go on a trip together in spring or summer.
'Thank you, dear Lizzy,' Jane replied, 'who would have thought it would end this way, Lizzy, when Bingley came to live at Netherfield? Now we're both
married and we'll be living really close to one another in town, but what about spring and summer? Will we even see each other those months? And what about papa? He'll miss us so much!'
'I'm sure it will all be fine, Jane,' Bingley said lovingly. 'Mr Bennet can visit whenever he wants to, we'll get him used to life in town yet. And you can write all the time. What do you all say to going back to Netherfield to celebrate? If we wait too long we may be snowed in.'
That was really sensible of him, to think ahead, and Fitzwilliam stepped outside to check the weather and order the carriage, while Wickham and Lydia approached to congratulate the newly-weds, Wickham his old charming self, not a hint of the affected man they had seen yesterday, and Lydia over the moon, but without the slightest sense of propriety.
'Dearest Jane, I'm so glad you're rich now, we can always stay with you and you can give us handsome presents for Christmas!'
Jane ignored her youngest sister, she was much too happy to let her spoil anything, she merely thanked Lydia for her kindness and proposed to discuss who would ride in which carriage.
'Do you think the Lucases will make it to Netherfield, Bingley? And the Goulds?'
'I cannot imagine, my love, but I'm afraid our little orchestra won't make it either. It will reduce our party to a mere gathering of friends and family, but I'll admit I'll be glad once we're safe and sound at Netherfield. We can throw a ball for our friends some other time, when it is safer for everyone.'
And to prove he could show independent thought and decisiveness he addressed his mother-in-law and his new brother-in-law.
'Mrs Bennet, Mr Wickham, I insist on all of you staying at Netherfield tonight, returning to Longbourn will be much too dangerous. I will have rooms prepared for you as soon as we arrive, if we can make it back. How are things outside, Darcy?'
Fitzwilliam had just returned.
'It's not too bad, Bingley, I can still see our footsteps from when we came in, I hope we may be able to ride straight over, without further shovelling.
Though it will be too dangerous to drive back at night, I think your guests must count on staying over and bring
their attendants and a change of clothes. Warm coats and boots as well, suppose we do get stuck, it's better to be safe than sorry.'
So he already expected Wickham to be staying after all. He was back at her
side, his hand felt cold as he took hers in a firm grip and said
in a low voice,
'I can't wait to get back and dance with you in your magnificent gown. I wonder what Georgie is doing right now.'
'Probably practising, Fitzwilliam, she doesn't know that the orchestra will most likely be unable to come, and that she will be playing the piano a lot of the time, unless she wants to sit through one of Mary's concerto's. She reckons she'll be dancing most of the afternoon and evening, Mr Manners will be disappointed on both counts, first he cannot converse with her because she is practising, and then he cannot dance with her because she is entertaining the others. Oh well, better he learn straight away that she prefers playing to anything.'
He looked at her with a soft expression, and with a low, husky voice said, 'I love you so much, Elizabeth. Will you spend an hour with me in the privacy of our room, as soon as we are back?'
She replied with the same intensity.
'I will, but let's not forget your sister, she must not be left by herself with my sister and Wickham without either Jane or papa present, even my aunt or Mr Manners won't do, my aunt doesn't know your sister, and Mr Manners has no clue about Wickham.'
'You are so right, my dear, please talk to your aunt in the carriage, I suppose your father will have to ride with his wife, and don't hesitate because Bingley is there. He is married to Jane now, and she shouldn't feel obliged to keep secrets from him. Georgiana will have to forgive me for protecting her.'
Chapter 42
And Georgiana did feel a need to be protected at that very moment, the morning wasn't at all proceeding as she expected. For one, Mr Manners never showed. She had expected him to be there at breakfast, and though she didn't fancy him or anything, she liked him a lot better than any gentleman she had ever met before, and she actually enjoyed talking to him, getting to know him better. But she was very pleased to have Kitty stay behind, spending an entire morning with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst as only female company was not Georgiana's idea of time well-spent, though of course there was always the piano. After giving Kitty a piano lesson, Georgiana practised intensely for an hour, trying to refrain from playing certain sections over and over to not irritate the rest of the company.
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