The Bennet house was in an uproar. The day of the weddings had arrived. The bustle of several women getting ready for an event along with cheerful fussing from Mrs. Bennet filled the air. I suspect Mr. Bennet had risen extra early that morning so he could dress and remove to his study away from the worst of the fuss. I did not see him all morning, at any rate. Mr. Gardiner soon disappeared as well.
Once I was dressed I went to help Kitty and Lydia with their preparations. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner assisted the brides while Mrs. Bennet did what she was best at – she fluttered her handkerchief and worried. Mrs. Gardiner had to remind her several times that things were well in hand and she needed to finish getting dressed herself. When Miss Darcy and Mildred arrived, as had been arranged, Mrs. Gardiner left Mary to Miss Darcy and marched Mrs. Bennet off to her room. Mildred came and helped Kitty while I assisted Lydia in her finishing touches. The single maid the sisters normally shared between them had been busy running errands, heating curling tongs and, I suspected, laughing at all the fuss.
Mrs. Darcy's jewels brought both joy and worry to all the ladies. Each of them frequently touched their throat and ears to check the items were still there and then smiled broadly with the confirmation. Lydia and her mother found endless amusement looking at their bracelets and watching the gems twinkle in the light. I doubt Mr. Darcy really understood how much pleasure they would take in his thoughtful loan.
Even with the fussing, fretting and delays, all the ladies were ready when time came to board the Bennet and Gardiner carriages and make their way to the church. A few stray snowflakes fell and twinkled like the diamonds in the bracelet Mrs. Bennet wore. There were few enough not to be a problem, so they merely added to the festive air of the morning.
The ceremony proceeded smoothly to the mild surprise of most in the Bennet family. With all that had happened to the couples so far, particularly to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, it seemed practically a given that some relative would object or storm the church causing mayhem. Instead the vicar read the familiar words from the Book of Common Prayer without interruption. Both couples stated their vows and Elizabeth and Mary became Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Burrows while Mrs. Bennet soaked a handkerchief with tears of joy.
The colonel was looking his polished best again as he stood up with his cousin as best man. He and Mr. Bingley, who was best man for Dr. Burrows, seemed a bit fidgety at first. They settled down as the brides were escorted in by their father. I was thrilled to receive another of the colonel's bright smiles as the party was preparing to return to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast. I had heard from Elizabeth that the colonel would be leaving right after the ceremony to take Mr. Collins to Kent and confront his aunt, but that seemed to have changed. While we were all boarding carriages I heard a snatch of conversation between him and the Duke of Montrose suggesting they would be going to Kent together on the following day.
I stayed close by my charges during the wedding breakfast. I was afraid the commotion and emotion of the day might cause their behavior to slip, but they proved themselves well. I did not even need to prompt them to offer their thanks to their new brother for the loan of the jewels. I was amused at seeing him approached by each of the Bennet ladies in turn to be given effusive praise and gratitude.
The Duke of Montrose seemed a genial man. He spoke freely with those present, despite their lower rank. He and Mr. Bennet in particular had a lengthy conversation. I was rather surprised when Mr. Bennet waved me over to where the two stood talking.
"Miss York," said the Duke after I was presented to him, "Are you by chance the daughter of the late Damien York, Viscount Stone?"
"Yes, your grace."
"He was a good man. I played chess with him by post for many years. I am sorry to see your fortunes have fallen since his death. Mr. Bennet tells me you have done wonders by his daughters."
"I am glad Mr. Bennet is pleased by their progress."
"Who inherited your father's estate again? I remember the title was not passed on."
"Lord Willoughby, the Earl of Stockleigh, was his heir."
"Did you say Lord Willoughby," asked Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had apparently been just behind me.
"Yes, Colonel. He was a distant cousin of my father."
"I cease to be surprised that you and your mother were turned out without a cent. The man is a cad. He is also one of my brother's chief creditors, although I understand him to be deeply in debt himself," the colonel said with disgust.
"Is he the one Matlock planned to have wed Miss Darcy to pay off his debts," asked the duke.
"I believe so," growled the colonel.
We all turned to look at where Miss Darcy stood chatting gaily with Mary Burrows. Seemingly as one, we shuddered at the idea of that lovely girl being forced into a marriage with a man like Lord Willoughby.
"No fear of that match. Matlock will not brave my further displeasure by interfering with the Darcys again." The duke looked at me speculatively. "So, Willoughby took everything he could and left your mother with nothing. You had a sister, too, if I recall correctly? How have they managed?"
"My mother passed away three years ago. I have been fortunate to earn enough to support my sister in a respectable boarding school."
"You have my condolences on the loss of both your parents. I remember your father's letters mentioned he had taught you to play chess with him. He had a distinctive style that I enjoyed playing against. I expect you learned it from him. I will be starting up a game with Bennet here. When I send him my moves I will include a note with a move for you. Give him your reply and he can include it with his return." The duke seemed pleased to acquire two new opponents.
"I am honored. I hope my skill meets your expectations." I noticed a bit of overly loud conversation from Lydia and excused myself to go see to her. All the while I thought of the strange coincidence that the man who had left me to this life had plotted with the Earl of Matlock to gain Miss Darcy's dowry.
I found Lydia and Kitty arguing with Miss Priscilla Long, the younger of the two Long girls, who had apparently been insisting that the necklace and ear bobs they wore were inappropriate for the occasion. "I still say they should be evening wear!" she said as I came up.
I held up a hand to stop Lydia's angry reply. She and Kitty both went silent and waited to see what I would say.
"Strictly speaking, you are correct, Miss Priscilla." The girl smirked at Lydia. I was proud that Lydia remembered herself enough not to stick out her tongue in response. It seemed to be a near thing. "However, in this case it can be excused because Mr. Darcy specifically requested that the ladies wear his mother's jewels for the occasion. I believe it was a way of having his mother close on his wedding day even though she is no longer alive and able to attend."
"I suppose that makes sense," Miss Priscilla grumbled. "They are very pretty."
"Yes, Mr. Darcy showed great trust in his new sisters to allow them to wear something so special," I told her while also reminding Lydia and Kitty of the need to take care of the items. Miss Priscilla agreed and then excused herself for a visit to the refreshment table.
Kitty looked at me nervously. "Are we in trouble, Miss York?" she asked. Lydia fidgeted next to her, waiting for my answer.
"You could have handled the situation better," I told them. "I am glad you did not stick your tongue out, Lydia," here she looked a bit ashamed, "or cause a big ruckus. I will help you learn ways to deflect unkind comments without causing insult. You do realize she was jealous, do you not? You were flaunting the jewelry and she probably felt bad that she had none, although she was also right that it would generally be for evening wear."
"We did not intend to make her jealous," said Kitty. "Priscilla is our friend. We were both just so pleased that we have been showing it off to everyone."
"I understand. I will not count this lapse against you. You are still learning. I only ask that you try to think about how your actions affect others when you get into a situation of this sort."
"Yes, Miss York," they both said with visible relief.
As I went with the girls to the refreshment table, I noticed the colonel staring at me from where he still stood by the duke's side. When our eyes met, he smiled. I hoped my return smile did not look too silly. I felt giddy at his notice.
Mrs. Bennet was equally giddy, I noticed, when Mr. Darcy took to calling her "Mother Bennet". She blushed and giggled every time he did, which I am sure prompted him to use the address more often.
Someone mentioned the snow was starting to stick outside. Dr. Burrows hoped to reach London before dark, so he and Mary decided to leave before the weather turned worse.
I found a moment to wish Mary joy before she left. She gave me a hug and asked me to look after her younger sisters well. She would be back for Christmas in just a week, but I think she felt the change in this first real parting from her family. She was a married woman now and would return for visits, but Longbourn was no longer her home.
"You will do well in your new role," I assured her. "Safe travels to you, both now and when you return for Christmas." She smiled at me before Lydia and Kitty took their turns for a farewell embrace.
Mr. and Mrs. Darcy left soon as well. At that point, the rest of the guests began leaving to head home through the snow. I found a moment to wish the colonel well on his trip to Kent.
"I shall ride in comfort with the duke," he told me. "It will probably be the easiest journey I have made in some time, even with the snow." He was called away just then by Mr. Bingley, who was ready to return to Netherfield. The colonel and the duke would be riding back with him.
All too soon, it seemed, the guests had all gone. Mr. Bennet seemed deflated at the realization that Elizabeth and Mary were truly married and gone. Kitty saw his expression and asked if he might be willing to give her another chess lesson. He had already brightened up a bit as they headed to his study.
Miss Darcy and Mildred would be staying at Longbourn that week to give the newlyweds some privacy. Miss Darcy sat with Lydia as they spoke of embroidery patterns.
"I thought the handkerchiefs you and Kitty made as gifts for your sisters were lovely. How did you come up with the ivy design for Lizzy's new initials?" she asked.
"They are similar to the carved decorations on the slate Lizzy gave me. I felt that would tell her how I enjoyed her gift."
Mrs. Gardiner, who sat nearby, asked "Did Lizzy give you her slate in the carved wooden frame?"
"Yes, Aunt. She gave it to me so I can practice my writing. I want to write well."
"Your uncle bought that as a special commission from an old soldier who had lost his legs in battle. He did beautiful carvings which he sold to support himself. I am glad you are finding a use for it."
"It is the best gift I have ever received," Lydia said firmly. Mrs. Gardiner seemed pleased with that response. I could tell she wondered, as I sometimes did, if the changes in Kitty and Lydia were only on the surface in response to the sanctions against them. From what I had seen and a few of our conversations, I was inclined to believe they truly were changing.
Lydia brought her slate out a little while later. She and Miss Darcy drew out some of their ideas for embroidery patterns and then used the ability to alter their drawings on the slate until the pattern suited them both. They then drew out the completed pattern on paper for later use. Mrs. Gardiner watched the proceedings with a pleased smile.
The design sketches demonstrated a definite talent on Lydia's part. Now that the weddings were over and the presents completed, I could spend some time with both girls teaching them how to sketch. Miss Darcy already knew, according to Mildred, and would be able to encourage them.
When Kitty returned from her chess lesson Miss Darcy suggested they work at the pianoforte for a time. I agreed that was a good idea. Mildred sat with them while Lydia and I moved to the back parlor for a spelling and writing practice.
"I am glad my aunt was not upset that Lizzy gave the slate to me," she said, stroking the cover happily.
"I think she was pleased it continues to be useful. It is a very lovely piece of work. Your response told her that it will be well cared for until you choose to pass it on to someone else."
"I do not have to pass it on as soon as I know how to read, do I?" She asked a little fearfully.
"No, only when you are ready. You will know when it is time. Remember, your sister had it for several years before she was ready to pass it on. Perhaps someday you will have a daughter who will learn to write on that slate."
She smiled. "I would like that. First, though, I need to learn enough to find and marry a good man. Can you give me some harder words to spell? I need to be educated so a well-educated man will like me."
We both laughed and then I started giving her harder words as she requested. We worked together for quite some time.