A/N: Jane's Wedding! Wahoo!
Elizabeth and Charlotte both climbed into bed with Jane the night before her wedding, chatting late into the night, giggling. Charlotte gave Jane her own version of "the talk" as Jane was, if anything, more nervous after Mrs. Bennet's talk with her daughter about what to expect on her wedding night. While not entirely proper to have Elizabeth present, Elizabeth was insatiably curious as to what happened in a marriage bed. She'd read books that mentioned it, and was well versed in animal husbandry, but Charlotte had experienced it— the first hand knowledge just had to be shared! Jane felt much more relieved after Charlotte explained some of the more intimate points of marriage. While she and William Collins didn't have much passionate love between them, he'd been a kind and gentle lover to her, and Charlotte had fond memories. She was slightly disappointed she did not bear his child, but had, as Elizabeth predicted, noticed that she was getting more attention as a widow with a good dowry, than she ever had as an older maid. Widowhood, Charlotte decided, suited her. The gray and black trims to her half mourning gowns, with the assistance of the creative Bennets, were quite becoming. Elizabeth predicted that Charlotte would not remain a widow for long, once she came out of mourning, and both Charlotte and Jane agreed with the sentiment.
Soon it was morning and all of the Bennet women wanted to attend Jane. Charlotte excused herself, taking Mary, Kitty and Lydia with her, to help them dress as well as attend to any details for the wedding breakfast that may be necessary, leaving Jane to be attended by her closest sister and mother. Jane was a vision, with her hair pulled up, curled, pinned, with pearls accenting the honey gold of her hair. Her dress was a pale yellow, with embroidery and beading by all of the sisters, at the hem and neckline, using pearls and sky blue glass beads that brought out the blue of Jane's eyes. She wore the strand of pearls she'd been given for her birthday when she came of age. Mr. Bennet swelled with pride at the sight of his eldest daughter, and had been practicing with ornate canes to be able to escort his daughter down the isle. Nothing sort of actual death was going to stop him. Elizabeth would be sitting in the front pew to help her father sit.
Elizabeth nearly gasped in surprise and then caught herself at seeing none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy standing up with Charles Bingley. Who else would be standing up with him, than his close friend? Elizabeth pondered. Mr. Darcy caught her eye and gave a hesitant smile, which made Elizabeth's heart race and her own embarrassed smile as she cast her eyes down and made her way to the front pew, to be ready for assisting her father.
At the wedding brunch at Netherfield, everyone was joyous, but none so much as Jane and Charles, who only had eyes for each other. Their bliss radiated around them. Mr. Darcy managed at one point during the reception, to grab two glasses of champagne (courtesy of the importation trade of the Gardiners), and seek out Elizabeth who was standing to the side, happily gazing at her sister and her new husband.
"Might I offer you a drink, Miss Elizabeth?" Mr. Darcy gave a short bow and held out the coup glass.
"Thank you, sir. I would enjoy that." Elizabeth gave a shy smile and accepted the proffered glass.
"How have you been, Miss Elizabeth?" Mr. Darcy asked, trying to overcome his own nerves.
"Quite well. Longbourn came out of trust two weeks ago— I am finally the official owner." Elizabeth blushed.
"Congratulations, Miss Elizabeth! You have at last achieved your heart's desire." Mr. Darcy smiled, while Elizabeth's faltered slightly.
"My heart's desire? I— I am not sure what that is anymore. But it has been a dream of mine for many a year. As a celebration of my coming of age, I'm going on a pleasure tour of the Lake District with my Aunt and Uncle." Elizabeth took courage from the glass of champagne in her hand, her second of the morning, which was leaving her a little light headed.
"I remember you saying. I would still very much like you and your Aunt and Uncle to come to Pemberly. There is no more beautiful countryside than Derbyshire." Mr. Darcy's heart leapt in his chest when Elizabeth confessed her pervious vehement desire to own Longbourn and not marry was not her heart's desire.
"I will suggest it to my Aunt and Uncle. I— I wasn't sure if you would still want me to come… after what I said at Hunsford." Elizabeth cast her eyes to the ground.
"Nothing would give me more pleasure." Mr Darcy smiled with genuine happiness and Elizabeth's heart was in her throat.
"I think I need a little air. I'm not used to drinking champagne." Elizabeth set down her glass and made a move to leave.
"May I escort you around the gardens? Some fresh air would be enjoyable now." Mr. Darcy set down his own glass, and offered his arm. Elizabeth took it hesitantly. She was not sure of her heart, but there was no way to refuse him without being rude, even if she wanted to do so… which she was very sure she didn't.
They strolled in silence, Elizabeth gratefully breathing in the summer air and trying to clear her muddled thoughts and the breathlessness she was sure was from the champagne. Mr. Darcy was simply grateful that Elizabeth was on his arm and they were walking together. Mr. Bennet had noticed their conservation and exit to the garden together, smiling, before turning his attention back to his eldest, now Mrs. Charles Bingley.
"Your family seems well." Mr. Darcy ventured, after awhile.
"Very well. Jane told me that you confessed to Charles. I was surprised, but so happy. They deserve their happiness." Elizabeth mumbled.
"I've thought about your words. I am mortified that I did not act like a gentleman to you. Can you forgive me?" Mr. Darcy couldn't make eye contact with her.
"I wouldn't have accepted your offer of a stroll if I had not already." Elizabeth blushed shyly.
"What I wouldn't give to begin our acquaintance again."
"I— I am content with the past. I would not be who I am today without it." Elizabeth professed, standing a little straighter and holding her chin high.
"That is a good philosophy."
"I also try to remember the past only when it gives pleasure, yet not forget it entirely either."
"Sounds a little precarious of a position to maintain" Mr. Darcy chuckled.
"It is not so difficult. I keep the lessons in mind, not the painful memories that brought them on." Elizabeth returned.
"A worthy effort" Mr. Darcy smiled and her heart skipped a beat.
"Will you be in Hertfordshire long?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, I will be closing the Netherfield tomorrow for Charles, as he and his wife will be leaving on their honeymoon trip. I am then heading to London to escort my sister to Pemberly for the summer." Mr. Darcy replied.
"Would you like to stay at Longbourn tonight, to give the couple some privacy?" Elizabeth offered.
"That is most gracious of you… I think I would enjoy that, as would Charles." Mr. Darcy smiled then let out a short laugh.
"My father will be most pleased to have your expertise at the chess board." Elizabeth grinned.
"And here I was hoping I could challenge you, Miss Elizabeth."
"I think there may be time enough for more than one game." Elizabeth grinned slyly as they arrived back at the door into Netherfield. "I think the breakfast is very nearly over, you should inform your valet to pack a valise for the night at Longbourn. I don't want Jane to wait longer than she has to!" Elizabeth giggled.
"Is that so?"
"I know it wasn't proper but Mama's talk made Jane so nervous, and Charlotte and I talked with her after we'd all gone to bed, and Charlotte told us about her experiences being married… and Jane loves Charles so…" Elizabeth blushed furiously, unable to look Mr. Darcy in the eye.
"They say curiosity killed the cat" Mr. Darcy chuckled.
"But satisfaction brought it back!" Elizabeth retorted and then was absolutely mortified at her words, to which Darcy broke out in a hearty laugh. She turned to quickly retreat into the house.
"Miss Elizabeth, for the sake of propriety, I will refrain from commenting." He took her free hand as she reached for the door handle, and raised it to his lips, eyes eyes on hers, when she turned to look at him. Elizabeth's blushed deepened but was pleased nonetheless and rushed into the house, finding a secluded spot to regain her composure.
Mr and Mrs Bennet were thrilled at Elizabeth inviting Mr. Darcy to stay at Longbourn for the evening, to give the couple time together before their trip. As Elizabeth predicted, Mr. Bennet immediately challenged Darcy to chess, and she followed up with a game of her own against their guest, the focus on the game allowing her to forget the earlier mortification she felt in her impertinent reply to him. The afternoon and evening were passed pleasantly. Mr. Darcy found that he rather enjoyed the company of the family, finding the youngest much more sedate and pleased with herself than he remembered, and the middle sister, Mary, had improved at her playing on the pianoforte. In the evening, Elizabeth granted a performance of her own at the pianoforte at the request of Mr. Darcy. After everyone had retired, Elizabeth, lonely in her bed without Jane, went to the rose garden with the handkerchief that Mr. Darcy had given her. Unbeknownst to her, Mr. Darcy watched her from his guest room window, with a feeling he knew which handkerchief she held so gently, gazing at now and again.