What was going to be one or two final chapters from Darcy's POV grew so long that I had to split it into three. If I get enough reviews, I will post them 24 hours apart. After that, there will be an interlude from Elizabeth's POV and then this story will be done.

Chapter 59: The Wedding Breakfast

When the lines were signed, we set off for Longbourn in the open carriage. The weather was fine (I had not particularly noticed on the way to the church), and the sky was a lovely shade of blue with puffy clouds. My eyes traced every detail of my wife and her attire as illuminated by the sun. The wind that swept over her loosened a curl near her ear, which wrapped around her crown of flowers, just between two roses and over a dog rose. I was tempted to untangle that curl and wrap it around my finger instead, to then remove the crown and set loose the crowning glory that was my wife's hair. Of course, though, I did none of that. Intimacies of such sort were not proper when heading to our wedding breakfast.

My wife during this time was looking about, a smile curving her lips and cheeks. "What a perfect day to be married; what a wonderful day to be alive! It is the sort of day when I wish to pick up my skirts and run."

Imagining her doing so made for a delightful picture. "If that is what you should wish to do, we shall do it," I told her.

"You would, would you not? It is tempting, but for now it cannot be. For when we arrive it will be time to let my mother crow to everyone about our marriage and impress them all with her fine table. We must let my mother have her fun.

"Instead, for now, I will focus simply on the delight of being married and finally taking a carriage with you beside me! Although . . ." she leaned into me and whispered in a low voice "if it were not so open, perhaps we might share a kiss."

I leaned in toward her, wishing to take one anyway, but just then she turned her head to face forward, a delightful blush upon her cheeks at her boldness I suppose. Therefore, I settled for kissing her cheek.

"Some time or another, you must tell me why you never ride in enclosed carriages."

"I will, sometime."

The wedding breakfast was held outside on the lawn. I found this most pleasing as I had expected a loud, crowded, boisterous affair, but as there was more room to spread out the tables and the people, it was not nearly so loud and as for confining, not at all. The pleasant weather seemed to make all good humored. This lessened the stress I might have otherwise felt.

There were five tables, each one adorned by three vases which contained every which color of roses, set upon white tablecloths. I wondered how they had so many roses, but in glancing at the rose garden beyond, saw nothing but green leaves. The roses bushes must have been completely denuded for this single event, but while I might regret such excess on another day, I could not but enjoy the honor paid us. Too, besides the visual delight, with the gentle breeze the air was sweet with their fragrance.

At the beginning, my wife and I stood in a reception line with the Bennets. Fortunately, not much was required of me but to nod and thank people when they offered their congratulations.

Eventually, we took our seats, which happened to be at the same table as the Bennets at Mrs. Bennet's insistence, but at the far end of the table.

As for Edwin, he and the rest of the Netherfield party were two tables away. As Georgiana had promised, Edwin was quite hemmed in, for Anne was on his left, Georgiana was on his right, Lady Catherine was directly across from him and on either side of her were Bingley and Uncle Judge, with Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Jenkinson each next to their charges.

Just after our wine glasses were filled (by many wigged footmen that I later learned had been procured to serve for just this single event) toasts began and we were obliged to listen.

There were several toasts to our good health and a couple of toasts wishing us children. I forgot these almost immediately.

Two toasts were a bit more memorable, however. The first was given by Mr. Collins. I had not even known he and his wife were present at our wedding (I later learned they were staying with the Lucases). It began with that heavy-set man making deep bows. First, he congratulated Mrs. Bennet on how well she had done in locating the wedding breakfast outside "For certainly compared to Rosings, the paucity of room inside would have made for tight elbows in eating, which is of course not a reflection on the Bennets, but on their relative poverty compared to Lady Catherine." While perhaps what he said was factual, even I could tell this compliment also contained an insult.

Then Mr. Collins addressed compliments to everyone present who he considered to be an august person, none of which bear repeating and which I could not do justice, even if I tried.

Finally, Mr. Collins's remarks appeared to be approaching a toast as he said "I flatter myself that I had a small role in uniting the happy couple, for they courted under my auspices when I was hosting the bride to be. I had some doubts about whether my cousin should be seeking elevation to Mr. Darcy's sphere, but in the end, I should not have been surprised that Mr. Darcy would condescend to court and marry her.

"For Mr. Darcy was willing to exchange correspondence with me and to be hosted a time or two in the parsonage. How welcome it is that I can now call him cousin! I offer the sincere congratulations of Mrs. Collins and myself on this happy event, knowing as I do that Lady Catherine de Bourgh herself looks on the match with a friendly eye, as shown both by her hosting a dinner at Rosings in honor of the couple and now deigning to attend and offer her sanction, consent, and endorsement." Mr. Collins raised his wine glass, "To the Darcys."

The guests raised their wine glasses and echoed "To the Darcys." I expected Mr. Collins to take a sip of his wine then, so the rest could follow suit as was the regular form.

However, Mr. Collins continued "I should have liked to conduct the wedding, to have such a compliment given to me as I can now claim a familial relation. However, doubtless Mr. Darcy did not know I could come and attend them. It must be forgiven a man in the throes of love that he did not take the time to write such an invitation to me. It was enough that I received word from the Lucases and I am present on this day." Again, he raised his glass and declared "To the Darcys."

The corresponding raising of wine glasses and echoing of his last words was more restrained this time.

Mr. Collins did not take a sip then, either. Instead, he set down his glass, took out a handkerchief to mop at his sweating brow, before continuing "I must admit to some brief disappointment that in the fall Elizabeth refused my offer. But I flatter myself in supposing that it must be because even then, she had hope of Mr. Darcy's approbation, him having paid her the great compliment of dancing with her at the Netherfield Ball. For whom should not prefer one of the most illustrious personages in this land, who is blessed in a particular way, with everything the heart of a mortal can most desire—splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage—to a humble parson, who is only the heir to Longbourn."

After some moments, when no one seemed to know what to do, for Mr. Collins stood there still, seemingly considering adding additional words to those he had already spoken, Mrs. Collins who was seated beside him stood up as well. She picked up his glass and handed it to him, before taking up her own.

"You have well blessed the happy couple, my dear." Then she offered herself "To my dear friend Eliza, did I not tell you early, well before the Netherfield Ball that you had gained a worthy admirer in Mr. Darcy and that he was enamored of you? And did you not disclaim the possibility? Even then, I thought it possible that the lady didst protest overmuch. But perhaps indeed you did not consider him as a suitor at that time.

"I will tell you now, that I invited you to visit me at the parsonage in part because I thought if you both had further time in one another's company, that you might find that you suited well indeed. In this, I am pleased to have been right and to share your joy on this happy occasion. Therefore, raise your glasses to the Darcys and join us in wishing them health and happiness." She clinked her glass with her husband's and then they both sipped, finally giving everyone else sanction to do the same.

As the Collinses were sitting down, Edwin stood up holding his own glass aloft. I was worried about what Edwin would say, if it might be something self-serving to establish his connection to Miss Bennet, but either he was truly cowed by my sister's prior threats, or he simply wished to show his good manners and affability, for it was a far better toast than I would have anticipated.

Edwin said "Many of you know I am Darcy's cousin, but beyond being cousins we are also close friends, have been for many a year. I came to be acquainted with Miss Elizabeth Bennet when she was staying in Kent with the Collinses, and we were visiting Lady Catherine and her family for Easter. I saw right away (along with Lady Catherine) that Darcy was enamored of her, but as for Miss Bennet, she seemed less enthused."

Edwin paused, giving a half-grin and a wink, and a few chuckles were heard. He turned to look in my direction then, gave a little nod and announced "But Darcy can be rather single-minded in his focus when he makes up his mind. You know that you can, coz."

He then turned to direct his attention back to the rest of the assembled guests, "It was evident to me that he loved her, for after coming to know her better, he strove to be a better man."

Edwin then looked toward me and my wife again before subtly turning his attention toward the end of the Bennet table where Miss Bennet sat. "Indeed, the hope of the love of a good woman should do this to us all."

Edwin nodded to himself and then focused his attention back on us. "It was clear to us that Darcy was quite determined he would carry the day and marry her. His persistence was rewarded, and I am very happy for them both. All men on their wedding day should feel that they have won a great prize, but in Darcy's case I am certain this is so. And, so, I raise a glass to Mr. and Mrs. Darcy's health and happiness. May you live many years together as husband and wife and have a house full of handsome children."

He raised his glass, drank it fully down and then sat. I was relieved that it appeared nothing bad would occur.

Edwin's was the last toast, so then it was time for Elizabeth and I to rise and respond. I observed the necessary forms, but kept my words brief, merely thanking them for their attendance and good wishes

Afterwards, the footmen served more wine and then began bringing out the food. During the interim, I heard the gentle murmuring of many conversations.

Elizabeth turned to me and voiced my unspoken thought, "Your cousin has acquitted himself well. It almost seems as if he understands something of love."

"Perhaps he does." I explained, "I had not thought that before."

I knew I did not understand the inner workings of Edwin's mind. I am ill recommended to understand other people's concerns, to consider their subtler struggles.

Again, my wife voiced a thought not dissimilar to my own. "His is an intricate character, and not easily understood, at least by me."

"Yes, yes certainly."

"But having known him longer than I have, you should understand him better than I do."

"Perhaps, but I confess that I do not. Do you not recall that I worried what he would do in Kent based on what he told me, did not realize he was trying to deceive me, to figure out my intentions toward you? And this the man I have known since I was a young child."

I served her up some food and then continued, "Edwin is still very much a mystery to me, does not share nearly as much of himself as Bingley always did. Or rather, he tells me certain things, has not hid in recent years his antipathy toward the Earl or his fears of what he might do, but as for other things, Edwin easily surprises me again and again. I did not expect him to do . . ." I struggled in how to word it in case were overheard "the thing he did yesterday. In considering it further, I have thought it occurred because he does not wish to be alone, but now, now I am less certain."

Once I had served myself, I thought then we could finally eat while enjoying each other's presence as the others were well occupied with their food also. However, Elizabeth only had a few bites before she was whisked away by her sister Miss Mary. I watched as the two of them collected Miss Bennet also from her father's side.

Miss Catherine was then my nearest dining partner, but she had been served by her father and seemed content to eat rather than to try to converse. In truth, I was relieved to have nothing that needed to be done but to attend to my food.

However, my eyes were drawn to scanning the guests, as I wanted to make sure that Mrs. Pope was not in attendance. Soon Mrs. Bennet gained my attention, both for her altitude and the volume of her voice.

While everyone else but the servant sat and ate, Mrs. Bennet was standing just to the right of where Mrs. Lucas was seated, rather than sitting with the rest of the Bennets (indeed I do not think she sat at all during the actual breakfast) and exclaiming loudly "I never thought I would live to see it, but now we are related to nobility. What a fine thing for my girls!

"One marriage will often beget another. Why, as I have told you, Lady Lucas, Mr. Darcy brought some very eligible men with him, who are in want of wives. They have quite admired all my girls, and where once they had planned to leave this very afternoon, now it is quite fixed that they will remain until at least Saturday."

I could not hear what Mrs. Lucas said in reply, but in their further exchanges was quite satisfied that whatever hopes Mrs. Bennet might have of Edwin's proposal being sanctioned in due time, she was obeying what must have been strict orders from Mr. Bennet not to discuss it. A few minutes later, Mrs. Bennet moved onto another table and began what appeared to be the same basic conversation anew, this time with Mrs. Long.

Mrs. Bennet visited each of the tables (besides the one I was at with the other Bennets) and had the same exchange again and again except for when she visited the Netherfield table. Then she praised her daughters to the men, commented "finer women could not be found in Hertfordshire, or indeed in London, either." She was still talking to them, when my wife and her sisters nearest sisters returned to the table.

Elizabeth had barely sat next to me, and indeed we had no time to exchange a single word, before her mother made her way to our side. "Oh, there you are, Lizzy! Oh, not just Lizzy anymore, but Mrs. Darcy. How well that sounds and what handsome children you will have, all dark haired, with curly or wavy hair every one of them, I can well imagine it. But . . ." here she glanced over in the direction of my sister and then toward Miss Bennet, "as Miss Darcy is blonde and so is Jane, perhaps just perhaps you might have one or two that happen to be fair.

"Now I am sure I told you everything you needed to know last night, but Lizzy, perhaps you have thought of some questions for me? We can go into the house and talk for a few minutes now if need be."

Elizabeth's face had pinked and then gotten darker with her mother's every word. But her voice was calm as she replied, "No, Mamma, you told me quite enough."

"Ah, well, perhaps I have. Mr. Darcy . . ." she paused in speaking for a moment to pat my shoulder. Fortunately, as I could see her hand coming, I managed not to flinch with the contact "he shall take care of things quite thoroughly."

Mrs. Bennet dropped her voice down into a whisper then, but it was about the loudest whisper I had ever heard, and I do not doubt could have been overheard by those at the closest table if they were not sufficiently occupied with their own conversation. "Yes, quite thoroughly, you lucky girl. It has been far too long since your father and I were young enough to indulge . . . well at the rate that a young married couple may do." She laughed then, a throaty deep sound.

I was mortified, found looking at my plate was all I could do. I studied the crumbs that remained as if they were stars in the sky, tried to find similarities with constellations I knew. In my thoughts I begged Mrs. Bennet Go away! But she did not, instead she talked further, with no concern as to how she was embarrassing us both (for I would have had to be daft not to suppose as it took no great perception, that my wife was as horrified by her mother's words as me).

"Oh, yes, tonight Lizzy dear, you shall find out the vigor and stamina a man can have, if you were telling me the truth earlier and you have not already indulged. Oh, to be young and in love again!"

I pleaded silently in my head once again, Please, please, go, go. Be done! But still, Mrs. Bennet continued.

"I am quite depending on getting a grandson by the spring. Mrs. Lucas may have the advantage that the Collinses have been married longer, but I do not think Charlotte has caught yet, so you might still be first."

Then she leaned close to me (I saw the movement in my peripheral vision) and asked, "You shall give it your best efforts, will you not, Mr. Darcy?"

Likely my face was as florid as I imagined Elizabeth's was by then and I did not want to say anything. However, Mrs. Bennet remained quite close to me, close enough that I could smell her perfume which was floral but also mixed with a sour hint of sweat. She was evidently waiting for an answer, so eventually I nodded and when that did not suffice to make her leave, whispered "Yes."

"Perhaps I should visit you tomorrow, Lizzy, and you can tell me how it all went."

"No Mamma! Surely there is no need for that." Elizabeth spoke quietly but emphatically.

"Alright but be sure to send me word should you have need of my counsel."

I felt quite thankful when I glimpsed the swishing skirts of Mrs. Bennet moving away. Only then was I willing to raise my head and glance at Elizabeth. Her face was still quite pink.

I watched at Mrs. Bennet returned to her open chair at the other end of the table, saw as she tucked into her food with vigor. By then, almost everyone had finished their breakfast and I suppose she was determined to eat as much as she could before guests began to leave.

Bingley and Lady Catherine approached us a few minutes later. Lady Catherine said, "We are going to return to Netherfield now."

Bingley added, "I will see the Colonel safely returned there and then I am off to London."

I thanked them both and watched as he and Lady Catherine made their excuses to Mrs. Bennet, returned to their table and then noted how the whole party got up and left, with Anne firmly attached to Edwin's arm and between him and Miss Bennet.

I noticed that as they exited, Edwin's eyes were quite affixed on Miss Bennet, but he never got nearer than three yards to where she was still sitting. She watched him as well, but I could not make out what the expression on her face meant.

A few minutes later, Elizabeth asked me then, "May we leave?"

"Yes, certainly."

I do not know how Elizabeth felt, but as for me during the carriage ride back to Netherfield, I felt stiff, awkward, unsure of what to do or say. The weather was still fine, my wife was still lovely, but the carefree delight of earlier was gone. I was tormented by all of Mrs. Bennet's words and implications, and all the expectations placed upon us both.