Chapter 13: The Marriage of Madeline Moore to Edward Gardiner
A week after her presentation at Court and her coming out ball - three dinners, two walks in Hyde Park and one Venetian breakfast later - it was finally the day that Madeline was to marry her long-time courter Edward Gardiner. When she was dressed, Elizabeth hurried to Maddie's room to help and was met with a cheery: "Morning, dear."
"Morning Maddie. Are you ready?"
"Almost. I just need to jump into the dress, after I have this cup of tea. Should you not be breaking your fast?" Maddie asked with a smile.
"I thought we could break our fast together; I already ordered it."
Madeline had just raised a single elegant eyebrow when the maid stepped in with breakfast. They ate in silence.
Around ten, the Fitzwilliam family arrived at the church that Madeline and Edward had chosen for their wedding. The Bennet family was there as well as a few of Madeline and Edward's friends. Elizabeth was asked to be a bridesmaid and she had been allowed to by her parents.
In the attaché room, Elizabeth was met by Jane. "Oh Jane!" she exclaimed, and embraced her.
"Oh Elizabeth! You look beautiful!" Jane replied.
"You look perfect, Jane! I have missed you so badly! I cannot wait to talk later."
Then they helped Madeline, and walked into the church. Madeline and Edward was an excellent couple and it was clear that they loved, respected and adored each other.
They took their vows, exchanged rings and were finally pronounced by the priest: "May I present Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gardiner." Elizabeth saw Maddie glow happily as she walked out on Edward's arm – and her glance met William's, but she quickly dropped eye contact with him. The wedding breakfast was at Fitzwilliam House, where Cook had prepared a feast.
Edward and Madeline were delighted and had thanked both the Fitzwilliam families for everything.
Edward was talking with Earl Patrick Matlock, "This is too much; My Lord, but we thank you and your lovely family. It is too much, your wedding gift – and your support is valued."
Earl Matlock said, "Gardiner, our support is down to the fact that we want you and Mrs. Gardiner to be happy and safe in your new life. And Elizabeth wants you both to have a good life together as you clearly have taken the role of an uncle."
Edward smiled and said, "Lady Elizabeth means the world to Madeline and I. She is quickly coming into herself, she is clever and kind; she and young Darcy will be a good couple once they realise their true feeling for each other."
Earl Matlock smiled and looked over to the corner where Max, Rich, Will, Mary-Rose, Jane, Elizabeth and Georgiana were talking animatedly to each other. But it was clear that Elizabeth and William were arguing some point and enjoying provoking each other.
During one of his visits to Hertfordshire to see his sister's family, Mr. Gardiner brought up the topic of a companion to Miss Moore's young charge after his marriage. He asked his brother and sister Bennet if they would consider sending Jane as a companion. He explained that the youngest daughter of the Earl of Matlock will be sixteen when Miss Moore leaves her and would only need a friend/companion for a couple of years until the Lady marries.
Mr. Bennet had at first been a little hesitant to sending his dear daughter to the ton which he loathed to visit himself and preferred his quiet country home, but Mrs Bennet saw the advantage of such a position in favour of her daughters. She would be in the home of the rich and well-connected Earl's family and "it will throw her daughter into the path of rich men" and who will be able to resist her charms when they see her beauty? Mr Bennet had to grudgingly approve of this scheme or take Jane to have a season in the town himself, which he would rather not. And so, it was decided that Jane will accompany him to London the next time he leaves to introduce her to the Matlocks.
"Jane has already planned a visit for the whole Bennet family, so they can meet Elizabeth." Edward Gardiner said.
"Yes, the girls have talked of it for months via their letters; we are hosting them as Elizabeth begged to meet them."
"I think you milord, will find common ground with Mr. Bennet; he is a highly intelligent man with a dry wit." Edward Gardiner replied in a cheerful manner.
Soon after Edward and Madeline left for their small wedding trip, a gift they had received from William and Georgiana.
That evening the three families of Campbell, Darcy and Fitzwilliam had a small party to further celebrate the wedding, with dinner and a small dance after dinner, where even Earl and Countess Matlock danced. When the Campbell family had left, William and Georgiana said goodnight.
Beth embraced Georgiana and said, "Goodnight, Georgiana."
And Georgiana said with a smile: "Goodnight, Lizzie."
William took both Elizabeth's hands and kissed them, as he said: "Goodnight, Beth."
"Goodnight, Will." She responded softly, and kept eye contact with him. Both their hearts were beating furiously; he so wanted to kiss her but kissed her hands instead before he left.
When the door closed after the Darcy's, Elizabeth was standing stock still with flaming cheeks.
In the Darcy carriage, Georgiana said, "Brother, can you soon accept that you are in love with Elizabeth?"
William looked in shock at his sister and said: "I... Georgie, I..." He took a deep breath. "I will not deny that I care for Elizabeth, but it would not be proper yet to ask for her hand."
Georgiana said, "I cannot believe you, William! Even a blind person can see that you and Lizzie are hopelessly in love with each other. You always look for her and she has admitted to doing the same."
William blushed but did not respond, especially as 'everybody' was right – he was hopelessly in love with Beth.