Well, this chapter was slightly difficult to write, since I do not know much of weddings in the 19th century, except for what I could select from novels I've read and the internet. It was before the Victorian era so the wedding gowns weren't white, but beyond that...I hope I didn't make any obvious, embarrassing mistakes with the customs. If I did, please excuse them and tell me so I can correct them as much as I can. The entire wedding will take actually two chapters (I could make it one but it would be too long and it's not necessary). Hope you like it.

Chapter 17: A Fair Wedding part I

It was barely four o' clock in the morning when Mrs. Bennet, with all lack of courtesy, pushed open the door of her daughter's room and instantly went over to her drawer to inspect the new gown. It had not cost much, but she valued all new garments dearly, thus she was quite displeased to find it had a crease or two.

She wasted no time in pulling the curtains and Mary's quilt off of her and bursting into clamorous vociferation about Roberta's insolence for not being already awake to join the maids and cooks at Netherfield Hall.

'Now get up this instant, young lady! We shall not be late on the cause of you, Mary, heavens no! I know you are the idlest one, I know it. And I shall prevent you from sleeping about. You will go and wash your face, then you shall come and scrub your boots one more time. After that you shall comb your hair and clean your ribbons one more time, I think they do not seem as handsome as they should, you should have kept them in some pieces of cloth. You also shall make sure to wait for me to help you get into the gown without tearing it apart as I know you have a knack for. But above all, you must make yourself useful to the bride, so make haste and do as I say.'

Mary Bennet stood in front of her, shivering and coughing loudly as she hugged her feeble frame, covered only by her long, white nightgown. She felt very tired and sleepy and could barely look up at her mother. She grimaced when she considered that, in order to wash herself she had to go down to the lavatory, where it was always freezing. No matter her own concerns, she thought more of Kitty. If anyone should be distressed, it was her. Mary knew that her mother kept the bride in much stricter tones, yet at this early hour she could feel no pity.

After such a brutal awakening she discovered the rest of the house was still quiet and asleep, or so it seemed from the shut doors and impenetrable silence.

The only sounds were coming from her room, where Mrs. Bennet was busying herself with her clothes.

Little did she suspect what was taking course in the other part of the house. Kitty had not shut an eye all night and was consequently lamenting and ejaculating odd expletives as she paced the room up and down. She had done so for many hours, hence and for a while now, she had woken up Lydia as well who had added more to her distress by tormenting her with prognostics of the coming wedding.

'You don't know what men really want, Kitty. Your dear Colonel is no better than the rest. He will soon claim only what a woman is best at and that is giving them child over child until they will get tired of their yells and damn them all to hell.'

Kitty did not much listen to her, but could guess Lydia was not giving her sisterly advice by the look she had on her face. Instead she simply stared blindly into space as she fastened her pace. Her hands were intertwined as if she was praying and each time she crossed the room she looked over at her blue wedding gown, scowling.

'The dress doesn't fit me, I've told them that a week ago, but they will not have it. They seem to think I need not breathe when I walk to the pulpit. If that is their wish, maybe I shouldn't go at all. Maybe I should just stay home, the wedding must not necessarily come to be. After all, everything is so rushed and senseless.'

'I believe the dress to be very fine and I do think the Colonel will like it also,' Lydia teased as she lay in her bed, tired from so much talking. 'You've bothered me so much I cannot even say anything anymore, I wish to sleep, now hush you silly girl.'

'Sleep? Are you mad? How can you sleep? It's time to get up and get dressed, it's already past four. Do you want the Colonel to get upset and put everything off? I tell you he will when he notices I am not at the church on time. Maybe I shouldn't marry at all.'

'Splendid, excellent idea, but I wouldn't advise you to tell it to mama, or anyone else for that matter, I'll even join you in your elopement if you but allow me some minutes of rest.

'I shall elope! I swear I shall…'

She was interrupted from these impetuous declarations by her mother entering quietly.

'Kitty, dear? You're awake? What in the world… did you get enough rest? What are you doing, tiring yourself so, sit down! I heard you talking with your sister, is Lydia keeping you up?'

'How preposterous, mama! When she has been the sole cause…' Lydia started flustered.

'Oh, hush now, you need to get dressed soon, anyway. Your father barely paid any attention to me when I suffered him to prepare the carriage in time. He insisted that he had settled this yesterday with Mr. Brown, but I think one of the horses might have gotten a cold from this dreadful thawing weather, or one of the wheels broke down what with all our journeys. I really despise this weather, heavens, why was it decided to marry now? April would have been such a favourable month, but Colonel Fitzwilliam would not hear of it. What a hasty man, indeed!'

'April? Why, mama, no one would have waited until then, it is best this way for we shall take a trip to Bath after the wedding and it will be just in time for early spring, when nature is most kind in her beauties,' Kitty spoke agitated.

'A trip to Bath? How delightful, young brides always favour sea air,' Lydia spoke mockingly.

'Simply because Mr. Wickham never had the opportunity to take you there, that doesn't mean…'

'Mr. Wickham and I travelled across England in hardship and happiness more than you will ever know, since we had not such flimsy arrangements and such foreseen luck,' she spoke harshly. 'What is more, Bath has long lost its charm or any beauty it once possessed since so many walks of people now crowd it. The Pump Rooms are full of spinsters and their hag mothers.'

'There will be time to discuss such things later, all in its rightful time, our concern now is the wedding feast. I simply know there will be some ladies who will show complaint…nothing like the standards of Pemberley or Kent, but we'll show them when we have such a pretty bride,' Mrs. Bennet said encouragingly.

Lydia was made to get up and assist with dressing, much to her joy as she complained the baby was taking so much of her spirits that she could hardly breathe. Kitty managed to let out some hysterical nonsense, once in a while, but she made no comment when Lydia pulled her hair too hard. It all seemed a very terrible, sweet dream to her, which would end very soon and she did not know if she preferred it so or not. She loved the Colonel, but marriage involved much more than that, she told herself. Marriage was wisdom, commitment, poise and delicacy and she was wanting in all that. She almost managed to laugh when she considered Mary had all those qualities.

Her anxiousness was half excitement as she expected to have ample wedding cake and many dances to attend with her groom. She enjoyed being in the centre of attention and today everyone would be made to give her their utmost concern, therefore, she couldn't help feeling happy at those prospects.

'You'll take a bath right away, Mary is using the lavatory down stairs. It's very cold there, anyway, you mustn't catch a cold,' Mrs. Bennet said as she opened the door for one of the maids to enter.

She had brought a pot full of hot water from the kitchen and was currently filling the basin in the lavatory with it.

'But won't Mary come down with illness then?' asked Kitty.

'Nonsense, she's as strong as an ox, it's you who has to walk up to the altar. Lydia, you'll follow next, now help me untie these ribbons and where are the shoes?'

'Must I do everything around here?' she wailed sleepily.

'The maid is bathing Kitty, you know there's no time to waste.'

'Fine then, but don't expect me to kneel too much, I can't bow down, what with the baby.'

Catherine lay in the basin, sprawling her legs in the water. She felt pleased and she wanted to lie there for ever, getting out meant she had to get dressed, go out in the cold, leave her childhood home and never return.

'Missus is upset, I see…' the maid spoke shyly.

'No, Louise, only a bit frightened. You've been married once, haven't you?'

'Aye, missus…it was a sad business…m'fellow was taken with hay fever and passed away in a year, he was weak, ye see. Not like the Colonel, he's a steady man.'

'I hope so… Do you miss him?'

'Only sometimes, missus. I got enough work, though, to keep me busy.'

'That's…that's good to hear.'

'Oh, remember to step with your right foot in the church, missus.'

'Why should I do that?'

'My poor mum said it brought luck and children in a marriage.'

Kitty blushed slightly and turned her head away as water splashed her hair.

Half an hour had passed, but Lydia had already left the room, leaving her mother in charge of Catherine as she rushed to the kitchen, feeling a sudden urge to eat bread and butter. Mrs. Bennet had allowed her to go, blaming her pregnancy for all these fits.

Poor Roberta had already departed with Joe in the hackney, for nothing else was available and both were rushing to Netherfield Hall, therefore the kitchen was devoid of all movement, but for Lydia's quiet wanderings.

She sliced the bread and started searching for the butter.

'Perhaps I'll take some potatoes too…' she murmured as she saw a large sack in one corner. She inspected it but found it to be full of debris.

'George still hasn't taken this out! I'll be sure to pull his ears for this.'

A sparkle of white caught her eye and as she dug deeper in the sack she discovered a piece of paper. It was the first letter Mr. Fowler had sent to Longbourn. Seeing as it was addressed to her sister, she made no shame in reading it. As her eyes went over the contents, a small grin appeared at the corner of her mouth.

'Well, well…and here I thought Mary was quite miserable, seems I had another thing coming.'

She placed the letter in the folds of her dress and only took two large slices of bread with her before going back upstairs.

'Suck it up!' Lydia snapped at her as she tied her corset.

'I can't anymore, I can't breathe!"

'You'll have to bear it!' she said pulling hard.

'Kitty, dear, it's not every day one wears a wedding gown.'

'Does it deserve so much pain?' she said through breaths as she steadied her hands on the dressing table. Louise was arranging her hem and giving the shoes another polish.

Though Lydia had refused to bow at her sister's feet she had gladly received the task of dressing her. She was enjoying hearing Kitty whine under her hold too much to actually consider she was no better than Louise.

'Now I'll go wake your father again, he had fallen asleep when I last saw him. I'll come back to fix her hair,' Mrs. Bennet said, leaving the chamber.

Mr. Bennet sat in the parlour with the newspaper in his lap and a cup of coffee. He rarely indulged himself in a cup of such beverage, but it would do this morning. He always drank coffee when his daughters got married.

He had been rudely woken up by his wife and made to go down immediately, dressed in such stiff clothes that he was only glad his duty was just to walk Kitty to the altar. His wife instructed him to leave for the carriage whenever she called. By now, the light from outside had brightened the house and he could distinguish the maids running all about.

He heard steps and when he turned, Mr. Bennet saw a figure in the hall. It was one of his daughters and when she came closer he realised it was Mary.

She was wearing two shawls spread over her shoulders, yet she was still shivering in her lavender gown. The cold bath she had taken would surely not wear off until she was safely deposited by the fireplace. Luckily, she had taught herself with such baths from an early age, in fact, she always preferred them, since she believed they did well for her heart, or so she had read in one of her father's books.

Now, however, knowing she would have to bear the coldness in the church as well, she couldn't help pulling her shawls tighter.

'Good morning father,' she said smiling. 'Odd to see you here, dressed so formally. And drinking coffee…'

He grinned and put the cup down as he bade her sit down next to him.

'Good? For Heaven's sake, did you not encounter your mother?'

'I did, but I had less to bear. Kitty, poor creature, on the other hand…'

'She probably thinks now a bride's destiny is a very sorrow one.'

'Trust Catherine not to be morose for too long, though.'

'Fortunately for her, she loves her husband. That, my dear, is quite rare and wonderful, these days. And to think Jane and Elizabeth have the same affection for their men. In my young day there was no dreaming of it. Affection was acquired after the reverend united the man and wife's hands. I am glad to see some things do improve in England.'

Mary smiled as she pointed at the newspaper.

'But I see the war has improved as well. Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Laon, in France. It's only a matter of time before Duke Wellington manages to bring victory home, once and for all.'

'I agree, the war shall end very soon, in some months I hope…perhaps then Mr. Bingley will have more luck with business.'

'Surely, commerce will improve. We will have the west side free to export.'

'True…such things haven't bothered me so, for I am not what you'd call a business man. However, the war has not struck our region as much as it has affected others. In fact, some are quite unaware why we are still fighting. In any case, we have not felt any changes, it has been well in our neighbourhood.'

'Fortunately. I always had a pessimistic take to the war, but now I must admit for hope to enter my heart.'

'And you do well. I remember you quite admired that fellow Napoleon.'

'I did when he was sensible enough not to try and attack the East. After that, my sympathy paled.'

'But look at us, how we talk of war when your sister is about to get married.'

'There's no harm in it, we are discussing stately affairs. One should be aware of the situation in one's country and I always took pride in the fact that I knew what was happening.'

'Though not much can be predicted, mind you, this is a very moody country we have. I am not a Tory, goodness sake, no. However, I am sure they will have something to say about all this. Even if the war is at an end, I believe the last months will be the bloodiest. Oh, but such subjects really spoil my coffee, let us talk of something else.'

'What else could we talk of papa?' she asked eagerly. She enjoyed conversations with her father, because he treated her as an equal and this couldn't have been said of all men.

'Well, how do you feel, Mary, as the last Miss Bennet left?' he asked smirking.

She frowned and folded her arms in a gesture of uneasiness.

'I didn't think of it that way. I mostly worried I'd be left only with Lydia.'

'Consider this too then…if someone should call "Miss Bennet!" you'd know now they could only mean you.'

'And that should please me?'

'Well, you won't be confused with your sisters anymore.'

'Do you consider that truly possible?' she said smirking.

'Mary! Mr. Bennet! Talking idly again! What in Lord's name are you doing there? I called you three times!'

Mrs. Bennet's yells could pierce anyone's ears, no matter how thick the skin. She shot daggers at them from the landing, yielding what seemed to be a comb.

'Mary, you look like a prudish hag with those shawls, put on your coat and bonnet. Mr. Bennet do get up and get the carriage ready, you can't sit there all day!'

'You almost had me tempted woman…' he mumbled as he got up without another word and left the room.

'And where do you think you're going?' Mrs. Bennet called as she climbed down, panting for breath.

'To get my bonnet in the hall…'

'Come here, let me inspect your hair,' she said coldly. Mary sighed but politely obeyed, stepping towards her mother.

'Ha! And you expect me to let you go out with that bun? Did you even bother combing for a change?'

'There's no time…' Mary started.

'Oh, yes there is, up this instant,' she ordained as she took her by the elbow and climbed up the stairs.

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked out the window at the clouded sky unsure. The weather didn't look any better today than it had the previous weeks, but it was obvious it was warmer outside. The streets were congested with carts and many a shouts could be heard from below. It seemed a horse had sprained his ankle and had fallen in the middle of the road, causing the coach it was driving to stop and a lot of people to gather round. The entire street was blocked.

'See down there…will they hold it up when we go down too?' he asked worried.

Mr. Bingley came behind his shoulder and smiled at the crowd.

'Not if we can manage to break them apart. I'd worry more about the weather, if I were you.'

'It won't rain at your wedding, that's for sure,' added Mr. Darcy smiling as he put the cup of tea down. He had abandoned his newspaper and was now walking about the room.

'How do you know, Darcy?' asked the Colonel.

'I had a discussion with Eol and Selene, they said they would guard the waters and let only sunshine fall upon earth.'

'So be it…then again, rain predicts merriment. Well, I suppose we shall see.'

The room was well lit by an oil lamp, but enough light came from outside in a stream of hazy rays.

Colonel Fitzwilliam brushed his coat and peered into the small mirror on the coffee table. He thought he looked well enough, not his best, what with all the stress, but fairly handsome.

'Stop looking in the vanity glass already! You look as pretty as a picture,' Mr. Bingley said mockingly. 'All you need now is a bride.'

'Well, I see you're in high spirits Charles, I suppose Mrs. Bingley is doing well?' he asked in order to change the subject.

'Oh, she looks even prettier with child, I declare I haven't seen such colour in her cheeks for ages.'

'Though I believe you are more delighted with your shipment of cloth that can be soon sent out at sea. Many a fellow is more optimistic these days…it's not 1813 anymore, after all,' added Mr. Darcy.

'You make it sound as if I am a materialistic sod with nothing else on my mind than money,' Charles replied amused.

'I am merely being realistic. By the by, is Mr. Prowler coming at the wedding?'

'James? Oh, that can't be sure and I tend to think he shan't make it,' said Charles sitting down. 'London is in a fury right now, bankruptcy after bankruptcy if you can imagine. He cannot even spare a moment to breathe, he has a great many problems to deal with.'

'Oh…I regret to hear that, I had meant to talk to him again on that business of ours, I cannot tardy too much with it and I was hoping to receive some piece of information from him.'

'Not to worry, Darcy, he has promised to help and believe me, one of his priorities is your case,' Charles assured him.

'Oh, not again, enough of you two, no talking of such things on my wedding day of all days!' the Colonel chided them chuckling.

'I'd better go see how Lizzie and Georgiana are doing,' Darcy added after a while and he politely left the room.

'Now, if you could be so kind to move a bit faster, we would be there on time!' Lydia yelled at the top of the stairs.

'Could you be so kind as to restrain those shouts?' Mary asked calmly as she hurried downstairs.

'Ah, finally grew a tongue, Mary?' Lydia asked pursing her lips.

'Any time for you, dearest sister, but you'd better go to the carriage yourself, rather than make so much noise.'

Not letting her reply, Mary took her hand and dragged her out of the house, in the seeping coldness. A cold sun was throwing its rays their way, but clouds threatened to cover up every bit of warmth.

'I can't go with this bonnet, I need my new one, stop it Mary,' she whined.

'You'll come with me and stop making such noise, tighten that shawl and get inside,' she said as kind as possible as they saw their father leaning against the wheels of the vehicle.

Lydia might have been quite an impossible girl to manage, but Mary was two years older and she did not let her forget that fact. After all, as of now she was in charge of her. The youngest sister muttered under her breath for a while, but feeling the wind blow under her coat she hurried into the carriage. However, before shutting the door she turned towards her sister.

'You look very pretty, Mary, it must be a special occasion, are you expecting to see someone at the feast?'

Mary frowned and ignored her sister's silly grin as she shut the door.

Wicked Lydia…

She considered this adjective suited her best sometimes.

'Dear me, your mother made all the fuss about not being tardy, but she is taking all her time with Kitty,' Mr. Bennet said as he called his wife.

At length the front door was opened harshly and an angry Mrs. Bennet came out, tying her bonnet.

'Well, of course you call and call, Mr. Bennet, but are you of any help?'

'I only wish to leave faster, my dear,' he said opening the door for her.

'As if I could rush things! I had to do everything, Louise is quite incompetent at times, luckily, I've had much more experience at this. And look! The carriage isn't clean, why it's as dirty as a pig sty. Mr. Bennet, do you think we can go to church in that?'

'We have no choice woman.'

'And it's just as bad we are in want of a second carriage. It's only the right custom for the father to come with the bride in a different vehicle, now we all have to squirm in this one and I am sure her wedding gown will have to suffer.'

'If you have a better solution Mrs. Bennet…' Mr. Bennet started annoyed whilst his wife helped Catherine hold her veil as she stepped out.

'Open the doors, Sir, the bride must go first,' she spoke solemnly and Kitty, who looked as white as a tombstone, trembled slightly as she climbed into the carriage. She looked radiant, anyone could see that, but she couldn't smile or show any sign of happiness.

Mary was not worried, though. Jane had been the same tormented creature on her wedding day. Lydia clicked her tongue displeased every time she looked at Kitty, noting that her dress was obviously more expensive than hers had been when she had wed Wickham.

She also could not deny she looked the prettiest of them all, at the moment, for which, Mrs. Bennet gave only herself credit and admired her boisterously.

'Now, when we are close to the church I want you girls,' she started pointing at Mary and Lydia, 'to get down before we reach the front and follow me inside. Your father and Kitty need to wait until they are called for.'

Only we are capable of these schemes…Mary thought amused.

'But we mustn't run or rush, otherwise our neighbours will think of all sort of bad things, especially since you are the maids of honour.'

The ride seemed interminable to all of them, but most bore it well until they reached the turn in the street from where they could see the steeples.

At length, after much chaos and trouble, Mrs. Bennet and her two single daughters arrived at the church safe and sound, their dresses not slighted one bit and Mrs. Bennet rushed to find her seat in the front row where she expected to see Jane and Lizzie, as well as Mrs. Carter, Colonel Fitzwilliam's sister, who came from France and planned on staying for at least a fortnight longer. I have not mentioned this sister to you, dear reader, because she is only half-sister to this respectable man. It so happened that Colonel Fitzwilliam's father remarried after the death of his first wife, with whom he had his son; the child that came from the second marriage married a merchant from Lion who was English of origins.

Mrs. Blanche Carter scarcely ever visited her brother, because she considered her situation in the society of France much above the mere existence of "my dear little soldier", as she called him. His retirement from the militia was seen by her as an act of cowardice and foolishness, but now that he was entering into such a family connected to the Darcys, she had a change of heart and decided to attend the event.

Mrs. Bennet had heard little of her, but she was always infatuated with anything foreign, so she priced this lady beyond her real attributes and forced herself to seem just as dignified as she was, since she was the mother of the bride.

Lizzie and Jane both looked wonderful in their satin dresses and welcomed their mother with fondness, whilst Mrs. Carter only nodded her head and replied that her brother had told her all she needed to know of the Bennets.

'Ah, but you haven't met my Kitty, you shall see, madam, you will adore her, I say there hasn't been such a pretty bride in the Shire for long.'

'I believe she is pretty, my brother wouldn't have married someone plain,' she said saucily.

'But where is Mr. Carter, madam? We were all quite anxious to see him, weren't we?'

'I'm afraid his health didn't allow him to travel, but he trusts me to manage on my own,' she said, implying she did not mean to add more, no matter how curious Mrs. Bennet might be.

'Oh, look Jane, Lizzie dear, Mary and Lydia should walk up any minute, they both look quite presentable, don't they?'

'And I believe Lydia tormented herself greatly to fit into that yellow gown,' Lizzie whispered to Jane.

'Ah,' Mrs. Carter exclaimed as she turned her head and noticed the two girls standing near the usher, 'I see, that is Mrs. Wickham, your pregnant daughter. She is not yet seventeen, is she?'

'Why, no madam, she married very young, but had many troubles,' spoke Mrs. Bennet coyly.

'Perhaps she shouldn't have been encouraged to give herself so freely. Mr. Carter's sister, Mrs. Durant, a model of propriety and good breadth, told me that young women should not attempt to be mothers until after the age of one and twenty. That is the way in France.'

'I see, I suppose our sister is very unfortunate then, Mrs. Carter,' Lizzie replied put out. Jane only looked away embarrassed, for she had just turned that same age.

'Have you travelled all alone, Mrs. Carter?' Mrs. Bennet asked trying to make herself amiable.

'Not at all, I came with my dear niece, Miss Durant, she is now in Exeter, however. She had to attend to the bed of a very good friend of hers, I am afraid that young man is very ill and she is his only hope. I have never met a kinder creature than she is, she would not leave his side, not even for a wedding.'

This interesting dialogue was, however, interrupted as everyone was called in, for the ceremony to start, but Mrs. Bennet made a note to inquire more of this Miss Durant.

The groom sat by the pulpit, fidgeting anxiously as he heard the bells peal, but he was encouraged by his groomsmen, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy who stood nearby exchanging amused glances.

At length, Mrs. Bennet signalled Lydia and Mary to walk up to the groomsmen, each holding their small bouquet of fresh lilies.

'You know, madam, it is custom for the groomsmen to escort the bridesmaids,' Mrs. Carter added.

'Oh, well I wouldn't wish to impose that on two married men like Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.'

'Then their wives should have been bridesmaids.'

'I do not believe tradition allows for married women to…' started Jane.

'Tradition! If we were still ruled by that, Napoleon would still be a poor soldier,' she spoke coldly.

The church choir started its melodious song, waking up all drowsy and listless faces in the chairs, as the ring bearer and flower girl walked up to the front, blushing terribly as they held hands.

'Well, how improper for young children to come like this,' Mrs. Carter spoke again.

'It is only reverend Abbot's darling children, George and Cassandra, they are such sweet, good-natured children, no wonder he chose his own kin for the ceremony. Mr. Abbot holds us in the highest regard,' Mrs. Bennet spoke pleased, but Mrs. Carter was no longer paying attention to her.

At last, to Colonel Fitzwilliam's joy, the usher opened the doors for Mr. Bennet and Kitty to enter. Now that the morning air had revived her, she looked even prettier than before, so much so, that many exclaimed she deserved to be called a beauty like her sister, Jane. Perhaps it was the lovely gown she was wearing, but she flew on her feet, like a bird soaring through the sky.

Mr. Bennet thought that, as he was doing this the third time, he had no regrets whatsoever and only hoped that more occasions such as these would follow. Seeing as his companion was trembling slightly as she followed him to the pulpit, he dared speak to her.

'Now, my dear, we both know why this is one of the most important moments in a woman's life, but do you know why it is most important to you?'

Kitty looked at him confused. She did not know how to answer. Perhaps it was wiser to be silent.

'Do not look so baffled at me. Why, now is the moment you deserve to be called Catherine and not Kitty anymore.'

She couldn't suppress a slight chuckle, but she was proud to know that her father considered she had grown considerably and was ready to become a wife. How good a wife she will be remains to be seen…

Mary didn't take her eyes off Kitty the entire ceremony, she watched happily how her father put her hand in the Colonel's and how they both looked in each other's eyes with hope. Lydia was moving from one foot to another and breathing hard as too much excitement had done her bad. She sighed every time the reverend paused, in order to be heard, but smiled with true joy when she heard their vows, theirs being reminiscent of her own grey marriage.

Mrs. Bennet held her handkerchief to her eyes when Kitty spoke loudly "I do" but no tears were shed on it, however, seeing as most ladies held their cloth in such manner, she, as mother, could not make an exception. Her heart skipped for joy, her child was safe and loved.

After the ceremony ended, they were called to sign the marriage certificate and the registers of Mr. Dollows, one of the Shire's magistrates. Now they truly were man and wife, Mary thought pleased.

As for the Colonel and Kitty, we can safely assume no one doubted the happiness in their eyes as they held hands and exited the church, followed by a convoy of family and friends. Mary was one of the lasts to come out and join her father outside as the couple was getting in the Colonel's carriage. They would safely drive to Netherfield Hall, therefore, the bride did not yet shed her tears of goodbye.

Mrs. Bennet was now more anxious than ever, she counted all the carriages that had arrived, the ones she had ordered, the ones that were strange and she racked her mind as to whether they would be enough.

She directed the reverend and Mrs. Long to the coaches and made sure the Lucases would not be driven by their own "petty thing" as she called their excellent carriage. Her pride was shown through her extended generosity which amused her husband greatly.

'See there, Mary that is a great example of selfish selflessness…'

'You have such a way with paradoxes, papa, you might want to write some philosophy soon.'

'I'll allow Mr. Hume and Mr. Burke to do that for me. You'd better go find Lydia, I will call for your mother when she has lost her own voice so she will not protest.'

Netherfield Hall shone with light and happiness as most of the carriages arrived at its gates. A dozen maids, Mr. Brown, Joe and Roberta were already there, as well as ushers and two butlers hired by the Colonel himself. Everything was spick and span, but decidedly tasteful, not at all too austere or too pompous. The rooms had been delicately prepared for the dinners and dances and no detail remained neglected.

The main hall was filled with guests as Mrs. Bennet marched through to inspect the kitchens and the upper rooms, where the elderly could rest. The card rooms, she thought, were not sufficiently lit so she commanded that more lamps be brought.

Mary had to admit that all the preparations had served to offer a very pleasant feast, though she was sure that half of it had been done by the Colonel. Also, half of the expenses for all this, she could imagine, had been afforded by the Darcys as a wedding gift to their dear friend. She had reason to suspect so from something her father had told her, but she dared not imply so to her mother, who knew nothing about it.

She felt a bit ashamed to know they always needed help from their wealthy relatives, but such was life, that had given less to men just as honest as others.

As she entered the parlour along with most of the young ladies she felt a bit relieved at not having seen Mr. Fowler at all. She could perhaps enjoy the evening without fearing of meeting him in any circumstance.

Kitty had walked with her groom to the Ball Room and there she was fixed together with the Colonel at the large table at the front of the room, the place considered most distinguished. Her father and Lydia joined them promptly, her mother however was off on another urgent errand and her husband suspected she would be up and about all day as she had done so at the previous weddings.

Lydia was bored out of her mind and only waited the opportunity to leave the table and join a group of ladies she saw on her left which had established themselves round a coffee table and were trying to smoke some pipes.

Catherine noticed, as she looked about the room that it was not nearly as lavished as the Ball Room at the Darcy wedding, but she would not complain for one second. Everything was done in a more humble way but charming, nevertheless.

She only exchanged some soft words with the Colonel, neither having dared to talk much, no matter how much they had missed each other's presence.

Jane and Lizzie finally appeared from the crowd and went over to the large table to congratulate their sister one more time, before sitting down themselves. After them followed Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, the latter looking a bit put off as he was accompanied by Mrs. Carter, who having noticed him next to Elizabeth, immediately came to be introduced.

Looking at Mrs. Carter amused, Kitty was reminded of Caroline Bingley and immediately inquired of her.

'Unfortunately, she could not honour us with her presence, she was invited by her sister to join her in Paris and Miss Bingley could not possibly refuse her,' Elizabeth said smiling.

'What a pity it is indeed…'

Mrs. Carter managed by some stroke of luck to find an unoccupied seat next to Mr. Darcy and she seemed bent on remaining there, careless whether she should have sat at another table. She was no longer making eager conversation with him, seeing as he was not keen on it. She simply felt content to be able to be close to the Darcys and give them an account of her niece of whom she was so fond of.

'Is everything to your taste, Catherine?' the Colonel asked shyly.

'Very much so, I only wish everyone I loved were here, I don't see all my sisters and mama is gone God knows where…'

'They will all be seated in time…now everyone is up for a bit of tea and some provincial gossip. The feast hasn't really begun. We shouldn't worry, quite yet.' He was thinking of Mrs. Bennet when he said the last sentence and he hoped she would find everything just as she wanted it to be. If not…he did not want to be in her proximity in that case.

The wood panelled room where they would all dine was adjacent to the Ball Room, but not half as large and many were uneasy at the thought of eating there. Images of people elbowing each other and trying to find room between hands and shoulders crossed some ladies' minds and they shuddered in horror.

They were all to return to their seats in the Ball Room after supper, so Mrs. Bennet established. Tea would be served in the parlour and there was ample food in the Ball Room for all gourmands such as the reverend who always had quite substantial meals.

Mary glanced only once at the Ball Room to decide she did not want to enter yet. Now that more guests had arrived it was quite crowded, even though there was room for everyone. However, most groups were formed across the room and there was only space to walk among them, but one would feel lonely wandering all by oneself, belonging to no particular merry circle.

She had seen Georgiana at the church in one of the third rows, but she had found it impossible to speak to her at that moment as people rushed out of the nave and she only had a chance to smile at her warmly.

Mary now was in search for her friend and hoped she would find her soon, because not only did she miss her, but she thought that the event could be borne with her by her side.

However, luck was not on her side, wherever she looked Georgiana was not there. For a moment, she considered she might have taken ill or something worse had happened.

She saw the band that had arrived promptly and took their places in the Ball Room, she had seen the Lucases tamper with the china to see if it was silver, she had even seen Miss Dawson and Miss Kilmer, the old unmarried ladies of the district who were always seen together and inseparable, almost like sisters in sufferance, walking serenely through the rooms with a piece of sponge cake on each plate.

Yet no sign of her dear friend. She had recognised almost the entire neighbourhood, but beyond that she did not know anyone. The Colonel's friends were strangers to her and she suspected Georgiana wouldn't find herself in those groups.

After two hours of tedious searching she gave it up and settled in one of the card rooms where some old gentlemen from town were playing backgammon. Watching their game was even duller and she regretted not having taken a book with her to entertain herself.

When her eyes travelled across the room she saw Mrs. Long in one of the chairs, watching the game intently. The minute she saw Mary, she signalled her to come by her side.

Mary groaned inwardly, it would take hours to leave that woman's side now.

'Miss Bennet, how delightful to see you here,' she said in a voice which made it sound anything but delightful.

'I am equally pleased to see you, Mrs. Long, how have you been?'

'Not that well, child, not that well, but thank you for asking. A sudden small cold almost threatened one of my Sundays at church, but I took Mrs. Stewart's advice and drank more green tea instead of black and so I managed to get well shortly enough. I wonder if she has been invited, I would like to express my gratitude once more. Have you seen her?'

'Not quite, I believe Mrs. Stewart couldn't come, her husband is out of town and she never goes out without him,' she replied obediently.

'No matter, I shall see her at church. But, well, how lovely your attire is. The sleeves are a tad short for my taste, but I need not blame you for that, I know your mother is quite liberal when it comes to such things. The colour is pretty and not too bright, perfectly sober, I would say, but really the sleeves are a tad too short.'

'I regret they are too short as well, it is not very warm this time of year.'

'That's exactly what I mentioned to my servant Beth, she was advising me not to take the woollen shawl, for I would be too warm, but I told her the weather was by no means that of spring. One should be cautious, especially at such events when some people are in the habit of keeping windows opened for too long.'

'My mother has made sure no one will attempt such a thing.'

'I am glad she has some sense. Now tell me, do you still play the piano? I would so much like to hear you play again.'

Mary sighed. Mrs. Long was one of the few people in the district and she believed in all England who enjoyed the dull, sad, church songs she used to take up at the lady's old piano, whenever she came to visit. Instead of finding this a reason of happiness, she was more convinced that all that time she had made a fool of herself.

'I'm afraid there is a band, music is already provided, I could not intrude.'

'Humph, it's a pity, I really do not take to these new popular tunes all the youths dance on. Quite shocking to see even elders enjoy such things. I for one believe in tradition and taste persistent in time.'

'I agree, but one should make allowances if one should…'

'Dear Miss Bennet, could you please get me that cup of tea from that table over there? I am too old to get up as fast as you do.'

'Certainly…'

She decided it would be a long day and an even longer night.

Miss Bennet…Miss Bennet…I really am the only Miss Bennet left, she thought.

After half an hour of such more idle talk in which she had to agree with all that Mrs. Long uttered, she was saved from such an uncomfortable position by her mother. Never did she think she could have been so happy to see her. Mrs. Bennet had not intended to find Mary there, but now that she had, she was scandalized to see whom she was chatting with. As if it wasn't enough that her daughter never engaged in any conversation with the young men there, she also had to attract the attention of elderly widows with nothing to interest them but the lace of their new bonnets.

She was actually looking for Mr. and Mrs. Collins who had promised to arrive around noon. She wanted to greet them properly, especially Mr. Collins who always showed himself displeased with her, never having forgotten Elizabeth's refusal.

'Good afternoon, Mrs. Long, I hope you are enjoying yourself. Mary, dear, what are you doing here in the cards room?'

'She was keeping me company, we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves as you put it, Mrs. Bennet. I meant to talk to you about these dresses, I do believe Miss Mary's sleeves are a tad too short for my like, perhaps you should revise this.'

'Oh, I will, the garment was purchased in a rush, I had no time to inspect it rightly. Mary, perhaps you'd like to join the others in the Ball Room, if you could please excuse her, Mrs. Long?'

'I have nothing against it, but do come back Miss Bennet, I get rather bored without someone to talk to,' she said drawing her shawl.

'I certainly will, good day,' she barely said before she was dragged out of the room by a cross Mrs. Bennet.

'Mary, how could you find such a partner in Mrs. Long! All the youths are in the Ball Room yet you sit idly in the cards room, entertaining Mrs. Long! I say, if I hadn't been there to get you out, you would have stayed with her for the remainder of the feast. Sometimes, I do not know what is in that head of yours!'

'I appreciate you came in search for me, but I would have acquired a better partner in Miss Darcy, could I have found her…'

'Oh, I wasn't looking for you Mary, did you happen to see Mr. and Mrs. Collins? They are bound to arrive any minute now…'

As they walked across the entrance hall Mary noticed Lizzie was embracing someone dearly. It was Charlotte Collins as she had rightly guessed.

'Mama…' she started, but Mrs. Bennet had already seen and was rushing to welcome Mr. Collins who was a little behind.

What with all the commotion, Mary found herself alone again, surrounded by a crowd of people, all talking, drinking, eating and laughing.

She stepped back slightly frightened and turned in the hallway. Mary saw through the open doors the lovely gardens outside, surrounded by gentle, orange rays of sunshine which reflected in the mane of many sand-coloured horses. Tufts of grass seemed to sparkle, when at a closer look, they were sprinkled with late snowdrops. She decided to venture on a walk outside in order to escape the clamour of all the guests.

Mr. Collins was just bowing stiffly to Mrs. Bennet as she passed them.

'…and we have turned his study in a room for the baby, he was very kind to offer…' she heard Charlotte tell Lizzie as she held her hands over her stomach.

'I must congratulate you, I had no idea you were to be a father, Mr. Collins, what a fortunate event!' Mrs. Bennet said.

'I do think I shall be an excellent father if only I use the methods passed down by my own father, who, in all earnestness, declared a young man must always be taught to respect ladies, before anything else.'

'What a noble character…I suppose you wish it to be a son then…'

'If I had a daughter I would have much more trouble, taming her would not be easy, as you might well know, Mrs. Bennet, your own daughters show lack of restraint sometimes…'

Mary almost scowled at his reply and as she was stepping down the stairs she looked back with a frown at the pompous man, whom she had at one time considered unfortunate and lonely.

Since she was not paying attention she bumped into a gentleman by the looks of it and almost lost her balance. When she managed to look up, she dared not apologise.

'And here I thought I would come to enjoy Colonel Fitzwilliam's wedding, but it seems the first sight I am bound to have is of charming Mary Bennet, of all people.'

Mr. Prowler sat upright, looking down at her with his usual smirk. He looked pale and tired, but he was wearing one of his best suits and no one would have called him anything less than handsome.

'Mr. Prowler,' she bowed, 'my apologies for having already spoilt your evening.' She had recovered her spirits as well as her tongue as she addressed him.

'I won't let you do that, Mary Bennet, now, where were you running off to, madam?'

'It is not really your concern, is it?'

'Is that how you show your gratitude to every male who just happens to save your life?'

Her eyes widened as she suddenly remembered. She cursed inwardly, thinking that she had been very impolite and ungrateful, indeed.

Mary blushed furiously and turned away.

'There's no need for that, a simple "Thank you Mr. Prowler, I was obviously acting obstinate and childish and you were very right, indeed Sir, to stop me from doing away with myself. I am eternally grateful and indebted to you" shall do.'

Mary smiled. 'Well, since you've said it yourself so well, I shan't repeat myself.'

'Am I to presume I read your thoughts exactly?'

'No man can read a woman's thoughts exactly.'

'How unfair of you to take advantage of your darling sex.'

'It is but what a feeble woman can do, after all.'

'Well, then, accompany me to the Ball Room, you feeble woman, for I believe some people are expecting to see me.'

'But, Sir, I was about to take a walk…'

'Do not believe for one minute you are exempt from your debt.'

With that he pulled her by the hand roughly and followed inside, bowing politely towards Elizabeth. Mary could barely see where she was going, but as soon as they stepped into the Ball Room he let her go and rushed to pay his attentions to the bride and groom, nodding towards Mr. Darcy who was looking at him expectantly.

As she was just left there, Mary couldn't help feeling slightly vexed that she had been brought there, against her will only to be abandoned by a stranger she did not trust.

She sighed and seeing as she would better attempt to flirt with Michael Abbot, the poor, white-faced fourteen year old boy, than try to go out of the crowded room, she sat down next to the dancing couples which were pacing the room with their steps softly.

Some joy was acquired in seeing Kitty and the Captain joining the pairs for the umpteenth time and noticing Catherine shone with beauty among all the ladies. She smiled pleased and surprised that it had all turned out as she had wanted, in regards to them.

' "In her experience all her friends relied..",' she started saying.

' "…Heaven was her help and nature was her guide".'

She looked up surprised.

'You wouldn't be talking of Catherine, would you? You'd offer her such a tribute,' Mr. Prowler spoke as he leaned against her chair. 'Don't think I have forgotten Miss Bennet and don't think you can hide here and adore George Crabbe in silence and pretend to admire your sister. I know better.'

'Well, I considered you had joined the family at the table, Mr. Prowler. I never knew you were a reader of Mr. Crabbe's.'

'And I am not …sometimes, I pick up a volume and then I think that this may be one of our few really well-worth poets. Of course, in thirty years or so he will be forgotten and no one shall know of him anymore.'

'Let us hope the glory of one man lasts longer than that of an empire.'

'But why worry of that at this time? Come.'

He offered his hand. She gave him a puzzled look.

'You can take it, Miss Bennet, I am inviting you to dance with me, as subtle as my manners might be.'

She wondered whether she should accept or not. He looked at her impatiently and in the impulse of the moment she took his hand rather roughly and both joined the pairs.

They faced each other patiently, waiting for their turn when a new tune started.

'Seeing as this is my first attempt at dancing with you, I can only presume your skills at that have not improved.'

'You are correct to assume so,' she said as they joined hands and parted once more, circling another couple.

'Did I remark you look quite pretty, tonight, Miss Bennet? Of course, you would have been truly pretty had you been covered once more in dirt and mud, but for that we would need Victor.'

'Your cheeky replies do not intimidate me.'

'I did not expect it would, I am just warming up.'

'But I shall remain cold to all attacks,' she replied as they joined a circle of dancers.

They remained silent for five minutes, in which time Mr. Prowler cast a glance at the table where the bride and groom were seated.

'I see your sister seems quite displeased at seeing us dance,' he remarked at length.

'Catherine does not seem…'

'I meant Mrs. Wickham. She seems quite put off and she's looking daggers at us.'

'Well…it would not be me she'd have something against,' Mary spoke slowly eyeing him carefully.

His face had now turned serious. 'Surely, the reasons why she would not approve of me are numerous and prejudiced.'

'So they seem, only you can enlighten me, Sir.'

'There is nothing to enlighten. Everyone knows your sister and I are not the best of friends.'

'I didn't,' she lied. 'And why is it so?'

He paused for several moments. 'It is so because of many mistakes made by both parties at one time.'

'Should those mistakes be repaired…'

'You talk as if you knew. It is not quite so simple. How is her pregnancy going? Is the baby alright?'

'I have no reason to believe anything is wrong, she is feeling very well, is herself in all matters. If she were taken ill, we would know. The baby is growing strong, for she eats amply for him.'

'I am glad to hear it, then, let us hope she will be a better mother than wife.'

'Why the interest in the child?'

'She was, after all, the wife of my cousin.'

There was a long silence, interrupted only by laughs and whispers around them as they continued to dance.

'I see the news does not surprise you.'

'I knew of it beforehand.'

'From who, may I ask?'

'Mr. Bingley informed me due to certain circumstances.'

'Ah, I should have foreseen that…well, then, there you have it.'

'Yet I still do not know clearly why you believe Lydia was a bad wife.'

'I never said she was a bad one, heavens no! I had nothing to accuse her of when it came to loving her husband and taking care of him. She did her best at that. I simply said that she might be better off with a child than my cousin.'

'So you do not think of him highly, not that he would deserve that, admittedly.'

'It is considered sinful to reproach the dead, but he was not an exemplary cousin, as you well said,' he replied coldly taking her hands and releasing them as the dance ended.

'Well, then, I suppose you profess to be different?'

'Believe what you will, Miss Bennet, I have my sins and errs I have not yet amended for. He had his. We are all but humans.'

With that he smiled cynically at her, bowed and bid her a good evening as he joined Mr. Darcy in the cards room.