Unfortunately for Mr. Darcy, it took some time for arrangements to be made to take Wickham away from England. The ship intended to arrive in England and then set sail for South America a week later was delayed due to a battle with a French ship and the repairs necessary afterwards. Two more ships were packed beyond capacity with passengers eager to depart Europe before the cold winter arrived. Finally, more than a fortnight later, Colonel Fitzwilliam was able to locate a naval vessel that was departing the Port of London a few days later and would happily press-gang Wickham into service.
Although the Netherfield party could not completely ward off invitations to gatherings during this time, most in the neighbourhood were occupied with either preparing to travel or entertaining their own visitors. They were therefore left very much to themselves, with only a few dinners they were made to attend. At two dinners the Bennets were in attendance, but Darcy thanked the heavens there was no dancing. He did not know that he would have been able to stop himself from asking Elizabeth to dance. It was enough that he was required to listen to her melodious laugh and endure her wit. Any more and he might have ended up proposing in front of everyone.
Thus, despite having to see the Bennets again, the leave-taking call was a welcome occurrence. He could drink in the sight of Elizabeth while knowing that he very likely would never see her again. Bingley's sisters had to be convinced by Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam that to leave without so much as a note or a goodbye would be unpardonably rude, even if they did not intend to be soon again in the area. One never knew who anyone else might have connections with. With London only twenty miles away, it was best to be prudent for the sake of their reputations.
"I do not pretend to regret anything I shall leave in Hertfordshire, except the society of friends," said Miss Bingley. The tone of her voice was so false and sickeningly sweet.
"We shall certainly regret the loss of your society as well," said Miss Bennet with her usual serenity.
"We might lessen the pain of separation by correspondence, if you should wish it," offered Mrs. Hurst.
Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth both accepted the offer.
"After her marriage, Jane shall reside in London," said Mrs. Bennet. "You might see each other sooner than you suppose."
"Perhaps," said Miss Bingley with a tone that said she highly doubted they moved in the same circles. Darcy was not so certain that they did not. They very well might find themselves at balls and parties with the Collinses after their marriage.
Their call was short, given that they had to make many more calls in the upcoming days, but not impolitely so. Darcy, for the sake of his own feelings, would have tarried longer if he had been able to justify it without rousing suspicions as to why.
"Shall they be able to attend?" Jane asked her betrothed.
They were sitting at Longbourn's breakfast table and the post had just arrived. Within, there was a letter from Mr. Collins' family. They lived several days' travel to the north and therefore it had been uncertain if the weather would permit them to attend the wedding.
"There has been some rain, which has melted much of the snow and making the roads passable. They shall leave now, so they might ensure their attendance. If it is not too much trouble, might I ask that your family host them?"
"Of course we shall!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. Now that Mr. Collins was marrying Jane, Mrs. Bennet was determined to pay his family every possible service.
However, with the Bennets already having the Gardiners to come for Christmas, as well as several other relations, it would be a very tight fit for them all to stay at Longbourn. The Gardiner children and Annalise, Mr. Collins' sister, didn't mind in the slightest. Annalise was overjoyed to share a room with Olivia and Clara Gardiner, who were only a few years younger and full of energy. The Vanstones were thrilled to see their daughter be so graciously embraced by the Bennet family.
It would have been quite difficult not to adore young Annalise Collins, for she was everything amiable about her brother packaged with prettier features. She had a pleasant way about her that endeared her to all. Her willingness to share her ribbons and other items was particularly pleasing to Kitty and Lydia, for their choices for accessories had just increased by a half.
Mrs. Vanstone was delighted that her Gregory was to wed, especially a woman as lovely and kind as Jane Bennet. The connection to the gentry was a welcome one, as many would consider her son as an unoffical gentleman, even before his inheritance. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Vanstone became intimate acquaintances very quickly, for their upbringings and temperaments were very similar. Mrs. Vanstone had perhaps a better understanding than her new friend, but each was just as excitable as the other. Jane and Elizabeth began to understand why Mr. Collins remained in London, away from his mother, for much of the year. The two ladies together formed a formidable team.
Christmas was celebrated in the usual way, but was overshadowed by the thoughts of the upcoming wedding. Presents were exchanged and amusements enjoyed, all with the knowledge that this was the last time all five sisters would have the surname Bennet. Elizabeth had a tinge of melancholy. She saw Jane's growing fondness for Mr. Collins, which she was happy for. Yet, she also understood that her own significance to her sister would diminish when the couple became married. Elizabeth did not like these petty feelings, but she could not stop them from arising.
On the day of the wedding, the winter air was cold, but the sun shone brightly. As the preparations had been completed well in advance, the only demand for the family on the morning of was to put on their clothing and travel to the church. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Vanstone both looked like cats who had got the cream, while Mr. Vanstone and Mr. Bennet watched their wives with amusement. Mr. Vanstone's amusement was perhaps with greater fondness than Mr. Bennet's, for he truly was pleased to see his wife so happy and his stepson well married.
The wedding took place in its usual fashion. No one forgot the words to the vows, nor did anyone cause any disturbance. The wedding breakfast afterwards was simple, for Longbourn could not host all the people Mrs. Bennet may have desired to include, nor did it have a room large enough for dancing. Even so, the food was exquisite, and the decorations were classic and elegant. No one in attendance could have found any fault with the arrangements.
The new Mr. and Mrs. Collins left for London directly after the wedding breakfast, hoping to arrive at the townhouse before too late in the evening. Elizabeth could not help but cry when she embraced her sister before she departed, for no longer would anything be the same.
"After Easter, you must come to visit us," said Mrs. Vanstone. "Greg always comes to see us each spring, for after Easter the wine business is greatly slowed. Then you all will be merry together."
Elizabeth appreciated this kind gesture and promised to ask her parents if she might indeed visit her sister at that time. It would give Jane and Mr Collins several months to settle into their marriage, but was near enough in the future to provide some sense of expectation of seeing her sister again soon.
Jane and her sisters kept up a regular correspondence, but as any who have been separated from one so dear will know, it was a poor substitute for her company. Still, the letters were received and written with a great deal of eagerness. Jane wrote very cheerfully, seemed surrounded by comforts, and there was nothing that she could not praise. Mr. Collins' friends and acquaintances were delightful. They often dined with the Gardiners and sometimes Jane would spend the day with her aunt when Mr. Collins and Mr. Gardiner were both occupied. What most pleased Elizabeth was the true tenderness with which Jane wrote of Mr. Collins, for it seemed Jane was very happy in her marriage. If Jane were not in love, there was at least a degree of affection between the couple, much to Elizabeth's relief.
In late March, Jane wrote that she had dined with some business associates of Mr. Collins' and also a part of the party were the Hursts and the Bingleys. Miss Bingley was very nearly uncivil, if Mr. Collins' words were true. However, if Jane were to be assumed to have the right of the matter, the Hurst and the Bingleys were truly delightful and it was most pleasant to see them again. Such opposite accounts of the occasion could not but make Elizabeth laugh.
In this same letter came the formal invitation for Elizabeth to accompany Jane and Mr. Collins to visit the Vanstones and Miss Collins in the country. This was accepted, for Mr. Bennet could not deny his dearest daughters the chance to see each other again, even if it would leave Longbourn devoid of any sensible conversation.
"You must write to me immediately about how you find your sister. I know I can rely on Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, so I have no worries for her health, but I would have your account as well," said Mr. Bennet on the day before Elizabeth's leaving.
This sentiment was surprising. Mr. Bennet was often indolent, so his seeking out as much information about his daughter's situation as he might have was proof indeed of his affection for her. Of course, he might have taken Elizabeth thither himself. Then he might have seen Jane and judged her wellness with his own eyes, but that would require travelling to London, something Mr. Bennet was singularly unlikely to do.