A/N: I know this chapter is very small, I'll try to post another one this week after editing it. Thanks again for the reviews!
Chapter 4
As is the prerogative of all Mothers who have a daughter about to marry, Mrs. Bennet chose the fabric and style of nearly all her daughter's new dresses. Mrs. Tappard assured she could finish the order in plenty of time for the wedding and said she would send around a message when she was ready for Elizabeth's fitting. The two women thanked Mrs. Tappard, then made their way to Mrs. Phillips where the other Bennet daughters were waiting. Along the way many people congratulated Elizabeth on her upcoming marriage, Mrs. Bennet preening like a peacock at every meeting.
Mrs. Phillips welcomed Lizzy into her arms, giving both cheeks a kiss and exclaiming over her good fortune. She felt it incumbent upon herself to repeat every good thing she had heard Mr. Collins say of Rosings from window panes to chimney pieces. Add to that the fact that Elizabeth will one day be Mistress of Longbourn, where her mother and any unmarried sisters would always find a home.
Elizabeth could do nothing but thank her Aunt. Though she wasn't as enthusiastic of the match as everyone else seemed to be, she felt a sense of pride in doing this duty by her family. She imagined she felt the same as soldiers going into a battle would feel; a bit of fear mixed in with self satisfaction.
In due time the marriage contract was signed by all parties involved, and Mr. Collins left for Kent. With him gone, and Mr. Bingley so irretrievably far away, the Bennet household fell back into their familiar routine. When the younger girls wanted to go out to meet with the Officers in Meryton, Mrs. Bennet insisted Jane chaperone them and kept Lizzy back.
"You have barely made a dent in those pillow cases!" Mrs. Bennet would cluck her tongue at Lizzy.
Elizabeth was a fair hand at embroidery and sewing, but sitting still at long periods of time set her restless. She would be at her work for no more than ten minutes when she would feel her legs begin to itch. This was the most likely the reason she never really excelled at the piano, not for lack of talent, but lack of sitting still long enough to practice a song thoroughly.
After a few days of being cooped up in the house with her Mother hovering over her work, Mrs. Bennet declared her work satisfactory and insisted Elizabeth take a walk with her sisters. As they were leaving a note came from Mrs. Tappard that if Lizzy could come down at her earliest convenience, she could have her first fitting.
The Bennet women made their way to Meryton, Mrs. Bennet walking in the front with Jane and Elizabeth directly behind, Mary behind them, and Lydia and Kitty behind Mary. They were quite the site as they made their way into town. Mrs. Bennet deposited Elizabeth off at the dress makers, and told her to join them at Mrs. Phillips afterward. After Elizabeth had her fitting she was told by Mrs. Tappard she could expect the first packages delivered the next day. Elizabeth thanked her, then headed to her Aunt's.
On the way to her Aunt's house Elizabeth saw Mr. Wickham and Mr. Denny ahead of her. Both men bowed to her and made their congratulations.
"Thank you," Elizabeth blushed.
When they discovered where it was she was going they both offered to escort her. They fell into step with one another.
"I must admit," Wickham said, "that I was surprised to hear the news of your marriage."
Elizabeth felt her cheeks flush. "Yes, it was quite sudden."
"I suppose necessity dictates most of our lives," Wickham said. "We can't all of us marry where we choose, but where security lies."
"I say, Wickham," Denny interrupted, "what nonsense to say to a woman newly engaged."
Wickham smiled bashfully. "I meant no harm," he looked into Elizabeth's eyes, "I can only commiserate with you."
Elizabeth looked at him curiously and wished to ask him further questions, but they had already stepped to Mrs. Phillips door. Both men bowed to her, then headed down the road, leaving Elizabeth looking after one of them with confusion.