Elizabeth woke up late the next morning, after getting home later than she had planned. It was already past nine when she stretched out her arms and stumbled into her bathroom to take her shower. She couldn't help but think about Will, and the discussion they had under the stars the night before. She kept thinking how completely wonderful he was and how deeply she loved him. It seemed that with each moment she spent with him she found some new reason to love him more. He was so patient and understanding with her about their decision to wait to sleep together. She realized that was truly becoming a more difficult promise for her to keep, but deep down inside she wanted to. She thought about what he said, that if it was important to her, it was important to him. Just knowing he felt that way made her heart skip a beat. They still didn't officially settle on a date for their wedding, but like him, she couldn't wait to begin their life together. After she had finished showering she went over and checked her phone; there were over a hundred messages left for her. She quickly scanned them and realized there were only a few messages from people she actually recognized. As she was deleting the unwanted text messages, one of them caught her attention. It was from a London talk show, it read. "Please contact me at your earliest convenience to confirm that date I spoke about with your mother about appearing on our show." Elizabeth shook her head; she had no intention of being on any talk show or giving any kind of interviews, why would her mother agree to anything like this for her. She was just about to go downstairs when her phone went off again, this time it was Darcy. "Hello?" she answered sounding more annoyed than she meant to.
"Doesn't sound as if you're having a very good morning," he said noting the hint of frustration in her voice.
"My mother," was all she had to say and he understood.
"Is there anything I can do?" he asked her.
"No I will take care of this myself," she assured him. "Although the idea of actually getting her a muzzle is starting to sound better and better to me."
"Well if there is anything I can do just let me know," he told her. "I spoke with your father this morning, and he has agreed to allow me to help with security until things with the press calm down. It will all be a very low-key detail. The goal is to just keep the news media back away from the house and make sure no one is trespassing."
Elizabeth laughed, "Thank you, but I'm beginning to think keeping the press away from the house is not the real issue. I think the real problem is keeping my mother away from the press."
Darcy laughed, "I have no comments or suggestions to help with that."
"Thank you, Will," she told him growing more serious for a moment, "I know my mother's wagging tongue has turned things upside down for you as well, and I just want you to know how much your understanding means to me."
"I love you, Miss Bennet, in case I haven't told you so lately. I would willingly endure anything to be with you for the rest of my life; I can deal with your mother," he assured her.
"Am I going to see you later tonight?" she asked.
Darcy glanced over at his schedule, "I hope to be done early here at the office so I can drive out and see you," he told her.
"Good, because I find that I miss you when you're not here," she told him.
Darcy smiled, "The feeling is mutual," he told her.
"I love you," she told him before getting off the phone. She drew in a long cleansing breath to fortify her resolve then she went downstairs to speak with her mother. As she came into the dining room, she saw only Mary and Kitty. "Has Mum already eaten breakfast?" she asked them as she sat down at the table.
Kitty nodded her head. "No she hasn't come down yet," she told her. "Shall we talk with her this morning about our plan?"
Elizabeth smiled, "Yes, but let me tell her."
Mary cleared her throat to get their attention, "I don't mean to interrupt, but Lizzy I do need to speak to you about something," she started to tell her.
Elizabeth poured herself some tea and looked over at her sister, "Of course, what is it, Mary?"
Before Mary could answer their mother walked into the room. "Oh, my dear Lizzy I so wanted to speak to you last night, but you must have come in rather late," she told her as she sat down and began fixing her plate.
"My evening with Will and his family went later than I thought it would," she told her then asked, "What did you want to speak to me about?"
"Your wedding of course!" her mother responded as she ate her toast. "I need to know if you have chosen a date yet for the wedding."
Elizabeth shook her head, "No we haven't settled on one yet. I was thinking though of..." she began to say when her mother interrupted her.
"Oh, Lizzy you must decide," she told her. "I have so much to do with Jane's wedding that I barely have time to sleep as it is," she complained. "I really must know when you plan to marry so that I can prepare."
Elizabeth told her, "All I can tell you for sure is that we know we want to have the wedding soon, we were thinking of early December."
Mrs. Bennet shook her head, "No, that will never work!" she said. "You will have to wait at least a few months to give me time to plan everything," she told her. "After all Jane's wedding is to be in the middle of October and then she will be away on her honeymoon. After that, it's Christmas time and then New Year, and you know how busy I am then."
"I do understand how hectic things get but..." she tried to say.
Mrs. Bennet shook her head and interrupted Elizabeth, "No, Lizzy, you just can't marry that soon," she said as if she was giving something great thought. "Besides we must have time to have a proper engagement party for the two of you. You must wait until at least next year. Perhaps you can have a lovely winter wedding around Valentine's Day," she suggested.
"Mum, I don't think Will, and I want to wait that long, February is still over five months away," she told her.
"Oh, but you have to give me time to plan things," she repeated what she already said. "Lizzy there are so many details to see to," she told her. "We will need time to decide on the theme of the wedding, the place, who will be attending and the reception, and of course you will want to wait until Lydia has her baby so that she and Wickham can fly home and be here."
Elizabeth tried to reign in her mother's enthusiasm, "Mum as far as my wedding goes I don't want to have a large, elaborate affair. I prefer something simple, with close friends and family," she told her. "I was thinking we would get married here in the same church that Jane is getting married. I grew up here; it makes perfect sense to be married from here," she told her.
Mrs. Bennet shook her head, "Oh no Lizzy, that will never work. Everyone will expect Fitzwilliam Darcy to marry in a very grand and exclusive place, not a small little country church such as ours. No, you and Darcy must be married in London, there are far more beautiful places to choose from there," she told her. "Besides there is no place here that could hold so many guests for the reception, and we don't want everyone to have to make the long drive back to London after the ceremony."
"Mum, Will and I have not even talked about a guest list yet," Elizabeth told her.
"Oh, don't you worry dear, I'm already working on it," Mrs. Bennet told her as she finished her breakfast. "Now I think you should speak with Jane and find out who we shall use for your wedding dress. Jane is wearing my dress and will be photographed in it for all the social papers so you cannot wear it again. We will have to have a dress designed just for you for such an occasion, maybe even two dresses."
Elizabeth looked over at Kitty and smiled, "Actually Mum I already have chosen my wedding dress designer," she told her.
Mrs. Bennet eyes opened wide with excitement as she put her teacup up to take a sip, "Oh how wonderful, who will be designing your gown?"
Elizabeth looked over at Kitty, "Kitty is going to make my gown for me," she told her.
Mrs. Bennet shook her head and rolled her eyes, as she lowered back down her cup, "Lizzy this is not the time to be playing one of your little jokes on me," she snapped at her. "If you don't want to tell me who is going to design your gown then just say so."
Kitty looked up at her mother. "I really am going to design Lizzy gown, Mum; she's not joking. I asked her if I could as a gift, and she agreed."
Mrs. Bennet became annoyed, "You can't be serious? Elizabeth, there is no way you can possibly have your sister design your wedding gown."
"Why not, Kitty is a very talented designer," she told her mother. "And I'm very happy that she wants to do this for me. I know she will do what I want and I have full confidence in her ability."
"But Kitty isn't even out of school yet. She's still taking classes; she has no experience in designing wedding gowns," Mrs. Bennet told her. "Lizzy, I know you love your sister, but truly you can't possibly wear a gown that isn't designed by someone who..."
Elizabeth could not believe how much her mother was sounding just like Lady Catherine at that moment. She interrupted her before she could say anything more. "I have already decided. Kitty will design my gown, and it will be beautiful," she told her leaving no room for doubt in her decision.
Mrs. Bennet was becoming more and more irritated, "Fine we will discuss it later," she told her as she finished sipping her tea.
Mary could see that Kitty's feelings were hurt, "I think it very nice of Lizzy to allow Kitty to make her dress. Kitty's work has matured a good deal since she began taking her classes and I think..."
Mrs. Bennet looked at Mary, "No one asked you for your opinion!" she snapped at her.
"No, of course, you didn't because no one ever does ask me what I think, do they?" Mary responded before she went back to using her iPad.
Elizabeth tried to stay calm, "Mum it's my wedding and my dress. Kitty will design the gown, it will be made, and I will wear it," she told her firmly.
"Well, you seem to be decidedly against hearing anything that I have to say on the matter," Mrs. Bennet complained. "As always you care little for my feelings. The one joy a mother has is in helping her daughters plan their weddings, but you seem determined to take that from me," she cried.
"Mum I'm happy to have you help with the planning of my wedding, but I'm not surrendering control of it to you," she told her. It was the sound of her phone going off that interrupted their conversation. She pulled it from her pocket and read the text; it was from the same studio in London as the one who sent the last message. Elizabeth deleted it and cleared her throat, "Mum what do you know about this talk show texting me about giving an interview?"
Mrs. Bennet smiled again, "Oh yes that must be Miss Benson, she called yesterday, she wants to do an interview with the two of us on their morning show. A kind of mother and daughter thing."
Elizabeth shook her head, "No," was all she said as she pushed her plate of half-eaten food away from her.
Mrs. Bennet seemed truly shocked, "Whatever do you mean, no!?" she repeated what her daughter said. "Lizzy the press wants to know the details of your engagement so they can do a proper write-up in all the papers."
"I don't want my wedding in the news. I don't want them knowing any of the details," Elizabeth told her mum again.
"Lizzy, you must know how important and prominent a person your future husband is. People will want to know things about you. They will want to know who you are. The girl who has finally won the heart of one of England's most wealthy bachelors," she told her. "Besides if we allow the press to be there, they will take lots of pictures and just think of how much attention it will put on the family. I just know it will bring about young men for your other two sisters and they might end up married before too long!" she said not even attempting to hide her real motives.
Mary rolled her eyes, "Don't worry about me Lizzy," she told her. "I'm not looking for a husband. I plan to finish getting my degree by the end of this year and..."
Mrs. Bennet snapped at Mary, "That's enough out of you Miss Mary! You will regret that attitude of yours someday. You think you have no care for a husband now but one day when your dad is gone, and the Collinses come and take this house then what? You will be all alone living in a rundown flat unable to manage, and I won't sleep a wink with worry about you," she said to her as she regained her composure. "You should be grateful that Lizzy is marrying someone with so many connections. It's not as if you ever take any time with the way you look," she reminded her. "Out of all of you girls, I always tell your dad I worry the most about you, Mary. Why you have never even had a boyfriend, trust me you need all the help your sister can give!"
Elizabeth looked over at Mary then back to her mother. "Mum that's not..." she started to say when Mary who was visibly hurt by her mother's comments interrupted.
"I think it's wrong the way you are trying to make a spectacle out of Lizzy wedding day!" Mary told her mother. "Lizzy, you and Mr. Darcy should just run off together and not tell anyone you're even married until you come back from your honeymoon."
Elizabeth was just about to say something more when her mother stood up. "That will be enough of that kind of talk!" she raised her voice. "Elizabeth will do no such thing, why it would break your dad's heart if he were not able to walk her down the aisle and give her away. You have no idea what that would do to him!"
Mary stood up from the table and ran out of the room. She was clearly upset by her mother's hurtful remarks. Elizabeth decided to go after her. "Mum I will let you know when the wedding is and where it is, but from this moment on I will be planning everything myself and I forbid you to speak with anyone in the news or I will not have you at my wedding!" she told her as she headed toward the door.
Mrs. Bennet sat back down clearly distraught. She didn't understand why Lizzy was always so determined to rebel against her. "Hill!" she cried out for the entire house to hear. "Hill! Come here and bring me my medication for my nerves!"
Elizabeth followed her sister out into the garden, "Mary wait!" she called out to her.
Mary quickly wiped her eyes and brushed her hair away from her face, "What is it Lizzy?" she asked trying to hide her emotions.
Elizabeth could see that she was upset, "Mary please don't listen to what Mum says," she told her. "You know how she can be."
Mary shrugged her shoulders, "It's fine, really." She pretended not to care about what was said. "It doesn't bother me. Not anymore."
Elizabeth moved over towards her younger sister, "Mary..." she began to say.
Mary pulled away, "Lizzy I'm fine really," she snapped at her. "I don't need you to feel sorry for me just because Mum doesn't think I'm pretty enough to catch a husband and she completely dismisses whatever I say."
"Mary, I wasn't feeling sorry for you," Elizabeth tried to tell her.
"Good!" she cut her off then calmed herself, "That's good because I don't need it," she told her trying to keep her voice even. "As I said before, it doesn't matter," she told her again. "I know I'm not Dad or Mum's favorite, I know they don't really ever see me, but that doesn't mean that I don't have value as a person!" she told her as fresh tears filled her eyes.
Elizabeth tried again to soothe her sister's hurt feelings, "Oh Mary."
Mary quickly wiped the tears from her eye and cleared her throat, "Lizzy could you just leave me alone?" she asked in a much calmer voice.
Elizabeth tried again to reach out to her sister, "Mary I..."
"Please just leave me alone," she told her. "Really, I don't understand all this sisterly concern from you all the sudden. Mum has made comments like this before, and you have never said anything. It's not as if you and I have ever been close before now," she reminded her before she got up and walked back to the house.
Elizabeth was stunned by the remark, she walked over and sat down on the bench and watched as her sister walked back toward the house. Truly she never thought about how their mother's cutting comments might have made Mary feel. Elizabeth was on the receiving end of some of those hurtful remarks herself, but she always ignored them. She had such a close relationship with her father that it made up for not having one with her mother. She realized that Mary was not close to either of her parents. Of all her sisters Mary wasn't close to anyone. Elizabeth was close to Jane, and it was clear they were their father's favorite. It was also true that Kitty and Lydia were closer, and both were favored by their mother; Mary was always left to make her way alone. She shook her head wondering why she didn't see it before. She was just about to go upstairs to try again to speak with Mary when Jane came out to the garden to join her.
"You may want to stay out here for a while longer," Jane told her as she walked up and sat down beside her.
Elizabeth let out a heavy sigh, "Is it that bad?"
"Mum has asked for her nerve pills," she told her. "She's crying and pouting as she usually does."
"Oh, Jane I wasn't trying to upset her, but she just will not listen," she told her.
Jane looked at her sister, "I have been having the same issue with her, but lucky for me I'm not marrying 'the wealthiest and most eligible bachelor in all of England,'" she teased her.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "Jane our dear mother wants this to be an outrageously, grand affair. What she refuses to understand is that Will hates those kinds of things. He has said several times that he would be perfectly happy with a very small, tasteful ceremony," she told her. She looked over at Jane and smiled, "Jane we may just have to tie Mum up, lock her in her bedroom, and refuse to let her out until after we both are married," she teased.
Jane laughed, "Oh Lizzy, it will not get that bad," she assured her.
Elizabeth took in a deep breath, "Do you promise?" she asked her.
"I do promise you," she told her. "I tell you what. You go ahead and make plans for your wedding, and I will keep Mum busy with mine."
Elizabeth smiled, "Really Jane, you are too good," she said as she reached over and gave her sister a hug.
Jane looked back toward the house, then back at her sister, "Lizzy did you speak with Mary about the dinner?" she asked as it came to mind.
Elizabeth shook her head, "No?" she told her then remembered, "She did mention wanting to speak with me about something, but then Mum came down and well you know the rest."
"You should go and speak with her," she encouraged her.
"Is something wrong? Was Mary unhappy about coming to the dinner?" Elizabeth knew her younger sister struggled with such gatherings and that deep down she really hated being made to attend.
"She said she thought it would be better if just Kitty and I attended," she explained. "I tried to get her to tell me why she didn't want to come, but she wouldn't answer me."
"I will go up and speak with her," she told her. "I will at least try to speak with her," she said knowing how withdrawn Mary could be.
"Lizzy, you might want to go around through the kitchen and up the back staircase to avoid Mum," Jane advised her.
Elizabeth smiled as she got up to leave. "That's probably a very good idea," she told Jane as she headed off into the direction of the kitchen. She didn't want to have another run in with her mother. She made her way up the back stairs and headed to Mary's bedroom. She knocked on the door and waited for her sister to answer. "Mary please let me come in and speak with you."
Mary reluctantly called out to her, "Come in, Lizzy."
She opened the door and walked inside. It was a long time since she was in her sister bedroom, she realized. "When did you change the color of your room?" she asked her as she looked around.
Mary looked up at her walls and shrugged her shoulders, "When you took Kitty to Paris with Jane," she mumbled.
Elizabeth looked around the room; it was beautiful. Mary painted the room a very bright yellow-green color that reminded her of lemongrass. All the trim and decor was done in a beautiful, dark, rich, chocolate-brown. "Mary this room looks amazing. It looks so bright and cheerful in here," she told her.
Mary shrugged her shoulders again, "I was tired of the color Mum chose, and I hate all the lace and flowers she had going on."
Elizabeth smiled, the room suited her sister so much better, it was modern, without all the fuss. Mary never did like all the frilly, flowery, kinds of patterns their mother chose for them. "Well it looks so much better now, and it suits you. It's very modern. I like the way you incorporated all the clean lines and geometric angles into the room."
Mary turned back to her computer, "Thank you," was all she said as she began typing on her keyboard.
Elizabeth walked over and sat down on the chair near the computer, "Mary I know you were upset before. And you're right I haven't ever said anything or even really taken notice before when Mother treated you the way she did this morning," she admitted. "I guess I never really thought about it because I just always ignored her when she said things like how much more beautiful Jane is over the rest of us. I never let it bother me because I know how she can be."
"Lizzy, I know you mean well, but really we don't have to talk about this," she told her. "I'm fine. I gave into my emotion in a moment of weakness is all."
Elizabeth was determined not to let it go that easily, "I know you're fine," she told her. "You are a very strong person. I have always said that your confident, smart, and you always stand up for what you believe in."
Mary turned and looked at her sister, "Is that how you really see me?" she asked her. She did her best to hold back the tears.
She was puzzled by the question, "Of course it is Mary," she told her.
Mary shook her head, "But I'm not any of those things," she told her in frustration. "I'm not pretty; Mum is always saying that. I'm not smart; dad is always comparing me to Kitty and Lydia and how silly he thinks I am. As for being confident, most days I just feel like I could disappear and no one would really notice. And as far as standing up for my opinions..." she shook her head. "Well you saw how that went over with Mum, didn't you?"
Elizabeth felt bad for her sister, "Oh Mary I'm sorry that you feel that way!" she told her.
Mary took in a deep breath as tried to keep her emotions under control. "Look Lizzy I appreciate what you are trying to do, coming up here and talking to me, but you really don't have to," she told her as she got up walked over and grabbed a tissue. "I'm fine, I'm just not like you or the others, and I never will be. I have accepted that." Mary turned back toward her sister, "I mean I know I'm never going to be as pretty as Jane or as smart and witty as you, but I'm good at computers and I do really love playing my music. I know I'm not really all that great at the piano, but I have gotten very good on the guitar. Maybe because I'm standing in you and Jane's shadow, no one ever notices me. Maybe I will never find a rich husband, or even a poor one, but I do have some value even if no one sees it?" she cried as years of pent-up hurt came rushing out.
Elizabeth walked over to her sister and wrapped her arms around her. "Mary, you have so much to offer. I meant what I said, you are smart, and now that I know how you feel I'm not going to just walk away and forget about this," she told her. "I do want you to come to this dinner party on Saturday night, I really do. Jane said you were unsure of attending, but it will mean so much to me to have you there," she assured her as tears formed in her own eyes. "Please say you will come."
Mary looked into her sister's eyes as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. "Lizzy, I will just embarrass you. I won't mean to, I won't do it on purpose, but the truth is I don't know how to act at these events," she told her. "Mums right, I'm awkward. I don't have anything to wear, and I will just feel out-of-place. Take Kitty; she won't embarrass you. She has calmed down so much since Lydia has married and moved away. Trust me you really don't want me there."
Elizabeth sniffled in, "That's not true," she assured her. "I do want you there," she told her again. "Mary if you feel awkward then let me and Jane help you," she offered. "You are beautiful, and you have a lot to offer to others, you just have to let your guard down just a little to let people in. I'm not worried you will embarrass me."
Mary sniffed in and wiped her eyes, "It's just really hard when you've had those walls up for a really long time," she admitted.
"I know it can be difficult, but it's not impossible," she told her. "Let us help you," she offered again.
Mary was hesitant for a moment, she pulled away from Elizabeth and walked back over to her desk. She looked at her computer then back at her sister, "You and Jane would really help me?" she asked as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.
Elizabeth smiled, "Of course we would and so would Kitty," she told her.
Mary wiped her eyes and looked at her intently, "You wouldn't make fun of me for not knowing how to fix my hair, or how to pick out a dress, or wear makeup?"
Elizabeth smiled, "No one is going to make fun of anyone," she assured her. "I will talk to Jane and plan the entire day tomorrow," she told her. "We can go shopping together, and then I will take you to see my friends who do hair and makeup."
Mary looked doubtful, "Lizzy it's not that I don't want your help, I do," she began to tell her. "It's just that I don't want to lose sight of who I am either," she explained, "I don't like really revealing clothing, and I hate all the frilly lace things that Mum always tries to pick out for me."
Elizabeth understood, she walked over and took Mary's hand in hers, "Will you trust me?" she asked her.
"Yes," Mary responded still sounding just a bit unsure.
"Good then tomorrow morning you, Jane, Kitty, and I are all going shopping," she told her as she walked over to the door.
"Thank you, Lizzy," she said softly.
Elizabeth stopped and turned back toward her. "For what?" she asked her.
Mary smiled, "For seeing me," she said as her voice broke just a little.
Elizabeth's eyes filled with fresh tears and she walked back over and hugged her sister. "Tomorrow morning, be ready early," she told her before leaving her room.
Elizabeth was just about to go back downstairs when her cell phone went off. The text was from Charlotte, "I will be coming home for a visit," she read.
Elizabeth texted back, "Are you coming alone or with Collins?"
"Alone," Charlotte responded.
She had a terrible feeling Lady Catherine was the cause of her friend's sudden decision to come home, "Is everything ok? Is it Lady Catherine?" she typed in then sent off the message. She knew Lady Catherine was not happy about her engagement to Will, but she hoped that she would not take it out on her friend or Collins.
"She has been in a rather foul mood, and Collins thought perhaps it best since you, and I are such close friends if I step away for a time," she wrote to her.
Elizabeth felt bad for her friend, "Oh Charlotte I am so very sorry," she typed in.
"Please, Lizzy don't be," Charlotte wrote to her. "I'm very happy to be coming home for a while. I will be there by tomorrow evening and will explain everything once I see you."
Elizabeth closed her phone and was about to go downstairs when she heard her name being called. Her mother demanded, "Lizzy come in here!"
She reluctantly walked back to her mother's bedroom, "Yes?"
"I wanted to speak with you again," she told her as she motioned for her to come into the room and sit down. "I just got off the phone with Wickham and Lydia. Wickham expressed that they are overjoyed with the news of your engagement and how very much they would like to attend the wedding. So, you really must wait until after the baby is born to marry."
"Mum, Lydia is not even due until the end of March," she reminded her. "Even then the baby probably shouldn't be getting on a plane so soon and flying just after being born."
"That's why you must wait," her mother told her. "Just think how upset poor Wickham and Lydia will be if you marry before they can come. If you wait, you could have a lovely June wedding."
Elizabeth knew Lydia wouldn't care if she missed the wedding, she read the last email she sent to Kitty. It barely mentioned any of them. As usual, Lydia went on and on about herself, her new house, and all the new friends she was making. No, this desire to be at the wedding was all Wickham, it had nothing to do with Lydia wanting to be there for her. She knew this was nothing more than another attempt by Wickham to inflict more heartache on Will. She shook her head no, "Mum we are not waiting until June of next year," she told her plainly. "I'm sorry that Lydia will not be able to attend, but even if I did postpone our wedding, her husband would never be invited," she told her.
Her mother sniffled in and began crying again. "Oh, Lizzy you really can be so unkind," she wailed. "I really don't understand this anger you have toward our poor Wickham."
Elizabeth wasn't about to give in to her mother's manipulation, "Regardless of that Mum, my decision stands," she told her. "As does my decision to have Kitty make my wedding dress."
Mrs. Bennet began crying and wailing, "You will not be happy until you have taken every ounce of joy away from me," she accused Elizabeth.
Elizabeth didn't say anything more instead she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her. She decided what she needed was some fresh air, so she grabbed her camera and made her way out into the gardens. It was a lovely afternoon; the sun was shining, and there was just a hint of Autumn in the air as summer was drawing to an end. She took several pictures of the leaves on the trees as they were barely beginning to change their color. In a few short weeks, Jane would be getting married, and then it would be her turn. She dreaded the thought of her mother's continued tantrums. She knew once Jane was married that things would only get worse as her mother focused in on her. She took in a long deep breath as she sat down near the rose gardens, underneath her favorite oak tree. The sun was warm, but the breeze was nice, and the tree offered some shade. She leaned back and closed her eyes, determined not to think any further about her mother's demands. Elizabeth turned her thoughts to Will and their upcoming life together. She thought about how nice it was to spend that time with him at Pemberley. Even though it was of short duration, it still made her think of how wonderful it would be once they were married. She imagined what it would be like holding his hand, as they walked down towards the lake. Then they would share their day with each other, watching the sun go down in the evening, and then he would take her in his arms, lean down and capture her lips with a kiss. She let out a small sigh as a smile came to her face.
"Do I have to ask who it is you were thinking of just then?" her father asked as he came up and sat down next to her.
Elizabeth jumped just a little, surprised, "Oh Dad!" she blushed as she sat up. "I was just..." she began to say.
"Thinking of Will," he finished her sentence for her.
She knew there was no point in denying it. "Yes, I guess I was thinking of Will just now," she admitted. "I needed a pleasant thought to hold on to actually."
He knew what she was referring to the argument with her mother. "Lizzy I'm sorry for the way your mum is carrying on," he told her. "I know she has been very difficult for both you and Jane," he told her.
Elizabeth sighed, "It's not that I don't want her help or her advice. It's just that she wants to do everything her own way. She wants elaborate parties, with hundreds of guests and..."
Her father took her hand in his. "I know," he told her. "And I know that's not what you or Darcy want to have. That's why I have a proposal for you."
"What is your proposal?" she asked him.
"Well I know you and Darcy would like to marry sooner rather than later?" he began.
"Yes," she agreed.
"I also know that you would be heartbroken to not have Jane stand up with you when you do marry," he told her.
She nodded her head, "Yes Jane must be there," she told him.
He smiled, "Then I believe the best possible solution for you is to marry Darcy the same day that Jane marries Charles," he told her. "I propose a double wedding."
Elizabeth was thrilled with the idea. "That's a wonderful idea," she told him. "Will and I could be married at the same time as Jane. We could have a double ceremony here at our family church!" she said. "Mum would only have one wedding to help plan instead of two, all the same guest could attend since Jane, and I would probably invite the same people anyway," she said her mind racing with plans already. "Oh Dad, this is a perfect idea, thank you."
Her father squeezed her hand, "I knew you would think so that's why I already spoke to Jane and she was thrilled with the idea as well," he told her. "I think you should tell Darcy and I will break the news to your mum."
Elizabeth knew how her mother would respond. "She will hate the idea," she told him.
He nodded his head, "Yes, she will hate the idea," he began to say. "Until I tell her that it's either this or you and Darcy will elope, leaving her out of the wedding completely," he told her as a smile broke out on his face. "She will be so desperate to keep that from happening that she will be perfectly content to help with just one wedding. Trust me; this will keep her in check."
Elizabeth leaned over and kissed her father. "You are the wisest of men!" she told him.
"Yes I am," he agreed. "Now I'm going to speak to your mum, and I think you have a call to make," he told her as he got up and walked back to the house.
Elizabeth pulled her phone out and sent a text to Will, "How about October?" she typed in.
Darcy was right in the middle of a meeting with Richard when his phone went off. He looked down and realized it was a text from Elizabeth, "It's Elizabeth," he told him as he read over the text.
Richard smiled, "I can wait," he told him. "Go ahead and answer her."
Darcy looked back at his phone, "What about October?" he wrote her back.
"Marry me," she typed in then hit send.
Darcy smiled, "But Charles and Jane are getting married in October," he wrote back.
"Yes," she typed, "And so are we if you are up for a double wedding."
Darcy read her message, "That's perfect," he wrote to her. "I love the idea."
Elizabeth smiled as she typed in "I love you!"
Richard could tell by the grin on his cousin's face that whatever Elizabeth said it clearly made him happy. "Well, are you going to share the news or was it private?"
Darcy could hardly believe it, but in a few short weeks Elizabeth would be his wife, "I'm getting married."
Richard laughed, "Yes I know that already."
Darcy laughed, "No I mean I'm getting married in October, Jane and Elizabeth have agreed to a double wedding ceremony."
Richard smiled, "Darcy that's good news. Congratulations," he told him. "Are you going to call Georgie or do you want to finish this up first?"
Darcy looked down at the stack of files on his desk that they still needed to go over, "Let's finish this up first," he told him.
Mr. Bennet went back into the house and straight up to see his wife, "Fanny I need to speak with you," he said as he came into the room.
She was still sitting on her chaise with a handkerchief in hand, "What is it?" she cried. "Can't you see how upset I am?"
He took one look at her tear-stained cheeks and shook his head, "Fanny your girls are getting married, you should be happy," he told her. "Instead you are sitting up here crying and feeling sorry for yourself."
Mrs. Bennet eyes flashed with anger, "I knew you would take Lizzy side in all of this," she snapped at him. "She has no idea of what is proper. She needs my hand to guide her in these things," she told her. "There are expectations for a wedding such as this. There must be parties and planning..."
John could see trying to appeal to her with reason was not going to work, "Fanny I have just spoken with Darcy and Elizabeth," he began to tell her as he walked over and sat down. "Elizabeth has told me that Darcy doesn't want a large affair. He wants a simple ceremony with close friends and family."
"He's only saying those things to make Elizabeth happy," Fanny insisted. "He knows what will be expected; he knows what is proper for someone of his standing and social circle."
John shook his head in frustration, "Fanny I didn't want to worry you, but I have been told that if you don't relent in this behavior of yours, if you don't stop talking to the press, Darcy and Elizabeth plan to elope. They will go off and marry on their own, and you will not be there. In fact, I fear if you don't allow both our daughter's opinions to be heard above your own they may both run off and marry, and then you shall have no weddings to help with or attend."
Fanny's eyes grew wide with worry, "Oh! John, do you really believe they would do such a thing?"
"You know how determined Lizzy can be. I told them that I don't want them to elope, but Fanny you have been difficult these past few days. If they should run off, you will have no one but yourself to blame," he warned her. "As you said Darcy is very wealthy, he has his own plane that can be ready in a moment to take them wherever they wish."
Fresh tears formed in her eyes as she began crying again, "Oh this is too unfair!" she cried.
John was not going to have it, "Now Fanny that's exactly what I am speaking about," he told her. "Now you must get yourself under control. I have come up with an idea that both girls said they would go along with."
Mrs. Bennet sniffled in, "Well what is this idea of yours then?" she demanded to know.
He smiled, "Jane and Lizzy will marry here in our family church, they will marry in October and have a double wedding," he suggested to her.
Mrs. Bennet eyes narrowed, "There is no time for..." she began to say when he cut her off.
"Now, Fanny, this is what is going to happen," he told her in his most stern voice. "Jane and Lizzy will have a double ceremony. They will be surrounded by close friends and family, there will be no press, and Lydia being in her condition, will be unable to attend," he told her. "You will either agree to this or I will give Darcy and Charles my blessing, and they will elope."
Mrs. Bennet sniffled in, "You would never allow Lizzy to be married without you being there," she told him.
"It would break my heart," John told her, giving her a stern look, "But I will do so if it is the only way to make her happy."
Mrs. Bennet sniffled in again, "I suppose I'm not allowed to offer any kind of motherly advice to either of them?" she said in frustration.
"You may offer all the motherly advice that you like," he told her. "But, you may not bully or attempt to manipulate them into doing what you want," he warned her. "There will be no carrying on, no crying and ranting. You will behave and in turn have the pleasure of seeing two of your daughters married to the men they love."
Mrs. Bennet looked down at her hands, "What of Lydia, she will be so heartbroken. Would you really deny her the chance of being at both her sister's weddings...?"
Mr. Bennet knew his daughter well enough to know that she would not be upset. She was such a selfish girl wrapped up in her own world, that she would not think twice about it. "Yes, my dear, Lydia will just have to deal with this loss but think of how much fun you will have when you tell her all about the day after it happens. Why you will get to spend endless hours telling her all the details, and there will be pictures as well."
Mrs. Bennet smiled suddenly, "And Lizzy could have no objection to me sharing some of those details with Mr. Weston for the local social section in the papers."
John knew he would have to give in on that account, "After the wedding has already happened, then you may share some of those details with Mr. Weston. You will say nothing about honeymoon trips, though."
Mrs. Bennet smiled, "Yes of course, but that will make it all the better. The world will want to know all the details, and I shall have them to give," she said as if an idea just occurred to her. "Oh John, I am so happy. Tell Lizzy and Jane both they must not elope," she said as she dried her eyes, "Tell them I only ask that we have one party so that I can announce to our friends and family properly of their upcoming marriages. It will be a small affair with no press," she told him. "That way when I do finally speak with Mr. Weston he will be even more eager for the details."
John sighed, "You may plan one small gathering for the two of them to celebrate their engagement. I will let Lizzy and Jane know," he told her then added a stern warning. "But you must promise Fanny, no more outbursts, and no more emotional blackmail."
Mrs. Bennet was hardly listening. "Yes, yes, of course, dear," she told him excitedly. "We will have the party at Netherfield. It will be so wonderful," she said as she hurried off over to her desk and began planning.
John took in a long deep breath, finally to have some small amount of peace in his house again. He turned and left his wife to her planning closing the door behind him.