Chapter 14:

The week of the wedding had finally arrived, bringing with it even more noise to the Bennet household, as well as guests. Viscount Crawley and Mr. Darcy arrived together, showing comrade and being warmly welcomed by their perspective fiancées, as well as their boisterous mother, Mrs. Bennet. Unfortunately for them, there was not a lot of room nor privacy in Longbourn for the couples to share intimate moments and were forced to convey their affection in front of others, albeit in words or hidden glances.

Their arrival was followed by Lady Grantham and Lady Mary, who arrived two days before the wedding and brought with them the regret of Lord Grantham who was not feeling well to make the trip from Downton, near Derbyshire. Lady Grantham did not reveal any real concerns for his health, however, Matthew noticed concern in her eyes. The Gardiners were likewise welcomed with their clan, giving Mrs. Bennet a great opportunity to showcase how well she kept her table, with such a large party.

The night before the wedding, Elizabeth found some time alone with Mr. Darcy in the back garden but their short private time was interrupted by one of her sisters, who coloured at seeing them holding hands and walked back inside. Elizabeth blushed but felt it was prudent they also went back inside and so they did. Viscount Crawley was staying in Meryton, for he was not supposed to see the bride before the wedding.

Lizzy slipped inside her room, surprised to find Jane, crying….

"Jane! Whatever is the matter?" whispered Lizzy, surprised to find her beloved sister crying the night before the wedding.

"Oh, Lizzy, I am being quite silly" she said, dismissing her tears. Lizzy sat down next to her on their shared bed and offered her a handkerchief. Jane smiled and wiped off her tears, needing to calm herself before speaking.

"Do you think he will compare me to Emma, his previous wife?" she finally asked, her beautiful blue eyes rimmed with tears. She looked at Lizzy expectantly, her real fear coming out. Lizzy reached for both of her hands and answered honestly.

"I do not know. I imagine it would be normal at first, for that was the first wife, however, I think the circumstances are so different and he is so in love with you dearest Jane, that she will simply be a memory and you a reality" said Lizzy, speaking truthfully and hoping her words would placate her sister.

"Mama spoke to me of the wedding night and though I do not have any fears on that account, I wonder how much of their relationship will enter mine" added Jane, tears threatening to fall again.

"It only will if you let her ghost in, my dear" said Lizzy, patting her sister's hand. "He has let her go, there is no reason why you should bring her back. Though I am sure some moments will be sad for him, I have never seen a man look at a woman the way he looks at you Jane. He not only loves you and obviously finds you very handsome, but he also values and respects you."

"Yes, I know that. You are right Lizzy, I am a fool for crying" said Jane, giving her a weak smile. "I am excited for tomorrow, nervous too, I suppose. It all happened to fast and has been so amazing—is it real?"

"Yes, it is real and very wonderful" said Lizzy, smiling at her dear sister. "Come, let us get some rest" she said, blowing out the candle. The sisters enjoyed their last night together, whispering and sharing their thoughts. It was some time before they fell asleep, each as happy for the other as they were for themselves.

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The bride looked marvelous—the veil covering her glistening eyes and happy smile. The groom could not keep the grin off his face—reveling in the bride that he had been so fortunate to have. The guests watched their interaction, some with amusement and some with great love. Lady Grantham could not contain her happy tears, for she had so wished for her son to find happiness once again. Lady Mary rolled her eyes at her brother's romantic gestures, sharing the sentiment with Lizzy, who was beginning to understand and really like Lady Mary.

Jane blushed becomingly at the wedding breakfast, graciously accepting congratulations, as Matthew stood nearby, anxious to leave and have her to himself. She could feel him next to her as she took her time speaking with the guests.

After what felt like an eternity for Matthew but was polite time for them to leave, the newly married went into the Crawley Carriage and were on their way to London, Downton House, where they would spend a few days before going on their honeymoon to France.

Elizabeth sat next to Fitzwilliam and touched his hand slightly, producing a smile on his face. She motioned with her eyes for him to follow her and after a polite excuse from his neighboring companion, he went after her.

They went for a walk in the gardens, Lizzy holding on to his arm for support and enjoying the closeness.

"You look beautiful today, Elizabeth" he said, looking into her eyes. "I feel remiss in not having said it earlier, but you know I am not a man of many words in public."

"That I do know" she teased. They walked by a small shrubbery and sat down on one of the benches, happy to have some time alone and not have a chaperon with them.

"So when do you leave for Pemberley?" asked Lizzy, not wanting to admit that her primary intention for getting him secluded was to enjoy being close to him.

"I will leave in a few hours to London and from there I will ride to Pemberley tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you in two weeks time when you come with the Gardiners" he responded.

"Me too" she said, smiling at him. He hesitated and then reached for her face, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear before leaning in and giving her a soft kiss on her cheek.

"I love you and cannot wait to marry you" he said, "I have never been as jealous as I am today. I so wished I were the groom and you the bride"

"I am falling in love with you Fitzwilliam….I cannot say for certain for I have never felt love before and considering we are already engaged, I do not have to keep you appraised of my feelings but I will let you know when I know" she said.

"You should always keep my appraised of your feelings for they are of utmost importance to me" he said, melting her heart. How could someone so seemingly distant be so sweet and romantic?

"Well well, if it is not the lovebirds" teased Lady Mary, walking towards them. The smirk on her face was irritating but they had both grown to feel a form of endearment towards her. "You know, it is not proper for an engaged couple to be hiding behind shrubbery without a chaperon"

"We would not be hiding with a chaperon" teased Lizzy, and all three laughed. "Come sister" teased Lizzy, "You may join us."

"I should get used to being the odd one out, for that is what I will be at Downton now" she said solemnly. "Though I do adore Jane"

"It is impossible not to" said Lizzy, grateful that Lady Mary liked Jane for as much as it hurt Lizzy to think about it, they would actually spend most of their time together, whereas Lizzy will be in Pemberley soon.

They all walked back into the house soon after that, whereas Mr. Darcy said goodbye to his bride and the Bennets. Lizzy walked him towards his horse and felt a pang of despair seeing him go. Perhaps their wedding was closer than she originally thought.

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Jane and Matthew enjoyed their private carriage ride to London, which ended sooner than expected. Once in London, Matthew properly introduced his bride and accompanied her to her bedroom so she could freshen up for their wedding supper.

He had asked the housekeeper, Mrs. Long, to keep it simple, for her he did not want to spend too much time eating.

Jane was in awe of Downton House but could barely appreciate seeing it again, this time as her house, for she was very nervous for their wedding night. After a bath and switching out of her traveling clothes, Jane looked every part the beautiful, blushing bride. Matthew knocked on her door and accompanied her to the dining room, where they sat together, holding hands, enjoying wine and a fine meal.

It was all a blur to Jane, who could not contain her happiness and could likewise not eat with all the knots in her stomach. Matthew smiled every time he saw her nervous and kissed her knuckles reassuringly.

The first night together was nothing like she expected and infinitively more. To discuss it would be to diminish it and so we will end by saying that they grew closer and enjoyed each others company, while laughing, smirking, and blushing.

Jane opened her eyes, unaware of the time, but very aware of the figure next to her and a deep smile and blush covered her cheeks. She unconsciously brought a hand to her lips, remembering their night together, when a loud knock disturbed them. Matthew woke up startled, clearly shaken by the unexpected knock. The knock grew louder, as Matthew put on a robe and went to the door.

"Lord Grantham" the footman said solemnly, "An express."

Matthew faltered in his step, knowing what the express read. For only with such news would he be addressed as Lord Grantham.