Newbury descended the stairs of the inn at which he and Darcy lodged, a better class indeed than the tavern at which they had drowned Darcy's woes the night before. His head was muddled with ale, but he was a sight better off than Darcy, who it seemed had no tolerance for the quantity of strong ale which he had imbibed. His friend was still abed as the captain made his way to the common room, where, he had promised Darcy, he was to begin arrangements to find his fiancée and negotiate the marriage. He was just beginning to survey the occupants of the room for a likely crier when a tall woman stopped him.
"Pray excuse me sir, are you Captain Newbury?" The woman had a pronounced French accent, blonde hair knotted neatly atop her head and a purposeful air.
"I am, madam, how may I be of service?"
"I am Mrs. Romney, wife of Chester Romney, first mate serving with Captain Wentworth in His Majesty's Navy. I met a young woman yesterday afternoon who related to me the strangest tale concerning your friend, Mr. Darcy."
"Do you know where she is, madam? I'm afraid my friend is going out of his wits with worry for his fiancée. Is she safe?"
"She is quite safe. But do you think this is the place to discuss this matter?" she gestured around her where a bustling crowd were going about their morning's business.
"Of course not, madam. Pray, let me arrange more privacy for our councils." With a bow he was of to the proprietor. Eleanor watched him. He seemed to her to be a proper officer, of the better sort her husband served with. Not vain and self-important as too many were.
Newbury soon returned with a serving maid who led them upstairs to a private sitting room. Settled with a cup of tea, Mrs. Romney fixed the captain with a stern look and began.
"Captain Newbury, is your friend Mr. Darcy still set upon marrying Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"
"He is, madam. He believes that being wed is the only way he can preserve her reputation and make amends for the wrongs he has done her."
"Wrongs, indeed. What if Miss Bennet were not of a mind to marry him? What if she instead decided to pursue her remedies for those wrongs through the courts? What then?"
Newbury started. "Madam, that could serve no purpose but to ruin her reputation for good, whilst staining Darcy honor forever. That would be madness."
"Indeed it would," Mrs. Romney agreed, sipping tea. "And Miss Bennet, gentle girl that she is, would never think of such a thing. And I know that the courts are not kind to a woman claiming seduction, or worse. And though she might eventually win a large award, the cost would be too much."
"They must marry," said the captain earnestly.
"And so they must. Bring Mr. Darcy to me and I shall see if he shares this conviction."
"I assure you he does, madam. And as I am his best man, I am entitled to make all decisions pertaining to the marriage for him."
"Are you? Pray, then, what do you offer, on his behalf?"
"Offer, madam? He offers marriage, as immediately as can be."
"Of course. I meant more tangible terms. Your friend has proved that he cannot be trusted. I, who am also empowered in this matter, will not allow it to go forward until my friend and her family have generous recompense for the aggravation of this unfortunate turn of events."
Newbury blanched and relented. "I will go fetch Darcy," he said, rising.
Two hours later a pale and shaky Darcy and a triumphant Mrs. Romney arose from their negotiations. She bowed to him with a fulsome smile on her face.
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for your generosity. I'm sure there can be no objection, now, to the wedding taking place this evening."
Darcy bowed in turn. "Thank you, madam. I'm sure that Miss Bennet could not have found a more suitable friend. If you will excuse me."
Mrs. Romney swept from the room and, finding Newbury waiting anxiously outside the door, granted him the same smile and wished him good day. "I will see you this evening, Captain Newbury." She bowed and was gone.
Newbury hastily entered the room, where Darcy was pacing with aggravation.
"Damnit, Newbury, I'm never drinking with you again. And how could you throw me to that woman — that French shark — with no warning of what I would be dealing with?"
The captain surveyed his friend with some satisfaction. "No, Darcy, I think you've gotten quite what you deserved. And your married life can only get better from here."
Darcy gave his friend a hard look. "If I deserved that I was very bad, indeed. But if Elizabeth tries to invite her to Pemberly, I shall have to put my foot down."
Newbury made no attempt to hide his smile.
"Good luck, Darcy."
Men were quickly dispatched to the Spaniel to fetch evening clothes for the wedding party. Eleanor re-entered her home all smiles and swept Elizabeth into an embrace.
"It is all set now, my dear. You can be sure I made him sorry he ever laid a finger on you."
"Mrs. Romney, what did you do to him?" she asked in alarm.
"Never you mind, Miss Bennet. Do not worry about it, just know that he has suffered as much as you have. And never forget that you have the whip hand over that man, for the rest of your lives.
"But we must hurry. The man with your trunk will be arriving shortly and I must summon Agnes to see to your hair. You wed this evening, my dear."
Elizabeth gave herself up to the maid's skillful ministrations, and by sunset found herself outfitted in the gown she wore to the Netherfield ball and a lace veil artfully arranged over her hair.
Eleanor looked quite transformed in a high-necked gown, feathers adorning her hair in a way that looked quite more natural than Caroline or Louise had ever managed, Elizabeth thought.
As the pair entered the Romney's carriage, Elizabeth began to wonder if she would be able to face Darcy with composure equal to his own.