The last few months had been very difficult on Darcy. He was already tired and frustrated of hearing gossip about Lady Victoria's supposed lovers and transgressions and the teasing of some gentlemen about her infidelities. He felt that he was the laughingstock of the Ton, and that he had also damaged Georgiana's prospects.
Although he cursed the day he had asked Lady Victoria to marry him, he still felt sad and guilty because he had contributed to her death. Lord Matlock, Lady Matlock and Edward wanted to reconcile with him and were trying to mitigate the gossip at all costs. Even his neighbour, Mr. Swan adamantly denied that his son had any kind of relationship with Lady Victoria.
Fortunately, his servants and tenants had not mentioned her since the scandal. Besides, Mrs. Reynolds had donated all of Lady Victoria's gowns and belongings, and there was no trace of her time at Pemberley.
As he rode back to Pemberley, Darcy thought about his chance meeting with Elizabeth. He knew it was very difficult - almost impossible - to think that one day she would feel affection for him, but he wanted at all costs to win her good opinion and forgiveness. Unfortunately, Elizabeth was going back to London in a few days, and he had no excuse to see her again.
The next day, despite being in mourning, he decided to attend the wedding of Robert Martin and Mary Bennet with Georgiana.
PPP
At the appointed time, the bride entered the church arm in arm with her uncle, closely followed by Elizabeth. Mary was radiant in a peach-coloured gown with beautiful flowers and pearls adornments in her hair, while the groom was wearing a black suit, along with a big smiled on his face.
While all eyes were on the young couple, Darcy's eyes were on Elizabeth's expressive face, watching her reactions intently.
The ceremony was simple and emotional, the bride shed some tears of happiness and the groom's voice cracked with feelings as he said his vows. Looking at the loving couple and the happiness showing in both their faces; Darcy sadly remembered his wedding day; along with the lack of conviction with which they promised to love, respect, and be faithful to one another. Unfortunately, before they even said their vows, it was clear that their marriage was doomed to fail. He had made so many mistakes, and he would have to live with the resulting consequences of them for the rest of his life.
At the end of the ceremony, Darcy and Georgiana congratulated the bride, groom, and family. Mrs. Bennet, well aware of the honour of Mr. Darcy and his sister were attending the wedding - especially while they were still in mourning - adamantly insisted that they should remain for the wedding breakfast, and they eventually accepted the invitation.
Remembering her previous meeting with the Misses Bennet in London, Georgiana was delighted to see them again and happy that Mary was now Mr. Martin' wife.
Since Mrs. Bennet's house was less than half a mile from the church, the guests walked to the house. Kitty and Lydia went ahead with their mother to help their only maid serve the wedding breakfast.
Half an hour later, Elizabeth noticed Georgiana was alone in a chair while her brother spoke to Mr. Martin and Mary. The Gardiners and Mrs. Potter were all chatting animatedly while Kitty and Lydia conversed with each other.
Elizabeth approached Georgiana and, smiling, asked, "Miss Darcy, have you read the book we discussed a few months ago?"
Georgiana smiled warmly at her and replied, "Yes, I have read it twice. You were right, Miss Bennet. The story was highly entertaining, and I liked it very much. Thank you for recommending it to me."
"I am glad you enjoyed it!" Curiously, Elizabeth asked, "Have you read Lady Roses' second novel?"
Georgiana shook her head and curiously asked, "No. Have you read it?"
Elizabeth smiled, and nodded. "Yes, I read it a few weeks ago. In my opinion, it is better than her first novel. If you want, I can tell you what the story is about."
Georgiana smiled at Elizabeth, and Elizabeth enthusiastically began to share the details of her second novel with her. A few minutes later, Darcy joined the conversation.
"Are you talking about a novel?"
Elizabeth nodded slightly and replied, "Indeed, we are talking about Lady Roses' second novel."
"I read the first of her novels and I liked it, but I haven't had a chance to read her second novel."
Hearing that Darcy had read her first novel, Elizabeth was surprised since most gentlemen either didn't read novels or, if they did, they denied it. Without giving it much thought, Elizabeth remarked, "I am surprised you like to read novels, Mr. Darcy."
"To be honest, I prefer reading Shakespeare's plays or other classics, but since my sister enjoyed that novel very much, I read it." He smiled, "Actually, I am reading Sir Walter Scott's novel 'The Lady of the Lake'. It is a fascinating and highly entertaining story."
"I haven't read it..."
The three of them continued talking animatedly for several minutes about literature, and then about music and their favourite composers. Some hours later, the Darcys sadly said goodbye to Elizabeth and the rest of the people, but before they left for Pemberley, Georgiana asked Elizabeth for her London address so she could write to her.