Notes: I added dates to some chapters and made minor changes. I'm going on a trip again this Saturday and probably won't post all week. We are approaching the turning point of the story.
PPP
15th November 1812
On the third day after the dinner party at Mr. Carey's estate, around fifty guests gathered at the church to witness the union of Frederick Carey and Charlotte Lucas in holy matrimony. The bride and groom appeared visibly happy and exchanged their vows with conviction. Thomas and his wife signed the marriage registry as witnesses to the wedding.
Margareth Carey was overcome with joy during the ceremony; her affection for Charlotte was evident, and she looked forward to having her as her stepmother, hopeful for the prospect of having siblings in the future.
As the ceremony unfolded, Bingley's gaze lingered on Jane's profile, the delicate contours of her face etching themselves into his memory. Overwhelmed by a flood of emotions and doubts, he closed his eyes, reflecting on the disagreement with his sister and friend that had transpired following the dinner party at Mr. Carey's house.
They had gathered in the library to discuss their thoughts about the party. Caroline expressed her dissatisfaction, cautioning, "You should not continue to devote so much attention to Jane Bennet. She and her aunt are deceitful and solely interested in your wealth. I overheard part of Mrs. Phillips' conversation with Mrs. Long about what a lovely couple you make. I wouldn't be surprised if Mrs. Phillips is already planning your wedding with her niece!"
Before Bingley could respond, Darcy furrowed his brow and added, "Your sister is correct, Bingley. You must exercise great caution not to raise expectations if you are uncertain about meeting them, particularly if you are considering purchasing Netherfield Park…"
Bingley sighed with sadness; he knew Darcy and Caroline were right. At the party, he had talked almost exclusively with Jane Bennet. He asked her about her mother's family and her relationship with her father, Mrs. Bennet and her sisters. However, the conversation did not reveal anything new: Jane's relationship with her father was distant, she dearly loved her sisters, especially Elizabeth, and Mrs. Bennet was a sweet and caring stepmother. As there were several people nearby, and they could easily overhear their conversation, he decided not to ask her directly about Longbourn's entailment.
His sister and Darcy continued to advise him to forget about Jane Bennet and remind him that he would be quite unhappy if he entered into a marriage with a woman who did not love him. He promised them that he would be more careful in the future and would not do anything impulsively.
After the wedding ceremony, all the guests were warmly invited to Lucas Lodge to enjoy a lavish breakfast. Lady Lucas was beaming with pride and joy, as her eldest daughter had married one of the most prominent gentlemen in the neighborhood.
During the wedding breakfast, Bingley barely conversed with Jane, despite her attempts to catch his attention. Instead, he participated in a lively discussion with Darcy and Miss Elizabeth about Wordsworth's poems. Elizabeth had never visited the country's northern region, but expressed her desire to do so, revealing that her grandmother hailed from Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, Kitty was in awe of Caroline's stylish attire and eagerly asked her several questions about the grand parties in London. Other ladies, including Jane, joined them when Caroline recounted the lavish parties that she had been part of and the influential individuals she had encountered.
After noon, the newly-weds left for Bath for two weeks. At Lady Lucas's insistence, Margareth stayed at her house instead of the Bennets'.