PP AU NON-CANON GENERAL REGENCY

Family Ties

NOTE: Due to comments (ALL from GUESTS) YES, I KNOW the actual ages in the books. HOWEVER, in this story Georgianna is only three years younger than Fitzwilliam Darcy; not the age span in Miss Austen's book. Hence, her being TWENTY-FIVE and NOT fifteen. And here Lydia and Kitty are only a year apart in age, not two.

Note 2: Waylen's father's will is mentioned in this tale... however, there was no threat to their estates and the details were slightly different though not told

Note 3: comments from guests that have NOTHING to do with the storyline will continue to be disapproved.

Lydia's Wedding

CH.1

Heavy, white, silk curtains covered the large windows of Longbourn's parlor, keeping the harsh winter winds out of the Bennet home. Overstuffed sofas and matching floral printed chairs, along with multiple tables, had been placed on a large Turkish rug. Elegant white ribbons and delicate floral garlands adorned the furniture, adding a touch of festivity to the room. Thomas' old writing desk and matching chair still remained in its corner next to the room's hearth, and its ornate fireplace crackled with a warm fire. A large golden-framed mirror hung over its mantle, making the room appear larger than it really was. Fresh flowers in simple, white vases were placed on the tables, and a beautifully arranged bouquet served as the centerpiece. One lone vase with dried flowers had been placed on the hearth by Bennet's housekeeper in an attempt to bring nature indoors.

Thomas walked down the stairs towards that same parlor, dressed in his Sunday suit. He did not enjoy the cravat. However, since it was Lydia's wedding day, the least Thomas could do was to wear the item without complaint. Mr. Bennet figured that, on top of the blessing that his youngest had shocked everyone by being wise enough not to do anything foolish like running off with a man like George Wickham, was an added reason not to argue against wearing the cravat, even though it was not the Sabbath.

He supposed Lydia not running off with the Ensign had something to do with a promise made to her dying mother two and a half years ago. However, whatever that promise had been, he had no clue; Thomas had been called away when it was made and had stepped back in just long enough to hear the words "I promise" coming out of Lydia's mouth.

"You look handsome." Mary smiled as she and her husband, Captain Pedersen, entered the Bennet home. "Where is Lydia?"

"Up in her room getting ready." Thomas hugged his daughter and turned to Emil. "I thought you were out to sea."

"I was." Emil laughed. "Waylen sent word of the wedding in plenty of time that I was able to plan time on shore for the event." He sobered up. "Sadly, I will have to leave for the nearest port right after the vows are said. Mary may stay a little longer, but even she will need to return within the week."

"I understand." Just then Kitty and James were ushered in and Thomas suggested the two couples go into the parlor.

"Out of all us," Mary spoke to her sister, "the last person I thought to be wed by special license I did not expect it to be Lydia. We all married in churches with regular banns being read; I figured she would do the same."

"I am just grateful we both grew up..." Kitty whispered and then echoed her father's thoughts unknowingly by saying. "And did not do anything like running off with someone like Ensign Wickham."

"Me too." Mary went to say more only just then Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth were shown in along with the local preacher and Waylen Warrington. The parson was an older gentleman of average height and very little hair. Waylen would be the oldest of the brothers, but that did not bother anyone. They all figured he was a rare breed among men and would be good for Lydia. So, why argue? And since Lydia had shocked everyone by being far more mature in the past couple years than they thought possible... the two made the perfect pair.

"Are you sure you want to tie the knot again?" Fitzwilliam grinned. "It cannot be undone."

"I am sure." Waylen smiled. "And it would not matter if it could; I already informed Lydia, I would not sign such papers."

No one spoke of his father's will for they—with the exception of Mr. Bennet—knew not of it. Waylen and Lydia had opted to keep that to themselves. No one else came, other than Mr. Warrington Senior, and he entered just as everyone had found their seats.

As the guests settled in the beautifully decorated parlor, the anticipation in the room could physically felt. Waylen stood by the preacher, his gaze fixed on the entrance, a calm confidence in his demeanor. The parson, with his prayer book in hand, smiled benignly at the guests, ready to begin the ceremony.

Elizabeth caught her husband's eye, and they shared a knowing look. Fitzwilliam gave Waylen a wide grin, recognizing a man who was more nervous than he would willingly admit.

The warmth of the hearth created a cozy atmosphere, with the crackling fire casting a soft glow around the room. The scent of dried flowers, mingled with the faint aroma of burning wood, filled the air. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards the door, waiting for the bride to make her entrance.

The heavy, white silk curtains rustled softly as a gentle breeze slipped through a tiny gap. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of burning wood from the hearth. It was a picture of tranquility and festivity, a perfect setting for the momentous occasion.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and all heads turned in unison. Thomas entered the room, leading Lydia by the arm. She was a vision of grace and simple elegance, her dress a delicate creation of white lace. Her eyes met Waylen's, and a shy smile had appeared on her lips as she approached him. It was not long before the two were declare man and wife.

"I congratulate you but must bid you all farewell," Emile declared, shaking Waylen's hand and offering Lydia a respectful bow. "My first mate awaits me in town." Turning to Mary, he continued, "You will recall that Mrs. McDowell is passing through Meryton within the week; do ensure you travel back home with her."

"Aye, rest assured, I will remember."

James would have stayed but he had commitments with his job. However, he had no problems with his wife Catherine, who he never called Kitty, staying behind. Hence, he bid everyone a farewell and made his own departure. Waylen's father, relieved his oldest was remarried, walked up to his new daughter.

"You, my dear, are one unique lady." Mr. Warrington Senior lowered his voice. "When I set those terms, I honestly believed he would find a wife on the upper age range; I was convinced no one on the lower end would fit the bill. You, however, proved me wrong."

The old man bowed his head to Lydia, hugged his son and then walked out the door. He could be seen climbing into his coach and then heading away from Longbourn. No one expected to see him again at Longbourn, for all knew Waylen Senior preferred his home in Kent over any other place on earth.

Elizabeth lifted a glass and made a toast before the bride and groom made their own departure. "May life treat you with the utmost kindness and may you be blessed with the son you so fervently desire. However, should life decree otherwise, may you find yourselves surrounded by daughters who will keep you delightfully on your toes and fill your days with boundless joy and spirited adventures. To Waylen and Lydia—here's to a future brimming with love and surprises!"

It was only after Waylen and Lydia were gone that Thomas exited the parlor and went upstairs to his own room. Looking at the portrait of his late wife he could not help but give a faint smile.

"I think you would like Waylen my dear, or at least the fact your youngest will not have to worry about whether, or not, she will starve. That gentleman has four estates. More than Alexander, who sold all but two -he said he got tired of dealing with so many." He then sighed. "Life is more than that my dear. Even when we got on firm ground- financially- I dare say, as a couple, we only truly became happy once we started backing each other up."

A dog barking outside-almost as if it was in mortal danger- got Thomas propelled to the window. "Crazy dog, told you that cat thinks it is a badger, stay away from it."

Turning back around he could hear the sounds of his married daughters' voices through from below. They were laughing. He had no idea over what, probably did not want to know, but then he heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Those same feet only quit when Fitzwilliam appeared at Thomas' library's door.

"May I speak to you? Alone?"

"But of course."