Page 124 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

His face brightened. “Aunt Caroline!”

Caroline immediately held out her arms. “Master Edward! Come and give me a hug.”

He ran to her and threw his arms around her neck.

Darcy bent his head toward Elizabeth.

“Your family appears well.”

“Yes, they all look very well, especially Jane. And they reached Derbyshire without breaking a wheel.”

His expression softened. “I shall be forever grateful for one broken wheel, Elizabeth.”

“So shall I, Fitzwilliam.”

* * *

The next several days passed in a manner Elizabeth could once scarcely have imagined. The first banns had been read on the Sunday after Mr. Darcy’s proposal. They would be married in another two weeks, after the final banns had been read, and there was still much to be done, though the two most important matters stood firm. They wanted a simple wedding followed by a quiet wedding breakfast.

The distance between Ashcroft and Pemberley was short enough that the two households met every day. Mr. Bingley discovered numerous reasons to accompany Darcy to Ashcroft. Once there, he generally found his way to Jane and stayed beside her for as long as propriety allowed.

Caroline resumed her easy friendship with Jane and Elizabeth. She walked with them, played with little Edward who adored her, and one afternoon spent nearly an hour with Elizabeth discussing fabrics after Aunt Maddie declared that an engaged woman who intended to marry in two short weeks required something new in which to be married.

Caroline examined a length of silk Mrs. Gardiner had gifted to Elizabeth. “You have beautiful coloring, Eliza, and you are about to become Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley. You cannot continue telling me that any gown will do. If you do not care what you wear, you must allow someone who does care to help you.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I have never had beautiful clothes, Caroline. I come from a family of five daughters. Gowns cannot mean the same to me that they do to you.”

Caroline considered her for a moment. “No, I suppose they cannot. But there is a considerable distance between extravagance and allowing yourself something beautiful for your wedding. I intend to see that you have it.”

“I begin to remember why I like you so well, my dear friend. You are a breath of fresh air.”

Later that afternoon, Georgiana grew quiet and asked to return to Pemberley.

Darcy accompanied her to the carriage and handed her in.

“I shall remain here for a few hours longer, Georgie.”

The young girl looked from her brother to Elizabeth, then leaned forward and kissed Elizabeth’s cheek.

“I shall see you tomorrow, Lizzy.”

“Yes. Rest this afternoon.”

Darcy closed the carriage door, and they watched until it started down the drive.

He offered Elizabeth his arm, and they started toward the house.

“My aunt and Mrs. Radcliff have occupied much of your time with wedding arrangements, and you have borne it very well, sir.”

Darcy covered the hand resting on his arm. “I am to marry you at the end of it, my darling. I have found very little to complain of.”

She drew closer to his side.

“Elizabeth, I have missed our early morning walks. I have scarcely had you alone since your family arrived.”

Elizabeth caught his arm and drew him behind the hedge. She rose onto her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.

“Sir, you put me in mind of the Greek gods I was so eager to study.”