Page 228 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Mary approached with Alexander beside her, his hand briefly at her back as they passed through the gathering around the church door. Mary kissed Elizabeth and held her for a moment.

“I am so happy for you, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Mary.”

Alexander shook Fitzwilliam's hand before taking Elizabeth's and raising it to his lips.

“My very best wishes, Mrs. Darcy.”

Elizabeth saw Lydia beside her father, wiping tears from her cheeks, and held out her arms.

Lydia went to her sister and returned the embrace.

Mr. Bennet reached Elizabeth as she and Fitzwilliam made their way toward the carriage. He kissed her cheek and took both her hands.

“You are going to be a very happy woman, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth smiled through her tears. “I am happy, Papa.”

Fitzwilliam offered Elizabeth his arm. She placed her hand upon it, and they continued toward the waiting carriage.

* * *

The carriage had scarcely left the church before Fitzwilliam reached for Elizabeth.

He drew her against him and kissed her. Elizabeth slipped her hands carefully onto his shoulders and returned the kiss. When his arm tightened around her waist, she drew back enough to look at him.

“We must take care, sir. Our neighbors will know what we have been doing if you arrive with a creased cravat and I with a crushed gown.”

Fitzwilliam smoothed his hand gently over the jonquil silk at her waist. “I would rather forgo the breakfast entirely and take you directly to Darcy House.”

Elizabeth laughed as she touched his cheek before looking down at the gold band upon her finger.

“I have missed wearing it, sir.”

Fitzwilliam lifted her hand and kissed the ring before pressing her fingers against his lips.

Elizabeth rested her head against his shoulder, and his arm settled around her as the carriage continued toward Netherfield.

* * *

The wedding breakfast filled Netherfield with neighbors and friends. The tables held everything Caroline had promised, including the lobster patties Elizabeth had requested and the lemon pudding Fitzwilliam favored.

His relations had come from London for the wedding. Colonel Fitzwilliam stood with his elder brother, Phillip, Viscount Stafford, while Lord and Lady Matlock spoke with the neighboring families.

Elizabeth was beside Lady Helen when she heard her father say, “Henry Fitzwilliam. Cambridge, was it not? You were a year ahead of me.”

Lord Matlock looked at him with recognition. “Bennet. Trinity. Of course.”

Elizabeth watched as the two men walked to a window, deep in conversation.

Jane sat beside Charles at the breakfast table, eating thinly sliced cold roast beef with mustard. Elizabeth had never seen her sister happier.

Her attention shifted from Jane and Charles when Fitzwilliam’s hand covered hers.

“We managed it, Elizabeth. Both our families are here, safe and happy. So much that we lost has been restored to us.”

Elizabeth turned her hand beneath his and entwined their fingers.