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Mr Collins attended the ball, but afterwards he returned to Kent, summoned by Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who was furious about her nephew’s engagement. Still, before he left, he had time to propose to Charlotte Lucas and had the happiness of being accepted, so he could take back to his noble patroness the news that he had obeyed her.

The day after the ball, Mr Bingley and his sisters were expected to leave for London, where he had some business to attend to. Instead, he came to Longbourn with Mr Darcy and invited Elizabeth and Jane for a walk. When they returned, there were two betrothed couples. This provoked further excitement of Mrs Bennet’s nerves, which she overcame with reasonable success.

Mr Bingley also purchased a common licence and asked for Mr Darcy’s blessing to share their wedding day.

Elizabeth and Jane’s happiness was now complete. Mrs Bennet would have preferred two weddings, two reasons to brag to the community, but she did not dare contradict Mr Darcy in any way.

Days passed, winter came, and Elizabeth waited for her wedding day with much anticipation. Without the pressure of doing anything in particular, or even consummating her marriage, she simply enjoyed her betrothed’s attentions and his tender courtship. Not once, not for a single moment, did she regret accepting Mr Darcy’s strange proposal, nor did she have any doubts that she could have a happy marriage with him.

Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley travelled to London several times during their engagement, but neither stayed away from their future brides more than one night.

While they were at Netherfield, they called at Longbourn every day, and Elizabeth was content to see her father and her betrothed spending time in each other’s company.

Mr Darcy offered to help Mr Bennet improve Longbourn’s income, but the offer was politely declined.

“Let me be bluntly honest, Mr Darcy. With Lizzy married to you and Jane to Mr Bingley, I see no reason to exert myself unduly. Leaving Mr Collins a thriving estate is certainly not my goal.”

Miss Bingley and the Hursts departed for London and did not return, showing their disapproval of the two events.

A few days before the ceremony, however, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, with their children, arrived at Longbourn. Also, Lord Dunnroy and his brother came to Netherfield for the wedding, to support their cousin. Lady Cecilia and Georgiana chose not to travel in the winter but sent their regards. Lord and Lady Matlock did not say much; Lady Catherine de Bourgh said a lot, through various letters which Mr Darcy chose not to share with his betrothed.

In Meryton, the latest gossip concerned the surprising news that Mr Wickham had decided on a change of profession. He gave up his position within the regiment and decided to seek a new beginning abroad. The last reports placed him on a ship bound for India. Elizabeth asked Mr Darcy whether he had any involvement, and he simply replied that it was the best solution for everyone, including Mr Wickham, who was already being chased by his creditors. During that discussion, Mr Darcy also told Elizabeth about the former officer’s disturbing attempt to elope with his sister.

“It happened only a few weeks before my arrival in Hertfordshire,” he explained, helping her understand what was hidden behind his initial pride and arrogant manners. It was the first time Elizabeth placed a soft kiss on his cheek, as a gesture of comfort and affection.

Their first real kiss was also initiated by Elizabeth and was shared on their wedding day, in the carriage that took them to London.

After the service that brought the whole neighbourhood to Longbourn church, Mr Bingley and his bride, together with their family and friends, travelled to Netherfield for a celebratory breakfast. Mr and Mrs Darcy decided to go to London directly. The sorrow of spending her first Christmas away from her family was slightly palliated by the anticipation and joy of meeting her new sister and beginning her new life. The farewell with her family was sweet, affectionate, a little loud from Mrs Bennet, and silent and heartfelt from Mr Bennet, while Lydia, Kitty, and Mary begged for a long visit to town.

On the evening of her wedding, Elizabeth arrived in London and entered her new home, arm in arm with her husband. She was introduced to Miss Darcy — Georgiana — then to the housekeeper and the rest of the servants, and she enjoyed a pleasant dinner with Mr Darcy and his sister. That first night, after the meal, her husband knocked on their adjoining door, and in a trembling voice, she invited him in.

“I just came to ensure you are comfortable and to wish you good night,” he said, taking her hands in his and bringing them to his lips.

“I am,” she said, smiling timidly.

“Is the room to your liking?”

“Oh, yes! It is just wonderful.”

“Georgiana was very happy to make your acquaintance.”

“And I was happy to make hers. She is everything I hoped for.”

He seemed to breathe in relief. “I am glad to hear that. I do not know whether you noticed, but you have a lovely view of the street and down towards Hyde Park from your window.”

“I did notice. But I have barely had time to admire everything yet. However, I do look forward to a walk soon.”

“Whenever you wish,” he answered. “Well…I shall leave you now. You must be tired.”

“Not really…would you not stay a little longer?” she heard herself asking. “Perhaps have a drink?”

“I would like that very much,” he responded, surprised but obviously content. “Would you like to try some port, as Cecilia suggested for a good sleep?”

She laughed nervously. “Yes, please.”

He returned with two glasses and a decanter, and for a while, they enjoyed each other’s company, chatting, more and more at ease with each other’s nearness. They were wearing their night clothes, just as they had been on that night in the library when their lives had taken a turn towards each other. Elizabeth felt his gaze upon her, and her own eyes lingered on him, while her cheeks heated.

They sat at a small table by the window, and he took her left hand in his. She hoped he would kiss her and wondered that he did not.