While Bingley stood by the church door so that he might assist the Bennet ladies, Darcy, along with Georgiana, waited inside the vestibule for Lizzy to arrive. Because no one knew of their relationship, the couple had to be satisfied with furtive glances, of which there were to be many. Even though Darcy realized the necessity for circumspection, this endless waiting was having a deleterious effect on him and the only possible explanation for his sending Mercer to London with a note asking Antony to come to Netherfield. He hoped that was not a mistake.
When the bride walked down the aisle, Lizzy was elated. Charlotte Lucas, who did not like any fuss, had chosen a pale yellow dress that showed off her complexion and dark hair beautifully, and the effect was more than satisfactory. In contrast, Mr. Collins wore his parson’s suit with black hose that accentuated his spindly legs, but because he was so happy that his wedding day had finally arrived, his whole demeanor was one of pure joy. Even Lizzy had to smile when she saw the beaming parson.
The wedding breakfast was attended by intimate friends and family, all wishing Mr. and Mrs. Collins joy. In short order, the musicians began playing, and couples flocked to the dance floor. Darcy dearly wanted to ask Elizabeth to dance, but his presence in any venue always drew scrutiny. He did not want anyone gossiping about him until he was prepared to make an announcement, but surely one dance could do no harm? He had been making his way toward Elizabeth when there was a commotion in the foyer. The source of the excitement was quickly revealed: Antony, Lord Fitzwilliam, had arrived.
Darcy and Georgiana looked at each other in alarm. Antony wasn’t supposed to be here. The note had specifically told him to go to Netherfield Park. To add to the confusion, the earl was not alone. With him were his daughters, Amelia and Sophia, and a Madame Konig, who was being introduced to the guests as the girls’ “traveling” governess.
Sir William and Lady Lucas’s joy at having an earl in their home could barely be contained. When Lady Lucas was excited, she always spoke too loudly and in a shrill voice, and while his wife was nearly shouting, Sir William was almost speechless, hemming and hawing and harrumphing his way through his introductions of Lord Fitzwilliam.
After acknowledging everyone’s bows, Antony asked to be directed to the bride and groom. Using his prerogative as a member of the nobility to always get his way, as soon as Lord Fitzwilliam made eye contact with Mr. Collins, he let him know that he must wait his turn as the earl would first speak to his wife.
“Mrs. Collins, my heartfelt congratulations, and may I add that you are absolutely glowing, bringing much-needed sunshine to a drab autumn day? I hope you do not mind me joining you on this the happiest of occasions. I was supposed to go to Netherfield, but when I learned there was a wedding in the village, I could not resist. My only regret is that I arrived too late to attend the ceremony and thereby serve as a witness to the exchange of vows.”
“It was a simple ceremony, milord,” Charlotte said, trying to hide a smile. The sight of this aristocratic dandy, in his green brocade jacket standing next to her husband in his parson’s attire, was too funny for words.
“When it comes to church services, Mrs. Collins, simple is good; short is even better. May I ask, did you cry? I did at my wedding. In fact, my brother had to keep handing me one handkerchief after another, and it did not stop with the ceremony. I cried all through the wedding breakfast and for a good many days after that.
“And this gentleman is now your husband,” he said, turning to Mr. Collins, who bowed so low that his hand brushed the tops of his shoes. “Mr. Collins, your reputation has preceded you. Lady Catherine de Bourgh has remarked on how diligently you tend to your flock. I know that same sense of obligation will have you spending all of your time talking with your guests, so I shall not detain you a moment longer. But, first, please allow me to introduce my daughters, Amelia and Sophia, and their traveling governess, Madame Konig.”
After overcoming the surprise of finding Lord Fitzwilliam attending the wedding festivities of her friend, Lizzy had to make a real effort not to laugh. The earl was as colorful as any of the ladies at the breakfast. His footwear, with their gold-thread stitching, jeweled buckles, and high heels, was as out of date as his attire, making him look like a courtier in the court of a newly crowned George III. But then Lizzy realized that this show had a purpose, and the gaudiness of his apparel was deliberate. She was convinced he had come to Lucas Lodge as a diversion, and when she looked at Mr. Darcy and he would not return her look, she knew she was right.
It was his little cousins, Emmy and Sophie, who saved Mr. Darcy from a stern rebuke. After bending down so that both girls could kiss him on his cheeks, Lizzy had heard him say: “When I last saw you, I thought it was not possible for you two to get any prettier. But I was wrong. Here stand before me two of the loveliest young ladies in the kingdom,” and the pair squealed with delight. The girls then introduced Madame Konig to Mr. Darcy, and Lizzy looked for his reaction to the woman he knew to be his cousin’s mistress.
“Madame Konig, I am pleased to meet you,” Darcy said, bowing, and he gently took her hand. Although Madame said nothing, her gratitude to Mr. Darcy of Pemberley for his recognition was evident on her face.
“Lizzy, the governess…” Jane said.
“Traveling governess,” Lizzy answered, correcting her sister.
Jane had to look away for fear of laughing out loud. “Is the traveling governess who I think she is?” After Lizzy nodded, she continued, “My goodness, even in her staid governess clothes, she is absolutely stunning. I think her eyes are actually violet.”
“Yes, I think so as well. But what I find so appealing about her is the way Lord Fitzwilliam’s daughters keep looking at her. They obviously are comfortable in her company, and, I suspect, quite fond of her as well.”
After mingling among the guests for several minutes, Lord Fitzwilliam finally made his way over to Lizzy, and after inquiring about Mrs. Gardiner and expressing regret for her absence, he asked to be introduced to her family.
“Milord, this is my eldest sister, Jane,” and after Jane had curtseyed, he took her hand and briefly kissed it. “Miss Bennet, while at Pemberley, I told Miss Elizabeth that if her sisters were half as lovely as she was, then your home must be aglow with all the beauty contained therein. Mr. Bingley is very fortunate indeed.”
Jane acknowledged the compliment in full blush. She had never met an earl before, and here he was holding her hand, with his mistress standing but a few feet away.
“And you are…?” he asked, looking at Kitty.
“Catherine Bennet, milord.”
“Catherine? Hmm? I think not. Catherine is too serious a name for someone with such an engaging smile. I would suspect you are known as Kate or Kitty to your friends.”
This compliment practically caused Kitty to swoon, and Mary nearly did when Lord Fitzwilliam took her hand in his and held it all the while he was addressing her. “Another beautiful Bennet sister. But you are different from your sisters. I see a look of intelligence in your eyes. You must own to it, Miss Mary. You cannot hide it from me. Beauty and intelligence in one lovely lady. How blest you are.”
Upon hearing the compliment, Lydia snorted, causing the earl to turn his attention to her. “The youngest Bennet sister, Miss Lydia, I presume? Have you come out into society, my dear?”