Chapter 16 - The Wedding.

"Lizzy!" Mrs Bennet cried as Elizabeth returned from her daily walk. "Everything is in uproar! You are going to be late!"

"Mama! We have ample time!" Elizabeth stated as she placed her bonnet on the table.

"No, Lizzy we only have three hours in order to have you dressed! It shall never be done! Jane is all but dressed and yet you still have your walk! You shall leave Mr Darcy standing at the altar!"

"Mama, calm yourself! I shall not abandon Mr Darcy." It took however, a log while for Mrs Bennet to determine that her second daughter would indeed be adequately prepared for the three hour period. Elizabeth, rather amused by her Mothers nerves took it upon her to start her preparations although the allotted time was more than adequate.

Mr Bennet dressed early and retired to his study where he took a good book, avoiding the screeches of his wife. He was of course suffering a deep depression today, the day he married two of his daughters. Oh, how he should miss Lizzy indeed. To be living so far away in Derbyshire. Perhaps he could in time persuade Mr Darcy to find a residence closer to Longbourn. Although the aspect of Mr Darcy selling Pemberley seemed unlikely. Unable to read his book he placed it on the table and gazed out of the window. What a disappointment it would be not to see Lizzy at the window every morning as she returned from her walk. He was sure that Mr Darcy would now enjoy that pleasure in his stead.

The attendance in the church was more than satisfactory, Mr Darcy noted. He had of course indulged in a large amount of spirit's the previous evening with Mr Bingley and seemed to have a slight headache. It would not deter him however, he knew that Lizzy would brighten his day when she entered the church. His attention was quickly caught by his sister as she sat in front row of the church a smile upon her countenance and a blush in her cheeks, her arm linked in that of Colonel Fitzwilliam's. He had of course, attended that wedding against the specific instructions of Lady Catherine. Mr Darcy also noted the presence of Mr and Mrs Collins who had also attended against such advice.

As he looked back to the church Darcy thought of his own development, persuaded by Elizabeth. Upon his first proposal in Rosings Darcy had always had the impression that no woman would ever refuse his hand. He had however, been mistaken. Elizabeth Bennet was of course such a woman. She rejected him with such vivacity and spirit that it rendered him helpless. She showed him of the mistakes in his character which enabled him to change in order to secure her hand. He had no time to ponder more on the aspect of change as Mr Bennet entered the church with a daughter on each arm.

Mr Darcy did not contemplate the appearance of Jane Bennet, he was captivated by the look of Elizabeth. Her dark curls raised to the top of her head and secured with a bonnet, her soft dress flowing about her ankles. Mr Darcy found himself to be utterly breathless until she softly took his hand and stood aside him at the altar.

"You look beautiful." He said as he took her hand and softly kissed it.

"You also look very handsome sir." Darcy laughed quietly before turning his attention to the minister. He was now to be married to the woman who once plagued his dreams, he would not change anything.

As the couples descended from the church large cries echoed from the attendants. Issues of congratulations flowed followed by numerous flowers raining upon them. He looked to Elizabeth, small flowers now dusted her hair, a large smile upon her countenance.

"Congratulations, Mr Darcy!" Mr Bingley cried out as he hit his hand on his friends back.

"And you, Bingley." The gentlemen who had now become brothers shook hands swiftly.

The wedding breakfast held no embarrassments, instead only congratulations and numerous glasses of fine wine. Each couple eagerly accepted all congratulations and Mr Darcy, who had once scorned Sir William Lucas, communicated with him openly.

The only commiserations came as two carriages departed, each with a newly married couple seated therein. Those commiserations vocalised to Mr and Mrs Bennet at losing two daughters in one day. Mrs Bennet however, could not think of a happier prospect.