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Chapter Twenty-Three

Georgiana waited impatiently for her brother and the Bennets to be announced. Miss Bingley was becoming even more tedious than she was normally. Elizabeth didn't start when she came in and saw Miss Bingley, and so must have been previously informed of her untimely premature arrival. She welcomed Colonel Fitzwilliam like an old friend, and Darcy joined them in a conversation, leaving Miss Bingley to fend for herself.

Georgiana quickly went to Kitty and began to chat, and Mary was left to listen to Mrs. Bennet's numerous effusions about how fine a prospect Netherfield House was, and how pleased she was about her darling Jane's settling there so soon. Georgiana whispered to Kitty that they would have to keep Miss Bingley away from her brother and Elizabeth. Kitty had only a few seconds to respond with her agreement before a servant came announcing that dinner was served.

As usual, the betrothed only had eyes for each other, Mrs. Bennet could not stop chattering, Mr. Bennet could not be prevailed on to answer as he was ignoring her, and Mary was little different. Kitty and Georgiana managed to keep Miss Bingley occupied, with the occasional help of the Colonel, and dinner passed by with Miss Bingley only sometimes mentioning how quiet Miss Eliza was, and that Mr. Darcy seemed somewhat distracted. Georgiana smirked at the Colonel, who returned the same reaction.

Their humourous glances abruptly stopped when Miss Bingley continued by saying "I had heard that Miss Lydia was married to that fellow George Wickham. Strange, I had thought his affections to be planted elsewhere. Miss Eliza, am I mistaken? O, but I must give my sincerest congratulations" she fluttered, but no-one noticed. Even the lovers had ceased their chatting when they had heard Miss Bingley's speech.

Everyone's reaction was different. Bingley looked ashamed, Jane shocked, Elizabeth pale, William red with anger, Colonel Fitzwilliam gaped, Kitty almost cried, Mary stared, Mr. Bennet flushed and Mrs. Bennet thanked Caroline for her 'kind' congratulations. Georgiana's emotions were constantly changing, from shocked to embarrassed, surprised to angry and then bewildered. How dare she! How absolutely cruel!

Georgiana could see that Elizabeth needed to leave the room, and to Kitty leaving would be no disadvantage either. "Mr. Bingley" Georgiana stood and addressed Bingley "I, uh, as we have now finished eating, would you mind if I shewed Elizabeth and Kitty that new painting in the gallery?" Georgiana looked unsure of herself, but it was visible to Bingley that she was attempting for herself and the others to be rid of Caroline's snide remarks for a time. And so they ought! "Yes, indeed, and perhaps Jane might wish to join you" he said, and as he leant towards Jane, Georgiana could hear him whisper, "It is all right. I will keep you from her."

Elizabeth and Jane were badly shaken, with Kitty faring only slightly better. "How.... how dare she?" Lizzy began to cry.

"I.. I do not know Lizzy" Jane responded weakly before too breaking into sobs. Georgiana tried to comfort them, but Caroline had touched a sore spot, which could not be instantly healed. It was not long before Darcy and Bingley came to join their fiancees, to console them.

"Caroline is talking with the colonel and Mrs. Annesley at present. We will try to keep her from you as best we can." Bingley said, and Georgiana felt sympathy for those left to endure Miss Bingley, especially the colonel. At the same time, she felt what could best be described as jealousy. "I will be making her apologise. Jane, I am most grievously upset that my sister cannot behave herself." Bingley continued.

Lizzy, Kitty and Jane had by now all recovered admirably enough to allow them to rejoin the rest of the guests who were now in the drawing room. "Well, my dear, now.." William began, but was cut short by Elizabeth's saying "I do believe it is time for us to make an announcement to Miss Bingley!"

Chapter 23 (II) ~ Ohh..... Poor Miss Bingley...

Thus saying, Lizzy stood and clasped Darcy's arm, and he led her back to the others. As Jane and Mr. Bingley entered, Caroline executed her best attempt at an apology to the women, but Georgiana could see it was an involuntary and forced effort, and a bad one at that.

Kitty and Georgiana joined the Colonel at a sofa, and Bingley and Jane occupied another, as did Lizzy and Darcy. It looked as though Caroline was inclined to and about to seat herself next to Darcy, and Georgiana was hurriedly trying to think of a way to defer her.

From the silence came Elizabeth's voice, and Miss Bingley stood away at a distance, while she spoke. "Just think! Not three weeks to the wedding! I must say (looking at William and smiling) I really cannot wait. O Jane, do you think there's much else we've forgotten? I do hope our dresses will be fine, I would not wish to appear unrefined or indecorous in my dress. But I do suppose Mama has worked everything out, for one needs to look their best at such times as these..."

"You would look fine in a potato sack" whispered Darcy, and before Miss Bingley could ascertain what he had said, she interrupted "My dear Miss Eliza! Why, you sound as if you're preparing for your own wedding! Not just Jane's"

Georgiana's face was as mirthful as Colonel Fitzwilliam's, as Mrs. Bennet speedily replied "Why Miss Bingley! O, of course, it must be true, for have you not heard? Lizzy's getting married too, to Mr...."

"Why...I...Congratulations Miss Eliza. And are you to share your sister's and my brother's nuptials?" Caroline sounded slightly surprised.

"Indeed I am. We all thought it a splendid plan, we are all to be brothers and sisters the same day. After all, Mr. Bingley and my fiancé...."

"And to whom may I also wish joy? Who is your affianced?" Miss Bingley curtly queried, her eyes smiling at Darcy because she could now again have him to herself, without the interference of those 'fine country eyes'.

Darcy stood up, his face beaming. His "I am" resounded around the room.

At that same time, Mrs. Bennet was tittering "Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy! How well that sounds!" as Miss Caroline Bingley collapsed on the floor, having fallen unconscious as a result of fainting.

Chapter Twenty-Four

This part is especially for Lise, due to her suggestion, and also for being such an inspiration to me

In time Caroline was revived, and the next time Georgiana saw her, her face was distorted with an apparent indignation, grief and hurt pride. She was continually muttering, to any that cared to hear "That Bennet girl and my Darcy! I cannot believe it! Eliza Darcy! O, I shall die!" Georgiana loved seeing Miss Bingley's dejected and mournful state. It gave such an elegance to her misfortune. It also pleased the Colonel no end.

The final days and weeks of Lizzy and Darcy's courtship passed along, with no further interruptions or vexations to any but Miss Bingley. The brides' gowns were finished, the foods for the banquet afterward selected, and Georgiana taught Kitty a few more songs. Georgiana had been asked to be a bridesmaid, but the thought of standing in front of all those people at the wedding caused her to turn down the offer. She and Maria were instead to hold the arch, for the newly-weds to walk under. Caroline was to have no part or significance to the wedding other than being a part of the congregation.

Georgiana heard that Mr. Collins was rather mortified to have not been asked to attend the ceremony, but Charlotte helped him recollect that if his esteemed noble patroness, who vehemently opposed the match, heard that he had played a part and was involved, she would have undoubtedly been most seriously displeased. The truth of the matter was that Georgiana had begged that he not be permitted to undertake the ceremony, for she "would like them to be married before nightfall if it was a morning service." There had been not one jot of opposition, in fact, it was unanimously in favour, and most strongly desired by Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam.

The plans for the Darcy's honeymoon especially pleased Georgiana. Elizabeth and Darcy would work their way to Derbyshire, finally ending at Pemberley. Georgiana would not see them until just before Christmas, when she would come to Pemberley after having spent three weeks with her beloved Colonel ("who was after all her guardian" she reasoned). Georgiana could hardly wait, although she would never admit it to a soul.

There was now only a week remaining until the 26th. Georgiana sat in her toilette as she prepared for the ball at the Meryton Assembly Rooms. It was to be the last time Lizzy and Jane danced as maidens. Georgiana was particularly excited because the Colonel had already asked for her hand in the first and last dances; and even though she was not out and therefore not supposed to dance, she had readily assented.

Georgiana heard a knock, and turned to see Mrs. Annesley. Poor Mrs. Annesley had been so terribly neglected what with Kitty and the Colonel taking Georgiana's attention. But she had, however perpetually composed herself good-naturedly and was constantly to be found perusing a book or embroidering some needlework. Mrs. Annesley was, in fact, proud of the amount of extra work she had accomplished in her time.

"Are you in need or desirous of any assistance, Georgiana my dear?"

Georgiana was not, and before much further ado, the Darcy's, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Bingley (Caroline couldn't bear coming to see Darcy and Elizabeth serenading the night away) were in the carriage, driving in the direction of Meryton. Georgiana was beside herself with excitement, with the others scarcely less so, although for once most times their emotions were kept in better check.

The carriage came to a halt, and the door was opened. The gentlemen got out and the Colonel offered his arm to Georgiana as she stepped out. Georgiana's eyes lit up and shone as brightly as a flame, and her excitement and awe was contagious. Her eyes sought out familiar faces, and she beamed as she caught sight of Elizabeth coming towards her party. They were by now inside. The room drew silent as the Colonel and Georgiana entered. Lizzy later explained that they were newcomers and had not been seen in public before; and that the silence usually occurred in such occasions, as it had when Darcy and Bingley originally arrived.

The dancing and music recommenced, and before long that particular dance was finished. The colonel approached Georgiana and Kitty who were talking gaily, and they took their place in the set, standing opposite each other. Jane and Mr. Bingley were on Georgiana's left side, and Lizzy and William her right. The music began, and Georgiana took her eyes off the Colonel long enough to see both Lizzy and Darcy take in a gasp and then smile at each other knowingly. Georgiana thought that perhaps the music had given them a sentimental memory? There seemed no other logical explanation. Georgiana shook that thought from her mind and instead focused more intently on the Colonel's discourse, and concentrated on the steps to Mr. Beveridge's Maggot.

"Look at those two lovebirds" the Colonel motioned at Lizzy and Darcy, who were obviously totally insensible of anything or anyone but the other.

"I have never seen my brother so happy. Elizabeth is just so wonderful, and they are so utterly in love." Georgiana smiled "Lizzy told me that she had once promised herself never to marry but for the deepest love, and I believe she has found this. I only hope that the same thing will happen to me. I should hate to not marry for love. What about you? Do you feel likewise?" Georgiana pried inquisitively.

"I suppose that is so. Yes indeed. A marriage should only be for love, a deep love, felt and shared equally by both party; which is why I shall remain a bachelor."

"Do you imply you have no intentions of ever marrying? Surely you cannot be serious."

"Indeed, you must believe me, for I am in earnest. I have seen how people throw themselves at the affluent (such as Darcy), with only their pockets being filled in view, and have seen few examples of true love. As I am not so wealthy (being a younger son) , I find it difficult to believe that I would be sought for money, and I find it even more unlikely that someone should love me enough to marry me, and although I see many fine women thrust at me by do-gooders, I do not wish to call myself violently in love with any."

"That cannot be! I can easily believe there are many that love you enough to marry you. Why, I love ...." Georgiana coloured and became silent.

To change the subject, Georgiana glanced over at Darcy. "My! A week more and I shall be blessed with Elizabeth for my sister."

Georgiana could not wait.

Chapter Twenty Five ~ Conclusion/Finale/The End

The sun shone radiantly in the sky, and a maid entered to draw back the curtains. "Good morning, Miss Darcy. It's a lovely day for the wedding." Georgiana opened her eyelids. Sunlight poured through. The wedding!

Finally it had come.

The day when her beloved brother Fitzwilliam and his beloved Miss Elizabeth Bennet would be united. Georgiana quickly rose, and prepared herself for going down to breakfast.

Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley were already seated, and both looked as exceedingly jittery as the other. William's teacup was about to spill, and Bingley's knife kept clattering and clinking incessantly.

"Good morning! I can see you are both beside yourself with anticipation" Georgiana teased lightly, then she giggled as her companions fidgeted and eyed each other curiously. They then returned to a heightened sense of nervousness. But their faces, however, shone like never before, and gave one the impression of walking on air, regardless of the state of their nerves.

The occasional clinks were interrupted by the arrival of the Colonel. He took one look at Darcy and burst out laughing. "If only you could see your face my dear Darce! And you too Bingley." he chuckled as he saw Charles. Bingley and Darcy looked at each others faces, which they supposed must mirror their own, and were immediately laughing uncontrollably. As their laughter was contagious, the room was not again silent until Miss Bingley was announced.

Georgiana noted that, as usual, the brightest hue of orange covered her body; and; as usual, it did not become her. Then, Georgiana saw Caroline's face. There was no smile, and her eyes had apparently been crying recently. She was absolutely morose, and Georgiana felt slightly pitiful. After all, Miss Bingley had long been waiting for and dreaming about Darcy's wedding, but not to the particular bride he had chosen. Caroline had so long coveted that position, only to be divided from him by the upstart pretensions of Eliza Bennet! A woman of no rank. (Caroline neglected to remember the circumstances of her own birth, for she was but the daughter of a tradesman - which was a fact she attempted to keep hidden from the world. But the world seemed to remember that fact at the most inopportune times for Caroline).

Miss Bingley's company was not particularly riveting (more irksome and morbid, today actually), and so Georgiana left as soon as she was able. It was time to prepare for the day ahead.

Before much further ado, the Longbourn Church was in sight. The jittery grooms beamed at the thought of what was to come, while Caroline's reaction was to cover her face and moan inaudibly (at least she thought she was silent). Georgiana's eyes darted here and there vivaciously, hoping to catch a glimpse of any of the Miss Bennets (except Mary, of course; Kitty was included for she was Georgiana's particular friend, and she wished to sight the brides for that was tradition - everyone wished to see the brides, especially when they were such beautiful ones as Lizzy and Jane). The Colonel just looked around his party and chuckled teasingly.

They entered the church, which was all dolled up in picturesque and vivid blooms (Georgiana had made sure Sweet William was included in at least some of the bouquets, citing the bringing back of memories as her reason for doing so). Georgiana made sure she was as far from Caroline, and as close to the Colonel as she could be (her reason this time being that she desired to be with family on such an occasion).

The wedding march began, and Georgiana joined the rest of the congregation by looking to the door and beholding the entrance of Elizabeth and Jane, who held the arms of a very proud Mr. Bennet. The faces of the brides exuded radiance at it's fullest potential. The three progressed down the aisle, and Georgiana glanced at her brother. He was utterly captivated; totally bewitched. His current state of mind (which was perfectly obvious - not masked in the least) was indescribable happiness.

Elizabeth took her place by Fitzwilliam, and Jane by Bingley. Mr. Bennet joined Mrs. Bennet and the remaining Miss Bennets. Mrs. Bennet was for once was entirely silent and Georgiana was glad of this for Jane, Elizabeth and their future husband's sakes. The clergyman began with hid "Dearly Beloved" and Georgiana could not help but notice that his hair was a trifle diverting to one so young as herself, but in an act of maturity, her silence was maintained.

During the ceremony the couples kept looking at each other, and as the clergyman spoke, images of Lady Catherine and Anne, and Wickham and his wife presented themselves in Georgiana's mind; but as the vows were exchanged only Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were visible. Jane and Mr. Bingley had but only just been married when the clergyman gave a smile and said that he now presented these two people as man and wife. He then continued by saying that William could now kiss the bride, which he did most obligingly. Jane and Mr. Bingley kissed each other softly and quickly, but Mr. & Mrs. Darcy were engaged in a kiss of the most passionate and enduring sorts, so much enduring, in fact, that several "ahems" and clearing of throats could be heard before they separated.

When this was done, the happy couples walked arm-in-arm out the doors of Longbourn Church.

Maria Lucas and Georgiana hurried out to the greenery arch which they and Kitty had spent hours completing, and lifted it high for the newlyweds to walk under. The faces of the four that walked under the arch were filled with joy.

Gone were all traces of previous melancholy, disagreements or depression, and in it's place was radiance, peace, happiness and most especially, love.

Friends and family were joyously throwing rice and leaves at the couples, and Georgiana did so also, but unfortunately discovered that the leafy twig she had thrown had most disagreeably landed at the top of Lizzy's dress, in the chest area, and was wedged there. Oh dear! Well at least everyone will be looking at their faces and therefore won't notice it.

The couples entered the carriages that had been waiting, and waved goodbye. The horses started suddenly with a jolt, and Charles and Jane Bingley, and Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy were led away.

Georgiana stood by Colonel Fitzwilliam, and they watched, hand in hand, the new life of their brother and cousin, which had but only just begun.