A Required Engagement #3 by Nora Kipling

Author:Nora Kipling [Kipling, Nora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heart Candies Publishing

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They arrived in Gretna Green at the Lamplight Inn just as the storm truly rolled across the sky, breaking open like an egg and drenching all and sundry. The groomsman appeared at the side of their carriage with an umbrella, and Mr. Darcy helped the two ladies out, one at a time, so they might be protected from the elements as they made their way across the stable yard.

Once they were situated in the inn, standing by the fire so they might dry their dresses, Mr. Darcy left to speak with the innkeeper.

"Ah, young love," Mrs. Gardiner said with a fond expression on her face. Elizabeth blushed.

"I beg pardon?"

"I do not sleep so heavily now in my advanced years," she replied and Elizabeth felt her cheeks pinking up even harder.

"Oh pray, do not say you were listening."

"It was sweet, my dear, and I am pleased that he has found a way to speak to you in a manner that you respond to favorably. Do not think I judge you, for I have watched the two of you, and I believe him when he says that he loves you. It is quite clear in his every movement, his every breath, that he adores you. I could not be happier at the match, for all his father will protest it. Heavens knows why, he wanted his son to marry a Bennet, and it looks as if he will have his wish anyway.

"Thank you,” Elizabeth said, relieved that her aunt did not think any less of her for her conversation with Mr. Darcy. It should have been inappropriate given that he was supposed to marry her sister, but she could not bring herself to care about what society might think of her. Jane was in love with Mr. Bingley, as well, and Elizabeth felt as if she was getting the best of both worlds: true love for herself, and for Jane.

Her dress was almost dry when Mr. Darcy had returned, his face a mask of happiness.

"I bring good news," he said, "Your sister and Mr. Bingley are here in the inn, spending their honeymoon in celebration of their marriage."

Happiness coursed through Elizabeth's body. Jane, married! Mrs. Gardiner clapped her hands together over the news and then cackled.

"That shall teach your father to involve himself in things where he does not belong, then, won't it?" Aunt Gardiner sighed with relief. "I had thought we might arrive in time to stop the wedding, but there you have it, three people in a carriage is a mite bit slower than two. Do they know we are here, Mr. Darcy? Have you left word for them?"

Elizabeth was grateful to her aunt for asking the questions that she was too excited and overwhelmed with joy to ask herself. Mr. Darcy nodded.

"Yes, and yes. I was told they were out doing sight-seeing for the day, but they should be back in time for the evening's meal. Until then, we might relax and prepare ourselves to receive them. It will be a great surprise to them that we have arrived at all, for i doubt they are expecting us.

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