Louisa Hurst had never thought she could ever speak so violently to her sister before, but after losing favour with the Earl and Countess, and to see the ever-gentle Lady Anne give Caroline the cut direct, she knew her sister’s acceptance into that world was over and she feared being outcasted herself due to their relation.
Mr. Hurst was furious that his sister-in-law had behaved like a commoner and was humiliated that he married into such a family, but after learning that Mr. Bingley had made the adjustments in his will, he was mollified. It had stated that if Caroline had embarrassed the family name before she was of legal age, she would have to go to a convent until she turned one and twenty or forfeit her dowry and be given only £5,000. There was also the stipulation that if she did not correct her ways to find herself a husband by the age of thirty, that Charles would be permitted to send Caroline to York with only £10,000 to her name and the she would be under the legal care of Mr. Hurst or Charles, without ever gaining control of her own dowry. Mr. Bingley had been a shrewd businessman and at last realised that he had spoiled his second daughter too much, and he had taken measures to attempt to correct his wrongdoing but also desired to have his daughter comfortable.
Hurst had been impressed with his wife’s discipline of the wayward sister and agreed to house her if she was under strict control and did nothing to embarrass his family.
Bingley breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the carriage depart with his horrid sister inside. He would be in mourning but would attend several functions discreetly and would be allowed to court Jane at Longbourn before returning to his last year at Cambridge.
~*~
“Are you ready for tomorrow?” William asked Lizzy as they stood in the foyer at Longbourn after dinner. The Darcys and Fitzwilliams and Grantleys had dined with the Bennets the evening before the double wedding, and after the hearty meal, the rest of the party had returned to Netherfield but William had remained behind to spend several more precious minutes with his dearest Lizzy.
She smiled, “I have never been more ready, Will! I have had so many trunks packed up and my sisters have fought over the items that I will be leaving behind. And although I am somewhat sad that I will not return to Longbourn to reside here again, I look forward to life with you and being a Darcy. I never thought I would marry, Will, but if I had to give up everything I am for one thing, it is you. I love you, Will, and I will never let you go again.”
William smiled tenderly and kissed her lips. “And I will never let you go again. I know we have made many decisions together and I foresee a future with many joys as well as arguments, but I know we are meant for each other and we will be blissfully happy together. You are still in agreement with staying three nights at Darcy House and then commencing our travel for our wedding trip?” He asked.
“Where are we going, Will? You still have not told me where you are taking me and I am beyond curious, but I am excited for it as well. Should I be packing my gentleman disguise?” She asked with a brow raised. “I do not know if I can wait three nights at Darcy House to begin our travels! Could we not depart sooner? I am so excited!”
William coloured but spoke patiently, “Lizzy, the three nights at Darcy House is so we can have complete privacy without needing to leave the house. I promise you will be kept quite occupied and you will have little time to think about traveling in a carriage for the following days. We will be gone at least two months, likely three months, and we will return to Netherfield to make it our home and live blissfully happy together.” He leaned down and kissed her ardently. “See you tomorrow, my love, and thank you for your generous gift. I am still shock that you embroidered such a beautiful cushion with ‘F. Darcy + Lizzy B.’ which reminds me of our tree and it was very delicately done. Your embroidery has improved and is quite acceptable now.”
Lizzy tapped his arm, “You tease me but it took me a month to work on that, Will. I thought I had lost you and all I could do was to try to learn how to be a better wife to you while I sat on my tree and cried my tears. I thought that if I had been better to you, if I had been more accomplish...” he ceased her speech by kissing her with passion.
“You never lost me and you are very accomplished, Lizzy,” William breathed as he cradled her face. “I am sorry I made you cry. I should have returned to your side, even if you might not have wanted me here. I should have made you listen to me to tell you how much I love you and that I could not live without you by my side. I behaved cowardly by staying in London in April. I should have never danced with other ladies
