Page 127 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Then Mr. Bennet stood.

The room quieted.

He disliked speeches.

Everyone knew it.

“I have spent the last several months learning that a father may be wrong about his daughters, wrong about the men they choose, and especially wrong in believing he can observe family life from the comfort of a library without participating in it.”

Elizabeth’s eyes filled.

Mr. Bennet looked at Jane. “My eldest daughter has always possessed a gentleness I mistook, at times, for an inability to see unpleasant truths. I was wrong. She sees them and chooses kindness when kindness remains deserved.”

Jane pressed her lips together.

He looked at Elizabeth. “My second daughter has always possessed enough opinion for several households. I have encouraged it because it amused me.”

Elizabeth laughed shakily.

“I failed to remember that wit is no substitute for wisdom, and that even Lizzy has occasionally been mistaken.”

“Papa.”

The room laughed.

Mr. Bennet smiled. “Fortunately, she has married a man who has also been mistaken with impressive confidence. They should have much to discuss.”

Darcy bowed his head in acknowledgement.

Mr. Bennet raised his glass. “To Jane and Charles. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. May you be happy enough to forgive one another’s errors and honest enough not to hide them.”

Everyone drank. Elizabeth wiped a tear from her cheek.

Darcy leaned toward her. “Your father made you cry.”

“Say nothing.”

“I would never.”

“You are enjoying it.”

“Immensely.”

She elbowed him beneath the table.

He smiled into his wine.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

One Dance

The wedding breakfast stretched into afternoon.

Older guests departed first. Children became sticky with cake. Mrs. Phillips repeated the story of the fox to anyone who had somehow escaped hearing it. Lady Lucas complimented Lady Matlock’s gown. Mr. Hurst disappeared for twenty minutes and was discovered in the library with brandy and two other gentlemen who claimed to be discussing politics.

At four, the musicians began playing dances.

Bingley took Jane’s hand immediately. “Mrs. Bingley?”