Page 222 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Do you know where Jane is?”

“In the rose garden, Miss Lizzy. Mr. Bingley arrived a few minutes ago, and Jane has sent for tea.”

“Thank you, Hill.”

They found Jane and Bingley in the courtyard.

Elizabeth embraced her sister. “Jane, Papa has given Fitzwilliam permission to marry me.”

Jane held her close. “What a happy day for both of us.”

“We are to marry in September.”

Jane’s face brightened. “Oh, Lizzy. Then we shall both be married before the month is out.”

“We wondered whether you and Mr. Bingley would mind if we married on the same day. We could have one quiet wedding and share the breakfast at Netherfield.”

Jane looked at Bingley.

“I should like it exceedingly,” he said. “I have always wanted Darcy for a brother. We shall marry two sisters on the same day.”

Jane reached for Elizabeth’s hand. “I should like it too. I cannot imagine anything happier than having you beside me when I marry Charles.”

Bingley said, “Then all that remains is to choose the day.”

After the men left them, Jane and Elizabeth lingered in the garden.

“Lizzy, do you remember how we used to wonder what it would be like when we married and left Longbourn? I never imagined we would do it on the same morning.”

Elizabeth rested her hand on Jane’s arm.

“I could not have wished for anything better, Jane. We will marry together.”

“Together.”

Chapter 56: Parish Matters

On Sunday, Kitty saw Steven Goulding almost as soon as she came out of church.

He was speaking with Alexander and Mary near the churchyard gate, but when he saw Kitty, he excused himself and went to her.

“Miss Kitty.”

“Mr. Goulding.”

“I hoped we would see one another today.”

Kitty’s eyes brightened.

Steven Goulding drew a little nearer. “I confess, I also hoped you might be pleased to see me.”

“I am pleased, sir. In fact, I hoped you had not forgotten.”

He chuckled. “I had not.”

When they reached the gate, Mr. Goulding offered his arm. “Miss Kitty, may I escort you to your father’s carriage?”

“I should like that very much, sir.”