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IT WAS PERHAPS SLIGHTLY unconventional, but since they already had a wedding planned, it seemed easy enough to add a second couple, so three weeks later, Lizzy stood beside her soon-to-be husband and her daughter, who stood next to William. The vicar conducted the double ceremony, and Lizzy was teary-eyed, uncertain if she was crying because her daughter looked so beautiful or because she was finally getting a chance at her own happiness. Perhaps it was a combination of both emotions that left her gaze blurry with moisture.
When Fitzwilliam kissed her as the vicar announced the couples as husband and wife and husband and wife, she wanted to cling to him. Instead, she forced a hint of decorum and stepped back before turning to face the congregation. Only a few of their friends and family attended, with most planning to come for the wedding breakfast, but Lady Catherine was at the front row, standing beside Fanny and beaming as though she had been the architect of it all.
Lizzy was certain as the story gained momentum and changed with retelling, that by the time another eighteen years had passed, Lady Catherine would be claiming the credit for bringing them all together. Lizzy didn’t mind. She didn’t care who received acclaim as long as she got to reap the rewards. After a lifetime of waiting, it was finally her turn to be happy, and she was certain she would find only happiness with Fitzwilliam as the years passed, and their lives entwined more and more.
There would be grandchildren from Lottie and William, and perhaps even more children for her and Fitzwilliam. There would be highs and lows, and she knew they would still argue upon occasion, since that was their nature, but a strong foundation of love would support them through anything. It had lasted with barely any nurturing for almost two decades, and it was sure to grow and further strengthen now with proper tending.
“Are you happy, Mama?” asked Lottie as they left the church and walked toward the waiting carriages.
“So very happy, my darling. Are you?”
Lottie beamed. “I could not be happier, Mama.”
“I am certain we shall both be happier every day.” She squeezed her daughter’s hand as they parted, and Fitzwilliam assisted her into the carriage. She pressed against him, laying her head on his shoulder, and savored the moment. It was among the first of many with her new husband, and joy and contentment filled her.
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