One single question – What would you say if I wished to change that? – looped through her thoughts. It wasn’t a complete declaration, but the fact he looked for her in the crowd told her clearly if he wasn’t in love with her now, he was well on his way. She couldn’t stop a smile from spreading across her face as she rode ahead of Lord Nathan, anticipation making her heart race.
She was grateful they had to ride single file, at least for another half mile as it gave her time to think. What would she do if he proposed? Marriage to Lord Nathan meant setting aside her long sought after goal of living amongst Society’s elite. Yes, he was the son of a Duke, but he’d eschewed living in Town many years ago and that wouldn’t change after marriage.
She relived the moment he’d stood so close their breath mingled, how she’d wanted him to place his arms around her and draw her closer. Physically, she was attracted to him and knew they would enjoy each other’s company, but on the other side of that coin were their debates and arguments. He did state her opinions mattered to him, that he thought of things they could discuss.
She gave an inelegant snort and Bess huffed out one as well.
“You are so right, Lady Bess,” she whispered. “Lord Nathan and I have yet to discuss anything without it devolving into an argument and me storming off in anger.”
“Did you say something, Miss Bingley?” Lord Nathan called to her.
“No, I’m discussing politics with Lady Bess,” she threw over her shoulder and was rewarded by a soft chuckle coming from behind.
“Ah...I see. Rest assured that I make it a policy to never come between a lady and her horse as they discuss politics.”
“At times, Lord Nathan, you are a wise man.”
“I’m learning, Miss Bingley. I’m learning.” The path widened and he cantered up alongside her. “Did Lady Bess have any insights you care to share?”
She slid a glance sideways at him, noting his ready smile and how his grey eyes no longer looked like storm clouds. Instead, they sparkled with humor.
“You, Lord Nathan,” she said in a faux haughty voice, “are not privy to our private conversations. Lady Bess stated, quite categorically, she is exclusive with whom she speaks.”
“She did, did she?” He looked straight ahead, a smile tugging at his firm mouth.
“Yes, although she gave me leave to advise that you are welcome to bring her apples.”
Now he outright laughed and she was hard put not to smile along with him.
“Then, I shall have to ensure that when I attend Pemberley, I bring along some kind of treat for all the ladies I might visit.”
Her breath caught at the back of her throat. She didn’t dare look at him, afraid of what she might find. It sounded as though he... flirted with her, but she’d been mistaken more than once when it came to the male species. She refused to rise to his comment and urged Bess into a quicker pace.
The path wound alongside the trees and continued through the meadow leading to Pemberley. Daniel greeted them when they entered the small courtyard outside the stable and helped her dismount before leading Lady Bess into the stable.
“Thank you for escorting me back to Pemberley, Lord Nathan.” She gave him a small curtsy and turned to enter the stable. She made a point of brushing Lady Bess herself after a ride, using that time to quiet her thoughts and today she had many things to ponder.
“Miss Bingley,” Lord Nathan called after her before she disappeared inside the building. “May I call on you later this afternoon?”
Startled, she froze in place and almost forgot to breathe. Turning slowly, she looked up at him, disconcerted to see an expression she couldn’t quite decipher. Knowing he needed an answer, she took a much needed breath.
“Yes, you may. We will be having tea around two of the clock this afternoon.”
“Until then.” He tipped his hat and pulled on the reins to turn his horse around. She stood and watched him canter down the drive until he rounded the corner and disappeared.
Long, slow strokes of the brush across Lady Bess’s coat soothed the turmoil of her mind. Did Lord Nathan mean to court her? She may have read too much into their conversation, but everything seemed to point toward that very thing.
Lady Bess bumped her soft nose against her shoulder when the brush stilled as more turbulent thoughts fought for attention.
“I’m sorry, Bess. I have a lot to think about.”
She continued brushing, murmuring small nonsense to the gentle mare while her mind raced.
Was she ready to lend aid to a husband who ministered to those with so little? She thought back to Miss Braithwaite, who’d thanked Lord Nathan effusively for something as simple as broth for a sick woman. At the time she remembered her heart being touched by the humble response from Lord Nathan. There had been no lavish bowing and scraping, complimenting only to receive something in return. He genuinely wished to extend the love of God to his parishioners through service.
Could she, Caroline Bingley, lower herself to serve others? Could she be the wife he needed?
“Oh, Bess.” She laid her forehead on Bess’s shoulder. “He confuses me greatly. In between compliments and flirtatious comments, he continues to chastise me. Is this what our marriage would be like?” She stepped back and continued to brush out the mane. “If so, then I’m not sure I would accept.”
Once Bess was properly brushed down and situated in her stall, she made her way to the house. She had about four hours before Lord Nathan joined them for tea. Her thoughts continued to swirl and she longed for someone in whom she could confide. Someone who would not judge.
“God, if you can hear me, please send someone I can trust,” she whispered fervently.
She turned the corner and almost ran into Elizabeth.
“Caroline. You must have gotten up early to get in a ride already.”
“Yes, there are times when a little solitude helps clear my mind.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, it’s one of the reasons I walk so much. Not only for exercise, but for a chance to clear the cobwebs from my mind.”
“You were going to read, I shan’t bother you then...” She noticed Elizabeth held a small book in her hand.
“Nonsense, you are not a bother. I’m only returning this before breaking my fast. Have you eaten?”
“No. I wanted to ride first.”
“Then I look forward to you joining me in the breakfast room.”
They parted ways and Caroline continued on to her room. Lucy waited patiently for her and quickly helped her change and freshen up. She dressed her in one of her new day dresses from Mrs. Braxton. With plans to remain at Pemberley for another three months, she’d placed a few more orders and looked forward to wearing them.
Within fifteen minutes, she entered the breakfast room and acknowledged Elizabeth before preparing her plate and sitting across from her new, unexpected friend. Could this be the person God sent in answer to her prayer? She couldn’t help the smile that crossed her lips at the irony of the situation. The one woman she’d despaired over was now seated across from her, soon to be a part of her extended family.
“What do you find so amusing, Caroline?”
She glanced up and caught the merry twinkle in Elizabeth’s eyes. At one time this would have annoyed her greatly, but her heart was changing, bit by bit, and now she could see humor where before she saw fault.
“I was marveling at the two of us enjoying our time together instead of looking for ways to end it.”
Elizabeth laughed out loud and set down her tea cup. “That is true. Your character has changed much since last year. I like this Caroline Bingley. She has much to offer society.”
“May I confide something to you?”
A hint of wariness crossed Elizabeth’s features, but she straightened in her chair and said, “I’m not sure if I am someone you should share confidences with. Could not your sister—”
“No,” she interjected. “I asked God for guidance and He sent me you. At first I was surprised, but given the path you and Darcy have taken, it makes complete sense.”
“How is that?” Elizabeth’s brow furrowed as she listened.
“You and Darcy had an uncommon courtship, beset by prejudices on both sides.”
“That is true,” Elizabeth murmured.
“Lord Nathan has been speaking to me, not always in a conciliatory manner.” She noted the quick smile Elizabeth tried to hide. “He upbraids me for my quest to marry well and we often argue the point. In fact, we argue almost all the time. He’s quite frustrating.”
“My dear Caroline, you sound like Mr. Darcy and I. We got off on the wrong foot from the first time we met at the Assembly in Meryton. Do you recall that night?”
“I do. I was absolutely horrid to everyone there, even my own party.”
“Hmmm... well, yes you were, but that is in the past. You are quite forgiven.”
“Thank you. How did you and Darcy get off on the wrong foot? I scarcely recall him speaking to you.”
Elizabeth leaned over the table, as if imparting a great secret. “Your brother encouraged him to ask me to dance and he said, ‘She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me’.” She imitated Darcy’s manner and voice as she relayed the occurrence.
“No!” Caroline was aghast, but could very well imagine Darcy saying such a thing. He hated public assemblies and meeting new people who only looked upon him for his wealth.
“Yes. Our courtship was doomed because the very next day I told all and sundry that I could have easily forgiven his pride if he had not mortified mine.”
She laughed outright at Elizabeth’s pert response to Darcy’s dreadful behavior. It was a small miracle they’d found each other as it was obvious to anyone who spent any time in their company saw a deep and abiding love.
“Oh, Eliza, you allow me have hope.”
“You have feelings for Lord Nathan?”
Caroline pushed her eggs around on the plate with her fork as she thought about Elizabeth’s question. She had feelings. Copious amounts of feelings, not all of them charitable, but there were moments when she desired him more than she thought possible. All other men paled in comparison to him, even her beloved Darcy. She no longer looked at him in the same manner.
Finally she lifted her gaze to find Elizabeth studying her closely.
“I have feelings for him, and I believe he is going to ask permission to court me.”
“And you have reservations about this?”
“Yes... No.” She contemplated the brilliant blue sky through the window, gathering her thoughts. “I had such great plans for my life.” She turned her face back to Elizabeth. “But, as you know, they did not come to fruition.”
Elizabeth gave her a small nod of agreement, but did not interrupt.
“Lord Nathan challenges me to be a better person. His wife will be expected to aid him with his parishioners, to give more than she’s capable of...” she trailed off into a whisper.
Tears pooled in her eyes and threatened to fall into her lap. Elizabeth rose from her chair and came around to touch her shoulder.
“A year ago if anyone asked me if you were capable of compassion, I would have said ‘No’ with complete conviction, but it is obvious to me, as well as Mr. Darcy, that you have changed. The woman you are becoming is not only beautiful on the outside, but also acquiring a beauty within. Don’t doubt yourself. You have much to offer Lord Nathan. You have your heart, which is far more precious that money and jewels.”
“Thank you.” She stood and threw impulsive arms around Elizabeth’s shoulders. After a brief hesitation, Elizabeth returned the hug. “I’m so glad we are family.”
“I am too,” Elizabeth replied, her tone somewhat bemused and she stepped out of the hug. “I must not tarry. Mama’s nerves are wearing her down and I promised to bring her a tea.”
Caroline bade her goodbye and sat down to finish her meal although not much left the plate as her appetite had dissipated. Thoughts about Lord Nathan, what Elizabeth shared and her own indecision plagued her.
Later that day...
“Caroline, are you quite all right?” Georgiana looked at her in concern.
“Yes.” She picked up her tea cup and then placed it back onto the matching saucer and glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantle. Nearly ten minutes had gone by since the clock chimed two times.
“You’ve been glancing at the clock for almost twenty minutes now.”
“I have?”
She toyed with the idea of taking a bite of her cucumber sandwich, but knew she’d never be able to swallow anything given how tight her nerves were stretched. Instead, she picked up her embroidery hoop, intending to focus on the rose she’d started earlier. Louisa entered the salon and sat in the chair next to Georgiana.
“Thank goodness. I’ve been longing for a good cup of tea.”
The two ladies launched into a discussion of different teas, but Caroline heard none of it because framed in the door stood Lord Nathan. He gave each of the ladies a polite bow and then fixed his attention upon her.
“Miss Bingley, would you take a walk with me in the garden.” He waved his arm in the direction of the yard through the French doors of the parlor they were seated in.
She hesitated and knew the moment she dreaded yet anticipated had arrived. With a heart that threatened to flop out of her chest, she set down her embroidery, stood and smoothed the front of her skirt with trembling hands. After settling a shawl about her shoulders, she preceded him through the doors, very aware of his large hand resting so intimately against the small of her back. What would her sister and Georgiana make of his overt familiarity? She walked a little faster, evading his familiar touch and turned to face him at the end of the terrace.
“You presume too much, Lord Nathan. As stated before, I am not your betrothed, nor am I your sister.”
“That’s what I’ve struggled with.”
He paced to the edge of the terrace and stood by the balustrade, hands clasped behind his back. His attention seemed centered on the partially frozen lake bordering the expanse of the garden. She drew her shawl closer around her body and waited for him to continue. Finally, when she thought her lips would turn blue from cold, he faced her.
“I tried not to love you, but it has been difficult.”
Her breath caught and a flock of butterflies took flight in her stomach. He loved her? This man who chastised her every chance, loved her?
“You captivated my heart from the moment I met you. I’ve prayed and sought God for answers because I did not think you were meant for me. You were more earthly minded than heavenly and I remained convinced you only sought a marriage that would elevate you in society. You held no regard for who you would marry, but what you would marry.”
He stood in front of her and drew her icy hands into his large warm ones. She didn’t pull away, although her heart ached over his cataloguing of her past faults. All of them true. She was startled out of her melancholy when he brought her cold bare hands up to his lips and kissed each one.
“And then, dear Miss Bingley, you gave me hope where I had none before. You may not realize this, but you are a new creation in Christ. It’s there in your countenance, in your speech; I daresay it’s in your walk. You exude a peace which was not there before and you smile more readily. Georgiana practically glows from the friendship you bestow upon her.”
“I... I don’t know what to say.” His words rang of truth and she knew everything in her life had changed. Once she’d whispered that prayer to her grandmother and sought out the Lord at Kympton parish, her whole being felt as though a heavy load had fallen from her shoulders.
“Say that you will allow me court you properly and after a suitable time, I estimate three weeks, marry me.”
She focused on their clasped hands. Since they’d parted that morning, her thoughts had been consumed by questions of whether she was prepared to be a vicar’s wife, caring for others, tending those who had less alongside her husband? Was she prepared for Mr. Darcy to be her patron and by proxy, Elizabeth her patroness?
Dear Lord, what is my answer?
If she refused him, he would walk away and she’d return to London. Her dull future stretched before her filled with ‘what if’s’ and ‘might have’s’. With clarity she knew, she just knew, this was what she wanted. She didn’t need the approval of Society as long as she had this man by her side. He was her future.
She raised her gaze to his and almost broke into tears at the love that shone through his eyes.
“Yes. I’ll marry you, Mr. Kerr.”
He cupped her face in his large hands and brought his face closer. She rose to meet his kiss, but he paused and whispered, “May I kiss you, Miss Bingley?”
Her heart soared and she whispered back, against lips that were but a hair’s breadth from her. “Yes.”
“Thank God.” He crushed her lips to his, angling his head to deepen the kiss and she lost all sense of time. The cold which earlier threatened to seep into her bones, retreated in the midst of his embrace. In three weeks she’d be Mrs. Nathan Kerr.
“We can’t get married!” She cried out, breaking from the embrace and stumbling away.
“What are you talking about?” He ran a hand through his unruly curls and reached for her again. She sidestepped his arms and drew her shawl close around her body. The cold was sharper now that she was no longer in his arms.
“I promised Georgiana I would stay with her while Darcy and Elizabeth are on their wedding trip, and Louisa is having her baby. I should be there for her—”
“My love,” he took her cold hands in his, not releasing them when she would have pulled away. “I have your promise of marriage and although I want nothing more than to marry you immediately – Gretna Green comes to mind – I can wait until Darcy returns.”
“What about Louisa? I promised to be there when the baby comes.”
“Do you think I’m going to lock you in the parsonage and not allow you to see your sister, or stay with her when her time comes?”
“I don’t know.”
“You’re honest in your answers to me, I’ll give you that.” He drew her close and wrapped his strong arms around her and she welcomed the warmth from his body. “I would never stop you from being with your sister. We have a lifetime to make memories.”
“Yes, we do.” She glanced up, admiring his strong jaw line. “After three months have gone by.”
“Minx,” he teased and tapped her cold nose with his finger. “This will be a good thing. I have three months to court you properly.”
“I like the sound of that, and I have three months to find out what you like and dislike.”
He adjusted her shawl so that it covered her shoulders again and offered his arm to escort her back into the house. A flurry of movement by the window told her Georgiana and Louisa were most likely scrambling back to their seats. She hid a smile, knowing they’d witnessed her most joyous moment.
“Just so you know,” he said as they strolled toward the French doors, “I like the color green, because it reminds me of a fine pair of eyes” – she blushed – “and a roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding.”
“Not fair! I was to discover this on my own.” She stepped ahead of him after he’d opened the door. “I shan’t give away my secrets. You will have a project.”
“I look forward to discovering everything about you.” He whispered in her ear, causing her to tremble, and not from cold.
They entered the parlor and Georgiana and Louisa studiously kept their attention on their activities. Georgiana her embroidery and Louisa her reading, although the book Louisa held was upside down, which caused Lord Nathan to smile quite broadly.
They both looked up with innocent expressions when he approached and gave them both a small bow.
“I take my leave, ladies and look forward to seeing all of you at church tomorrow.”
The look he sent Caroline’s way held much promise and he strode out of the room. Both Georgiana and Louisa watched as she sank into the chair and sighed.
“Well?” Louisa finally broke the silence.
“He says he loves me and wishes to court me, we have come to an understanding.”
Louisa put down the book, arose from the chair and hugged her. Georgiana also cried out, “I am so happy for you.”
“I want you to know, Louisa, Mr. Kerr wishes me to be with you when it’s your time.”
“I will admit, this would have worried me. He’s a good man.”
“Oh, he’s the best, Mrs. Hurst. Our parishioners love him, and I’m sure they will come to love Caroline as well.” Georgiana looked at Caroline, dismay filling her eyes. “What about staying at Pemberley? No, no. Don’t worry. I shouldn’t be so selfish.”
“Georgiana, please don’t distress yourself. We discussed this and I am staying with you as planned, but don’t be surprised if Lord Nathan comes to visit us both – a lot. You will be our chaperone. Are you up to the task?”
“Yes. I can be quite ferocious.” She tinkled out a laugh. “You will become tired of my company, I’m sure.”
“Never.” She reached across and took Georgiana’s hand in hers. “You have become my friend, almost a little sister to me.”
“Oh good, there’s still tea.” Mrs. Bennet entered the room, followed by Katherine and Mary. Georgiana rose and pulled the bell cord to request more sandwiches and a fresh pot of tea.
Mrs. Bennet settled on the couch opposite Caroline and avoided looking at her. Katherine and Mary sat on either side, although they at least afforded her a polite smile, which she returned.
Conversation quickly turned to the double wedding, only two days away and left in peace, she reflected on the happy events of the afternoon. In three months she’d become Mrs. Nathan Kerr. Such a lovely name.
~~~ooo0ooo~~~
It was with a sense of great anticipation that Nathan greeted the Lord’s Day. Caroline had accepted his proposal and his heart could not contain his joy. He prepared for the Sunday Service, which would be a decidedly happy affair as this was the final reading of the banns for all interested parties from Pemberley.
Tomorrow would also be hectic as the actual ceremony would be performed by him and he knew that when he asked each couple to repeat their vows, his focus would be on his affianced, knowing that they too would soon be following in their footsteps.
“Would that day come sooner, Lord. Three months... Please grant me patience.” He breathed a quick prayer as he made his way to the chapel to make sure there were enough hymnals in the pews and fresh flowers in the vestibule.
All too soon the church was full and he was finalizing his sermon, based on Second Corinthians, Chapter Thirteen, more commonly known as the Love Chapter. His choice had been deliberate. He truly believed when husbands treated their wives as Christ treated His church, and followed the precept set down in Holy Scripture, marriages were more secure and both parties more content. He vowed to hold Caroline in such esteem.
The church was quite full of family, friends and guests for the wedding as well as regular parishioners. Hymns were sung and he preached his sermon before a congregation very open to the thought of true love. Finally, he reached the end of the service where he would read the banns for the third and final time for Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.
In a solemn voice he intoned, “I publish the banns of marriage between Fitzwilliam Arthur Darcy of Kympton parish, Derbyshire and Elizabeth Sophia Bennet of Longbourn parish, Hertfordshire. This is the third and final time of asking. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are to declare it before this assembly, or forever hold your peace.”
He waited for a few seconds before moving onto the next.
“I publish the banns of marriage between Charles Matthew Bingley of St. George Hanover Square parish, London and Jane Augusta Bennet of Longbourn parish, Hertfordshire. This is the third and final time of asking. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are to declare it before this assembly, or forever hold your peace.”
There was a tittering amongst the parishioners, who enjoyed the fact a joint wedding was taking place in their chapel on the morrow. Nathan waited until the soft chuckling subsided before starting again. This next announcement would shock everyone and he couldn’t wait to view the reactions.
“Before we leave for the day and I pray the benediction, I have one more order of business.” He cleared his throat and glanced down at Caroline who blushed furiously as she knew what was about to happen. “I publish the banns of marriage between Lord Reverend Nathanial William Kerr of Kympton parish, Derbyshire” – several gasps rippled through the church and Mr. Darcy openly gaped. This was much more fun than expected. – “and Caroline Anastasia Bingley of St. George Hanover Square parish, London. This is the first time of asking. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are to declare it before this assembly, or forever hold your peace.”
He grinned openly as Georgiana turned in her pew and reached over, clasping Caroline’s hand. Her excited whisper resonated for everyone to hear, such were the acoustics of the chapel. “I’m so happy for you.” Mr. Darcy, after he’d closed his mouth and taken Elizabeth’s hand in his, allowed a glimmer of a smile to cross his face. Elizabeth’s bright eyes sparkled with happy tears.
Charles, seated next to Jane, looked bemused. Nathan had approached him yesterday out of courtesy for his sister’s hand in marriage. Although Caroline was of age and could choose whom she married, he wanted to give Charles the respect that came as head of household. Jane as always remained serene.
His brothers, Max and George, who’d arrived late last evening for the wedding, stoically faced forward, but wide smiles creased both their faces and he knew he’d receive a full ribbing later on in the day from both of them.
When everybody settled, he read a portion from psalms, prayed the benediction and led the happy congregation in the final hymn. He had eyes for no one but his beloved, who positively glowed in her pale yellow muslin gown, with a contrasting chestnut brown wool spencer. Atop her glorious curls was another jaunty hat, swathed in rich silk, a single feather fixed along the side.
Impatient as he was for the three months to be over, he cherished the thought of properly courting his bride. He adored how she blushed when he snatched a stolen kiss or two. The Lord had truly blessed him.
One year later...
“I’ve received a letter from Charles.”
“How lovely.” Caroline set down the needlepoint she’d been working on, a linen handkerchief for Nathan. “What does our dear brother have to say?”
“He rambles on for quite a bit, but at least his handwriting is legible.” Louisa stated with a small laugh. “Jane has been a good influence on him.”
“Yes, she has,” she agreed. “Don’t keep me in suspense, what does he write?”
Louisa settled her new reading spectacles on her nose and scanned the letter. Although she didn’t read the letter in its entirety, she spoke aloud the parts that Caroline would find pertinent.
“He states he and Jane have purchased an estate not ten miles from Darcy and Elizabeth.”
“That will make Elizabeth glad. I know how close she is to Jane.”
“Yes, and it will remove them from Mrs. Bennet. Let me continue. Charles writes that her interference in their daily lives has become unbearable – which we knew would happen – and with a baby on the way—” Louisa lowered the letter to her lap and stared at Caroline, slack jawed.
“A baby!” Caroline cried out with joy. “Oh, they will be so happy. When does the child arrive?”
“What? Oh...” Louisa picked the letter back up and began again. “...a baby on the way, and by the time we receive this letter, they will already be moved.” She glanced up at Caroline. “Mr. Darcy gave Charles sound advice there. He knew they’d want to sever ties with Longbourn and urged Charles not to buy the property in Hertfordshire.” She continued reading from the letter. “The babe is expected six months hence. Oh, poor Jane. She must be absolutely exhausted from the move.”
“I’m sure she was. When you were expecting Nicholas, you slept the whole day away at times.”
“There is much adjustment when you have a child. Your body changes in wonderful ways.”
Louisa gave her a knowing look and she felt her cheeks turn pink with heat.
“I won’t know anything about that for a while. There are still two weeks until our wedding.”
“Fortunately Jane can attend the ceremony as she will not be in confinement yet, and they live a scant five miles from Kympton.” Louisa removed her glasses. “I believe Mr. Hurst and I should look into buying property in Derbyshire. If the whole family is going to be there, it makes sense. I want Nicholas to grow up around family and Mr. Hurst’s new business venture with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Gardiner would run much smoother if we resided nearby.”
“There was a time Charles would gladly have banished us all to the Hebrides, but now, I’m sure he’d love for us all to be closer.”
“This year has been difficult, with Nathan’s uncle passing away, but the six months of mourning have passed and your wedding day is just around the corner.”
“Two more weeks. I can’t believe it is finally going to happen.”
Four weeks after Nathan proposed, his Uncle Moreland and his wife Millicent were killed in a carriage accident. As he was an uncle, the mourning period lasted for six months and not a full year. Naturally the wedding had been postponed and with Louisa so close to delivering, they agreed to wait until she no longer required Caroline’s help and set the date for late October.
The past few months, with Nathan so far away in Derbyshire, made her realize how much she truly loved him. Because he was in mourning, their social engagements had been strictly limited. They learned to enjoy small pleasures, such as family gatherings and of course, while at Pemberley, she faithfully attended Sunday service. Not once had she been bored and now all the hymns held special meaning.
The royal mail service noticed an increase in the amount of letters travelling between London and Derbyshire when she returned to Town. She’d gone from having no one to correspond with to spending a few hours each morning going through her letters and replying. Not only did she receive daily missives from Nathan, but letters from his mother, Georgiana, Elizabeth and Jane, and most surprisingly, Miss Braithwaite. The dear heart had practically adopted her as one of her own and sent her the most entertaining news of what was happening in Kympton.
Darcy graciously offered his home for family and friends as the ceremony was taking place in Kympton and the Archbishop himself declared he would make the journey to Derbyshire and officiate over the service.
Two weeks couldn’t come soon enough.
~~~ooo0ooo~~~
“I, Caroline Anastasia Bingley, take thee, Nathanial William Kerr, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.”
She waited in a heightened sense of euphoria and heard nothing more until the Archbishop uttered those long awaited words, “I pronounce they be man and wife together.” With her hand tucked safely in Nathan’s she floated through the closing prayers and the reading of the psalms and it was only when the pealing of the bells began as they exited the church, all of it came at her in a mad rush.
They were finally married!
Nathan lifted her into the festive carriage and this time she relished the flex and tightening of his muscles. He sat and quickly took her hand in his, removing the ivory glove and brought her fingers to his lips. Between kissing each knuckle he whispered. “I love you.”
“And I, you, Mr. Kerr.”
He cradled her face in his hands. “I’m truly sorry for this, Caroline, but you are now Lady Nathanial Kerr.”
She started laughing and the more she tried to stop, the harder she laughed. Nathan didn’t join in, as he knew not what she laughed about, but his handsome mouth tilted into a grin.
“What is so funny?” He waited until she stopped with a small hiccup.
“Dear husband. Never say God does not have a sense of humor. For years I strove to capture the interest of a Peer, any member of the ton, without success.” She caressed his face with an affectionate hand. “And fell in love with a vicar, so far from my hopes and dreams.”
She held a finger to those lips she loved so much when he would have spoken. “No, don’t say anything. I am content and filled with joy in this life and now that I don’t care, God deems fit to give me a title.”
He chuckled at her explanation and kissed her fully on the lips. Finally, he bid the driver take them away and they both turned and waved goodbye to the cheers and well wishes of friends and family.
She looked adoringly at her husband. How she treasured that word, husband.
“I love you Nathanial William Kerr, and I don’t care if we never entertain Society. I’m quite content with our cozy parsonage and your parishioners.”
“I’m glad you say that, my lovely, beautiful wife, but do you remember the letter I received from Max’s solicitor a few weeks ago, requesting that I visit the old curmudgeon in London?”
She nodded assent.
“He informed me as Uncle Moreland and Aunt Millicent had no children or other direct heirs, he bequeathed his estate to me. We’ve become land owners, not more than twenty miles from Kympton.”
“And you’re only telling me now?”
“Consider this my wedding gift to you.” He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.
“You are trying to distract me.”
“Is it working?” She could feel him smile against her lips.
“Yes,” she sighed and let him kiss her again. Once he pulled back, she asked. “Shouldn’t the estate have gone to Max, or George?”
“No, he stipulated in his will I was to inherit. Max has Adborough Hall and George has land of his own, Keswick Manor, which was part of mother’s dowry.”
“Does this mean you will leave the church?”
“Yes, my darling, but not until Darcy finds a replacement.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “We will be expected to entertain guests, have copious amounts of children to carry on our legacy, and look after our own tenants as the estate is substantial. You will be the principal lady of the village. Are you prepared for that adventure?”
“I will face anything if you are with me.” Happy tears of joy pooled in her eyes and she reached for her ivory reticule.
Nathan placed a hand over hers and stilled her movement. He reached inside his morning coat and brandished a newly embroidered linen handkerchief with C&N stitched on the corner above a tiny rose.
“I am ever your humble Steward of the Linen Cupboard, Lady Nathanial Kerr.”