DARCY STOOD AT THE altar, Richard at his side. Organ music filled the grand space, and sunlight shone through stained glass. The colonel’s eldest brother escorted Mrs. Bennet to her pew. The guests were all assembled, and the ceremony about to start.
“Lady Catherine did not come,” Darcy said to his cousin in low tones. He felt more resigned than disappointed.
“You did not expect her, did you?” Richard asked.
“No. Though I hoped we could put to rest the nonsense about me marrying Anne, without enmity between us. You said Anne was well when you last saw her?”
“Yes, two days ago, she was the picture of health. She’s weaning herself off the potion she’s been taking since childhood. She believes it does her more harm than good.”
Their conversation came to an abrupt halt when Elizabeth step
