Page 75 of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy

“I, for one, will not miss this porridge,” Mr. Bennet says, lifting his spoon. The porridge slops off it and lands back in the bowl with an unappetizing plop.

We all laugh, including Jane.

“I want to thank you all for making this week memorable. I can’t imagine how it would have been without all of you,” I say, feeling a little melancholy about saying goodbye.

“Well,” Mrs. Bennet says, with a quick nod of her head. “Shall we get ready? We have a big day today. Two of my girls are getting married.” She beams at Jane and me.

It’s our last reenactment; there will be a double wedding for Jane and Bingley, and Elizabeth and Darcy, and then we’ll have one final ball—a send-off of sorts where the locals join us, and there will be lots of dancing and not having to stay in character, which honestly doesn’t sound all that fun. I’ll miss being Elizabeth—her courage, her wit, and the way she always speaks her mind. Maybe some of her essence has worn off on me.

My wedding dress is ivory, with a gorgeous, embroidered-lace bodice and a flowing, silk skirt that goes all the way to the floor. I saw it when we picked our wardrobe and grabbed it,even though back then I was playing Jane. Still, it’s perfect for Elizabeth too. I imagine if someday I get married for real, I’d want something like this. And whomever I marry would have to wear breeches, a tailcoat, and a cravat, of course. And he will have dark hair and gorgeous blue eyes.

Oops. There I go again. But after the way Zane kissed me last night, I can’t help but wonder if, and hope that, this isn’t just a vacation romance or aPride and Prejudiceromance, but the real thing.

LADY CATHERINE CLAPS HER HANDS twice as we stand outside the ballroom, which has been decorated with garlands and flowers. It’s so beautiful. She even went as far as to have pews and an altar brought in. The room is now full of staff and locals, and the best surprise: Monroe is here. She looks happy and healthy—although a little bruised from her fall—and seems very much in love with her duke, who hasn’t left her side since they arrived.

“All right, everyone,” Lady Catherine says, wearing a deep-purple gown, her gray wig extra grand. “We shall now proceed with our final reenactment of the week.” A few of the cast and staff let out exaggerated sighs of disappointment at this.

“I know, I know,” she says, raising a hand to quiet us. “It is indeed a somber moment. But as Jane Austen herself has taught us, all good things must come to an end.”

“Did she coin that phrase?” Zane asks, leaning in toward my ear, his proximity making butterflies dance around in my stomach.

“No.” I shake my head. “She did not.”

“Now, as we do this final scene, please do conduct yourselves with the utmost propriety. This is a momentous occasion—the culmination of our tale and the joining of these two most esteemed couples.” She tips her head toward Zane and me, her wig bobbing as she does. “Let us ensure that every detail is performed with the dignity and grace befitting such an event. Remember, you are not merely witnesses; you are part of history.”

Zane snorts out a little laugh that hopefully no one else hears.

“And let me remind everyone,” she goes on, looking pointedly at Zane and me. “There shall be no kissing. This is not some frivolous play; this is a reenactment of the highest caliber. Keep your passions firmly in check.”

“Yes, Miss Bennet,” Zane says, whispering to me again. “Keep your passions in check.”

“I’m not worried about myself, but I am for Mr. Darcy.”

He nudges me with his shoulder. “Have I told you that you look incredible?”

“You have. Twice,” I say, a blush creeping up my cheeks.

“Right, I remember now,” he says, quietly. “And then I kissed you in the back of the library.”

My blush deepens. He did do that. After a quick moment with our phones during our final leisurely pursuit—since we’re getting them back this evening before we leave, along with our other personal items. I used the time to send an update email to my mom and reply to an impatient Amelia, who was demanding more details. But then Zane grabbed my hand, pulled me behind some shelves, and kissed me until my lips tingled. Passions, clearly, were not in check.

“Everyone, please line up,” Lady Catherine directs. “Let us start the reenactment.”

THE WEDDING SCENE WAS LOVELY, the locals who joined in made for a fantastic audience, and overall, it was a wonderful day. Now, as I finish a lively reel with an overly enthusiastic Mr. Collins as my partner, I’m more than ready for a much-needed break.

Zane sat this one out after doing back-to-back dances with Edith and some of her friends. So far, she hasn’t touched his butt. But there’s still time.

I walk over to Zane, who’s deep in conversation with Monroe’s duke, and slide into the open seat beside him. His hand moves to my knee, giving it a quick squeeze before settling there, as if this is the most natural thing in the world for us.

Zane has no hesitation about touching me in public now, making his affection obvious for everyone to see. It’s clear he doesn’t mind a little PDA, much to Lady Catherine’s horror. She’s shot him more than one reprimanding look, but all he’s done is hold my hand or hug me. Honestly, the woman is insufferable. But she does know how to put on a greatPride and Prejudicereenactment, I’ll give her that. Who knows—maybe I’ll even miss her slights and curt demeanor.

Speak of the devil . . .

“Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Catherine says as she approaches me, holding a piece of paper in her hand. I do love that she’s been calling me “Mrs. Darcy” since the wedding. It gives me a thrill every time I hear it. “May I have a word?”

A tendril of nerves moves down my spine, but I have nothing to worry about here. Even if she somehow caught Zane and mesneaking out, she’s not going to bother kicking us out now, only a couple of hours before the entire thing is over. Is she?

I follow her over to the corner of the room, away from the music and the dancing.

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