'Stop the coach,' Darcy called after tapping on the roof to get his drivers attention.

Two days on the road and he couldn't wait to arrive home. At times the hot August sun made the interior of his closed carriage unbearable. Better sprung for long trips than the barouche-landau used in and around Pemberley, Darcy wished he had the convertible carriage for this last part of the journey. It would make the sight much more spectacular for his long suffering wife.

Elizabeth's happy disposition and witty repartee brought relief from the never ending journey. Darcy needed to make the approach special after her continuous effort at felicity between them. In spite of a horse throwing a shoe forcing an unscheduled stop and adding a day, Elizabeth had not ceased in her attempts to make them a merry party. For the most part, she had succeeded and Darcy hoped a friendship would result between his wife and sister.

'Mrs Darcy,' Fitzwilliam said, opening the door and trying to hide a burgeoning smile. Climbing out, he sighed with relief at the welcome breeze. Offering his hand, Elizabeth came to the window only to see a road surrounded by trees. 'I beg you accompany me for this last part of our journey on foot.'

'You must,' Georgiana became enthusiastic, all but pushing Elizabeth into her brother's arms. 'May I join you?'

'Elizabeth?' Darcy deferred to his wife. He would give her the opportunity to make up her mind. In the future she would spend part of her time overseeing Georgiana's education. The choice to include his sister must come from Elizabeth.

'I would be honoured,' Lizzy sounded confused as she glared between the siblings. Obviously they had a surprise and wished to share it. The identical look of excitement on their faces caused her stomach to turn.

Offering both arms, Georgiana took one and Elizabeth the other. 'You must not say a word,' Darcy warned, 'until we clear this grove. Then I would very much like your opinion.'

Forcing a slight smile to her lips, Lizzy's anticipation and uncertainty increased with every step. What could they possibly want to show her this close to her new home? As with the last few days, she straightened her back and took a deep breath. Once again her courage came to her rescue. However even it failed on seeing Pemberley for the first time. She could not even gasp as all breath left her lungs.

'How do you like your new home, Mrs Darcy,' Fitzwilliam asked in her ear. The breath created a shiver which he noted travelled the length of her spine. Instantly, Darcy's body reacted. Just how he continued to watch his wife's face for her reaction, he would never be able to tell.

With the last two days he'd begun to admire the woman at his side in more than a carnal way. Tenacious, inventive, well mannered, Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy had not put a foot wrong after their initial argument. Even then, Darcy understood her ire and what caused the outburst. He had behaved very badly in the attempt to force a relationship between them all.

I have learnt, he openly admired the beauty before him and at his side, to give this woman her head. Like a fine horse, she is well bread, has spirit and is worth a small fortune. She will be admired by many others. I am glad we are to stay at Pemberley for an extended period so that I may have her to myself and discover what else my Wife has to offer. Our meeting may not have been ideal, but even in that, perhaps the good Lord watched over us both. I believe, in time we may be happy together.

'I don't think I have ever seen a house so well situated,' Lizzy looked up at him with astonishment as she finally found her voice. 'I confess, so far I like Pemberley very much.' Stopping, Elizabeth swallowed hard. Something in his look, something she'd noticed several times over the last two days made her shiver. 'I think there are few who would not.'

'You are to be mistress of this house, Elizabeth,' Darcy stated in a horse whisper, desperately holding on to his sanity and libido. 'In spite of our beginning, I wish you to be happy here or in my London house.'

'How could I not be,' Lizzy offered in a teasing tone, still unable to take her eyes from the vista before her. She'd noted Mr Darcy responded well to her light jests, sometime with the barest hint of a smile on his lips. 'The woods alone will keep me busy the entire summer as I explore the paths.'

'If that is your wish,' Darcy responded, appreciating her teasing. It allowed him to respond in a similar vein and feel just a little closer to the woman. 'I will have good walker added to the list of requirement for your ladies maid.'

'Oh no, Fitzwilliam,' Lizzy couldn't help blushing, 'I would much rather walk alone to enjoy the serenity in quite solitude.'

'You will not,' he retaliated, a hard tone entering his words. 'As my wife and mistress of Pemberley, you will be attended at all times.'

'It is not safe,' Georgiana, almost forgotten by the couple added in a low tone. She could see another argument brewing by the stubborn looks. For all the peace her new sister extruded, there were times her brother took her words too seriously. 'I can see you are not use to such extravagance, Elizabeth, but it is important. You travel in the highest circles now and some things must change for you.' Using the comment, she changed the direction of the conversation. Both Elizabeth and Darcy sighed with relief. 'Brother, you did not have time to order new clothes for my sister while in London. You must find a way to furnish your wife a wardrobe.'

'We will not be leaving Pemberley for some time,' Darcy once again retreated behind his stoic façade. 'You may take Elizabeth to the modesty in Lampton and have appropriate gowns made. I will give permission for them to send to town for materials. Next time we are in London, I'm sure you will both want to shop for a new wardrobe. Now let us continue to walk for I cannot wait to be home. I'm sure Mrs Reynold's has hot water and refreshments waiting.'

Still holding on to her husband's arm, Lizzy's expression at his high handedness did not lessen. On seeing Pemberley she understood her change in situation. However, there would be some restrictions she'd fight. At this moment in time, Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy placed those worries to the back of her mind and concentrated on the house she would now call home.