Elizabeth lay in the darkness, curled into the curve of Darcy's body. His arm lay lightly across her middle and his head rested against hers.
"Are you happy, Lizzie?" he asked softly as his arms tightened about her.
Elizabeth breathed deeply and sighed contentedly. "How could I not be, Fitzwilliam?"
"I only wanted to be certain."
She smiled as he rubbed her middle. "I believe you are content as well?"
"There are few times when I can remember being happier than I am at this moment. Perhaps the day that you agreed to marry me. I could hardly ask your father for your hand."
Elizabeth chuckled. "You are the most composed man in my acquaintance."
"I could present you with several instances within our acquaintance in which I was far from composed. Shall I remind you of my first proposal to you?"
"I only credit the second one."
"Then you are kind."
"Perhaps that is so. Or perhaps I would like to spare myself the memory of my prejudice and incivility."
Darcy laughed softly and fingered her loose curls. "You had every right to say what you did."
"At least one of us may feel that way," she replied ruefully.
His lips pressed gently against the crown of her head. "I am going to write to my aunt, to tell her of our news," he murmured.
"Truly?" Elizabeth turned on her side to face him, though she found his features blurred and hard to discern in the darkness.
"It is time that I repair relations with my aunt. I shall also write to my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam; he is eager to visit Pemberley."
"He is a delightful man." Elizabeth smiled.
"Then perhaps I should call off such a visit. I would detest having my young wife leave me for my cousin. Do not think that I have not noticed that he flirts with you whenever he may."
"You are terrible to believe I would leave you," retorted Elizabeth lightly. "To begin with, you are far handsomer."
"Is that my only attribute that strikes you?"
"I don't believe I need increase your ego any further than where it currently stands."
He chuckled before his lips met hers. When they broke apart, she felt his lips smile against hers. "I do not want to fatigue myself. My snoring may keep you awake and you require your rest."
"You are incorrigible," Elizabeth muttered before their lips met again.
The next afternoon, Elizabeth and Darcy rode into town to post Darcy's letters. Elizabeth parted from Darcy to call upon the seamstress and have the measurements of the dresses she had ordered altered. As she was finishing, Mrs. Brighton stepped through the door. The elderly widow lived on a large estate in the opposite direction of Pemberley. Elizabeth had frequently visited the widow the previous summer, soon after she had become comfortable riding a horse. The last time that the two women had encountered one another was at Elizabeth's Christmas ball.
Elizabeth smiled. "How do you do, Mrs. Brighton?"
"Very well, very well, Mrs. Darcy. How is Mr. Darcy?"
"He is very well, thank you."
"And yourself?"
"I am doing well."
"How is Georgiana?"
"She was ill at the beginning of the spring but she has recovered. She is currently visiting with my older sister, Jane."
"I am sorry to hear of Georgiana's illness! I am glad she has recovered. And Jane, the dear! How is she? I have heard that Mr. and Mrs. Bingley have a new little one!"
"Yes, a girl, Evelyn."
"How wonderful!" Mrs. Brighton beamed. "Now, dear, I mustn't delay you, but do come visit when you have an opportunity."
"And the same goes towards you. I would be delighted to receive you at Pemberley."
The women bade one another farewell and Elizabeth proceeded to the doorway. Darcy was not waiting for her. She turned, contemplating returning to the back of the shop but then changed her mind and decided to wait just outside the doorway, in the warm day, for him.
She turned and stepped forward and collided with someone. Elizabeth stumbled back. A strong hand grasped her elbow and steadied her.
"Miss, I apologize. I should have been watching where I was going."
Elizabeth felt her cheeks grow warm as she looked up into the face of a tall young man with earnest green eyes. His own cheeks were crimsoned with embarrassment. He apologized again and asked if she were well.
"Yes, yes, sir, thank you. I am as much at fault, I was not attentive to where I was walking," said Elizabeth.
The young man smiled slightly. "My grandmother and mother despair of my clumsiness."
Elizabeth reddened further. "It was not entirely your fault."
"May I escort you somewhere while I await my grandmother?"
Elizabeth swallowed. "I am waiting for my husband. It is best that I wait here."
The young man flushed. "I apologize once more. I did not—I—."
She smiled. "Do not worry."
He returned her smile. "I do not believe I introduced myself. I am Mrs. Brighton's grandson, Henry Brighton."
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "You are her grandson, Lord Brighton?"
Lord Brighton smiled. "I prefer to omit the title."
Elizabeth curtsied. "I am Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy."
He nodded. "My grandmother speaks very highly of you."
"I am honored. She is a very respect worthy woman."
Lord Brighton bowed. "I am as honored to make your acquaintance, as I have heard only good of you and your husband. I should like to meet him."
Elizabeth smiled. "He comes now." Darcy stepped into the shop. Elizabeth went to him and laid a hand upon his arm.
Lord Brighton bowed. "I am Henry Brighton. I am honored to make the acquaintance of such a prestigious man."
Darcy bowed. "May I say the same of you? I am Fitzwilliam Darcy and this is my wife, Elizabeth. But I believe you two have met."
"Indeed," agreed Lord Brighton.
They conversed for a few moments more before Darcy tipped his hat to the young Lord. "You are welcome to visit Pemberley whenever you may be unoccupied. My wife and I would be glad to receive you."
Lord Brighton smiled. "I appreciate such an invitation."
Elizabeth and Darcy smiled as they parted from the young man. Stepping in to the bright day, Elizabeth blinked against the brightness of the sunlight.
"Are you well?" asked Darcy as Elizabeth paused.
"It is so bright."
He waited until her eyes had adjusted and then they began down the street to their carriage. Once settled inside, Darcy handed her a letter.
"It is from Jane. It arrived two days ago."
Eagerly Elizabeth accepted the envelope and broke the seal.
My Dearest Sister,
I pray that this letter finds you well. I received your last letter just this morning. Kitty and Georgiana send you their regards. Evelyn is growing ever so quickly and is becoming prettier by the day! Lydia and Wickham have departed and though I dread to say such of my sister, I am relieved. Kitty was not quite herself with Lydia about. I assume that you have come to the conclusion to which I have come: Kitty and Lydia will forever remain distant. I weep to see my sister despondent at the loss of a person so close to her. But she shall recover in time. Kitty has found a new beau by the name of Thomas Gibson. He appears very attentive to Kitty and possesses a well mannered disposition. He delights Caroline, Georgiana, Charles, and me. We met him at a recent ball. Kitty spent the entire evening speaking with him. But I have enclosed a letter from her with envelope and I shall her to explain to the details which she wishes to divulge. Georgiana has also requested to return to Pemberley. If you are feeling better since you departed a little over a month ago, I believe Georgiana would be delighted to be with you and Darcy again. Kitty, of course, would like to remain here as long as Mr. Gibson remains and she is welcome. Perhaps it would be best if you sent Darcy to fetch Georgiana as Charles will be departing for business in a few days time. Father sent me a letter (in which he mentioned he had sent one to you) requesting us to come visit him at Longbourn. I believe I shall wait until the end of the summer to go, when Evelyn is a bit older and settled…
Your's, very sincerely,
J. Bingley
Elizabeth reread Jane's letter several times before she read Kitty's letter, which spoke frequently of a certain Mr. Gibson. She finally refolded them and slipped them back into the envelope.
Darcy had waited patiently for her to finish. "Is there any news?"
Elizabeth smiled up at him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Georgiana would like to return home, but Jane wanted to know if you would be able to retrieve her as Charles is leaving to attend to business. Kitty found a beau by the name of Thomas Gibson. I was—I was wondering if you could look into the background of this young man. I trust Kitty, only she has been through so much lately with Lydia I just—I just want to be sure."
"Of course, my dear. Is there anything else?"
"My father would like Jane and me to visit him at Longbourn. Jane speaks of going at the end of the summer."
"Shall you go?"
Elizabeth sighed and gazed out the window. "I am not certain. I told my father at Christmas that I would but," she gestured towards her middle, "I am not sure if I shall be capable of such a journey. I do not want to make any commitments. I miss my father, but," she trailed off.
"I understand, Lizzie, and I am sure he shall."
"I hope so. Will you be fetching Georgiana then?"
"I believe I will leave in two days time and stay for a day or two before returning."
Elizabeth turned to look at him. "Very well."
"You look tired and pale, Lizzie. Are you certain you are not ill?" Darcy frowned with concern.
She shook her head. "Yes. It is only that I have not slept well for the past few nights. Do not worry about me."
Darcy smiled thinly. "How can I help it?"
Elizabeth sighed and leaned against him and he pulled her closer. She drifted off to sleep without answering his question.
Two mornings later, Elizabeth awoke to the sound of someone moving about. Her eyes blinked open to darkness and she realized that the sun had not yet risen.
"Darcy?" she murmured into the darkness.
"Did I wake you, Elizabeth?" he asked softly.
He appeared above her and she felt his weight settle upon the edge of the bed beside her.
She shook her head. "No," she muttered.
Darcy leaned over and kissed her. "Goodbye, Elizabeth. I shall see you soon."
"Goodbye Darcy."
He rose and hurried from the room. Elizabeth waited until his footfalls had disappeared before she climbed from the bed and drew her dressing gown about her. She crept from the room and down the corridor to a window. She waited a few moments before she saw Darcy emerged and climb into the carriage which stood waiting. She waved slightly as it lurched and then started off, carrying her husband away.
Elizabeth sighed and returned to their bedchamber. She climbed into Darcy's side of the bed and settled into the depression of his form. She pulled the covers about her and slipped into sleep again, still wrapped in her dressing gown.
She awoke later that morning and was startled to have slept for so long. She took breakfast in her bedroom and prepared for the day with the help of one of the servant girls. She spent the remainder of the day, indulging in her books, reading from a French grammar book, and practicing the pianoforte.
The next afternoon Elizabeth was playing the pianoforte. Just as she was wearying of it, the great knocker sounded throughout the first floor. Elizabeth rose and went to see who called. Rensler was opening the door as she entered the foyer.
She watched from the shadows as he opened the door further and bowed in Mrs. Brighton and her grandson.
"Good morning, Madam and sir."
"Good morning," replied Mrs. Brighton. "We were passing and my grandson expressed interest in viewing Pemberley. I was only wondering if Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were home."
Elizabeth emerged and strode forward, just as Mrs. Reynolds appeared.
"Good morning, Mrs. Brighton, Lord Brighton," said Elizabeth. "I apologize for my appearance, but I was not expecting visitors this morning."
"I regret stopping by unannounced, but Henry simply wanted to tour the house and grounds. If you are unable to receive us, I understand."
Elizabeth smiled. "I would be happy to—,"
"Ask me to give you a tour," said Mrs. Reynolds, hurrying forward to curtsy.
Elizabeth was startled but she attempted to maintain her calm expression. "Why do you not come in and take a seat in the parlor," she said to Mrs. Brighton and her grandson. "I shall be only a moment."
She indicated for Rensler to lead them to the parlor. When Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds were alone, Elizabeth frowned.
"Mrs. Reynolds, I do not appreciate you interrupting me in front of my guests."
The woman set her arms upon her hips. "I am sorry for interrupting you, Mrs. Darcy, but I will not allow you to walk all about Pemberley giving a tour."
"Why ever not? I am fully capable."
"You tire easily and I will not have anything happen to you while you are under my watch."
Elizabeth's frown deepened. "You are not under Darcy's instruction, are you?"
The woman's silence provided an answer to Elizabeth's question.
Elizabeth sighed. "Mrs. Reynolds, I shall be fine. Darcy need not know anyway."
"Absolutely not, I will not allow anything to happen to you; he would never forgive me."
Elizabeth became exasperated. "I have walked about Pemberley countless times. I shall be perfectly fine."
"I cannot allow you to do so, Mrs. Darcy. I shall give them the tour and then you may entertain them however you wish but I will not let you go gallivanting about these grounds in your condition."
Elizabeth could see that the woman would not budge and that this was one of the times when, though her's was a stubborn nature, it was best to give in.
"Very well, Mrs. Reynolds. But I shall be speaking to Mr. Darcy when he returns. I will not be held prisoner in my own home."
"You may do that, but I know for now what my instructions are." Mrs. Reynolds started off down the corridor and despite Elizabeth's vexation, she could not help but feel affection for the woman.
Elizabeth hurried after Mrs. Reynolds but she need not have for Mrs. Reynolds had stopped outside the door of the parlor. Elizabeth passed one last glare at the woman before she put on a smile and entered the parlor where Mrs. Brighton sat in an armchair and Lord Brighton stood at a window, looking over the grounds. Both turned when she entered.
"I have arranged for my housekeeper to give you a tour of the house and the grounds. She is far more knowledgeable than I and I am sure you shall enjoy the anecdotes she can provide you with." Mrs. Reynolds appeared in the doorway.
Mrs. Brighton rose. "I am sorry for interrupting you, Elizabeth. I should not have."
"No, not at all, Mrs. Brighton. We are happy to welcome you to Pemberley, you and Lord Brighton."
The young man spoke up. "It is Henry, please, or just Mr. Brighton."
Elizabeth smiled. "Very well then, Mr. Brighton. If you would just follow my housekeeper, she shall show you about."
Not to be entirely submissive to Mrs. Reynolds, nor Darcy's command, Elizabeth followed her guests about the house, adding personal anecdotes to the housekeeper's tour. When they came to the art gallery, Lord Brighton caught sight of the portrait of Jane and Elizabeth.
"It is a most attractive likeness," he announced, a smile appearing upon his face. Somehow his compliment of the portrait reached far deeper than Wickham's ever had and Elizabeth thanked him with reddened cheeks.
He gazed at the portrait that hung beside it. "Who is that young woman?"
Elizabeth beamed. "That is Mr. Darcy's sister, Miss Darcy."
"She is very elegant and handsome."
"Indeed," agreed Elizabeth in agreement, gazing at the portrait. "She is a delightful young woman. I love her dearly."
Mrs. Brighton particularly favored the painting of Darcy and Elizabeth, completed shortly after their marriage.
When Mrs. Reynolds led the Brightons outside, Elizabeth retired to the parlor and called for Rensler, requesting refreshments when they returned. She picked up her French grammar book while she waited.
She had lost track of the time when she heard the door open once more. She hid the book in the corner desk and went to the foyer to greet her returning guests.
Elizabeth was surprised to see Darcy and Georgiana.
"Welcome home! But Darcy, I thought—,"
He smiled sheepishly. "Georgiana did not mind leaving early."
Elizabeth embraced Georgiana. "How are you dear?"
"Very well."
Elizabeth smiled. "Why do you not go upstairs and freshen up?"
Georgiana sensed that Elizabeth wanted to be alone with Darcy and departed without complaint.
Elizabeth led Darcy back to the parlor, closing the doors behind them.
"I thought you were returning tomorrow," she said.
"I was, but, I was worried."
"About what?"
"You."
"I am perfectly fine," retorted Elizabeth.
Darcy frowned. "I met Rensler. He told me you were going to give Mrs. Brighton a tour of the premises."
"I was, but apparently you instructed Mrs. Reynolds to prevent me from exerting myself." She spoke more sharply than she intended to and bit her lip.
Elizabeth was startled to see Darcy's face fall and his shoulders slump.
"I am sorry Elizabeth; I should not have done it. But I was so worried, leaving you by yourself in your condition."
She went to him and slid her arms about him. He rested his chin on her head. "Darcy, I am not a porcelain doll, I will not break at the slightest movement. I appreciate your concern but I am truly fine. You need not worry about me."
Elizabeth felt him chuckle softly. "Yes, my dear. I am sorry, but I must confess that whether you are with or without child I cannot help but miss you when I am away."
"They say distance makes the heart grow fonder," Elizabeth replied, unable to help but smile.
"Actually, the true reason I left early was because Jane was expecting guests today and we both felt it would be imprudent for me to be present when they arrived. It would seem unseemly for me to be there alone with Jane and Kitty."
Elizabeth nodded and grinned up at him. "I am glad you consider my sisters' decency as you have none yourself."
He grinned back. "No I don't," he replied as his lips met hers, teasing. When their lips broke apart Elizabeth arched an eyebrow.
"Are you attempting to prove my point?"
"Perhaps, but as I you have acknowledged my lack of decency and I have acknowledged it, is it not now, then, considered fact and therefore has no need of proof?"
"You think you are quite astute."
"Indeed, I do," he replied with a grin."
"What if I told you that kiss was quite meek by your usual standards."
"Then I would do this." He captured her lips as his hands slid suggestively down her sides.
Suddenly they broke the kiss, gasping at the passion that had ignited so quickly between them.
Darcy coloured deeply. "I am sorry. This is not the proper place for such a display."
Elizabeth felt that her cheeks were even redder than his. "No, no, not at all." She smoothed her dress carefully.
Elizabeth jumped slightly as they heard the door open behind them. Both turned to see Georgiana enter, dressed in a fresh gown. Upon seeing the expressions on her brother and sister-in-law's faces, she herself blushed.
"Is it not a bit warm in here?" she asked, gliding to a window and pushing it open. She opened a second one and a third as Darcy and Elizabeth watched. Finally Elizabeth helped her and when all the windows had been opened, she breathed in deeply.
"The breeze is wonderful," she sighed. "It smells like spring, does it not Georgiana?"
Georgiana smiled happily. "Yes, it does."
At that moment, Mrs. Reynolds appeared in the doorway. For a moment she appeared surprised at Darcy and Georgiana's presence but then her surprise melted away and she smiled.
She curtsied Mrs. Brighton and Lord Brighton into the room. "I shall leave you now," she said, excusing herself.
Darcy smiled. "Welcome to Pemberley. Mrs. Brighton, Lord Brighton, this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy and Georgiana, this is Mrs. Brighton and her grandson, Lord Brighton."
Georgiana stepped forward and curtsied. "I am pleased to meet you," she said softly.
Her eyes widened as Lord Brighton stepped forward, bowed, and placed a kiss upon her hand.
"It is my pleasure to meet such a beautiful young lady," he said quietly, as if his words meant only for her ears.
Georgiana blushed deeply. "Thank you," she murmured as their eyes met for a brief moment.
Elizabeth's gaze lighted upon Mrs. Brighton and she was startled to see that the woman wore a very self-satisfied expression. She looked to Darcy and saw her own surprise mirrored upon his visage.