The next day Mrs. Bennet greeted her grandson so rapturously that Elizabeth was thankful that none but she and her son were witness to Mrs. Bennet's effusions. Lydia exclaimed over the baby and attempted to persuade Elizabeth to name her Edward's guardian but quitted the room immediately when Elizabeth refused. Mary was the only one who greeted Elizabeth's son reasonably, complimenting her sister on the birth of such a healthy child.
Mary also presented her older sister with a beautiful set of garments for Edward. Elizabeth recognized the expensive quality of the material and thanked her sister as profoundly as she was able for such a generous and thoughtful gift.
"There is not much else to do at home," Mary admitted quietly, after Elizabeth had noted the excellent make of the clothing. The older woman was perturbed by the loneliness evident in her sister's tone and resolved present a suggestion to her aunt to invite Mary into town.
Elizabeth found her aunt in one of the galleries, scolding Nat and Edward for playing carelessly among the art. When she released the children, Elizabeth approached the woman, requesting a walk through the gallery. Mrs. Gardiner agreed. For a short while they discussed Elizabeth's Edward and his christening before Mrs. Gardiner inquired into the whereabouts of Darcy and Charles.
"Darcy is overseeing the clearing of the road so that Lady Catherine and Anne may depart for London. Charles accompanied him."
"It is fairly cold outside," Elizabeth's aunt observed sympathetically.
"Darcy was certain to make that knowledge clear to me this morning before he departed."
Mrs. Gardiner chuckled. "I suppose I ought to thank him, as we will shortly follow Lady Catherine's departure."
"You are leaving so soon?"
"We want to return home before the next snow or else we could be here until spring."
"That is reasonable. I have a large favor to demand of you." Mrs. Gardiner arched an eyebrow in curiosity. "It is in regard to Mary. I was wondering if it would inconvenience you if she were to return to town and stay at your home for a while. I feel that she is lonely at Longbourn; all her sisters have left."
"Lizzie, I understand your concern, but Mary is reclusive. She may enjoy her solitude. London is a large city and she may not be any more content there."
"Will you extend her an invitation though? I will not press her or you further if she refuses."
"I think that is fair," agreed Mrs. Gardiner.
"Thank you, Aunt Mari."
"It is the least I can do. Sarah remained with you here for so long."
"She was a pleasure to have," insisted Elizabeth.
"Indeed. She quite enjoyed herself." Mrs. Gardiner's voice was dry.
Elizabeth chuckled.
It was only a short time before dinner that Darcy and Charles returned. Elizabeth had instructed that dinner be served in the rooms of her guests as she did not expect Darcy to desire a formal dinner that evening. She also had baths drawn for Darcy and Charles to warm them upon their return.
While Darcy bathed, Elizabeth dined and went to retrieve Edward from his nurse. When she returned, Darcy was eating his soup. He smiled upon her entrance.
"I wondered where you had gone," he said.
Elizabeth seated herself across from Darcy, cradling Edward who had turned his eyes toward her.
"He watches you often," observed Darcy.
Elizabeth laughed. "I am afraid you are no longer the only one that has a claim upon me."
Darcy smiled as he set his bowl aside. "I do not mind sharing you occasionally."
"You speak as if I am something to be passed about."
"My dearest, I believe you first cast yourself in that perspective. I would not describe you as one to lay claim to you. You are far to wild for such a tame word."
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "I am wild?"
"In a most liberating way," Darcy assured. "You possess neither the vanity of the wealthy nor the pretentiousness of the middle class. You find the greatest amusement in the folly of the world and you find occasion to laugh at it. You also seem fond of confusing others of your true character. As I have noted to you before, you frequently assume others' opinions as your own."
"I recognize Elizabeth Bennet in your description, but I am not so sure of Elizabeth Darcy," admitted Elizabeth as she gazed at Edward.
Darcy was quiet a moment and Elizabeth felt as if he were deeply contemplating her words. "Do you feel as if I restrain you?" he inquired finally.
"No, it is only—I have assumed so many more responsibilities with my marriage and my care for Kitty and now my motherhood. I had so much more freedom as Elizabeth Bennet."
Darcy appeared pained. "Are you unhappy, Lizzie?"
"No, not at all!" insisted Elizabeth.
"It is only that our marriage, as of yet, has been far from ideal. And much of that has been my fault."
"No, you are not responsible. Despite our love before our marriage, we were still so ignorant of one another and we remain so. We have had to learn one another, and though there have been times when I have been far from happy, never once have I questioned my decision to marry you."
"And nor have I."
Elizabeth smiled. "I do not wish to disrupt this moment, but you ought to eat your dinner." She rose and carried Edward to her bed, placing the infant upon it, before she sank back against the pillows and took Edward's plump hands in her own, speaking quietly to him as she gently moved his arms about.
Darcy ignored his supper as he regarded his handsome wife and their child and silently appreciated Elizabeth's candor, for without it he would have remained the aloof and arrogant man he had been and would have never known the happiness that she brought him. She seemed to sense his gaze, for she turned to him and smiled, scolding him teasingly for neglecting his meal. He was content to heed her rebuke, though his eyes never left her.
"It is not proper to stare, Mr. Darcy," observed Elizabeth.
"One was never criticized for regarding a portrait of beauty," he replied softly.
"I see no portraits."
Darcy's lips lifted in an amused smile. "You my dearest—,"
His wife's brow wrinkled. "You may have overridden my will last night with your beguiling expressions, but I will not submit this evening." He chuckled, but Elizabeth shook her head. "You have far too high an opinion of yourself. It will do you well to be declined every once in a while."
"I agree, but that need not be this night," he replied amiably.
"Edward's christening is tomorrow, and I would prefer to be well rested. Now finish your supper." She drew Edward into her arms and carried him from the room.
Edward's christening passed with all the excitement owed to an infant of his class. During the celebration at Pemberley, various tenants of Darcy appeared to offer their congratulations. Elizabeth attempted to invite some of them to remain, but they gazed beyond her at the splendor of all those present and politely declined.
Mrs. Bennet continued to exclaim over Edward's every movement and feature until Lady Catherine frowned and saw fit to silence the woman. "Mrs. Bennet, your constant chatter distracts us from observing the child for ourselves and will leave us all with headaches. Besides, you will make a chatterer of the infant. It is not proper for them to hear so much talking; they will pick up the habit."
Elizabeth was unsure of her Ladyships' claim that excessive talking led to a child's proclivity to chatter, but she was thankful when her mother fell silent. Mr. Bennet appeared relieved as well.
"One thing is for certain," Elizabeth declared to Charles as he assisted her up the stairs while Darcy saw to the arrangements for everyone's departure the following day, "Edward will not be playing with children of his class exclusively for he will come to believe the very universe revolves about him!"
Charles chuckled. "Evelyn seems to have taken it upon herself to be sure that never happens," he replied, referring to earlier that morning when Edward's wailing had been immediately ceased at an indignant sound from Evelyn.
"They shall have to associate more often." Though she seemed to jest, there was gravity to Elizabeth's words.
"Where is Edward?"
"Georgiana, Anne, Kitty, and Mary are playing for him in the music parlor. His nurse shall put him to bed."
"And your father and mother?"
"I believe they are with Lydia."
She paused at the top of the stairs as she saw a white nightgown disappear around a corner. "Sarah?" she called.
The girl appeared, hanging her head. "I know I ought to be in bed, but I did not want to miss anything," she explained quietly. Elizabeth restrained a smile. Sarah had never learned to wait to be spoken to first and Elizabeth felt slightly responsible. She had always encouraged Sarah to be inquisitive and speak when she had something to say. While Leanne and Edward practiced the habit of waiting for their elders to speak before them, unless in the company of their cousins or parents, Sarah and Nat did quite well without their siblings' restraint.
"Well hurry off before your mother finds you. You will all be departing tomorrow."
"Must I?" cried Sarah, hurrying to Elizabeth to throw her arms about her cousin. "I want to stay here, with you and Edward. I have not gone ice skating yet!"
"You may go skating another time, dear. Come, shall I tell you a story?"
"Yes, please." Sarah's voice was resigned.
Elizabeth bade Charles good night and led her cousin back to bed. When at last Sarah had fallen asleep, Elizabeth emerged from the girl's bedchamer. She was met by her aunt.
"She was out of bed, was she not?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.
"I believe it was the excitement," offered Elizabeth.
Her aunt sighed. "Lizzie, Sarah will have to grow up soon; she is almost a young lady. You can no longer indulge her nor condone her behavior."
"It is such a pity we must mature."
Mrs. Gardiner observed her niece. Elizabeth had become a poised young woman, yet there were moments when she shuddered beneath the confines and obligations of her age and station.
"Indeed it is," agreed the older woman. "But would you exchange your life with Darcy for your younger self?"
"No," Elizabeth replied promptly.
"So you see it is not always so terrible a thing, Lizzie."
"That is true."
Mrs. Gardiner smiled. "You need not make a decision at this moment. Good night, dear."
"Good night, Aunt Mari." Elizabeth departed from her aunt and after pausing in the nursery to see that Edward was being readied for sleep, she went to her bedchamber. She was brushing out her hair when Darcy arrived. He halted on his way to his dressing room to lean upon a bedpost and gaze at her.
Elizabeth set down her brush and sat with her hands folded in her lap. "Darcy, your anger at Anne's engagement has diminished notably."
"We need not discuss it, Elizabeth," he replied wearily.
"But you were so upset by it," she pressed. "Yet you have not uttered another word about the marriage. Did something change?"
"No," Darcy replied vaguely as he began toward his dressing room once more.
Elizabeth turned from the mirror, donning a stern expression. "Darcy, what is it?"
"It is nothing, Elizabeth. Leave this subject alone."
"Fitzwilliam."
He sighed, not facing her. "Lizzie I told her that if she did not slander your family I would not protest any further against the marriage."
Elizabeth scowled; Darcy should not be forced to make such a bargain. He should not have. If he felt his cousin's betrothal posed a danger to her, he should not set aside his feelings for his Aunt's consent to be civil. She was about to protest his actions heatedly when he sighed once more.
"Lizzie it is done. I do not wish to discuss it." He did not wait for her reply as he disappeared into his dressing room.
Elizabeth felt fury at Lady Catherine stir within her as well as some guilt at inadvertently diverting Darcy from his stance. She regarded her crimsoning complexion in the mirror. She had possessed many occasions to express anger toward her Ladyship, but never before had she felt so greatly inclined to articulate her ire.
She attempted to calm herself with steady, careful exhalations and believed she had achieved a credible serenity by the time Darcy returned. Yet he frowned when he glimpsed her expression in the mirror and approached her to rest a gentle hand upon her shoulder. She could not yet turn to meet his gaze for she feared that the angry words upon her tongue would spill from her.
"There is no need to excite yourself so greatly, Lizzie." Still she did not dare to respond. Darcy's fingers slid from her shoulder, brushing her neck, and into her curls. Elizabeth's eyes fluttered closed as he carefully massaged the back of her head.
Eventually she felt her anger begin to leave her and she sagged against her husband.
"Perhaps you did not consider that Anne may want this as much as my aunt," he told her quietly. "Or that Anne does not have your strength to stand against her mother."
Elizabeth was reminded of Charlotte and once more she was bewildered by the choice of an undesirable marriage over happiness. Yet she did not give voice to her confusion, for she knew Darcy would gently remind her that not everyone was able to marry for love. "What is the Major-General's opinion?"
"He urged me to make the agreement with my aunt. He insisted there was no way out of the situation and that I should at least derive some benefit from it."
"He shall depart with you tomorrow, I suppose?"
"Yes."
"Pemberley shall be so lonely. At least I shall have Edward and Kitty."
Elizabeth gasped as she felt herself lifted from her seat. She opened her eyes as Darcy cradled her against him.
"I will return as soon as I may," he murmured.
Elizabeth rested her head upon his shoulder. "I shall await your return, dearest." She felt her eyelids grow slightly heavy.
Darcy chuckled. "Come, you are tired, Lizzie." He carried her to their bed and settled her upon it.
She studied his face before she smiled serenely. "Not quite so tired yet," she insisted as she pulled him toward her.
When noon arrived on the following day, Elizabeth and Kitty found Pemberley to seem larger. Mr. Bennet had insisted that Elizabeth visit Longbourn that summer and she agreed to do so. He had recalled her promise from the previous Christmas and jovially told her that he still held her to it. Much to Elizabeth's pleasure, Mary had departed for London with their aunt and uncle.
"Would you care to go ice skating?" inquired Elizabeth as she and Kitty finished their luncheon a few days after everyone's departure. Kitty declined so vehemently that Elizabeth did not press her further. "I have not played the pianoforte in a long while. Would you like to join me in the music parlor?"
To this Kitty agreed and they retrieved Edward from his nursery before they proceeded to the music parlor. Elizabeth played upon the pianoforte as Kitty held the infant. Her fingers gingerly refamiliarized themselves with the keys but her progress was often halted by Kitty's laughter.
Finally Elizabeth allowed her fingers to fall still upon the keys. "What is it?"
"Each time I hold him from your sight, his eyes move about frantically until he can see you again. The expression upon his face as he is about to cry is like that of an old man about to sneeze!"
Elizabeth frowned at her sister. "Kitty I wish that you would not tease him so."
Kitty blushed at her behavior and apologized to Elizabeth who urged Kitty to play while she held Edward. Kitty reluctantly consented and Elizabeth contentedly held her son as Kitty's music filled the room.
They were interrupted by a tap at the door. Mrs. Reynolds appeared and curtsied to Elizabeth.
"Mrs. Darcy, a gentleman, Mr. Wendell, and his sister are asking for Mr. Darcy. Mr. Wendell says he is an acquaintance of Mr. Darcy from Cambridge."
"Please inform him that Darcy is absent at this time, but if he wishes, you may show him to the West Parlor."
"Very well, Mrs. Darcy." Mrs. Reynolds curtsied and hurried away. Kitty continued to play until Mrs. Reynolds returned to inform Elizabeth that Mr. and Miss Wendell awaited her in the parlor.
"Kitty I must ask that you return Edward to his nurse."
Her sister held out her arms to accept the baby and Elizabeth followed Mrs. Reynolds from the room. She sent the housekeeper to order refreshments before she entered the West Parlor.
Mr. Wendell rose as Elizabeth entered. He appeared friendly enough as he bowed to her, a gentle smile upon his face as he introduced himself and the young woman who accompanied him.
"I presume that you are Mrs. Darcy?" At her affirmation, he continued. "I apologize if we have come at an inconvenient time. You see, Darcy invited my sister and me to visit briefly on our return to our home. But I was told he was not here at the moment."
"No he is not. I apologize, but he was called away unexpectedly. I will let him know that you stopped here to see him."
Mr. Wendell chuckled. "I must admit that I did not stop solely to see him. I mentioned to him that I had heard he was married and he invited me here to meet you."
"Oh, then I suppose your visit was not completely in vain. I am glad. Have you visited Pemberley before?"
"No we have not."
"Would you care for a tour," offered Elizabeth.
Miss Wendell spoke up softly. "Thank you, Mrs. Darcy, but I am afraid we will not be able to remain long. We do not have much farther to go on our journey, but it could snow any day now; we would not want to be trapped somewhere."
"I understand. But I must insist that you stay for refreshment before you begin your journey again."
Mr. Wendell and his sister accepted graciously. Elizabeth assumed a seat as Mr. Wendell explained his acquaintance with her husband and their times at Cambridge. Elizabeth found it quite odd to hear Darcy described in his youth, though she quite enjoyed Mr. Wendell's recollections.
Mrs. Reynolds entered with the refreshments and Elizabeth served her guests chocolate. As they sipped their beverages, Nerissa wandered in.
"What a beautiful cat!" exclaimed Miss Wendell as Nerissa moved regally across the parlor.
"She belongs to my sister."
Nerissa leapt into Elizabeth's lap and curled up, purring quietly as she closed her eyes.
"Your sister lives here, I presume then?" inquired Miss Wendell politely.
"At the moment, yes. She and Georigana, Darcy's sister, are quite dear to one another."
"I met Georgiana once or twice before. Is she here at the moment?"
"No, she accompanied Darcy to their cousin's marriage in London."
"I am surprised we did not cross paths," observed Darcy's friend.
Elizabeth smiled as she gently stroked Kitty's cat. "They were in quite a hurry. The wedding is to take place this week."
"I see then."
Elizabeth continued to converse with the Wendells for a while longer before they regretfully excused themselves, saying they did not wish to delay any longer. Elizabeth bade them good bye, having enjoyed their company immensely.
"My friend Frederick was quite right about you," Mr. Wendell told her as Rensler brought his coat. "You are a most delightful woman."
Elizabeth crimsoned. "Thank you for such a compliment. You are welcome at Pemberley; I am certain Darcy will wish to see you upon his return."
"Thank you for your hospitality Mrs. Darcy. Once more we apologize for departing so quickly," said Miss Wendell.
Elizabeth grasped their hands in parting and watched as they hurried into their carriage and departed. She went to the evening parlor and read for the rest of the afternoon. She took dinner with Kitty in the evening parlor and bade her sister an early goodnight.
Elizabeth retrieved Edward from his nursery and carried him to her bedchamber where she laid him upon the bed as she prepared for the night. She glanced at him occasionally to see that he was safe as she put on her nightgown and brushed and braided her hair. When at last she climbed into the bed, she pulled the bedclothes over herself and Edward to keep the chill out.
She gazed down at her son, once more wondering at his perfection. She leaned over him and took his tiny hand in her own; its softness never ceased to surprise her. His eyes fell upon her face and he stared at her for long moments before jerking the arm of the hand she held. Elizabeth chuckled quietly.
"I wonder, do you miss your father as I do?" she murmured. Lady Catherine had warned her that speaking to Edward would induce a voluble nature in him, but Elizabeth quite enjoyed talking to the round little bundle that was her son. His tiny, bright eyes never judged her as she spoke to him. "I am sure you hardly know who he is. He will hardly recognize you when he returns; you are growing so quickly."
Edward jerked his arm once more. Elizabeth continued to speak to him until his eyelids grew heavy, and he finally surrendered to sleep. She soon followed him into slumber.
The following week a large blizzard raged about Pemberley. Elizabeth could not sleep for all the wind's howling so she retreated to the kitchen. She had set about preparing tea and was waiting for the water to finish boiling when Kitty entered.
Elizabeth greeted her and set out a cup and saucer for her sister. When at last the tea was ready, Kitty stirred the embers in one of the fireplaces and she and Elizabeth sat close to it, avoiding the cold of the large kitchen.
"I never supposed I would miss doing things for myself," said Kitty as she sipped her tea. "There are so many servants here that there is never a task that I must complete for myself."
Elizabeth chuckled. "Indeed. Though I have lived here two years I am not yet accustomed to the many servants I see about. Darcy tells me if we were to move to town there would not be so many about, but I am quite enjoying Pemberley for the time being."
"Will you remain at Pemberley for the rest of the year?"
"Perhaps, though our father has urged me to go to Longbourn and if we should be so close to Rosings, Lady Catherine will expect us to visit and I daresay Charlotte would enjoy company, though I will be unable to stay with her."
"It may be that I may stay with her," suggested Kitty. "A while ago Maria Lucas informed me that she was to visit Charlotte this summer with her father. I have not seen Maria in a long while."
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "I am sure Charlotte would be relieved, and I believe you will be as well; you may politely decline her Ladyship's invitation to stay at Rosings."
"My only regret in declining her invitation is that I shall miss the probable presence of Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"He visits here frequently enough; there will be other opportunities."
Their conversation turned to a book that Elizabeth had loaned to Kitty and it was in the early hours of the morning when they returned to their beds.
Much to Elizabeth's dismay, the wintry conditions halted travel and she knew that Darcy would be kept away much longer than either of them had expected. She spent her days quietly: reading, embroidering, or playing the piano forte. In the afternoons she and Kitty would take Edward for walks about the manor, exploring areas they rarely entered. In the evenings she would take dinner privately or with Kitty in the evening parlor. The rest of January and February passed in this manner. It was not until early March that Elizabeth was able to receive correspondence from Darcy. He wrote that he had some business to complete in London before he returned to Pemberley with Georgiana.
Elizabeth scribed a return letter immediately, which also included a request that he purchase a gift for Evelyn for she would be a year old soon.
The same day that she received Darcy's letter, Caroline Bingley arrived. She stood when Elizabeth entered the parlor in which she waited and the two women greeted one another graciously. Miss Bingley reintroduced herself as Caroline Haverill and asked after Elizabeth's health and Edward's.
Elizabeth returned the polite inquiries, asking after Mrs. Haverill's husband and sister, Mrs. Hurst.
"I do not intend to stay long; I do not want to impose." How different her voice was from their previous meetings! No more mocking was there veiled behind her words.
"You are not imposing," Elizabeth assured, "for my days have been largely uninterrupted from their usual course and I do enjoy change occasionally. Please sit. I will order refreshment."
Elizabeth and Mrs. Haverill continued their polite conversation until one of the servants arrived with tea and served the two women. It was then that the subject turned to that which they had avoided.
"Elizabeth, I do believe we will never be more than cordial with one another; I have wronged you too often. But I have come to assure you of my position in regard to your husband. Darcy was lost to me the moment he met you and though I struggled to accept it, I am now capable of recognizing that as the truth. I could never turn him from you, even if I should throw all my energies into doing so. I have settled with my husband now and we are content." Elizabeth nodded with Mrs. Haverill's speech though she thought it best that she not interrupt until her guest had said all that she intended. Mrs. Haverill crimsoned and looked away. "From the contents of your letter, I presume Darcy has discussed our last meeting with you. What I did was wrong, I understand, and I will be the first to comprehend your anger. I apologize for my actions. With your permission, I would like to visit Darcy in London, discreetly of course, and elucidate my sentiments toward him and urge him to believe that I have completely sealed closed whatever feelings I once had."
As Mrs. Haverill finished, Elizabeth sipped her tea, contemplating a response to the apprehension upon the woman's face. Finally she set her tea aside. "Caroline, I cannot, and nor will I attempt, to prevent interaction between you and my husband. I believe it was Darcy who was left bewildered after his encounter with you. I am sure your assurances will be well appreciated."
Mrs. Haverill blushed as she fiddled with her teacup. "You are gracious, Elizabeth, though I deserve no such courtesy."
"Overall I am hardly one to bear ill feelings and you are, after all, the sister of my sister's husband; at least the barest cordiality is demanded of me."
Encouraged by her Elizabeth's kindness, Mrs. Haverill shyly asked to see the infant. Elizabeth rang for a servant to fetch Edward's nurse, who brought him to the parlor. Mrs. Haverill exclaimed over the baby's beauty and complimented Elizabeth on his birth. Elizabeth could not help the pride that swelled within her at the high praises given to her son.
The two women visited for a few hours more before Mrs. Haverill declared that she must depart. Elizabeth escorted her out and they bade one another a warm goodbye. As acknowledged, they would never be more than cordial, but Elizabeth admitted to herself that she had enjoyed her visitor's company.
The next week, Elizabeth, Kitty, and Edward visited Blithebury, delivering Evelyn's gift, which Darcy had sent to Elizabeth. At the end of the week, Elizabeth and Edward returned to Pemberley without Kitty for her sister had chosen to remain with Jane for a while longer.
Without Kitty's company, Pemberley seemed very lonely and Elizabeth could understand why Georgiana had chosen to travel about with a companion after her father had died. The servants had set about cleaning the manor that it may open to the public as the weather grew warmer. To keep out of their way, Elizabeth spent much her time in the private rooms and outside in the gardens, enjoying the mud that sank beneath her shoes and the breeze that cooled her cheeks.
She was on such a walk one morning as April began when she heard hurried footsteps on the path behind her. She turned and waited for the person to appear, wondering if a servant had come to fetch her. But when the person came into view, she let out a cry of delight as she rushed forward to embrace her husband.
He lifted her from the ground as he spun her, making her laugh.
"Lizzie, I've missed you so," Darcy said, holding her tightly.
Her arms tightened about his neck as she rested her cheek against his. "I've missed you greatly, as well," she murmured. She inhaled deeply, taking in his scent, as she enjoyed the strength and warmth of his embrace. He finally loosed his hold just enough so that he could press his lips to hers. Elizabeth's fingers found their way into his locks as she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of the press of their bodies and the softness of their kiss, which she had missed over the past few months.
When they finally parted, both were left slightly breathless by the length of their kiss. Elizabeth grasped Darcy's hand and led him back toward the manor.
"You must see Edward; he has grown so in the time you have been gone!"
Elizabeth hurried Darcy to their son's nursery. He was indeed surprised by the much larger Edward and chuckled at how heavy his son had become.
"He has your eyes," Darcy observed as he smiled at their child, who examined him curiously before holding out an arm to Elizabeth.
Darcy appeared frowned that his son preferred her, but Elizabeth simply laughed and insisted that Edward need only become accustomed to Darcy.
"Watch," Elizabeth said as she curled her finger and tickled the infant beneath his chin. He let out a giggle and waved his arm at her.
Darcy joined in their laughter and wrapped an arm about Elizabeth, pulling her close and placing a kiss upon her forehead.
"I love you Elizabeth," he said softly.
She smiled at him, joyful at his return; she had not realized until his return the extent to which she had missed him.
"I love you as well Fitzwilliam."
Darcy returned Edward to his nurse and led Elizabeth from the room. "Come, I have a present for you."
"Where is Georgiana?" inquired Elizabeth. It was unusual that the young woman had not yet appeared to greet her.
"She will arrive tomorrow with Kitty. She is staying at Blithebury at the moment."
"Indeed?"
"Yes. I was anxious to see you so I departed this morning."
"Might I ask what my present is?"
Darcy smiled. "You shall see."