Chapter 43

Dinner was a loud affair. Many of the people there knew each other and there was many a conversation to be had. The table was long but not filled as some had elected to take meals in their rooms. Georgiana and Kitty sat next to each other and compared their experiences with tours. Jane and Bingley had missed each other and were sat close to each other too. Due to common practice Elizabeth was sat at one end of the table and Darcy the other and so they could say nothing to each other.

Everyone retired early and Darcy was grateful, hoping to have some time alone with his wife. Frustratingly she was slow coming to their chambers due to going over the plans for the morrow. Although it had been left as a day of rest for the travelers there were some activities on offer like riding or walks about the grounds for those that wanted it. Some of the groundsmen had been drafted to show people around if they wished. It was not advised for people to go too far without a guide unless they were familiar with the terrain.

When Elizabeth made her way to her room she was not sure how to act. She had missed Darcy fiercely but felt a stung by his rejection from earlier. She was still feeling unsure of herself with regards to the issue of producing an heir and try as she might she could not shake Wickham's words.

When she opened her door, Darcy was waiting in their sitting room. He rose and went to her before she had taken many steps in to the room

"Elizabeth, I thought I would not get a moment with you!" Elizabeth felt a moment of irritation at his words. He had been happy enough to have this house party had he not? But then he kissed her with such fervor that she forgot any irritation and met him with her own passion.

They stood there for many minutes just kissing and allowing their hands to roam over their bodies. Elizabeth broke the kiss first and started leading him to their bed chamber allowing him to run his hands down her back as they walked, once the door was shut he pulled her body against him and started kissing the side of her neck. She sighed in contentment allowing him to begin the process of removing her dress.

When they had finished making love she lay in his arms and sighed saying softly

"oh how I have missed you."

Darcy heard the words from his dream and stiffened immediately thinking of the image of her in another man's arms. He got up and moved to clean himself. Elizabeth sat up in bed.

"Is something wrong?"

Darcy did not know what to say, he could hardly admit he had dreamed of her with another man. She would either show some sign of guilt or be completely, and rightfully, angry with him for such an offensive accusation. He did not want either reaction. He tried to remove the look of distaste he knew was on his face at the thought of her with another man before turning to his wife.

"I am just tired my love. Shall we go to sleep. We have a busy few weeks."

He snuffed the last candle and got back in to bed. Elizabeth had not missed the look on his face and could not account for what had upset him so. She had been content in his arms in the afterglow of their love making. What could have caused such a look of distaste? She had only spoken to express her contentment at his return. Was that what had upset him? Was it her?

Her traitorous mind wondered if she had not compared to whomever he had visited in London. He was back in such good time that he had probably only been in London for a matter of hours. One night's sleep, or one night in bed. She hated herself for thinking it. When had Wickham ever said anything that was to be trusted? But she could not quite push the thought away. She settled on her side facing away from her beloved so he could not see the silent tears running down her face.