Elizabeth Bennet had never been a sedentary person; she was not given to rising especially late, save for the days after a ball that ran long into the night. Elizabeth Darcy, however, slept in rather later than she had done while a maiden. Truth be told, it was simply more difficult to sleep well when sharing a bed with a spouse (who slept rather more fitfully than Jane did) - and when one had the excitement of a wedding-tour to expect.

So it was that on the day of their departure to the Lakes, Elizabeth woke later than she had intended. When at last she stirred, however, she was instantly alert, filled with eager anticipation for the days ahead.

She was not surprised to find that Darcy had already risen; she suspected that his thoughts were as animated as hers considering their journey, and he had gone to complete some last preparations. How he had dressed without waking her, she hardly knew. She was even more impressed - or rather, ashamed of her heavy sleeping - that Darcy had also left her a letter on the bedside table. Of course, she knew at once it was from him; his hand had grown quite familiar.

My dearest bride,

I find myself quite unable to sleep as I anticipate all the joys that await us in the Lake District, and as I marvel at all the good you have already wrought in my life. How I have longed for this precious time with you, away from the cares of the estate, free simply to know each other better as man and wife. I hope, my beloved, you do not tire of my society or of my praise of you, for you shall have little else this next fortnight.

I will keep this short, lest you awaken, and shall save my compliments for when they may be delivered more satisfactorily to you in person.

I am forever yours,

Fitzwilliam

Having read the note quickly, Elizabeth put a hand to her mouth over a growing smile. How foolish she felt now, to have once thought Darcy cold and unfeeling! - how thoroughly she enjoyed being proven wrong!

She readied herself as quickly as she could. Given the long journey ahead of them, she wished to dress as simply and comfortably as possible. Of course, now that she was the wife of Mr. Darcy, she had to dress rather finer than she once had; he had never asked or pressured her to do so, but he had already made a present of some new gowns, and she wished to represent him well when she was seen with him. She had a lady's maid, accordingly, who was always polite and made sure that Elizabeth looked presentable.

In a few moments, Elizabeth was downstairs; Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were already at the breakfast table, and were nearly finished.

"Good morning," she greeted cheerfully. "My apologies for sleeping rather late."

"Oh, Elizabeth, you look lovely," Georgiana said, observing Elizabeth's attire.

Darcy, sitting across from his sister, smiled. "You do indeed."

Even though Georgiana had been quicker to utter the compliment, the look in Darcy's eyes communicated that he meant his agreement just as sincerely.

"Well," Elizabeth said cheerfully, seating herself beside her sister-in-law, "I expect the dress will be rather rumpled soon enough, but I thank you both for the compliments."

"What are you most looking forward to seeing at the Lakes?" Georgiana asked.

"Oh, I hardly know; it all seems so wonderful," Elizabeth replied. "I should like to climb a very tall hill and take in the view from the best vantage-point, I think. I have never been there before so I do not yet know all there is to do, but I am sure your brother will be so good as to show me. It might be rather fun to be surprised."

A soft smile touched Darcy's lips. "I shall leave it all to you; we will do whatever you like."

"I do not wish to leave you," Elizabeth was quick to assure Georgiana, "but I cannot get there soon enough for my liking!"

"Well, take care to eat a good breakfast," urged Darcy. "We shall be on the road for quite some time."

Elizabeth sighed, but after thanking the servant who had brought it, obediently took a few bites of food from her plate. She was careful not to bolt down her food in a way that would be impolite, but she was eager to get to the Lakes as soon as possible.

When the table had been cleared, and they had double-checked that everything was packed and ready for the journey, it was time to say goodbye to Georgiana.

"I shall miss you," Elizabeth murmured, hugging her sister-in-law tightly. As she drew back to look Georgiana in the eye, she added, "Do not hesitate to write if you have need of us. It will not be a disappointment to us; we want to be with you."

"I will be fine," Georgiana assured her. "Now go, and do enjoy yourselves. I do not expect you to write to me, as I know you will be very busy, but I look forward to hearing about your favorite sights."

"I will write you," Elizabeth insisted, and with after one more embrace, she allowed Darcy to help her into the carriage.

Darcy's farewell to his sister was no less affectionate, and it took a moment for him to climb into the carriage after his wife. Elizabeth gave his hand a reassuring squeeze; she knew as much as he looked forward to the wedding-tour, it was still difficult for him to leave his beloved younger sister.

The door was shut; the horses were induced to movement, and the carriage lurched into motion. Georgiana smilingly waved to them, and the newlyweds waved back until she was out-of-view.

Darcy sighed, and Elizabeth moved to sit beside him now that he could not be embarrassed by Georgiana witnessing their closeness.

"Be careful," he urged, putting a hand out to steady her.

"I'm alright," she assured him with a laugh.

Darcy frowned, however, murmuring that she ought not get up while the carriage was in motion.

She was already safely settled beside him on the bench, and she patted his leg reassuringly. "I am perfectly well, and now that I am comfortable, I shall remain here."

Though he sighed, he offered no further remonstrance, and she could see him smiling.

"Thank you for my letter," Elizabeth added a moment later, laying her head against his shoulder. "I was afraid I would lose the privilege of your correspondence once we resided in the same home."

Darcy's arm slid around her waist, and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I shall certainly continue to write you little notes, if it pleases you."

"You do many things that please me," Elizabeth informed him, raising her smiling lips to press them to his.

"I hope you will not mind the long carriage ride too much," Darcy said.

"Not when I have so much to anticipate, and such pleasant company," Elizabeth replied.

"I expect your sparkling conversation will make the drive pass more quickly," Darcy agreed with a smile, "and when we arrive, we shall have even more to enjoy."

Author's Note: Next chapter, we'll actually get to the Lakes, I promise! Thank you for your patience; I'm trying to keep these chapters short (and hopefully sweet!) to provide faster updates. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thank you again to everyone who has left kind reviews; I really appreciate them all!