Lizzie woke up in the most comfortable bed she had ever slept on. Scenes from last night started flashing in her mind. His fingers undoing her buttons, his lips grazing her neck, his hands threading through her hair, his lips on her forehead. But she fell asleep in the parlor… Dear Lord, did he carry me here? Her eyes flew open, and she sat up in one smooth motion. My God! I kissed him! I thought it was a dream, but I kissed him! How am I to look at him again? He must think I'm a harlot.

"Miss Bennet," the maid from the night before knocked. "I'm here to help you get ready."

"Come in," she said. Her cheeks felt hot.

The maid, whose name turned out to be Paulette, had her ready and looking much better than she would have accomplished by herself. Paulette had complimented her hair, both its abundance and its condition.

"Mr. Darcy asked me to inquire whether you would rather break your fast here alone or if you would rather join them."

"Oh, I… I will join them, for sure. Are my Aunt and Uncle already downstairs?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Mr. Darcy was awakened by his valet long before dawn. Some tenants had flooded. He was galloping out minutes before sunrise. He organized for the families to be moved to homes that were currently empty. He had his steward order the essentials that the family had lost to be replaced from his coffers. When he found out that the flooding was a result of orders that he had mailed that never reached his home somehow, he felt responsible for the losses. The possessions weren't so concerning as were the crops and the animals. They had to bodily pull up sheep from the thick mud that had formed.

By the time they had removed the sheep, moved them to a different enclosure, and fixed the cause of the flood, it was almost lunchtime. Mr. Darcy cursed when a stable boy came to tell him that Mrs. Reynolds was calling him over for lunch. He would have stayed but his lunch would be both his breakfast and his lunch. He hoped Gigi had managed to keep the Gardiners and Eli-Miss Elizabeth entertained. Every hour he missed with her while she was here was an hour he would never recover. They were unrealized opportunities to gain her favor or, at the very least, her friendship.

He jumped into the lake to get rid of the worst of the mud. He'd rather risk running into her wet than covered in mud. Unbeknownst to him, the object of his affection was looking from a window and was completely stunned and quiet. His staff insisted they could finish the job, so he left to bathe. When he got to the back door, his valet lost all color at his state.

"Dear Lord! Were you dipped into a well, sir?"

"Essentially…" he chuckled.

"Hmm… Come, I will have you clean in a jiffy."

Mr. Darcy removed his coat and boots. His valet made him go upstairs through the servants' stairs.

Mrs. Gardiner stared at her niece suspiciously. She approached her and whispered in her ear, "Lizzie, dear…"

Elizabeth jumped. Her hand flew to her chest.

"You may want to try and be a little less obvious."

"I am sure I don't know what you mean," she blushed.

"I am sure you do."

Mr. Darcy joined them as fast as possible for people with considerable and extremely efficient paid help. When he opened the doors, he was impeccably dressed. His coat was wrinkle-free and mud-free, and his cravat was expertly tied. Lizzie found herself thinking that very few men could look so good in wet, muddy clothes and fashionable attire, as well as in their… sleeping garments.

"Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Elizabeth, Gigi… Please, pardon my delay. It would be inexcusable if it weren't for the floods."

"Is everyone alright, sir?" Mr. Gardiner put down the newspaper.

"Yes. Fortunately, the losses are mostly material. We have already ordered replacements. It took me this long to come back because we were getting the animals out of the mud, and they were beyond belly-deep in it."

"Dear Lord, you were out there helping your tenants pull their animals out of the mud?" Mr. Gardiner was surprised, pleasantly so. Usually, rich landed men like Mr. Darcy, especially young ones, looked down their noses in -barely- civility to their tenants.

"Yes, of course. That's why I had to go take a very thorough bath."

"Was that you I saw going around the house?" Georgiana gasped. "You were completely soaked."

Elizabeth blushed and looked down.

"Yes, dear. I apologize for the spectacle; I was covered in mud from my chest down. Can you imagine if Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds saw me?" he smiled at his sister, who giggled. "My valet and my housekeeper are very… um… particular about taking care of my clothes… I thought I could save them unnecessary pain, so I jumped in the lake, got rid of as much mud as I could, and then came to the house."

"Not like it did much good…" Georgiana laughed conspiratorially.

Mr. Darcy looked at her strangely, "Why?"

"We heard Mr. Reynolds lamenting that there was no cleaning your clothes, that they were ruined," Gigi smiled conspiratorially.

"You mean what he says every time, and then he always manages to clean them and leave them spotless?"

Gigi nodded with a smile.

"Did you rest well? Did you have a good breakfast?" Mr. Darcy offered his sister his arm to walk her to the table.

"Everything is splendid, Mr. Darcy. I don't think anyone could find any fault while staying in your home. Truly," Mrs. Gardiner smiled.

"You have been most generous," Mr. Gardiner smiled as well.

"It has been a pleasure…" Gigi pinched his arm as if to signal for him to talk. "I would love to host you all longer if you can manage to stay," Mr. Darcy said as he helped Gigi sit. He quickly moved to help Miss Elizabeth because Mr. Gardiner was helping his wife.

"Well, we had thought about touring the Peak District for one more week, sir. After that, I would really need to go back to work. I have an experienced and trustworthy steward, but you know what they say… The master's eye fattens the calf."

Miss Elizabeth kept looking down. He tried to gauge her reaction, but she offered no insight other than a beautiful soft blush.

"Indeed. Wonderful. I would be delighted to show you around. Me and Gigi… We are impartial, of course, but we know many beautiful places we would love to show you."

"I would be delighted unless my dear wife or niece have any objections…?"

"No. Of course not," both said in unison.

Mr. Darcy's smile could have chased away the rain. "Marvelous. I hope you enjoy the meal."

"Likewise, sir," Miss Elizabeth smiled.

After lunch, Mrs. Gardiner felt a bit indisposed, and her husband accompanied her upstairs. Georgiana's companion had been visiting family when the rains started, and now, she couldn't get to Pemberly because of closed roads. Miss Darcy was saddened about this, but Mr. Darcy swiftly got Ms. Annesley a room at the Rose and Crown in the meantime.

"Lizzie, will you play for us?"

"Oh? Georgiana… You are a much more proficient musician," Lizzie blushed. "How about I turn the pages for you?"

"Sure, but I would love to hear you sing."

"Of course. How about after dinner? I want to go check on my aunt in a bit…"

Her uncle didn't let her come in. Apparently, her aunt was finally resting after a long time of throwing up. Lizzie was pacing the music room when Darcy returned from checking on his tenants. Georgiana had fallen asleep with her knitting on her lap.

"Miss Elizabeth, is something the matter?"

"My Aunt…"

"Is she still unwell?"

"Yes. My uncle didn't let me come in. I think he fears what she has might be contagious… I am sure it's just a cold or maybe something she ate," she added, but she looked too concerned.

"I will call for the doctor immediately," he left the room before she could process what he said.

Mr. Darcy returned to find his sister working on her embroidery. Miss Elizabeth was pacing with a concerned expression. He approached to let her know that Mr. Gardiner had requested for her to join him in the drawing room. The doctor was still with his wife. Mr. Darcy walked her there with a grave expression. She went in and closed the door behind her. Mr. Darcy paced up and down the hallway.

"Is she alright, Uncle?"

"She's with child."

Lizzie's eyes filled with happy tears. "Oh! Congratulations!" She hugged her uncle, but he was stiff. "Is something wrong?"

"We thought she couldn't… That we couldn't… The doctor says it is a high-risk pregnancy."

"Oh no," she squeezed his hand.

"He says she's too old to carry to term… Lizzie, he doesn't know if… Oh, God… She should be at home, close to a hospital."

"Can we travel to London? I can go pack immediately."

"No, dear. The doctor says she should not be moved. The jostling of the trip would be too dangerous for her condition. But Lizzie, I cannot stay away from London for her entire pregnancy. My business wouldn't be able to take it."

"I understand. I can stay with her, Uncle."

"Yes, of course... And who will chaperone?" her uncle lifted a brow at her.

Lizzie blushed, "Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy's companion, should arrive as soon as the rains let up."

"Lizzie, she is supposed to mind her charge, not you… Don't think I'm distracted enough that I don't see the way he looks at you. I am no schoolboy."

"Uncle! Nothing will happen. Mr. Darcy is a gentleman, and he wouldn't marry someone like me."

"I am not worried about marriage, Elizabeth. I am worried about the possibility of impropriety."

She blushed and tried not to look too guilty, "Oh… I see. Well, maybe Jane could come and stay with us?"

"Lizzie… He is already taking on two more mouths to feed. To bring Jane here would be expensive and an additional burden on the man."

"Let me talk to him."

"Elizabeth, no."

"Uncle… We have known each other for a long time."

"And you are an unmarried young woman in his home. Absolutely not. I will talk to him, and you can tend to your aunt."

She sighed, "Fine. Whatever you think is best."

"May I have a word with you, Mr. Darcy?"

"Yes, of course."

They went into the study, and Mr. Darcy poured him some cognac. He took the glass gratefully and had a small sip. It helped.

"Is Mrs. Gardiner alright?" Mr. Darcy sat down.

"Yes. No... I don't know, sir…" Mr. Gardiner sighed into his drink. "I am so scared for her."

Mr. Darcy paled a bit, "Anything she needs, sir… Anything at all I can help you procure, I'll be glad to do that."

"Actually, sir. She needs not to move."

Mr. Darcy blinked repeatedly, "Beg your pardon?"

"She's with child."

"Oh." Realization dawned on Mr. Darcy, and anxiety crept in. He remembered his mother's almost see-through skin as he lay in her delivery bed. "Is… Is she going to be alright?"

"We don't know… It is a very high-risk pregnancy because of her age and… You see, we were always told we could have no children… We prayed for this for so long… And now that we finally got our miracle baby, it feels like a curse instead of a blessing," Mr. Gardiner grimaced.

Mr. Darcy paled further. "Can we get her anything for her comfort? Ginger tea? Willow bark tea? Perhaps a tincture? A tonic? Anything she is craving? More pillows? Anything at all?"

Mr. Gardiner stared at the younger man and blinked. It was rare for young men who weren't fathers to know any of that, "Why are you so well informed about pregnancy, Mr. Darcy?"

"Mr. Gardiner, my sister is many years my junior. I… I remember my mother's difficult pregnancy very well."

"Pardon me if this is indelicate… She passed when your sister was born, did she not?"

"No, sir. She passed three days afterward. My father always said she was so considerate and loved Gigi so much that she didn't want her birthday to be ruined by the sadness of remembrance," Mr. Darcy attempted a small smile.

"Mr. Darcy… I… This is very uncomfortable for me to say… To even speak it out loud has me feeling like a bad husband."

"Sir, please. I would never judge you. You are clearly a devoted husband."

"I… I must ask you to please allow my wife and niece to remain in your home for a few months."

Mr. Darcy's jaw fell. It was the fulfillment of all his dreams. He could not be happier with the circumstances except for Mrs. Gardiner, of course.

"I realize that this is most inconvenient," Mr Gardiner stood and paced. "If it weren't for the fact that the doctor has asked not to move her until the quickening is well underway, I would never dare ask."

"Mr. Gardiner-"

The man didn't even hear Mr. Darcy and kept moving as he spoke, "I know that having them here will cause additional expenses that I am fully prepared to cover. However, Lizzie would be able to tend to her Aunt, and she would feel much better being tended to by her niece... I know that the idea of having people you just met in your home for months on end must be completely unappealing. Especially because your sister is here… I… I would never ask for you to do this if it wasn't for my Madeline's health-"

"Mr. Gardiner-" Mr. Darcy attempted again.

"I would also have to write to Mr. Bennet and have him send one of Elizabeth's sisters to chaperone, and that further complicates things and adds more expenses and logistical considerations, and I don't want you to think that we are imposing on your hospitality because-"

"Mr. Gardiner!" Mr. Darcy exclaimed.

Edward sat on his chair, "Sir?"

"Take a deep breath and finish your drink, please, sir."

The man did as he was told.

"Better?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"Yes, I realize I was rambling... My apologies."

"No apology necessary. Mr. Gardiner, it would be my honor to host your wife and niece for however long she needs or even wants to stay. As you know, this is a large home and can accommodate many guests. You need not worry about any expenses at all. I would be quite pleased to arrange any traveling for whichever Bennet sister you want to bring here. My carriage could be in Hertfordshire tomorrow if they leave today and change horses on the way."

"Thank you, sir. That is most generous of you. There is no need to rush. I will remain for the week as we had agreed before. I would appreciate an express delivery of my letter so that Jane or Mary can prepare to travel."

"Of course. Absolutely. Jenkins!"

"Yes, sir?" his footman poked his head inside.

"We need an express rider to deliver a letter to Longbourn in Hertfordshire."

"Yes, sir. At once… You should know, sir. Mrs. Annesley just got here. They managed to place a temporary bridge so she could cross, and she insisted on continuing on horseback. She is with Miss Darcy already."

"Wonderful. Thank you for letting me know. Please see to it that the doctor can return home and call Miss Anton's midwife to check on Mrs. Gardiner."

"Sir, the doctor is quite enough. I am actually fully expecting to be billed for this visit."

"Please, do not trouble yourself on my account. He was already here to check on the baby."

"A Miss Anton had a baby?" Mr. Gardiner frowned.

"Yes, sir," Mr. Darcy blushed and looked down.

"Quite irregular."

"Yes, I know. She… She worked as a maid for us before…" Mr. Darcy didn't really know how to speak of this.

Mr. Gardiner frowned, "Mr. Darcy… I am not a man that likes to beat around the bush much. It has served me well in business and life. But especially because of our unfortunate present circumstances, I need to ask you, sir. Are you the father?"

Mr. Darcy jumped up in outrage, "Absolutely not! Mr. Gardiner… Miss Anton was taken advantage of by someone… By someone who tried to do the same… to my sister."

Mr. Gardiner frowned, "Whatever do you mean?"

"May I please be assured of your secrecy?"

"Of course, sir."

"Mr. George Wickham Sr. was my father's steward for many years. Because of that, his son, George Wickham Jr. grew up here with us. He did everything he could to ingratiate himself to my father. Years later, when Wickham Sr. passed away, my father paid for his education, and… he spent most of the money he was left by his own father in alcohol, gambling, and… brothels, sir. Miss Anton traveled to Ramsgate with my sister and her former companion. I had no knowledge of her former companion's prior entanglements with Mr. Wickham. He had already left several children with fallen mothers in the city, and he talked Miss Anton into… Well, you know."

Mr. Gardiner nodded and poured a drink to Darcy instead. The younger man took a small sip.

"He was seducing Miss Anton… All the while, he declared passionate love for my sister, whom he tried to convince to elope with him. She was barely fifteen years old... Her former companion was in cahoots with Wickham and allowed him more access than I ever would have permitted. I went to Ramsgate as a surprise for my sister, and Gigi confessed to me. I dismissed her companion with no recommendations. Georgiana is to inherit seventy-five thousand pounds. He just wanted access to that… He didn't care about how damaging it would be to play with her tender feelings and pray upon her trusting nature to get it. When I told him that he would never receive a pound from her inheritance… He was suddenly no longer interested in her at all. He ran away without even saying goodbye. Georgiana… She was heartbroken for months. She would rarely eat or leave her room… She wouldn't talk to me. She wouldn't talk to anyone. She would spend her days crying in bed. I thought I had been too late and that she was with child, but she assured me her virtue was intact. So did a midwife, later on. I had never been happier to see blood in my life than I was for her following cycle."

Mr. Gardiner nodded, "I am so glad she was spared such a fate."

"When you write to Mr. Bennet, please tell him that Mr. Wickham is not to be trusted."

"I will, of course."

"If you can leave my sister out of it, I would greatly appreciate it."

"I was just going to mention Miss Anton."

"Thank you. Miss Anton was always good at her job, and I didn't have the heart to dismiss her. She was four years older than Georgiana. Her parents wouldn't take her back... They died in a carriage accident recently, and her sister was brought to live with her. They are raising chickens and provide Pemberley's families with eggs in exchange for the home they live in. They employ two young men."

"Must be a lot of eggs."

"There are 27 families that live in our land. Several are quite numerous."

"I see. Can I bother you for some writing supplies here, so I don't interrupt my wife's rest?"

"Certainly, my study is all yours."

"Mr. Darcy?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

"It is my pleasure to help."

Mr. Darcy closed the door to his study behind him, and after double-checking that none of his guests were in the hall, he ran to the kitchen. He had no time to spare.

"Mrs. Reynolds! Mr. Reynolds!"

"Where's the fire, Mr. Darcy?"

"Everywhere! Listen, I need your help. All of the house staff here, please…"

Mrs. Reynolds grabbed a nearby pot and banged a metal ladle against it. Mr. Darcy jumped with wide eyes, but it was efficient. Everyone stopped what they were doing and rushed to the kitchen. That was the emergency call.

"Everyone… Mr. Darcy requires the whole staff's attention and cooperation. Sir?"

He blinked, impressed at her efficiency. "Yes. Thank you. Mr. Gardiner, his wife, and his niece will all stay with us for this week. The doctor was called because Mrs. Gardiner wasn't feeling well. Now, this is very important. She is with child after struggling to conceive for years. However, this pregnancy is high risk. That means that Mrs. Gardiner is now your first priority. Her needs take precedence even over mine."

Several gasps were heard.

"No matter what she needs, no matter the time, no matter the cost, no matter the difficulty in obtaining it… I expect you to provide it for her. If I am not present, talk to Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds and procure anything she needs and wants. She will have her niece, Miss Elizabeth, tending to her for the most part, but she will require help so she can rest. Now, I have called a midwife and will want one of the lady's maids here to help Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth. Mrs. Gardiner is not to get up from bed at all. All meals are to be brought up to her."

Several nods all around.

"We will need to provide her with tea for her morning sickness. Find out whether she prefers ginger or bark tea, and once you know, make sure that we have it ready permanently. She will need a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low in fats. I will ask Miss Elizabeth for her favorite dishes and will let you know," Mr. Darcy nodded at his cook, who nodded back rapidly.

"We will probably receive one of Miss Elizabeth's sisters next week. White, please arrange for one of our faster carriages to be ready to depart for Hertfordshire to bring her here. Make sure all comforts are provided, please."

"Yes, sir," White bowed and left.

"Mrs. Reynolds, please arrange for an additional room in the family wing."

Several servants shared looks at this but wisely said nothing. They had all been very shocked that Mr. Darcy had the family upstairs in the family wing. Not even Mr. Bingley had ever been lodged in that wing. Granted, Mr. Darcy knew that he couldn't have Bingley closer without putting his sisters closer as well, and he was terrified of Caroline Bingley attempting to compromise him.

"Yes, sir. At once. Camille, go see about the room, please."

Camille curtseyed and almost ran out through the servants' stairs.

"Launders, please be advised that should you need additional help, once you let me know, I will move staff around," Mrs. Reynolds stated.

A few women nodded and left.

"Stable hands need to have horses ready to take off at a moment's notice in case of emergency. Riders must be ready, too. Which reminds me, where is the express rider Mr. Gardiner requested?"

"He is waiting outside, sir."

"Great. Send him in. Mrs. Reynolds, please make sure our cupboards are filled. Also, please call the modiste."

"The modiste, sir?" Mrs. Reynolds frowned in confusion.

"Yes. Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces will remain for a few months. The doctor advised that she can't travel until well into the quickening. Mrs. Reynolds will need maternity wear."

"Oh, certainly, sir. I will make arrangements."

"Thank you."

Mr. Darcy turned to "Mr. Reynolds? Whatever happened to my clothes from yesterday? Did you burn them?"

Mr. Reynold raised a brow, "Obviously not, sir. I will have you know your clothes will be perfectly clean and dry by tomorrow… if the weather permits."

Mr. Darcy smiled and clapped his shoulder, "You are truly the best."

"And don't you forget it, sir."

"Never," he smiled wider and walked away.

Mr. Darcy had a brief conversation with his sister's companion and told her about the situation. The woman assured him that she would be willing to help with whatever was needed. He was glad to have such a cooperative staff. He made a small mental note to give them all bonuses next Christmas. Everyone always grossly underestimated the Darcy's fortune. He always tried not to react with amusement when he heard whispers of ten thousand a year. Frankly, he hadn't seen such a low year since the year after his father's passing.

Pemberly's current years were in the thirty to forty thousand range depending on crop yields and how well the animal production was going. He had started raising horses after his graduation and his horses and even his mares sold for up to three times the normal prices. They were famed for being very well trained and very strong and fast. His proven competence was the reason why Lady Catherine asked him to help her run Rosings. Before he started advising her steward, the estate was bleeding money. They were close to having to sell land to keep their standards of living.

He worked in his study for a while until a knock made him stop and look up.

"Come in."

"Mr. Darcy?"

"Miss Elizabeth," he stood and bowed.

"May I talk to you? I don't want to interrupt your work…"

"Always. Please take a seat."

The footman left the door open and stood right there, although there was a maid tidying up his writing desk. Apparently, Mrs. Reynolds had told the whole staff that not a whiff of impropriety could occur.

"Thank you, sir."

"Are you well? How is Mrs. Gardiner? Is there anything I can do?"

"I am well, sir… just concerned for my aunt… After so many years, she feels the news is bittersweet and doesn't want to have much hope that she will not have another disappointment. The doctor left this prescription. My uncle wanted me to ask where he could procure this," she said, handing him the paper.

He skimmed it and looked at the footman, "Anders, please have this procured immediately."

"Yes, sir. At once."

"Wait, I can give you the money," Miss Elizabeth turned to the man, but he was already gone. "Sir, please let me pay you back."

"Miss Elizabeth, truly, there is no need. Do not trouble yourself. Your aunt's safety and comfort are our priority. Anything she needs or wants, please inform me or my staff and it will be brought for her as soon as possible. The same applies to you."

She blushed, "Sir, I feel like this is such an imposition. We didn't mean to-"

"Miss Elizabeth, please, don't apologize," he smiled. "Any additional time I can spend in your company is greatly appreciated."

She looked down, "I still feel I need to apologize…"

He frowned slightly, "About what?"

"You know…" she trailed off with a blush and looked to the maid, who was now dusting. She was in hearing range but appeared to be paying them no attention.

Mr. Darcy blushed, too, remembering her lips on his, "Has your uncle decided which of your sisters is joining us?"

"We think Jane would be best. Why? Do you have a preference? Or rather, would you prefer any particular one not to come?" she teased him.

"Not at all, Miss Elizabeth. However, I must confess that Mr. Bingley is coming to visit next week. I was hoping to make amends with him and with your sister… I already wrote to him. He was most upset with me for interfering from what was legible in his reply, but his telling me he was coming to Pemberly -I think- was to make me accompany him to Longbourn to apologize to Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth smiled. Even if she never got to be with Mr. Darcy after her lapse in propriety, her sister's fate could be better, "I am sure Jane will appreciate the opportunity to see him again."

"And he will be glad to apologize and make amends too. Do you think he will be received… favorably?" His eyes shone when he looked at her.

She couldn't speak for a moment. She suspected he wouldn't appreciate the thought, but she saw him as the most beautiful man of her acquaintance, "I would rather not assume. His departure deeply hurt her. However, all I can say is that she isn't of a resentful disposition…"

Mr. Darcy's breath caught, "Are you?"

She looked down, contritely, "Mr. Darcy… I have nothing to forgive you for."

"Not even… you know," he blushed.

"That was my fault, sir. It is I who wants to know if you forgive me."

He smiled teasingly, "I have nothing to forgive you for."

She sighed and smiled so brightly that it made him sigh back.

"Is your aunt feeling any better?"

"Not particularly."

"I was going to inquire… The staff in the kitchen needs to know whether she would prefer ginger or tree bark tea for her nausea."

"I will find out for you, but I think it's ginger."

"Our cook also wanted to know what her favorite dishes are so that he can make them for her."

"I am sure from what we have eaten that anything your cook prepares will be more than okay for her."

"Miss Elizabeth… I know our cook is very proficient, and I will pass along the compliment. I just thought that, in her state, she will probably have cravings for familiar dishes."

"Oh. Of course! Cravings! I will ask her and write a list… Should I give it to Mrs. Reynolds?"

"No… Please give it to me."

She looked confused at this. "To you?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Darcy, sir?" the maid approached.

"Yes, Anna?"

"I forgot to tell you. Mrs. Reynolds requires notes to pay the merchants in Lambton."

He tried not to sound annoyed. He knew his opportunities to speak to her alone would be few and far between under these circumstances. "Is my steward not here yet?"

"No, sir. He's settling Miss Anton's accounts and handing your instructions to her men."

"Yes, of course. It slipped my mind."

He opened a drawer with a key and pulled out a few notes for different amounts. "Please take these to her."

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you."

Elizabeth kept her eyes on her lap. She wished they could really talk like they did the night before. His brushing off her kiss was… concerning. Was it because it meant nothing to him? Was it because he thought he deserved more than a sleepy mistake? Was he uncomfortable because she was so improper, asking him for help getting undressed and then kissing him? She needed to know. She looked around. The door was empty, but they were quite alone. She whispered, "Mr. Darcy… Could I please talk to you tonight?"

He blinked. "T-Tonight?"

"In the parlor? It's just… I need to ask you something in private."

But we are in private, he thought. His mouth went dry at the mere idea of her wanting to be in his company all by themselves, "Yes, of course. But won't you be needed by Mrs. Gardiner?"

"Not all night. My uncle insists that while he's here, he doesn't want me to lose sleep. After all, I will lose sleep for the following months."

"I hope not… I have called a Midwife, and I have asked Mrs. Reynolds to assign a lady's maid to attend solely to your aunt. I wouldn't want you to fall ill from exhaustion. Caring for bedridden patients is very difficult."

Elizabeth looked up in shock. "Mr. Darcy, that is unnecessary! We are already costing you a lot!"

"Miss Elizabeth," he stood and went around his desk. "I beg you to stop thinking about money. My mother… When my mother was pregnant with Georgiana, her pregnancy was high-risk as well. My father had a maid assigned to her care, and we had to rotate her because she was exhausted. In the end we were using two different maids every week. Moving a patient that is not strong enough to help you move them is very difficult. It requires strength and endurance that go beyond nursing. Whenever your aunt would like to change her position, me and my valet are ready to help move her. Please don't strain your back, not you nor the maid."

Elizabeth was deeply touched that he was sharing something so personal, "Mr. Darcy, I can't help my concern, but I much appreciate both your trust and all the care you are so thoughtful to offer and provide."

I would care for you my whole life, should you wish it, he thought as he sat on his desk and his hands rested on its smooth surface. "It's my pleasure."

"Mr. Darcy… Could I include a note for Jane?"

"Yes, of course. The rider may not have left. You can write it here. I'll go fetch him."

She couldn't help it. She reached out and held his hand. "Thank you."

He squeezed her hand and bent over to bring it to his lips and kiss the back of it, "No, thank you."

"Brother!" Georgiana rushed to him and gave him a big, tight hug. "I heard Mrs. Gardiner is pregnant and that she is well… you know…. I wanted to check on you."

"Check on me, sweetling?"

"I know Mother's pregnancy with me was hard, and I wanted to make sure you are okay. This is probably reminding you of it."

He kissed the crown of her head, "Gigi… I admit I am concerned for her, but I am alright. I worry about Miss Elizabeth."

"Mrs. Annesley and I will help her. I heard you assigned a maid, but we want to help too."

Mr. Darcy thanked the heavens for his sister's caring heart. "I very much appreciate it. However, please bear in mind that I don't want your studies to suffer because of this."

"They won't. I promise."

"Very well, then," he pulled her in for another tight hug.

"Brother?"

"I love you so much, sweetling. I am proud of how far you have come."

She smiled against his shoulder. "I love you too."