Please forgive me for the long wait.

Darcy could claim but one victory - the doctor wasn't called. The women agreed that his symptoms were mild and similar to Elizabeth's, so they hoped to see much improvement in a few days' time. This did not stop them from forcing him into bed against his will. Ever the most stubborn of patients, Elizabeth and Georgiana had to take drastic measures and hide his boots when he repeatedly attempted escape.

A miserable scowl graced his handsome face whenever he was awake, and Elizabeth had to make every effort not to laugh at the sight. She did tease him mercilessly, but, after all, she was only human and he was acting like a child.

"Drink it."

"It is quite unnecessary."

"Drink the broth."

"No."

"It is only a small cup, Fitzwilliam. Do try and behave."

"I shall behave whence I am allowed out of doors."

Georgiana turned to Elizabeth and rolled her eyes. Elizabeth was impressed by the severity of her assertion against her brother; she may have picked up a thing or two from Elizabeth that Darcy did not anticipate when he determined his wife would be an excellent influence on his sister.

"I give in," Georgiana cried, placing the cup of clear liquid on the bedside table. "I shall be in the ballroom, attempting to stifle his whines with Beethoven."

Elizabeth grinned and watched Georgiana leave and close the door behind her, leaving Elizabeth and Darcy alone. She turned to her husband and sat on the edge of the bed. "You are being quite unreasonable. It is a very small cup."

Darcy grimaced, his arms crossed over his chest, his upper body propped up by various pillows. "I am not hungry. My breakfast was substantial."

Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "You mean the three cups of coffee and nothing more?" Darcy silently cursed Mrs. Reynolds and her keen eye. Elizabeth grinned again. "Do not worry, husband. I have taken care of many ill and temperamental patients."

"Your sisters?"

"Nay, my mother," she replied, her eyes dancing merrily. "But I must confide that you, sir, may trump even her worst ailment. I am impressed." Darcy scowled again.

She picked up the cup of broth, now only warm, and attempted to hand it to him. Darcy pretended not to see it, but his resolve was worn down temporarily. "I am exceedingly overheated. Broth is the very last thing I desire, followed shortly by the tea Mrs. Reynolds attempted to force on me."

Elizabeth took a moment to look him over, taking notes of his flushed cheeks and sweat dotted along his forehead. She nodded in agreement. "She may very well throw me from this house if she catches wind, but let us remove your shirt, sir. Once you have cooled to a comfortable level, I shall call Parsons for a fresh one before we are found."

Gently, Elizabeth took great care in removing his nightshirt. Blushing brilliantly once she realized he wore nothing else but a sheet gathered from his hips down, she made quick work of turning and depositing the linen within the washroom. Taking a few moments to breathe, she returned with a clean rag to dip into the basin of water near him.

Elizabeth patted it across his brow, and Darcy closed his eyes with a contented sigh. Only the quiet sound of rewetting the cloth echoed around the bedchamber. She resolutely focused on the task at hand, but her mind and her eyes slowly wandered as the rag descended to cool his neck and onto his chest.

Absently counting the coarse hairs there, Elizabeth did not realize at first that Darcy was now watching her as she cleansed the sheen from his body. Taking extra care over his heart, she made her way down to his abdomen. Feeling the muscles under her hand ripple, she could now feel his eyes but hers could not draw away from his exposed body. Unable to stop, Elizabeth continued to caress downward until she hit the edge of the sheet and Darcy could not help but inhale sharply.

Jolted back into reality, Elizabeth immediately stood and returned the rag to the basin, feeling the blush across her face. Darcy shook with silent laughter as he attempted to cool down once more, her ministrations alleviating none of his warmth. "Pray, continue, madam," he called to her, pausing to cough. "Do not stop on my account."

She shot him a withering look and scowled before walking over to the cord to call for Parsons, who immediately walked in. "Mr. Darcy requires a new night shirt, please Parsons." She paused a moment before adding merrily, "And another cup of broth."

Parsons nodded, bowed, and left once again. Turning to face Darcy, Elizabeth gave him a triumphant grin. "Do behave, sir. We cannot lose Parsons due to your inability to survive the ministrations of your wife."

She turned to leave, but Darcy caught her wrist and held on. Elizabeth slowly dragged her eyes to his and found them soft and warm. "Pray, do not leave. I shall be on my best behavior." She watched as Parsons returned with a clean shirt and did not remove herself from Darcy's grasp until it was placed over his head. As Parsons fluffed a few pillows, Elizabeth quirked her brow at her husband. "I believe we cannot rely on my position of nurse any longer, sir. What shall I do for you?" Her eyes twinkled playfully.

Darcy grasped her hand once more and gave it a squeeze. "Read to me." He motioned to the table nearby with a novel on top.

Elizabeth picked it up with her free hand. A wide smile broke across her face as she read the title. "Robinson Crusoe?" she cried, sitting down in the chair next to his bed. He finally released her hand and she used it to open the marked page. "Tis only silly fantasies, correct, sir?"

Darcy smiled back. "Absolutely, but one cannot forget about the realistic risk of cannibals. Mrs. Bennet must remain distraught. We cannot allow her to believe her daughter is now tamed by marriage."

They laughed together before Elizabeth began to read aloud. Darcy closed his eyes, allowing her voice to wash over him, creating his first sense of peace and relaxation that day.

Darcy became well within a few days and the house returned to normal. Weeks passed by in a blur, and October arrived brisk and colorful to Pemberley.

Elizabeth's routine remained much the same, however her duties as mistress both inside and outside the bedchamber grew in volume. Mrs. Reynolds seemed to acquire a new list of tasks as soon as Elizabeth mastered the previous round. And Darcy happily welcomed his wife into his bed whenever she pleased, which was often saved for the time when her monthlies arrived.

Elizabeth made every effort to stay on top of her correspondence, at the forefront Jane and Charlotte, but she managed to keep in touch with others as her radius of connections grew. Wickham did not write anymore, and Elizabeth found that she was relieved. It would do no good to disrupt the happy equilibrium she and Darcy shared currently, but she did hope that Wickham's silence meant he found the means he required elsewhere.

It was nearing the end of the month when Darcy received a letter from Bingley. He hoped his friend was well and was inquiring if his offer still stood for him to visit Pemberley. Darcy smiled to himself and looked over the lip of his coffee cup toward Elizabeth, who was busy reading her own mail. "What news, madam? Anything of interest?"

Elizabeth looked up a moment before smiling and returning to her letter. "Only my sister, sir, although her report is quite severe."

Georgiana looked up. "Oh?"

Elizabeth gave her a mischievous grin. "Oh yes. The pigs have escaped once again, and one rather curious hog decided to explore my mother's morning room and help himself to tea. If you listen rather carefully, I do believe we can hear her shrieks from here."

Georgiana laughed heartily, as she did at every story Elizabeth provided about Longbourn and her family. Darcy smiled and waited for the laughter to die down before he continued. "Perhaps Jane should pay us an extended visit. A reprieve of sorts."

Elizabeth waited a beat before giving him a tight smile. "Perhaps," she replied, but then quickly changed the subject. She did not wish to discuss fantasies of her sister coming to Pemberley. Darcy had made it quite clear previously that she should not visit anytime soon, and he only just reiterated that point a few weeks prior. No, Elizabeth will think about broaching the subject once the holidays were complete.

Darcy however, was not deterred. He could feel Elizabeth's disappointment, this morning and when she inquired about Jane on her sick bed. He knew he had squashed any chance at easy conversation on the subject, and he did not wish to hint at Bingley's plans - whatever those may be. His friend needed direction, and Darcy was sure once Bingley saw Jane with his own eyes once more, he would know exactly how to lead them both to happiness.

Bingley was to arrive within a fortnight, although unfortunately with Caroline in tow. When Darcy received that news later that week, he attempted to hint to his wife one more time to speak to Jane, but Elizabeth smiled and went for a walk instead. He had not yet announced Bingley's visit, and Darcy wasn't exactly sure yet why not. After much reflection, he realized he wanted Elizabeth to come to her own conclusion regarding his character, not by witnessing Darcy trying to play matchmaker for her benefit.

So Darcy did what he thought was best; he wrote to Jane himself to invite her to Pemberley at her earliest convenience, making it quite clear that he would like to receive her as their special guest to surprise Elizabeth, eager to send his personal carriage as soon as she named the date. If Jane was astonished by his offer, she kept this to herself. Within a week, merely a few days before Bingley's arrival, Jane consented to visit them within another sennight complete and swore not to say a word to Elizabeth. Darcy was pleased and within the hour, he announced to Georgiana and Elizabeth that Bingley and Caroline would be coming to stay on Saturday next.

Saturday arrived bright and cold, Caroline laden with furs and a red nose. Elizabeth attempted to keep her face neutral, but she could not help her cocked brow when she wondered to herself what on earth Miss Bingley would do when winter arrived. Perhaps she could suggest the south of France, or even Italy. She was by no means excited to see her again, but reacquainting with Mr. Bingley was well worth the sacrifice of playing nice with his sister.

Bingley was as openly friendly and lively as she remembered him, and he was a pleasure to have as a guest. Elizabeth felt a pain briefly that Jane was not here to witness or partake in his company, and her mind strayed to when Darcy mentioned inviting her. But then she remembered Caroline's behavior towards Jane and its ending result in heartbreak, and Elizbeth convinced herself glad that Jane was not present to receive such treatment once more.

After a long day of catching up and surviving Caroline's cold sneers, Elizabeth laid thoughtfully next to Darcy in his bed, both spent and sweaty, although satiated. Darcy was on his side facing her, absently twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers. Their silence was comfortable and familiar, the only sound in the room came from the crackling fire.

Elizabeth stifled a yawn behind her hand. As she moved to sit up and bid him goodnight, she was surprised to find his hand gently on her arm, the touch of his skin electrifying even after their earlier business. She looked down on it before moving to meet his eyes. "Stay," he said simply, his expression pure and open. Elizabeth's heart leapt to her throat and she tried to swallow it down.

After a long moment, she placed her head back down on the pillow and faced him on her side, but it was clear to Darcy immediately how uncomfortable she was. Attempting to alleviate it, he brushed her hair back from her brow. Studying her face, he gave her a small, albeit sad, smile. "If you would prefer to sleep alone, then I shall not take offense, Elizabeth. I would not have you stay against your will. I only mean to suggest an alternative should you wish it."

Digesting his words, she slowly relaxed once more into the pillows. They eventually fell into an easy conversation about the day's events and what was in store for tomorrow. When Darcy turned to take a sip of wine on the nearby table, he found Elizabeth fast asleep when he lounged once again. Darcy took several long minutes drinking her in, and before he could find something else about her beauty to admire, he then fell asleep next to her.

Elizabeth may have at first been uncomfortable with the idea of sharing a bed with Darcy for more than just their almost daily "exercises," but she soon allowed any anxiety to leave her once she found herself refreshed every morning. Her slumber next to Darcy was deep and tranquil, and she knew not if it was his bed or himself that played a part in it. She found she did not much care to dwell on it, but to simply enjoy it.

The Bingleys were now a few days into their stay at Pemberley, but Darcy was on edge for most of it; Jane was to depart in two days' time, and Darcy did not know how her arrival would play out. Caroline's presence definitely threw a wrench in what he otherwise would hope would be a welcomed surprise. He could sense Bingley's nerves as well, and he prayed his friend would accomplish this feat of gaining Miss Bennet's love once more. If he did not, Darcy did not know what would become of them both in the eyes of the Bennet sisters.

Darcy attempted to rid his mind of this anxiety for there was nothing to be done about it and he could only hope for the best. He turned his focus toward the lively dinner before him. The party was on their main course, and Bingley was keeping everyone enthralled with a tale of when Darcy fell off his horse but to this day he would not admit to. Darcy himself could not keep the smile off his face even when Bingley teased him mercilessly; only Caroline did not chime into the laughter and dived into her drink instead.

Darcy gave a smile across the table to Elizabeth, and she felt the warmth deep in her bones causing her to flush. Scowling, Caroline averted her gaze from the pair and decided to change the course of conversation on ridiculing her brother's choice of manservant, something that has plagued her ever since she discovered his ties to Cheapside. Hiding her smile behind her hand at Bingley's rolling eyes, Georgiana attempted to ignore the sibling barbs and return to her dinner. Only because of this, did she witness the butler's sly placement of an express missive next to her brother's right hand and whispered instructions in his ear.

Elizabeth also watched curiously as Darcy received what must be an urgent letter at this time of night, and she felt her insides clutch as the color drained from her husband's face as he read. Abruptly, Darcy stood, his chair screeching behind him as he focused on the contents of the letter. Everyone fell silent and at last he noticed the disruption he causes. Bowing, he murmured a quick, "Excuse me," and hurried from the room.

Elizabeth and Georgiana glanced at one another, and Bingley looked trouble. Only Caroline continued with her meal, giving Elizabeth a condescending look. "How alarming it must be for you that your husband has urgent business to attend to, Mrs. Darcy. I do hope you do not grow tried to having a man of such consequence in marriage. It is something you might have thought of before pursuing Mr. Darcy."

Bingley hissed across the table to his sister. "Caroline, enough." But Elizabeth did not care nor notice Caroline's barb. With another glance to Georgiana, they both rose and made their excuses and followed Darcy out the door.

They found him in the front hall, clearly preparing himself for a quick departure. He and Parsons spoke in hurried whispers before he noticed the pair of ladies, and he ceased immediately before striding over to them. "I have urgent business to attend to. I must not be delayed."

Georgiana nodded solemnly, but Elizabeth only blinked before demanding, "Whatever is the matter? Truly you cannot think to leave in such a state with so little explanation."

Darcy instantly recognized the look in her fine eyes and he knew there was no resisting her. He sighed heavily. "There has been some dreadful news, I'm afraid." Georgiana instantly grabbed Elizabeth's hand, afraid of what she was about to hear. But Elizabeth stood taller, preparing herself to stand fast and strong. Darcy could not help but admire her even more so in that moment, but he knew his next words would alter her instantly. "The missive was from Mr. Bennet."

Elizabeth felt her heart stop. Darcy took another breath, "Lydia has run away." His eyes glanced sideways for a moment to Georgiana before locking on his wife once more. He then ground out, "With Mr. Wickham."

Elizabeth felt instant pain, not only in her heart and her head, but in her right palm. It took her a moment to realize it came from Georgiana's nails biting hard into her skin. As in slow motion, she looked to her sister and found her face ashen and her lips trembling. No words came from Georgiana but Elizabeth could feel her body shaking next to hers. Elizabeth turned again to her husband, her eyes wide and fearful. "It cannot be," she whispered, but even then she knew Lydia's silliness and lack of propriety were a recipe for this type of disaster. But Wickham? How on earth was it possible that he could do such a thing. "There must be some mistake."

Before Darcy could reply, Georgiana did instead. She turned to Elizabeth, her face solemn and tears streaking down her cheeks. "There is no mistake, dear Lizzy. Mr. Wick-Wickham is not a man to be associated with." She gulped hard. "I should know, as he is the man I told you about fro-from my past."

Elizabeth gasped, and her hand then clenched Georgiana's hand back hard, but she could feel the truth pouring from her. The pieces of the puzzles had begun to fit, and now it was her turn to tremble.

Darcy cleared his throat and the women instantly looked to him again. "Your father requests my assistance immediately. I must be off. We are to find her together with the help of your uncle, Mr. Gardiner."

Elizabeth attempted to clear her head with a small shake. "Then I must come too. Lydia is my sister, and this is my family." Panic began to take hold. "I must come too!"

Darcy gave her a sad smile and squeezed her upper arm with a reassuring hand. "I promise if we were under different circumstances, I would agree. But you must stay, Elizabeth, and you must behave naturally." Elizabeth was about to argue with him when he cut her off. "Caroline must not be aware of anything untoward. If you were to leave with me now, she will know it must deal with your family, and she will not rest until she uncovers whatever it is and broadcast it to whomever will listen."

Elizabeth sagged against his hand and closed her eyes painfully. She knew what he said was true. Darcy would do anything in this world to hold her right then, but time was wasting. "It is an urgent business matter in town. That is the narrative you must both keep - tis essential." Georgiana nodded again, but tears continued to fall. Elizabeth's eyes, although dry, hurt from the strain. Darcy took a step forward and cupped a hand on her cheek. Taking a moment to study her face, his thumb brushing across her cheekbone. "We shall find her. I swear this to you."

At last Elizabeth's insides unclenched a bit because she knew then that she believed him. This man, her husband, loved her and would find her sister in hopes of saving her from ruin. How wrong she was about Wickham. And how very wrong she had treated her husband because of it. Shame flushed through her body. Turning her face, she leaned into his hand and brushed a kiss on his palm. "Return as soon as you can." And although it was in hopes that he could get there in time to save Lydia from herself and that scoundrel, she knew then it was to see Darcy again. To apologize and to perhaps -

Taking a moment to relish this feeling, Darcy abruptly pulled away so to have the strength to leave her, and he was quickly out the door, into the carriage, and swallowed into the darkness of Pemberley's grounds.