“I would enjoy such a time, Darcy. Let me change.” Charles Bingley missed the interactions he and Darcy once shared.

“Fitzwilliam, would you post the letters I wrote?” Elizabeth asked as she joined the others.

“Of course, Elizabeth.Where are they?”

“I left them on the tray for Mr. Howard’s attention. Thank you, Sir.” Elizabeth’s voice held an intimacy only Darcy recognized. Her “thanks” seemed innocent enough to the others in the room, but even something this simple held sexual tension for them.Their passions always rested just below the surface so when she said, “Thank you, Sir,” Elizabeth also allowed her eyes to drift up his body, and Darcy arched an eyebrow when she rested her attention on his countenance.

He winked at her when she pursed her lips.“I will retrieve them, Madam.” Then he offered his wife a seductive smile as he left.

Elizabeth held images of him in her mind as she picked up her needlework and joined her sister and aunt. “Aunt Gardiner, where are the children?” Elizabeth asked as she abandoned those images to the mundane activities of daily life.

“Your uncle took them for a tour of the grounds.”

“I am pleased Mr. Darcy asked Charles to join him for a ride today. My husband missed Mr. Darcy’s counsel,” Jane confided.

“It would be natural, Jane, being such good friends for so long.” Elizabeth had no idea whether Darcy felt the same as Charles; they never discussed it; she supposed he held similar feelings as Charles Bingley.

“Since our marriage, Charles had only Mr. Hurst and our father for male companionship.”

Elizabeth found this amusing. “Mr. Hurst is certainly not a conversationalist, and our father, though quite capable, usually cannot be bothered to do so.”

“That was Charles’s plight of late. We met Sir William one evening a fortnight ago, and I did not think I would ever get Charles to leave his conversation with the man.”

“Well, I am sure our husbands will enjoy whatever men discuss when not with women.” Elizabeth allowed Darcy held thoughts of which she was not privy; this realization bothered her for some reason, although she tried to pass them off. “Where are Georgiana and Kitty?”

“Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh are in the music room with the colonel,” Mrs. Gardiner offered.“I believe I saw Kitty in the garden earlier.”

“Mr. Harrison packs for his journey,” Jane added.

“Let us have some tea.” Elizabeth put her needlework away. “Now as we are alone,” she took on a conspiratorial tone, “I am dying to know what each of you think of my new home.”

“Elizabeth,” Jane looked around the drawing room, “Aunt Gardiner and I spoke of the splendor of Pemberley yesterday. It is a magnificent estate and definitely lives up to its reputation.”

“Then you approve?” Elizabeth asked as if someone might object.

“As for me,” Mrs. Gardiner teased, “the most perfect thing about Pemberley is seeing you with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth. To see you so happy at last is most gratifying.”

“Thank you, Aunt. I still worry about how to make Pemberley my own, but Fitzwilliam’s love makes the transition easier. Could either of you ever think both Jane and I could be so blessed?”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “Mr. Bingley could not be more amiable, and he matches our Jane perfectly. Mr. Darcy is more complicated, Elizabeth, but from the time I met him last August, I knew his devotion to you would create a perfect world for you two.You are both of a solitary nature; so as Mr. Bingley fits Jane, Mr. Darcy fits you.”

“It amazes me I once found him to be disagreeable,” Elizabeth mused. “Now, I admit I cannot stand to be away from Fitzwilliam for very long.”

“Our Lizzy met her match, Aunt,” Jane laughed.

Elizabeth enjoyed the humor at her expense. “Mr. Darcy captured my heart.”

“Of course, Darcy. I would like to find something special for Jane. Shall I meet you in half an hour at the Royal Crown?”

“We will have something to drink before returning to Pemberley.Thirty minutes it is, Sir.”

“Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Spencer suspected he would see Darcy today.“I see your wife spoke to you, Sir.”

“She has, Mr. Spencer. Now, I would like your learned opinion of Mrs. Darcy’s condition.” Darcy took the seat Mr. Spencer offered.

“Well, Mr. Darcy, I believe your wife has as good of a chance for a complete delivery as does any other woman. Her recent accident should cause no long-term problems. Mrs. Darcy suspected her condition prior to the fall. She did all the right things during the fall. Mrs. Darcy protected the baby; she is a very smart woman, Sir.”

Darcy found a new respect for his wife. “My Elizabeth is remarkable.”

“Mr. Darcy, your sister was the last life brought into Pemberley’s world. Since Miss Darcy’s birth, you knew nothing but death in your home. Mrs. Darcy will change that for you. Of course, I cannot guarantee a live birth, but I have no reason to think otherwise.”

“Are there any precautions of which I should be aware, Mr. Spencer?”

“I warned Mrs. Darcy about the terrain surrounding Pemberley, but your wife is healthy. She needs to be cautious but not frightened of her everyday activities.”

The next question brought Darcy some discomfort. “Mr. Spencer, what of my private relationship with my wife?”

“Mr. Darcy.”The man stood to come to sit across from him. The doctor knew it cost Darcy a great deal to open himself up to these questions. “There are many misconceptions about intimate relationships between a man and a woman when she is with child. I hear old wives’ tales, which suggest the baby will see the gentleman’s manhood and refuse to enter the world. These are ridiculous to a man of science such as I. Normal relationships are acceptable, Mr. Darcy, until your wife’s lying in. Be aware of her abdomen as the baby grows. Place no extra weight on her as she expands, but there is no reason to abstain from your wife’s attentions. Keep her life as normal as possible, but do so within reason, and your chance of an heir will be in your favor.”

“You must think me a foolish husband, Mr. Spencer.” Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

“On the contrary, Mr. Darcy. I wish the husbands of many of my patients cared as much for their wives as you do for Mrs. Darcy. You, obviously, want what is best for her and are willing to accept some discomfort to have accurate information.”

“Mr. Spencer, I would do without an heir for Pemberley if it meant carrying my heir would put Mrs. Darcy’s health in danger. I want nothing to happen to her. Please remember that when you are called upon regarding the delivery of our child. Mrs. Darcy is to be your priority.”

“I understand, Sir. Thank you for explaining your feelings to me. I will convey your wishes to the midwife you choose.”

Darcy expended as much emotionally as he could afford on this matter; he stood to leave. “Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for addressing my concerns.” With polite farewells the men separated. Spencer stood in disbelief at how much Darcy changed since meeting Mrs. Darcy. Pemberley, in the doctor’s opinion, would never be the same.

“No, Darcy, I just arrived. May I order something for you?”

“Some tea would be nice.” Bingley motioned for an additional cup to be brought to the table. The locals scrambled to meet Darcy’s needs. His presence in Lambton created a buzz of activity; many in the area owed their existence to the estate. “Did you find something for Mrs. Bingley?”

“I bought her a new handkerchief,” Bingley began. “I resolved after our conversation the other day, I would let my Jane know of my devotion to her whenever I can. Do you not think little ‘gifts’ appropriate, Darcy?”

“Bingley, I learned my lesson about offering advice on your and Mrs. Bingley’s relationship.” Darcy chuckled lightly, a bit embarrassed by his own admission.

Charles laughed; Darcy once tried to keep Bingley and Jane apart.“I am asking your advice, Darcy.”

Darcy knew Bingley still lacked self-confidence in most of his interactions with others; Charles handled conflict with retreat rather than surety. “Bingley, I believe any woman responds to spontaneous examples of affection from the man she favors. Shower Mrs. Bingley with gifts or simply express your devotion to her when the opportunity arises. Do not worry about Mrs. Bingley’s regard for you. Obviously, if it did not diminish in the months you were apart, it is not likely to do so now.”

“Do you believe that to be so, Darcy?”

“I most certainly do, Bingley.”

“My fear is we are too close to Longbourn for our marital felicity. Mrs. Bennet appears at our door regularly, and Jane’s kindness will not allow her to rebuke her mother.” Bingley paused and looked a bit uncomfortable with his next thoughts. “Mrs. Bingley is not willing to abandon Netherfield yet, but if things do not change soon, I will try to convince her. If that were so, would you help me find something closer to Pemberley? I would like Jane to have access to Mrs. Darcy; her family is important to my wife.”

“Mrs. Darcy would certainly welcome such a change, as would I. We spent little time together since our respective engagements.”

“Male companionship has been lean at Netherfield. Even going shooting became an ordeal.” Bingley looked uncomfortable again.

Darcy tried to assure his friend. “When you are ready to change, Charles, it would do me well to serve you once again. In the meantime, I will be aware of any land which may come available.”

“Darcy, are you as content with marriage as you seem?”

“Bingley, Elizabeth’s presence creates such satisfaction. Pemberley was never so alive; you should have seen her and Georgiana at the tenant’s celebration. I could not be prouder of either of them.When I chose Elizabeth as my wife, I chose her obvious beauty but also her wit, her intelligence, her compassion, and her devotion. I need a woman beside me who will help me transition Pemberley into a new age. Elizabeth is that woman for me.”

“Your words sound as if you plan for your estate, and Elizabeth plays a major part in that plan.”

“I do. Some will judge me poorly, although I know you will not be one of them. Elizabeth is learning the estate’s business. I will not have a dependent—Elizabeth will be my partner.That lifestyle works for the two of us. I do not advocate it for everyone, but it is what I need. Elizabeth fills in the areas which I cannot.” Darcy’s matter-of-fact statements persuaded Bingley to their truth.

Bingley offered his friend a light chuckle with the irony he saw in the situation. “You once told me duty to your family’s name outweighed your need for affection in a choice for a wife. Luckily, you found both in Mrs. Darcy.”

“Your wife’s sister certainly captured my heart, Bingley.” Just dwelling on Elizabeth brought a gamut of images to Darcy’s mind, and a hint of a smile formed on his lips. “Speaking of our wives, maybe we should return to Pemberley. I imagine Mr. Harrison is ready to depart.”

“Mrs. Darcy, you never lack for hospitality and generosity. You welcomed me as a member of your family during the most holy of days. I am blessed to earn your friendship.” He bowed to Elizabeth respectfully.

Elizabeth appropriately dropped her eyes before acknowledging his praise. “Mr. Harrison, you are welcome at Pemberley anytime, Sir.” Darcy stood beside his wife and sister as they bid the man farewell.

“Mr. Darcy, your counsel was most enlightening.” Harrison finally turned his attentions to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, I look forward to seeing you again.” He wanted to embrace her—to hold her—but instead he offered Georgiana a loving glance and a proper bow before leaving in his coach for Dove Dale.

Walking back to the drawing room, Elizabeth instinctively encircled Georgiana’s waist with her arm. “Mr. Harrison will return soon, Georgiana. Mark my words.” Elizabeth held concerns for Georgiana’s gentle disposition. Although she knew Harrison expressed a desire to know Georgiana better, Elizabeth’s wariness at his honest entreaty held trepidation; yet, she did not wish to belie the man until she knew for sure. Her qualms lay only with protecting Georgiana. Miss Darcy held back tears while smiling at her new sister.

“I will wait,” Georgiana whispered, knowing she could open up her thoughts to Elizabeth without fear of censure. Their relationship created the female bond Georgiana always desired. Since Elizabeth entered Fitzwilliam’s life, Georgiana found herself able to express her innermost thoughts. Elizabeth caught Georgiana’s eye and nodded without further comment.

“I am pleased to hear it, Sir,” she murmured. “I would hate to think my affections were not returned.”

Darcy bent to kiss her tenderly and then withdrew enough to lock eyes with her.“What bothers you, Elizabeth?”

“What makes you think there is something wrong, my Love?”

“Elizabeth, do not try to hide what bothers you; are you feeling unwell?” He stroked her hair from her face.

“It is nothing, really—something quite innocent that Jane said. She commented on how often Bingley missed your company, and I kept thinking how much I used to depend on Jane’s understanding; but since we are together, I think of nothing else but your presence. I felt guilty for abandoning my sister. Add that to my earlier thoughts of Pemberley being my home now, and I judged myself to be a poor daughter indeed.”

Darcy pulled her to him, allowing the curves of her body to linger beside his muscular frame. The truth she offered held levels of pain for her, and he tried to be sensitive to her needs. He stroked Elizabeth’s hair, realizing the depth of her “confession.” Elizabeth needed him for himself, and she needed him above all others in her life. “I can remember nothing before there was you in my life, Elizabeth.” He whispered the words close to her ear.“Sometimes life brings two people such as you and I together. How do we explain to others we need only each other to experience happiness? When you accepted my love, we became joined as few are. It does not make you a poor daughter; it makes you my joy and my delight.”

Elizabeth asked tentatively, “Do you miss the company of your gentlemen friends such as Mr. Bingley?”

“I found Bingley’s company today a pleasant way to spend my time until I could return to your arms. I need only you in my life. I teased about having no future guests in my house, but there was truth in my words.You consume me and fill me, Elizabeth.” Darcy took the kiss this time to a deeper, more passionate level as if he had to possess her.

“I was concerned for your well-being,” he began,“as is your sister Elizabeth.”

Georgiana blushed with his attention. “I am fine, Sir, I assure you.”

“I wish you peace and contentment, the kind I found with Elizabeth.” Darcy took his sister’s hand.

“I understand your caution, Fitzwilliam; I am not disappointed, nor am I angry about your choice on my behalf.” Georgiana touched his cheek tenderly. “If anything,” she continued,“I am more confused about what I should or should not be feeling.”

“Elizabeth and I only desire your future happiness. We asked Mr. Harrison to wait because we want to give you time to know yourself better.As a young woman, many changes will occur in the next year. At least, that is what Elizabeth says happened with her and her sisters. We simply wish to make that transition easier for you. Elizabeth assures me this is what is best for you at this time.”

“I am thankful to have Elizabeth with us,” Georgiana looked at him closely. “I never knew how much I needed her type of love in my life.”

Darcy chuckled lightly.“That is a sentiment I easily share.”

“You really chose well, Fitzwilliam.” Georgiana returned his steady stare.“When the time comes, I hope to be as wise.”

“Speaking of my lovely wife,” he cleared his throat,“Elizabeth made another suggestion of which we both hope you will agree.”

“You have my attention.” Georgiana shifted a bit uncomfortably.

“It is nothing of which to be concerned.” Darcy noted her shift. “As you know, I have a plan for Pemberley’s future, one which involves Elizabeth as an active partner in running the estate. The times change, and I must learn to change with them. Elizabeth agreed to become familiar with the management of the estate and our other properties. Even in London, she studied the books and the finances on the Darcy holdings.”

“I knew you offered some liberty in this matter, but I never realized you involved Elizabeth to this extent.”

“Many of my gentlemen friends would be shocked if they knew of my doing so, but I care not. I will do what is necessary to keep Pemberley a viable part of this community. It is my duty to our parents to maintain Pemberley in its glory. Elizabeth knows my desire for the estate. I, as you also know, gave Elizabeth a jointure; if something happens to me, she will continue on with my vision.”

“Fitzwilliam!” Georgiana gasped. “I am amazed you chose to trust Elizabeth with so much responsibility. It is unheard of.”

“It is a change,” Darcy said calmly, “but do you not agree it is necessary?”

“Of course, I agree,” she assured him. “Elizabeth will blossom under your tutelage. She is so perceptive about what needs to be done, and she possesses the courage to see things through.”

“I am gladdened by your assurances,” he said, taking her hand in his, “because Elizabeth believes you, too, should become familiar with the estate. She wishes you to join her in this endeavor.”

“Me!” Georgiana’s voice cracked.

“My Dearest One.” Darcy caressed her chin line. “You will live in a world foreign to what we have now. Cities are infringing on the estates, and the life we know in Regency England will never be the same again. Elizabeth believes it would be to your benefit to know how an estate should be run. A man, who values you as a learned woman, will accept your knowledge and welcome your ideas. If not, maybe the man is not an appropriate choice.”

“Fitzwilliam,” she stumbled through the words, “you and Elizabeth trust me that much?”

“We do.” Darcy held her eyes, trying to relay the truth of his words. “Elizabeth wishes you to help her with Pemberley if, Heaven forbid, I meet an untimely demise. She wishes not to make decisions for your ancestral home without your input.”

“Oh, Fitzwilliam,” she said, flushed with excitement, “I am overwhelmed by your confidence in me. I will try not to let you down. I mean, I may let you down, but I will try not to do so.”

“Then you are pleased with the idea?”

Georgiana’s arms snaked around his neck as she hugged him closely. “The fact you and Elizabeth value me gives me a purpose.”

“Then you will join us with Mr. Howard tomorrow afternoon.” Darcy stood to leave.“I encourage you to ask questions of Mr. Howard, Elizabeth, and me when you need to do so.”

“Thank you, Fitzwilliam.” Georgiana’s eyes sparkled with delight.

“If we do not, then all the tenants will help themselves to the game on the estate. Soon there would be no game left,” Mr. Howard confided.

Georgiana asked,“Is there not some way to share the game? Mr. Jenkins was only trying to take care of his family—he was not trying to make a profit from the kill. None of us believe it was a malicious action; he did what any of us in this room would do in a similar situation.”

Darcy sat behind his desk, fingers clasped and listening to the conversation. “I believe I hear you saying Mr. Jenkins’s punishment does not meet the crime.”

“Exactly,” Elizabeth chimed in.

Darcy cautioned, “Then what do you propose? Please remember I must discourage the other tenants from following suit.”

Elizabeth paced the floor several times before turning back to her husband. “Obviously, Mr. Jenkins owes the estate for the deer. Is there not a disagreeable job for him to do as repayment? The job should be one nobody wants to do. Mr. Howard, can you not think of something?”

“I suppose so, Mrs. Darcy. Maybe something to do with the waste pots.”

“That would resolve one of the issues,” Darcy summarized. “But there seems to be a bigger problem.”

“Fitzwilliam,” Georgiana’s voice came out small, “I have an idea, if I may.”

“Of course, Dearest One,” he encouraged her.

“It seems every year the estate has an abundance of some sort of game. Some years it is the deer. Other years it is the rabbits.When there is an abundance, the animals destroy prize vegetation. Why not have a controlled kill of the animals in plenty to regulate the population? We could offer the animals to the tenants on an equal basis. My first inclination is to give them the meat, but it might be better for their self-respect if the tenants pay the estate, either with money or physical labor. They could clear away the brush, plant gardens, repair walls—whatever Mr. Howard needs.”

“Interesting.” Darcy leaned back in his chair to consider his sister’s suggestion. “It would resolve several areas of concern. What do you think, Mr. Howard?”

“The animals are often killed anyway, but are done so indiscriminately,” he mused. “We could better balance the natural habitat. I am unsure how to go about this, but I would be pleased to pursue it if you like, Sir.”

“Let us, you and I, look into it, Mr. Howard,” Darcy set forward once again. “Where might we use the staff we already have in place in an efficient manner?”

“Yes, Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Howard picked up the account ledgers for the estate.“Is there anything else, Sir?”

“No, thank you, Mr. Howard.” The man bowed to each of the family members and then exited. Darcy came from around the desk. “Well, Georgiana,” he teased, “I see I can retire tomorrow as Master of Pemberley.”

“Do not tease me, Fitzwilliam. I was shaking throughout that exchange.” Georgiana held out her hands to show him how they twitched.

Elizabeth came to sit beside her. “Georgiana, you were very mature in your thinking. I was quite impressed.”

Georgiana still seemed unsure.“Were you, Elizabeth?”

“Exceptionally so.” Elizabeth squeezed the girl’s hand.“You and I will make a formidable pair.” Elizabeth looked up and winked at Darcy.

“You were very insightful,” he added. “Tomorrow, if the weather permits, I would like for the three of us to ride out and begin to examine the estate together.”

“Yes, Fitzwilliam.” Georgiana stood and straightened her dress. “I think I will go practice for a while. I promised Anne we would work on some music together. She wants us to play when she and Edward announce their engagement.”

“Then we will see you later, Sweet One,” he said as Georgiana exited.

Darcy’s attention now turned back to his wife. “Do not look so smug, Mrs. Darcy.” He pulled Elizabeth into his arms. “No one likes a prideful woman,” he whispered into her ear as he kissed the side of her neck.

“Nor a prideful man,” Elizabeth added as she allowed her lips to lightly brush against his.

Darcy breathed in deeply. “Wait here,” he told her as he crossed to close and lock the study door.

“Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth allowed her voice to rise in anticipation.

Darcy returned to her embrace, basking in the warmth of her affection. “Yes, my Love?”

An inviting smile convinced Darcy that lifting Elizabeth into his arms and sitting her on his lap would receive her approval. Cradling her there, he first traced her lips, then along the line of her dress, with his fingertips.“Do you love me, Elizabeth?” he murmured in her ear.

She captured his lips with a demanding response. “How could you think otherwise?”

Darcy slid his hand up her leg and became intoxicated by the small gasps Elizabeth emitted. The touch of his hand brought a quick rise in her desires; his touch left her wanting more intense sensations.

“Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth could barely speak his name as shudders ran through her body. “You are incorrigible, Sir,” she stammered.

“And you are too tempting, my Love.” Darcy slowly removed his hand from her leg.

Yet Elizabeth was not finished with him; she began to kiss along his chin line.“Would you like to join me on the floor?”

“I may need more encouragement,” he teased.

Elizabeth stood briefly, turning to lean down and kiss his upturned face, kissing him deeply and passionately while enticing his lips apart. She withdrew reluctantly, but her mouth hovered above his.“I will ask you again, Sir, if the floor has not some appeal for you?”

Darcy swallowed hard, trying to refocus.Then, instinctively, he stood long enough to lower them both to the floor. “I love you more than life, Lizzy.”

“Have you finalized your travel plans, Edward?”

“Anne and I will travel to my parents’ estate at the end of the week. My parents’ anniversary party will be the night of the next full moon. Anne and I will formally announce our engagement that evening as all our dear family will be in attendance. You and Elizabeth will attend, shall you not, Darcy?”

“Unless something would happen with Elizabeth’s delivery, I see no reason we could not attend.” Darcy caught his wife’s eyes with a promise of continuing passion.

“I do not wish to change your mind, Darcy. You are one of my best friends, as well as my cousin, but I must remind you Lady Catherine will, obviously, be in attendance.”

“I appreciate your concern, Edward, but I welcome my aunt’s presence on your behalf.”

Anne whispered,“I hope my mother is as gracious.”

“Do not concern yourself, Anne.” Darcy lightly touched her hand. “Even Lady Catherine should see Edward’s love is the best choice you could make.”

Anne dropped her eyes rather than respond, but all three knew Lady Catherine’s fury was not easily assuaged.

“Darcy,” Bingley called out to get his friend’s attention.

“Yes, Bingley?”

“Have you heard Mr. Ashford’s plans for a village school?” Bingley’s eyes lit up.“It is fascinating.”

“Really, pray tell, Mr.Ashford.” Darcy leveled one of his looks on the man, and the vicar shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

“Of course,” Ashford stumbled a bit at first, “that is, if you approve, Mr. Darcy.”

Darcy nodded at Ashford’s acknowledgment of his position in the community.

“Many of the larger villages establish a village school to educate the children of the area. If a community wishes to grow and to prosper, it needs citizens who are at least minimally educated. How can you, for example, get your tenants to understand the need for a balance between nature and agriculture if they know nothing about the need to conserve the land or to rotate the crops? I believe a school will benefit the community, and I seek your support in this endeavor, Mr. Darcy.” Ashford did not break his gaze as he engaged Darcy, a fact Darcy admired in the man.

“You certainly have enough books you could donate to the school.” Bingley liked the idea.

“If we choose to open such a school,” Darcy guarded his words carefully, “I am sure some books could be procured for it. Mr. Ashford, why do we not plan on meeting later in the week to discuss what you envision, and then we will decide what we can or cannot support.”

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. We appreciate the opportunity to speak to you on this matter.”Ashford played the humble card.

Kitty started to say something, but the look both Bingley and Ashford shot her told Kitty this was not the time. Darcy would decide without encouragement from her, but Kitty thought if she got the chance she would ply Elizabeth on Mr. Ashford’s behalf.

As conversations resumed, Edward turned again to Darcy. “When shall you arrive at my parents’ estate?”

“Elizabeth, Georgiana, Kitty, and I will travel to Nottingham and stay with Lord and Lady Pennington for a few days prior to arriving at Matlock.We will come a day or two before the party, depending on Pennington’s availability.”

“I have not seen Lady Pennington in some time,”Anne added.

“Elizabeth and I met them by accident when we were in London. Her Ladyship took quite a liking to my wife. Plus, it will do Georgiana and Kitty well to socialize with other young people at the Penningtons’ and at Matlock.”

Edward confirmed,“I will convey your plans to my mother and father.”

“I wrote to Lord Pennington earlier today to request the honor of joining them prior to the party. I should hear from him before you and Anne leave us.” Despite his early protest to the contrary, Darcy liked playing host to those he loved.

“That was beautiful, Elizabeth,” he whispered to her as he kissed the back of her hand.

“You are prejudiced on my side, I believe, Sir.” Elizabeth touched his cheek tenderly.

“The first time I heard you sing at Lucas Lodge, the clarity of your voice sliced through me. I stood with my eyes closed, taking in your joy for life. I was deeply disappointed when you chose not to continue.”

“Then you offered to dance with me.”

“Which you promptly refused,” Darcy reminded her.

Elizabeth took his hand in hers. “I do sorely wish we were more reasonable in those days.”

“As long as we are never apart again.” Darcy massaged the inside of her wrist with his fingertips, an action she always found to be exceedingly erotic.

“I plan to grow old with you, my Love.” Elizabeth squeezed his knee and slid her fingertips up the inside of his thigh when no one looked on. His quick intake of air brought a sly smile to her face.