“Much of it is dated and not usable,” Mrs. Gardiner added. “Some items are rotting, unfortunately.”

“I do not mind the fact some items are dated, but I would prefer quality to quantity. My tastes tend to be less ornate than what I see here.” Elizabeth walked around the room, lightly touching the items, very much as she did that first day back in London at Kensington Place.

“So, where do we start, Elizabeth?” her aunt asked.“Do you have a vision for the nursery?”

“I really have no idea; this is not an area in which I excel.” Elizabeth sat down in frustration. “However, I cannot just ignore the need to have things as I would like them to be. It will be the place where my child will spend a great deal of its time.”

Hearing their voices, Kitty came through the open door. “What a lovely room,” she gushed.“Will this be the nursery?”

“That is what we planned, but I have no idea where to begin.” Elizabeth looked about in disbelief.

“Well, I would start with the drapes on that window. That heavy fabric blocks all the light. Something lighter, maybe in yellow—would be better.” Kitty walked about the room, moving items here and there.

Mrs. Gardiner smiled at Elizabeth, who nodded to Mrs. Reynolds. “Kitty,” Elizabeth began, “do you have other ideas about what we might do in here?”

“Of course, if it were my child’s nursery, I would remove this dark carpeting. I saw a rug in an East Wing guest room, which would work perfectly in this room. The pattern was more playful. I would keep the crib, naturally, but a new mattress is needed. I would trim it with lighter colors—white lace and yellow ribbons. I love this little brush, though. It is exquisite.” Kitty’s excitement grew as she envisioned the necessary changes.

“Ladies, it sounds like we need to put our Katherine in charge of the renovations in this room. Would you like that, Kitty?” Elizabeth came to stand in front of her younger sister.

“Do you mean it, Elizabeth?”

“I would like for you to check with me or Mrs. Reynolds first, but you may move items in some of the unused rooms, add paint, order some new fabric or other needed items.”

Kitty’s pleasure showed. “You are trusting me with your child’s nursery?”

“Remember Mr. Darcy has discerning tastes—nothing ostentatious,” Mrs. Gardiner cautioned.

“I promise,Aunt Gardiner. I will make wise choices.”

“Then we should try it.” Elizabeth spoke with more confidence.

Kitty spun her sister around in circles. “How can I ever thank you, Lizzy?”

“Please come in and have a seat for a moment.” He came around the desk to sit across from her.

“Have I done something to displease you, Sir?” Kitty felt like a schoolgirl being reprimanded.

Darcy laughed.“Is that what you thought? I am sorry if you were concerned. I heard from your father, and he approved of your staying with us at Pemberley. I spoke to Elizabeth and she is very pleased with your suggestions for the nursery. She feels your talents lie in art or design, and I promised my wife I would secure tutors for you to enhance that talent, as well as to improve your studies. Mr. Thompson will come to you three days per week. He will supervise your drawing lessons and teach you languages.We have an extensive library at Pemberley of which Elizabeth and I would like to see you take advantage. Elizabeth says you are familiar with the pianoforte, but playing music is not to your taste.”

“Mary’s talent far exceeds the rest of us on the pianoforte,” Kitty reasoned.

“There are two instruments available for your practice at Pemberley. I am afraid Georgiana and my cousin Anne are occupying the newer one quite frequently as they practice their duet, but my cousin Miss de Bourgh will be leaving soon. Either way, please avail yourself of some practice time.” Darcy outlined what he expected of Kitty while she resided in his home.

“Yes, Mr. Darcy, thank you.” Kitty tried to look contrite. She knew Mr. Darcy offered her something her father could not give her—an exemplary education and a chance to “better herself.” She realized to escape the stigma created by Lydia’s elopement, she would need to tend to her lessons more diligently.

“There is one other thing. Elizabeth says you need some new items for my uncle’s anniversary party. I ordered two new day dresses and two gowns. If you take a coach into town later today, Madame Schlater at the emporium will help you choose appropriate material and take your measurements.” Darcy watched her countenance carefully as he revealed this information. He took great interest in her reaction, and a smile turned up the corners of his lips as the realization played across Kitty’s lips.

“Mr. Darcy,” she exclaimed as tears welled in her eyes. “I will do my best to make you proud of me.”

“Kitty,” he said, taking her hand to help her stand. “Elizabeth assures me I will approve of all of your actions, and I never doubt my wife.”

Kitty curtsied, trying to remember to act properly, but she nearly skipped from the room. Her exuberance reminded him of Georgiana, and Darcy allowed his smile to grow as he watched her exit.

“Lizzy.” Kitty came to where her sister sat. “I came to tell you I found the most perfect fabric for the drapes for the nursery when I was in Lambton today. I had the man give me a snippet of the material for a sample. What do you think? We would layer the window coverings, using this pattern, a white eyelet, and a sheer panel, and then carry this pattern onto the crib and table dressings. We could even paint a contrasting pattern on the wall.” Kitty’s voice sparkled.

“I love this color, Kitty. Fitzwilliam, would you like to see?” Elizabeth walked over to show him the sample.

“Actually, I like the muted colors. It is an excellent choice, Kitty. I am very pleased,” Darcy offered as Kitty beamed with excitement.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” Kitty gushed. “This was a perfect day, and I owe it all to you. I rode into Lambton under the Darcy livery, and people took notice.You arranged new clothes for me, and Mrs. Schlater’s ideas were absolutely heavenly. I know I am going on and on, but I cannot remember a time I was so happy.You and Elizabeth are so kind to do these things for me.”

“You are most welcome.” Elizabeth hugged her sister while Darcy sat back and enjoyed the family scene. “Remember, Mr. Thompson is coming tomorrow, Kitty.”

“I will remember, Lizzy. By the way, Mr. Darcy, may I find something by John Wesley or Samuel Johnson in the library, or even Sir Joseph Banks will do?” Kitty asked.

“Those are heavy topics, Kitty,” he cautioned.“But I believe you will find all three available.The books are organized by the author’s last name. Help yourself.”

“Mr. Ashford quoted from all three on New Year’s Eve. I thought I might want to read the whole thing.”

“I see.” Elizabeth’s eyebrow shot up. “At least, you have motivation.”

“I am too happy today to let even your teasing, Lizzy, bother me.” Kitty offered a pretend pout before making her curtsy and exiting.

“You are right, Elizabeth; she is not Lydia,” Darcy laughed. “One moment Kitty is a playful, giggling schoolgirl, and the next she is designing rooms with ease. I am anxious to see her vision for the nursery come to life.There are men and women in London who are paid well for designing rooms for those with money.”

“I do not wish to tempt my sister with information such as that.”

“I would not want Kitty in London alone, either, but if her talent proves itself, she could make herself a small fortune from just our connections. It could give Kitty a better chance for an appropriate match.”

“I will keep it in mind,” Elizabeth mused. “I do so worry about her.”

“Just like Georgiana, Kitty will become a fine lady, with more to her than just what a tutor may teach her. My sister blossoms with your guidance; Kitty will also,” Darcy assured her.

“We will see you at the anniversary party.” Darcy shook his cousin’s hand.“Please give my regard to my aunt and uncle.”

“Wishing you a safe journey,”Anne added quietly.

“I am pleased you shared our holiday.” Darcy bowed to Anne. “You are always a welcome addition to our household.” With that, he handed her into the coach, and Edward followed.

Elizabeth moved up to stand beside Darcy, snaking her arm around his waist. Standing together long after the coach was out of sight, they watched it depart. Elizabeth looked up at Darcy. “What of your thoughts, my Love?” she asked, finally securing his attention.

“I was pondering how much Anne suffered at her mother’s will. If we married, her suffering would have continued for I do not have Edward’s patience. My disposition would be a disaster for my cousin.” Darcy finally looked at Elizabeth, but his mind was elsewhere. “I should have done something for Anne before now, but I feared giving her any attention would encourage Lady Catherine’s plans. I protected myself, but I let Anne, literally, fade away.”

Elizabeth cupped her husband’s cheek and locked his eyes with hers before she spoke. She realized Darcy paid dearly emotionally when he expressed his anxieties. “Anne and Edward shall work this out, Fitzwilliam. Anne recognized your inability to help her; in fact, I always felt her refusal of you, as a mate, was her first step at independence. She allowed herself to love Edward and plan a life with him rather than accept the predicted outcome.”

Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and kissed her palm.

“Like the two of us, all Anne needed was someone to love her for herself. Edward is that man. In many ways, he is a better man than you, my Husband.”

Darcy’s eyebrow shot up.“Pray explain yourself, Mrs. Darcy.”

Elizabeth traced a finger along his chin line. “Edward is the only person I ever saw who treats you as an equal. All others, including our Mr. Bingley, cower in your presence. Edward gives you support and guidance without continual censure. You are much more complex—even difficult at times.”

“Difficult, am I?” he teased.

Elizabeth laughed.“Exceedingly so.”

“Then how came you to fall in love with me instead of my cousin? You had your chance at Hunsford. The colonel spoke fondly of you there.”

“I prefer a challenge.” Elizabeth winked at him, but she quickly realized she offended Darcy so she shifted her tone. “Fitzwilliam, do you remember when I refused you, and I accused you of a desire to offend me and to insult me with the wording of your proposal? You told me of your regard although you said it was against your will, against your reason, and even against your character.”

“Reminding me of one of the worst moments in my life offers me little solace, Elizabeth!”

“But that is just it, Fitzwilliam.” Her eyes lit up.“I tried to not love you, the same as you tried to not love me.Yet, we fell in love against our will, our reason, and our characters. We are meant to be together, as are Edward and Anne.You complete me.”

Despite the fact they stood before the house where everyone could see, Darcy pulled Elizabeth into his arms and held her there, her head resting against his chest. When he finally released her, he whispered,“It frightens me how much I need you in my life; I depend on your goodness and your love for my happiness.”

“I love you, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth gifted him with a brilliant smile as she teased his sensibilities.

Darcy touched her chin with the tip of his index finger. “And I you.” He smiled before taking her hand to lead her back to the house.

“My uncle and my dear Charles both agree we should take advantage of the dry weather and milder temperatures,” Jane reasoned. “We will travel together as far as Hertfordshire, assuring safety in case we need each other.”

“I know it is best, but I do so miss your company.”

“You have Mr. Darcy now, Lizzy. He is your family as Charles is mine.” Jane’s practical nature showed.

Elizabeth countered,“That does not mean I miss you less, Jane.”

“We will return in the spring when the weather permits.”

“Your stay must be an extended one then. I am told Pemberley in the spring must resemble Heaven itself; we will enjoy it together. I should be quite pleasingly plump by then.” Elizabeth’s playful attitude returned.

Their aunt entered to check on Jane’s progress in packing. “Our husbands wish to leave soon.”

“It is my fault. I hoped if I delayed the packing, I might be able to spend another day with my sister and you.”

“Elizabeth,” Mrs. Gardiner said, taking her hand, “we all know Mr. Darcy will be able to fill your time when we leave. Besides, you have Kitty and Georgiana now.”

“But it does not keep me from needing you,” Elizabeth protested.

“Your uncle and I will return before your confinement; we would not want to miss such a happy occasion. He and Mr. Darcy already discussed how they might entice the bigger fish from the lake.”

“Men!” Elizabeth laughed.

“They are strange creatures,” Mrs. Gardiner added.

“Yes, my Husband,” Elizabeth agreed, yet she playfully rolled her eyes when Darcy looked away.

The women as before added a new dimension to how Darcy looked at his estate. His decisions did not waver, nor did his resolve, but he reviewed issues and problems with different perspectives, often hearing Georgiana’s and Elizabeth’s voices in his head.The ladies developed a new respect for him; Darcy held direct responsibility for the well-being of everyone on the estate, as well as indirect influence on the surrounding community and Derbyshire itself.

“At age three and twenty Fitzwilliam assumed control over all this.” Georgiana gestured to the landscape rolling out in front of them. “Plus, he became responsible for me at the same time. When I look at all he learned from the time he was eighteen to the time of our father’s death, I am surprised he functions in such an exemplary manner.”

Elizabeth slid her arm around Georgiana’s waist and acknowledged, “If I knew what Fitzwilliam faced every day, I could have seen past his preoccupation with being right; our journey to find each other could have been more pleasant.”

“I doubt that could happen,” Georgiana offered as they waited for Darcy to rejoin them.

Elizabeth looked at her in surprise.“Really?”

“Fitzwilliam had to go through the pain to know your love could save him. Because he has always been in charge, my brother needed you, Elizabeth, to show him what he wanted was not what he needed.”

“You are growing up too quickly, Georgiana,” Elizabeth chuckled. Hearing Darcy return from the trail sprawling in front of them, Elizabeth turned back toward him. “Did you find the problem with the stream?”

“A large tree tumbled across the opening. I’ll have Mr. Howard send some men out here to cut it up.”

“I’m glad it is that simple,” Georgiana added.

Darcy came to them.“Are you ladies ready?”

“We are, Sir,” Elizabeth said as she took his arm. As he handed her into the curricle, Elizabeth touched his cheek tenderly. “You amaze me, Fitzwilliam. I should have been wise enough to see the man you are and to trust the depth of your love and affection.Thank you for teaching me to be happy.”

Her words brought Darcy instant desire. As Georgiana rode away in front of them, Darcy caught Elizabeth’s hand in his. “Do you think we could be alone for a while once we return to the house?”

Elizabeth watched the passion turn his dark eyes onyx. She knew that look, the one he reserved especially for her. “Definitely,” she laughed, “most definitely.” She leaned over and kissed him, letting her lips lightly brush his. “I can think of nothing more pleasurable.”

“Elizabeth, I think I will take a walk in the garden before dinner,” Kitty said after making her curtsy to Mr.Ashford.

“Maybe Mr. Ashford would care to join you.” Elizabeth gave Kitty a slight glance.

Ashford offered Kitty a bow. “It would be my honor, Miss Bennet.”

They walked for a long time in silence, the tension thick. “You will leave for Nottingham soon?”

“In two days, Sir,” Kitty’s voice trembled; she could not look at him for her nerves controlled her racing heart.

“How long will your family be away?” His voice betrayed his thoughts.

“Elizabeth says we shall be gone a fortnight. I have lessons prepared for that long.” Kitty took a seat on a bench and motioned for Mr.Ashford to join her there.

“The Darcys arranged a tutor for you then?”

“Yes, Sir, Mr.Thompson comes to me three days a week.We are working together on drawing and the languages. I practice with Miss Darcy on the pianoforte. Mr. Darcy opened his library to me.You will be happy to know I chose a piece by Samuel Johnson to read; I did so at your recommendation. Perhaps when I finish it, we may discuss some of Mr. Johnson’s ideas.” Kitty turned slightly so she could speak to Ashford directly.

“I am flattered, Miss Bennet, and I look forward to being able to discuss your reading with you.” Ashford’s eyes sought hers. For a reason he could not verbalize, having her attention became instantly important.

A silence followed where neither knew what to say. “Did I tell you my sister and Mr. Darcy are allowing me to design the baby’s nursery?” Kitty blurted out.

“You must be excited they trust you with such a responsibility.” Ashford tried to convey the pride he felt in knowing her by his tone.

“Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have been most kind.They even ordered additional gowns for our trip,” Kitty gushed with excitement.

Ashford let his eyes drop from hers. “Then you anticipate several gatherings?” he asked tentatively.

Kitty noted for some reason her leaving bothered him, and she wanted to know more. “The Penningtons plan multiple gatherings, as do those at Matlock. I assume Georgiana and I will meet many new acquaintances.” As Kitty relayed this information, she watched Ashford closely.

Each of his statements came out as questions. “You are anxious to go?”

“Such opportunities come rarely to those such as I, and I have nothing here or at Longbourn to make me regret going.” Kitty hoped she gave Ashford the opening he needed.

“Miss Bennet,” he stumbled with the words, “I think any young lady should experience what life has to offer; yet, if you will so allow it, I would like the opportunity to call on you upon your return.”

Kitty’s heart skipped a beat. “Mr. Ashford, I would gladly accept the possibility for your attention upon my return.”

Ashford wanted to take her into his arms and feel Kitty Bennet’s closeness, but propriety, as well as his place in the community, would not allow such diversions. Instead, he whispered, “Thank you, Miss Bennet.”

Kitty answered as she could by taking his arm to return to the house, but Ashford’s closeness did not escape her sensibilities. Although she knew Clayton Ashford for less than a fortnight, Kitty enjoyed his company more than anyone she ever met. She desired his companionship, yet she also worried her interest in Mr. Ashford had its roots in her profound loneliness of late. Since Lydia’s patched-up wedding, many in Meryton avoided her company. Until she came to Pemberley, she was unsure she could overcome the stigma Lydia’s foolishness left on her family. She did not want to mislead Mr. Ashford with a romance built on his willingness and her loneliness. The fortnight of her journey would give Kitty time to reflect on this amiable young man.

Elizabeth laughed lightly at her sister’s naïveté. Elizabeth was Mistress of Pemberley for less than three months, but her perspective changed once she married Darcy.

“Darcy, my Boy.” Lord Pennington came forward to meet them. “We are most excited to have you with us.” He embraced Darcy. “Ah, you brought your beautiful bride. Welcome, Mrs. Darcy; and Georgiana, my Child, look how you have grown!” His jovial nature encompassed them all. “And who might this be?” Lord Pennington’s attention turned to Kitty.

“This is Mrs. Darcy’s sister, Catherine Bennet, Your Lordship,” Darcy made the introductions.

“Your Lordship.” Kitty dropped her eyes and made an appropriate curtsy.

“Evidently, beauty runs rampant in your family, Mrs. Darcy,” Pennington teased as Kitty blushed.“Her Ladyship will join us in a moment.”

“Her Ladyship will join you now,” Lady Pennington said as she stepped through the door. The Darcy party offered the obligatory bows.

“Mrs. Darcy,” she exclaimed, “it is so good of you to bring our Fitzwilliam to visit so soon.”

“I assure you, Lady Pennington, the visit was my husband’s idea.”

“If so, my dear, it is because you gave him contentment at last.” Lady Pennington gestured to chairs for all of them.

“Elizabeth would never consider me to be amiable,” Darcy mocked his wife.“In fact, just a few days ago she called me difficult.”

Lady Pennington laughed at Darcy’s playfulness. “Are they this way all the time, Georgiana?”

“Often much worse,” Georgiana added to the mirthful tone.“They seem to like to look into each other’s eyes often.”

“It appears, Mrs. Darcy,” Darcy said, turning to his wife,“we are to be attacked on all sides.” He actually laughed out loud, something he rarely did.

“I will expect you to defend me, Sir,” Elizabeth added happily.

Lady Pennington smiled at their good humor. “It is nice to see Fitzwilliam happy at last.” Then her Ladyship nodded toward Kitty.“This is your sister, Mrs. Darcy?”

“Kitty is one of my sisters; I am one of five daughters. If you recall, my eldest sister is married to Mr. Darcy’s friend, Charles Bingley.”

“And your other sisters?” Lady Pennington asked. “Are any others married?”

Elizabeth shot Darcy and Georgiana a quick glance of panic, not sure how to respond. It was Georgiana who found her voice first. “Elizabeth’s youngest sister Lydia is married to an officer in the regulars who is stationed in the North. In fact, you may remember him; his father was our father’s steward.” Elizabeth could not believe how calm Georgiana appeared, considering her history with the nefarious Mr.Wickham.

“Do you mean George Wickham?” Lord Pennington asked, but the frown on his face indicated his disapproval.

Kitty dropped her eyes; a reminder of Lydia’s shame followed her even here in Nottingham.The thoughts of Clayton Ashford’s countenance brought her hope.

“My sister Mary is at home with my parents,” Elizabeth changed the subject. “We asked Kitty to remain with us at Pemberley.Would you like to share our news, Fitzwilliam?”

“Kitty will stay with us for Elizabeth carries an heir for Pemberley.” Every time he said the words, Darcy felt a tightness in his chest, as if saying the words finally made them real.

The look on Lord and Lady Pennington’s faces showed their pure delight. “Oh, Mrs. Darcy,” Lady Pennington laughed excitedly, “my cousin Lady Anne would be so pleased her beloved Pemberley would be so blessed. Is this not exquisite news?” She turned to her husband.

“A heir for Pemberley will be most welcomed. Congratulations, Darcy.” Lord Pennington shook Darcy’s hand.

“I must warn you,” Darcy added quickly, “cigar smoke makes my wife very ill.”

“For her Ladyship, tripe would send her into fits,” he laughed. “Well, I am sure you would like to freshen up. A servant will show you to your rooms.We have another guest, a Captain Rutherford, staying with us. He is out riding right now. I am sure you will like him, Darcy; he is an acquaintance of Edward’s.The captain will attend the party with us.”

“I look forward to meeting him.” Darcy stood and took Elizabeth’s hand.“We will see you once we freshened our things.”

Going up the stairs behind the maid leading the way, Elizabeth caught Georgiana’s hand and mouthed the words “Thank you” to her.

When they reached their rooms and were out of earshot, Georgiana told Elizabeth, “It felt good to be able to vocalize about Mr. Wickham; it is my way to rid myself of his ghost. I hope, though, I did not embarrass you, Elizabeth.”

“I do not want to publicize Lydia’s actions, but I agree with you. Trying to hide her connections will only amplify them. Acknowledging Lydia’s marriage and then moving on seems the best way to handle the situation.”

“If Fitzwilliam did not save me, Lydia’s fate could be mine. I cannot judge her.”

“I am on extended leave,” the captain assured her.

The captain, though not as tall as Darcy, still offered a strong and powerful profile. His hazel eyes and angular nose made him rather young looking. His blond curls lay close to his head, giving him a halo-like quality.

As anticipated by the Penningtons, Georgiana Darcy became the object of his attention that first evening. Attractive and distinguished, Rutherford offered Georgiana much of his time. The captain’s smiling eyes helped Miss Darcy overcome her natural shyness around strangers, and she managed to hold up her end of the conversation.

“I understand you recently met Chadwick Harrison, Miss Darcy,” Rutherford said as he sipped his wine after dinner.

“Mr. Harrison was my brother’s guest at Pemberley for several weeks.”

Rutherford mused,“How did you find Mr. Harrison?”

“Mr. Harrison was very amiable.” Georgiana flushed in remembrance.

“He was a favorite of yours then, Miss Darcy?” The offhanded remark caught Georgiana off guard.

“Any person Fitzwilliam prefers is one of my favorites, Captain.” Georgiana did not like the turn of the conversation. “Are you familiar with Mr. Harrison, Sir?”

The captain sounded mysterious.“Only by reputation.”

“Then you will get the opportunity to meet Mr. Harrison,” Lord Pennington added. “I understand the Earl invited Harrison to the party.”

“Really?” Kitty looked knowingly at Georgiana. “I, for one, am most anxious to reacquaint myself with Mr. Harrison.”

“Mr. Harrison will be at the party?” Elizabeth chimed in.

Lord Pennington assured her, “Yes, Mrs. Darcy.”

“Then we shall all be happy to renew our acquaintance.” Elizabeth guarded her words more than did Kitty.

“Did Mr. Harrison tell you about his time in the Americas?” Rutherford tried to sound casual, but even Darcy began to notice the captain’s interest in Chadwick Harrison.

“I would suspect, Captain Rutherford, if you want to know about Mr. Harrison’s time in America, you should go straight to the source itself. My family is not of the nature to discuss the business of others of our acquaintance.” Darcy’s eyebrow shot up as a visual sign to his loved ones to follow his lead in dealing with the captain.

“Of course, Mr. Darcy,” Rutherford seemed embarrassed. “I was just interested in something I heard.”

“I do not know, Elizabeth. Earlier during the meal, we spoke of music and books. I found him congenial and very entertaining. In fact, I looked forward to speaking to him more. I felt comfortable, which you know is difficult for me, But—then….”

Elizabeth seemed concerned,“But what?”

“The captain seemed to press me for my opinion of Mr. Harrison. Although he said nothing of a negative nature about Mr. Harrison, there was something, which bothered me. It was a feeling I could not identify; I felt a need to protect Mr. Harrison.”

“Of course, your previous connection to Mr. Harrison may account for your protective senses,” Elizabeth teased Georgiana as much as she knew the girl’s sensibilities would tolerate,“but I, too, felt uncomfortable with the captain’s questions. Even your brother sensed something was amiss. Just be aware of what you say to the man.”

“Maybe it was just curiosity on the captain’s part. I am sure others know Mr. Harrison’s political preferences. He does little to hide his opinions.”

“You are probably correct.” Elizabeth patted her hand. “Rumors spread quickly in a rural community.The elder Mr. Harrison’s death and his son’s taking over the estate are sure to arouse interest in the man.” The ladies agreed on the surface, yet both refused to speak their concerns about Captain Rutherford.

“He is in his mid-twenties, I believe.” Elizabeth came to stand beside Darcy at the window. “Like Edward, he is the second son of an earl, out of Leeds or thereabout. He earned a substantial fortune in the Navy, having taken several enemy ships. His older brother, according to Lady Pennington, is the sickly sort so it is likely the captain will eventually inherit the family estate. Her Ladyship says the property is smaller than most of the estates in the Derbyshire area, but it has been run well and is profitable.”

“It amazes me,” Darcy said as he came behind Elizabeth and encircled her in his arms, “how you women can evaluate a man’s worth just by looking at him.”

“I thought you wanted me to share what I knew.” Elizabeth feigned being offended; therefore, Darcy distracted her by kissing along her shoulder blade while undoing the upper buttons and ties of her dress.

“I did want to know,” Darcy said, kissing her neck and behind Elizabeth’s ear, “but the depth of your knowledge,” he returned to her shoulder blade as he eased her dress down her arms,“never ceases to amaze me.”

Elizabeth turned in his arms to face him; she captured Darcy’s mouth with hers. By now, he loosened her gown nearly to her waist, and Elizabeth allowed it to drape down over her arms, exposing her corset and chemise.

“It amazes me, my Husband, how quickly you can do this to my gown,” she laughed, but Elizabeth barely withdrew from his mouth.

“You inspire me.” Darcy captured her face in his hands as he deepened the kiss Elizabeth offered.

When he released her mouth, Elizabeth gasped,“If you call me Lizzy, then I am yours, Sir.”

“I love you, Lizzy,” Darcy kissed her again before carrying her to their bed. “You are my imagination—my every dream come to life.”