The Darcys and Bingleys were in company twice more before the former left for Pemberley nearly a fortnight later. Jane remained slightly distant from Elizabeth in these meetings, leaving Elizabeth to wonder about the cause. However, she was incandescently happy with her husband of not quite two months. She accepted that she and Jane had been bound to grow apart with their marriages, especially considering the physical distance that separated them.
It was early November when the Darcys returned to their estate, having remained in London much longer than they intended. The entire staff was waiting outside to greet the new mistress, and after the necessary introductions were performed, Darcy lifted Elizabeth in his arms to carry her over the threshold. Elizabeth laughed as he did so, causing Mrs. Reynolds to smile broadly and wipe a tear from her eye at her master’s happiness. Soon, she knew, there would be new life and new little Darcys at Pemberley again.
Their first week at Pemberley was spent exploring the estate. William ignored all business except an item or two that his steward had determined needed his immediate, personal attention. These were easily handled, and William took the opportunity presented by one of these items to take his new wife on a horseback ride. While riding, he introduced several tenants to their new mistress, and Elizabeth, as he had expected, had charmed them all. It was too cool for a picnic, although their rides did give William several ideas about places to visit privately with Elizabeth when the weather warmed.
They took several rides that week, and William slowly introduced his wife to the principal rooms in the house. He used this tour to further their education into marital relations as well, utilising several rooms for that purpose. After being nearly caught out once, they became more diligent about locking doors behind them, and the staff was seriously encouraged to knock before entering any closed doors where the couple might be. If a door were locked, they learned to find something else to do for some time before attempting to complete the original task. Several servants remarked to each other that they would be surprised if they did not learn that an heir was expected soon.
After this first week, William and Elizabeth returned to their roles as master and mistress of the estate. Elizabeth began by meeting with Mrs. Reynolds, who instructed her in her role as mistress of such a vast estate. She had started learning many of these tasks in August while still engaged, so they had reviewed these and discussed the harvest celebration, which had taken place while they were still in London. After discussing several issues needing attention within the house, they began reviewing previous Christmas celebrations for the staff and tenants. Elizabeth was determined to host a Christmas celebration for tenants and staff on the 23rd of December and wanted to begin making the arrangements immediately. They perused Mrs. Reynold’s journals and Lady Anne’s and discussed what must be ordered. Elizabeth realised soon that she needed some journal or notebook to keep track of these arrangements.
When she and the housekeeper were finished, she sought out her husband, finding him in his study. He did not look up when she entered and, after shutting the door carefully, quietly approached him. As she stood next to him, his arm shot out, and he quickly pulled her into his lap, kissing her soundly.
When Elizabeth moaned as his hand caressed her, he stopped kissing her long enough to whisper, “Elizabeth, is the door locked.”
“Not locked, but no one will enter this room, will they?” she whispered.
“No,” he said, kissing her again and continuing with his intent.
It was sometime later when Elizabeth made her request. “I need to go into Lambton,” she said. “I need a few things from the milliner, and I need a journal to keep track of information about the tenants. Maybe another one for myself.”
“We can go in about an hour, perhaps sooner, if you would like to assist me with some of this correspondence,” he said. “That is, if you do not mind me going with you. I need to ensure you have been added to the accounts and make a few introductions around town.”
“I would be delighted for you to join me,” she said. “Will we take a carriage or go on horseback?”
“That depends,” he said teasingly. “How much do you intend to purchase?”
“Remind me, is there a bookshop in Lambton?” she enquired with an arched eyebrow.
“There is,” he replied, smiling. “So, a carriage it is, then?”
“Yes,” she smilingly answered. “We can kiss more easily in the carriage.”
“Scandalous, Mrs. Darcy,” he teased in return. “But an excellent observation. I recall hours of travelling toward Pemberley when that was our main occupation.”
“Travelling with a husband was decidedly more entertaining than travelling with my aunt and uncle,” she goaded.
He peppered her face with kisses for a moment before groaning and releasing her. “We have business to attend to, my dear, and if we keep this up, it will be hours before we can head into town.”
“Should I open the door, William? Would that help keep you in check?” she enquired.
He barked a laugh. “Opening the door would not rescue me from your impertinent comments, my love, which often lead to our … interludes. You are far too teasing.”
“Would you like me to stop,” she asked sweetly.
“Never, dearest,” he said before once again kissing her passionately.
Once again, they were distracted from their task and involved in far more entertaining business for some time. It was not until after luncheon that they could travel into Lambton.
Chapter Sixteen
The couple had been home for two weeks when Elizabeth woke one morning and nearly bolted from bed and straight to the water closet. After emptying her stomach, she sought out her maid for tooth powders and water and returned to her bed.
“Dearest, are you well?” he enquired. “The way you sprung from the bed worried me, but I was unsure if I should follow.”
“I am well, but my stomach is somewhat nauseated at the moment,” she told him. “I would like to rest a little longer, and I would very much like you to stay with me, at least until I return to sleep.”
Nodding, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back into his chest. “Do you think you are coming down with something?” She could feel his worry pouring from him.
“I think I am well,” she replied. “I have been slightly nauseated the last several mornings, but this is the first morning I have felt the need to empty my stomach. I have also noticed that since we returned to Pemberley, I have been more tired than normal in the afternoons. That is typically the time we read in thelibrary, so I have rested, but I have found it rather difficult not to fall asleep when you read to me. You know how much I enjoy hearing your voice, but never before has it been so soporific.”
