He kissed the corner of her mouth and then trailed light kisses down her neck to the edge of her décolletage.
She was laughing now.
"You were saying, Elizabeth?" His eyes were laughing.
Through her laughter, she managed to gasp out, "Sir, it is no laughing matter."
"No? What is it then?"
He was still chuckling as he slipped an arm beneath her waist and rolled onto his back, bringing her with him. She found herself lying atop him.
"No, sir. It is not a laughing matter. That woman touched you."
"I did not ask for it, Elizabeth. I never imagined, not in a million years, that she would do such a thing. I promise you, she has never behaved in that manner in all the seven years of our acquaintance."
Elizabeth looked down into his serious eyes. He was telling the truth. She tucked her hair behind her ear to keep it from brushing his face.
"Never, sir?"
He was emphatic. Rolling over, he pinned her beneath him once more.
"We had this conversation earlier today. Never, Elizabeth. Do you not trust me?"
She lay staring up at him.
"I do trust you, Fitzwilliam, but I do not trust her."
He bent down and kissed her.
"I love you, Elizabeth."
He bent his head and kissed her again.
"Do not let this woman come between us. I believe that is precisely what she is trying to do. She sees that we are very happily married, and she cannot bear it. I shall tell Charles what actually happened tonight, and perhaps he will speak to her."
Elizabeth sighed. "I doubt it will do any good, sir. But you must speak with your friend, lest that woman succeed in compromising you. At least he will know that she is acting deliberately."
"Elizabeth, nothing and no one will ever come between us. I have participated in nine London Seasons and never met a woman I wished to marry until I met you. You are the other half of my heart, darling. I have never been so happy as I am with you. Please, do not let this termagant come between us."
Elizabeth sniffed and brushed away the tears that were running down her cheeks. She drew closer to him and kissed him full on the mouth, catching his lower lip between her own.
"I love you too, Fitzwilliam. I am afraid she will do something to ruin what we have. It is too good. How can such happiness last?"
He did not allow her to finish.
He drew her into his arms and kissed her again.
Then they were both lost to the frailties of human nature, to insecurities and fears and the obstacles that threatened their happiness, and instead celebrated the joy of their marriage.
Chapter 60: Among Family
The following day, Elizabeth and her two sisters set up a room at Netherfield as a clinic and inoculated Mr. Bingley and all the servants and tenants who wished to be inoculated. Caroline Bingley refused Elizabeth's service but accepted it from the housekeeper.
That afternoon, the Darcys traveled to Longbourn and made their first visit to Elizabeth's family.
Kitty and Georgiana immediately ran upstairs to the nursery to play with Mary's twins.
Mr. Bennet emerged from his study and joined his guests in the foyer. Elizabeth crossed directly to him.
