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“You wanted him to establish whether the codicil supposedly signed by Lady Anne was genuine.”

“Indeed.” He tenderly pressed his lips to her hand. Everything was simple with her, for she understood his circumstances and difficulties. Above all, she stood firmly by his side, whatever the result might be.

“From the beginning, I doubted that Mama could have had any part in such a matter.

“How I wish you could have met her!”

“I understand, my love. Yet when I observe you and Georgiana, I try to imagine her, both her appearance and her character. The qualities she nurtured in you with such care, affection and hope tell me something of her.”

“Mama was never arrogant,” he murmured, blushing slightly as he remembered his behaviour when they first met.

“Of that, I am certain. But our upbringing does not account for everything we become. I must admit I was prejudiced—”

“And I was proud,” he interrupted, and they laughed together, forgiving each other’s faults.

“Mama was perfect, or at least that is how I remember her. I cannot imagine her making such a decision for me. She taught me to think for myself and to value what truly matters. She would have welcomed you, for you are kindred spirits!”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth murmured, her voice barely audible. “So you looked for another solicitor.”

“I wanted someone to discover how that document came to be written. Which solicitor drew it up, and who witnessed it? I wanted a young, clever man who understood that he must act in my interests. A dear friend of mine, the Earl of St Maur, lost his father last year and had difficulties concerning his will. He recommended the young solicitor who had helped him settle them.

“Mr Bentham is young, intelligent and ambitious. When I told him what I wanted, he smiled as though he already suspected my aunt of deceit. I gave him all the particulars, and he merely said, ‘Give me five weeks, sir!’

“I am now convinced I chose wisely, for a fortnight ago our old solicitor informed me that I had no choice but to marry Cousin Anne. He claimed to have found evidence that the codicil was genuine. His concern for my wishes lasted only as long as Lord Matlock approved them. Clearly, his instructions changed when news reached him of—”

“Your approaching marriage to a certain Elizabeth Bennet,” she supplied, with sadness rather than anger.

“I do not want you to be disheartened.”

“I am troubled for your sake. I know how painful it is to quarrel with one’s family. Your heart must be torn!”

“Let us not exaggerate.” Darcy smiled gently. “I am very fond of my uncle, though he has not broken my heart. You did that when you refused my offer of marriage!”

“Fitzwilliam!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “We agreed to leave the past behind us.”

“I promised only to love you. And I reserve the right to reproach you a little until we are married and in our bed at Pemberley!”

“All our conversations, however serious, lead to our future life as husband and wife.”

“I speak quite plainly, my dearest. You know exactly what I mean.”

∞∞∞

They were always inventing games to beguile the difficult days before their wedding.

One morning, Elizabeth waited in vain for the familiar sound of his horse that announced her lover’s arrival. The hour of their usual meeting approached, but she heard only the sounds of the wood. Suddenly, a twig snapped behind her, and she found herself a prisoner in his embrace. For long minutes, they kissed, heedless of the danger of discovery. When she tried to escape, he caught her hand and drew her after him into the woods.

It was a dangerous venture, yet she could not resist, for her longing to be alone with him equalled his desire for her. They strolled for a time, the trees offering uncertain shelter from prying eyes. Soon, however, neither cared about the risk. He took her in his arms, and for the first time Elizabeth took the lead in kissing him, her shame and shyness overcome by her wish to be one with him.

A deep tremor passed through them both, as though their bodies had finally recognised that they belonged to one another. He kissed her neck and caressed her body, opening his coat to draw her closer, and felt her hands moving over his shirt, tenderly answering his touch. She had conquered her fears and bashfulness, and he exulted in the triumph of passion over her spirit and body. She was his, utterly! She no longer resisted, however intimate his caresses became, and merely leaned her head against the tree, her eyes closed, surrendering to her pleasure.

“I long for you!” she whispered, not yet daring to say that she desired him.

“Then there are two of us!” he replied, drawing back a little with a faintly teasing smile.

“Deplorable man!” she whispered, still uncertain of herself when she spoke such words.

“Deplorable woman,” he returned, smiling into her eyes, “who makes promises she does not intend to keep!”