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“Yes, he does. And oftentimes I find myself wishing he were mute!”

“Speaking of mute, it is much too quiet in this house. Where is my lively sprite of a daughter?”

Georgiana chuckled. “She was up so early that she was getting sleepy, so I sent her back to the nursery for a nap. However, she has been asleep only for a short while.”

Evan took his wife’s hand, nearly dragging her up the stairs behind him. “Then let us get reacquainted, my darling. There will be time enough to awaken our daughter and tell her how much her papa missed her.”

Near Pemberley

Elizabeth fumbled about, trying to find the pins lost during their interlude of passion and was becoming a little missish with the smug smile on her husband’s face as he unhurriedly lent a hand.

“Hurry, William! We shall be expected to exit the carriage soon and my hair is not presentable!” With great frustration, she pushed another pin into the hastily reconstructed coiffure.

William hid his smile, aware that his nonchalance was beginning to unsettle her. “You look lovely, Elizabeth! Just put on your bonnet, and no one will be the wiser!”

“Except for all the curls that are not contained by the bonnet!”

“I love those curls! And I love that they do not stay contained!”

She huffed. “I am returning as the Mistress of Pemberley, and I look like a ragamuffin!” Then, unexpectedly her eyes filled with tears.

Seeing this, he immediately pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her until she relaxed and melted into him. Then he leaned back to cup her face so their eyes locked.

“Forgive me. I did not understand the extent of your distress. But, know this! You do not have to impress anyone, darling. Every servant at Pemberley already loves you for the kind, wonderful woman you are, not for who you married.”

“But I want you to be proud of me! And I know nothing of being the mistress of so vast an estate! What if I—”

A kiss ended her protest, and she had calmed considerably when he continued, “I am proud of you just as you are. And you already know everything necessary to be the Mistress of Pemberley. For all I have ever desired is someone to share my love, bear my children and see to their welfare. Everything else is incidental. I care not if you take over the account books, supervise the cleaning, plan the menus or entertain guests. I will care if I want to be with you, and you are occupied with unimportant things. Do you understand?”

The glint in her eye suggested that she did not find that prospect unattractive. “So you are saying that you should be the main focus of my attention?”

“Exactly! I have been alone for far too many years to bury myself in the concerns of life or let you do the same. I intend to enjoy the wife that the Lord has so graciously given me.” He nuzzled her neck. “At every opportunity I am afforded.”

They were still kissing when the coach came to an abrupt halt, and a footman climbed down to take his position at the coach’s door. Knowing better than to disturb the newly married couple until they wanted to be disturbed, he pasted an indifferent look on his face as he stood at attention and waited for the Master to unlatch the door.

On the steps, almost the entire host of Pemberley’s house servants, led by Mrs. Reynolds and Mr. Walker, were waiting to welcome their new mistress—the double line progressing even into the foyer through the open front door. All eyes watched the footman intently for any indication that the Darcys were about to appear, when suddenly the door flew open. The steps were folded down, and the Master disembarked first, smiling as most had seldom seen. He reached back into the conveyance to take the hand of his bride, and in seconds, Elizabeth appeared. For just a moment, it was obvious that she was taken aback by the throng waiting to greet her.

She took a deep breath and put a smile on her face as William squeezed her hand and whispered, “Welcome home, Mrs. Darcy.”

Netherfield

The next day

“Jane! Jane! Where is that headstrong girl?” Mrs. Bennet came stomping into the foyer, heedless of the trunks that were being deposited there in light of the Bingleys' visit to Pemberley.

Charles left his study to meet Jane’s mother, his steward wisely choosing to wait there, when he peeked out of the door to see who was making such racket.

“May I help you, madam?”

“Where is Jane? And why was I not told that she is going on a trip? Or that Peter is leaving, for that matter? I am his grandmother for heaven’s sake! Does that not account for anything? I had to learn from the neighbourhood gossip that you are leaving today.”

“My wife is in her rooms preparing for our journey, and as for our trip, we did not think it essential to inform you.”

“Essential?” Whom do you think you are addressing, sir?” Mrs. Bennet tried to pull herself up straighter. “You have gotten high and mighty since you married my daughter! What right have you to talk to me in this manner? And just where are you heading?”

“That is none of your concern.”

“Humph!” she grunted. “I shall know before Jane leaves.” She turned to begin to climb the stairs, but Charles blocked her path. Allowing her growing anger to get the better of her, she called out, “Jane, come down this minute and explain yourself!”