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She whispered conspiratorially, “But do not tell Richard, as he will think they all have come to see him!”

Elizabeth managed a small smile as Lady Matlock pulled a lace edged handkerchief from a hidden pocket of her beautiful ball gown and began dabbing at Elizabeth’s face.

“There, there! You have a plethora of envious women to put in their places. Now take this handkerchief, and keep it with you in case you have need of it.”

She studied Elizabeth’s face and proud of her accomplishment, enquired, “When is the child due?”

“In the middle of summer.”

“Wonderful! I knew it would not take long for my nephew to beget an heir, especially after seeing the way he looks at you.”

At Elizabeth’s blush, she chucked. It had not escaped her notice in the few days that they had been in each other’s company how often William touched Elizabeth or she him. They were reluctant to be parted—clearly disappointed at being seated away from one another at dinner or separated afterward when the men customarily got together for cigars and brandy. And as soon as the men rejoined the ladies, William would seek her out, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips in a silent avowal of his love.

“Nor have I missed the way you gaze at him. The bond you have is practically sacred. I have no doubt that he has already made up for the nights he spent alone in his bed.”

Elizabeth coloured even more when she spied William at the door, dressed elegantly in black coat and breeches, emerald green waistcoat with silver embroidery and a white shirt, all designed to complement her gown. His dark hair was longer, covering his collar the way she liked, and his blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at her. Straight white teeth cut across a perfectly tanned face, and Elizabeth’s breath caught at the realisation that this Adonis was hers alone.

However, beholding Elizabeth’s red eyes and the handkerchief still clutched in her hands, William’s mien darkened, and his smile vanished. Instantaneously, he transformed from an amiable man to an irate husband and seeing the change, Lady Matlock sought to calm him.

“Do not stand there, Fitzwilliam. Come and escort my lovely niece downstairs. The ball will begin shortly, and I must check on my new daughter-to-be. Did you pass Richard in the hall?”

William, who had stiffened at the sight of his wife’s discomposure, shook his head absently, not moving as he focused completely on Elizabeth. Crossing to him, his aunt laid a hand on his arm and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

“All is well,” she whispered, then exclaimed aloud, “I was just telling Elizabeth that I have room in my heart for another daughter, and I am afraid I made her cry.”

As she glanced between the couple, she marvelled at having seldom seen so deep a love. At that moment, the maid assisting Jenny appeared at the door, coughing to get her attention. She nodded to the servant before addressing William and Elizabeth.

“Though you would not assent to my sponsoring another soirée for your wedding, I wanted this event to be a celebration of your marriage as well as a celebration of Richard’s engagement. I have explained that to him and Jenny, and they wholeheartedly agree. You and Elizabeth are as much my son and daughter as are my own children.”

William pulled his aunt into a hug, unable to speak for the lump in his throat. When he released her, she hurried out of the room, leaving him to go to Elizabeth, who had turned back to the mirror to regain her composure. As he came towards her, she instinctively rested her hands on the baby, and when he reached her, his hands slid around her waist coming to rest in the same place.

“My aunt made you cry?” he whispered softly.

Elizabeth nodded, closing her eyes and leaning her head back against him. She took a deep breath before speaking. “I am not used to being regarded as a daughter—that is all.”

“I understand perfectly. I am still not used to being thought of as a son.”

She opened her eyes to study him, and as he smiled, she nodded at the truth of his statement. “I had never considered that we are both parentless. Your aunt is very kind to include me in her family.”

“Yes, whomever Aunt Evelyn loves is indeed very fortunate.”

Elizabeth turned in his arms. “Please hold me for a moment.” He pulled her tightly against his body.

“Are you unwell, darling? For if you feel the least bit upset or nervous, we shall return to Darcy House. I do not want anything to disturb you,” he kissed her forehead, “or our child.”

She smiled dreamily. Each time I think I could not possibly love you more, you say something to prove me wrong.

With this declaration, he watched her carefully for any signs of distress and seeing her smile, he pressed her tighter against his now hardening member.

“Oh, Elizabeth, do not smile like that. I shall embarrass the both of us by making the entire assembly await our arrival while I make love to you again, or even worse, we may never get downstairs.”

Elizabeth could not fathom that so kind-hearted a man resided in so handsome a frame or that he should love her. Indeed, his handsome mien had been her downfall that night in Meryton when she had fallen in love at first sight, against her better judgment and her will, with a man she knew was far above her station. Suddenly, longing welled up, and she felt that she simply must have his love this very moment.

She cupped his face, drawing his mouth down to hers. “I say we let them wait.”

The Ball

London had not seen a celebration of this magnitude in quite some time. Matlock house glowed brighter than Vauxhall Gardens5 during their fireworks display. Each room was exquisitely appointed, especially the grand ballroom which featured mirrored walls that reflected the lights of at least a thousand candles in the huge crystal chandeliers. The best shops in London had been depleted of all manner of flowers for the event, making the house a veritable Garden of Eden. And as carriage after carriage made slow progress to the front of the house to unload their passengers, an army of chefs worked to provide food and drink for the throng.