Elizabeth knelt in the straw, cradling the black Newfoundland puppy that had fallen asleep against her chest. She was large, warm, and heavy. The long hair on the top of her head was soft against Elizabeth’s neck, and Cinder still retained the lovely smell of puppy. Elizabeth drew her closer and buried her nose in the soft black fur. Georgiana sat beside her, playing with the chocolate-colored pup Fitzwilliam had purchased for her.
“I do not want to leave Cinder behind. What if she forgets me?” Elizabeth murmured.
Georgiana wrinkled her nose. “Mrs. Nichols would have a frightful tantrum if we arrived at Darcy House with two dogs. There would be hair everywhere.”
“Perhaps they might live in the stables with the horses and only come in for short visits? How else will they learn who they are meant to protect?”
“Chocolate is so precious,” Georgiana sighed. “I shall miss his puppyhood if we leave him behind. Perhaps Fitzwilliam will allow them to come with us.”
Elizabeth mused. “The stables at Netherfield are warm and dry. Is there room in the London stables?”
“Yes, Darcy House stables are large and well-maintained. They could secure space for two puppies. We shall not return until just before Easter. By then, these babies will be full-grown and may have forgotten us.”
Elizabeth straightened. “Then I know what I must do. I must ask Fitzwilliam if they may come with us. Jane does not care for dogs, but she may travel with the Hursts or the Lewises.”
“We shall have to bring some old gowns with us, Lizzy. To wear to the stables.”
“That is easily done. I kept all my old gowns for work in the stillroom. I will take two or three with me.”
That afternoon, as they sat alone in the library reading, Elizabeth hesitantly broached the subject of the dogs.
“Fitzwilliam, may we take the puppies with us?”
He looked up from his book, his eyes laughing. “I was waiting for you to ask. I knew you would not be parted from those rapscallions. Peter and Robert have been assigned to care for them while we travel, and when we arrive, I will place them in the charge of the stable hand. Jimmy has care of my old setter; he can look after the puppies over the winter.”
Elizabeth’s smile was broad, her white teeth flashed as she reached up to kiss him. She ran her tongue lightly along his lower lip, and before she knew it, he had drawn her into his lap and folded her in his arms. After a time, he drew back and said, “I love you, Elizabeth. These fleeting weeks in which you have been my wife have been the happiest of my life.”
She rested her head against his shoulder. “Mine too.” She shifted a little to see his face. “Fitzwilliam, I am dreading the visit to Hertfordshire for Jane’s wedding.”
“Because of your mother?”
“Yes, mostly because of her. She cares not who is near when she delivers a set-down. But Papa wrote that Mr. and Mrs. Collins will also be there.”
Darcy stiffened. “Why?”
“He makes a quarterly visit to learn about estate matters. Mamma invited him to Jane’s wedding, so he will combine his visit with the festivities. It would not surprise me if she did it on purpose to make me uncomfortable. She knew I hated to be near him.”
She pressed a hand to her forehead; her expression had turned comical. “Oh, my wretched tongue. Forgive me, sir. How can I possibly know my mother’s motivations? Perhaps she wishes to build bridges with the heir to secure her place when Papa has passed on.”
“You grow more adept at catching yourself, darling. Soon you will be Saint Elizabeth, and I will not know what became of my Lizzy, the obstinate, headstrong girl who first caught my eye.” He kissed the tip of her nose and then sobered. “Now that Mr. Collins is married, his thoughts are most likely wrapped up in his wife. You may have nothing to fear.”
“Yes, but now that I am married, I have a better understanding of what his intentions were when he looked at me the way he did, and I find it revolting and embarrassing. I do not want to be anywhere near him, knowing he thought of me in that way when we were mere strangers.”
“Elizabeth, it is that way with some men, and in such cases, it is best to keep your distance and remain busy with those you care about. The wedding breakfast will not last more than four or five hours, and if he pays you undue attention, we may leave earlier.But perhaps you will be pleasantly surprised. As I mentioned before, he is now a married man.”
She let out a breath she had been holding. “Perhaps.”
“And your mother?”
“She was polite, though cool, at our wedding breakfast. If she behaves as well during Jane’s festivities, I shall be satisfied. I only pray she will not embarrass me before our neighbors and friends.”
She sat up suddenly. “Do you suppose Caroline will come down for her brother’s wedding?”
Darcy shook his head and drew her back onto his shoulder. “No. Charles wrote to announce his betrothal, but he did not provide a wedding date and asked Mrs. Hurst to remain silent as well. He wishes to be safely wed before making any announcement to the rest of his family, Caroline most of all.”
“Well, at least I have that comfort.”
“Darling, this visit to Hertfordshire will give you time to see your girlhood friends and to spend time with your father. Georgiana and I will be with you as well. Try to relax and look forward to the visit. It may prove a pleasant reunion.”
