Jane’s spirits seem a little depressed now. I worry for her, especially as the birth of her child draws near. I do hope you are back before she delivers, for I do not know if I can manage on my own. I am already dreadfully worried for her. I need you. You bring me comfort and assurance.
Your thoughts on love are very enlightening. Your words have prompted my own introspection, and I grow closer to understanding my feelings with every passing day.
Come home to me soon,
Elizabeth Darcy
Dearest Elizabeth,
I am sorry for the delay in reply. I am up before dawn each morning and do not return to the house until dusk. After eating a simple meal, I collapse into my bed. Exhaustion claims me, and I sleep instantly.
The rubble has been cleared away from the ruins of the stable. Whatever we could salvage has been set aside for new construction. We have a lot of stone left, but anything made of wood was lost in the fire. It is good that it is summer, for all the old hay in the barn was also destroyed. The horses are in the pasture for now, where they have plenty of food.
How does your sister fare? I am working to finish my tasks as quickly as possible. Babies have the tendency to come unpredictably, and I wish to be back at Pemberley so that you and she are not forced to face this alone.
I have finalized the plans for the new stable and tenant homes. There are a few other matters I must see to before I depart for Pemberley. Expect me in the next week. I shall send an express before I depart.
I look forward to having you in my arms again.
Love forever,
F.D.
Elizabeth waited impatiently for the carriage to arrive. They had received word the day before that Darcy was to return that afternoon, and she could not wait. It had been six long weeks without him, without the chance to apologize for her intemperate words and her gross misconceptions.
They had exchanged letters while he was away, and through them she had built a better understanding of her husband and the man he was. Honorable to fault, caring, kind, responsible… these were characteristics that described Fitzwilliam Darcy. They still had far to go, but Elizabeth’s optimism knew no bounds.
Jane and Georgiana were occupied with their own pursuits. With only weeks until Jane would give birth, she spent much of her time resting in her chambers or preparing for the infant. Mrs. Bennet had written no less than three times since July, asking if the babe had come yet and giving Jane all sorts of ridiculous instructions.
“The carriage is coming down the drive, ma’am.” Palmer said from the doorway.
Elizabeth hurried out of the room and down the hall to the entryway. By the time she had made it outside, the carriage had come to a stop, and her husband was climbing down.
She composed herself, feeling unaccountably nervous. She had missed him, especially lately when she awoke in the morning feeling nauseous. How she longed to hold him.
“Welcome home, Mr. Darcy,” she said, behaving as the proper mistress of Pemberley ought.
He climbed the stairs, his gaze never leaving hers. As he neared the top, she curtseyed. As she completed the gesture, he took her hand and kissed it.
“Mrs. Darcy,” he said. “I have missed you.”
Those simple words caused a smile to spread across her face. “I have missed you too. Shall we?” She looped an arm through his and they went inside together. She wasted no time in leading him to their chambers after he handed off his things to Palmer.
Their empty sitting room beckoned, and she longed to issue her apologies and deepest regrets as soon as may be. Once the door had closed behind them, she turned and offered herhusband a tremulous smile. It faded quickly and she took his hand in both of hers.
“I hardly know where to begin,” she said, echoing her letter from weeks ago. “Can you ever forgive me?”
He smiled and tugged on her curl with his free hand. “I already have.” He kissed her then, wrapping his hand around her neck and pulling her toward him. His hand ran down her back and rested on her waist, but Elizabeth hardly noticed, occupied as she was with his lips. She released his hand and placed both of hers on his shoulders before sliding one up to play with his hair.
After several pleasurable minutes, he pulled away. “I have missed you dreadfully,” he said, his voice husky with emotion. “Despite our letters, I wondered what I would come back to. I had no notion that your feelings—”
“My feelings are so different!” she cut in. “Do not think that I do not care deeply for you. I allowed my temper to override my tongue and said things…”
“I know. Please, all is forgiven. Let us move forward.” He pressed his lips to hers once more. “I love you, Elizabeth. And I, too, am sorry. I should have known that in marrying an independent woman, I would have to let go of my desire to order things as I like. You have your own mind; indeed, that is what attracted me to you in the first place. I find you far preferable to the simpering, empty headed ladies of theton.”
She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist. They stood there, unmoving. His heart beat against her ear and she counted the beats.Could they all be for her?
They broke away to move to the settee where they could be more comfortable. Wrapped in her husband’s arms, she sighed contentedly. “Do not go away so long again,” she said impulsively, moving closer. “If you must, take me with you.”
