“And Higgins, we are not at home to callers.”
“Yes, sir.”
The following morning, Elizabeth opened her eyes to bright sunshine. She was immediately aware of her husband’s quiet breathing and the weight of his arm resting across her waist. She found it exceedingly agreeable to have him thus beside her in her bed.
Turning her head, she studied him. His hair was disordered from sleep, lending him a youthful appearance, while the shadow along his jaw rendered him more strikingly masculine. Once again, he brought to mind the Greek gods upon whom she now seemed so fixed, and she marveled at her extraordinary good fortune in being married to such a man.
She was still observing him when he drew her closer. “Elizabeth, my darling, you are more beautiful than I had ever imagined.”
His eyes were open, their gaze lingering upon her in a manner that made her acutely aware of her state of undress. She felt a sudden desire to reach for the sheet to hide herself.
He grinned. “You are wishing for the sheet. I believe it lies somewhere upon the floor, along with your nightdress.”
He brushed her lips with his, and soon after, she was lost to everything but him.
Their two weeks alone together passed with alarming speed. Elizabeth lay in bed beside her husband, nestled against him, and without intending it, she sighed.
He lifted his head. “Are you unwell, my dear?”
She turned to him. “Do you realize we must return to Hertfordshire in two days?”
He leaned nearer and brushed his lips along her neck. “Must we?”
She ran her hand through his hair. “We promised to return in a fortnight to collect our sisters.”
“Yes, that is true.” He paused. “Write to Mrs. Bingley. Tell her I have business yet to conclude in London and request that she keep them another fortnight.”
She laughed and then ran her fingers across his lips. “You have a most handsome mouth, sir, especially that lower lip.”
He drew her closer and uttered a low sound, deep in his throat, and once again, they were lost to one another.
Elizabeth woke late one morning to find his place beside her empty. She looked about the room and found him already dressed, seated with his newspaper. The scent of coffee filled the room.
He glanced up and smiled. “My lovely sprite has awakened. Come, darling. Your breakfast is still warm.”
She took up her wrap and joined him. He prepared a plate for her and said, “Darling, our additional fortnight has passed all too quickly, and our little paradise is at an end. We must return to Hertfordshire in two days, and then on to Pemberley.”
He lifted her onto his lap and took her hand. “We must return to the duties and concerns of daily life.”
“Yes, I know we must.” She rested her head against him. “I am saddened, Fitzwilliam. We shall not know such uninterrupted happiness again.”
He laughed into her hair. “We shall, Elizabeth. At Pemberley, we have a suite of private rooms, and I shall take care that we are not long deprived of one another.”
She traced her finger along his lips. “Were there ever two people more fortunate than we are? We are young and in health, and you are possessed of every advantage. You put me in mind of the Greek gods, Fitzwilliam.” She sighed, a soft contented sound, and nestled closer against him.
Chapter 51: Mr. Bennett
Elizabeth drew near to her father. “Papa, you are quite hidden away in this corner. May I interrupt your reading for a few minutes? I wish to speak of your visit to Pemberley.”
“Yes, Lizzy.” He patted the place beside him. “Sit here, my girl. What is it you wish to know?”
“Sir, is everything arranged? Will you come to Pemberley with Uncle Edward next week?”
“I shall. He travels down on Monday to collect Lydia, and they will call for me on their way to Nottinghamshire.” He rubbed his chin. “Say an extra prayer for your sister, my dear. I can only hope the next school will succeed in correcting her conduct.”
“Is she so very bad, Papa?”
“It appears your sister believes herself a queen, and her special friends are obliged to serve her wishes. She has attached to herself three girls who indulge her in everything. The result is that Lydia has grown more demanding and obstinate than she ever was at home.”
