“No.” she whispered.
Darcy blinked. “No?”
‘“No. I do not want it. You should keep it. It’s like that port stain on the wall, isn’t it? Another test. Anotherdefiance.”
The man smiled ruefully, not letting go of her hand.
“You know me so well, angel. And I knowyou.I know how frightened you were - I heard it in your voice. I had not thoughtthat my struggle would be so obvious. I am so sorry that you saw me like that.”
“I saw only a friend, sir, who was in pain.”
“Yes - who then treated your concern as an insult!”
“You did, yes, but I was as badly behaved. I accused you of abandoning all of your principles the very instant that you became angry.”
Darcy studied Elizabeth closely for a moment, then shook his head. Walking to their adjoining door, he reached up and carefully put the key on the lintel.
“Very diplomatic,” Lizzie quipped, “But you are much taller than me, so you will still be the only one who can use it.”
“Stand on a chair.”
“That does not sound like something the elegant Mrs. Darcy should do! What would the servants say?”
“I trust the elegant Mrs. Darcy not to get caught.” he replied peacefully, “Goodnight, Elizabeth.”
“Wait - wait!” she burst out, “Where are you going?”
“Since it is past midnight, madam, my options are rather limited. I had thought to go to bed.”
“How tedious that sounds! I cannot sleep, and I have missed your friendship today. If you are not too weary, sir, I would like to spend more time with you.”
Darcy took a half-step towards her and then stopped himself with a wry smile, “Elizabeth, I am exhausted. My head is pounding. I would be very poor company.”
“Do you wish to be alone?”
The man sighed and rubbed his eyes wearily, “Of course not. I always want to be with you. But today has been damnably difficult, and Imustsleep.”
Elizabeth walked over and wrapped her arms around him in a tight, loving hug.
“Then I shall stay with you,” she murmured, “That way, we will both be comforted.”
Chapter 55
Elizabeth woke up before dawn, held in her husband’s arms.Chastelyheld.
This was unfamiliar territory, but not at all unpleasant. Her cheek was nestled against the soft hair on his chest, where his shirt had loosened in the night. Her hand was on his stomach, while his was looped around her back. His other hand rested on her belly like a lead weight, so deeply was he asleep. Darcy had fought hard for his sobriety and had fallen unconscious only a few minutes after he laid down on Elizabeth’s bed. He did not snore but breathed so deeply that Lizzie felt herself rising up and down.
A small yelp and a rattle made her raise her head. A maid looked back at her from the hearth, where she had just dropped a piece of coal from the scuttle. Her guilty gaze moved from Lizzie to Darcy, and then her eyes widened.
Yet again, the new Mrs. Darcy had been shockingly unconventional. Mentally resigning herself to the smirks the servants would doubtless be sharing by breakfast, Lizzie raised her eyebrows meaningfully and then jabbed one finger towards the door. The maid took the hint and scurried away, forgetting her coal bucket in her haste.
“You have a way with people.” Darcy murmured sleepily, “She looked terrified.”
Elizabeth cuddled back against him. “I thought you were asleep.”
“I was drifting.” he stroked her stomach gently with his fingertips, crinkling her cotton nightdress. “This is much better than the last time we shared a bed.”
“Mm.” she blushed, “I don’t want to think about that. Not about how much better or worse things can be. I like this just the way it is.”
