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“Indeed, but you must call me Miss Georgiana. I hope to become acquainted with you very well over the coming months.”

“Georgiana, you are very kind,” Elizabeth began. “As I was just telling Ben, we will soon return to my uncle’s home in Cheapside. I do not imagine we shall have many opportunities to see one another once that occurs.”

Georgiana witnessed the dismay in Ben’s eyes on hearing his mother’s words. The younger woman took Elizabeth’s hand in hers and said, “Elizabeth, I am sympathetic to the notion that you may not wish to remain in my brother’s home much longer, but I hope those sensibilities do not include my home, as well. It would mean the world to me if you and Ben would be guests in my home at least through the end of the Season.

“I am not yet out in Society, but I imagine there are many pleasant diversions we all might enjoy.”

Ben’s face glowed brightly with enthusiasm. “May we accept Miss Georgiana’s invitation, Mama?”

“May I have time to consider your kind offer and its implications before I respond yes or no? I have concerns that I must first address,” Elizabeth said.

“Of course, take as much time as you would like. But mind you, nothing would please me more, nor would anything bring greater joy to my brother, for that matter, than for you to say yes. It would be an opportunity for you to get to know both of us better, would it not?”

Later that day, Darcy came across Elizabeth in the library. She was stretched out on the couch, an opened book in hand, soundly asleep. He watched for a moment, taking in the sight of her, her slow even breaths causing her breasts to rise and fall with a gentle motion. He found himself unable to resist the opportunity to approach her and attend to her comfort. The gentle pressure of his removing the book from her hand stirred her. Upon sitting upright, she recalled herself to her surroundings after a moment or two passed.

“I am sorry to have disturbed your peaceful slumber. I know you must be exhausted. Have you had any rest in bed at all? How do you find your room?”

“I should be begging your forgiveness for my unseemly behaviour,” she expressed tentatively. “What must your staff think of my falling asleep in your library?”

“It has been a harrowing ordeal for us all. My staff would never think unkindly of you. Besides, you are welcome to fall asleep anywhere in my home, at any time.”

“Are you flirting with me, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked, smiling fondly in reminiscence of their irrepressible affection for each other.

“I am afraid you have that effect on me,” he declared unabashedly. He seated himself beside her and took her hand in his. On a more serious note, he continued. “Despite how this all came about, you must allow me to tell you how delighted I am to have you and Ben here with me. As much as I would wish to avoid any unpleasant conversations, I must know how this came to be. When last we spoke, you were determined to go forth with your plans to marry Geoffrey Collins. Shall I expect him to barge through my door at any moment demanding what is rightfully his?”

“For better or for worse, that ship has sailed. You see, Mr. Darcy, I am no longer engaged to marry Mr. Collins.”

His heart swelled with hope. “Does this mean—” Darcy optimistically began, only to be interrupted by Elizabeth.

“I am afraid it means nothing as far as our situation is concerned, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth. Looking away from the sight of the hurt she had inflicted on him, once again, so reminiscent of the look she witnessed their last time together in Kent, she continued. “I am sorry if this causes you pain, Mr. Darcy. I shall be eternally grateful to you for all you have done for both Ben and me. You mean the world to Ben. You mean a great deal to me, as well. It is just that—” unable to continue, Elizabeth stood and moved away from Darcy. She walked towards the window and looked out, paying no attention at all to the sight beyond.

“It is just what?” Darcy approached her from behind and spoke tenderly.

“Mr. Collins accused me of ending the engagement because of an unhealthy and unrequited desire for you.”

“You know better than that, Elizabeth,” Darcy said, as he gently took a hold of her arm and guided her to face him.

“Well, yes, but I am unable to swear his words are wholly without merit. I confess, he was all wrong for Ben and me, just as you foretold. However—” Elizabeth lost her voice in the wake of Darcy’s skilled fingers cupping her chin, willing her to look deeply into his piercing blue eyes.

“Did he harm you or Ben?”

“No … not physically,” Elizabeth said, tentatively. Darcy stood mere inches apart from her … so close, the faint scent of lavender brought to mind the first time he had held her in his arms.

“Yet, he wounded you deeply with his words. I understand. I can only imagine the harsh things he might have said to you, especially regarding my intentions. However, surely you must know the truth. I am in love with you. And just in case you have forgotten, may I remind you, gently?” Darcy feathered soft kisses along Elizabeth’s cheek that concluded with a gentle brush against her lips. Past spoken words, ever-present hushed thoughts to the contrary; she yearned for the pleasure of his touch. The ensuing cessation of his lips touching hers and the absence of the gentle stroke of his fingertips on her chin prompted the opening of her eyes.

“Have you given Georgiana’s invitation any further consideration?” Darcy asked as he gradually moved a respectable distance apart and laced his fingers behind his back.

Before Elizabeth could respond to what had happened, he continued, “I want Ben and you to remain close to me whilst you decide your next step. There is no logical reason for the two of you to be uncomfortable in an already crowded house when Georgiana has more than enough room to accommodate you in a manner befitting Ben and you.”

“Did you tell your sister to extend the invitation, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth challenged, endeavouring to mask the overwhelming effect of his deep, loving voice on her composure.

“No, it was her own idea. I thought only to have her here to make you more at ease, and hopefully, more willing to stay. Nonetheless, I could not have been more pleased at her initiative. I freely admit my motives are entirely selfish. I want you and Ben always to be a part of my life. You know this. Be that as it may, I will not press you into doing my bidding,” he promised. “My mind will be eased considerably knowing you and Ben are safe and comfortable and as near to me as my sister’s home.

In no time at all, Darcy had rearranged his life to accommodate his new guests by doing everything in his power to see to their comfort and satisfaction. He wished he might never have to be separated from Elizabeth again. However, the reality of the situation was such that they would be parted before long. Ben had recovered fully after a healthful stay in bed. In but a day or so, Elizabeth and Ben would be obliged to remove to Georgiana’s establishment.

One evening, both having bid Ben a pleasant night’s sleep, as had been Darcy and Elizabeth’s routine ever since her arrival, they stood in the hallway just outside Ben’s door.

“Is this goodnight for the two of us, as well?” Darcy asked, hoping Elizabeth might be amenable to the true, unspoken nature of his appeal. One too many innocent brushes of his hand against hers over the course of the evening and chance glimpses at one another whilst turning the pages of Ben’s night-time storybook had sparked natural curiosity that begged for satisfaction.