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“Speaking of kindness, my lovely wife, you were very clever in arranging things so I was compelled to spend the greater part of this evening with Collins and his brother.”

“Surely you did not expect to partner with Charlotte, Jane, and me? Besides, I had a far greater purpose in pitting wives against husbands than merely vexing you, my love.”

“What other purpose might you have had?”

“My reasoning is simple. I merely wanted to prove that we women are far more intelligent than you men.”

“In this case, what you refer to as intelligence, I liken to cheating!”

“Is it my fault that Charlotte, Jane, and I have been partnering in charades for years?”

“You have made my point exactly, my love.”

“You must not be too upset with me. My brother and you make a formidable team, in spite of my cousin’s ineptness. I say you two have the makings of a strong and lasting friendship.”

Darcy’s furrowed brow suggested otherwise. “Tell me again. How many days remain until the Collinses take their leave of Pemberley?”

Elizabeth shook her head and walked over to their bed. She climbed inside and arranged the covers about her waist. “Richard and Anne were pleasantly engaged throughout dinner, as well as in the drawing room.”

“Indeed.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

“What would you have me say?”

“Has Richard confided in you how he feels about Anne?”

“He does not have to ... she has the single most important quality he seeks in a woman.”

“Are you speaking of her dowry?”

“Yes, that and Rosings Park to boot. He could do far worse than marrying Anne,” Darcy said, having disrobed and joined her in bed.

“Now who is parroting Lord Matlock?” Elizabeth placed her hand on Darcy’s midsection, “I wonder which other of your uncle’s traits you might embrace?”

Darcy was aghast! The years had not been pleasant to Lord Matlock’s waistline. “Heaven forbid!” said he.

“Whilst we are on the subject, I might remind you of my unanswered question as regards a far more enticing stomach. Have you anything to confide in me?”

“My love, is it fair to confide in you that which is mere supposition on my part?”

“I shall let you have your secrets ... for now. Although, I wish to confide in you that nothing would please me more than⁠—”

With a cautioning smile, Elizabeth placed a silencing finger to his lips. Not that she suffered a superstitious nature. Far from it, as her willingness to go along with Ben and Georgiana’s scheme to decorate the halls of Pemberley days before Christmas Eve evidenced. In such matters regarding the possibility of their family increasing in the coming months, she preferred to guard her hopes until the evidence presented itself with certainty.

“The only thing I am prepared to confess this evening is my overwhelming happiness. Though I did not immediately relish the prospect of sharing our first Christmas at Pemberley amongst estranged and conflicted family members, I am very pleased that Georgiana and Ben saw fit to arrange it all as a surprise.”

“Indeed. God willing, we shall enjoy Christmas amongst family every year, for the rest of our lives.”

“I am persuaded that nothing will make Ben happier. I believe he is happiest when he is surrounded by a great number of family and friends.”

A light tap at the door caused Darcy and Elizabeth to look at each other knowingly. They repeated what had by now become a well-rehearsed routine, even if it had been weeks since last exercised.

Darcy opened the door and spoke not a word. He lifted Ben in his arms, carried him to the bed and placed him beside his mother. Darcy and Elizabeth blew out the candles on either side of the bed.

“Good night, Ben.” He placed a light kiss atop the child’s head. “Good night, my love.” Darcy bestowed a gentle brush of his lips against Elizabeth’s cheek. “Merry Christmas.”

A faint drowsy whisper echoed, “Merry Christmas.”

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