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Too many evenings had ended with her heart in knots over the prospect of being separated from him for an entire night; thus, the reason for her eagerness to set off early in the mornings to meet him on one of their favourite secluded paths. They would hold hands and stroll along, sometimes in quiet companionship, sometimes in heated debate, and always in view of the rising sun. She simply wanted to be with him. Be it fascination or be it infatuation, be it love or be it lust, or better yet, be it the best combination of all those things, she was certain she never wished to be parted from him.

How thankful she was that he had arranged his business affairs so he could spend the majority of his time in Hertfordshire, and that those instances that found him in town often found her in town as well, visiting the Gardiners in Cheapside. None of our time together has been as pleasant as this.

Swifter than she might have supposed, he shifted their positions and covered her body with his. He reclaimed her lips. Elizabeth’s heart pounded against her chest. He must feel it too. She gave some thought to protesting—to exercising a measure of restraint in keeping with her maidenly sensibilities—but her body’s aching thirst for something yet unexperienced screamed louder. How she relished the intoxicating touch of his lips upon her neckline, her face, her lips. Longing for him to possess every fibre of her being, Elizabeth reminded herself to breathe.

If I can have but one wish, I wish this night never ends.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, as well as Mary and Kitty, had long since retired for the evening, as had been their wont, thus affording the engaged couples a measure of privacy before their gentlemen callers were fully expected to take their leave.

Concerned that he had not seen Darcy since his friend muttered some excuse before quitting the room hours earlier, Bingley ran his fingers through his hair. “Perhaps I should gather Darcy so we might return to Netherfield together. Despite the short distance, I am always glad for his company.”

“It has been some time since we last saw Lizzy or Mr. Darcy, and the hour is late. Perhaps he has taken his leave already.”

Bingley shook his head. “Given the direction of your aunt’s discourse this evening, I am not surprised that Darcy sought a means of escaping her company, but it is not like him to depart without informing me.”

Reaching out her hand to touch his, Jane said, “Again, you must allow me to apologise for my aunt’s behaviour.”

He placed his free hand over her hand resting lovingly on his other and smiled. “My dearest Jane, you have no reason to apologise to me. I hold you no more accountable for your family’s behaviour than you hold me liable for mine. Soon enough, we shall all be one happy family.”

Jane’s face lit up. “Indeed—as I am already the happiest woman in all of England, there can be little doubt of your assertions.”

How her sweet angelic smile warmed his heart. He squeezed her hand. “What say you we have a look around for Darcy and Miss Elizabeth?”

They set off in search of the couple, first checking the dining parlour where Kitty’s intelligence had last placed them, and then the east parlour as well as a few adjacent rooms. All their efforts proved futile. Indeed, no one wandered throughout the halls. Given the hour, Jane was not surprised to see none of the servants stirring.

Before allowing that Mr. Darcy had indeed returned to Netherfield, Jane had an idea where her sister and future brother might be. Although merely speculation, she recalled her sister had sought the solace of that particular room a time or two of late.

She turned to Mr. Bingley. “Pray, follow me.” Arriving at her destination, Jane placed her hand on the doorknob and gave it a twist. Supposing that it was jammed, she applied a bit more pressure. “This is strange.”

“What is the matter?”

“The door … it appears to be stuck.”

“Allow me.”

Jane moved aside, and Bingley placed his hand on the doorknob, taking care to provide just the right amount of finesse to assure his betrothed that he was more than capable of handling such matters. “The door is not stuck! It’s—” He scratched his head. “It’s locked.”

“How can that be?” Jane threw her hand over her mouth. “You do not suppose⁠—”

Bingley pressed his ear against the door.

Her voiced now an excited whisper, Jane said, “What on earth are you doing?”

He placed his finger to his lips. Speaking softly, he said, “I’m trying to listen to anything I might overhear.”

“Sir, pray come away from the door.”

Bingley shook his head and beckoned Jane to his side. “Come. Listen.”

She crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “I will do no such thing.”

With both hands now pressed against the door, cupping his ear, Bingley persisted. “I think I hear something.”

Jane then assumed the same attitude as her betrothed. “I do not hear anything.”

Bingley hushed her. “Listen closely.” A barely perceptible sound escaped the locked room. “Did you hear that?”

Jane eased away. “Whatever shall we do? Surely my sister and Mr. Darcy have lost track of the hour. Shall we knock on the door and garner their attention?”