Page 48 of Midnight at Pemberley

Elizabeth laughed. “You are fortunate, my husband, I hold only your highest good in my heart.”

He smiled. “I do not deserve you, Elizabeth Darcy.”

As no one paid them much attention, Elizabeth slid her hand into his. “Whether you deserve me or not, Fitzwilliam Darcy, you must suffer my heartfelt attention.”

“Willingly.” He squeezed her hand before turning it over to kiss the inside of her wrist, then he suggested, “We should make our farewells.”

Elizabeth blushed. “As you wish.”

Darcy assisted her to her feet. They bid their families a good day and thanked the Gardiners for their generosity and his family for standing as witness to his marriage. While Elizabeth hugged Jane for the third time, Darcy turned to his cousin. “You will see Georgiana home?”

“With pleasure.” He shot a furtive glance to Elizabeth, who spoke to the Matlocks. “I am happy for you, Cousin. Mrs. Darcy appears to be a sensible sort.”

Darcy’s eyes rested on his bride. “Mrs. Darcy suits me well.”

The colonel maneuvered Darcy to the privacy of a secluded corner. “Then she knows?”

“My wife knows everything.” Even though it was his cousin, Darcy preferred not to be reminded of his situation. “You, of all people, should realize I would not involve an innocent in this.”

The colonel nodded. “If you are satisfied, Darcy, I will speak no more of the matter.”

In the carriage, Elizabeth asked, “Why did Mr. Bingley not attend our wedding? I thought him to be your closest friend.”

“Bingley is not in the City.”

“Then he knows not of our joining?”

“Bingley planned to spend Christmas with his sisters at Hurst’s estate in Hampshire. When we departed Hertfordshire, they were to spend the night in London then proceed on to Hurst’s property.”

“I understand your choosing the colonel to represent your family during the ceremony, but Mr. Bingley’s absence was felt.” Elizabeth paused before adding quickly, “I hope Bingley’s removal from Netherfield had nothing to do with his sister’s aspirations to be Mrs. Darcy. It would grieve me to know our marriage separated you from your friend.”

“After all I have shared with you, you cannot still believe I would have chosen Caroline Bingley!”

Elizabeth flushed in embarrassment. “I did not mean to vex you.”

Darcy caught her hand up in his. “You must know I have only two regrets in our union, and neither involves your being my choice.” He turned her hand to kiss her knuckles. “I considered sending word to Hampshire, but I did not wish to subject you or the Gardiners to Miss Bingley’s censure. Moreover, I was not confident how seeing Bingley would affect your sister. His leaving so unexpectedly must have played on Jane’s sensibilities.”

“Do you suppose there is any hope of their relationship growing?”

“I cannot say how deep Charles’s interest might be. I protected my own feelings by avoiding speaking to him regarding your family.”

“I do like the colonel, and her ladyship was most kind. She wishes us to visit with them often. The countess was most attentive to the earl’s desire to keep his sister’s family close.”

Darcy chuckled. “I expect you promised we would attend to my uncle’s wishes.”

Elizabeth giggled. “I did try to allay her ladyship’s qualms.”

He switched his seat to sit beside her. “I thought we would spend another week in London, and then we would travel to Pemberley before the roads become too dangerous. I sent word to Mrs. Reynolds, my housekeeper, to expect us and to prepare the house for the holidays.” He looked wistfully out the window. “It will be the first festive Season in nearly eight years that I have been at home.”

“Would you prefer to remain in Town?”

Darcy paused before answering. “I believe it is time to claim my life—something beyond what Fate has handed me. Moreover, Georgiana should learn more of Pemberley and her legacy.”

“I hold a great admiration for Miss Darcy,” she said.

“You, my dear, possess a tender heart.”

Elizabeth blushed. “If we are to travel to Pemberley, may I send some gifts to my family with Jane? I would want them to remember me in their celebrations.”