Page 114 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Yes, sir.”

Elizabeth studied his mouth.

“You have a lovely lower lip, Mr. Darcy. I have often wondered what it would be like to do this.”

She rose onto her toes and caught his lower lip between hers.

This time, there was nothing restrained in his response.

When he finally released her, Elizabeth stared at him. “Sir, I never knew you.”

Mr. Darcy chuckled. “You will soon know me very well, my darling.”

His gaze lingered on her face. “Your cheeks are quite flushed, Elizabeth.”

He held her close against him, and neither moved apart.

At last, she said, “Sir, there is too much sorcery in this place today. We should return before we lose all sense of propriety.”

Darcy released her reluctantly, then held out his hand. She placed hers in it, and they started back.

“I want Aunt Maddie and Uncle Edward here,” Elizabeth said, “and Jane, if she can come. Beyond that, I have no desire for a large wedding.”

“Nor have I. I will send for Richard, for I wish him to stand up with me. I will send the expresses of invitation today.”

Elizabeth slipped her hand more securely through his arm.

As they continued toward the path, Darcy spoke of Pemberley and the places he wanted to show her. There were paths beside the river, the hills above the house, and a rose garden where he thought she would like to read.

“You will fall in love with my library, Elizabeth.”

He covered the hand resting on his arm with his own. “I can see you there among my books. I can see you in my home, sharing my life.”

Elizabeth rested her head briefly against his shoulder. “I can hardly wait to begin our life together, Fitzwilliam.”

When they reached Ashcroft, Darcy brought her hand to his lips before releasing it.

“I shall return later this morning.”

He kissed her hand once more and left for Pemberley.

* * *

When he and Georgiana arrived later that morning, Elizabeth was in the drawing room with the Radcliffs. Georgiana came directly to her.

“Lizzy!”

Elizabeth rose, and Georgiana embraced her.

“Fitzwilliam told me. You are going to be my sister.”

“I am.”

Georgiana hugged her again.

Mrs. Radcliff came to Elizabeth and embraced her. “My dear, I am so happy for you.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”