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“Well, it is true. I do.” His lips crushed hers and tongues fought for control as they collided and tangled. Without further conversation, they joined in the way they both desired, each voicing a loud groan with the joy of being one again. Not waiting, William began a fast, furious rhythm until they both cried out in release.

Elizabeth preferred that they stay joined, that he held her for a time after they made love, so lying sated in her arms, his breathing slowly returned to normal. Eventually, he propped up on both elbows to consider her.

“When were you going to tell me?”

Her brows first knit and then smoothed again as she realised to what he was referring. “You know me too well.”

“Is there such a thing?” His expression held only love. “I thought we wanted to know each other completely.”

She reached up to cup the face she loved and pulled his mouth down to hers in the gentlest of kisses. When she finished, there was unfathomable love shining in her eyes. “I shall never try to keep anything from you again. I only wanted to spare you any disappointment.”

“I am only disappointed if we are not forthcoming with each other.”

“Duly noted,” she purred, having no idea that she had captured his heart again with her lopsided grin. “I am only a week past my time.”

His pride was visible as he slid one hand down to rest on her stomach, and his fingers began a circle with gentle reverence. “We have a son. I just know it.”

“Are you a soothsayer as well as a great lover?”

“I am a man violently in love with the woman who is carrying my child.”

“I pray you are correct.”

“While we were desperately searching for you, Mr. Williamson taught me a great deal about prayer—much of it by example. I have asked God for this, and He has heard my heartfelt plea and answered. Of this, I am certain.”

Tears of joy appeared as her faith rose with William’s resolve. “Then we should begin to thank Him for this gift!”

“I already have, my love. Last week I wrote a draft for the funds needed for the orphanage that Williamson has championed since he agreed to help Mr. Savage at Kympton.”

Elizabeth shook her head in awe as she ran her hands over his beloved face. “Have I told you today that I love you more than life, my William?”

“Not in those exact words, my darling.”

After Dinner

The Drawing Room

As was the custom, the men did not separate from the women after dinner, as they had been separated by different activities most of the day. At least, all had been separated except William and Elizabeth—who some noted had a certain glow about them this night.

It was decided that there would be no entertainment, cards or other games, as everyone wished to relax, and because Georgiana wanted to discuss the invitations they had received to Richard’s engagement ball to be held in London in two months’ time. Lord and Lady Matlock had been unable to attend the reception that Georgiana had given for William and Elizabeth after their marriage, but begged to be able to fete them in London at a later date. William had respectfully declined, saying that he and Elizabeth understood their dilemma, as the Earl had been ill. He explained that they would visit the Fitzwilliams in London soon and declared another reception unwarranted. Nevertheless, now that Richard was engaged, a trip to London seemed unavoidable.

“Well, whether or not we want to see all our relations in London, we owe Richard our allegiance and our support! We have to attend!” Georgiana exclaimed, all the while looking at her brother.

Elizabeth took up the cause. “We must go. It is their engagement ball, and we owe Richard so much. I fear to think what might have transpired during my rescue had he not been there to calm William.”

There was gentle laughter, though Jane glanced to see if Lizzy’s husband was enjoying the laugh at his expense. Seeing a frown, she tried to lighten the discussion. “I am just glad that Charles and I do not have to attend such a ball. I shall be glad to stay home with my newborn as I was intimidated attending the reception Georgiana gave you.”

Charles interjected, “I have always been intimidated by Darcy’s sphere, but I refuse to let it bother me now. I will rise to the occasion! If he is my friend, what does it matter what others think?”

Georgiana agreed. “Precisely! You and Jane are family now, so you shall have to get used to being invited to our events. Evan and I love you as much as Brother and Lizzy!”

Evan lifted his glass in acknowledgement. “Ana is right!”

He said nothing more, aware that Ana and her brother could settle the question of attending the ball in London without his intervention—after all, these were not his relations; his part was only to accompany Ana if she wished.

“Surely we will go, William,” Elizabeth ventured again, a different expression now on her face—a change in mien that did not go unnoticed by her husband.

William put down the book he had been holding as an unreadable expression crossed his own face. Only Lizzy knew that he was trying to compose what he wanted to say, but he had everyone’s undivided attention by the time he did.