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Though Fitzwilliam Darcy had never been outgoing, over the years, they had become acquainted and shared a few conversations regarding the stars, currents and navigation as the taciturn man travelled to Ireland and back, visiting his estate. However, the gentleman from Derbyshire had been so reclusive on this voyage, keeping to his cabin even during the day, that Burris had wondered about his apparent change of character. Deciding he had better leave well enough alone, the elderly captain moved on towards the bow.

He never takes kindly to my warnings. I hope the man can take care of himself in the coming storm.

~~~*~~~

Fitzwilliam Darcy was going home. It had taken a long time, but he was certain now of one thing—he could meet her as an indifferent and common acquaintance. He had conquered the steady ache in his heart, and he no longer thought of her every waking moment. He could go for days without waking in the middle of the night, wet with sweat and heart pounding, as dreams of their last argument tormented him anew. He was almost free of her at last!

He had decided that when he arrived home, he would write Bingley. Perhaps Charles might mention her without any prompting, since she was probably his sister now. It had been almost two years, and she was most likely married…quite possibly a mother. Those circumstances would only strengthen his resolve, and he half hoped to have it confirmed. Knowing with certainty that she was lost to him forever would reinforce what he had determined in his heart.

I no longer love you, Elizabeth!

Taking a deep breath of the sea air, he turned to go back to his cabin. Tomorrow they would dock in England, and within a week, he would be at his beloved Pemberley.

Pemberley

One week later

“Oh, William!” Georgiana exclaimed as she slid gracefully off her horse, throwing the reins to a nearby footman. Her feet had barely touched the ground before she sprinted towards him, her golden hair flouncing about her shoulders and her dark blue eyes sparkling with joy. “You are home! You are home!”

Her actions and demeanour were so reminiscent of her as a child that William could feel tears filling his eyes. Unaware of the effect she was having, she never slowed, eventually running into him. Having braced himself against the impact, he caught her flying form and whirled around with the momentum, then sat her back on her feet as she giggled and he pulled her close.

“Evan will be furious with you,” he murmured in her hair as his head lay atop hers. “Does he know you are here? I heard him say often enough that he does not want you riding so far on horseback, and it is ten miles to Rosewood.” Without waiting for an answer, he pulled back to look at her with an expression of unabashed love. “Just let me look at you! Do you know how much I have missed you?”

He leaned in to kiss her forehead and then promptly clasped her in another tight hug before she could answer, content just to have her in his arms. They stood that way for a long time before he straightened.

“Have you been well?” The tone of William’s voice asked the question he could not. Georgiana had suffered two miscarriages since her marriage three years ago and had not been with child again.

Schooling herself not to show any concern, she answered as happily as she could muster, “As I have answered each query in each letter since you went away, I am well and happy... except for missing you.”

William chuckled. “And that scoundrel of a husband of yours?”

Georgiana giggled. “The scoundrel is well. I imagine Evan will be along shortly to find me.”

Her face quickly sobered when she pulled back to look at him closely. She realised at that moment what had not been obvious at first sight. He had lost weight, causing his clothes to hang on his large frame. He had lines across his forehead and around his eyes, which were dull and without the sparkle that had been there before. Even more shocking was the recognition that his almost black hair was beginning to gray dramatically around his face. It took everything she possessed to speak without letting her voice quiver.

“And you?” She took his hands, and her eyes searched his to find the truth. “Are you well, truly?”

“I am,” he responded almost too quickly, his eyes darting away. Then he began to shift from one foot to the other, feeling self-conscious under her steady gaze.

“You have aged,” she said solemnly.

“Well, that is a fine thing to say on my first day home!” He forced a smile, trying to cheer her. “Thank you for making me feel as old as I obviously look!”

He actually felt years older—unresolved heartache having taken its toll, physically as well as mentally—nevertheless, he had hoped Georgiana would not notice so readily. When he glanced back, he was surprised to see her eyes flash in annoyance.

“I care not if you are offended. I knew it would not be good for you to spend all that time alone, and I can see that I was correct.” Softening her voice, she reached up to cup his face. “Have you come home for good? No more running away?”

William started to protest that he had not run away, but he checked himself. That would be a lie. His face fell at the revelation.

“Will, promise me that you will stay home—or at least stay for a long time.”

He stood silently contemplating his next words, then sighed heavily. “I have come home to stay. Except for trips to London or those necessary for business, I will be at Pemberley.” She watched the corners of his mouth lift slightly. “What say you, Gigi, to settling in the drawing room with a cup of tea to review our accomplishments while we have been separated?” The use of his pet name for her made her smile, in spite of her frustration.

“I say lead on, Fitzy!” He grimaced at the appellation she had given him when she was too young to pronounce Fitzwilliam.

“I wish you would come up with another term of endearment.”

“Oh, but that would not be you! You will always be Fitzy to me!”