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“It did not seem to deter Caroline Bingley,” Elizabeth teased.

Not able to resist a smile, William kissed her lips before pulling back to look into her eyes. “What can I say? Caroline Bingley is a peculiar species.”

At Elizabeth’s laugh, he added, “In any case, I am perfectly able to resist making love to my wife if it might harm her or our child.”

“Our child?”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “I have no doubt that as soon as we become one, you shall fall pregnant, and Mr. Graham cautioned that any child you bear will be best served by having a mother in excellent health.”

“I am trying to recover as quickly as possible, but I may not be at my best for some time. Mr. Graham even mentioned a year would not be out of the question.”

“My darling, I waited over two years to learn that you love me. Please believe me when I say I am deliriously happy just to know that you are Mrs. Darcy. In God’s timing you will heal, and we will consummate our marriage. I need you to believe that and help me persevere.”

“I will do my best.”

She was rewarded with another long, tender kiss.

Chapter 31

Pemberley

Six months later

As the coach entered the gates leading to the manor, William noted that in the distance servants were just now lighting the torches that lined both sides of the drive, as well as those scattered about the lawn. Looking down at the angel who lay asleep against his chest, he felt as though in a dream arriving at his home with Elizabeth as his wife. He had not meant to subject her to the journey, but she had protested his return to Pemberley without her. Truth be told, he had been dismayed to think they might be separated for any length of time and was relieved when Mr. Graham had begrudgingly granted her wish to come.

The six months since their wedding had been both amazing and dreadful in equal measures. Amazing in that he was able to kiss, hold or touch Elizabeth any time he wished, and dreadful in that he could go no further than that. Admittedly, she had come a long way since her injury, and Mr. Graham was pleased with her recovery thus far. Still, he advised William to wait a full year before exercising his marital rights, which meant he had four months left to test his resolve. Elizabeth, however, felt so much better now, and she believed she should have the right to decide when they should truly become one. To that end, she had begun to argue against the doctor’s opinion of how much longer they should wait, not to mention continuously testing William’s will to adhere to the good doctor’s advice.

As it happened, it eventually became necessary for William to return to Pemberley to handle some tenant issues in person, and upon hearing this Elizabeth was adamant that she would accompany him. This forced Mr. Graham to concede to her wishes, but only after William agreed to spread the journey out more than usual in order not to undo all the progress she had made thus far. Consequently, instead of the usual four-and-a-half-day journey, today was the sixth day they had been on the road. Because there was only an hour left until they reached home, William had decided in favour of continuing to Pemberley today rather than staying at another inn.

As he dwelt on the circumstances that brought him back to Pemberley, William was pleased that Georgiana had decided to finish the drawing lessons she had begun with one of the masters in London before she returned. Thus, she and Mrs. Annesley had moved back in with his aunt and uncle for the duration of the lessons, giving him time to be completely alone with his wife for the first time since their honeymoon at Darcy House.

Once the coach started around the circular drive leading to the front door, he leaned down and kissed the top of her head, murmuring, “Darling, we have reached Pemberley.”

Sleepily, Elizabeth sat up, yawning as she stretched her neck first one way and then the other. After arranging herself to sit properly beside him, she remarked, “I cannot believe I slept nearly the entire way from Derby. I can recall when Lydia and I left Pemberley for London that I stayed awake the entire first day of our journey.”

“I am pleased that you managed to sleep in our coach.”

Elizabeth looked about the vehicle, saying, “This coach is unbelievably comfortable.” Then she leaned in to kiss his cheek. “And my pillow was especially warm and inviting.”

William chuckled. “I am glad to know I am of some use, if only as a pillow.”

“Oh, my darling, you have no idea how well I sleep in your arms—just to know nothing can befall me as long as I am there.”

William was beaming when, suddenly, the coach began slowing. Instantly, several footmen rushed from the house towards the vehicle, joined by those aboard the coach who jumped to the ground. Once it came to a full stop, the door was opened, the step folded down and William stepped out. He turned to help Elizabeth exit the vehicle, and by the time she was steady on her feet, the housekeeper and butler were standing on the portico. Without a word, William swept Elizabeth off her feet and began carrying her up the steps towards them.

Elizabeth protested with a small shriek. “William! I am perfectly able to walk.”

“Shh, Mrs. Darcy,” William murmured so that only she could hear. “Let me enjoy fulfilling one of the dreams I have cherished since we parted in Kent: carrying you over Pemberley’s threshold as my wife.”

Once inside the foyer, William placed Elizabeth on her feet so that she might greet Mrs. Reynolds and Mr. Walker, who were both grinning from ear to ear.

The housekeeper, her eyes twinkling, was the first to speak. “Welcome back to Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy.”

Mr. Walker quickly interjected, “We are so pleased that you have returned as the mistress.”

Elizabeth could not hide her delight had she wished to. “I had no idea when I last saw you that I would return as Mrs. Darcy, but the Lord works in mysterious ways.”

“I have no doubt that your becoming Mrs. Darcy was His plan all along,” Mrs. Reynolds replied. “Mrs. Lantrip prepared some of Mr. Darcy’s favourite foods just in case you arrived this evening—pheasant, potatoes, carrots and parsnips roasted together, as well as apple pie. Moreover, water is heated, so a hot bath is only minutes away if you had rather bathe first, then dine downstairs or have dinner trays sent up. Whatever you desire; we are just happy to have you here.”