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“I am famished, but a hot bath first sounds wonderful. It will make every aching muscle feel better,” Elizabeth replied. Turning to William, she said, “What say you, husband?”
“I agree with you, love; moreover, I think dining in our sitting room is an excellent idea.”
Before anything more was said, William swept Elizabeth off her feet again and began carrying her up the grand staircase, declaring, “That is enough talk for now, Mrs. Darcy. It has been a long day, and I promised Mr. Graham that I would see to your health first and foremost; therefore, a hot bath, dinner and retiring early is an excellent plan to end the day.”
As William carried her up the stairs, Elizabeth peered over her husband’s shoulder, giving the housekeeper and butler a look of pretend exasperation as she said, “I fear you will soon discover that my husband has become even more stubborn, dogmatic and resolute than he ever was before we married.”
Without missing a step, William declared, “You have not seen anything yet, my love. I intend for the magnitude of my protectiveness to become legendary throughout Derbyshire, if not all Great Britain.”
The two long-time servants exchanged amused glances as they continued to watch the laughing couple until they disappeared above stairs. Mrs. Reynolds then turned to Mr. Walker. “At one time I did not think the master would ever recover from the heartache and despair Anne de Bourgh brought into his life … into every life she touched.”
“It is amazing how the love of the right woman can change everything,” Mr. Walker mused.
“It certainly is. I shall forever thank God that He saw fit to send Miss Bennet back to our dear boy.”
Mr. Walked laughed. “You had best not let the master hear you refer to him as a boy. After all, he is a full-grown man now.”
“Oh, I dare say that he knows I often use such terms, for I have slipped and called him ‘my boy’ to his face. Having known him since he was still in leading strings, it is difficult at times to think of him as a grown man. Perhaps after he has children of his own, I will be able to break the habit.”
“You are getting ahead of yourself,” Mr. Walker teased. “One step at a time, if you please.”
Suddenly, Mrs. Reynolds recalled her responsibilities. “I must find Mr. Adams and tell him to inform me the instant Mr. Darcy has finished bathing so that I may inform Mrs. Lantrip to prepare their dinner trays. That will assure that the food is hot when it reaches their sitting room.”
Having said that, she turned and hurried towards the kitchen. A warm feeling filled Mr. Walker’s chest as he watched her leave.
You are fortunate, Master Darcy, to have had Abigail Reynolds to help steer you through all the trials you have faced. You could not have had a better second mother.
Looking about to find he was alone, Mr. Walker hurried to see how the footmen were progressing with the hot water.
The next day
William had already abandoned her bed by the time Elizabeth awoke the next day. Wishing to quickly address all the issues his steward needed his input to resolve, he hoped to have the most important matters dispatched early so that he could enjoy showing Elizabeth their estate instead of having her explore on her own. When she was here last, she was too ill to walk the grounds, which he knew would delight her more than exploring the manor house.
Now ensconced in his study with Mr. Sturgis, William was not expecting Elizabeth to be up already when there was a knock on the door. “Come!” he called.
The door slowly opened, and Elizabeth poked her head inside. “Excuse me, William.” She glanced at the steward as she continued into the room. “I had no idea you were already at work. I suppose I should have asked Mr. Walker.”
William stood, waving her into the room with his reply, “I am never too busy to speak with you, my dear.” To his steward, he said, “Mr. Sturgis, you remember my wife, the former Miss Bennet.”
Sturgis smiled, “Indeed I do. I am glad to see you again, Miss Ben … excuse me, Mrs. Darcy. May I congratulate you on your marriage?”
Elizabeth could not wipe the smile from her face. “You may.” To William she said, “I merely wanted you to know that I am ready to leave. I wish to visit Lydia whilst it is early, to see how the bakery is faring.” Noticing the frown forming on his face, she added, “You need not worry, for Mr. Harrigan is ready to escort me, as you requested.”
“May I assume he also recruited at least two extra footmen or grooms to make certain you are safe?”
Elizabeth smiled brilliantly. “He mentioned that to me. So, yes, he remembered.”
“Also, make certain to take along something warm—a cloak or perhaps a heavier pelisse. This time of year the weather can change in an instant.”
Mentally shaking her head at his propensity to worry, she offered him a loving smile. “If you are going to worry so much, you might as well come.”
“I apologise if I am being too cautious. I have been in the habit of hovering over you all these months, and it is ingrained in me now.”
“You need not apologise. Hovering over the people you love is just part of you, and though I may tease you about it, I love that aspect of your character.”
William’s self-assurance returned in force, and he began to walk with her to the door. Once there, he looked longingly into her eyes before taking her hands and placing a kiss upon the backs of each. In truth, he had much rather have kissed her lips, but he felt obliged to maintain a degree of propriety in front of his steward.
“As soon as you return, find me. I intend to carve out at least an hour each evening to show you one aspect of the estate until business matters do not occupy so much of each day.”
