Chapter 12

12

E lizabeth nestled into William's side. It still felt forward to be so close to any gentleman, despite having been married nearly a month now.

"Pemberley." His murmur roused her some time later, and she sat up, patting her hair.

"I can't wait to be home with you. This time you can show me everything."

His lips touched her forehead. "I will call for tea. Then you will feel strong, and we may begin to explore our home after that."

She huffed a laugh, and looked out at the grand front entrance and all the staff lined up in long rows to meet her, the new mistress of Pemberley.

William's hand squeezed hers, warm and comforting. "They are all delighted I have married for affection, Elizabeth, and not been compromised by Miss Bingley or another of her ilk."

They were sitting over their tea, perusing all the post that had been waiting for them, when Elizabeth stifled a gasp, recognising the hand on the direction of the letter she had just picked up. Her husband's thigh was pressed against hers as they sat close together, and he must have felt the tremble that went through her, because he turned to her at once.

She held it out to him. "Lydia must have seen our marriage notice in the papers."

His eyes were dark with sympathy. "Would you wish me to see what it says before you distress yourself, dearest?"

She nodded, and rested her hand on his leg for comfort.

He smiled understandingly down at her and broke the seal to scan the letter quickly, his lips twitching.

"I think you would have expected it to be what it is, Elizabeth. But, in short, you do not need to read it, and I would certainly not wish you to begin the habit of sending her money."

Elizabeth sighed, and leaned against him. "You read it to me, William. Then you can advise me what to do."

Dear Lizzy

La! What a surprise to see you married to that dull Mr. Darcy after all. But I was still the first of all the sisters to be married.

I know you will be surprised that I am writing to you, because you must feel very guilty that you hit me so hard at Longbourn.

But I am quite ready to read an apology from you, Lizzy, and if you can send me ten pounds, or even only five, then I will quite forgive you.

I must stop now. You will find out soon that married life means you are too busy to write. But you will have lots of servants, so you can find the time to write to me, at least.

Your sister,

Lydia Wickham

William folded the letter and placed it on the table in front of them. Then he turned to Elizabeth, concern etched on his features, as he felt her shudder.

She smiled up at him, reassuring him that she was laughing, not crying. "She has not changed a bit, William, has she? I think Wickham is quite punished by his marriage."

He smiled wryly. "I had thought that when I watched them marry that day. I think he already knew his life would not be one that he would wish for." He waved at the letter. "But you need not be concerned for her, Elizabeth. The trustees will give her the money she needs, provided she can prove it is for her, rather than demanded by him."

"It was very clever of you to settle the money on her that way, so he could not get his hands on it, but has to treat her well." Elizabeth reached up and kissed him. "Thank you for looking out for her and being so generous, just because she is my sister."

She twisted the fabric of her skirt between her fingers. "Do you think the staff will notice if we retire to our apartments to rest for a few hours? I have need of time alone with you."

He eyes darkened. "Of course." He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "I am hoping you will not slap me, but instead show that you love me as much as I love you."

"You will have to wait and see," she breathed, and took his hand as she rose to her feet.

She closed her eyes in bliss as they lay, sated, on the bed in the mistress's chamber. Her murmur was very quiet.

"Are you ever going to let me forget about the time I slapped Lydia, the day you returned to ask to call on me? I thought you must surely never wish to see such a ill-behaved lady again in your life!"

He rolled towards her, and pressed a kiss on her forehead.

"You are much improved, madam." He used his most austere voice, before he laughed. "No, Elizabeth, my beloved. I loved you as much that day as I think I ever have. You stand up for what is right, and you protected your sisters. You are perfect — and perfect for me, too."