“Does Baron Bloomfield hold a special interest, Elizabeth?” His wife’s intense absorption in every move Bloomfield made ate away at Darcy’s composure.
She blushed. “Lord, no!” She declared self-mockingly. “No one can compare with you, Fitzwilliam.”
Darcy had tried to hold some part of himself apart from her, but from the beginning Elizabeth had held his heart in her grasp. The first time he had laid eyes upon her at the Meryton assembly, shock had slammed through him. “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me,” he had told Charles Bingley, but his mind had shattered to a single thought: shards of desire for Elizabeth Bennet.
And he’d always been jealous — he’d tried desperately not to be, but was most assuredly so. At Netherfield, he’d said things he knew would provoke her just to draw Elizabeth’s attention away from Bingley. He wanted her gaze on him. With his cousin Edward, the green-eyed monster had reared his head quite dramatically. There were moments at Rosings Park that he considered calling the good colonel out. He had ached for her — to know the splendor of her love.
On their wedding night, Darcy had remained at her bedchamber’s door, watching her brush her raven-touched locks. He knew she was nervous, for he could see her top teeth catch up her bottom lip — a habit Elizabeth had when worried over something. The virginal white gown had only increased his desire. Recognizing his duty to his name, Darcy had always assumed that he’d desire the woman that he wed, but with Elizabeth it was more than the physical contact. He enjoyed her company — his wife’s astute, honest opinions — the completeness she brought to his life. She’d turned his world upside down; he was powerless against the control she held over his heart, his body, and his mind. That demure nightgown had stood between him and happiness.
No one can compare with you, Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth’s words echoed in his brain and shot straight to his groin. “Then would you care to explain your devotion to the baron?” he asked on a rasp.
Elizabeth chuckled self-consciously.“You’ll think me a complete fool.” She paused to judge her husband’s seriousness and then continued her explanation. “Whenever we’re traveling, I watch people to discover who seems content with his lot in life. With gentlemen, such as the baron, I try to guess what equipage they might drive — the color of the crest and livery or what type of horse each man rides. If we’re at a coaching inn, I might watch to see if I’m correct.”
Darcy smiled lovingly. “And are you accurate in your estimations?”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Rarely.”
He fought to keep the laughter from his response. “I’m all astonishment, my love.You’re known for your incisive judgments.”
Elizabeth swallowed her mirth. “As you well know, Mr. Darcy, I’ve experienced moments when I’ve taken no note of a person’s true goodness.”
“As when you said, ‘I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry’?”
Her mouth’s corners turned upward in amusement. “I did abuse you so abominably to your face. However, even you, my husband, admitted that you deserved my rebukes. For though my accusations were ill founded, formed on mistaken premises, your behavior to me at the time had merited the severest reproof.”
“It was unpardonable,” Darcy said seriously. “I cannot think of it without abhorrence.”
“We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to that evening,” said Elizabeth. “The conduct of neither, if strictly examined, was irreproachable, but since then we have both, I hope, improved in civility. Instead, let us dwell on the baron’s steed. I say that, as a privileged gentleman, the man rides a grey gelding.”
Darcy allowed her to turn the subject. They’d analyzed their maddening courtship on more than one occasion. “Just a bit skewed,” he said with pleasure. “A roan-colored stallion.”
“See, I’m perfectly insensible,” she declared.
Darcy countered, “You’re perfectly beautiful.”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled — a teary mist. “You’re prejudiced on my behalf, Mr. Darcy.”
“Until I met you, Elizabeth, I was always moving but ever going nowhere.”
“You say the most delicious things, Fitzwilliam.” She slid her hand under his. “We brought Christmas to Prestwick’s today, Mr. Darcy.” She inhaled the pine’s calming scent.
Darcy followed her gaze as he tightened his hold on her hand. “You brought Christmas to Prestwick’s, Mrs. Darcy. Your handiwork pokes its head from every corner.”
“The maid Nan helped,” she shared.
“But to your credit, Elizabeth, the Washingtons owe their thanks.”
Elizabeth accepted his acknowledgment with grace. She’d learned to give in to his kindness. “And the gentlemen found some game?” After their conversation with Mrs. Washington, Darcy had first organized a hunt for Christmas greenery and then a different type of hunt.
“Padget’s an excellent shot,” he disclosed. “He, Lord Horvak, Mr. Rennick, and Mr. Livingstone managed to bag several rabbits, a few game birds, and a deer. Mrs. Washington was most appreciative.”
Elizabeth guarded their privacy. “The baron didn’t participate?”
Darcy whispered, “Mr. Bradley’s gout and age kept him from joining the group. Mr. Betts and Mr. Dylan, the farmers who came in early that first night, helped Mr. Washington’s man in the stable.”
“They’ve gotten along well for having not known each other previously,” Elizabeth observed.
“They have,” Darcy continued. “But they’re both accustomed to hard work. And Horvak and Padget’s friendship has allowed Livingstone and Rennick a room. The baron is the only one who expresses an entitlement.”
Elizabeth smirked. “As I assumed. At least, Mr. Darcy, I was correct in one of my estimations.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Collins.” Georgiana greeted the couple, along with the local vicar, in the main hallway. Kitty stood beside her. “Welcome to Pemberley. I’m Georgiana Darcy.”
“Miss Darcy,” Mr. Collins bowed stiffly before continuing, “I entreat your pardon for imposing on your family’s good will, but I beg to know of Her Ladyship’s continued good health.”
Georgiana considered the cleric’s impertinent freedom beyond the pale, but Kitty had warned her of the man’s determined air of following his own inclination. Eyeing Mr. Collins with restrained wonder, Georgiana managed to assure the man that his patron awaited him in the drawing room.
“I’m pleased to hear it, Miss Darcy.”
He puffed up to begin again, but Kitty shrewdly said, “Charlotte, you look exhausted. Were the roads horrid?”
“They’re passable with great care,” Charlotte Collins assured them. “Miss Darcy, allow me to add my gratitude to that of my husband for granting us your hospitality.”
Georgiana noted a painful impatience cross Mrs. Collins’s countenance. “I’m certain my sister shall be pleased to have you among our guests, Mrs. Collins. Elizabeth speaks often of your long-standing friendship.” Turning to the young vicar, Georgiana greeted the man who assisted Mr. Nathan with everyone’s wraps. “Mr.Winkler, it was considerate of you to see Mr. and Mrs. Collins to our door, Sir.”
“Mr. Collins called at my home when he could secure no one’s services because of the road conditions,” he said dryly.
“You took upon yourself a great kindness,” Georgiana remarked. “You’ll dine with us, Mr. Winkler,” she ordered. “It’s the least we can do.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy,” he said politely. “And you, Miss Catherine. It is pleasant to hear of your return to Derbyshire.”
When the young vicar bowed over Kitty’s hand, Georgiana noticed his apparent nervousness. Something told her that the cleric had chosen to escort the Collinses to Pemberley because of Kitty’s return. She would have to ask her friend about the possibility. “We’ll join my aunt and the others in the main drawing room.”
“Come, Cousin.” Kitty took Mr. Collins’s arm. “Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are away, but are expected this evening. Mr. Darcy plans a surprise for my sister. We’re all part of Elizabeth’s Christmas. In addition to Her Ladyship and Miss De Bourgh, the Bingleys are in attendance, as are your family: Mama, Papa, and Mary.”
Georgiana walked beside Mrs. Collins and the vicar. They trailed Kitty and her cousin. “Elizabeth is well, I pray,” Charlotte whispered.
“Mrs. Darcy is quite well. I cannot imagine Pemberley without her. She brings life to my brother’s home.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Charlotte added. “Elizabeth was always the most resourceful of our friends.”
They entered the room to find Collins bowing low over Lady Catherine’s outstretched hand. “Oh,Your Ladyship, I cannot thank you enough for the benevolence you have shown me and Mrs. Collins.”
“And you found your relative well, Mr. Collins?” Lady Catherine intoned royally.
“We did,Your Ladyship. Of course, Mrs. Collins and I steadily resisted the invitation of my Warrington cousin to remain through the festive days.”
He bowed again to Miss De Bourgh and a third time to the room as a whole. The man was everything Georgiana had heard: Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or Society, the greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father; and though he belonged to one of the universities, he had merely kept the necessary terms without forming at it any useful acquaintance. The subjection in which his father had brought him up had given him originally a great humility of manner; but it was now a good deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the consequential feelings of early and unexpected propriety. A fortunate chance had recommended him to Lady Catherine De Bourgh when the living of Hunsford was vacant; and the respect which he felt for her high rank and his veneration for her as his patroness, mingling with a very good opinion of himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his right as a rector, made him altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance, and humility.
“It’s good you have come, Collins,” Lady Catherine declared. “We may need to leave early for Kent.”
Georgiana recognized her aunt’s manipulation and remained silent, but the others civilly protested Lady Catherine’s exit. “You cannot mean to depart, Your Ladyship,” Caroline said. “Surely, Mr. Darcy would not approve of such a precipitous change in your travel plans.”
“Certainly,” Mr. Collins clarified, “we’ll do as Your Ladyship directs, but I would encourage you to think upon it, Ma’am. The roads were treacherous, were they not, Mr. Winkler?”
Without even an introduction, Collins had brought the man into the conversation. Mr. Winkler bowed to the room. “The going would be quite slow, Your Ladyship.”
Georgiana added quickly, “May I present Mr. Thorne Winkler? Mr.Winkler holds the living at Lambton.” She introduced the man to each cluster of guests.
“I’m extremely pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Bennet,” Mr. Winkler said formally. “It’s been a fortuitous occasion to have Miss Catherine among my congregation when she has visited at Pemberley.”
Mr. Bennet winked at his daughter. “I gladly bequeath my daughter’s religious development to you, young man.”
“I assure you, Mr. Bennet, that Miss Catherine doesn’t require my guidance.Your daughter brings honor to your household.”
When Georgiana shot her a warning glare, Lady Catherine stifled a snort of derision.
Mr. Bennet ignored Lady Catherine’s unbecoming behavior. “Of which daughter do you speak, Mr. Winkler? After all, Mrs. Darcy is also my daughter,” he said teasingly.
“Papa, stop it!” Kitty protested. “Mr.Winkler’s not aware of your propensity to twist people’s words.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled. “Very well, Kitty. I will spare the gentleman for the time being.”
Kitty flushed, but Georgiana would’ve bet it wasn’t from embarrassment. When had Kitty and Mr. Winkler moved to a more intimate stage? Georgiana’s need to speak to Kitty privately increased.
Mr. Collins explained, “When Mrs. Collins and I could secure no other transportation, I called on Mr. Winkler, and the gentleman was kind enough to escort us to Pemberley personally in his gig.”
“His gig?” Mrs. Bingley gasped. “My, Charlotte, you must be chilled through. Come nearer the hearth. Let me pour you some tea. We have not seen you in well over a year.” Jane gestured to a cluster of chairs.
Mr. Bingley followed his wife’s lead. “You, too, Collins. Winkler. Please join us for tea. Miss Darcy has most graciously provided us with the best of Pemberley’s hospitality.”
“I believe my niece is capable of welcoming her own guests, Sir,” Lady Catherine intoned. Her words stilled the room.
Georgiana blushed, but she managed to say, “In my brother and sister’s absence, I hold no objection to Mr. and Mrs. Bingley’s assistance. After all, we’re family and close acquaintances.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy,” Jane said softly. “As Mr. Collins is a Bennet cousin and Mrs. Collins is a long-time neighbor from Hertfordshire, it seemed only fitting to offer my subvention in Elizabeth’s stead, but I would never think to circumvent your position at Pemberley.”
Lady Catherine had created a rift in the group’s rapport.“Of course not, Mrs. Bingley. I would never criticize anything of your doing.”
“This is an excellent room,” Mr. Collins observed as he shot a glance at Lady Catherine. “Of course, it is nothing when compared to Rosings Park.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled. “Beware, Collins, that you don’t offend the man who offers you hospitality despite his absence. Praising Her Ladyship would be advisable only if you cannot offend Mr. Darcy, unless you’ve a deep desire to be driven into the elements.”
Collins blustered, “I meant no offense, Miss Darcy. Both estates are magnificent in their own rights.”
Georgiana bit back her retort. To think that anyone might attempt to compare the two was ridiculous. Pemberley’s rooms were lofty and handsome, displaying Fitzwilliam’s taste; they were neither gaudy nor uselessly fine — with less of splendor and more real elegance than the furniture of Rosings. “No offense taken, Mr. Collins. Rosings Park is a grand estate fitting my aunt’s position as an Earl’s daughter and a baronet’s wife. Pemberley reflects the same noble line on the maternal side, and on my father’s, a respectable, honorable, and ancient, though untitled family.” With some satisfaction Georgiana noted her aunt’s raised brow and her cousin’s smirk of amusement.
“I’m certain my husband regrets his wording, Miss Darcy,” Charlotte intervened.
Mr. Bennet replied, “I’d assume that Mr. Collins’s regrets are numerous, but God offers forgiveness. Does He not, Collins?” The mocking smile returned.
“Our Lord is benevolent,” Collins responded in some confusion.
“Then everything is well.You shall ask for forgiveness for your offense, and we’ll all go forward.”
Mr. Nathan tapped on the door. “Excuse me, Miss Darcy. Mr. and Mrs. Collins’s quarters are ready. Meg waits in the main foyer to escort them to their rooms.”
“Thank you, Mr. Nathan. Might you also make one of the empty bedchambers available for Mr. Winkler’s use?”
“Certainly, Miss Darcy.”
“Pardon, Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Livingstone bowed. “Mr. Rennick mentioned that you planned to depart tomorrow. I thought you should know, Sir, a misty rain has returned. What little thaw we earned today has refrozen. The wet rain is freezing on the slick surfaces.”
Darcy had knowledge of this weather’s turn, but he’d hoped to keep it from his wife. “Thank you, Livingstone. I suppose Mrs. Darcy and I will have to reevaluate our plans if the rain continues overnight.” He noted his wife’s fallen countenance.
The gentleman bowed again. “I’m at your service, Mr. Darcy.”
Watching him walk away, Darcy returned his attention to Elizabeth. “Livingstone could be in error, my dear. No one can predict the weather.”
“I know it’s insensible, Fitzwilliam. I’m warm, I want not for shelter or food, but all I desire for Christmas is to be at Pemberley with my family.”
Darcy wondered if his wife had discovered his surprise. “Your family is in Hertfordshire.”
“You’re my family, Fitzwilliam. You and Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds and the tenants. Pemberley is my home,” she insisted.
Darcy felt desire’s familiar rush. “Yes, it is. It’s as if, before you arrived, Pemberley was only a fine house. Now, it’s a home. You have left your imprint on it, my dearest Elizabeth.”
Before she could respond, the sound of a carriage before the inn brought everyone to his feet. Scrambling to the windows for a better view, Darcy made a point of shadowing Elizabeth with his body. Using a napkin to wipe away the pane’s cold dampness, Darcy peered over Elizabeth’s shoulder. “A gentleman,” he whispered close to her ear.
“And a lady.” Her face turned up to his in anticipation.
Darcy wouldn’t tell her there was, literally, “no room at the inn.” He recognized his wife’s need for female company. At Pemberley, she had spent her days interacting with Georgiana, Mrs. Reynolds, and others from the community. On this trip, as Mr. Parnell had had no wife, Darcy’s business had left Elizabeth alone to entertain herself in a strange city. Leaving her behind as he met with the cantankerous Parnell, Darcy had actually wished Elizabeth’s youngest sister Lydia Wickham had remained in Newcastle. He had done his wife a disservice by imposing his needs upon her.
As they and several others watched, the man braced the woman’s step on the icy path, and within seconds the inn’s door swung wide to a couple draped in soaking wet outerwear.
“Greetings,” Mr. Washington called as he approached. “Welcome to Prestwick’s Portal.”
The young man removed his beaver and shook the dampness from his greatcoat. Quickly checking the woman to see to her comfort, he turned to the innkeeper. “We were certainly pleased to see the road markings leading to your inn, Sir.” The man helped the lady with her cloak. “I hope you have a room available for Mrs. Joseph and me.”
Mr. Washington’s face fell. “I fear, Sir, that we’re beyond capacity. Even my maid’s room is being used for two of the gentlemen’s gentlemen.” He gestured to those who curiously looked on.
Elizabeth broke away from the group and intervened. “Surely, something can be arranged, Mr. Washington. Obviously, Mrs. Joseph cannot return to the icy roads.” She referred to the young woman’s physical condition — very much with child. “It’s simply too dangerous.”
“Where would you have me house the Josephs?” Mr. Washington asked defensively. “Every room’s full.” He glanced toward where the baron sat alone in the common room. “We have no other options.”
The group’s gaze followed his to where Baron Bloomfield finished his meal. “What say you, Bloomfield?” Sir Jonathan asked. “Are you willing to relinquish your room to the couple?”
The baron looked up with disdain. “You address me, Padget?”
“Are you of the persuasion, Sir, to consider a room reshuffling to accommodate Mr. and Mrs. Joseph?”
Bloomfield’s gaze fell on the waiting couple before a snarl curled his upper lip. “I think not. The prospects of sharing a room with a wheezing and gouty Bradley are impossible. It’s bad enough to experience the man’s aches and pains through this inn’s thin walls. Encountering the man’s complaints first hand will not occur.”
Darcy, recognizing Elizabeth’s building ire, suggested, “Mrs. Darcy, why do you not see Mrs. Joseph closer to the hearth while we sort this out. I’m sure the lady could use some hot tea.”
Elizabeth resented being relegated to the role of hostess, but she heard her husband’s resolve. He understood her objections to the baron’s persistence and would deal with it on her behalf. “Certainly, Mr. Darcy. Come, Mrs. Joseph.You must be chilled quite through.”
“Thank you, Ma’am. I’m just that.” Mrs. Joseph accepted Elizabeth’s arm as support.
Darcy cleared his throat. “Gentlemen, perhaps we can place our heads together and come up with a solution for the Josephs’ dilemma.” He gestured to a small table, and the other travelers — minus Bloomfield and Bradley — joined him. “Mr. Washington, I’m certain Mr. Joseph could use a tankard of ale.”
Elizabeth ordered tea and soup for the lady and settled Mrs. Joseph before the fire. “I’m Elizabeth Darcy,” she said as she helped the woman lower her frame into the straight-backed chair. “My husband and I are from Derbyshire.”
“I’m pleased to have the acquaintance, Mrs. Darcy.” Mrs. Joseph extended her hands to the fire. “I’m Mary Joseph. My husband and I reside in Staffordshire.” She expelled a deep sigh as the warmth reached her. “It’s been a treacherous few hours.”
“You have been traveling long?” Elizabeth asked.
“Three days. Matthew allowed extra time because of my condition.” Mrs. Joseph rested her hand comfortably on her expanded abdomen. “We return to Northumberland. Newcastle, actually. We received news recently that my husband’s mother has taken seriously ill. Her days may be numbered so we set out to be at her bedside.”
Elizabeth waited for Nan to place the tea and soup on a nearby low table before responding. “Mr. Darcy had business in Newcastle. We had hoped to be at Pemberley by Christmas, but now we’re unsure.”
Mrs. Joseph glanced about the room. “At least, there’s a holiday touch about the space. The pine scent is quite comforting.”
Elizabeth nodded her agreement. “The men gathered the greenery today, and the inn’s proprietress and I organized the arrangements.”
Mrs. Joseph sipped the warm tea. “I approve, Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth smiled easily. “It was a female whim, but upon Mr. Darcy’s insistence, the gentlemen — at least, a few of them — acquiesced.” Elizabeth poured herself some tea. “I hope you’ll not find my next comment too personal,” she said tentatively. “But should you not be in the midst of your confinement, Mrs. Joseph?” Considering her own tenuous condition, Elizabeth added, “A woman cannot be too careful under the circumstances.”
Mrs. Joseph’s chocolate brown eyes sparkled with the room’s warmth. “I suppose I should’ve taken the weather into consideration; it’s late December, after all. But as I’m a month from my delivery, I thought it best to support my husband. Matthew would never forgive himself if he wasn’t at his mother’s side when her time came, and I wouldn’t selfishly demand that he choose between the woman who sacrificed everything for him and me.” Mrs. Joseph nervously giggled. “What if I were not my husband’s first choice, Mrs. Darcy? Can you imagine the wedge driven between us if that were so?”
“I have no doubt that Mr. Joseph would realize his duty rested with you, as would the elder Mrs. Joseph,” Elizabeth assured.
The woman shot a fleeting look toward her husband. “I wouldn’t wish for Mr. Joseph to choose me out of duty, Mrs. Darcy. I’m vain enough to seek the man’s love.”
Elizabeth observed, “Few of us of any station have the luxury of knowing true love in marriage, Mrs. Joseph. If you are so fortunate, I commend your joining.”
The young woman sipped her creamed soup. “Do you count yourself among those fortunate ones, Mrs. Darcy? I know it’s truly none of my concern, but as we are, apparently, the only female guests here, I suspect we’ll become intimate friends thanks to our circumstance.”
Elizabeth didn’t turn her head, but she knew Darcy watched her. The thought of his constant attention brought a smile to her lips. “I know Mr. Darcy’s affections,” she said softly.
“Good,” Mrs. Joseph pronounced. “Then you’ll understand the necessity of my accompanying Mr. Joseph on this journey.” She sighed deeply. “Of course, I had an ulterior motive. My father and I parted with bitter words. I had hoped that if I delivered his first grandchild where he might meet the babe that he would forget what he saw as betrayal.”
“A child can resolve many ills. Our Lord sent his son to offer us forgiveness.”
“I don’t wish to portray my father in a poor light. He placed everything aside to raise a daughter alone after my mother’s passing. He worked countless hours to create a successful business, but he provided me both sympathy and encouragement. Through all his trials, he demanded only one thing from me — my loyalty. He had chosen a man who would follow my father’s every order, but I had other ideas. Unfortunately, my father couldn’t fathom how I could love another more than I loved him. To complicate the matter, Mr. Joseph accepted a living outside of Stoke-upon-Trent. My father took what he saw as my complete abandonment of him quite hard.”
Elizabeth thought of her own father. “I’m one of five daughters, but I suspect that my father feels abandoned by each of us.”
“However, he misses you the most, Mrs. Darcy,” Mrs. Joseph said with some amusement.
Elizabeth blushed from the obvious. “I flatter myself that Mr. Bennet prefers me over my sisters. I’m terribly vain, you see, Mrs. Joseph. Perhaps you may not wish my acquaintance, after all.”
“I wouldn’t criticize your pride, Mrs. Darcy,” the lady teased.
“My sister Mary once observed that pride is a very common failing. That human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary. Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity to what we would have others think of us.”
“Your sister is quite wise, Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth smiled happily. Having a lady’s company created a relaxed atmosphere. She quite enjoyed the pert Mrs. Joseph’s easy-going wit. “Mary has been called several things, but ‘wise’ isn’t among them. She’s my most serious sister and the most talented. Mary spends countless hours at her studies and at practicing her music.”
“Tell me of your other sisters, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Then what would you have me do?” Mr. Joseph asked through gritted teeth.
Mr. Horvak asked, “Could Mr. and Mrs. Joseph stay in the common room?” As a group, they had determined that it would be impossible to move people’s rooms. Each occupant was a minor son of the aristocracy or a titled gentleman, except for Mr. Betts and Mr. Dylan. Although they lacked status, the two remained as Mr. Washington had refused to ask them to relinquish their shared chamber. With their hard work about the inn, the men had earned a right to a room.
“I cannot see it,” Mr. Washington insisted. “A woman sleeping where men play cards and drink is not appropriate. Mrs. Washington and I have taken pallets before the kitchen hearth and Nan in the storeroom. Every space within the inn is full. If I had a private parlor…”
“We cannot ask Mr. and Mrs. Joseph to resume their journey,” Darcy insisted. He had watched his wife’s animation with pleasure. She had needed another lady’s company, and besides advocating the solution to the Josephs’ predicament because it was the charitable thing to do, Darcy wanted Mrs. Joseph’s presence to ease Elizabeth’s unrest.
“Of course not,” Mr. Washington declared. “However, the best I can do is a mattress in the stables. I have drivers and footmen and valets to house in addition to each of your rooms. We would be sorely pressed if some of you gentlemen hadn’t pitched in with the chores and hadn’t brought us some ready meat to feed everyone. People are sharing the attic and the storage areas. You and Mrs. Joseph might spend your days in the common room and your nights in one of the stalls. We can put your Tilbury coach and maybe a couple of ours under the lean-to. That will free up more space.”
“But are there not others sleeping in the barns?” Padget asked.
“Several of yer men have bedded in the loft.”
“It doesn’t seem proper,” Padget continued. “To place a woman in such a position.”
Washington sighed heavily. “It be all I can see as proper. Mr. Joseph will see to his wife’s safety.”
Resigned to the solution offered, Mr. Joseph gathered his gloves. “I cannot place Mary and my child in danger by returning to the roads. We had two close calls today — too close for my mind’s peace.” He stood reluctantly. “I should speak to Mrs. Joseph. I hope, Washington, that there are additional blankets available.”
“I’ll see to it, Sir.”
Darcy moved ahead of Joseph. Reaching Elizabeth, he extended his hand. “Come, Mrs. Darcy.We’ll retire for the evening.”
Elizabeth accepted his hand. “May I first give you the acquaintance of Mrs. Joseph?” she asked tentatively.
“Of course, my dear.”
“Mrs. Joseph, may I present my husband, Mr. Darcy?”
The lady inclined her head. “I’m pleased for the introduction, Sir. Mrs. Darcy and I have become fast friends.”
“That’s a most fortunate situation. Mrs. Darcy has had only my poor companionship on this journey,” Darcy said teasingly.
Mrs. Joseph smiled knowingly. “Your wife, Sir, would beg to differ. Mrs. Darcy has extolled your fine qualities.”
He chuckled lightly. “My wife has the kindest heart.” Darcy bowed to the woman. “We’ll see you in the morning, Ma’am.” He escorted Elizabeth to their shared room.
Inside their quarters, Darcy quickly took Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her hungrily. He smiled with anticipation. His wife’s body warmed under his fingers’ firm strokes along her collarbone. A loving blush shivered through her, and Darcy deepened the kiss. Elizabeth locked her arms behind his neck and lifted her body to his. Her breasts, hips, and thighs pressed along his front, and Darcy groaned audibly as his manhood hardened.
Her tongue touched his in desire’s erotic dance, and Darcy shuddered on a breathy intake. His arms tightened about her, and he bent to lift his wife to carry her to the bed. The fire leapt between them: Desire and need kindled and sparked. His thoughts scattered as delight filled his lungs with her scent. “I love you,” he whispered — his breath’s heat caressing Elizabeth’s neck.
Nearly an hour later, they lay with arms and legs entangled. “I suppose I should see to my ablutions,” Elizabeth said sleepily. She stretched lazily against him before burying her nose in Darcy’s chest. Then she trailed a light line of kisses along his jaw. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth paused to nibble behind his ear. “For assisting the Josephs with lodgings. Whose room were they given?”
Darcy shifted her in his embrace. Without looking at her, he said, “No one’s room.” He knew she wouldn’t appreciate the solution taken by Mr. Washington.
She pushed up on one elbow. “Explain, Mr. Darcy.” Her voice held her suspicion.
“The baron refused to share with Bradley,” he clarified. “Mr. Washington felt Betts and Dylan had earned their room.” Elizabeth nodded her encouragement. “In the long and short of it, every available space is in use. The Josephs have bedded down in the stable.”
Elizabeth gasped. “Surely you jest, Fitzwilliam. That was the accepted solution. Eight men could offer no better accounting than to place a woman eight months with child in a cold, damp stable?” Elizabeth scampered from the bed before Darcy could catch her. “I shan’t have it, Fitzwilliam! Do you hear me? I shan’t tolerate such treatment for Mrs. Joseph!” She pulled her chemise over her head.
Darcy swung his long legs over the bed’s edge and sat up. “What would you have me do, Elizabeth? Would you have me tell Mr. Washington how to conduct his business? Would you demand that I physically force the baron from his room and give it to the Josephs? Washington and his wife and Nan have taken pallets in the kitchen.You must remember that each guest, except Betts and Dylan, brought servants, such as our Mr. Simpson and Jasper, who are being housed in the barn and attic and storage spaces.” He pulled on his small clothes and breeches. “It was a reasonable resolution. The Josephs will spend the day in the common room. It’s only for a short while — a day or two — until the weather breaks.”
“Why can the Josephs not stay the night in the common room?” Elizabeth demanded.
Darcy sighed heavily. He understood his wife’s angst: He had not agreed to Washington’s pronouncement, but Darcy had felt his hands tied. “The others are using it for socializing. Even the hostlers and coachmen are sharing time there. Washington wouldn’t want to lose the business.”
Elizabeth reached for her day dress. “We must do something, Fitzwilliam.” Tears misted her eyes. “Of everyone at Prestwick’s, we best understand the danger Mrs. Joseph faces.”
Darcy moved to embrace her. “The lady seems hardy enough.” He stroked Elizabeth’s back as she fought for control.
Elizabeth rasped hoarsely. “Most would’ve said the same of me.”
Darcy swallowed hard. For his wife’s sake, he had masked his own anguish at losing both their children. Elizabeth needed him to be strong, and so he had only allowed his introspection when riding alone across the estate or in the night’s middle when his wife sought the comfort of his arms. Then, he, too, grieved for the children he would never hold. “It’s not the same, Elizabeth,” he managed to say quietly.
Elizabeth moved slightly to where she could see his face. Silently, she held his gaze before reaching for his hand. His wife placed his splayed fingers upon the swell of her abdomen. “What would you wish for me… for our child, Fitzwilliam?”
Darcy breathed deeply to steady his nerves. Elizabeth had chosen this moment to acknowledge that she carried his child. His fingertip traced a line across her cheek. “I would want someone to move heaven and earth to protect you and our child.” His right hand gently cupped the rise where his heir lay. “I would demand it and wouldn’t care whose censure I provoked.”
“Then let’s be the ones to protect Mary Joseph.”
“Tell me how you wish to proceed.” Darcy pulled Elizabeth to him again. “Whatever you wish, it is yours, Elizabeth. Command me as you will.” Unbidden, an image of Elizabeth cradling their child sprung to life.
“We’ll share our room with the Josephs. At least, it’s warm and dry.”
Darcy simply nodded. He would follow Elizabeth’s wishes. She had openly accepted her condition, and Darcy recognized in her declaration a step in his wife’s healing. “I’ll dress and go find the Josephs. You should set your mind to rearranging the room to accommodate four people.”