certainty on this most precious of days. Trust in God and your household will know the Lord’s reflection.”
Darcy escorted Elizabeth outside. “Are you well?” he whispered into her hair.
Elizabeth turned her head sharply to him. “Why should I not be?” She too whispered as the Christmas congregation streamed from the church.
“Mr.Winkler’s sermon,” Darcy explained.
Elizabeth understood immediately. “I enjoyed the clergyman’s words. In fact, last evening, Mr. Winkler and I spoke openly of motherhood. I believe that the gentleman changed portions of his message based on our discussion. You should have no more fears for my disposition, Fitzwilliam. God shall give us a child when He’s ready, not when we are.”
“Are you certain?” Darcy pressed.
“I’m certain of my love for you. Everything else shall fall away as insignificant.”
It was another of those moments when his wife innocently expressed her affections, and his desire rose immediately. He stood on the Lambton church’s steps and wished to take Elizabeth into his arms and make love to her. Surely, such thoughts would doom him to hell, but Darcy could no more ignore his overwhelming devotion to his wife than he could take flight. It was his destiny to love her.
“I’m forever your servant, Mrs. Darcy.” He brought the back of her hand to his lips. He nodded toward the gathering carriages. “Allow me to see Her Ladyship and Anne safely in their coach.” With that, he stepped away from Elizabeth, leaving her to the approaching Mr. Bennet.
Her father placed Elizabeth’s hand on his arm, and they began an ambulatory circuit of the area. Many villagers stopped to offer their greetings, and Elizabeth took great pleasure in introducing her father to each. “Having you at Pemberley is an answered prayer,” she told him.
“Being able to assuage my concerns for you has made my journey worthwhile.”
Elizabeth came to a sudden halt. “Is everyone obsessed with my mental stability?”
Mr. Bennet started their walking again. “Your husband and your parents are naturally sensitive to your changed temperament. Even you must admit, Lizzy, that you’ve not been yourself of late.”
“I suppose,” she said reluctantly.
“We all love you,” he assured.
Elizabeth accepted his compassion. “I never meant to worry you.”
“We know.” He patted her hand. “Just come back to us, Lizzy. We all depend on your good sense.”
“Miss De Bourgh,” Southland bowed to Anne. He’d waited in the vicinity of her private quarters in hopes that she might appear. “May I escort you to the morning room?”
Anne actually smiled at him. “Thank you, Lieutenant.” She took his proffered arm.
“I suppose you realize that I purposely sought you out,” he said softly as they descended the main staircase.
“I suppose I did,” she said with a blush.
“May I speak honestly?” he blurted out.
Her color deepened, but Anne managed, “I’d prefer you did so, Lieutenant.”
Southland paused on the stairs. “Although we’ve known each other only a few days, I feel an acquaintance of many months — years even.”
“As do I,” Anne said anxiously.
“Miss De Bourgh,” he continued nervously. “With your permission, I would speak to your mother and begin a courtship.” Roman thought his heart might explode as he waited for her response.
“You wish to court me?” she asked in a barely audible whisper.
“Very much so,” Roman assured her.
Anne swayed in place and caught at the railing. He watched as she first paled and then flushed with color. “I… I would be honored,” she stammered.
Roman’s grin widened. “That pleases me more than you know.” Securing her arm to his side, he turned her toward the morning room.
“Might we step into a drawing room?” Anne asked. “I need a moment to recover my composure before I face everyone.”
“Certainly.” Leaving the door open behind them, Roman led her to the green room. “I never meant to upset you,” he said with concern.
Anne turned to face him. “I’m not upset, Lieutenant, but I admit you took me unawares,” she impulsively added.
“You must’ve recognized my interest,” he said softly.
“You mistake me for a woman of confidence,” Anne said ironically.
Roman took her by the shoulders and brought her closer to him. “Then you must become accustomed to my company. Once your mother grants her permission, I plan to make a nuisance of myself, at least, until you agree to accept my hand in marriage.”
“Her Ladyship’s permission?” Anne asked in disbelief. “Is it even possible?”
Roman held the same doubts, but he said, “Of course, it’s possible. I’ve already sought the advice of both your cousins.”
“You’ve spoken to the colonel and Mr. Darcy?” Her voice rose in disbelief. “Oh, my,” she gasped. “And my cousins believed Her Ladyship would agree?”
Southland’s frown lines deepened. “I would understand if you wished to withdraw your consent, Miss De Bourgh. I am without a title.”
“I never needed a title.”
“But you deserve one,” he countered.
“I cannot say what I deserve, but I’d wish for a joining of mutual companionship.”
“I’ll not speak words of love,” Roman said seriously. “We’ve known each other for but a few days; however, I’ll promise my fidelity.”
Anne nodded her acceptance. Like most women, she had always dreamed of finding love, but at the moment, she was willing to settle for a lot less. Roman Southland offered her a stable relationship. Although the lieutenant held an anomalous belief in their common fate, he presented an opportunity for a compatible joining. She could have a respectable, attractive husband and maybe even a family — children of her own. It was a dream recently rekindled with her meeting her cousin’s aide. “And I would promise you the same,” she said softly. She’d hold onto that dream. Now, she
“They made specific statements.” The way he chose his words told Anne that even Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had their doubts. Panic filled her. In all likelihood, her mother would deny her chance for marriage and a family. Anne would remain on the shelf and die a slow lonely death in obscurity. “I have upset you again,” Southland said with renewed concern.
Anne’s heart pounded in her ears as her thoughts raced. She had to think of something. Then a familiar scuff on the carpet outside sent her into action. She launched herself into the lieutenant’s arms, pulling his head down to hers. She’d never been kissed, nor did she have any idea how to go about it, but that didn’t matter at the moment.
Roman had anticipated Anne’s agitation. In fact, he shared many of the lady’s qualms. He’d no idea what he’d say to the autocratic Lady Catherine. He wouldn’t tell the great lady that he represented her daughter’s last marriage prospect. His honor wouldn’t permit him to do so. With wariness, he said, “I have upset you again.”
Anne’s countenance betrayed the array of emotions coursing through her, and Roman was considering what he must do to allay her fears when suddenly she cast herself into his arms and pulled his head toward hers.
