hundred-year-old gem was only one of numerous coronation-related topics open for discussion. The King vocally determined to have a coronation that outshone Napoleon Bonaparte’s in 1804, Parliament voting to provide a staggering fortune to make it so. Thus, though over a year away, the enthusiasm mounted. The benefit of having eighteen months from the time when the Prince Regent became King in January of 1820 until the official coronation was latched on to by Society with the slated parties lavish and frequent.
“I shall need to buy an additional carriage to haul the new gowns and jewels back to Pemberley by the time this Season ends,” Darcy said, only partly jesting. “I know you, my dear wife, and am certain we shall exhaust ourselves in revelry.”
“Only moderately,” she said with a laugh. “I still have a baby at home to care for, so cannot drag you all over London until the darkest hours of the night.” She leaned to bestow a slow kiss. “I always prefer to stay home with you and our children over dancing and socializing. Have no fear, love.”
He grunted. “We shall see how well that plan holds. I think I will be ready for our restful holiday hiatus in Kent after Easter.”
“It will be wonderful to see Anne and Raul again. And the baby.” Lizzy spoke softly, laying her head onto his chest and squeezing tightly.
“Indeed,” he answered. “I have worried over her so these past years. She has suffered too many health issues and traumas. Perhaps marriage was not the best choice for her, but then I know how she loves Dr. Penaflor and how devoted he is to her.”
“It is an unfortunate consequence, I suppose. But you know that even with the losses, Anne would not wish it otherwise. Now they have Margaret.”
“Lady Catherine says the infant is strong and that Anne is yet fragile, but largely healed from the ordeal. Still, I will not rest easy until I see for myself.”
Lizzy smiled and hugged him again, thoughts momentarily shifting to Kent and the inhabitants of Rosings as they snuggled together and drifted into sleep.
The former Anne de Bourgh, now Mrs. Raul Penaflor Aleman de Vigo, would unequivocally affirm that marrying Dr. Raul Penaflor was the happiest moment of her life. Not a one of the subsequent heartaches in the previous two years could supplant the overwhelming bliss they found in each other. In every way it was precisely as her cousin and lifelong friend had confided to her on the shores of Rowan Lake: “All I can assert with absolute confidence is the astounding joy to be found in a union with one whom you love and who loves you in return.”
Anne had found that joy with Raul and felt no regrets. The losses had taken their toll, and privately Anne had doubted a baby was ever to be, but strangely her fourth pregnancy proceeded with hardly a glitch. For the entire nine months Anne was chronically tired and pale, but otherwise proved to be one of those fortunate women who barely notice they are pregnant. She suffered not a single negative symptom, glowed with an inner happiness that superseded the pallor, and had a labor that lasted for four hours start to finish.
Margaret Catherine Victoria Penaflor Aleman de Vigo was tiny but perfectly healthy. Anne remained frail and wan for weeks and was unable to nurse her daughter as she had wished, but gradually the persistent care from her private physician, who loved her obsessively, prevailed.
The next day was their scheduled departure from Hertfordshire. Mrs. Bennet insisted on hosting her family for a last tea at Longbourn before they quit the area. Darcy grit his teeth and did not argue, but he prepared for a last-minute confrontation with Wickham.
The carriages with their luggage and servants were sent on to Darcy House while their coach diverted onto the narrow avenue leading to Longbourn. As soon as they crossed the threshold they heard Mrs. Bennet’s voice raised in lamentation. Mary greeted them at the door with an explanation.
“Mama is distressed over Lydia departing today. It has taken all of us by surprise as they planned to visit through Easter. Barely did we sit down for breakfast when Mr. Wickham announced they would be leaving.”
“Did he explain why?” Lizzy asked.
“Not with complete clarity, no. He smiled regretfully and pleaded, ‘pressing business affairs that pull us away from the delightful company of our family.’ He has been effusive in his apologies but firm. They are packing as we speak.”
“How odd and how sudden. Was a missive delivered today as the cause of his urgency?”
“Not that we are aware. Who can say, Lizzy? The entire affair is so strange. Why come so far for a week’s visit?” She shook her head, steering into the parlor and missing Darcy’s muttered
The latter was an understatement. Mrs. Bennet refused to be consoled. Lydia cried and expressed deep remorse at leaving one moment only to then rhapsodize over “her darling Wickham’s” promise to holiday at Brighton once his business in Portsmouth concluded. What he had to do in Portsmouth remained a mystery. No one directly asked the question and Wickham was strangely quiet.
The minuscule amount of delight Mr. Bennet experienced at seeing his youngest daughter after so many years had rapidly dissipated upon noting she was as foolish and noisy as ever. Wickham, despite being respectful and pleasant, had never been forgiven by Mr. Bennet for his despicable conduct and the scandalous affair with Lydia that had nearly brought ruin upon the entire family.
Mr. Bennet silently endured his wife’s ranting for a time before speaking. “Mrs. Bennet, we are all greatly grieved at the imminent emptiness to our family, but surely you would not wish a man as important and influential as our daughter’s fine husband to shirk his responsibilities? Imagine the negative cast this would place upon our dearest Mrs. Wickham if her husband were to gain a reputation as feckless and unprincipled.”
Mr. Bennet directed his gaze toward Wickham, who startled at the softly spoken double entendre and then flushed with anger before composing himself.
To Darcy, Wickham said nothing, not even a farewell beyond a slight incline of his head and an indecipherable smirk. Darcy was unconvinced it was that simple, but nevertheless, watching the Wickhams’ carriage wheeling away on the southwestern road skirting London was encouraging. His greatest relief was when they arrived at the palatial townhouse on Grosvenor Square that evening.
At Darcy House he was in charge and the familiarity of the townhouse pacified his soul. Of course, he did march about much as a general before the deciding battle, reiterating his usual requirements for security and privacy, and extending fresh demands for limiting unknown visitors and increasing protection to his wife and children when he was away. Darcy never lifted his voice above its normal sonorant baritone, nor did he punctuate his orders with gestures or repetition, yet there was never a doubt to any of the staff as to the seriousness of his instructions or the implied consequence if they failed. They responded to his orders with brisk, almost military efficiency.
It was late when he entered their first floor bedchamber. He opened the door from his dressing room slowly, sure that Elizabeth would be fast asleep. But, to his immediate delight and swelling desire, she was not abed but out in the garden somewhere as the patio doors were widely gaping. He found her sitting on the smoothed stones topping the short wall that surrounded the private courtyard outside their bedchamber. She was gazing at the stars visible through the waving branches of the elm that shaded the terrace but turned at his silent entry. She smiled, nestling happily into the ready embrace he offered as he sat onto the ledge beside her.
“I never can sneak up on you,” he spoke into her hair, voice vibrant with love and humor, “no matter how stealthy I try to be.”
Lizzy laughed, squeezing his arms and lacing fingers between his where they rested on her abdomen. She rotated the gold band that resided on his left hand, the unblemished metal a constant reminder of his unwavering commitment and love. “It is not a negative commentary to your stalking skills, my love. Rather, a testament to our bonding as I am always aware when you are near. My heart feels your every heartbeat and my soul hears your every breath,” she said in a lilting cadence with latent laughter.
“Now who is the poet? Abounding in romantic emotion tonight, my lover? Anything I can do to assist you in your sentimental attitude?” He accented his whispered question with several well-placed kisses to her neck.
“It was a poor attempt, albeit the truth, and meant as a hint for you to recite poetry of your own.”
He chuckled that singular rich tone of pleasure released against the skin at the bend of her shoulder that sent shivers of excitement cascading down her spine, settling into a private zone deep within her belly that only he could reach. He held her firmly against his chest, heart powerfully beating a soothing rhythm, heat infusing her skin through the thin layers of fabric that separated their flesh, arms sturdy but muscles relaxed as they surrounded her
