Page 59 of Through the Eyes of Love

Elizabeth and her husband stood outside the cottage until the Gardiner carriage was out of sight. “Thank you for inviting my family to return.” They walked towards the garden.

“I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my time with them. Everything you told me is true, and I can understand why you love them so much. Your uncle and I had an opportunity to speak about potential investments, and we shall be partnering in a few business ventures.”

“You need not give my uncle money. With his new position, they are living quite comfortably.”

“My love, I am notgivingyour uncle anything. He and I believe it is important to provide for the future of our families and we shall all benefit from it. Pemberley has not generated any income for the past year, and before the Gardiners’ visit, I had already considered making new investments. I trust your uncle’s advice and wish to increase the Darcy coffers. Together, weare funding new innovations—besides, construction is expensive and I pray we shall have more mouths to feed one day.”

Sooner than you think, dear husband. Sooner than you think.

* * *

Darcy and Elizabethwere strolling around Pemberley’s lake, and he squeezed her hand. “I received a note from my uncle—the Matlocks are bringing Georgiana here tomorrow for a visit. We have not seen them since we were married. They probably wish to see if things are better between us now than they were at our wedding. I am certain they will be delighted to see how much we love each other.”

“No more pleased than I, my love.”

Darcy raised her hand and kissed it. “Were there ever two people more in love than us?”

* * *

When their guests arrived,Colonel Fitzwilliam had unexpectedly joined them but Georgiana had not. “Is my sister unwell, my lady?” Darcy asked. He had been looking forward to seeing Georgie again.

“She is quite well, Fitzwilliam. Shortly before we were to leave she received a large package of new music from her master in London. She was anxious to look through it but promised to visit soon.”

Lady Matlock’s new niece was wearing the face cream they had purchased together, and the lady smiled as she touched her own cheek. They sat together and talked and laughed as they all enjoyed tea and refreshments. Darcy could not believehis relatives would embarrass him so thoroughly by regaling his wife with descriptions of his more outlandish childhood escapades. Before the guests departed, his aunt pulled Darcy aside. “I am gratified to see how well you and your wife are getting along.”

“We are very much in love, my lady, and will always be so.” Could he be more pleased to say those words with a full heart?

Before he entered the carriage, Richard asked Darcy, “Has Elizabeth’s sister visited yet?”

“Yes, she arrived when she travelled north with her aunt and uncle last month. She told us she had been discontent living in Hertfordshire, so we offered her a small estate I own nearby, and she recently moved there. She visits us several times a week.”

“I may see you sooner than you think.”

“You are always welcome here.”

* * *

A week after the Matlocks’visit, Jane was visiting the Darcys when the colonel arrived.

“Richard, may I present my wife’s sister, Mrs. Horton. Jane, my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam of His Majesty’s army.”

“I am delighted to meet you, Mrs. Horton. Your sister has often spoken of you.”

“I am pleased to meet you as well, Colonel.” Jane was all that was polite in her demure smile.

Darcy took one look at Richard’s face and his expression told him that he was already smitten by Jane’s beauty and gentle demeanour. Her sister, on the other hand, was understandably wary around him as she was with all men.Perhaps it will take more time for her to be sure of what she wants.

Elizabeth poured the tea. She, Darcy, and Richard chatted amiably while Jane was mostly silent during the conversation.Why would that be? Darcy did not understand women. Perhaps a moment alone with her sister would help Jane. Darcy rose and waved towards the manor house. “Richard, have you seen the rebuilt staircase yet?”

“No, but I believe I am about to. Pray excuse us, ladies.” He finished his tea while he stood.

* * *

“Mrs. Horton is everything lovely.”The men walked together towards the manor house.

“She has endured a great deal of sadness. We hope that by living so close by, we can both help her feel better.” They walked in silence for a moment. “Richard, I saw you staring at Jane—are you planning to call on her again? If you are, I must make myself clear—she is my sister and I will do anything possible to keep her from being hurt. If you bring her any grief, I may be forced to run you through.”

“I know you are joking but Iwouldlike to get to know her better, which leads me to tell you I must leave for London soon to resign my commission. I have already sent in the paperwork and now I must appear before my superior officers. I admit I am jealous of what you and Elizabeth have. I never thought I would settle down but my old bones are telling me it is time.”