Page 64 of Through the Eyes of Love

“I agree. I did what I had to do at the time, and there is no reason for anyone else to know. Now, what about Mama’s parting words?”

“I hope you have an easy time of it as well.Doyou plan to sleep apart from me after the babe is born?”

“I am getting too heavy to sit on your lap or I would settle there, cover your face with kisses and assure you that when I am well after the baby is born. . .”

“Yes?” He asked suggestively.

“Nothing could keep me from falling asleep in your arms every night for the rest of our lives.”

Fitzwilliam helped her to her feet and held her close. “That is all I could ask for. I love you more than I can say, my dearest Elizabeth.”

“As I love you, forever.”

* * *

One cold eveningin early December, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were sitting near the fireplace in the cottage’s small library. “Have I ever told you about my friend, Charles Bingley?”

“I believe you told me you were planning to visit him in Hertfordshire, but the fire forced you to stay here.”

“Mrs. Reynolds knew of my travel plans, and shortly after the fire, she sent Bingley the news. It seems he was not confident enough to let that estate on his own. He was depending on me to show him how it is done.”

“If he has not settled near Meryton, where is he now?”

“Apparently, dear wife, he is on his way to visit us here and should arrive within the next few days. He heard about the devastation of Pemberley and my injuries and waited until now to allow things to settle down. He will stay at the Rose and Crown and come to see us when he arrives.”

“He is coming at this time of year?”

“He is travelling in his carriage and slowly making his way to Scarborough where he has relatives.”

“Is Mr. Bingley a married man?”

“He had not wed the last time I was with him almost two years ago in London—anything may have happened. Look at me: since Bingley and I were last together, I have married a beautiful woman and have a baby on the way. Why do you ask?”

“I was just thinking. If Jane and Richard cannot find love with each other, perhaps Mr. Bingley might suit.” She said with a quirk to her lips.

“Bingley and Jane! Why did I not think of it? We shall not say anything to either of them while Bingley is here, but Jane is sure to visit and after they meet. . .who knows?”

“What about Richard? I got the impression that when Jane and Richard were together, they seemed quite friendly towards each other.”

“Richard keeps everything inside and said nothing to me about Jane before he left for town.”

“I knew you were a true romantic at heart.”

“Not until I fell in love with you, my darling wife.”

CHAPTER 15

December 1812

“Bingley, it is very good to see you again!”

“Darcy, old boy, you look well! Judging by that nasty scar, I can only imagine how seriously injured you were. My friend, I am so thankful you survived. From the noise I heard as I rode up, it sounds like you have started to rebuild, and I look forward to seeing Pemberley as grand as it once was one day.”

“My friend, there is someone I am anxious for you to meet.” Darcy spoke to a maid, who bobbed a curtsey and climbed the stairs while the friends entered the drawing room. A moment later Elizabeth appeared in the doorway and smiled at Darcy, who kissed her hand when she reached him. Would Bingley think his old friend was living in sin with an unmarried young woman? There was always a first time for everything.

“Bingley, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my wife, Elizabeth Darcy. Elizabeth, my dear friend, Charles Bingley.”

“Your wife? How amazing!” Bingley bowed before Elizabeth and she dipped a shallow curtsey.