The Bingleys and Gardiners were eventually located, chatting amiably with the Lathrops on the second tier balcony. Lizzy delightfully embraced her aunt and uncle. They had been overjoyed and awed by Darcy's invitation to join him in the Darcy box. Lizzy had never seen her aunt fuss so over the proper gown and accoutrements! While the women effused over dresses and jewels, Lord Matlock pulled Darcy to the side.
“Fitzwilliam, I wanted to warn you. Madeline received a letter from your Aunt Catherine today. It was primarily full of her usual nonsense until the last paragraph. She rather nonchalantly mentioned that she had heard of Elizabeth's pregnancy. I was suspect, as you barely announced your blessed news to us, and the manner of her casual remark seemed, well, too casual, if you take my meaning. You know your aunt! Have you written to her?”
Darcy was frowning. “No, Uncle, I have not. The truth is I had given it minimal consideration as yet.”
“How do you suppose she discovered it?”
“That I believe I can ascertain. Elizabeth is dear friends with the wife of the vicar at Hunsford if you recall. She wrote to her while we were in Hertfordshire, as we had recently been apprised of Mrs. Collins's expectant state. I did not ask, however, I would imagine Elizabeth told her our joy as well. That husband of hers is a doltish sycophant who would run to Lady Catherine with the news.” He smiled dourly. “We have had evidence of his interference in the past.”
“Whatever the case, I thought I should give you the heads up.”
“Thank you, uncle.”
They turned back toward the ladies, Bingley and Lathrop joining them as Lord Matlock spoke, “By the way, William, are you going to accept Duke Grafton's offer?”
“I would be a fool to decline it. The honor in him asking to mix bloodlines is astounding.”
Lathrop whistled. “Well done, Darcy! Grafton's thoroughbreds are some of the best in the country. How did you finagle that? Whip him at faro?” They all laughed.
“Hardly. You know me better than that. My luck at cards is nearly as atrocious as at dice.”
Richard coughed, pretending to murmur under his breath, “Or darts.”
Darcy ignored him. “I will assuredly accept his offer. He has asked me to ride to his estate next week. I have yet to tell Elizabeth, though, so let us speak of it no further. Perhaps, Stephen, you could accompany me? You too, Bingley, then the ladies could freely entertain each other as a soothing balm to their aching hearts in our absence.”
“And you will not feel so guilty for deserting your bride, eh cousin?” Richard was grinning.
Darcy scowled at his cousin. “Just wait, Richard. Your day will come and I shall laugh all the way to the altar.”
The bell rang, signifying the imminent start of the program. The Darcy box was spacious, comfortably able to seat nine. Elizabeth and Darcy were joined by the three girls, the Gardiners, and the Bingleys. Richard and the Lathrops would be sitting with Lord and Lady Matlock in their box located next to Darcy's. As Elizabeth was entering to sit, a tap on the shoulder caused her to turn, spying the smiling face of Harriet Vernor.
“Harriet, dear! I was beginning to worry. You are coming to Darcy House after?”
“Naturally, dear Elizabeth, we will be there. I shall speak with you at intermission, yet I had to say how amazing your gown.” She leaned in to whisper, “Everyone is talking about you, sweetie. You have dazzled the leeches of the upper crust!”
“Harriet! Shame on you!” Lizzy chided with a laugh and slap of her fan, but Harriet merely winked and joined her husband with an airy wave adieu.
Darcy was waiting for his wife behind the curtain, lightly clasping her elbow to lead her to their seats in front. “The Vernors arrived, I see.” He brushed her gloved fingers with his lips as she sat, settling himself beside her. He handed over her new opera glasses as Lizzy whispered what Harriet had said. He smiled, stifling a laugh behind a cough, replying, “How could they not be dazzled, beloved? You are the most beautiful woman here.”
Lizzy graced him with a brilliant smile. “You, Mr. Darcy, are prejudiced or blind. Yet I shall accept the compliment.”
As the lights dimmed, he bent for a quick kiss to her temple. “Thank you for wearing jasmine tonight, my heart. You are ravishing and delectable. How I shall attend to the performance is beyond my comprehension.”
In truth, he attended raptly, as did Lizzy. Others may haunt the theatre for the socialization, but the Darcys honestly delighted in the spectacle. The seats were superb, with visualization so perfect that Lizzy had little need for her glasses. Darcy held her gloved hand throughout, absently raising her fingers to his lips for soft caresses, inclining for occasional whispered commentary. Once, Lizzy twisted to meet his eyes for a comment of her own and without thought they briefly kissed, eyes locking for merely a second before returning to the stage. All this was noted by the various curious onlookers, some of who were shocked and abhorred, others who found it sweet and romantic.
The performance was spectacular. Intermissions were abounding with further introductions and invitations. The gentlemen brought refreshments for the ladies, Darcy especially concerned as it was quite balmy inside and he fretted over any residual faintness. Lizzy, however, felt wonderful. It was warm and her new fan was utilized, but no dizziness ensued.
They retired to Darcy House for a light dinner with a group of their closest friends. Lizzy and Darcy played the hosts with tremendous success, the entertainment consisting solely of conversation, but none were left wanting.
It was late when they bid farewell to the last of their guests and ushered the girls to their rooms. Lizzy sat at her dressing table idly brushing her hair while dreamily musing over the evening's events and fought off sleep. Yawning hugely with eyes closed, she was unaware of her spouse's presence until he retrieved the brush from her slack hand.
He commenced brushing after tenderly kissing the top of her head. “Tired, beloved?”
“Exhausted actually. It was a busy day, but so wonderful. Everything was perfect: the music and singing, the company, the greetings.” She opened her eyes to gaze at Darcy's reflection. “I believe I was remiss in telling you how handsome you were, beloved. I saw no one to compare.” He merely smiled and continued to brush. Lizzy sighed happily and relaxed into his body. “Assist me to bed, Fitzwilliam, I doubt I could manage it alone.”
He bent over, pausing for a kiss to her shoulder, and gathered her into his arms, carrying her to their bed. Removing the gauzy robe, he nestled her bare body close to his side and in his embrace, one hand warmly blanketing her belly as they drifted into a satisfied slumber.
The morning following, dawn having peaked hours earlier, Lizzy lazily opened one eye to note a smiling Darcy propped on an elbow, staring at her while tracing one fingertip lightly over her facial features. “Must you do that, Mr. Darcy?” she mumbled sleepily.
“I must, yes, I must. It is a compulsion born from an urgent hunger for you, my wife.” He commenced the placement of gentle kisses along her neck, working his way slowly down to below her navel. Lizzy stretched and sighed, playing with his thick hair. His husky voice drifted to her from under the blanket, “Good morning, child mine. Grow quickly and strong so your parents can feel you.” He kissed and caressed her belly, murmuring further nonsense while Lizzy roused fully. “Elizabeth, am I simply hopefully wishing, or are you slightly thicker here?” He ran a hand over her hipbones, which did not feel as acute as usual.
“I have noticed the same,” she replied with a smile, withdrawing the blanket so she could see his face. “A couple of my favorite chemises are snug now. I frequently discern little flutters inside, like feathers tickling, but I do not know if it is the baby moving or, well, other sensations,” she finished with a blush.