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E lizabeth had chosen an open chaise for their excursion, so they would not need her companion to travel with them. Mrs. Curtice was in the vehicle behind, with the extra footmen.

William — she savoured his given name in her mind — handed her up the step and she settled herself on the seat. He climbed up and sat on the seat opposite her, his gaze tender.

“I am sure your father is watching through a window,” he murmured, “so I would not dare to sit too close.”

She laughed. “Do you think he will ask Mrs. Curtice to give an accounting of our deportment when we arrive back?”

His expression was equally mischievous. “On this first occasion, I would not give him any cause for concern.” His gaze caressed her. “We will soon be wed, dearest, then I will have you beside me always.”

Her insides dissolved at the passion in his eyes, and she looked away, her cheeks hot with embarrassment.

He leaned forward and reached for her hand. “Do not be discomfited, my love. There is nothing I would do to distress you in any way. I hope you know that and can have confidence in my steadfastness.”

She nodded. “I do, William.”

He hadn’t let go of her hand. “I like the sound of my name on your lips.”

She tugged her hand free and sat back. “So, how did your conversation over the port go last night, William? Did your uncle’s presence prevent the discussion you were going to have?”

He shook his head. “No. Until my lawyer arrives from London, we cannot finalise the settlement on you, although we have been in discussions about it, of course. I will tell you about it, if you wish, once the details have been approved by your father.”

Elizabeth’s eyes were caught by the sight of the river as the chaise turned to drive alongside the park. “Goodness! It’s much bigger than I thought it was, and look how much park there is to walk in!”

He leaned across. “The river Lune. I, too am surprised at its size, though I suppose I ought not to be, given the shipbuilding yards I learned about at school.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I don’t think they can be big ships, though. Maybe barges and pleasure boats.”

“True.” His gaze assessed her. “I think you are eager to get out and walk, madam. Would you wish to do so?”

She made a face. “Well, yes I would, but I have not walked out freely for so long. Is it possible there may be somewhere that is not so frequented, so that I might walk out at a faster than lady- like pace?”

His smile lit up his face. “Well, I am taller than you and can stride out without looking as if I am doing so. So I think you can stretch out a little without looking unladylike.”

Her hand was tucked into his arm, and the warmth radiating up her arm reduced Elizabeth’s ability to concentrate on anything else.

At least it was true that she could walk quite fast, her legs being so much shorter than his, and she looked around her with a lively interest to try to take her mind from the knowledge of his nearness.

An hour later, they sat in the dappled shade of a great old oak. “I wonder how this tree escaped the axes of those building warships,” she said, inconsequentially. “I’ve been sorry to see so many oaks being lost.”

“Remind me in the autumn, my dear, and we will return and collect acorns. Pemberley park always has space for more trees.” His voice was absent, distracted.

“What are you thinking, William?”

He flickered a glance at her. “How happy I am that you worked hard with Georgiana last night, alleviating her nervousness. I hope you will be friends.”

“We will, I can assure you. She is a lovely young lady. Although I’m sorry, in a way, that she has returned with your aunt and uncle back to Matlock.”

William nodded. “It is for the best, I think. I am conscious of the fact that we have not had a proper courtship, Elizabeth, and I would not want you to feel you have had my attention divided between us. Georgiana likes staying at Hayden Hall, and my cousin may well bring his wife and children, too. She adores the children.”

“You’re very good,” Elizabeth murmured, and looked up as the breeze caused the dappled light to flicker and move. “The only thing that could be improved would be if we could lose the staff guarding me.”

At his smile, she huffed a little. “Yes, I know. It cannot be allowed at the moment.” She turned, and quietly touched his arm. “Perhaps later we can walk in the gardens of the castle. We ought to have a little more privacy then.”

They arrived back at the castle in good time to prevent her father being concerned, and she smiled at William. “Thank you for being prompt. It will encourage him to allow us more freedom another day.”

He chuckled. “I am depending on it. I will search the guidebooks at Briarwood and see where else I might take you.”

Elizabeth frowned. “I’m surprised Father isn’t waiting for us.”

“He’s being very helpful in letting us have a little more freedom,” William sighed. “Elizabeth, do you mind that our wedding will be so soon? I am impatient to make you mine, but I can understand if you might wish to delay it.”

She took his hand and turned it over. “No. I’m anxious to be Mrs. Darcy, too. And it will ease Father’s mind; he’s worried too long over the apparent danger to me. Although I will be sorry to leave him alone again, as he was for so much of my childhood.”

He squeezed her hand back. “Then we will proceed as agreed. I believe your Bailey relations are going to descend here to plan for the ceremony and the wedding breakfast.” He chuckled.

“Lady Elizabeth, I am convinced that all the unmarried young fortune hunter gentlemen will be in mourning at the loss of their opportunity with you.”

As they divested themselves of their outerwear in the hall, the butler stood nearby. “His Grace wishes you to know that you have callers, Lady Elizabeth.”

She turned startled eyes on him. “Who are they?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, my lady.”

“Jane!” Elizabeth’s heart leapt, and she hurried for the drawing room.

She threw her arms around her sister. “You came all this way! I’m so pleased to see you.”

“I’ll always be here if you need me, Lizzy,” Jane murmured. “But I see you have been out with Mr. Darcy, so everything must now be better than when you wrote to me.”

Elizabeth drew back a little. “Oh, dear. I forgot I wrote that to you when I thought Mr. Darcy wouldn’t come here.”

She remembered herself, and turned to Mr. Bingley. “Thank you for bringing my sister to me, Mr. Bingley. It is a long way.”

Father was standing slightly apart with William. He looked concerned, and she crossed the room to take his hand.

“I am sorry, Father. I wrote to Jane when … when I thought Mr. Darcy was later than I thought he’d be, and then I convinced myself that he might not come at all because of all the rumours, and …”

He glanced at William, who broke in. “Elizabeth, let us not dwell on why your sister is here, let us be happy they are.” He smiled down at her. “I think you may have some news for them, which your father has generously waited until you can give it.”

“Oh,” she lifted her face to his. “Yes, thank you, William.” As she turned back to her sister, she heard him speaking in a low voice to Father.

“Bingley is my friend of long-standing, sir. It is appropriate that they stay with me at Briarwood, especially as you are expecting the party from Consall Hall shortly.”

She heard Father’s murmur of approval, and turned to wait for William to join her. Then she beamed at her sister.

“I hope you can see that everything is well now, Jane.” She tried not to acknowledge she was blushing. “I would ask you to wish us joy.”

Jane stepped forward to embrace her. “I knew something had happened the moment I saw you enter the room, Lizzy. I am delighted for you.” Jane looked up at William.

“You have secured the best lady in the world, Mr. Darcy. My congratulations.”

Mr. Bingley was shaking William’s hand, beaming, and Elizabeth was amused to note her fiancé’s air of discomfort.

“We will take tea.” Father’s voice brought everyone back to reality, and the group moved towards the chairs and sofas grouped by the fireplace, where an unnecessary fire burned cheerfully.

“Are you sure you’re well, Lizzy?” Jane’s faint murmur was only for her. “I know you didn’t want to be forced into an early marriage just to keep you safe.”

Elizabeth leaned against her. “I am more than content, Jane. I will explain it all later.”