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E lizabeth lay back on the bed. At last, exhaustion seemed to be creeping up on her elation.

Aunt Gardiner patted her shoulder. “I think you will sleep all night, Lizzy. I am so happy all has worked out well.”

Exhausted or not, Elizabeth quite thought she’d never sleep again, and when the nursery maid came to take the baby, Elizabeth drew him more tightly against her.

“No. Leave him with me.”

“Lady Elizabeth.” Sir Charles was by the bed. “May I suggest that the girl takes him to the nursery? You are very tired, and the risks of overlying when you sleep heavily with the babe in the bed are very significant.”

Elizabeth looked up at him. “I understand, Sir Charles. But I do not wish to be parted from him. Might the crib be moved to beside the bed? He could be placed in there, and the nursery maid may attend him here.”

“It would be better if he were in the nursery, so noise would not disturb you. You must sleep soon, or your recovery will be delayed.”

She shook her head. “If he is not in the room, I don’t think I will sleep at all for worry for him.”

William had appeared beside her. “Lady Elizabeth makes a good point, Sir Charles. I will watch over them both.”

The physician seemed to capitulate. “Very well. But the nurse or midwife will need to observe that all is well during the night.”

Elizabeth turned to William, who had drawn a chair close to the bed. “Is it Wednesday now? Evening?”

He shook his head. “It is evening, but it is Thursday.” His shudder reverberated through her. “It went very hard with you. I am sorry.”

She leaned her head against his arm. “It is done. But I am sorry, too. It must have been difficult to bear downstairs for you and Father.” She sighed. “Is he well now?”

William nodded. “He is much relieved, but very weary. He has accepted the offer of a chamber here tonight, and in the morning I hope you will allow me to take our son to the receiving chamber so that he may see his grandson.”

She glanced over at the crib. “He must see him tomorrow, of course. But I would also like to see Father. We will see in the morning.” She worried the edge of the blanket with her fingers.

“I know you need to sleep, William. But I want you beside me. Could you lie beside me tonight? The bed is quite big enough.”

His lips twitched. “That is quite improper, my dear. But … since I too, never want to be parted from you again after the last days, I will do as you suggest.” His chuckle warmed her through; she had quite expected to never hear it again.

“I think we have already scandalised Sir William and the other staff.”

She smiled at him, and within minutes, he had shed his tailcoat, cravat and shoes, and was stretched out on top of the bed covers beside her.

His arm came behind her head, and she leaned into him. “That is better.” After a moment she looked up. “Will you be able to rest enough?”

“If I can be beside you, and you sleep, then I will, too.” He kissed her forehead. “Now rest.”

She turned her head to watch her son snuffling in his crib. She was blessed that he appeared to be unharmed from the long, arduous birth, but he must be tired. She hoped he would feed well and sleep.

Some time later, his whisper brushed across her skin. “Can you not sleep?”

“I am resting. That is the most I can expect tonight, I think,” she murmured. “I’m glad you’re here, although I’m sorry if you are too uncomfortable to sleep.”

“It is the greatest comfort to be beside you, dearest. I will let you rest.” His lips brushed hers, and then he tucked her more closely in to him, and she murmured in satisfaction, first lifting her hand to run along the side of his face.

His unshaven jaw was really rather handsome, she thought, though his valet and the rest of the staff must be outraged.

Elizabeth managed to permit William to leave her confinement chamber in the morning, thinking her toilette would probably need to be extended if she was to appear well when she saw Father.

Aunt Gardiner appeared better this morning too, when she slipped in to see her. “Oh, Lizzy, how are you this morning? Mr. Darcy said you hardly slept.”

“Well, if he noticed, then neither did he.” Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, and her aunt laughed.

“You are feeling on top of the world, I see. It is a good feeling, isn’t it?”

Elizabeth nodded. “But I ache all over, Aunt. I was hoping to get up this morning to see Father. Do you think he might be permitted in here instead?”

Her aunt considered her. “Do you think we ought to wait until tomorrow? You might look better by then and worry him less.”

Elizabeth laughed. “You know Father better than I do. If he cannot see me today, he will worry more.”

“Well, I suppose in that case it will be better if you stay on the bed today and receive him in here.” Her aunt reached over and plumped up her pillow. “Sir Charles will have to approve it first, you know.”