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The full moon gave an ethereal glow to the trees as Elizabeth walked with her father and Jane to the stone circle.

As was his wont, Herne met them at the edge of Oakham Forest and accompanied them to the clearing where he laid down and nestled into that one verdant patch of grass he favoured.

If her guess was correct, he would be her chaperon until it was no longer required.

Even then, would he still follow her all over the forest?

Her heart hurt at the thought of him no longer roaming through the trees and grazing in the clearing with the pheasants.

Mr. Lawson, the vicar from Meryton, entered the clearing five minutes later. “Ah, you have arrived. I saw Mr. Darcy approaching from Netherfield when I entered the wood. He should not be far behind.”

“Excellent,” said Papa.

They had been fortunate when Mr. Lawson had applied for the position four years ago.

Since he was magic himself, he understood the complexities of marriages and the traditions of their world.

He placed the registry upon the altar and opened the large tome to the page she and Fitzwilliam would sign after they were wed.

He also removed a bottle of ink and a pen that was wrapped in oiled wool to protect his clothing.

Elizabeth took in a deep breath and released it.

Her entire body trembled, and butterflies seemed to be flying circles in her stomach.

Yet, she was not as nervous as her body would have her believe.

After the visions from the altar as well as the connexion she had experienced with her betrothed through visions all these years, she and Fitzwilliam were surely meant to be together.

Every interaction she had with him only confirmed what the magic that flowed through them whispered to both of them—they were more than a charmed contract.

The power that flowed through the earth meant for them to be together for whatever reason, even if they never understood why.

Their marriage could have repercussions during their lifetimes or even repercussions meant to happen centuries into the future.

The consequences of their marriage was impossible to know.

When Fitzwilliam stepped into the clearing, he pulled the hood of his cloak from his head as his cousin emerged from the trees behind him.

Her betrothed was so handsome. He took her breath away when he turned those vivid blue eyes on her.

Even when he was uncomfortable, his gaze would convey his love for her.

And what she felt for him—well, the attachment had formed so swiftly that she always seemed lightheaded when he was near.

He joined their party beside the altar, and Mr. Lawson glanced between them. “I must say, Miss Elizabeth, when your father explained your position and why you needed to marry in the circle, I was astounded. I can still hardly believe it.”

Her father nodded at her arm, so she slipped the cape off her shoulder and pulled her elbow-length sleeve up to reveal her birthmark.

The rector gasped and shook his head. “I assure you, I shall not breathe a word, but this is an exciting development indeed.” He clapped his hands in front of him.

“If all parties are ready, then let us proceed. Thankfully, the weather cooperated with your plans, and the moon is out to bless your union with good fortune. This is truly an auspicious occasion.”

As Mr. Lawson began the ceremony, her father stood beside him while her sister and the colonel flanked her and Fitzwilliam.

At the moment they joined their hands, the moon seemed to bathe them alone in its celestial light.

Their hands also shone while they exchanged their vows, and the gold ring that was slipped upon her finger glinted in the moonlight. Mr. Lawson again gasped at the sight.

“I have never seen the like.”

“We have never seen two heirs married before either,” said Papa drolly.

Her gaze, however, never strayed from Fitzwilliam’s other than to glance down when they joined hands and when he placed his ring upon her finger. Her entire body hummed and trembled, but she now recognised what was happening. The power from the earth as well as the moon were blessing their union.

As soon as Mr. Lawson declared them husband and wife, he uncorked the ink so they could sign the register.

She wrote her name, then passed the pen to Fitzwilliam, so he could sign his own.

When her now husband had completed his signature and barely lifted his pen from the paper, both their names appeared to light into flame, and when the glow dissipated, their signatures were dry.

Papa chuckled. “’Tis a shame your father was not here to see this, Darcy. He was always fascinated with the vagaries of the earth’s magic. The earth and the moon have seemed to align to bless your marriage—a singular occurrence indeed.”

Mr. Lawson brushed his fingers over their names in the registry. “Fascinating.” He murmured as though speaking any louder would disturb those around them. Jane grasped her hand. Her sister’s eyes were wide.

“My father will be upset at missing this,” said the colonel. “Like Darcy’s father once did, he studies rare magic.”

The vicar shut the registry book and corked the ink.

“Forgive me for rushing off, but my wife will wonder why I have been gone for so long. I told her I was visiting a parishioner. When she learns I have married you, Mrs. Darcy, and that she missed it, she will give me no quarter, particularly when she learns you are the heir. At least I shall have a few weeks’ respite before she discovers what I have done. ”

Once Mr. Lawson disappeared into the trees, Papa crossed his arms over his chest. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, perhaps you could bring a letter to your father for me when you depart on the morrow? I had forgotten about his knowledge of rare magic, and we have been searching for answers to a vision for some time now and have found none.”

“Of course, sir. I would be honoured to be of aid.”

“The information is of a sensitive nature and cannot fall into the wrong hands,” said Fitzwilliam. “Pray, have your father take care with who delivers the return correspondence. At least one person has died already, and the person responsible will continue to kill if we do not stop them.”

She squeezed his arm. He phrased their situation as well as he could without giving away the contents of their vision.

Thus far, they had only told Papa. They could only hope nothing changed as a result of telling him.

With his knowledge of magic, they prayed it would help for her to succeed in defeating whoever was coming for her—or Papa.

If they were draining magic, the evildoer would have to be a fool not to come for Papa.

She shuddered. What if the vision had taken place after that person had already stolen her father’s magic?

Between the duke’s and her father’s power, they would be formidable, if not indestructible.

Fitzwilliam wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. “Are you cold?”

“I am well.” She attempted to smile up at him as though undisturbed.

How could she not be ill at ease? They had found nothing to be of aid.

In the visions, Fitzwilliam had noted snow on the ground.

With December fast approaching, the colder days would bring the weather he had witnessed.

It was imperative they find the information they required before whoever the voice was sought them out.

Hers and her father’s life depended upon it.

Fitzwilliam pulled her a little further into his side. He was surely thinking the same thing. His frustration at the end of fruitlessly searching day after day was obvious. When they had indulged in an embrace, he had begun to hold her closer and tighter. He surely feared what was to come.

“We should go,” said Papa as he waved Jane to him.

“If we do not return to Longbourn soon, we shall be missed.” They had given Mama a sleeping draught before they had departed.

Mrs. Hill and Mary could manage Lydia and Kitty without aid, and as long as Mama slept the entire time they were gone, all would be well.

The colonel accompanied them to the edge of the forest, where his horse awaited him. “I shall be departing first thing on the morrow, Mr. Bennet.”

Papa gave a dip of his chin. “I shall pen the letter as soon as I arrive home, and I shall expect you near dawn.”

As soon as Colonel Fitzwilliam rode away, Papa gestured towards Longbourn. “Come. The dower house is not far from Longbourn. I have ensured it remains hidden in the event it is required for some secret purpose—as it is now.”

Her husband kept her close to his side as they walked. Her husband! Her heart was so full at this moment. How was she to keep it all from overflowing?

She had been to the dower cottage many times since she was a little girl.

When her father began teaching her spells, he would bring her there to practice.

No one happened upon them when it was just the two of them.

His propensity of keeping matters to himself was prudent.

No one knew precisely what resources Papa had available to him.

When they reached the cluster of trees that bordered the cottage, Papa held up his hand. “Oscailt súl.” The dower house became visible, and he muttered another couple of words which removed the remaining protections.

“Once you are inside, I shall place the enchantments back upon the cottage to keep you from harm. I shall return on afternoon of the solstice to retrieve you.

Elizabeth hugged Jane and her father before her husband took her hand and led her inside the stone cottage.

She had always loved this place. The house was only a little smaller than Longbourn, with furniture that was outdated but in excellent condition.

None should show wear since the house was hardly ever used.

Her father had ensured the kitchen was stocked with some food and any necessities they would require.

He had taken her trunk yesterday and had sent it in preparation for this evening.

As soon as Fitzwilliam closed the door behind them, his arms slipped around her body. “I thought we would never be alone.”

She laughed. “We have spent most mornings alone since we met.”

His nose nuzzled along her neck. “We were in the forest with your protector. We were not without a chaperon.”

“You mean Herne?”

He helped her remove her cloak and hung it on the hook by the door. “Yes, that great white beast who snorts and paws the ground if I dare to touch you. I never thought I would be chaperoned by a stag, but what else could he be?”

“He is my friend.” She began to take off her gloves while he saw to his own cloak. “So, Charlotte called on me this morning.”

“I hope Miss Lucas is well.”

She set her gloves on the table and backed further into the hall.

“After four days of courting, Mr. Collins has declared his love for her and proposed.” Elizabeth could hardly credit it.

Yes, Charlotte would likely never receive another offer of marriage, but Mr. Collins was all that was ridiculous. How would she bear a lifetime with him?

Fitzwilliam paused and gaped. “He did?”

“Yes, and she accepted. She declared all she desires is a home of her own and not to be a burden upon her family. I do not understand her decision, but your instincts were correct in this instance, although Papa did catch Mr. Collins wandering Longbourn two nights ago. Your aunt’s insistence he marry me was certainly done in a forceful manner, and he must have been struggling with Papa’s charm. ”

He stared off for a moment while biting his lip.

“She has always been one to consult seers. I wonder if one saw and told her of your identity. My father always told her I was betrothed, but he would never divulge your name. My aunt can be a harridan, and he did not want your family bothered. He also never trusted her. Richard and I look into her daughter Anne’s condition on a regular basis, but we have little contact with Lady Catherine if we can help it.

If Mr. Collins has been compelled so strongly, I would suspect she used a potion on him.

She has no gift for potion making, so she, no doubt, purchased the tincture from someone who does. ”

“Yes, Papa thought the same. He suggested to Charlotte that they do not hesitate to wed. He has concerns that if Mr. Collins returns to Hunsford and tells Lady Catherine that he is betrothed, she will compel him to end that engagement and once again pursue me.”

Fitzwilliam frowned. “But we are married. He would have no hope of success.”

“I believe Papa is more concerned with her using some other means to get what she wants. If she has someone who is making potions for her, then Mr. Collins could wreak havoc without knowing what he was truly doing. ”

After he set his gloves beside hers, he shook his head. “I do not wish to speak of my aunt or Collins or even Miss Lucas at this moment.”

His intense gaze made her flesh prickle with heat. “What would you care to speak of then?”

He began to stalk towards her with a grin she had never seen before.

She took a step back. “What are you about?”

With a chuckle, he lunged forward and pulled her back into his arms. “We are finally alone—completely alone—and you want to talk about my aunt and Mr. Collins when we have much more agreeable matters to discuss?”

“Once again, what do you believe we should speak of?”

He claimed her lips, tugging at both before deepening the kiss. Her chest and stomach filled with a fluttering that made her breathless as he drew her tight against him. His fingers dug into her sides while he groaned into her mouth.

When he trailed tiny nibbles along her jaw, she curled her own fingers into his hair. “I do not hear any talking, Fitzwilliam.”