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Elizabeth opened her eyes and blinked at Fitzwilliam, who was lying beside her, his head propped on his hand while he watched her. One of the fingers on his spare hand twirled one of her curls around and around. He wore a lazy sort of smile that spoke of contentment. He was so very dear.

She rolled to face him and reached to caress his cheek, which was covered in a day’s worth of stubble. He was so handsome when he was unkempt, his hair mussed and his beard visible against his skin. She was the only one to see him thus. These moments were her favourites.

“Good morning,” he said in a hoarse voice. His voice always held that rough tone when he first awakened. He could not have been staring at her for long.

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

He grinned. “You make the most adorable expressions while you sleep. I was just enjoying them before you opened your eyes. My favourite was when you crinkled your nose. You looked like a rabbit.” He tapped the tip of her nose as he spoke.

“A rabbit? I doubt that, but I am certain you finding humour in my countenance while I sleep is uncharitable. I shall need to seek some form of retribution, so you should be warned.” She sat up, holding the sheet to her chest. Fitzwilliam had removed her nightgown last night when they were intimate, but she still was not particularly comfortable with leaving herself bare whenever they were alone in their chambers.

On the other hand, he had no qualms striding about the room sans clothing.

He was beautiful, so she would never insist he don a dressing gown.

She simply could not fathom how to behave in those situations .

At the familiar sounds of a carriage approaching the house, her husband threw off the coverlet and strode to the window as naked as the day he was born.

Since the new year, they had been holding their breath, waiting for Lady Catherine to appear on their doorstep.

Could this finally be the day she arrived?

If it was, Fitzwilliam would want to know as soon as possible.

“Who is it?”

He shook his head. “I do not recognise the carriage, but I can say with certainty it is not my aunt. She spared no expense putting the de Bourgh crest on the door in gold leaf as well as outfitting her men with expensive livery. Whoever this is has not wasted their funds in such a way.”

She slipped on her robe and hastened to his side. When the door of the equipage opened, a lady emerged with a gentleman stepping down behind her. Elizabeth inhaled sharply.

“Miss Bingley—but how?”

“Well, she must have found someone to bring her here. Now we only need discover what nefarious scheme she is about before she is sent back.” Fitzwilliam’s countenance appeared stormy.

“You believe Mr. Bingley will return her to Scarborough? From what you told me, he was not one to stand up to her until just before she departed. What if he allows her to remain?”

Her husband let the drapery fall back into place, set his hands upon her shoulders, and kissed her forehead.

“I shall dress and make my way downstairs. I hope Bingley will hold fast to his resolve in order to keeping Miss Bingley in check, but your concerns are not without merit. I have seen him waver on her behaviour before.”

After he departed to his dressing room, Elizabeth bit her lip and shifted the drapery as a gentleman stepped down from the portico to the drive and re-entered the carriage. When the vehicle drove away, she exhaled and departed to her own dressing room. She had to know what was happening !

Her maid’s efficient work had her dressed in a morning gown and on her way downstairs without delay. As she descended the stairs, the shrieking tones of Miss Bingley echoed through the hall.

“I shall not return! My aunt is all that is ridiculous. She says I am unladylike. Me! I learnt decorum at one of the finest schools in England. What does my aunt know? Nothing!”

“Caroline, I made myself quite clear when I sent you north. I shall not have you ruining my chances with Jane Bennet, and you will not make yourself a nuisance to Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.”

“Mrs. Darcy!” screamed Miss Bingley. “She is not worthy to be Mrs. Darcy. Miss Elizabeth Bennet with her country fashions and her country manners. She is a disgrace to the Darcy name!”

“You should not speak when you know naught of what you are saying,” said Fitzwilliam’s deep voice.

“Darcy is correct. You should not speak so.”

As the hall came into Elizabeth’s view, Miss Bingley drew herself up.

“I actually know a great deal, Charles. It is you who refuses to listen. That lady will be laughed out of the drawing rooms of London. The entire neighbourhood has spoken of the fact that she has never shown any sign of an ability. She has no talent. How does that happen in a magical family?”

“And I have told you, Miss Bingley,” said Fitzwilliam who stood near Mr. Bingley but somewhat behind him.

“My wife is immensely talented but has never flaunted her magic before everyone. As for drawing rooms, neither of us has any intention of taking part in the diversions of London. At our first opportunity, we shall journey to Derbyshire and spend our days in the country—at Pemberley.”

Miss Bingley threw up her hands. “Someone will need to guide dear Georgiana when it is time for her to come out. You cannot expect such a simpleton to do so. Otherwise, how will she marry well? ”

When Elizabeth stepped down from the last step, Miss Bingley turned to face her. “You should not be Mrs. Darcy! You know nothing!” The lady began rushing towards her, her countenance hard and her gaze murderous. “Mr. Darcy was meant for me! You had no right—”

As Miss Bingley’s fist made to swing, her brother hastened to grab it, but Elizabeth’s arm flew up, palm out. “Plab.”

Before Miss Bingley’s hand could connect with Elizabeth’s body, the woman flew back until she slammed against the door. Elizabeth’s hand remained lifted as she pinned Miss Bingley, keeping the woman from lifting any part of herself from the door. She could not get down nor could she retaliate.

Miss Bingley’s eyes widened, and her mouth opened and closed several times. “How is this possible?”

Elizabeth continued to hold Miss Bingley aloft while she rotated her arm so Miss Bingley could see the birthmark. “Because I am not merely a Bennet daughter. I am also the heir.”

“Ladies are not heirs!” The lady’s chest heaved in order for her to yell as she had. She had been compelled to heave out the words one at a time due to the force of the spell pinning her.

“This one is,” said Fitzwilliam. He gazed at Elizabeth in such a way that everything in her longed to kiss him. She was not yet ready, however, to relinquish her hold on Miss Bingley.

“I tried to warn you about this, Caroline.” Bingley stepped closer to his sister but made no move to remove her from where she was still pressed flat against the door.

“Darcy’s parents would not have betrothed them to each other as they did without good reason.

He has said as much many times, but I did not know the truth of the matter until Mrs. Darcy’s abilities were announced on the solstice.

“I warned you of the prominence of the Bennet family in magical circles. Have you not noticed how those in the neighbourhood defer to them? Mr. Bennet led the ceremony at Samhain, and Mrs. Darcy lit the bonfire for the solstice. When word of her existence spreads, she will be accepted by the highest of magical circles. You have erred greatly, sister.”

Elizabeth winced. She doubted she would be accepted by the highest circles, but she had no worry for whether she was or not. Just as always, Mr. Bingley saw things in the best light. He would never believe anyone would discount her magic because she was a lady.

“Put me down!” screeched Miss Bingley.

Elizabeth tilted her head. “Will you calm yourself? I can stun you if I must.”

Fitzwilliam shifted closer to her side. “I can assure you, Miss Bingley, her stunning spells are unpleasant to say the least. The last time we practised, she hit me with one that gave me the worst megrim. Even with a potion to be of aid, two days passed before the entirety of the pain dissipated.”

Miss Bingley gave a shriek. “Very well! I shall be calm.”

After a quick glance at the gentlemen, Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. Should she believe Miss Bingley? The lady had shown she was little to be trusted during their brief acquaintance. “Very well. But I shall provide you no leniency if you attempt to hurt me, my husband, or even your brother.”

“I thank you for your protection, Mrs. Darcy,” said Mr. Bingley.

As Elizabeth lowered her hand, Miss Bingley gradually dropped until her feet were once again on the floor. At the release of the remaining spell, she heaved in a great breath.

“I shall not return to Scarborough.”

Mr. Bingley gave a dark chuckle and shook his head.

“You have no choice. You do not have enough funds remaining to establish yourself in town as you would wish. I still cannot believe you convinced Mr. Grantley to convey you and your maid here on their family’s way to London for the Season.

My aunt surely wrote of your escape, yet I have yet to receive her letter.

Knowing her, she refused to send the missive express due to the expense.

“Nevertheless, you will be returned without delay. I shall notify the inns this afternoon, and you will depart in the morning.”

“Charles,” said Miss Bingley weakly. “Pray, do not do this to me.”

“If you had shown even an ounce of respect for others, regardless of their position, you would not be in this predicament now. Due to your behaviour, your lady’s maid is overpaid—likely more than any servant in the country.

The more you mistreated her, the more I had to pay to hire a new maid or to retain that one.

That said, I shall not pay her wages anymore.

When you return, you will care for yourself.

Maybe that will give you an appreciation for all that a maid does.

In the meantime, you will save me a fortune.

With the new chores you will be forced to take on, you will also not have enough time to plan another escape. ”

The lady’s complexion turned ashen. “You cannot be serious.” She was shocked, but how? According to Fitzwilliam, Miss Bingley had been given numerous warnings over the years. Her brother had to take a stand eventually.

“Mrs. Nicholls, pray, see my sister to her former chambers. She will have no need to unpack, but if you would be so kind as to teach her how to air her travelling gown so she can wear it again on the morrow, I would be appreciative. And Caroline, I shall not hesitate to have Mrs. Darcy stun or bind you for the return trip, so I suggest you do as I ask.”

The housekeeper gestured to two footmen, who came to stand behind Miss Bingley. “If you would follow me.”

“Charles,” said Miss Bingley. Her voice was pleading, yet her brother turned his head away as she was led from the room. He was truly done with her .

“Forgive that scene if you would.” Mr. Bingley scrubbed his face with his hands. “Mrs. Darcy, I cannot apologise enough for my sister’s behaviour towards you.”

Elizabeth placed her hand on his forearm. “Do not think on it a moment more. I believe we all have relations whose behaviour is not what we would always wish. In those situations, a good memory is unpardonable.”

Both Mr. Bingley and her husband chuckled.

“I am thankful for your view on the matter. You make an excellent wife for my friend. I do hope he deserves you.”

“What do you mean by that?” asked Fitzwilliam wearing a feigned frown.

“I am speaking in jest, of course. You have been a good friend. I would not have made a success of learning to run an estate without your aid. You also helped me with my ability for which I am grateful.”

While Mr. Bingley spoke, Fitzwilliam pulled her to his side, his muscular arm wrapped around her to keep her there. “I was happy to do so, but that does not mean you may flirt with my wife.”

Mr. Bingley gave a jovial laugh. “That was not flirting. If I had decided to charm your wife, I would have said something more clever than that. Besides, I am interested in none but Miss Bennet.”

“I am pleased to hear it,” Elizabeth said.

She could not help but grin at Mr. Bingley’s pronouncement.

While she and Fitzwilliam had seen what they both believed to be the day of Mr. Bingley’s and Jane’s engagement, they could not be certain of anything in a vision until the event took place.

Yet, in regard to the visions coming from the altar, those seemed to be more reliable than most. Her father believed them to be accurate as well.

With a happy shrug, Mr. Bingley waved them in the direction of the breakfast room. “Come. I would prefer to have some tea and a hearty breakfast and speak of more pleasant matters. I cannot dwell on what has become of Caroline. It is too difficult.”

Fitzwilliam gave him a clap on the back as they made their way to breakfast. As much as what had just occurred would hang over Mr. Bingley for the rest of the day, perhaps they could distract him from it for a time. A good friend could do no less!