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The earl, Fitzwilliam’s uncle, entered beside his sister with a stern visage. “Forgive us for calling without notice, but after a letter from Bennet, I sought out Lady Catherine to offer her apologies to you for not only her behaviour, but also Anne’s.

“Fitzwilliam!” said Papa from behind the earl. When Lord Glen stepped aside, her father stood with Mary, whom he had been tutoring in his library.

“Ah, there you are. I must thank you for making me aware of the situation with Catherine and my niece Anne. I never suspected anything afoul with Sir Lewis’s death, but now that I am aware of how he died as well as Anne’s and Catherine’s involvement, I wanted to assure you the matter will be managed within the family.

My sister will cause no further mischief. ”

The imperious lady sniffed. “I wish to see where my daughter died.”

Elizabeth stepped forward. “I should like to do so if that suits you, Lady Catherine.”

“Elizabeth, no.”

She grasped her husband’s forearm. “I have been cloistered inside this house for almost a week. My legs are stiff from disuse. It is nothing more than a short walk into the gardens, and you will accompany me, I am sure. Nothing bad can happen.”

According to her husband and Jane, some of her colour had returned, but she was still pale. The duchess had mentioned the child within her, so she could not help but understand Fitzwilliam’s concern, but he could not hover over her all day every day.

With a growl, he nodded to Mrs. Hill, who hurried off to fetch their coats. At least he understood the point was not worth arguing over.

“Darcy,” said Lord Glen. “Would you introduce me to whom I presume is your wife? ”

After the introduction and their bows and curtseys, the earl joined his hands in front of him. “I thank you for your forbearance. My sister will not trouble you after today, I assure you.”

“It is no trouble, sir.”

When they departed the house, Fitzwilliam kept an arm around her as though steadying her, not that she had required steadying for a couple of days. Lady Catherine followed behind with two guards the earl had insisted join them.

At the place where Anne stood when Herne struck her, a patch of snowdrops had sprouted and were now blooming. The flowers had never grown there in the past, so it was assumed they had been seeded by the magic that had been released in that place.

“Your daughter stood here,” she said gesturing to the spot.

“The stag that struck her. Did he die as well?”

“He did,” said Fitzwilliam.

Lady Catherine set her shoulders as she exhaled shakily.

“A lore exists of a stag who appears to protect one of significant magic and importance. They are white and can show themselves at will to whomever they wish. If the stag dies to save its mage, snowdrops will grow upon the site of its sacrifice.”

Elizabeth turned her face into Fitzwilliam’s chest. Her eyes burned and she squeezed her eyelids closed to keep tears at bay.

Herne had been her constant companion since she was a little girl.

As much as he had done for her, she had not wanted him to die in her place—she would never have anyone die in her place.

She sucked in a breath and, once composed, turned back to Lady Catherine. “I do not know why I would be so important.”

The woman lifted her eyebrows. “Do you not? You are the first lady to carry on Niniane’s legacy. You are the lady chosen to carry on the Bennet magic.”

“I would never scheme as Niniane did. ”

“Whether you are like Niniane is irrelevant. You seem to be her chosen successor. No other lady has wielded such power. Anne’s was not her own, and as much as we attempted for her to learn spells, she could do no more than hold the power within her and let it whither her body away.

I did not understand the implications of her ability until she had drained her father.

Taking in another’s power created this need within her to absorb more.

I kept her away from most people because of the thirst she had acquired.

When she came after you, she had escaped. ”

“You wanted me to marry her to help hide her ability and likely insanity.” Fitzwilliam’s tone was matter of fact.

“I did. I knew you were promised to another, but I could not let Anne go to Bedlam because that is where she would have been sent when I died.”

Fitzwilliam shook his head. “You intended to leave me without a decent wife and still in need of an heir to suit your own purpose. Whatever Uncle has planned for you, I doubt it is punishment enough for what you have done. Two good men are dead, and my wife is still recovering from your daughter’s ill-deeds. ”

He scooped Elizabeth into his arms. “We shall take no leave of you.”

Once inside the house, he took her to her father’s library and kicked the door closed behind him.

“Fitzwilliam, put me down.” She cupped his cheeks in her palms. He was so pained by his aunt’s actions, and who could blame him? Lady Catherine had acted in no one’s best interests but her own.

“I love you so much. I do not know what I would have done if you had not survived.”

“But I am here, and I am not going anywhere. The altar showed us proof of me great with our child at Pemberley. Do you not remember? ”

He buried his face into her neck with a shuddering breath.

“When Papa told me he had promised me in marriage—without my consent—I was not best pleased, but now that we are here as we are, I cannot be anything but thankful for that contract your parents and my father signed all those years ago.”

She drew his face from her neck.

“Fate conspired to provide me with precisely who I needed for now and forever. Now, if only you would cease your infernal hovering and take me home to Pemberley.”

He grinned and pressed his forehead against hers. “As for my hovering, I shall do so until I am assured you are completely well. As for the other demand, your wish is my command, my love.