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Elizabeth plays a major part in that plan.”
    â€œI do. Some will judge me poorly, although I know you will not be one of them. Elizabeth is learning the estate’s business. I will not have a dependent—Elizabeth will be my partner.That lifestyle works for the two of us. I do not advocate it for everyone, but it is what I need. Elizabeth fills in the areas which I cannot.” Darcy’s matter-of-fact statements persuaded Bingley to their truth.
    Bingley offered his friend a light chuckle with the irony he saw in the situation. “You once told me duty to your family’s name outweighed your need for affection in a choice for a wife. Luckily, you found both in Mrs. Darcy.”
    â€œYour wife’s sister certainly captured my heart, Bingley.” Just dwelling on Elizabeth brought a gamut of images to Darcy’s mind, and a hint of a smile formed on his lips. “Speaking of our wives, maybe we should return to Pemberley. I imagine Mr. Harrison is ready to depart.”
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    â€œMr. Harrison, you will be missed,” Elizabeth turned to her guest.“Your stories of the Americas were very entertaining, Sir.”

    â€œMrs. Darcy, you never lack for hospitality and generosity. You welcomed me as a member of your family during the most holy of days. I am blessed to earn your friendship.” He bowed to Elizabeth respectfully.
    Elizabeth appropriately dropped her eyes before acknowledging his praise. “Mr. Harrison, you are welcome at Pemberley anytime, Sir.” Darcy stood beside his wife and sister as they bid the man farewell.
    â€œMr. Darcy, your counsel was most enlightening.” Harrison finally turned his attentions to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, I look forward to seeing you again.” He wanted to embrace her—to hold her—but instead he offered Georgiana a loving glance and a proper bow before leaving in his coach for Dove Dale.
    Walking back to the drawing room, Elizabeth instinctively encircled Georgiana’s waist with her arm. “Mr. Harrison will return soon, Georgiana. Mark my words.” Elizabeth held concerns for Georgiana’s gentle disposition. Although she knew Harrison expressed a desire to know Georgiana better, Elizabeth’s wariness at his honest entreaty held trepidation; yet, she did not wish to belie the man until she knew for sure. Her qualms lay only with protecting Georgiana. Miss Darcy held back tears while smiling at her new sister.
    â€œI will wait,” Georgiana whispered, knowing she could open up her thoughts to Elizabeth without fear of censure. Their relationship created the female bond Georgiana always desired. Since Elizabeth entered Fitzwilliam’s life, Georgiana found herself able to express her innermost thoughts. Elizabeth caught Georgiana’s eye and nodded without further comment.
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    Later that afternoon, Darcy and Elizabeth reclined leisurely across their bed, having spent themselves in passion. He brushed his lips across hers playfully. “Mrs. Darcy, your husband loves you most ardently.”

    â€œI am pleased to hear it, Sir,” she murmured. “I would hate to think my affections were not returned.”
    Darcy bent to kiss her tenderly and then withdrew enough to lock eyes with her.“What bothers you, Elizabeth?”
    â€œWhat makes you think there is something wrong, my Love?”
    â€œElizabeth, do not try to hide what bothers you; are you feeling unwell?” He stroked her hair from her face.
    â€œIt is nothing, really—something quite innocent that Jane said. She commented on how often Bingley missed your company, and I kept thinking how much I used to depend on Jane’s understanding; but since we are together, I think of nothing else but your presence. I felt guilty for abandoning my sister. Add that to my earlier thoughts of Pemberley being my home now, and I judged myself to be a poor daughter indeed.”
    Darcy pulled her to him, allowing the