One look at the moldy damp stones of the ruined keep and Lizzy felt a surge of sympathy for the long dead Mary, despite her English prejudice toward the treasonous Queen. Lizzy shivered the entire time they rambled about the place, actually thankful to depart.

They turned north from Tutbury, planning a relatively short circle back to Derby. The journey home would be long, as Darcy intended to visit a few places of interest along the way, so he did not wish to travel too far afield today. Therefore, they snaked leisurely through the farmlands and tiny towns dotting the plain. They traveled north through Church Broughton to Longford, onward to Shirley then veering east to Brailsford. Along the way, they stopped as the mood arose to sightsee another church or ruin, nibble a snack, or simply stretch their legs.

After luncheon at a pub in Brailsford, they turned southeast toward Derby. The last stop of significance was Mackworth Castle—or rather, the finely detailed gatehouse of what may have been a castle. Here was a location of true mystery. Why would the arch and façade of a two-story structure be all that remained of a manor house? Was the house destroyed utterly without leaving a trace except for the untouched gatehouse? Or was it some unknown man's folly and never completed? Why was there no history surrounding the structure? Apparently the questions would never be answered.

It was a humorous, puzzling end to a glorious sojourn in lower Derbyshire. The goal of acquainting Elizabeth Darcy with her new home was flourishing. Darcy was supremely satisfied in all ways, and Lizzy did sense a greater kinship and connection to the land that would be her home for many years to come and her children's home. She knew that Darcy now itched to drag her to the wealth of attractions the Peak District boasted. Englishmen were by nature territorial, especially the gentry. For a man of Darcy's station and lineage, Derbyshire was more than merely the place he resided. It was in his blood. His very identity was first as a man of Derbyshire then as an Englishman. Lizzy did not know if she would ever attain his level of affinity for the region, but she understood his passion and felt it touch her through him. It affected her most profoundly when their child moved inside her. The reality that she carried the heir to Pemberley, and all that it meant not only to her husband but also to the future of Derbyshire, was a staggering, but also a joyous honor.

Chapter Twenty-Five

North and East

Lizzy woke the following at eight-thirty to an empty bed. There was nothing at all unusual about that, although she was surprised Darcy had allowed her to sleep so late. His agenda for the journey home was a secret, but the distance to Pemberley was a nearly two-hour carriage ride without halting. She had assumed he would want to depart early.

Donning a robe, she entered the small sitting room to discover her husband busily scribbling at the desk. He jumped up when she entered, Lizzy laughing and waving him down. She was forever telling him not to do that, but long years of gentlemanly manners could not be erased. He ignored her gesture, approaching with a smile.

“Good morning, my love! Did you sleep well?” He kissed her forehead, smoothing through her hair.

“I always sleep well, dearest, except for when your hot body smothers me completely!”

Darcy grinned. “Forgive me. Even subconsciously I must be near you. I have no control over the matter. Tea and a scone?”

“Yes, please.” She sat, tucking her feet under her. “No need to apologize, William. I simply elbow you hard and you roll away, temporarily at least. Come winter you can repay the treatment when I slip my frozen feet between your thighs.” She lifted her face for a kiss, which he happily bestowed. “What are you so diligently working on this morning?”

He resumed his seat, taking a long gulp of coffee before answering. “A letter to Mr. Keith.” He turned to her, face animated. “I had a thought, if you are amenable and physically tolerant. Our miniature holiday prior to our main one in September has thus far proceeded so enjoyably that I am considering extending it for a few more days. Does this appeal to you?”

Lizzy was already nodding positively. “It definitely appeals to me! I am having a marvelous time, darling, and love sightseeing. Physically I am wonderful, although I would request traversing well maintained roads.” She rubbed her lower abdomen with a grimace, Darcy instantly frowning.

“Why do you say that?”

“The bumpy road to the glade day before yesterday was uncomfortable on my stretching muscles.” She smiled and smoothed the robe fabric tight over a remarkably protruding belly.

Darcy, however, was pale and scowling. “You did not tell me you were in pain, Elizabeth.” His voice was low and stern, eyes steely.

Lizzy sighed, rolling her eyes. “I never will tell you, Mr. Darcy, if you display that face each time! You worry too much, William. It is perfectly normal but uncomfortable nonetheless. I was fine the second we stopped, as you are well aware by how I attacked you not ten minutes later! All I am requesting is we avoid rugged terrain, otherwise I am right as rain and eager for more adventures with you.” She smiled placidly and sipped her tea.

Darcy was yet frowning and thinking frantically. The fear of her not confiding in him due to his overbearing anxiety was a threat he could readily imagine his stubborn Elizabeth implementing. However, he could not pretend he did not fret nor could he allow her stubbornness to push her into overextending herself or ignoring a negative symptom. With consideration of her one request, he resumed.

“Very well then. I have been giving this some thought for the past two days, assuming you would be agreeable to prolonging our journey.” He leaned forward, gazing at her seriously. “My preference, in truth my greatest desire, is to travel through Dovedale and tour the High Peak. Not only is the region majestic and the supreme attraction in all Derbyshire, but,” he paused and shifted uncomfortably, holding her eyes, “Elizabeth, I am keenly cognizant that your trip was prematurely cancelled last year. Since that time, I have deeply yearned to be the one to show you my country, be your tour guide as it were.” He smiled faintly, Lizzy gazing with love in return. “I had a trip planned for early May, but that too was interrupted.”

A cloud of pain crossed his face and Lizzy hastily rose and nestled onto his lap, Darcy hugging tightly. He rested his head against her shoulder, Lizzy kissing the top. “I never knew, William,” she said softly. “Why did you not tell me?”

He shrugged. “It slipped my mind at first and then seemed irrelevant. My joy was having you alive. Adventures and prideful boasting of landscapes paled in significance. Anyway, I imagined that we could tour this fall, but I fear I still judge it unwise.” He glanced up at his wife with a slight grin. “At the risk of incurring your irritation at my worrying overly and being presumptuous and domineering, I will remind you of your own request to avoid rugged roads.”

She arched a brow, gazing questioningly, “You are confusing me, beloved. Are we touring the High Peak or not?”

“I fear not. It is my desire, but perhaps we can finagle a trip there in the spring or next fall. I do worry about you and our child, Elizabeth. Forgive me, but I cannot deny it. Also, I am needed back at Pemberley in five days at the latest for the arrival of Duke Grafton's mares. We could not do justice to the region if rushed, but that does not mean we cannot prolong our trip other places. Please tell me you understand, love?”

Lizzy chuckled, cupping his cheek and leaning in for a long kiss. “My dearest love, you do worry far too much! I will be residing in Derbyshire for the remainder of my life. I am quite certain this will accord us a multitude of opportunities to travel. I do not believe the Peaks will be disappearing anytime soon. Wherever we go will be wonderful because I am with you, not due to the landscape or artifacts.”

Darcy sighed in relief. “I love you, Mrs. Darcy, so very much.”

“Yes, I know,” she answered pertly with a peck to his nose.

She rose, but he grasped her hand, halting her leaving. Placing both broad hands over the daily-burgeoning swell of their son, he held her, waiting and smiling happily when a faint nudge was felt. “I can no longer completely secure him under my hands,” he noted. “In four months we shall see his face, my heart, perhaps less.” He nuzzled his face against the soft mound, kissing tenderly and murmuring nonsense.

Lizzy ran her fingers through his hair, delighting in these moments which were fast becoming a ritual. Darcy's need to connect on some level with his child was instinctual and so incredibly endearing. Additionally, his devotion to and adoration for her “bump,” as she teasingly named it, allayed her sporadic private feelings of dismay at her changing form. Already, though with so much baby growth yet to occur, Lizzy experienced moments of awkwardness and unattractiveness. Her husband, however, seemed unaffected, unless it was to be increasingly amorous and worshipful of her body.

Two hours later they were on the road. Now traveling in the Darcy coach, comfortably nestled on the plushly padded seats with windows open and shades up, Lizzy said a silent adieu to Derby. Their purchases were to be delivered to Pemberley, Darcy having hired a transport wagon yesterday. Today he had sent letters to Mr. Keith and Mrs. Reynolds by express courier warning of the wagon's arrival and of their plans. As for the plans themselves, Lizzy remained uninformed.

Darcy relished these little surprises and Lizzy trusted him, so had no issue with sitting back and watching the scenery go by. They exited town, heading north on the main thoroughfare, which they had entered on, slicing down the middle of Derbyshire. Assuming they had adequately covered the southern and immediate east and west of the lower Midland of Derbyshire, and aware that they were foregoing the northwest and far north for this trek, Lizzy figured they would veer northeast. She was correct.

Only a mile or two up the road, they did diverge. At this point, Darcy decided to enlighten his wife. “I realized we would not have the time to traverse the entire Peak, beloved; however, I figured we could see a remnant of it. Since you relish caverns, the least we can do on this trip is explore one or two.” Lizzy's eyes brightened with excitement and Darcy laughed, squeezing her hand. “Before you leap for joy and rap your head on the ceiling, allow me to explain. I have plotted a circuitous route through the Ilkeston district to Chesterfield today. The town is second to Derby in size, so we can shop if you are not yet weary of the activity.” He paused with a grin, halting her sharp retort with a kiss.

“We can tarry there for a couple of days, shop, see the local attractions, and visit the Sitwells, if you wish it, as Reniswahl Manor is nearby. Then we can travel to Castleton to view Peak Cavern before returning to Pemberley. It is merely the lower edge of the Peak, but it will provide a taste of what to expect at a later date.”

Lizzy was practically bouncing in her seat with enthusiasm. “William, you are brilliant! This is a perfect end to our holiday!” She threw her arms about his neck, hugging his shoulders and kissing his face.