Darcy loved the interchange. It was the old Elizabeth, the one who delighted in the absurd, sitting casually between her eldest sister and her father. “For once, we agree, Mr. Collins,” Darcy said as he leaned back in his chair. “My wife is phenomenal.”

Mr. Manneville entered on that note, and Darcy rose with Edward for the introductions, and then welcomed the stranger into the group. However, he didn’t miss Edward’s steely stare to Darcy’s questioning glance. “My aide, Lieutenant Southland, is also with us,” Edward explained.

“And where is this lieutenant?” Elizabeth asked.

Although Elizabeth directed the question to the colonel, Manneville answered. “Probably waiting attendance on Miss De Bourgh,” he said flatly.

Darcy noted his wife’s momentary alarm. “Edward has just informed me, my dear, that my cousin Anne and my aunt have unexpectedly joined us for Christmastide,” Darcy said evenly.

He realized that until that moment, Elizabeth had thought he’d arranged for the Collinses’ visit. “How delightful,” Elizabeth said with a forced smile. “It’s been ages since we’ve seen Her Ladyship.”

As if on cue and followed by Mrs. Jenkinson, Anne entered on the lieutenant’s arm. Glancing at the full table, her eyes fell on Darcy. “Fitzwilliam,” she gasped in joyous greeting. “I heard you had returned. I’m so pleased to see you again.”

Darcy swallowed his astonishment. His cousin’s greeting was more words than he could ever remember Anne saying in one setting. Usually, a nod of the head or a weak smile was the extent of Anne’s conversation. “As I am you.” He started to bow, but she rushed into his arms, and so Darcy hugged her and kissed Anne’s forehead. “I’ve missed you,” he said before shooting Edward a raised eyebrow of amusement. He set Anne from him and said, “You’re looking well, Cousin.” Anne had color in her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes.

“I am well, Fitzwilliam,” she said softly. “We all went skating yesterday.”

“Skating?” Darcy questioned, and Edward confirmed with a nod. “I see that my sister had the foresight to take advantage of the weather.”

Georgiana looked cautiously at the colonel. “It was Edward’s idea and Lieutenant Southland’s execution. Mr. Manneville was also most helpful.”

Before Darcy could respond, Anne said, “Let me present Lieutenant Southland.” She gestured the man forward. “The lieutenant is Edward’s aide. Lieutenant Southland, this is my cousin, Mr. Darcy.”

The men exchanged bows. “It’s my honor to be among the colonel’s family,” the lieutenant said.

“The colonel is beyond family in our estimation,” Darcy responded before he directed the man to Elizabeth. “Lieutenant, may I present my wife, Mrs. Darcy.”

“I’ve heard the colonel speak so fondly of the Darcys, I must claim a prior acquaintance.” Southland bowed to his hosts.

“As Mr. Darcy has indicated,” Elizabeth said graciously, “Colonel Fitzwilliam is more than family.” She then bowed to Anne. “As is Miss De Bourgh. Welcome to Pemberley.”

Darcy noted Anne’s blush, but she managed to say, “Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Darcy. Georgiana has served you and my cousin well in your absence.”

Elizabeth smiled broadly at Georgiana. “I would’ve expected nothing less. Mr. Darcy’s sister comes from the best stock.”

“That she does,” a strong, authoritative voice declared from the open doorway. “Georgiana is Lady Anne Darcy’s daughter. My sister served this estate in an exemplary manner.”

Everyone scrambled to his feet in acknowledgement of Lady Catherine’s presence. Darcy waited the span of three heartbeats before responding, “It’s true that Lady Anne has left a great legacy, but the current Mrs. Darcy reigns graciously as Pemberley’s mistress, and it’s under her tutelage that my sister has blossomed. They give honor to my mother’s memory.” He didn’t remove his eyes from his aunt’s face. His words warned her that he would brook no disparagement of Elizabeth during Her Ladyship’s stay.

Lady Catherine remained framed by the door until Edward led her to the table, but all the while she maintained Darcy’s gaze, only looking away when the colonel held the chair for her. It was the place that Elizabeth should’ve claimed, and Darcy saw the pleasure of his acceptance twist his aunt’s mouth. “The household hasn’t suffered in your absence, Darcy.The colonel has advised Georgiana in her duties,” she announced.

“I beg to differ, Your Ladyship,” Edward interrupted. “My cousin is quite capable. Georgiana and Miss Catherine had everything well in hand before Southland, Manneville, and I arrived.”

Elizabeth smiled brightly. “Georgiana and Kitty have become great friends — a fact that pleases me.”

“As well as me,” Darcy said to curtail any objection from his aunt.

“When you didn’t arrive as expected,” Georgiana said, “we were most concerned, especially with the weather.”

“If there had been some way to send word, I would’ve done so readily, but thick ice coated the northern shires. Luckily, we found shelter at a small inn outside of Harrogate. I apologize for causing you any form of anguish, my dear.”

“As with Edward,” Georgiana said softly, “as you have returned safely, I am content.”

“Prestwick’s Portal was quite an adventure in itself,” Darcy smirked.

The table’s curiosity exploded, and his guests bombarded him with requests for details. However, his wife’s frown caused Darcy to hesitate, and in the breadth of that hesitation, Mrs. Bennet swept into the room. “Oh, my dear Lizzy,” she exclaimed.

Immediately, Elizabeth was out of her chair and catching her mother to her. “Oh, Mama,” she sobbed. “I’ve longed for this moment.” Elizabeth choked out the words and held tightly to the woman.

“It’s all well, my girl,” her mother coaxed. “Letting one’s child go is never easy,” she whispered hoarsely. “Come, let us sit.” And in a rare understanding, very much as she must’ve done when Elizabeth was a small child, Mrs. Bennet caught Elizabeth’s hand and led her daughter to the table. “Let us refresh your tea.” And just like that small child, Elizabeth allowed her mother to tend to her.

Darcy watched the woman he’d never respected give Elizabeth a loving dose of maternal care, and in that moment, he ached for his own mother’s touch. Mrs. Bennet won his devotion with that simple gesture. “Your visit has surprised Mrs. Darcy,” he said. “And I thank you for making the journey from Hertfordshire.”

“Well, we would’ve come before if Mr. Bennet would have agreed to the trip, but the man prefers his study,” Mrs. Bennet said vituperatively.

“You’ve no more concerns about that matter, Mrs. Bennet,” her husband teased. “Now that I’ve seen Mr. Darcy’s library, I’ll return to Pemberley more times than my son may care to entertain me.”

Darcy didn’t understand Mr. Bennet’s indolent defense in dealing with his family, but he’d developed a fondness for the man. Mr. Bennet possessed a quick mind and a biting wit: two characteristics that Darcy admired in Elizabeth. “Pemberley’s door is open to you at all times, Father Bennet. No invitation is needed.” He shot a quick glance at his aunt, but, miraculously, Her Ladyship offered no comment.

“So, once again,” Edward said, leaning forward, “tell us what happened at the Prestwick’s inn.You have piqued my interest, Cousin.”

Another glance to Elizabeth displayed her uncomfortable stance, and it occurred to Darcy that his tale might embarrass her before his aunt, but the others would find Elizabeth’s courage remarkable. He wouldn’t allow Lady Catherine’s opinions to define his marriage. With a pause to draw Elizabeth’s attention, he began his tale of ice, of overcrowding, of community, of a couple denied a room and then facing the impossible, and of his incomparable wife who brought order from chaos.

“I cannot imagine sharing my room with complete strangers,” Caroline said censoriously. “What a quaint concept. Very far from Mayfair.”

“Sir Jonathan and Mr. Horvak shared a room,” Bingley reminded her.

“But they held a previous acquaintance,” Caroline insisted. “A stranger.” She shivered in disgust. “How did you know the Josephs weren’t thieves?”

Darcy eyed Bingley’s sister with renewed displeasure. “As we were all unable to travel because of the weather, a thief would’ve had difficulty escaping,” he said flatly. “Besides, the man holds a living outside Stoke-upon-Trent.”

“And they named the child after my cousin?” Edward taunted. “If I were you, Mrs. Darcy, I would demand satisfaction.You did all the work, and Darcy took the credit.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “I’m certain it would have done the boy irreparable harm had the Josephs named him ‘Elizabeth.’”

“Or made him a world-class pugilist,” the colonel observed.

“Or that,” Elizabeth responded.

Georgiana stood and acknowledged the others about the table. “If you would excuse Kitty and me, we’ll make a brief trip into Lambton.”

Darcy frowned. “What’s so important, Georgiana? Would not your time be better spent in helping the others hang the holly?”

“Mrs. Foxmour, Fitzwilliam. She lost her long battle with her illness. Kitty and Mr. Winkler aided the family in the lady’s last hours. I thought it best that Pemberley is represented at the service,” she said. “I’ll not be long. Mr. Winkler arranged an early service because of Christmas Eve.”

Darcy stood. “I’ll go.You remain with our guests.”

“But you have just spent hours on the road,” his sister protested.

Elizabeth caught his eye and gave a slight shake of her head. “Allow Georgiana and Kitty to handle it, Mr. Darcy. There are more than enough hands to decorate the house, and our sisters have performed admirably. You might call on the Foxmours later today.”