One day it clouded and drizzled, but Lizzy insisted on taking their walk regardless, to Darcy's initial discomfort. The nuzzling kisses enjoyed under the close confines of the umbrella dispelled most of his unease; the rich aroma of wet loam and pine allayed the residual. The storm worsened in the afternoon, causing the surf to roar and upsurge dramatically. They sat cozily in the parlor sipping hot cocoa before the fire and watched the impressive display all afternoon.

A hastily discharged missive to the Lathrops was equally hastily replied to, the positive response arriving the day before the Darcys were to depart. They were both very anxious to be home, but decided a short three-day visit to the Lathrops' estate, Stonecrest, a perfect cap to a perfect holiday.

Their final night was passed on the end of the pier. Dinner was arranged by the resort staff, privately by candlelight as the sun provided a majestic living mural in its decline and the tides supplied the music. The fare was superb, but it would not have mattered as it was the atmosphere and communion that brought the greatest joy to their hearts.

“May I have this dance, Mrs. Darcy?”

Lizzy laughed, taking her husband's proffered hand and assuming a waltz pose. He did this frequently, surprising her at odd moments with a request to dance as he hummed a tune. Of course, the primary excuse was to hold her tightly, the formal posture of a strict waltz not maintained for very long. Darcy could not sing if his life depended upon it, but he could hum fairly well, or at least enough to set a tempo for the amusement. Over the course of time he had taught her a number of couples dances learned during his travels, most of which were far more intimate and livelier than the waltz. Lizzy was only proficient in the typical English country line dances, but was growing exceedingly fond of the duo dances popular in more progressive countries. Along the way they invented their own steps and movements, usually involving motions clearly sensual in nature and thus wholly inappropriate for public viewing, but quite scintillating in the privacy of one's bedchamber.

Here at the far end of a lonely pier they allowed themselves to cross a few boundaries, but did retain a dignified restraint. Darcy was as graceful and debonair as always, body fluid and flawless as he guided his wife and lover over the rough wooden planks. Lizzy experienced a slight awkwardness with bulging belly preventing total ease and refinement, but they enjoyed themselves nonetheless. They ended against the rail in the shadows after a lavolta lift and turn, Lizzy breathless in Darcy's arms with his face inches from hers.

“I did not think you would be able to lift me,” she teased, seconds before his lips met hers with astounding passion. He cupped long fingers around her neck, thumbs caressing as the kiss varied in intensity and lasted for endless minutes. On and on they kissed with no sense of hurrying, both abundantly content to focus all senses on shared breath and taste. Lizzy's hands rested lightly on his waist, Darcy never left her slender neck or creamy shoulders. He withdrew for brief moments to caress her face with his eyes, never halting feathering strokes with delicate fingertips, and always returning to her mouth for more.

I love you whispered ceaselessly by both, kisses traveling unhastily over jaws to ears, passion bubbling, but overruled by adoration as moonlight shimmered palely.

“I am sure it is unnecessary, but I am compelled to verbalize to you how remarkable this entire holiday has been for me.” His voice was low and vibrant, Lizzy shivering at the sensations educed. “Superlatives are jumbling in my mind, competing with each other to adequately convey my joy, but none do it justice.” He paused for an interlude of fresh kisses and nibbles, knuckles lightly rubbing up and down her neck. “I love you, Elizabeth, with all my heart and soul. My happiness is higher than the heavens. I may live to be one hundred, and pray I do with you by my side, but I will never forget this time with you.”

Claiming her sweet mouth yet again, Lizzy now encircling his shoulders with fingers running through his hair, he slowly glided downward, brushing over her breasts to the beautiful swell of their child. Tenderly, devotedly he smoothed and kneaded big hands over her abdomen, adoring the feel of taut flesh cocooning their baby. The wonder of it never failed to awe him. Daily she expanded as the product of their love grew stronger, miraculously nourished and harbored by his mother while adored by an eager father. Lizzy was well into the seventh month of her pregnancy, health generally excellent if a bit prone to fatigue and slight imbalance. She was lovelier to him than ever, glowing, robust, and with a peace emanating from her core.

“As anxious as I am to hold our infant I believe I shall miss this.” He spoke softly, palms moving steadily on her stomach.

“As virile and amorous as you are, my love, I suspect the swollen belly will reappear frequently. I visualize Pemberley cluttered with rambunctious little Darcys.”

He smiled, truly delighted at the vision and refusing to dwell on the risks of numerous births. A final walk along the beach by moonlight, Lizzy even convincing Darcy to remove his shoes and feel the cold water lap at bare ankles, was the culmination to their outdoor activities. The crowning touch was discovered when they returned to their room. Per Lizzy's instructions, servants had fashioned a makeshift picnic tableau on the chamber floor before the open balcony. Privacy was not assured on the balcony itself; other rooms situated without direct visual contact, but open windows too close for complete comfort. A thick blanket was spread with several large pillows, a platter of fruit and pastries, mulled wine in clay mugs, and two candelabras for illumination sat waiting. A low fire burned as the evenings were increasingly cool.

Darcy grinned happily at his smugly beaming wife, wordlessly taking her hand and leading to the blanket. Passionate lovemaking was the ultimate crescendo, but only after prolonged intimate conversation, frolicking, cuddling, feeding each other, and titillating foreplay.

The ancestral home of the Lathrops, Stonecrest Hall, was located roughly five miles northeast of Melton Mowbray. The modest home of grey bricks sat in a shallow dell amongst a dense forest of ancient oaks and was surrounded by a broad expanse of compact grass and clover. There was a natural essence to the property, much as Hasberry possessed, which was relaxing and homey if not as grand as the formality and cultivation of Pemberley. Beyond the house proper were the extensive barns and fields amid the oaks where the cows and bulls roamed. The wealth of the Lathrop family was partially from the cattle market but primarily from dairy products, the cheeses produced considered some of the best in the country.

The Darcys arrived late in the afternoon, having decided to travel straight through from Caister. Lizzy was tired and her back ached, but the physical discomforts were offset by her excitement. Mr. Lathrop greeted them warmly, informing Lizzy that Amelia was with the baby. With a kind smile of complete understanding he directed a waiting maid to escort Mrs. Darcy to the nursery after the briefest of welcomes. The men chuckled once she was away, Stephen leading Darcy to the parlor for a much needed brandy.

Amelia was rocking and nursing her daughter when Lizzy was admitted. Kisses of true delight were shared while the baby obliviously fed on, eyes closed and tiny mouth working diligently. One delicate fist lay atop Amelia's breast, minute fingers kneading. Tears welled in Lizzy's eyes at the sight. Several of her friends, both in Hertfordshire and in Derbyshire, had children, but she had never witnessed a scene so intimately maternal. Her heart gave a massive lurch, one hand instinctively caressing her belly as she gingerly touched Fiona's downy cheek.

“Oh, Amelia, she is absolutely beautiful! How small she is! Oh…” Her voice caught and she swiped at her tears. Amelia was radiant, as all proud mothers are. Lizzy peered closely at her friend's face. “You look amazing, my dear friend. Are you fully recovered from the ordeal?”

Lizzy sat on a nearby stool, hands massaging her back while Amelia answered with a laugh. “Nearly. My bum still hurts and I am a wee bit sleep deprived, but it is a joy not to be carrying the extra weight!” Lizzy laughed, nodding as she rubbed aching muscles.

The following hour was spent in sweet companionship, both women sharing tales of motherhood. Amelia, in the forthright manner that she possessed, imparted detailed information of her labor and birth, Lizzy paling frequently but absorbing each point. Amelia commiserated with Lizzy's current travails, thankful that they were minor. She, too, had been blessed with a relatively easy pregnancy, but a certain number of aches and pains were universal. Fiona finished her meal, falling into the drugged sleep typical of the satisfied newborn. Amelia insisted Lizzy hold the slumbering infant while she freshened up for their guests, Lizzy not requiring too much persuasion.