Page 50 of The Heir and Spare
He stepped closer to the bed. She was covered to her neck in blankets. The room felt cozy and warm. She was rosy and washed. And watching him approach.
“Are you well?” He moved to stand beside her, suddenly insecure. The security of the dark, the feeling of her in his arms were not emboldening as they had been before.
She scooted over and made room for him so he sat beside her at the edge of the bed. “Miss Elizabeth…”
Her eyes twinkled a moment and then she whispered, “Lizzie.”
The smile spread across the whole bottom part of his face. He felt it tight and happy. “Lizzie.”
She nodded. “I’m about to feel very drowsy, they tell me, so this should be quick. Because I also might start saying and admitting things again that are completely unfair for you to know.”
“But they might be things that I love most about you.”
Her eyes shone in response. She watched him. “Love?”
“I do, Lizzie. I love you. There is much more to say and many more dreams of mine to express. But for now, sleep well in the knowledge that I love you. I think I always will.”
“I love you, too.” She closed her eyes. “Like the clouds and the junipers and the flowers on the way…” She stopped talking.
He smiled and ran a hand along her forehead. “Sleep well, my Lizzie.”
As soon as he exited, their maid entered. “Thank you for caring for her. Treat her as you would a Darcy.”
She nodded and curtseyed. Then she paused. “She says your name in her sleep.” Her smile slipped out.
He laughed.
But Fitz shook his head at the maid. “That will be forgiven once, but that’s her business. We don’t share the private things with others, do we?”
She dipped her head. “No, we don’t. Forgive me. I thought Mr. Darcy would be happy to hear it. And it’s a night that’s needing much cheer.”
Arthur smiled. “Mr. Darcy is correct, but thank you.”
She bobbed another curtsey and then hurried in.
“Well-spoken Fitz. You really will be the best heir of Pemberley.”
“You good with that?”
“I am at last satisfied with being the spare.”
Fitz pulled him close. “Thank you. I am at last ready to be the heir.”
“I’m missing our parents.” He glanced back over his shoulder at Lizzie’s door.
“They would have loved her.”
“I think you’re right. Mother would have enjoyed her strength and fiery personality.”
“Fiery?”
Arthur laughed at his brother’s confused expression. “You really don’t know her at all, do you?”
He shrugged.
“Well, yes. She has a strong personality and a soft one and a perfectly lovely one.” With an arm across Fitz’s shoulders, they walked down the hall toward the study.
“And now I have to see about whether or not I can get a special license.”
