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contemplate the subject that filled her with not only a sense of fear, but also of excitement. How soon would there be another firing at the anvil, she wondered. That was a prospect to delight in, even if the very thought was disturbing. A picture of the man she adored smiling at her with that expression she loved most came uppermost to her mind, but whilst she contemplated, she also recollected that today had brought its troubles as well as its joys. Fitzwilliam had seemed very upset when the anvil had been accidentally fired as they arrived at Pemberley; his reaction had startled her, she had to admit. That incident coupled with the letter he had received from Lady Catherine had really ruffled Darcy's feathers. But it had been an eventful and emotional day for them both. Elizabeth thought how much she had to learn about her husband and about being a new wife. One of her first duties must surely involve helping Fitzwilliam be united with his aunt. Proud and disagreeable as Lady Catherine had proved, Elizabeth did not want to be the reason for ending their intimacy. How she was to accomplish such a feat would bring all her powers of cunning, tact, and persuasion to bear. No matter, it would be done somehow and she hoped sooner rather than later. But for now she must look forward to a pleasant evening and the prospect of their first night at Pemberley House. Elizabeth fixed a silk flower in her hair, blew out the candles, and went in search of her darling husband.

Chapter 3
    Mr Darcy was proved right. A constant flow of visitors eager to see the new bride arrived every morning during the following week. Elizabeth met all the notable families in the area--the Calladines, the Eatons, the Vernons, and the Bradshaws--whose invitations to dine soon mounted on the mantelpiece. Lizzy was happy to meet her neighbours if slightly overwhelmed and exhausted by the experience. As pleasant as the local gentry appeared to be, she soon gained the impression that here, as in any other locality, gossip was rife amongst its inhabitants, and she had to admit she felt most disconcerted by much of what she heard. All she could do was to put such tittle-tattle out of her mind, although one particular tale left her feeling most perplexed. That it involved the Darcy family, albeit indirectly, Elizabeth knew must be at the heart of her uneasiness.
    The evening before last had promised to be a trial before it even began. Their hostess, Lady Rackham, was an old acquaintance of Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Elizabeth had no doubt that she would be under particular scrutiny. Before dinner there had been the usual polite but pointed conversation aimed at discovering as much about Lizzy's past and social connections as possible. That this examination had amused her there could be no question, but when the conversation turned to the connection with Darcy's aunt, Elizabeth knew she must be on her guard for her husband's sake. She had the feeling that Lady Rackham had been influenced in her disapproval of Mr Darcy's marriage and that Lady Catherine's opinions of Elizabeth had swiftly become Lady Rackham's own before she had even made the acquaintance.
    "Mrs Darcy, I expect you will be staying with Lady Catherine in town for the coming season," said Lady Rackham. "I know Mr Darcy always looks forward to being in London with his aunt, and that she too depends very much upon his company."
    Before Elizabeth had a chance to answer, however, Mr Darcy spoke out. He had overheard the conversation and gave his reply, which was abrupt and to the point.
    "We have no plans at the present time to go to London, Lady Rackham."
    "Oh dear, Mr Darcy, I know your aunt quite depends on your attendance for her comfort."
    "I am sure my aunt will find she has enough diversion in London. Besides, it is my wish to stay in Derbyshire."
    "I do hope your aunt will not suffer too much under her disappointment at your absence in town. But, I daresay you and Mrs Darcy have