“As pleasant as a journey with such a large party can be. And yours?”

“As expected.”

“Fitzwilliam.”

“Yes?”

“You’re staring at me again.”

“I have missed you.”

“It has only been three days.”

“Nevertheless.”

She smiled and shook her head but squeezed his hand within hers.

“Do you have your week all planned out?” he asked.

“Mostly, yes, but some time can be set aside for you if that is what you are leading up to.” She smiled coyly. She quite liked flirting with him. It garnered her the most wonderful results.

He smiled. “That is exactly what I was asking. I’d like for you to meet Georgiana and tour the house, and of course your family should come for dinner.”

“I’d love to meet your sister. Perhaps she could come for tea?”

He looked dubious. “We could accomplish two tasks at once if you came to the house for tea. You could meet the staff and interview your new maid if you like.”

“Very well. When shall this momentous tea take place?” she asked.

“Whenever you are ready. Mrs. Brown, the London housekeeper, has two different girls she would put forward as your maid. You are to choose between them. Of course, if neither of them is to your liking, we can continue the search.”

“Of course, Fitzwilliam, thank you.”

“I love that.”

“What?”

“The sound of my name on your lips. You make it sound so very appealing.”

“Do you not normally find it appealing?” she asked.

“Not particularly. I normally find it cumbersome.”

She laughed. “I like it. It is a dignified name, and not one you will find on every other man in the country.”

“I suppose that is true. Now,” he said, angling his body toward hers, “when shall I get my welcome kiss?”

“Is there such a thing? I have never heard of it. I think you are making occasions up, Mr. Darcy, in order to attain more kisses. Besides, you arrived before I did, so shouldn’t you welcome me?”

“Very well, I shall give you a welcome kiss.”

She laughed outright. “Fitzwilliam, you are incorrigible! There is no such thing, I am sure of it.”

“Of course there is. You simply have not heard of it before; you should spend more time in town.”

She watched him with an amused smile as he leaned closer and closer to her.

“Now, I will welcome you to London and you can welcome me to Gracechurch Street. How does that sound?” he suggested playfully.

She could do aught but smile brightly and shake her head, then lean forward to meet him where he was already tilting his head in anticipation of their kiss.

“There is one for your welcome,” she said as she pulled away from a quick peck, “and one for mine.” The second kiss was gentle and soft and lasted considerably longer than the first.

Darcy sat back with a satisfied smile. “That is much better.”