“Really? I should like to see that,” she said, her voice filled with interest.

“If I hear of one nearby, we shall go see it,” he said with a kiss to the top of her head.

“Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” she said feelingly.

“You’re welcome.” He suspected she meant more than just the balloon, but he didn’t want to fish for information.

“What is your favorite constellation?” she asked.

“My favorite? I don’t know that I have one.”

“How can you not have one? That is like not having a favorite color.”

“I do not have a favorite color.”

“What?” she exclaimed. “How is that possible?”

“It’s quite easy, really. I simply do not have one,” he replied.

“You are a queer creature, Mr. Darcy,” she said fondly.

“What is your favorite constellation?”

“I think Cassiopeia.”

“Why?”

“The story is so tragic. And who would like to sit upside down half the year? Plus it is easy to find in the sky.”

He chuckled and pulled her closer, kissing her hair again. She rubbed her hand along his chest, snuggling closer.

“Would you like to know something strange?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“I feel like I miss you. Is that not absurd?”

“Not so absurd,” he said quietly.

“But we have been together nearly every moment for a fortnight!”

“Not every moment.”

“Most moments.”

“Well, it is possible to miss certain aspects of someone or something. Like I have missed holding you this week,” he said softly. His voice was gentle and a touch unsure.

“Then we are in accord because I have missed being held by you.”

“Truly?”

“Yes. It is a very enjoyable sensation,” she said with a teasing smile. She leaned up and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. “You are very warm and there is something about your arms that I quite like.”

“Is there now?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Mhhm,” she nodded. “Something about them makes me feel safe and loved.”

“You are safe and loved,” he replied, pulling her closer. She sighed contentedly and returned his squeeze, so close she was half on top of him now. “Elizabeth?”

“Yes?”

“Are you still in your time?”

“No. I have just finished,” she replied softly, her voice full of promise.

“Will you come to bed with me?” he asked.

“Of course.”