Thursday's Child

by Pat Santarsiero

  The carriage had no more than driven out of sight when Darcy pulled Elizabeth into his arms. He stared down into her eyes for a moment before he kissed her, a kiss that told her how much he loved her.

  “Shall we take a walk?” he suggested.

  Elizabeth took his arm, and they strolled along a garden path. When they came upon a bench, he led her towards it.

  Elizabeth sat down, but Darcy remained standing as she stared up at him with a look of curiosity on her face.

  He raised her hand to his lips, kissing it gently, then caressing it between his own two hands.

  “I believe you have been denied a proper proposal, Miss Bennet, one which you are fully conscious to receive,” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. “And I have been denied the pleasure of hearing you accept me.”

  He moved to sit beside her on the bench. He did not raise his eyes to hers, but kept his focus steady on their joined hands.

  He was quiet for a moment as if seeking the right words to say.

  “I had searched for you for so many years, Elizabeth. Before we ever met, I had dreamed of you. But I believed you only existed in my imagination. Had I known you were real, I would never have stopped searching for you.”

  At last he raised his eyes to hers. “I love you with all my heart, Lizzy, and I regret the pain that you have suffered because of me, but I vow to you now that I will spend the rest of my life proving my love for you and for Ellie. I am sure I do not deserve you, Lizzy, but I am asking you to make my life complete and become my wife.”

  Elizabeth could not hide the tears that welled in her eyes as she heard his declaration.

  “We should not regret what has brought us to this moment in our lives and to this love we now share. I would do it all again to have both you and Ellie in my life. I love you, William, and I cannot wait until we can start our life together. I am most happy at the prospect of being your wife.”

  He reached into his pocket and removed a small box. As he presented it before her, he opened it and withdrew the diamond and ruby ring that it contained.

  He slipped the ring on her finger.

  “This ring once belonged to my mother, Elizabeth. You are the only other woman to ever wear it.” She met his eyes as he made this statement. “I wanted you to know that.”

  He then leaned over and gave her a kiss so sweet, she was sure she would swoon.

  ~*~

  The following afternoon Darcy found Elizabeth and Georgiana in the music room at the pianoforte. He was carrying Ellie in one arm and a picnic basket in the other.

  “I have come to invite both of you ladies on a picnic by the lake,” he informed them.

  Georgiana watched as her brother and Elizabeth looked at each other, their love clearly showing in their eyes.

  “Oh, Brother, I cannot come with you. I promised Mrs. Reynolds I would help her with the menus for the week. Would you mind terribly going on without me?”

  Georgiana knew her excuse was weak at best, but she hoped it might be accepted as the truth. She knew the newly engaged couple had not been able to spend any time alone together. Surely there were things that betrothed couples needed to talk about in private, she thought.

  “Are you sure, Georgiana?” asked Elizabeth.

  “Yes, you go with Ellie and Fitzwilliam. I shall see you later.”

  ~*~

  Ellie sat on her father’s lap at the edge of the lake. He had just finished tying a rather large and repulsive looking fly to the end of his line, and Ellie made a face at him indicating her abhorrence.

  Elizabeth was sitting under a tree a short distance away on a blanket as she watched William and their daughter fish.

  “Have you written your family about the wedding yet, Elizabeth?”

  “Not yet, but I must do it soon as the banns will shortly be announced at Meryton Church. I want this to be a small, simple wedding, William, and if I give my mother too much time to prepare, it will be anything but. I can’t even imagine what her reaction will be to our marrying. “Have you written to yours?”

  “I guess we are of the same mind, my dearest Lizzy. If I could whisk you off to Gretna Green tomorrow, I would. I will write to them in a few days.”

  He felt a tug on the end of his fishing line. As he reeled in the fish, Ellie squealed with delight. He took the fish in his hands and allowed Ellie to touch it as it flipped around, his large hands barely able to contain it. She watched it curiously for several moments.

  When she was satisfied with her investigation of the creature, Darcy released the fish and Ellie clapped her hands as they watched it swim away.

  After they had depleted the picnic basket, Ellie soon fell asleep while Elizabeth sat with her back against the tree. Darcy moved over to her and rested his head in her lap. She closed her eyes and let herself float in the perfection of the day.

  “We have yet to find a new nanny for Ellie. Mrs. Hawkins will be leaving my employ next week,” said Darcy

  “I have already written to someone with regard to that very thing. I am hoping you will approve.”

  “Who?”

  “Hannah,” she said as she waited for his reaction. “Do you have any objections, William?”

  He remembered the kind young woman who had first placed his daughter into his arms, the young woman who had been a friend to Lizzy during such a difficult time in her life.

  “I have none at all. I think it a splendid idea. I would trust her with Ellie’s care without question.”

  He lifted his head and gave her a kiss. That was all he had intended for it to be, just a quick little kiss. But as his lips moved over hers, he found himself unwilling to withdraw. Instead he moved beside her and put his arms around her and deepened the kiss. She responded with equal enthusiasm, moving her hands down his shoulders and over his chest.

  He pulled her closer as his hands moved slowly over the edge of her bodice. He felt the satiny texture of her skin, and then his fingers delved into the fabric that had shielded her pert nipples. He kissed his way down her throat and moved his mouth towards . . .

  Ellie awoke with a cry, but upon seeing Elizabeth and Darcy seated near her, she immediately brightened and sat up.

  Darcy sighed but smiled at his daughter as he reached over and scooped her up, placing her happily between her mother and father.

  ~*~

  The following evening Darcy, dressed in his most striking tailcoat and trousers, waited at the bottom of the stairs as Elizabeth and Georgiana descended. They were also dressed in their finest as they were about to be escorted to a concert in Lambton.

  It was their first time out in public together, and Elizabeth found herself quite the envy of many young women, as Darcy was his most attentive. During the concert he sat between the two women while he held Lizzy’s hand.

  As the music swelled around them, Darcy stealthily undid the two buttons of her glove. He inched the garment down from her hand. When her palm was fully exposed, he brought it to his lips and kissed it provocatively.

  Elizabeth found it most difficult to concentrate on the music. She was grateful that the room was so dimly lit, for she was sure her colour was high. She was also appreciative of the darkness that allowed him to continue his seemingly innocent, yet erotic, ministrations.

  When they returned to Pemberley, Darcy gave Georgiana a kiss on the cheek at her chamber door, and then he stood with Elizabeth at hers. He enfolded her in his arms.

  “We are finally alone for a few minutes, Elizabeth.” As he was about to bring his lips to hers, he heard a door open.

  Georgiana stepped from her room, and the two quickly stood apart. “I am just going to check on Ellie. Would you like to come with me, Elizabeth?” she said.

  “Yes . . .” she said as she looked over to William, an apologetic look on her face. “Let me just say goodnight to William. I will be right there.”

  He bent down and gave her a quick kiss and whispered in her ear. “Meet me at the stables at first light.” She raised an e
yebrow but nodded her head in agreement.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

  Darcy approached the stables as the dawn just hinted of its arrival. As he approached Shayla’s stall, he heard a conversation in progress. Well, it was more of a one sided conversation.

  “Wait a minute. Don’t be so impatient!”

  “There you go, girl. You like that, don’t you?”

  It was Elizabeth’s voice. She was talking to her horse!

  “Good, isn’t it? Hey, just the apple, not my fingers!”

  Darcy smiled to himself. God, how I love this woman.

  He approached the stall where she stood, her back to him as she fed Shayla pieces of apple. He slipped his arms around her waist, kissing the back of her neck as he did.

  Elizabeth let out a gasp but quickly identified her attacker. “William! What are you doing?”

  “I was planning to kiss you, Lizzy, a plan that everyone at Pemberley seems determined to foil.”

  As if on cue, Darcy turned to see Billy, the stable boy, approaching and released his arms from Lizzy’s waist.

  “Beggin’ your pardon, sir,” said Billy as he approached his master. He timidly looked up at Darcy. “I . . .I wanted to thank ya, Mr. Darcy. For sparin’ the horse, sir.”

  Darcy looked down at the boy and put his hand on his shoulder.

  “You are the one who should be thanked, Billy. It took courage to come and tell me what you saw, to ask me to spare the horse. You did the right thing. You defended a poor helpless animal from my undeserved wrath.” Darcy reached into his pocket and produced several silver half crowns. “Such courage should be rewarded,” he said as he smiled at the young boy.

  The young boy’s eyes grew wide. As he received the silver coins, he looked up and gave Darcy a large grin before going on to perform his duties.

  Elizabeth looked at Darcy with so much love she thought her heart would burst. He truly was the best of men.

  Darcy had their horses saddled; as he gave her a leg up to mount Shayla, Elizabeth commented, “I believe this was on Jane’s don’t list,” she teased. “Where are we going?”

  “It is a surprise.”

  He returned the inquisitive look she gave him with a smile.

  After they had ridden almost a half hour, they came upon a beautiful glass-domed building, looming up from the ground in the middle of the field like a mountain.

  As he helped her dismount, he said, “I thought it was about time you saw the orangery.”

  “Oh, I have heard much of such a place. Is this where you take all your young ladies?”

  “I assure you that you are the first,” he said, then realizing the implication of his answer corrected himself. “I have no ladies other than you, Elizabeth.”

  “I am relieved to hear it, William,” she teased.

  He drew her into his arms. “The day of your injury, it was my plan to ride here. I was hoping I would be able to find a little time alone with you. I had intended to tell you that day that I loved you.”

  They stared deeply into each other’s eyes. He kissed her sweetly and then took her hand, leading her towards the entrance. As he opened the door for her, he gave her a devilish grin. “While other places at Pemberley may rival its beauty, none other can rival its privacy.”

  They entered, and Elizabeth marvelled at the sight. It was an explosion of flowers. Since it was summer, the orange trees were not being housed inside; instead, every flower you could think of was blooming all around them.

  Divans and tables were placed around the blooming rows of fragrant flowers for one to sit and take in the enjoyable view. They walked hand in hand past row after row of orchids and lilies and roses, and freesias and gardenias on and on and on.

  They were enjoying the simple pleasure of being completely alone together in such a romantic and private setting with no one to interrupt them—no Jane, no Ellie, no Georgiana—just the two of them . . . alone.

  As they reached the last row of flowers, he turned to her and put his arms around her shoulders. She snuggled close to him as she wrapped her arms around his waist. They stayed like that for several minutes.

  He then withdrew his arms and tilted her face upwards to join him in a kiss. Her response was to meet him half way as their lips softly met.

  “I am beginning to think you may have an ulterior motive for bringing me here, Mr. Darcy,” she said teasingly as they broke from their kiss.

  “Nothing of the kind,” he said. “I believe my motives have been quite transparent; I have every intention of taking advantage of these few precious moments we have alone, Miss Bennet. I am reasonably sure that my intentions are honourable,” he said with a grin.

  She looked up at him and gave him a shy smile, but she had to admit his words held a certain amount of excitement. She, too, had been hoping they would have time alone.

  She could not control the sigh that escaped her lips as he teasingly brushed his mouth across hers, trying to gauge what her response might be if he furthered his attentions. The thought of resisting his kisses had not even entered her mind, as she found herself anticipating the kiss to come. He did not disappoint, as he brought his mouth firmly down on hers.

  How sweet to feel her lips against his own and to know all her experience at such an endeavour was due to him and no other. She was his and his alone. He moved his mouth over hers, and she granted him the access he sought as they deepened their kiss. They were both lost in the sensations that kiss created.

  “Lizzy,” he breathed, the sound of his voice thick with emotion. Trying to hold back the passion that he feared would be unleashed at any moment, he pulled away. As he looked down at her, her eyes remained closed, awaiting their next kiss. “We do not have to stay, Lizzy,” he whispered. “We can leave if that is your wish.”

  She opened her eyes and stared into his, but made no attempt at escape. As he wrapped his arms around her tightly, they kissed again, both of them lost in the power of its intensity. His breath became ragged. “I feel my willpower weakening, Lizzy; you will have to stop me,” he murmured between kisses.

  She did not stop him. She did not want to leave the pleasure of his embrace yet. Just a few more kisses, she told herself.

  The next kiss came without delay as he let his hands travel the length of her back, not ceasing until he cupped her bottom and brought her closer to the source of his need. She could feel the full measure of his passion pressed against her.

  “Oh, Lizzy, how I love you so.”

  His kisses then trailed their way down the length of her throat, paying special attention to the spot just where her neck and shoulder met. He lingered there, feeling the rapid beat of her pulse. When his lips reached the top of her bodice, he hesitated, but then pushed the fabric off her shoulder as his tongue laved the exposed nipple. Elizabeth released a moan of pleasure as her hands raked through his hair, pulling him closer. She closed her eyes and relished the feel of his mouth upon her breast, the way his tongue washed over the tip, sending sensations throughout her entire body.

  They were both breathless. “William . . .”

  He lifted his head and peered into her eyes, love and desire clearly conveyed in his look. Yes, he wanted her; he wanted her so much it physically hurt.

  He brought his forehead to hers, his breathing erratic. “Perhaps my motives are not as honourable as I had hoped, Lizzy.”

  “I am afraid I have done little to discourage you, William,” she said, her voice shaky.

  “I am going to try to do things in their proper order this time, Lizzy,” he said as he helped her straighten her clothes.

  “Oh, William, I wish our wedding were tomorrow,” she sighed.

  As he struggled to get his ardour under control, he confessed with a groan, “I wish it were yesterday.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

  A few subsequent early morning trips were made to the orangery in the following days, but they managed to maintain a certain amount of restraint. They did allow themselves some latitude, cons
idering they were an engaged couple. Darcy was beginning to have great affection for the orangery.

  Upon returning from one of these most delightful outings, they left the stables and entered Pemberley through the back entrance.

  “I will go see to Ellie. I believe Georgiana was taking her for a walk this morning,” said Elizabeth. Darcy pulled her one last time into his embrace to give her a quick kiss before she headed out to the gardens. Darcy headed for his study.

  Soon they would be man and wife. That was all Darcy could think about. Of course, they could have anticipated their vows any number of times over the last two weeks, but because of their unusual beginning, he was trying to do everything right; he wanted her to have a proper courtship, as short as it was. He did not want their past relationship to have any bearing on how they now conducted themselves. Their wedding night would be special; they would consummate their love for the first time in two years.

  He stood looking out the window of his study, and as the thought of making love to Lizzy brought a delightful smile to his countenance, the door to his study burst open and Lady Catherine de Bourgh entered, accompanied by a sombre looking gentleman.

  His smile quickly faded.

  Lady Catherine was carrying Ellie. The little girl had tears in her eyes; as she saw her father, she reached out to him, but Lady Catherine denied her the comfort of his arms.

  Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds rushed in behind them. “I tried to stop them, Mr. Darcy, but they pushed their way past me,” explained Mrs. Reynolds. Georgiana looked pale as a ghost.

  “It’s all right, Mrs. Reynolds. I will see to them,” he reassured her. “You and Georgiana should go upstairs while I attend to this matter.” He looked over to his sister and nodded. “It will be all right, Georgie. Go with Mrs. Reynolds.”

  She reluctantly did as he asked, but turned back to look at him one last time, the look of worry still upon her face.

  “What can I do for you, Aunt Catherine?”

  “You can be at no loss to understand the reason for my journey.”

  “You are mistaken, Aunt, I am quite unable to account for it. If you are here to see Ellie, you know you are always welcome to visit. Of course, I would prefer a little advance notice next time.”