Darcy smiled. “I am pleased to see such a smile on your face, Cousin Julia. You deserve to be happy and know what it is like to be treated as if you are royalty. Princess Julia, your loyal subjects await your selection of your gift.”
When Elizabeth looked at the packages with her name written on them, tears welled up when she saw her father’s gift. She opened this package, finding not the usual single book, but four books. Opening the book on top, she found a message from her father, written in Jane’s hand.
My dearest girl,
As this will make the forth Christmas that you are not here with us, it is only right that you receive the books you would have received the previous three years in addition to the one for this year. I pray that you know how dearly we love and miss you. Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts and prayers (and Jane’s as well). Stay safe and warm, and make a Christmas wish upon the first star you see tonight.
With love,
Your ever devoted father, TB Elizabeth showed the inscription to her new family. Darcy held out a handkerchief for her to dry her eyes. He then had the sudden desire and pulled Elizabeth by the hand to the kissing bough. “Richard, you may get in line, but I chose the first kiss, as Master of the house and savior of this damsel from a wrecked carriage. And do not even think of kissing my sister under the kissing bough or you will not live to see Christmas morning.” Darcy said with a wide smile. The dimples were proudly displayed, and did not appear to be leaving anytime soon. Elizabeth turned a deep shade of red before finally turning her head to reward the Master of Pemberley with a chaste kiss. She turned even redder when she learned that chaste was not what the Master had planned. The kiss was filled with longing, with passion, with love and devotion. It was a kiss unlike any she had ever experienced in her life.
Finally, Darcy needed to come up for air, as did Elizabeth. As they leaned their foreheads together, both gasping for air to fill their deprived lungs, Richard and Georgiana were laughing and cheering the couple on. Then Richard called out to his cousin to unhand Miss Julia, for it was his turn to show her of what a true man was made. Though reluctant, Darcy began to release his hold on Elizabeth, only to find that she held tightly to him. It was at that moment, Darcy knew that he loved her, loved the young woman dearly, and he would do anything to protect her. And one day, he prayed, he would be given the opportunity to claim her as his own wife.
Unbeknownst to Darcy, Elizabeth was having similar thoughts coursing through her mind. How she wished to be free of Mr Bentley, how she wished to be able to give herself, completely, to this man before her. A man she had come to love and cherish, and would do everything in her power to protect from her husband.
Soon, the couple took seats in the music room and listened as Georgiana played on the pianoforte while Richard turned the pages for her. If someone were to see this scene, and not know the situation, they would believe it to be the most loving family evening they had witnessed. If only it were true.
~~ ** ~~ The evening ended with Darcy escorting Elizabeth, and Richard doing the same for Georgiana, to their rooms. Elizabeth was too excited to sleep, so she asked Darcy if he would mind joining her in the sitting room which was attached. Darcy was pleased to have a reason to remain at her side, and readily accepted. They talked about the books that Elizabeth had received from her father. Darcy had read one of them, and was interested in the others. They had discussed their tastes in literature, and found they could easily converse, even if they had opposite views. They also discussed the pleasure that Elizabeth had found in receiving the precious gift, as well as the joy from the efforts of everyone to make the holiday perfect for her. She was overwhelmed with the kindness and generous nature of those at Pemberley.
“William, I cannot find the words to thank you enough for all that you did for me. You continue to surprise me.” “Cousin Julia, it brought me and Georgiana pleasure to be little Christmas fairies, performing magic acts of kindness.” Darcy had a sly smile on his face.
Elizabeth had lost her heart to the beautiful dimples which were so obvious when Darcy smiled. It also appeared that his beautiful blue eyes twinkled whenever the dimples appeared. Darcy was only seven and twenty, but he had carried a heavy burden on his shoulders, a burden called responsibility. But seeing Darcy smiling, his dimples and the sparkle in his eyes shining brightly, Darcy appeared much younger. She did not wish to be the one to have brought such a change in him, but she knew that he would claim her as being the reason.
As Darcy made to leave, Elizabeth walked him to the sitting room door. “Cousin William, I cannot find the words to express how deeply touched I am at all your kindness and caring. I am glad that I was found by you when the carriage crashed. You have given me a reason to keep going, rather than giving up all hope. And you have given me a piece of my family back. To know that my father is still alive, and to receive his words and the books he sent to me, there are no words to express what it means to me. And to learn of Jane’s falling in love with Mr Bingley, I pray that they will find a great joy in their life together. Do you think that he proposed to Jane tonight?”
“That was his plan. Julia, for the first time in my life I have found myself wishing to do something for someone, just to see your smile and the way your face lights up. You are a precious young lady, one who should be cherished.” Darcy glided his fingers lightly across her cheek as he brushed a wayward curl behind her ear. He was so close to her, he could feel the heat of her body in front of him, her lips wearing a welcoming invitation he could not resist a moment longer.
Darcy quickly pulled Elizabeth to him; one hand was on the small of her back while the other was at the back of her neck, bracing her as his lips took possession of hers. The kiss spoke of his desire and passion for her, yet, also, of the tenderness of his love. Once it began, it was difficult for him to pull away from her, especially when she began to reciprocate by kissing him in return. Their tongues quickly made entrance to each other’s mouths, dancing intensely in the most intimate of manner.
Only when they heard someone walking in the hall nearby did the two manage to find their wits and pull back from each other. Elizabeth’s blush was only second to Darcy’s. Though he knew that he loved her, and was certain that she loved him in return, he knew that it was wrong. No matter what sort of man her husband was, he was still, legally, her husband. Darcy realized that the only way that he and Elizabeth could be together was to find a way to eliminate Albert Bentley from her life, permanently.
“Forgive me, Cousin Julia, for my improper behavior. I will do my best to control my sudden urges in the future.” “William,” Elizabeth said, not caring if anyone heard her speak so intimately. “Please, William, do not blame you for the pleasure that we both shared. I do not regret it, for the only thing I regret is not being able to give you all that you require. For you require an heir, and a wife who can give you said heir. I would live with you as I am, if I could, but I will not risk your reputation or your soul by only being able to give you my lust for you.”
“I am not active in the ways of the ton, they mean nothing to me. My sister will agree, we both prefer to be at Pemberley than in Town. What do I care for my reputation amongst those who live such double lives, who marry for business or financial gains and then have affairs and mistresses? You are important to me, that is all that matters. If we were to have children, I can legally claim them as my heirs, and if we do not have any, Georgiana’s children can inherit. There is nothing to keep you from my arms, my dearest.” Darcy said as he gathered her in his embrace.
“It would seal your fate if he were to learn. It is bad enough that he would cause you harm for protecting me, if you were to take me under your protection in such a manner, I know that he would not stop until he killed you. And he would do it himself, for he will believe himself wronged. Please, do not allow me to bear such torment. I would rather be dead than to see harm come to you, or Georgiana or the Colonel, or anyone else. But especially you, for you do hold my heart
. Please, William, if you cannot agree, I will have to leave here immediately. I will not allow him to kill you.”
“You fret too much, dearest. But I will not allow you to leave, nor will I listen to words of your dying. Please, do not say such things. When you die, my heart will stop, I am sure. It will turn to stone and I will exist no more.”
“Then we must remain as friends, nothing more. I am to blame, I found such warmth and comfort in your touches and your kisses. I should not have allowed them. Please, know, I will never forget them, nor will I ever regret them on my part. My only regret would be if it brings you pain. Now, go, William. Good night.”
And with that, Elizabeth entered her bedchambers and locked the door behind her.
~~ ** ~~ Mr Wilmington was not excited to make his report to his employer. Knowing that the wishes of Mr Bentley had not been fulfilled, Mr Wilmington feared he would not be seen again, alive anyway, after entering the Bentley townhouse.
Climbing the final steps to the front entrance door, Wilmington knocked lightly, a part of him praying that no one would hear him and he could leave. Unfortunately for him, the butler had the door open before the knocking ended. The butler, knowing his employer’s temper, showed Wilmington into Bentley’s study.
The dark and forbidding man did not look up from his ledger. “What news do you have for me? Where are the letters that you confiscated from the courier?”
“We were only able to get letters from Netherfield traveling to Mr Darcy. There was a letter from Miss Bennet, inside one being sent from Mr Bingley. The letter from Miss Bennet was addressed to a Miss Julia Moreland. I sent a man to Derbyshire, and expect him to return with information of this Miss Moreland as soon as he arrives.”
“So you have nothing from Mr Darcy, or Miss Julia Moreland, sent to Netherfield. That would have proved more informative, as we would have had Miss Moreland’s handwriting. If it is my wife, writing to her beloved sister, I would be able to recognize the handwriting and been able to travel to Derbyshire to collect my wife.”
“Forgive me, Master Bentley, but it seems that Mr Darcy had the courier take something to Kent before he went to Netherfield. That is the reason we were unable to obtain the mail you had wished.”
“And now, Darcy and Bingley will be more cautious with their couriers. So we must pray that your man who is in Derbyshire, learns some information. If not, I may need to find new employees.”
Wilmington swallowed hard at the lump that was in his throat. “We will make certain to obtain the information you wish.” “I wish for my wife to be returned to me by New Years. If I do not have her in my home by then, you will be the one to pay the price. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Mr Bentley, you shall have her very soon.”
~~ ** ~~
“Mr Darcy, we have a most terrible bit of news.” Mr Jackson, the steward of Pemberley, stated. Your courier was attacked and robbed of his satchel.” “Good God,” Darcy exclaimed. “And is the man well? Has the physician seen him?” “He has a lump on his head and a sprained arm. The physician has seen him, and said that he needs rest and calm. We placed him in the servants’ quarters, so he can be tended to easily.”
“The robbers took only the letters? That is curious. I must speak with Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately.” Darcy stated as he stood up.
“I believe the Colonel was heading towards the game room, Mr Darcy.” Mr Jackson said.
“My thanks, Jackson; we will inform you of any changes we might need to make for the future.”
“Very good, Sir.” Mr Jackson then left the room. Darcy walked down the hall to the game room, where he found Richard preparing to play a game of billiards to relax. When he realized his cousin was nearby, Richard smiled. “Shall we play a game or two?”
“Perhaps later. We need to discuss moving Julia. Our courier was attacked and robbed of his pouch. Though it could be that it was a random robbery, because it happened as he was coming back from Netherfield, I believe we should prepare for the worst.”
“You are correct. Bentley may have people serving at Netherfield or the area, watching for Julia. Are you thinking of moving her to Rosings?” Darcy nodded his head. “Lady Catherine has guards throughout the estate, and the house itself is a veritable fortress. We can stay there indefinitely, for I know Aunt Catherine will aid us. My only concern is whether to take Georgiana with us or leave her here. I have faith in my staff to protect her, but I do not trust that Bentley would find a way to get to her in my absence. She would be the sort of leverage that would steal my attention from protecting Julia, not to mention Julia would give her life to protect Georgiana.”
“It would be best if we discuss this with both of the ladies. They deserve to be a part of the decision.” Richard said. Darcy walked to a nearby window and looked out upon his home. “I fear that Julia would insist on her returning to the scoundrel to protect us. She has told me that she would rather die than see any of us harmed. I cannot let her go, Richard.” He turned his attention back to cousin. “I kissed her two days ago. I told her I would have her, treat her as my wife, if she would have me.”
Richard was stunned that his always proper cousin would behave in such a manner. “And what did she do?” “She said that she would not allow it, for it would place me in great danger. But she could not deny that she has feelings for me. The way she responded to my kisses told me that she is in love with me, just as I am for her.”
“I had thought as much. You look like a besotted fool whenever you are in the same room. As much as I like her, I can understand her desire to protect you from her husband. The two of you are so similar.”
“And I will stand by her side for the rest of my life. Hopefully, one day, she will be free of the blackguard and we can be together.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 10 Darcy decided it was best to speak with Elizabeth before making all the arrangements, so that he could guarantee her wishes were met. He was loathed to do so, due to her fear for others being harmed in protecting her. Darcy walked to the conservatory, which had become Elizabeth’s favorite place in the house.
As he entered the room, he could not help but be pleased with the sight before him. There she was, the woman who held his heart, the woman he dreamed of every night since they met. She was sitting on the settee, her feet tucked up underneath her as she cuddled into a pillow, reading one of her new books.
Sensing that someone was nearby, Elizabeth looked up from her book. There he was, standing in the doorway, looking at her in that way, the way that he could send shivers of delight through her. Remembering the kiss that they had shared, Elizabeth could not help but blush vividly.
“Cousin Julia, I see you are enjoying one of your Christmas gifts.” “Indeed, I remember your words with regards to this one, and find that you were correct in your interpretation. You are quite knowledgeable in your histories, Mr Darcy.”
“It does help that my father was fond of learning history, and passed that love to me. We had many long talks and debates over our years together.” Darcy smiled at the memory.
“So, Cousin William, did you come here with some news or just to chat?”
Elizabeth had already learned to read his moods and was sure that there had been some news that she would not be happy with. Darcy glanced at the floor, taking a deep breath before he began to speak. “I received word that one of the couriers was robbed. Most likely it was just someone thinking he would be stealing something profitable, a bank draft or some cash. Instead, he stole two letters; one letter from your sister and one from my friend.”
He heard Elizabeth’s gasp and was instantly at her side. Taking one of her hands, he lifted it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on it. “My dear, please do not fret. As I said, it was most likely a highwayman who was looking for financial gain. But Richard and I have spoken, and we feel it would be best to move us to Rosings Park. I told you of Rosings, did I not?”
“The home of your Aunt, yes, I remember you speaking of it
. Why would it be a safer to travel there rather than remaining here?” Elizabeth asked. “If the letters were stolen to be given to your … him…and he figures out that the letters are for you, this is where he will come. If we make our way to Rosings, you will be safe from harm. My aunt’s home is a fortress; she takes the safety of herself and her daughter quite seriously. We would only stay a fortnight, perhaps a slight bit longer. And we will not be nearly as far from your family. Perhaps we can say that Jane and your father were planning to take a seaside holiday to Ramsgate, and instead, they would travel as far as my aunt’s home. Would it not be nice to be able to visit with your family?”
Elizabeth thought for a moment. “Only if it can be done safely, for I do not wish to put them in any sort of danger. Are you certain that your aunt would approve of our invading her privacy?”
“In her last letter, she invited us to take you there. Actually, she gave more of a demand, if you know my aunt, for she is somewhat gruff in her manners. She avoids Town, as she does not approve of the simpering fools who cannot be honest to save their own lives. But she is loyal to her family and those who are dear to us.”
“And you have told her that I am…dear, to you?” Elizabeth asked as she bit her bottom lip. Darcy caressed her cheek lightly with his fingertips. “It is obvious to all who know me. My aunt knows me well enough to realize that you are dear to me or I would never have told her about you.”
“William, we must stop. This intimacy, it can only lead to more pain. I cannot return your love, even if I wished to.” “Do you wish it? Do you wish you could return my love?” Darcy continued to caress her soft skin, moving his fingers to her lips. “If you care for me, I will wait forever for you, though I will remain at your side. I cannot lose you.”
The Conservatory of Hope Page 9
