by Anna Harlow
“It is,” he said, nodding. “And I fear that the only way we can use it, my darling, would be if you sit down upon it yourself. How I long for you to do so, my wife! I wish to make you my own!”
“But how is it to be managed, sir? I do not know what I am doing.”
He sighed, and laid his head backwards, eyes closed, jaw clenched slightly. In a husky tone, he told her, “Your body will know, Lizzy. Please, love, I am aching abominably. I have wanted you far too long, and must have you now.”
With a bit of experimentation, Elizabeth was at last able to straddle him and lower herself down. As he slipped inside of her, she gasped at a sharp stab during the thrust, but by the time she realized it was there, she was already filled to the hilt. She bit at her bottom lip as she waited a few moments.
Beneath her, Darcy began to move slowly, holding her hips and showing her how to move. Sensation filled every part of her being. Thrust after thrust, they moved together, exploring slightly different angles, figuring out which movements seemed most to please the other, and generally enjoying the fact that they were now one.
By the time Elizabeth felt Darcy’s seed explode inside of her, she was so worked up she had not thought she could possibly endure any more pleasure, and yet that bit of fluid raised her up even more. Her body erupted, and she called out, keening her release before she fell, completely sated, at her husband’s side.
Remarkably, her body still wanted more. Softly, she whispered into his ear, “Sir, did you not tell me there might be more than one way this might be done? I am quite curious to see by what other manner we might explore.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Darcy and Elizabeth used their next three days to good effect, but on the third day the father and brother in him could not wait for the arrival of the rest of the household. Mrs. Annesley, too, was quite excited to know Georgiana would soon arrive, and with little Francesca in tow, since she had yet to see her.
“I was Georgiana’s governess for some years, you know,” she explained to Elizabeth. “We have grown quite close, and it was through her gentle spirit and caring nature that she managed to convince Mr. Darcy to keep me on, to elevate me to the status of housekeeper here in town. Though, of course, I should never dream to think I would one day have such a lofty position at Pemberley itself. Even though Mrs. Reynolds is quite old, and is surely not likely to last many more seasons, the poor dear. I do not know what plans are in place where her replacement is concerned, but as for me, this smaller house will do just fine.”
“I am told that Pemberley is impressively large,” Elizabeth replied, worrying at her bottom lip. “I do look forward to helping my husband run it, but I am certain I’m going to need a housekeeper’s help into the bargain.”
“Oh, of course you are, dearie, there is no doubt,” she insisted. “Mrs. Reynolds has three women to help her there. There’s an undersecretary in charge of the upstairs staff, another in charge of the lower level, and yet another in charge of anything to do with the grounds. And, above all of those, Mr. Darcy also keeps a steward, who happens to be old Mrs. Reynolds’ son, John. I fancy whoever that gentleman should marry shall have her mother-in-law’s job someday. And he ought to have been married by now, since he is already thirty.”
“Why has he not married?” asked Elizabeth curiously.
“Oh, he’s got some silly notion in his head to marry for love,” she answered, smirking. “I say, it would be just as easy to marry, and then fall in love with him after. For who can ever truly know their spouse’s proclivities enough ahead of time to be sure that, having decided to love him, they might discover it was nothing but a vague inclination by comparison.”
“So, you believe that love generally grows after the marriage?” Elizabeth asked curiously. “I had never thought much about it, you know. I had always about getting to the marriage itself, rather than what was to become of me afterwards.”
“My husband, God rest his soul, was a very amiable man, and I did love him before we wed. But after—well, you now know what after—that, I realized that my first bloom of love was as nothing to what I felt for him once we were completely consumed. I would have been so happy to spend my whole life with Edward, but it was not to be. And I am eternally grateful that in my hour of need, it was old Mr. Darcy who found me, and entrusted me with a sweet little girl called Georgie.”
“Were you her first governess, Mrs. Annesley?”
“Indeed not,” she said. “Her first governess was Mrs. Wickham, wife of the old steward. But that pair was killed in a carriage wreck when poor little George was but eight. He grew up with the Master, just like a brother. But it was clear to me that he was always a bit of a bad seed. Mr. Darcy never saw it, but those of us who were not so blinded by his sweetness could see it well enough. I cannot believe the Master would ever have thought Wickham would wish to become a clergyman. But as soon as he was dead and gone, of course that blighter changed his tune. Demanded the inheritance, rather than the living, and young Darcy paid it, by that time wishing the gentleman gone after all the trouble he’d gotten up to.”
“Trouble?” Elizabeth asked, wishing to hear more. She couldn’t help it, she wanted to know just how much wool the gentleman had actually pulled over the eyes of the people in Meryton.
“Nothing that you would care to know of, my lady,” she replied. “Far too scandalous even for me to repeat, I assure you.”
“Mr. Darcy says Wickham is a rake and a libertine.”
“And a gambler, too,” she said. “Do not forget that part. I’ve no notion just how many of his debts your husband took care of for him prior to the end of that friendship. Believe me, though, I think the Master is far better off without Mr. George Wickham around!”
No further discussion of Wickham was made once Georgiana had come, and it was not long before the heat of summer swallowed up the last days of spring. One month had come and gone since Elizabeth was married, and Darcy had been walking a little farther each day to help strengthen his leg. These walks he always shared with his wife, and they frequently ended with afternoon naps during which the couple was not actually sleeping.
Little Fanny was now growing like a weed. Though she had first called Elizabeth “Lizzy”, she soon began to call her “Mama”, at Georgiana’s prompting. She had not birthed the little girl, but Elizabeth came to love her as though she were her own. Darcy had been so pleased to hear his cherub’s new name for his wife, he had even walked across the room all on his own, not even bothering with the cane.
“What is this? Have I finally enticed you enough, sir?” Elizabeth teased him.
“You have enticed me to depths of feeling I have never known,” he admitted, smiling as he embraced her.
“Then let us hope one of those feelings was not a great pain in that ankle, sir,” she replied in a scolding tone. “Did the doctor not say you should use the cane at least a few weeks more?”
That afternoon, a letter arrived from Charlotte, and Elizabeth was quite excited to take a moment alone. She read the missive, and soon showed it to her husband. “Charlotte wishes to know if your leg has mended well enough now that we may go visit her and Mr. Collins in Hunsford, sir.”
“The walks in Kent may well be an excellent remedy for the latter part of my recovery,” Darcy agreed. “Yet, it is certainly not just for the company of Mrs. Collins and her husband that I would wish to venture into that country. When Anne first died, Lady Catherine came out to visit at Pemberley, but after a time she returned to Rosings, where she might mourn more comfortably. A return visit to my aunt is long overdue.”
“Brother, you cannot mean to bring everybody,” said Georgiana, shuddering. “I do not think any infant should come into a prolonged proximity to Lady Catherine and her antics. You have no idea how often Fanny needed rescuing during her stay at Pemberley, but now that she has reached a mischievous and inquisitive stage, we dare not expose her further.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Sir, whatever can she mean?”
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“Lady Catherine is—a bit eccentric, shall we say,” Darcy replied, shrugging. “But I will not be parted from my daughter, nor will I leave my sister to her own devices in town. Do not forget what folly came to you the last time either I or Fitzwilliam did not have you in his home.”
Her face fell. “I would rather forget.”
“The entire family shall go,” Darcy insisted. “And, while we are in Hunsford, if Fanny should be weaned, Mrs. Avery shall be able to return to her husband at last. For, I am sure she will not wish to be parted from him longer than necessary.”
“But shall we not soon return to Pemberley, sir?” asked Georgiana. “I am sure the children will not wish to be parted, and from there they could easily continue their play together indefinitely.”
“If Mrs. Avery does not return to her husband, we cannot retain her services again next time,” said Darcy with a teasing light in his eyes.
“Sir!” Elizabeth protested. “You are quite a bit naughtier than you should be.”
“Fanny has a playmate,” he pointed out innocently. “Should not the child we are attempting to create be equally as happy?”
“Our children shall play together quite contentedly,” Elizabeth assured him, her tone partly stern, but part impish as well.”
“Children?” he asked, chuckling. “You make it sound as though you’re hoping not only to provide an heir, but also a spare. Is that the case, my Lizzy?”
She smiled up at him as he leaned heavily on his cane, which he had long since retrieved after her reprimand, so he could kiss her. Her only answer was, “We shall see.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Georgiana and the children rode in one coach, while Darcy and Elizabeth rode in another so he could rest his leg comfortably. Because of the children and an invalid, the journey took the greater part of the day, yet they still arrived with enough time to stop at the parish before continuing on to Rosings.
“Lizzy!” called Charlotte happily. “I have missed you!”
“And I, you,” said Elizabeth, hugging her. Then she shook hands with Mr. Collins as well.
“Cousin Elizabeth, marriage seems to agree with you,” he told her. “As much as it agrees with me, I believe.”
“Yes, sir, I am quite content in it, I assure you,” Elizabeth agreed, glancing over as Darcy emerged with the help of their two footmen, and soon grabbed his cane so he could join the others. Georgiana and the rest did not stop, but continued onward so that the children might sooner be settled in at Rosings, but his sister waved at the group as they passed.
“I have heard that Jane and Mr. Bingley are soon to be married,” Charlotte said, smiling. “It is no great surprise to me. Now there was a couple destined to be happy.”
“Just so,” Elizabeth agreed.
“Now Lizzy, do not make yourself uncomfortable about meeting Lady Catherine,” her friend said then. “She has much to say, but most of her advice is quite good, and once you become used to her manner, you will realize she means well.”
Elizabeth laughed at this. “You do not ease my nerves at all, Charlotte, to say such things of her. I am quite worried she will resent me regardless of anything I say or do, for have I not quickly replaced her only daughter? Surely it cannot sit well with her.”
“You must do your best to ignore it, I think,” Charlotte told her. “At first, she is sure to be cross, yet she is a reasonable lady, and knows that Anne’s death was in no way connected to you. And, after all, you are now a part of her family.”
“I see, cousin, that your husband has taken you shopping while you were in town,” Mr. Collins said then. “That gown is quite fine.”
“Well, he did not take me directly, since his leg would hardly allow it,” she explained. “His housekeeper, Mrs. Annesley, was his staunchest partner in the endeavor. Where I would have chosen less costly fabrics, she insisted only the best would do. I am now the proud owner of a whole new wardrobe.”
“Lady Catherine will certainly approve,” he said, smiling. “She is a firm believer in preserving the ranks, and would surely have been insulted if you had shown up wearing country clothes, now that your status is just as elevated as her nephew’s.”
“I did so long to visit longer today, but evening is fast approaching already,” Elizabeth said then. “I shall come to you directly just as soon as I may, and then you must tell me everything about Rosings, and your new life in Kent, Mrs. Collins.”
“I look forward to it excessively,” she said, hugging Elizabeth again. Everyone then shook hands, and the two managed to get back into their coach without too much difficulty on Darcy’s part. Elizabeth waved good-bye to her friends as they continued on their journey.
They soon came upon a very large manor house just beyond the trees, and the driver made his way to the entrance. Seven steps led up to the double doors, and to one side stood another door at ground level, which Elizabeth assumed must be reserved for the servants’ use. Darcy led her to the steps, but turned away from them himself.
“It is not possible for me to get up there with no railings, my dear,” he told her. “But you must be perceived as a guest in this home from the very beginning. Hold your head high and proud, and do not allow my aunt to bring you down. I shall meet you in the parlor.”
“Sir?” she gasped, her nerves now a complete tangle as she swallowed hard. But, Elizabeth was never one to let her doubts get the better of her, and she was soon rapping on the huge, ornately carved door at the top.
“Madam?” the butler said in a questioning tone.
“Good evening, sir,” she said, smiling at him slightly. “Mr. Darcy has gone in by the servants’ door because of his broken ankle, but he bade me continue on alone. Will you please take me to the parlor we are to meet in, sir?”
“You are Mrs. Darcy?” he asked, looking her over.
“I am, sir.”
“Very well, then, come along,” he said with a slight bow, stepping aside so she could enter. The two of them traversed hall after hall, until at last they came to a pair of double doors. When he opened them, he bowed quite low, and announced, “Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, my lady. Your nephew shall soon be along.”
Ensconced on a large chair and looking quite regal sat a woman who looked to be in her fifties. She was dressed, not surprisingly, in a fancy set of black clothes. A black hat, equipped with a slight veil that hung down in her face, did not manage to hide the scrutiny of her eyes upon Elizabeth’s small frame.
“You are Elizabeth Darcy?” she inquired as Elizabeth bowed to her.
“I am, madam,” she replied.
“Surely Darcy has told you that in addition to being his aunt, I was also his mother-in-law?” she asked in lofty tones.
“He did, your ladyship,” said Elizabeth. “I am deeply sorry for your loss.”
She snorted softly. “Not too sorry, since you were quite willing to marry him so soon after my daughter’s demise.”
“Madam, certain circumstances made it necessary to marry sooner, rather than later.”
With a shrewd glance, she asked, “Are you increasing?”
“It is to be hoped, ma’am,” Elizabeth commented. “Yet, if I am, it cannot have happened prior to the wedding.”
“Then what could possibly have been so dire?”
Darcy entered the room and she took in his limp and his cane, her eyebrows shooting upward. He said, “It was necessary, madam, because it would have been my fault her reputation was soiled otherwise. But I assure you, I am quite pleased with the present situation. Elizabeth is a sweet, intelligent, and charming young woman. Also, she has received plenty of training meant to help her run a large household. I have no concerns that she will fail.”
“A longer engagement would surely not have been frowned upon, sir, since it was obvious you were mourning,” Catherine added petulantly. “Honestly, Darcy, it makes me wonder if you cared for your wife at all.”
“I never failed in my duty toward her,” Darcy defended himself. “Sh
e was honored and cared for, just as she should be.”
“And this one, sir? Is it only honor, and only duty, that makes you care for her?”
“I do not wish to upset you, aunt, but no, duty is not my only motivator,” said Darcy as he limped over and plopped down on one of the sofas. “My affections run far deeper, it would seem.”
“So, the lady is trained in the art of running a household,” she said, smiling. “And what other accomplishments do you boast, Mrs. Darcy? Do you draw?”
“No, ma’am,” Elizabeth said, blushing as Darcy reached up and set her down beside him.
“Do you play the piano?”
“A little, ma’am, and very ill.”
“What can you do, then?”
“I am very handy with a needle,” said Elizabeth, shrugging.
