by Wells, Linda
“Kiss me there again.”
“Here?” She suckled just below his ear.
“I love that so much.” He rested his head on hers and sighed. “Do you think it is too cold to visit our little hideaway?”
“It probably is for lovemaking, but I would still like to visit my birthday present, and see how it has grown.”
“mmm.” Darcy agreed and sliding her gown up and over her head, settled her back down to the bed, and soon lay naked beside her. “You are shivering, that will not do.” He whispered. “Come my love, let me warm you.”
“Are you no longer frightened, Will?”
Darcy kissed over her face, down her throat, paused to suckle tenderly each breast, then kissed the growing baby before returning to lay over her and kiss her lips. He rested his forehead on hers and looked into her eyes. “I am still frightened, but I will not allow that to overtake my happiness. This is our precious time, and we will not waste it in fear. I would rather love you.” Hearing her sigh as their bodies joined, he murmured to her lips. “Let me love you.”
Chapter 6
The sound of pounding hoofs thundered in Darcy’s ears then with an exhilarating whoosh he and his mount were airborne, over the fence and flying up the slope in a fruitless attempt to catch Fitzwilliam. The laughing man reigned in at the top of the hill and watched as the rest of the party reached his location. “Where have you been?” “I have long ago acknowledged your superior horsemanship.” Darcy grinned and caught his breath. “I am just thrilled to see you in action once again.” He turned his head to greet Harwick, who was closely followed by Stewart. Bingley, the novice at riding the hunt, brought up the rear.
“I say, I was sure that one of you would be lying in my path with a broken neck!” He laughed and they joined him. “Is it like this when there is an actual fox involved?”
“It is far more exciting.” Fitzwilliam declared and opened a flask to take a drink. “You have the hounds braying, the air is colder, and with luck, you have the company of some lovely ladies to observe as they …enjoy their mounts.”
“Allowing one’s imagination to wander to other subjects?” Bingley suggested.
“Unfortunately, that tends to slow the pace a bit.” Stewart observed.
“There is nothing wrong with a steady pace.” Harwick said to his hands and looked up to notice Darcy’s barely perceptible nod.
Fitzwilliam put his flask away and sat up in the saddle. “Well we could entertain that particular subject all day, but as Darcy here is the only one able to enjoy the fruits of it, I say we should continue on.” He turned his horse’s head and without a warning, kicked her. “Catch me if you can!” He cried. Harwick took off after him and Bingley decided to try and keep up this time. Darcy and Stewart laughed and took a more leisurely pace to benefit their mounts.
“Onyx enjoys a good gallop, but I know when to let him breathe.”
“Well, I appreciate the loan of Richard, and I realize that your hanging back is in recognition of his breathing, not that stallion of yours.” The two rode companionably together and watched the others disappear. “I have not been able to pin down a court date for Wickham, but I asked to be kept informed and gave them this address. I should receive word very soon. I do want to plead it for you. I am honoured that you are allowing me the opportunity, but I have not had a great deal of experience with such cases. Marlowe Henderson may be the better choice.”
“I want the best, and I want someone who has passion for the outcome.” Darcy met his eye and acknowledged his nod. “Is it always this way? Not knowing what is coming?”
“Well, court is not in session, but yes, it is often a mystery when a case may come up, you can easily hang about the court for days or weeks not knowing. In any case, in November all courts begin again and of course I will have to return to London prior to that. I will depart the day after your ball.”
“I should like to come with you.”
“Darcy there is no need, you may be waiting for the whole month if it is scheduled later, you have done your part, you called the magistrate. You are the prosecutor, but they have your testimony. Now let your solicitor and me or Henderson take over. Would you really wish to be parted from Mrs. Darcy for so long?”
“Of course not, but I feel that I need to witness Wickham’s trial and be assured of his disposition. I was unable to protect Elizabeth from his attack, but I’ll be damned if I do not assure that he never touches her again.” Darcy’s jaw set. “My wife will not be forced to pretend strength when I know that she was terrified, some things are not so easily forgotten.”
“I understand your fear, but you are a gentleman, that carries a great deal of weight. Do not leave her and let the courts handle it, the magistrate will testify. I will inform you of the result. I am nearly positive it will be transportation. As popular as hanging is, things are changing and for non-capital offenses, more often the prisoners are simply sent from our shores. Of course America is not an option anymore.” He laughed but Darcy continued to frown. “So to Australia it will be, the ship sails again in the summer when the passage is safe from winter storms.”
“Will he be able to return?”
“If he survives Newgate, the nearly four months at sea, and the years as a convict, yes. However by that time he will probably have established a liking for the land.” Stewart saw Darcy’s disgust. “He will be well and gone from you. Mrs. Darcy seems to be well; she has not let the event harm her humour?”
“She has put it behind her as much as she can, and is instead concentrating on our child; it is not in her nature to dwell on things that cannot be changed. I am the one who is holding on to the imagery and the what-ifs. I do want to be at the trial if it is at all possible. My testimony will guarantee his conviction, you know that. But most of all, it is my place as her husband, and I feel that I owe it to my father as well.” He saw Stewart’s nod and relaxed slightly. “In any case, I have been instructed to stop brooding. So, in that spirit, I ask you, what do you think of your sister and Harwick?”
“I am delighted.” Stewart laughed. “She is very happy and it is good to see how she makes him smile.”
“I am glad to see Miss Bennet tolerating the romance so well.”
“Ah well, Harwick saw the same in Miss Bennet as I did when we were introduced in Meryton. She is lovely but …lacks intrigue.”
“Bingley likes her, it seems.”
“Good, then he will stop looking at your wife.” Stewart watched Darcy’s brow crease. “Why have you not corrected him?”
“I honestly believe that he feels only brotherly affection for her, we have talked about it in the past, and he was hurt by my query. I do not wish to hurt our friendship by accusing him of something that is not there.”
“You had no such compassion for ours.”
Darcy startled and regarded him carefully. “You outright stated your intentions, and Bingley does nothing more than smile and tease a bit. I had only suspicions of who you had abandoned last December, and I made it clear what my intentions were towards Elizabeth when we met at the ball. You are the one who mistrusted me.” He paused then spoke seriously, “I thought this was behind us.”
“It is, although you do clutch her tightly when I am near.” He saw Darcy’s expression freeze and sighed. “Ignore me, Darcy. You have what I do not.”
“Well, leave it to my wife and she will happily play matchmaker for you.” He smiled to see Stewart’s brows rise. “We have invited the gentlemen of the neighbourhood to join us with our sport tomorrow, and they are bringing their wives and daughters along. The plan was for the ladies to ride, but with Elizabeth’s condition they will instead enjoy tea and gossip, and wait for the gentlemen’s return.”
“Is that so?” Stewart smiled. “It seems to me that Bingley and I may be the only gentlemen available if my suspicions of Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Carter are correct?”
Darcy’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Ah, you have noticed his stares and her poor attem
pts at concealing interest?”
“It is not hard to discern, although she seems to be making an effort to avoid him.” He laughed and gestured in the distance, “Perhaps this is the reason for his wild riding today?”
“From what I understand she is torn about what to do.”
“You have heard the story of her husband, I suppose?” Stewart shook his head. “There are times that I admit to wishing I was the Viscount and had the freedom to do as I pleased, but I see so many unoccupied first sons become involved in dissolute activities that I am rather glad to be distracted with my position. You never had a chance to be distracted did you?”
“No.” Darcy adjusted his seat and his gaze swept the land. “If my father had lived, I doubt that I would have gone too far astray before I was soundly corrected.” He looked back to Stewart. “I imagine your father would have been the same?”
“Without a doubt.” He sighed. “So, ladies will come tomorrow and …”
“There will be other bachelors in our party, but yes, the ladies will outnumber the gentlemen, and if you are inclined to be entertained, I am sure that the son of an Earl with the income you will eventually have is quite attractive. In fact, I remember that Mrs. Henley found you to be eminently suitable for her daughter.”
Stewart’s jaw dropped. “How on earth did that subject arise?”
“We were visiting, Elizabeth mentioned our guests, and she took it from there. Miss Henley was naturally embarrassed.”
“I cannot blame her. My mother is the same with Laura.” Both men smiled.
“Do you remember Miss Henley? You stayed with them last year for the hunt as I recall.”
Stewart shot him a glance. “I was too miserable to really pay much attention to her last December. I recall that she is a very handsome woman.”
Darcy cleared his throat. “Yes, I am sorry to have brought that up.” Their eyes met and he saw Stewart’s shrug. “She is handsome as are the rest of the ladies so; will you indulge my wife’s desire to see you happy? She is determined, you know.”
Stewart laughed. “She is a wonderful woman.”
“She is indeed.” Darcy laughed and they looked ahead as the sound of hoofs beating the ground reached their ears. “Ah, they have returned!”
Fitzwilliam arrived first, closely followed by Harwick and Bingley. “What happened?”
“Nothing. We needed to talk.” Darcy nodded to Fitzwilliam’s mount. “She needs to rest. I think that it is time to return.”
“I know.” He patted her neck. “Riding in town is nothing to riding here. I love this estate Darcy; it is so much more than Matlock.”
“Your father said something similar once.” Darcy smiled then kicking Onyx called out as they sped towards the stables, “Are you coming?”
“MRS. DARCY I think that I may speak for all of the ladies when I say that we are just so thrilled to be invited here today. I have wondered about Pemberley and how it has been faring for years, particularly after news of the recent fire travelled the area, but of course, we would not wish to act as common tourists and ask to walk through. It is the greatest estate in the county, and of course we all are interested in its welfare.” The murmured agreement of the gathered women flowed from one nodding head to another.
Elizabeth set down her tea cup, and drew once again upon the careful preparation Lady Matlock had given her. “Thank you Mrs. Wilson, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to ask you all here, and hope that you have enjoyed the day. Has the estate proven to be as beautiful as you remember? I believe that the evidence of the fire has been removed. Mr. Darcy and our staff assure me that if anything the house is lovelier than ever, and I am delighted to invite our neighbours into our home.” She smiled and glanced at Evangeline and Laura, who were nodding and smiling with approval across the room from her. Elizabeth breathed.
“Oh, it is just beautiful!” Mrs. Henley gushed. “Why, I remarked to my husband only last year, what a wonderful thing it would be for Mr. Darcy to marry and reopen Pemberley! I remember when Mrs. Darcy, your predecessor dear, was alive. Oh, the dinners and balls! She was a wonderful hostess! I was still light of foot then, and I danced and danced …”
“Yes, thank you Mrs. Henley.” Mrs. Gregory interrupted. “Now tell us of your ball. Who is invited, besides us of course?”
“Well I believe that it is the entire neighbourhood of the local landowners and gentry, and of course we have some more guests arriving tomorrow who will be staying with us.” She smiled to see the mothers clearly going over the list of families in their minds.
“May I ask … your guests, are they family?”
“Some are, the residents of Matlock will arrive, the Earl, the Viscount and their wives.” She noted the disappointment, “And of course there will be the Earl of Moreland and his wife, Miss Stewart’s parents.” She nodded over to Laura.
“Oh, and have you many brothers Miss Stewart, Mr. Stewart seems to be amiable?” Miss Gregory asked.
“I do, my brother the Viscount and his wife are expecting their second child, and will not make the trip from home. My brother Daniel is unattached.”
“Ooohhh,” travelled around the room and Laura spotted Elizabeth’s sparkling eyes and bit her lip. Evangeline sighed and joined in to help the matchmaking begin.
“He is a barrister is he not, Miss Stewart?”
“He is, and doing very well, Mrs. Carter.”
“I believe that he …” Miss Henley paused when all eyes turned to her. “He is very gentlemanly.”
“He is indeed.” Elizabeth agreed.
Miss Wilson spoke up. “Mr. Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam are unmarried as well, is that correct?” Again the whispers rose and Elizabeth noted that Evangeline had reddened and Jane was staring at her hands.
“Yes they are, and both are very good men. I have been pleased to meet your brothers and husbands; it seems that Derbyshire is teeming with possibilities for you all.”
A footman entered and bowed before speaking softly to Elizabeth. “Mrs. Darcy, the gentlemen will join you shortly.”
“Thank you.” She smiled knowing that Darcy would want to assure her that he was on his way. “Well, we will soon be entertaining the men; it seems that they have finished their port and conversation.”
“So what shall we discuss before they arrive?” Mrs. Henley asked with bright eyes. “Mrs. Darcy, I have just been dying to ask all day, are you with child?”
“Margaret, will you never learn to hold your tongue?” Mrs. Wilson cried. “Do not answer Mrs. Darcy, she is impossible, believe me; I have tried for years to instruct her.”
“I am not impossible!” She declared. “I am curious!”
“And if an announcement needs to be made, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy will in their own good time.” Mrs. Gregory sighed. “Really Margaret, your country manners will be the death of me someday. How can you display such behaviour to Mrs. Darcy?”
“There is no shame in living in the country.” Elizabeth spoke to the two ladies. “Derbyshire is a far cry from London, why would you look down your nose at your neighbour?” The older women and their daughters all looked at her with surprise. She glanced at Jane and saw her embarrassment, and the other women’s fixed attention, and suddenly she felt the power of her position. “I appreciate the difference between genuine interest and posturing. Mrs. Henley was asking a reasonable question and yes, I am happy to confirm that our first child is on its way. Mr. Darcy and I are delighted, thank you.”
“I thought so, my dear! You are simply glowing!” Mrs. Henley beamed. “Oh how wonderful!”
“MRS. CARTER, may I have a word with you?” Fitzwilliam approached the sofa where Evangeline sat alone. He took a seat beside her and noticed her eyes flick up to his face and back down. “What is wrong? Ever since you arrived you have avoided being alone with me. Have I angered you in some way? I have been searching my memory, and I can recall no incident that could cause your discomfort. Please if I have upset you, tell me so that I may c
orrect it. I cannot bear to be left wondering like this. If I did not have the other gentlemen to occupy my mind I would be left to do nothing but worry.”
“You seem to be bearing the interest of all of these ladies well enough.” Her eyes swept the room, and stopped to watch Miss Gregory take her turn at the pianoforte. “You smile and laugh with them.”
“I do, I will not be impolite to Elizabeth’s guests.” He looked to see who had caught her attention then back to her. “I would prefer to be standing with you clearly by my side, but you asked for time. I am waiting for you to give me a sign that you are ready, is this that moment? You seem to be a little possessive? That delights me, truly, but I honestly do not know what to do, I am as unschooled in courting as … Darcy was when he pined for Elizabeth all spring.” He saw her look down and nod. “In the meantime, I will not stand like a tree and frown like …” He laughed. “Like your brother does as he sees Mr. Ryan talk up Miss Stewart.” Evangeline looked to Harwick and a little smile appeared.
“He is waiting to speak to Lord Moreland before he declares himself to her.”
“Ah, I see. Until then he will brood.” Fitzwilliam cocked his brow at her. “You have not answered my question. You know full well that I would love to join Harwick in his state of jealousy, but you deny me that pleasure.”
Evangeline’s eyes darted around and she whispered in a low voice, “This is not the place for this conversation.”
Fitzwilliam recognized her discomfort but refused to be dissuaded. “No, I will not accept that, you are well and truly trapped. Speak your mind, if you know it.” He touched her hand. “Please.”
“Richard …” She saw the relief and happiness appear in his eyes. “I … I continue to struggle.”
“Eva.” He whispered his disappointment.
“But I am closer to a resolution and when my brother is …settled, I think that I will feel free to make that decision.”
Fitzwilliam’s gaze travelled from Harwick to Laura and back again. He stood and strode over to the man, spoke in his ear, and gave him a shove. Harwick walked straight to Laura, bowed to her companions, took her hand and placed it on his arm, then led her away to a corner. Fitzwilliam returned to Evangeline and held out his hand to her. “Come my … Come.”
