by Bray, Ayr
Elizabeth screeched at his actions but enjoyed rolling through the snow with him. She grabbed handfuls and unceremoniously threw them at him, an action he reciprocated. Their lighthearted playing only lasted a minute or two then, as Elizabeth was about to launch another round of snow at him, Fitzwilliam caught her hand and pulled her towards him. They were lying on the ground, their wool coats, hats, scarves, and gloves coated with clumps of snow. Flurries of snow flitted through the air around them. At first Elizabeth struggled against him, determined to win their little snow fight, until her eyes met Fitzwilliam’s. His were dark pools of love, and at once she was lost in them. Pulling her tight against him, he kissed her lips. Her lips were just as cold as his, but neither hesitated. Rather they warmed themselves with their shared passion. Had Elizabeth been able to think, she certainly would have wondered why the snow they lay upon had not melted with their combined heat. Fitzwilliam’s body shuddered against Elizabeth, reacting as any man violently in love would. Their kiss became more passionate until they both shared the taste and essence of the other. Elizabeth sighed into Fitzwilliam; the sound was almost lost upon the wind, but Fitzwilliam heard it and pulled Elizabeth closer, deepening their kiss. Elizabeth’s cold nose brushed against his as the warmth of their combined breaths sent puffs of vapor into the air around them. Wrapping both arms around her, Fitzwilliam luxuriated in the blissful sensation of having his wife so near him. Though their bodies were wet and cold, neither felt it, for they were on fire with desire.
Drawing a deep breath, Fitzwilliam spoke first. “Elizabeth, let us go back to the house this instant.” Then, letting his breath out, he whispered against her ear, “I need you, most ardently.”
Elizabeth gasped and caught his lips in a final kiss before rising from the cold, snowy ground. They quickly settled into the sleigh and rode back to the manor. Pulling up in front of the house, they were met by a groom who took the reins of the horse and returned it and the sleigh to the stables. He shook his head at the mess he had just witnessed, his master and mistress returning to the house with clumps of snow clinging to every part of them as if they had rolled around on the ground like little children.
Mr. Carson smiled as he poured the last bucket of hot water into the bath for Mr. Darcy. He doubted the bath would be used, as the master frequented his wife’s bath as often as he used his own, but still he prepared it. He had seen the two coming up the road and knew they would be cold after such a length of time outdoors in this weather. What better way to warm up than a bath, he thought. Gracie had already filled her mistress’s bath and was just finishing laying out her clothing. The two beloved servants had already learned that once the master’s and mistress’s baths were drawn and their belongings laid out for the night, they were rarely needed again; today would be no different.
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth had returned to the manor in a fit of untidiness. Their outer clothing was caked with snow, their clothing underneath cold and wet, yet neither complained. Mrs. Darcy’s hair was loose from her bonnet, wet strands sticking to the sides of her face as she cast off the soaked layers of her scarf, gloves, and coat.
The two had tried to remain composed in the company of the household staff, but as soon as the door to the master suite closed, all propriety was dismissed. Gracie had already departed the room, but Mr. Carson was still in the washroom when he heard them enter. It was obvious neither could remove their own clothing, or that of the other, quick enough. Mr. Carson left the room via the servants’ staircase at the back of the washroom. Rarely had the man ever used the door when it was only Mr. Darcy he served. However, with the new Mrs. Darcy in residence he was finding that it was becoming his preferred method of coming and going so as not to disturb the young couple who were so obviously in love.
Fitzwilliam was captivated with the velvety skin of Elizabeth’s neck. Their bodies were numb from the cold of their excursion, but there were pockets of warmth both were enjoying the opportunity to discover. He kissed her, starting at her lips and slowly working his way to her ankles and back up. By the time he reached her lips a second time, both were well within the throes of passion and could no longer resist the desire to be one as only a husband and wife should be.
Neither Fitzwilliam nor Elizabeth were seen again for the rest of the day.
The preparations of the week were coming to a conclusion, and already Friday was nigh. Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds had worked endlessly to decorate the manor, plan the meals, and get everything in general order. Their efforts had paid off; the manor looked exquisite. The staircases were draped with boughs of evergreen and red satin ribbon. There were matching evergreen centerpieces with candles scattered throughout the manor. A sprig of mistletoe tied with a small ribbon hung in every doorway. The main sitting room had been re-arranged to accommodate the tree that had been cut from the grove. All that was left was to go over the final menu with the cook, decorate the tree, and make the chrism to fill the Yule log. Elizabeth had had the gardener bore the hole in the log earlier in the week, and her white silk and satin wrappings were already prepared.
Between Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds there was nothing else to be done. Their family party of six, plus Georgiana’s companion, Mrs. Annesley, if she chose to join them, would have a remarkably comfortable holiday enjoying each other’s good nature and friendship.
The wind had begun to blow from the west, causing a cold chill the stableman feared would be too much for some of the livestock. Fitzwilliam had been called to offer his advice less than an hour after the midday repast. He told Elizabeth it was likely he would be riding out with the servant to bring in the livestock from the fields. His description of the severe cold worried her not only for his safety and that of their livestock, but also for the safety of their guests travelling over the harsh winter roads.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were due tomorrow, with the Bingleys right behind them the following day. Elizabeth wanted nothing more than for all of them to arrive safe and sound before the weather took a turn for the worse. It could become dismal after they were all securely ensconced at Pemberley, but not before.
Elizabeth stood at the sitting room window, looking out across the long drive both of her beloved sisters would soon be travelling up. She tried to dwell on the positive, but she feared the bitter cold would ruin all of their plans to be together. Elizabeth offered up a silent prayer for their safety.
A few minutes later, Elizabeth was still standing at the frost-glazed window looking out across the expanse in front of her. She was feeling a little insignificant and alone when she saw an express rider coming towards the manor. He was hunched in the saddle with the brim of his hat pulled down to protect him from the icy wind. When he neared the manor and then disappeared by the servants’ entrance she gave up her spot and instead sat down and took up her book. It was but a few minutes before Mrs. Reynolds entered with a tray of tea.
“A letter for you, Mrs. Darcy. It just arrived express.”
Elizabeth thanked Mrs. Reynolds, who began to pour the tea while she opened her letter. She smiled when she realized it was a letter from her sister Jane.
Dearest Lizzy,
How I miss you. It brings me absolute joy that we will soon be joined again for the Christmas season. I am sure by the time you receive this our arrival will be imminent, but I could never live with myself if you were surprised entirely. Just this morning Mamma informed me she, Papa, Mary, and Kitty will be accompanying us to Pemberley for Christmas. Not only that, dear sister, but we are leaving a full day and a half before we had intended. I fear you should expect us no later than Thursday, the nineteenth of December. We can only guess our time of arrival, but Charles tells me it will be around three o’clock in the afternoon.
All my love,
Jane
Looking at the clock on the mantle Elizabeth panicked when she realized today was Thursday, and already it was nearing three o’clock. If Charles’s prediction was correct, the Bingleys and Bennets would be arriving any m
inute.
Elizabeth’s face was pale, and she was near panic when she addressed her housekeeper. “Mrs. Reynolds.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the housekeeper calmly responded.
“I have just received this letter. It seems all our well-made plans are about to be upset. My sister Jane Bingley writes that not only is she and Charles to be arriving, but my whole family is to be joining them.” She paused to catch her breath a little and the kind housekeeper tried to put her at ease.
“Very well, Mrs. Darcy, we will modify accordingly. Is there anything else?”
Elizabeth stood a little agitated, but she replied, “Yes, there is one more thing. Apparently they left Longbourn early.”
“How early?”
“To the best of my knowledge, they left a day and a half early, meaning the appearance of their carriage is expected any minute. I suspect we will need to amend tonight’s menu, as well as prepare two, possibly three, more rooms. My sisters Mary and Kitty may share a room if needed.”
“Nonsense, Mrs. Darcy. We have plenty of rooms, and all of them can be prepared at a moment’s notice. I will send Abigail up now to ensure they are ready.”
“Oh, Mrs. Reynolds, you know not how you have eased my mind.”
“Will there be anything else, Mrs. Darcy?”
“No, that is all.”
“Very well, I will get right to work.”
No sooner had Mrs. Reynolds turned to leave than the door opened to admit the butler. “Mrs. Darcy, I am come to inform you there is an unknown carriage coming up the drive. They should be here in about ten minutes.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth responded and then turned to Mrs. Reynolds. “It appears as if they are already here.” Elizabeth quickly glanced at her gown and then raised her eyebrows. She cleared her throat with a bit of hesitation. “Ahem, Mrs. Reynolds, there is perhaps one more thing you should know.”
Mrs. Reynolds looked at her nervous mistress. She had not yet witnessed Mrs. Darcy in such a state and felt sorry for the dear lady.
“You see,” she paused trying to choose the right words, “my mother has a tendency to be quite vocal. Please understand she always means well, but sometimes she does not think before she speaks.”
“I understand, Mrs. Darcy. Fear not, everyone has a member of their family they wish would restrain themselves. Why, my own mother was a bit eccentric at times. Now, if you will excuse me, I will set things in motion and return before the guests reach the house.”
Elizabeth appreciated the woman’s kindness, and for the second time in a space of no more than ten minutes Elizabeth stood at the window and watched the progression of her visitors. When the carriage reached the house, she waited in the foyer with Mrs. Reynolds while the footman and butler helped her family enter the manor. She did not even have time to receive them properly before her mother blurted out, “Goodness, Lord bless me, look at your house, Lizzy. I daresay this place is as large as a palace. I knew Mr. Darcy was wealthy, but for heaven’s sake, he must be the richest man in England. At least now I need not worry for the death of your father. Your Mr. Darcy is certainly able to take care of me, even if Mr. Bingley cannot.”
Elizabeth looked around at the stoic faces of Mrs. Reynolds and the butler. Mrs. Reynolds had been properly warned, but no one else knew what to expect from her mother. It was obvious the butler had thought he would meet a refined and sophisticated woman, considering Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner, whom he remembered from last summer’s tour.
“Mamma,” Elizabeth said with irritation in her voice. It was then that her father stepped forward and addressed her.
“Elizabeth, how are you, my dear?” He opened his arms and welcomed her into his embrace.
“I am well, Father. How was your journey?”
“It was as I expected it would be, travelling such a distance with, dare I say, three silly women. Jane and Charles did aid me along the way when they offered me a place of refuge in their carriage.”
Elizabeth looked around before responding, “Where is Jane and Charles? Are they not with you?”
“Oh, they will be along shortly. Charles wanted to show Jane the view from a peak a few miles off.”
Mrs. Bennet voiced her opinion on the matter. “The view … pft. I know not what Charles was thinking. Jane will catch her death traipsing around some peak in this frigid weather, just to take in a view. He should not have stopped the coach, but rather continued right behind us.” She quickly swung her head to look at the hall around her, then continued before she hardly had time to take a breath. “Well, Lizzy, what a lovely place you have here. Your home is quite festive. Jane has always been a better decorator than you, but I like this exceedingly well indeed. I guess scolding you until you got it right paid off after all, though it is likely your staff did most of the decorating. How could they not? I expect you must have at least one hundred servants in the house alone.”
Elizabeth was mortified, “Yes, Mamma, Fitzwilliam’s staff is wonderfully adept. So much so that with nothing more than ten minutes’ notice your rooms have been prepared. Perhaps you would like to see them now?” Then addressing her sisters for the first time, she invited them also. “What say you, Mary and Kitty? Would you like to see your rooms?” The girls nodded in unison, though neither said a word. Elizabeth was happy they had sense enough to hold their tongues. The same could not be said for her mother.
“Oh yes, my dear, show me to my room. After such a journey you know how tired I am. Nothing would suit me more than lying down for a spell. Indeed, I must rest my poor feet. Why, the only way I could be more tired was if I had actually walked the distance myself.” Mrs. Bennet was already following the footman who carried her trunks.
Mr. Bennet looked upon his daughter and then whispered as he turned to follow his wife, “Thank you, Lizzy. I am sorry we have surprised you so, but you know your mother. There was no stopping her once she learned Jane was to come to Pemberley. I thought it best that I accompany her, rather than let her come alone.”
“It is fine, Father. I am glad you have come.”
Mr. Bennet planted a kiss on Elizabeth’s forehead and followed his wife and daughters up the stairs.
Elizabeth let out her breath and turned to face Mrs. Reynolds and the butler. She started to apologize, but Mrs. Reynolds stopped her with a statement of understanding. “There is no need to speak, Mrs. Darcy. I think I know what you are going to say. Trust me, we all have family members we sometimes want to apologize for, but there is no need. Now, if you will excuse me, I will go and help Cook.”
Mrs. Reynolds left Elizabeth, who returned to the sitting room to watch for her sister. A few minutes later the butler returned and addressed her. “Mrs. Darcy, I have been sent to inform you that another carriage was spotted coming up the drive. We are to understand it is Mr. Bingley’s carriage.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth responded. “Have word sent to Mr. Darcy that the Bingleys have arrived, and tell him also that the Bennets have accompanied them.”
“Very well. Will there be anything else?”
“No, that is all.”
The butler left Elizabeth alone looking out the window for a third time that day, watching the progress of another carriage coming up the drive. Elizabeth was eager to see her sister again, and the slow progress of the carriage did nothing but frustrate her. Finally, the carriage pulled up in front of the house and Elizabeth rushed out the door into the waiting arms of her sister who had just been handed down.
“Oh, Jane, how I have missed you.”
“I have missed you, too, Lizzy. Did you get my letter? Were you properly warned in advance of our parents and sisters’ arrival?”
“As much as could have been expected in this weather. I think the letter arrived about half an hour ago.”
“Half an hour! I am sorry, Lizzy. I hoped it would have arrived yesterday.”
“Speak no more of it. Come, let us go inside and get warm. Your trip must have been unbearable in this weather.”
Elizabeth understood her sister’s meaning. Gripping her hand, she pulled her into the house, exclaiming over her shoulder, “Come in, Charles, you are welcome. Fitzwilliam will be along any minute. He has been attending some estate business today, but I have already sent word of your arrival.”
Stepping into the foyer, Elizabeth helped Jane remove her outerwear. “Oh, Lizzy, your home is beautiful. Look at the glorious decorations.” Jane took in the view of the place, enjoying everything she saw.
“Thank you. I must admit Mrs. Reynolds, our housekeeper, is the one you should compliment. She has an extraordinary gift for turning any object into a beautiful work of art.”
Just then, Charles came bounding through the door, as amiable as he always was. “Elizabeth, what a pleasure it is to see you again.” He enveloped her in a hug anyone would enjoy from a favourite brother; both laughed light-heartedly.
“It is a pleasure to see you, too, Charles. I cannot thank you enough for bringing my sister here for Christmas.”
“Pish-posh, think nothing of it. It is us that should thank you for inviting us. Jane was eager to come, not only to see her favourite sister, but to see your home. I have been telling her all about the beauty of Pemberley and the surrounding area.”
