Darcy turned pale. “I have met her, and she and I exchanged some words.”
Elizabeth turned to face him, pursed her lips in a thin line, and put her hands on her hips. “Mr. Darcy, what exactly did you say to her?”
“I might have said some unfavorable words towards her.” He turned his head away and looked at the floor as if inspecting a missing thread.
“In all fairness and in my defense, I had no idea who she was, and we both know how I get when my feathers are ruffled.”
She relaxed and laughed. He was unsure what she was laughing at. “I am sure Aunt Jane gave you a piece of her mind.”
He grinned. “Indeed, she did.”
Elizabeth turned back to the portrait, tears on the verge of spilling out. “I never got to say goodbye to either of them.”
He held her close. “Darling, your Aunt Jane, and Anise may be gone, but they both will always be with us, looking down upon us from Heaven and in this hallway.” Darcy choked on his words and cleared his throat; they both continued to walk Pemberley’s halls and reminisced as if no time had passed.
He laughed at himself. “What is so funny, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth was unsure if he was overwhelmed and cracking after all they had experienced.
His eyes twinkled, and he stated, “Look at me, I am turning into—what do you call it, asap?” He laughed and took her into his arms; he kissed the top of her head gently.
“Did I break the tough, infamous Mr. Darcy?” she giggled.
“Indeed, you did, but I like being broken if it means that your love will glue me back together,” he said, as he kissed her forehead. His lips felt like a cool breeze.
“Well, that would mean you would be stuck with me forever, and that means I might drive you crazy. You will need a lot of patience.”
“You have already driven me insane, Lizzie,” he said, as he picked her up and twirled her around. “I am insanely in love with you.” He lowered her back down, still holding her by her waist, her feet dangling a few inches from the floor, and he took her mouth into his. “I also have plenty of patience. Love is patient,” then he kissed her eyelids, “love is kind,” and he paused, “it does not envy, it does not boast,” then he kissed her nose, “it does not dishonor others,” then he moved to her right cheek, “it is not self-seeking,” and then her left cheek, “it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs,” and his lips hovered over her lips, in what felt like an eternity to Elizabeth, and before he kissed her lips, “it keeps no record of wrongs.” He then looked deep into her violet eyes. “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Just as I will always protect, trust, and love you for an eternity.”
He set her down, and she began to cry, tears of joy. “I too shall always protect, trust, and love you, Mr. Darcy, for an eternity.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Darcy had a hard time coming to terms that he was the Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. He thought his dreams were just dreams, and he did not think they were images of his past life. When he met Elizabeth at the bar, he was immediately drawn to her, and she seemed familiar. Electricity and passion ignited deep within his soul. Then when he saw Elizabeth for a second time at her home with Charles, he completely lost it. He wanted to whisk her away then and there. He knew fate intervened when he was traveling and rescued her from the car crash. He still dreamed of that night, when Jane and Anise urged him to pull over to the side of the road to help pull Elizabeth from the burning car.
Now six months later, Elizabeth and Darcy were settled into their new life. He spent many sleepless nights because his memories of the past intermingled with his present life. Elizabeth was also coming to terms with her past, and she remained patient with Darcy when he grew frustrated at how he treated her. He wanted to make it all better and right. He intended to propose to her and give her the dream wedding she deserved.
Darcy kept in contact with Jo, and secretly worked with her to arrange his proposal. He wanted her to visit to help him arrange things. Darcy already had the ring, the one he was going to propose to her with, that fateful night on her birthday. He found it while rummaging around his study, exactly where he had placed it, in his writing desk in a compartment under a false bottom.
Elizabeth was unaware of the reason Jo showed up unannounced, but she did not mind at all. She was thrilled Jo was around. She did not have female friends at Pemberley, and the staff did not count.
On a hot summer day in June, Jo convinced Elizabeth to show her around town. Elizabeth was pregnant, and she did not want to go out in the heat. However, Jo enticed her with a nice refreshing lunch, and assurances that they would visit a museum or somewhere nice and cool.
Unknown to Elizabeth, it was orchestrated by Darcy, so Elizabeth would not be around when he went out and got the ring and prepared Pemberley for his proposal. Therefore, reluctantly she obliged, and off they went into town, shopping, and gossiping, and visited an art museum.
It was a while since Jo and Elizabeth had last seen each other. The last time they saw one another, Elizabeth was rushing off to Pemberley with Darcy. Jo, of course, was concerned that Elizabeth was being irrational by running off with a man she had just met, even though he had saved her life. So, Elizabeth had to sit Jo down with Darcy and explain the whole ordeal. Jo thought they were both mad, but after a few drinks, and after getting to know Darcy, she warmed up to the idea, and did notice his resemblance to Jane Austen’s much-beloved gentleman. Jo was sworn to secrecy, never to tell a soul, and her lips had been sealed since then.
While they were out, Darcy and the staff prepared the ballroom. Jo had to stall Elizabeth; Darcy texted Jo to let her know that they were almost done but required more time. When Jo’s phone vibrated, she had to excuse herself to use the bathroom. When she returned, Elizabeth was tired and wanted to go back home.
Jo made an excuse and begged her for some gelato. She was convincing; Elizabeth and Jane went into the ice cream shop that was next to the museum.
Once they ordered, they sat and talked for a while, until Jo received another text from Darcy to bring Elizabeth home. “You know, I think it would be best to go home. It is getting quite hot, and I don’t want to return you to Darcy as a puddle of sweat.”
Elizabeth playfully stuck out her tongue. “Please, I am a lady, and I don’t sweat.”
Jo laughed. “Then tell that to your face and armpits.” She got up and took Elizabeth’s cup and hers to the trash, took Elizabeth in the arm, and walked out the door.
Elizabeth dialed her driver, and within minutes, they were in an air-conditioned sedan on their way back to Pemberley. Once they pulled up, Jo made sure Elizabeth entered first. She ordered and practically pushed Elizabeth into the foyer and rushed her up the stairs to take a quick shower. “Whoa, where’s the fire, Jo?”
Jo snickered. “Girl, I am not going to lie, but you stink. Go freshen up and make yourself smell pretty and fix that poodle hair.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “You’re one to talk.”
Jo placed her hands on her hips. “Excuse me, but I am a lady, and I don’t sweat. Plus, I don’t have a man to impress.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Okay, sure, Miss I-don’t-sweat. Go grab yourself lemonade or something in the kitchen, and I will freshen up since I am so unbearable and unpresentable. Please, tell Darcy I am showering, and I will be down in a moment.”
Jo saluted. “Aye aye, captain. Now, get your ass upstairs.”
Elizabeth laughed. “You are such a dork! But that is one of the many reasons I love you!”
Jo smiled. “I know I am awesome! I love you too, girl, but not sure how much longer if you keep stinking!”
“Fine, fine, I am going, sheesh.” Elizabeth stuck her tongue out and left to bathe. Once upstairs, she was greeted by Millie; this Millie was friendlier and much younger. Thankfully, she was not forceful with dressing Elizabeth, nor insistent on bathing her.
Before Jo left with Elizabeth, she instructed Millie t
o make sure Elizabeth did not dress in jeans, but instead wore the outfit she had bought her.
Elizabeth went to bathe and enjoyed the peace she found as the water cascaded down her body. She was in a trance of calmness. Apparently, she was enjoying it too long and lost track of time, so that Millie came in to make sure she was okay. When she stepped out of the bath, Millie was holding a towel. She was embarrassed to be naked in front of her. She did not want to be waited on hand and foot. However, Millie was insistent, and she had to convince Elizabeth to wear the dress Millie presented to her.
A royal blue silk sheath dress flowed down like a shimmering river to the floor. Millie also handed her a pair of strappy, sparkly silver shoes. Elizabeth was in awe and was curious as to why she had to dress so extravagantly for an evening in which she just wanted to binge in front of the television in her sweats. She tried to pry it out of Millie, but she would not budge.
Without a word, Millie handed Elizabeth the dress, and gave her a look that warned her to put on the dress, or she would put it on for her.
Palms up, Elizabeth sighed. “Okay, okay, you win.” She took the dress from Millie, and it felt like a dream as she slipped it on. It fit like a dream too, and it did cascade down to the floor; it covered her feet, but it was not so long that she would trip.
She sat down in her chair in front of her mirror and put on the shoes. She felt like a princess. She stood up and twirled around. Millie laughed; she was pleased Elizabeth was happy. “My lady, you are gorgeous; now please sit back down. I need to fix your hair.”
Elizabeth obeyed, and Millie fixed her hair in a cascading braid up-do. Elizabeth was thrilled; she had not felt this beautiful in a long time, since she was progressing in her pregnancy. “Thank you, darling Millie, you are an angel.”
Millie blushed. “I am happy to be of service, my lady. I am finished; you should not keep Mr. Darcy much longer. We don’t want him to come storming up here and barging in.”
Elizabeth smiled. “This is true, and he does get impatient, and does not like to wait.” Elizabeth got up and took a deep breath. She was nervous, and she did not quite know why. Darcy still had that effect on her. She hoped he would be pleased.
Millie helped her down the stairs as she walked down. She was hoping Darcy would be waiting for her, but he was not. Instead, she was greeted by the butler, Maurice. He extended his hand to her to lead her to wherever it was he was taking her.
She was confused and wanted to know what was going on. He led her to the ballroom; she thought she was hallucinating because she could hear the faint sound of music.
Maurice pushed back the ballroom door, and there stood Darcy, surrounded by a string quartet. The world seemed to stand still as he approached her. He smiled from ear to ear as he checked her out up and down. She could tell that he was definitely pleased.
Electricity sparked between them, and he kept eye contact as he glided in front of her. She forgot to breathe as he stood before her and took her by the hand. “Breathe, darling,” he whispered in her ear. Her body was covered in goose pimples. She was having a sensory overload. “You look stunning, my love.”
He did have a way with words that made her weak in the knees. He broke contact with her, and she felt lost without his touch. Before she realized it, he was down on one knee. He reached into his pocket and produced a beautiful rose-cut blue topaz, set in silver, with a rose-colored gold shank. It sparkled, and she gasped. It was more than just a ring; it was a beacon of hope, security, love, and a promise of a lifetime together.
Tears blurring her vision, she burst out, “Yes!”
His eyes twinkled. “My silly girl, I have not asked you yet; I would like to do this properly.” He winked. “Now, darling Elizabeth, would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
She composed herself. “A thousand times yes!” He got up, stood before her, and wrapped her in his warm embrace.
“My beautiful darling, I want to spend an eternity with you.” He kissed her passionately, and she returned the kiss with great fervor.
They both had forgotten Jo was in the room. “Ahem, you two lovebirds need to get a room.”
Darcy laughed. “Why get a room, when we have a whole manor?” Darcy winked. Elizabeth was shocked that her sense of humor had rubbed off on him. He was becoming more Americanized each day.
“Woah looks like Elizabeth already corrupted the great Mr. Darcy.” All three of them laughed, and Jo embraced both of them. “Congratulations! Looks like you have a handful here, Lizzie. You’ll have a run for your money.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I don’t mind at all.” She kissed Darcy on the cheek.
“I hope you know what you are getting yourself into, Darcy. Elizabeth is a feisty one.”
“All the more reason I want to spend the rest of my life with her.” He held her closer, and she nuzzled into his neck.
His cologne and closeness made her weak in the knees. She purred, “Such a sweet-talker, Mr. Darcy; you keep talking like that, and we shall have to find a room.”
He growled in her ear. “You read my mind, darling. Let us make like, what do you say, like a banana and split.”
She giggled. “Darcy, stick with your posh quips and leave the dorky American sayings to me.”
“I concur.” His eyes twinkled with mischief, and he led her out of the ballroom.
Jo was standing there alone, and she shouted out, “Okay, guys, don’t mind me, I will just dance by myself.”
They did not turn around, and once they were out of the ballroom, he swept her up into his arms and bounded up the stairs to their room. She giggled, and he spun her around and placed her on the bed.
“Now, darling, you look phenomenal in this dress; however, I want to see what it looks like on the floor,” he said, as he began to pull her dress off.
She swatted at his hands. “Slow down there, tiger. Don’t tear my clothes off; I shall do it for you.”
She pushed him off her and stood in front of him and slowly teased him as she pulled her dress down to her shoulders, past her breasts, and then shimmied the dress down her hips. He stood staring at her. He was going crazy, and he threw his jacket on the floor and started to unbutton his shirt.
She pouted. “Stop, darling, don’t deprive me of the chance to undress you.”
“That is not fair, darling, for I am not allowed to undress you.”
“Well, it is different; you want to rip my clothes off! At least you can replace yours if I rip them.”
He sighed, palms up. “Fair enough. Now, please, I implore you, I want to see you in all your beautiful glory.” He started to approach her to help her. His hands grabbed her hips, and he pulled himself into her.
She tried to push him away. “Patience, darling, this is not a race.”
“Touché, using my own words against me.” He smiled and loosened his embrace.
“Indeed,” she giggled, and she continued to pull her dress down her legs, and after what seemed like an eternity to Darcy, the dress hit the floor. He was aroused to see that she wore nothing under her dress. He could not contain himself any longer, lifted her up gently, and laid her on the bed.
It had been some time since they were joined together in intimacy. Darcy insisted he did not want to hurt their child, and Elizabeth repeatedly had to remind him that it was okay.
“Wait, darling, are you sure you are fine with this?” she asked.
He laughed. “Tables have turned, have they? Yes, darling, I assure you I am fine.” Darcy could not contain himself, seeing her in her dress, and the emotions of the proposal overrode his fears of hurting their child. Before Elizabeth could react, he pressed his mouth against hers and kissed her passionately. Their lips collided, and she was overwhelmed with a wave of sweet honey kisses.
Her mouth melted into his as he stood over her on the edge of the bed. She pulled him on top of her and grabbed him with her legs. She was feeling wanton with lust and wanted to feel him inside of her more than anything.
D
arcy did not deny her; without hesitation, he entered her. She arched her back in response and met his every stroke and movement. She moaned as she pushed her body against him. Her breasts ached for attention. Before she could plead for it, his tongue licked her right nipple. He knew it was driving her insane, and he relished it. Without breaking eye contact, he proceeded to her left nipple, and this time he sucked harder and massaged her right breast. She bucked her hips, grinding on his manhood in response. She started scratching him, and he did not stop her. Her hand ran down his back, moving its way just below his manhood to massage him as he continued to move inside of her. She knew this would drive him mad and would release him from being cautious. She really wanted him to release all his primal need.
He grabbed her wrist to stop her. With his other hand, he grabbed her right wrist, and he pinned her arms above her head and growled, “You saucy minx, so you want to play rough?”
“Oh, yes, I do, Mr. Darcy; please, I want every inch of you to devour me and shatter me into oblivion.”
He no longer needed encouragement; his strokes became faster, and he buried his manhood deeper in her. She squirmed while he continued to pin her down. She moaned louder, and he kissed her to quiet her. She moaned into his mouth, he sucked on her tongue, and she responded. She was on the edge of orgasm, she was thrown to the edge; together, they both orgasmed. He removed himself slowly and lay beside her in exhaustion.
He kissed her and stroked her hair. She began to cry. “Oh no, darling, did I hurt you?” he asked, as he pulled her closer.
This only made her cry more. She sniffled. “Oh, no, you did not, these damn hormones of mine.”
He did not understand. “Darling, then what is the matter? Please, breathe.” He kissed her.
“It’s just that I love you so much, I am overwhelmed with emotions. You are so amazing, and I feel that I don’t deserve all of this.”
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