Two days before the new year, the Gardiners’ coach rolled onto Pemberley’s grounds in the late morning hours. As visitors, they saw the estate in early August, but now they were to stay as guests, the honor not lost on them. Mr. Gardiner brought gifts for all the members of the household. Darcy’s special gift, another picture of Darcy and Elizabeth—this one of them as husband and wife, came from Cassandra Gardiner. Darcy placed it in his study beside the one given to him earlier where he could see it as he deliberated over business dealings. He picked up the child and hugged her; later, after dinner, she sat on his lap and fell asleep in his arms as he gently stroked the girl’s head; and the scene brought Elizabeth great joy. Warmer than what was expected for this time of year, Mr. Gardiner took advantage of the weather and showed his sons how to fish although he knew fish were not to be had. All the children played with Hero and helped the dog chase the game birds along the wood line. “Come, Aunt Gardiner, I promised you a ride around the grounds.” Elizabeth’s joy showed as they headed for a phaeton ride, a promise sealed months earlier.The Gardiners knew the joy of seeing Elizabeth in love and at Pemberley.
Jane and Bingley did not arrive until late in the day. “Jane, we worried for your safety,” Elizabeth said as she greeted her sister.
“They decided to sleep in,” Kitty whispered as she hugged Elizabeth. Jane blushed when she overheard Kitty’s comment, but she also could not help smiling. Elizabeth giggled at the prospect of Jane and Mr. Bingley enjoying the same kind of pleasure she did with Darcy.When she caught Jane’s arm going into the house, Elizabeth could not help but murmur, “Jane, if you want to sleep in tomorrow, you have my blessing.”
Jane blushed again, but she said, “Maybe I will, Lizzy. Maybe I will.”Then they both burst out laughing, enjoying the secret.
Darcy welcomed Bingley in his study; they had not seen each other since their wedding day, and they had much to share. “I am happy to be at Pemberley, Darcy. I must admit I have seen enough of my sisters and my brother Hurst for a while, and after only two months, Netherfield’s proximity to Longbourn has lost its appeal even for Jane. We are considering looking for another estate if things do not change.”
“I am sorry to hear of your need for privacy. Elizabeth and I spent a glorious fortnight in London.”
“Darcy, I feel sorry for Jane. She does not deserve such treatment; my sisters had her running everywhere to try to please them. I promised her a lifetime of happiness, but the drudgery of everyday life already takes its toll on our relationship. It was luxurious this morning to not have obligations to others.”
Darcy began to laugh, and Bingley fidgeted with embarrassment. “I am sorry, Bingley; I do not mean to make light at your expense. I laugh because your sister Elizabeth spreads her magic again. She decided days ago, you and Jane should have rooms away from everyone else. Obviously, Elizabeth realized Mrs. Bennet’s lack of civilities would not take a holiday once you married. She wishes for you and Jane to be as happy as are we.”
“Darcy, remind me to thank your wife properly.” Bingley laughed.
“If I know Mrs. Darcy, your making Mrs. Bingley your priority will make Elizabeth happy without any thanks. At Netherfield, Elizabeth delighted in your attention to Jane.”
“That reminds me, Darcy; you were quite cunning in getting me to invite Mrs. Darcy to stay at Netherfield. I thought you did so to allay my agitation over Jane’s illness; little did I realize you had other motivations.”
“Your concern for Mrs. Bingley was my initial thought, but I willingly admit Elizabeth possessed my heart even then, although I fought my feelings for her. I was a man torn between two worlds—a dutiful son and a man in love with an amazing woman. I never realized I could be both—no choice was necessary.”
“How are we so fortunate to marry such intelligent ladies, Darcy?”
“It is for sure we succeeded where many others fail.”
Kitty looked forward to spending time with Georgiana Darcy. Since Lydia left for Brighton, Kitty had no one else with whom to share her questions about love and about men; they had shared several “intimate” sidebars when they met at Longbourn before Elizabeth’s wedding to Mr. Darcy. Kitty hoped Georgiana would look on her as a close friend and confidante. Kitty Bennet knew Georgiana Darcy to be more refined than anyone else of her acquaintance, and Kitty felt she could learn something from her. Jane and Elizabeth found excellent matches because they presented themselves as “ladies.” Lydia’s husband at first seemed appealing to Kitty, but she learned Lydia’s life was not so easy.They were often in debt and forced to change living quarters, and it was not in a good way. She decided Elizabeth’s offer of continuing her studies and of coming to Pemberley was a better way of finding her own “excellent” match.
At Pemberley, she concluded, she would learn what it took to attract a man of consequence—a man with a future. Being able to attend balls and private parties with eligible young bachelors would be to her advantage. Being Mrs. Darcy’s sister would also be to her advantage. The prospect of staying at Pemberley and not returning to Longbourn with Mary’s religious rants and her mother’s nervous condition delighted Kitty’s youthful imagination so she was pleased, then, to meet Chadwick Harrison even though he obviously had eyes only for Miss Darcy.At least, if she made a good impression on the man, he might introduce her to someone promising.
The house echoed with life, and Darcy’s expression reflected the joy he felt at last. Only the absence of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne brought him any sense of regret. He hoped for a resolution with the de Bourgh household although he never expected one. Friends and loved ones in the same house changed how he looked at the world. He and Elizabeth found each other; Georgiana grew into a young woman; and Pemberley loomed larger than ever.
He rolled over in the bed to look at a sleeping Elizabeth. Her hair draped down over her shoulders, and her body curled in a ball around a pillow she hugged to her bosom.They married only two months ago, but Darcy had no adult memories of which she was not a part. Wanting to allow her time to rest because she seemed so tired of late, he slid out of the bed and snuck off to his dressing room. He called for hot water and immersed himself in the tub. Relaxing back in the water, he closed his eyes and reflected on his happiness.The warmth combined with his thoughts of his wife lulled him into a dreamlike state. He could see his Elizabeth, the woman he loved nearly from the start; she certainly consumed his every thought even back then. Darcy laughed softly to himself as he reached for the sponge. Taking the soap in the hand, he began to slowly rub the lather against his upper thighs.
Finishing, he finally returned to her bedchamber, expecting to find Elizabeth where he left her; but an empty bed surprised him. Searching, coming softly into her dressing room, he waited in the doorway, holding back, watching her as she perched precariously on the edge of her own tub. She toweled her hair dry, the unruly auburn curls playing across her shoulders and down her back. Her silk dressing gown clung to her damp body, and the cinched belt accentuated her tiny waist. The gown opened at her knees, and Darcy drank of her slender leg and ankle with his eyes.
Sensing his presence, Elizabeth looked up slowly, meeting his intense gaze. Without looking away from him, she said, “That will be all, Hannah.”
“Yes, Mrs. Darcy.” The maid offered them both a quick curtsy before exiting to the hallway.
An amused smile kissed his lips. “I thought you would still be abed.”
“You left me alone, Sir. I cannot sleep when you are not with me.” She chastised him although he felt no guilt. He looked up to see her signature enigmatic smile, welcoming him into her world.“Perhaps I should, my Husband, no longer be in charity with you.” Her voice held a veiled reprimand.
Darcy pushed away from the doorframe, advancing slowly towards her.“I did not wish to disturb your slumber.” He could feel the heated sensation of her presence.
Realizing his intent, Elizabeth stood quickly. “Fitzwilliam,” she stammered, while backing away slightly.
Darcy paused, allowing his eyes to trace her form. “Yes, Elizabeth.” A wolfish grin turned up the corners of his mouth.
“We cannot.” Her eyes grew larger the closer he came.“We have a house full of family and friends.”
“Mrs. Reynolds will see to their needs. I hoped you would see to mine.” Suddenly, he playfully dipped his hand into the sudsy water and flicked a spray of droplets in her direction.
Elizabeth squealed as she brushed the dampness away from her face with her sleeve.“You are incorrigible, Sir,” she taunted.
By now Darcy stood directly in front of her. “And you, my Lizzy, are exquisite.” He bent his head to brush his lips against her cheek. Without thinking, he scooped her up into his arms and spun her around, teasingly tossing her up as if he would throw her lithe body away.
Laughing gleefully, Elizabeth kicked and squirmed, clawing desperately at his shoulders and arms. “Fitzwilliam,” she gasped, “put me down.”
He stopped suddenly, afraid he had hurt her, but the sparkle in her eyes told Darcy she enjoyed his attention. “Put you down? Put you down, my Love?” He pulled her to him. “Where should I put you down, my Lizzy?” As he spoke he turned towards the center of the room and the filled tub. “Should I put you down here?” He extended his arms, balancing her body above the tub.
“Fitzwilliam, you would not!” she warned as she tightened her hold on his neck and tried to pull herself even closer to him. Seeing his intentions more clearly, she tried to reason with him. “You would ruin the new silk dressing gown you bought me.”
“I will buy you another,” he said matter-of-factly and then pretended to release her.
“No!” she screamed as his laughter filled the room.
Her ire flashed. “Fitzwilliam!” She began to reprimand him for real, but his mouth found hers, and her anger gave way to the passion of the moment. He clutched her to him, and as he seated them on a nearby settee, Elizabeth nestled into his lap.
“I will buy you another,” he whispered as he kissed her cheek.“And another.” His lips lightly touched the corner of her mouth. “And another.” This time the kiss deepened quickly. “Lizzy, you are the most bewitching woman I have ever met.”
She snuggled closer to him, resting her head below his chin and turning her body into his chest. After a few elongated moments, she tilted her head back, engaging his eyes in a merry dance of love.“Tomorrow when we awake it will be a new year. I wanted this year—the one in which we found each other—to be memorable.Will you remember this year, Fitzwilliam?” Her voice was laced with the dim recesses of her mind.
“I do not know how to describe what you have brought to my life, Elizabeth. Every sensation is so real. Sometimes you are the most impossible woman God ever placed on this earth, but I only find happiness when I am in your presence—when you are in my arms. I will love none but you.”
She kissed him fervently, welcoming the strength of his arms around her. Darcy held her there to him, their arms encircling each other, their legs entangled, their breathing jagged, their hearts pounding into each other’s ribcages. It seemed that there was nothing he needed more than to be loved by her. The outside world as they knew it stopped—it was only the two of them left in their world.
New Year’s Eve late afternoon brought the carriage carrying Edward and Anne to Pemberley. Darcy met them in the courtyard. “Edward, you are here at last; I feared you would not come.”
“We had some difficulties, but we are happy to be here, Fitz. May we stay several days at Pemberley? Anne and I need to make some arrangements before we go to Matlock for my parents’ anniversary party.”
“Of course, Edward; you do not need to ask.” Darcy shook his hand. Then he turned to help Anne from the coach. “Anne, it pleases me to see you looking so refreshed. I hope you are well.”
“Edward keeps me from dwelling on my illnesses, Fitzwilliam. I feel so much stronger when I am on his arm.”
Darcy smiled with the knowledge Lady Catherine’s hold on Anne would soon be over.“Let us go into the house, shall we?” He offered Anne his arm, and she actually smiled up at him.
“Darcy, where are Mrs. Darcy and Georgiana?” Edward asked.
“Elizabeth went to find Georgiana when she saw your coach. They will join us shortly.We have several other houseguests; let me introduce you.”
Elizabeth discovered Georgiana in the music room listlessly sitting on one of the window seats and staring outside. “Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne just arrived. Your brother asks you to come greet them.”
“What?” Georgiana’s distraction caused confusion.“I am sorry, Elizabeth, did you say something?”
Elizabeth came to sit beside her sister. “Georgiana, what is wrong? You have not been yourself the last few days.What bothers you?”
“It is a foolish idea; forgive me, Elizabeth. I am distracted, but I really do not know why.”
“Is your distraction related to Mr. Harrison?” Elizabeth recognized the signs.
Georgiana blushed and turned her head to divert her eyes from Elizabeth’s knowing glance. Elizabeth turned her chin and forced her sister to look at her. There was a long pause, and then Georgiana blurted out, “Mr. Harrison spends his time with your sister Kitty. He and I have not walked the grounds in two days, Elizabeth. He seems to have found other amusements.” Tears filled her eyes.
“Oh, Georgiana,” she hugged the girl closely to her. “Mr. Harrison has eyes for no one but you. He knows your every manner-ism; Kitty is flirtatious, but Mr. Harrison wants a woman who shares his vision; Kitty is not that woman.”
The tears and sobs consumed Georgiana; she could barely speak.“What do I do, Elizabeth?”
“Georgiana, your brother would never agree to a proposal from Mr. Harrison at this time, and I would not support it either. Mr. Harrison will need to wait for you. Your brother would not consider such an alliance until you are at least eight and ten. He feels he just found you himself; Fitzwilliam will not be anxious to have you leave Pemberley.You must learn more about Mr. Harrison before you give your heart to him. Find out does he have the same honor your brother possesses; does he have the humor of Colonel Fitzwilliam. There are many things you need to know about a man before you agree to be his wife; I would not want you to marry unless you found real love—real passion. Do not settle on a man who offers only agreeable company. He should accept your opinions and arouse your feelings.”
“When did you realize you loved my brother?”
“I cannot tell you the exact time or date. As I look back, I feel he always fascinated me; he would make me so angry I would try to find fault with him; then he would do something so unpredictable. He helped me carry water to my sister’s room at Netherfield, out of everyone he could have chosen, he honored me with a dance at the ball, and he shared walks and the field of wildflowers at Rosings. One moment I professed hating him, and then I found I could not take my eyes from his, and I wanted the regard he once offered me. Obviously, he did the honorable thing; your brother saved my family because he loved me. I finally saw him for the man he always was and allowed myself the pleasure of truly loving him. Now, he gives me more than I could imagine. I am not talking about the wealth of Pemberley; of what I speak is a more intangible gift.Your brother allows me to be a woman with her own independent ideas. Although we rarely disagree about issues, I could differ from him, and Fitzwilliam would listen and be accepting. He allows me to love him on my own terms without the demands society might place on us. I find that for a man who once required society’s approval for his every move, your brother is able to see what merits real ‘worthiness’ in a relationship.”
“But what if Fitzwilliam wants to present me to society this season? How may I disappoint him and still maintain Mr. Harrison’s regard?”
“I will speak to your brother about waiting another season before your presentation, but I will not lie to him about the reasons.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth. I could not face Fitzwi
lliam without you.”
“Now, your brother wishes you to come greet the colonel and Anne. Tell him I will be there shortly; I must see Mrs. Reynolds about something for tonight.”
As Georgiana turned toward the drawing room, Elizabeth went to find Mr. Harrison; he lounged in the billiard room although he did not play.“Mr. Harrison, I sought your company.”
“Mrs. Darcy, may I be of service to you?”
“I want to speak of something serious, and I desire you to speak the truth.” She came in close to let him know she wanted his absolute attention.
“Of course, Mrs. Darcy.” He escorted her to adjoining chairs.
“Mr. Harrison, I am not a foolish woman; I see how you look at Miss Darcy.”
“I am afraid I do not hide my feelings well. I would seek your husband’s approval if I thought Miss Darcy returned my feelings.”
“Mr. Harrison, Mr. Darcy would not accept such a proposal at this time regarding his sister, and I told Georgiana I would not support her relationship with you.”
“Am I such a poor choice for Miss Darcy?”
“This is not what I meant, Mr. Harrison; my early inclination is to believe you to be an excellent choice for my sister; you listen to her and treat her like a woman whom you would respect as well as love.”
“Then what is your concern, Mrs. Darcy?”
“For all her fine learning, Georgiana is a delicate young girl who wears her heart on her sleeve, and until I am sure you will not break her heart, I will not persuade my husband to give his approval. What I am going to suggest is you return to Hines Park and, literally, get your house in order. Prove to Mr. Darcy your regard for his sister has nothing to do with her fortune. Allow your affection for Miss Darcy to stay in check until both of you feel real love. I have no objections to your occasional visit to Pemberley, but until at least the end of the summer and Georgiana’s next birthday, I forbid your obtaining a promise from Miss Darcy. I want her to be free to choose you without any obligation to do so. Do you understand my wishes, Mr. Harrison? I will not allow you to trifle with Georgiana’s heart. If you two are to really love each other, it will stand the test of time.”
Darcy's Passions Page 38
