by Linda Wells
“Of course, Charles.” She began to leave and turned. “Oh, Mr. Darcy, there is an assembly to be held in the village tomorrow evening. I hope that you do not mind, but Charles has already accepted the invitation. I know how you detest such gatherings, so I will be quite pleased to stay behind and keep you company should you choose not to attend.” She smiled at Georgiana. “I am sure that you will be remaining behind, as you are not out.”
Georgiana looked to Darcy nervously. “Indeed, I would prefer that Georgiana stay here with Mrs. Annesley. I, however; would hardly be a good guest if I did not accompany my host to whatever entertainment he has planned during my stay.” Smiling slightly to Bingley he added. “I am sure there are many in the neighbourhood I should meet.”
“Oh yes, of course, I was only thinking of your comfort, Mr. Darcy.” Caroline’s disappointment was fierce. She was positive Darcy would beg off any social engagement, and it would give her a chance to work her wiles on him. She moved to her secondary plan. “I hope to see you dancing then.” She batted her eyes.
Darcy kept the slight smile. “I can guarantee that you will see me dance.” Sure that he was complementing her she giggled and taking Georgiana’s elbow, led her upstairs.
Bingley watched them go and said softly. “I apologize for Caroline, Darcy.”
They entered the study and took seats before the fireplace. “For which offence, her barely civil fawning over my sister or her barely concealed pursuit of me?”
Bingley had the grace to appear repentant. “I will speak to her.”
“I maintain my stance, Bingley. I will not ever pay Miss Bingley any attentions.” He glowered at him.
Bingley nodded. “I believe that she expects that you will be dancing with her.”
Darcy’s expression changed. “I am afraid that my dance card is full. I shall have a partner.” He met Bingley’s eye. “I have already been promised any set of my choosing, even if it is every one.”
Bingley laughed. “You know that is not possible, Darcy, no matter how much you wish it. How did you know of the dance?”
Darcy smiled enigmatically. “Miss Elizabeth told Georgiana about it. I told her of my interest in securing her as my partner.” Bingley studied him and gave up. When Darcy wished to keep a secret, it was impossible to cajole it out of him.
He nodded and said carefully. “I met Mr. Bennet.” Bingley laughed at Darcy’s instant attention. “Your head will snap off of you move it that quickly again!” Taking pity on him he relented. “He asked after you.”
Darcy’s eyes grew wide. “What did he say?” Bingley smiled at his friend’s sudden anxiety. “He was at first concerned that Hurst was you and seemed relieved to find that he was mistaken.” Darcy feigned horror, and Bingley laughed again. “Relax man, he only mentioned Miss Darcy’s correspondence with Miss Elizabeth and that she looked forward to seeing her friend.”
Darcy nodded. “I hope to know Miss Elizabeth better now that I am here.”
“I imagine you have read every letter she sent to Pemberley.” Bingley grinned.
“Indeed I have.” Darcy smiled. He became serious. “Have you met John Lucas?”
“Sir William’s son? Yes, he came here calling when we moved in, paying the respects of the community. I believe that Sir William is actually the host of the assembly tomorrow. Odd man, very friendly, seems particularly thrilled at his knighting, talks incessantly of St. James’s. But you asked after the son. He is fresh out of Cambridge I hear, affable, not like his father, actually someone I could enjoy knowing. The father was promoting his two daughters to me and to you as well. They asked after you.” He caught the dark look on Darcy’s face. “What is it?”
“Miss Elizabeth mentioned something of bearing Mr. Lucas’ attentions.” Darcy would not be able to say more without exposing their correspondence, something he wished to keep quiet here in Elizabeth’s neighbourhood.
Bingley saw his friend’s concern. “Darcy, you can hardly be surprised if Miss Elizabeth attracts the attentions of local gentlemen. She is a very lovely young woman.” Darcy’s sharp stare landed on his friend who quickly held up his hands. “Do not spear me with that gaze, Darcy. I have no designs on Miss Elizabeth. Her sister, however, is a different story.” Darcy relaxed. “Miss Bennet?”
“You do know about the family!” He smiled. “I caught sight of her when I returned Mr. Bennet’s call. Lovely, simply lovely.” Darcy rolled his eyes. Here he goes again. “How many this year so far, Bingley?” He attempted to look offended, but failed under Darcy’s raised brow. “Oh all right, six. Are you happy now?”
“No, actually I am not. Quite honestly Bingley, if you are to dally here in the countryside, I wish that you would do it with someone other than Miss Bennet. I do not wish her to be hurt by your bad habits.”
“You wound me Darcy! What if she is the love of my life?” He smiled that winning smile.
Darcy did not play along, this was his future sister. “I am serious, Bingley. Do not trifle with Miss Bennet. Your sisters would not stand for it, and you know it. They have high hopes for you.”
Bingley’s smile disappeared. “As I have been frequently reminded.” He stood and went to a side table and picked up a heavy cut glass decanter and poured them both some brandy. He handed Darcy his glass and resumed his seat. “I will not ask of your concerns for Miss Bennet, as I am sure they are tied to Miss Elizabeth, and I am sure also that some element of your sister’s situation makes you concerned for the well-being of any innocent woman.” He paused. “I do, however; feel an uncommon attraction to Miss Bennet and given the opportunity, I would like to pursue it. I promise to not behave as I usually do. I know the difference between a lady and a debutante.”
“And what is that difference, Bingley?” He sipped his brandy and looked at him with amusement.
“One, my friend, you dance with, and the other, you marry.” He nodded significantly and raised his glass.
Darcy shook his head. “Very well then. By the way, I have it on good authority that Mrs. Bennet has already engaged Miss Bennet to you, so it seems you only need the lady …”
Bingley spit out the swallow of brandy he had been taking. “WHAT?” Darcy brushed some droplets from his trousers. “Oh, yes. And I am to marry Miss Elizabeth. Shall we plan on a double ceremony?”
Bingley shook his head and took out his handkerchief to wipe off his topcoat. “That was bad form, Darcy.” He smiled. “But it is good to see you feeling better. This time away has been beneficial to you.”
“Yes, in some ways it has been, but I am anxious to begin again.” He stood. “I think I will change and relax before dinner.” He looked over the spotted cravat his friend wore. “Perhaps you should do the same?” He laughed as he dodged the chair cushion thrown his way.
Darcy found his assigned chambers and Roberts laying out his dinner clothes. He sat down near the window and closed his eyes, thinking over the little bit of information Bingley had given him. He was almost positive that Elizabeth was his; she had practically said yes with her response, all he needed to do was ask. He looked out over the fields towards Longbourn and his future. “Until tomorrow, my love.”
Chapter 12
Darcy awoke at dawn. He was alive with anticipation, and nothing would stop him from rising, dressing, and saddling his horse to ride off through the lightly frosted grass in a certain direction, the one that he knew drew him closer to Elizabeth. After the dinner and entertainment by Bingley’s sisters the night before, he pled fatigue from the journey and escorted Georgiana upstairs early. When the sun showed its first hint of light across the sky, he was already anticipating its setting that evening, and in whose company he would be. He needed to somehow be near her. Taking the one trail he remembered from his last visit, he soon found himself approaching the fence line where he last beheld her and there, to his utter surprise and delight, he found her again. It could be no other. No young lady he had ever known would walk unescorted in the early morning light. Only Elizabeth;
and he was grateful for it.
Hearing a horse approaching, Elizabeth turned and her breath caught. There was no mistaking the tall man. His carriage was assured, his gaze penetrating. She could not have moved even if she wished it. She felt captured. Darcy halted the animal and leapt down, rapidly throwing his reins over the fence rail. He stepped up before her, and they stood staring at each other. There was so much to say.
Darcy moved first. He removed his gloves and looking deeply into her eyes, he reached up to brush an errant curl from her cheek, shuddering with his first touch of her warm skin. “Elizabeth.”
She felt her eyes filling with tears, and whispered. “William.”
His eyes had become equally moist. His hand dropped to take hers, and slowly he tugged the fingers of her gloves, finally pulling them free. Tucking them into the pocket of his greatcoat, he took her small hands in his, pressing and enveloping them between his own, stroking gently, conveying the emotion he felt so deeply.
Looking up he saw her flushed cheeks and how her eyes never stirred from observing his unceasing movement. Her lips parted and he could feel the increase in her breathing as he watched. Her eyes lifted again to his and they became lost in the gaze. Darcy gently released her hands and lifted his to cup her face, just the way he had imagined. Elizabeth pressed her palms to his chest and he stepped forward to close the gap between them. They were almost touching. Darcy ran his thumb along her lower lip, and feeling her tremble, slowly bent his head while lifting her face to brush his mouth to hers. He paused, looking into her eyes and seeing them close, he caressed her mouth again, and again, then tenderly traced his tongue across the soft, full lips as she responded by parting them in welcome. Without hesitation he deepened the kiss, while remove the bonnet and burying his hand in her hair, the other dropping down to encircle her waist and draw her firmly to his heated body.
His kisses grew in intensity, abandoning the gentle caress and now exposing the raw edge of his passion. He felt her mouth begin to move with his, learning how to respond. Her acceptance only made his demand stronger, and his tongue entered her mouth to touch and stroke, and was met with the same fervent response from her. He felt her arms wrap tightly around his waist as she moulded her body to his. They kissed, moving their lips to taste each other’s faces. His mouth trailed down her neck to feel the pounding pulse, and he forced himself not to suckle her, not wishing to leave a mark, no matter how deeply he longed to brand his body onto hers. Instead his lips returned to hers and his hands possessively stroked her back as he felt her hands run over his. He had never felt so desired.
Without letting go, he moved to kiss her ear. His warm breath filled it and his whisper sent a shiver straight to her toes. “Be mine, Elizabeth. Always.”
Her heart pounding, she tried to focus on his meaning. “Yours?” She managed to breathe out.
“Yes, Elizabeth. Please, there will never be anyone but you. I love you. I need you. Be my wife.”
“Oh William.” She whispered.
“Does that mean yes?” He asked as his lips scattered kisses over her face.
“Yes, my love, yes.”
His happiness was displayed by his mouth recapturing hers and kissing her so deeply she nearly succumbed, and wished it would never end. He finally pulled away and breathing hard, he again took her face in his hands. Elizabeth stared into his passionate, searching blue eyes. “You did say yes, you will be my wife?”
She smiled and his heart soared. “Yes, William. I love you. I will be yours.”
Darcy lifted her and spun her around, making her squeal with delight. She heard for the first time his deep chuckle which became a laugh of unquestioned elation. She saw a huge, delighted smile, and she sensed that this was an exceptionally rare sight. Knowing that she was the one who drew such emotion from him only made her love him more. She laughed and his soul flew, for the first time knowing joy. He set her down and hugged her. Kissing her lips, he could not hold back the grin. “Perhaps I should have begun by wishing you a good morning.”
Elizabeth smiled brilliantly and lovingly ran her fingers through his hair, laughing at his contented sigh. “I believe sir, that you did most impressively.”
“Elizabeth.” His smile disappeared and his voice shook with emotion. Her happy tears began to flow and possessively he gathered her to him and again their lips met, already their kisses felt like home. He drew away to rest his cheek on her head, and felt her sigh as she nestled against his chest. “I love you.” Darcy whispered into her fragrant hair.
“I love you, William.”
His embrace tightened. “Why is it that I feel as if we have been together forever instead of mere minutes?” He closed his eyes, realizing that this was the first time anyone had ever held him.
“I think that you know more of me than anyone.” Elizabeth confessed.
“I think that we were able to be honest in our letters in a way that we could never have been in your mother’s drawing room.” He kissed her hair and heard her soft laugh. Looking down he smiled slightly. “What is it?”
Her eyes danced. “Oh William, I dread you meeting Mama.”
“From what I understand, she will welcome me with open arms. Is that to be dreaded?” He became lost in her beautiful gaze, and then grew concerned when her expression changed to worry.
“She will embarrass me, and likely mortify you. Please do not hold my family against me.”
Darcy relaxed and kissed her nose. “I can hardly do that when I have already told you of my family’s concerns, although, they did improve after I wrote you.”
She rose up on her toes and kissed his chin. “How did it improve?”
His mouth brushed her warm cheek. “My cousin Richard wishes to come here and meet you …”
He felt her smile grow under his lips. “Ah, and send his extensive report back home.”
Darcy drew back and saw a delicately arched eyebrow. “Yes, to gain their support and have them present at our wedding … well, it may help us down the line.” He watched carefully for her reaction.
Elizabeth regarded him seriously. “William, I wrote to you that I do not care if we ever participate in the activities of London. I have only been there to visit my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and they hardly move in the same circles as your family. In all honesty, it will worry me to face the society of London regardless of the circumstances. I would do my best for your sake, but I would be so concerned of embarrassing you.”
He kissed her wrinkled brow. “What worries you so? I have the impression that you would be quite the formidable woman in the presence of the cats of the ton.”
Elizabeth had to smile at that. “Thank you for your confidence. I think that I would be not so much intimidated by the women; I can hold my own particularly if someone were to be blatantly rude, but truly I have very little experience with …” She sighed. “Well, all that you likely learned in your cradle.” She looked up at him, seeing him trying to understand.
“You lack confidence because you have never been in those situations and do not know how you would perform. Is that it?”
She nodded and traced her fingers over his cheek. “I also have the unfortunate knowledge of what those people have done to Georgiana.”
Darcy pulled her close and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Well, when that time comes, I assure you that I will be by your side. In all likelihood, as with my supposed downfall after Georgiana’s ruination, my status will eventually bring me back into the good graces of society no matter what I do or whom I marry. Hopefully my family, despite their current concerns, will help to guide you.”
She gave him a small smile. “I would like to be accepted by your family.”
Darcy saw worry cross her brow, and knew she was thinking of their objections. “I have told them that I will only marry for affection and love. They have had a difficult time understanding that. You see, most marriages in my circle are based on less emotional issues.”
“Connection and wealth.”
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br /> He nodded. “My own parents did not marry for affection, rather it was …” He put his head down.
Elizabeth stroked the fringe of hair that fell across his face. “You can tell me anything, my love.”
Darcy turned to kiss the hand that caressed him. “My parents were very unhappy; it was a very difficult situation.” He shook his head. “No, I will not mar this moment with terrible memories.” She reached up again to touch his hair and he felt her hand wander to the back of his head. Darcy closed his eyes and sank into her gentle touch. “What are you doing?”
“Seeing where you cut your hair, ah, there it is!” She smiled. “Did you do that yourself?” He nodded, smiling shyly at her. “And did your valet notice?”
He chuckled. “I heard nothing but I did notice a pause when he rinsed my hair the first time.”
She laughed then became very serious. “I can not begin to tell you how much I treasure your gift.”
He swallowed hard and whispered. “Thank you.” They kissed and leaned their foreheads together.
“What on earth did you do to my ribbon?”
He laughed softly, amazed with her movement from serious subjects to light hearted in barely a breath. “I hold it when I need you.” He watched as her eyes instantly expressed her feelings.
“Oh my.”
They kissed again and the wind blew, sending a shiver through her. The air was growing cooler even as the sun rose. Without a word, Darcy unbuttoned his greatcoat and pulled her inside, wrapping the heavy wool around her. Lowering his head, he lovingly kissed her again.
“It occurs to me that a short engagement is in order.” Darcy whispered. Her soft laugh roused him and he lifted his head to seek her eyes. “You do not agree?”
“Oh William, how can we have a short engagement when as far as anyone, particularly my father, knows, we have only met twice briefly? I am afraid we must suffer a courtship for a little while.”
He closed his eyes and groaned. “Oh no, Elizabeth! Now that I have held you, I am to go back to praying for a chance to touch your hand? How am I to survive?” He looked miserable.
