by Linda Wells
She looked surprised. “Of course, he would do his duty!”
Clenching her fists tightly, Lady Matlock declared, “His duty is to his sister, and to Pemberley. Not to you.” She glared at her. “Who have you contacted, who is coming here?”
Lady Catherine looked away and became evasive. “Some interested young men and their families.”
“You will send them on their way, telling them that you made an error.”
“I will do no such thing! The girl must be married quickly to restore her reputation and restore the family name.”
Lady Matlock narrowed her eyes. “If that is the case, we will then be here to greet them and assure them that you were obviously displaying the signs of dementia that have worried the family so much recently when you sent off your nonsensical letters.”
She stood. “You would not dare tell such a lie!”
Standing eye to eye with her, she glared. “Would we not? Henry is prepared to have his lawyers draw up the papers to declare you incompetent and unfit to care for Rosings, giving it immediately to Anne’s control. She could then decide if she wishes you to remain or to go to the dower house, unless of course you prefer Bedlam? I can just imagine you being prodded by the sticks of the voyeurs who come to visit the insane.” She raised an imperious brow to her.
“Henry!” Lady Catherine turned to him. He nodded without expression. “I will Catherine. I have put up with your behaviour for years. Perhaps you truly are touched. Our sister must have been to have behaved as she did. And this auction you have proposed for our niece only gives me proof of your questionable sanity, to say nothing of your absence of compassion.”
Richard sat back and watched the entire show, smiling and thinking of the letter he would write to Darcy that evening. But he did feel as Georgiana’s other guardian he should speak. “Oh and Aunt Catherine, I assure you, no scheme of yours would ever be approved by me or Darcy, you would require our consent, and you hold nothing over either of us. I would say that your plans are rather poorly conceived. I think that I agree with you, Father, perhaps she should be declared incompetent.”
Lord Matlock nodded to his son. “Thank you. Tomorrow we will return to London and begin the procedures.”
Lady Catherine looked from one serious face to another and crumpled. “I will withdraw my invitations. I will be a laughing stock in society.”
Richard grinned. “Tell them that consumption is in the house, that will send them away quite efficiently, I should think.”
Lord Matlock’s eyes twinkled, feeling the tide turning in their direction. “And I imagine the families you chose were hardly of the best financial status, anything they say will be laughed at in any case.”
They all looked to the very disappointed woman before them. “Very well.”
“Fine. We will remain for the night. If I hear of any more schemes of yours to disrupt or control Darcy’s life, I assure you, I will follow through on my threats.” Lord Matlock stood and began to leave the room.
“Who told you …?”
Anne interrupted. “I did.”
Lady Catherine looked in shock at her daughter. “YOU!”
“Yes Mama, and if you do not stop trying to control my life as well, you will find yourself put out of Rosings as soon as I become mistress.”
Lady Matlock beamed. “Good for you, Anne!”
“LIZZY, PLEASE JOIN me for a moment before you go.” Mr. Bennet was standing in the doorway to his bookroom.
She glanced out at William’s carriage through the front window and sighed at the delay. “Yes, Papa.”
Mrs. Bennet bustled over. “Mr. Bennet, do not delay Lizzy! Mr. Darcy is probably waiting alongside his sister!”
He looked at his wife sternly then transferred the gaze to his daughter. “Mr. Darcy will have to wait a few more minutes.” He looked up to see the approach of yet another set of curious neighbours, hoping to catch sight of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and to gossip about the good fortune that had found the Bennets with such a wealthy suitor for their daughter. “Lizzy?” He indicated the door and stepped aside. She passed before him into the room and waited while he closed the door. He did not beat about the bush. “Lizzy I wish to remind you to refrain from displays of affection with Mr. Darcy.” She began to protest and he held up his hand. “I overlooked your behaviour earlier this week when both you and Mr. Darcy were understandably emotional following his injury, however, Netherfield is not Longbourn, and witnesses there will be quite happy to spread rumours of your unsuitability as Mr. Darcy’s wife far and wide. You do not wish him to have to give you up to save his reputation.”
“Papa, if you would allow our engagement to be made public, our small displays of affection would not be noticed, and even expected.”
He ignored the suggestion. “Your displays have hardly been small, and Lizzy, a gentleman would not press you in such a way.”
She bristled. “Are you accusing Mr. Darcy of not being a gentleman?”
Mr. Bennet sighed. Elizabeth was an equal, if not superior combatant, and he knew well enough she would not meekly accept his pronouncements as Jane would. “Lizzy, I am sure that Mr. Darcy is a fine man. I simply wish you to … be careful.”
Elizabeth relented; she knew that he was only trying to protect her, though why after a lifetime of indifferent parenting he chose this moment to assert himself was a mystery. “Papa, I will not disgrace our family. Mr. Darcy’s sister’s predicament is in my mind.”
“I should realize that you are not Lydia or Kitty.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Papa. May I go now?” He kissed her forehead, and turned to the window to watch her board the carriage. It pulled away and already he could feel her loss, she was steadily leaving him behind.
AT NETHERFIELD, Darcy was pacing in front of the house. The carriage was late. It should have arrived at least a quarter hour earlier. He had the route memorized; the timing fixed, and had hardly slept the night before in anticipation of this day. His great disappointment was that Georgiana determined she should participate. That was decidedly not in his plans, but he could neither deny her superior knowledge of riding side saddle, nor her desire to further her relationship with Elizabeth. Or for that matter, avoid Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Georgiana stood watching him pace in absolute fascination. The sound of the carriage approaching garnered their attention and Darcy strode forward to open the door. His eyes expressed everything that he physically could not. “Miss Elizabeth, at last.” He took her hand and kissed it. A footman removed a small trunk. Darcy looked at it and whispered. “Are you making my dreams come true and staying here?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Mama felt it would be muddy riding and insisted I bring a change of clothes.
“I admire your mother’s reasoning.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, Mr. Darcy, please reconsider that statement or I will fear for your competency.”
He smiled and leaned close. “I missed you so much yesterday. Thank you for my new ribbon.” He drew it out of his pocket. She touched it, and briefly hooked her index finger with his.
Their eyes met and she swallowed under his burning gaze. “You are welcome. What have you done with the old one?” He leaned close again.
“I have placed it in my treasure box.” The expression on his face changed. He blushed and was biting his lip, looking for her reaction.
She looked up with surprise. “You have a treasure box?” He nodded and smiled shyly. “What else is in it?”
“I will show you someday.” Elizabeth smiled; delighted that such a reticent man could possess such a boyish secret.
Georgiana walked forward. “I am so glad you have come today.” Elizabeth immediately embraced the girl and kissed her cheek. Darcy instantly felt jealous.
“I am glad to see you, too. Will you be observing my lesson?”
Georgiana flushed from the hug and smiled. “Yes, I remember when William taught me and thought I might be able to tell you things he cannot.”
Both of them looked at Darcy who smiled slightly. “I believe that I could do fine on my own, however, I am happy for the additional advice.”
Elizabeth saw his barely hidden disappointment and hooked her hand on his arm. “Well then, sir. Take me to my doom!”
He bowed his head solemnly. “Right this way, My Lady.” He paused and held his other elbow out. “Georgiana?” She bit her lip and hurried to take his arm. Elizabeth smiled at him and he began walking proudly, his two greatest loves on his arms.
From a parlour window, Caroline and Louisa watched the scene. “I was not aware that Miss Elizabeth was coming today.” Caroline seethed. “I am the mistress of this house; surely I should have been informed.”
Hurst’s voice was heard. “I believe that Darcy spoke to Bingley about it yesterday, and as he is master of the house, I daresay he acted properly.”
Bingley stuck his head in the door. “Oh, Caroline, I forgot to tell you, Miss Elizabeth is coming today and I think you should plan on her remaining for tea.”
Caroline gritted her teeth. “Thank you, Charles.” He smiled brilliantly and left, as Hurst stifled a laugh and strolled from the room. He remained outside of the door to listen to the sisters’ reaction.
“What does he see in that chit?” Caroline fumed. “There must be some way to stop this!”
“They are not engaged, Caroline. He may change his mind yet.” Louisa soothed.
“But their courtship is public knowledge. You know that is practically a declaration of his intentions. She would be a fool to refuse him. They sat together in church! They may as well have published the banns!” She watched them disappear from view. “I was not prepared for competition here. I was sure that I would have him all to myself, with no other fashionable women nearby; it should have been so simple! I must find a way to be alone with him.” She turned away from the window and began walking around the room.
Louisa sat and watched her progress. “You still wish to try for a compromising situation?”
“I think that is my only chance. My ideas for winning his regard are useless with this courtship. The neighbourhood clearly expects an engagement, and Mrs. Bennet was ridiculous in her effusions, and yet none of the behaviour seems to have put him off. It is as if he is actually willing to tolerate the attention. I have never seen him so uncaring of the society he keeps! No, if I can not find a way to be alone with him and resurrect his sense of duty … unless … Louisa, perhaps I could find a way for John Lucas to compromise her or win her back.” She looked at her sister with bright eyes. “He is obviously jealous, look at what he tried to do to Mr. Darcy!” Hurst rolled his eyes and moved away from the doorway. It was time to speak to Bingley.
THE DARCYS AND Elizabeth approached the stable and he felt her tremble. “You are not afraid are you?”
She grimaced. “No, not afraid, but suitably cautious.”
He smiled at her refusing to admit fear. “I will allow no harm to come to you, my love.” He whispered. She squeezed his arm and looked at the light brown pony standing by the mounting block. “This is Buttercup, Elizabeth.” She smiled and reached out to rub the velvety nose, and laughed when the pony immediately nuzzled into her palm.
“What a sweet name!”
Darcy laughed. “Obviously named by a lady.”
She cocked a brow and continued stroking. “You would not choose such a name?”
“Never.”
“I suppose you favour names such as Beelzebub or Fury.”
“Actually I name my horses after literary figures.”
“Ah, so you like Othello or Macbeth?”
His lips twitched and his eyes twinkled. “My horse is named Benedick.”
She grinned. “A comedy? Why does that surprise me so?”
Darcy shrugged. “I am not always so serious, at least when alone.”
Elizabeth reached up to touch his face and remembered Georgiana. “You have spent too much time alone, Mr. Darcy.” He nodded and swallowed. To distract himself from the moment he helped her to mount, and went about adjusting the stirrup to give her a secure foothold then stood back.
“Your seat is perfect, Elizabeth.” Georgiana observed. Darcy was happy that she made the comment because the sight of Elizabeth atop the horse sent his heart racing. Too many times he imagined her riding astride a different mount entirely.
“Oh, my seat was never the problem, Georgiana; it is once the horse moves that I lose control.” She gathered the reins and looked nervously at William.
Recovering himself, he spoke, “Well, could you try a walk? Perhaps we could determine the problem that way.” Elizabeth bit her lip, sending him into another bout of imagining, this time of his teeth nibbling on that luscious flesh or better yet, her teeth nibbling … Stop it now! He determinedly concentrated on her riding.
Georgiana nudged him and whispered. “See how she holds the reins? It is too loose, they should be shorter, and her hands are not together. And the horse’s head is not looking forward.”
Darcy nodded, casting a critical eye at last. “That is it Georgiana. She has no control. No wonder her mounts all take their own head.” He gave her a smile and drew her close for a quick hug. “Very good, dear.” He let go and strode forward, missing the surprised and delighted smile Georgiana wore.
“Elizabeth, I believe we have determined the problem.”
“It is that obvious? I can no longer blame the horses?” She tried to laugh, but was embarrassed to appear so terribly inept in front of two very accomplished riders.
He read the discomfort in her face and smiled. “I am afraid not, it is definitely you.” He caught up to the slowly moving animal and pulled sharply on the reins, issuing the command to stop. In a second he slipped his foot in the stirrup and swung himself up and behind her.
“William what are you doing?”
He reached his arms around her and placed his hands over hers where they gripped the reins. “I am teaching, my love.”
Georgiana called out. “It is all right, Elizabeth. It is how I learned.”
Elizabeth blushed and whispered fervently. “Sir, my father delayed my visit here today to admonish me about our behaviour.”
Darcy adjusted his seat, while achieving the great pleasure of feeling her body rest against his chest. “William. And this is a common teaching technique.”
She looked up at his disconcertingly close face and into those soulful blue eyes. “Why do I fail to believe you?” The eyes crinkled.
“I would not lie; Elizabeth.” He stopped himself from becoming lost in her gaze. “Now, let me teach you how to control your mount.” They moved around the paddock slowly. Darcy tried to concentrate on the work at hand, Elizabeth tried to remember his soft directions, and both failed to hear Georgiana’s calls of advice. Finally Darcy felt that they needed both more room and privacy. He told the groom to open the gate. “We will attempt the drive. We will not be gone long.” Georgiana wished them luck and Darcy showed her how to urge the pony into a canter. They moved away and were soon beyond the sight of the stables and quite alone.
Directing the horse behind a tall hedge, he scanned the area to confirm their privacy. Assured, Darcy could hold back no longer. He brought the horse to a stop, quickly pulled her closer and deftly untied the ribbons of her bonnet, lifting it off and laying it on her lap. He lowered his mouth to hers. “I can not begin to tell you how many times I have imagined this, Elizabeth.” Their lips met and the kiss began as gentle caresses, and rapidly became the deep and passionate exchange they both craved. Darcy’s mouth stroked over hers and he smiled, chuckling softly.
Elizabeth’s eyes opened. “What is it?”
He tenderly kissed her frown. “I love that sound.” He smiled and kissed the crease in her brow.
“What sound?” She demanded. He pulled his glove off and ran a finger from her temple down her cheek to lift up her jaw.
“The little moan you make when I kiss you.”
“I do not moan!” She tried
to pull away, but he held her tight.
“Yes, you do.” He whispered and nibbled her earlobe.
“Ohhh.”
He chuckled. “No, not like that.” She tried to move away again. “Forgive me, Elizabeth.” He looked at her with contrition. He was irresistibly handsome, but she would not give in so easily.
“We should return. We have been too long away.”
He slowly shook his head. “No, I can not give you up so soon.” He cuddled her and nuzzled her neck, whispering warmly, “or ever.” Darcy felt her melt into him and spoke softly in her ear. “You do not really wish to return either, I think.”
“No, I wish we could urge this pony on to take us far away.” She listened as his heartbeat quickened and she heard its pounding, even through his heavy coat.
“Do not encourage me, my love.” The rich sound made her heartbeat race.
Elizabeth looked up to his very serious gaze. “You would run away with me?”
“Why must we wait to begin our lives together?”
She pulled his head down and caressed his lips in the sensuous way he loved. “Because you require Papa’s consent, at least until my next birthday.”
“When?” He asked in a strangled voice.
“Months, my sweet William, June.”
He groaned and rested his chin on her shoulder. “We cannot elope.” He said with regret. Elizabeth shook her head and kissed his smooth cheek. “No.”
They stayed in their silent embrace until the pony began to shift them around. “One more kiss?” He begged. “Please?”
Their mouths joined again and they slowly made love the only way they could. Darcy’s hands travelled over her captive form, and as one arm held her securely, he unbuttoned her spencer, slipping his hand inside to caress her breasts. “Oh, my love, how I want you.” He murmured, trailing kisses over her face, and down her neck. Elizabeth tilted her head back to give him more room, and her hands wandered to the buttons of his coat, opening it and sliding inside to caress his chest and drifted lower, coming upon his prominent arousal. She touched it and he groaned so loudly that she drew back as if stung. Her eyes were wide.
