by Linda Wells
Beginning with his toes, she kissed and caressed her way slowly up his legs, pausing to tenderly touch and love the prominent features that made him a man, then traced her lips upwards to suckle his tight nipples, his enticing neck, his sweet handsome face, and finally to love his wet, open, eager mouth. As she climbed his body, she rubbed him with her own, and stroked his soft skin, leaving a trail of sensation that made him moan and beg for more. He was not passive during her gentle assault. As soon as he could reach her, his hands stroked over her warm luscious body, her hair, her arms, her back, her gorgeous swaying breasts, touching more as she advanced ever higher up his form. He was dying to be inside of her, but held back, wanting to let her incredible, tender loving last.
Eventually her delicately exploring lips drove him to consummate. He rolled her over and slipped inside as easily as breathing. Their bodies joined for a slow, rhythmic dance. So slow. So warm. Long, deep, trusts, accentuated with equally deep, sensuous kisses. His hands embraced her with loving caresses. His erection drew out almost completely, only to plunge back in. Their eyes locked and they drank again another kiss, until he paused, pulling her shoulders up. “Look darling, watch us move together.”
Elizabeth rested back on her elbows and her gaze travelled down to where she saw his slick thick shaft, shining in the firelight, and watched as he slid into her, disappearing and filling her, then back out. She moaned with each smooth movement. His eyes followed the motion then closed in the pure ecstasy of their joining. “Will.” He panted and looked back to her, and she held his face and urged him back down to kiss again. Their moaning grew louder, their whispers became heated, and the pace increased, causing the gently creaking bed to now thump, the headboard of the massive piece of furniture steadily striking the wall. Thrust after powerful thrust sent their bodies slamming together; faster, harder, deeper; straining to feel the exquisite torture grow until her climax arrived and she embraced him with her entire body, inside with her clasp, and with her legs and arms rocking and loving him outside until his own explosion sent him reeling. “I love you!” He gasped, collapsing and shaking, and held her to his chest.
They fell apart, and held hands as they gradually calmed. Darcy looked over to her and smiled, kissing her hand and then pulled her back against his damp body. “I have no words, Lizzy.”
She laughed and brushed back the hair that clung to his forehead. “I do not think they are needed.” She kissed him and smiled. “I love you.” He expelled a long breath and shook his head. “Amazing.” Sitting up, he retrieved their night clothes. As much as he wished to hold her naked body to his, it was February, and it was cold. They dressed and he tended the fire as she closed the bed curtains. They climbed in under the blankets and snuggled together in their favourite embrace.
“Well, my love, are you ready to face the ton?” He kissed her neck and she giggled, kissing the hand that rested on her breast.
“Oh yes, when each one of those sour women tries to disparage me, I will only need to smile sweetly and think of you loving me, and I will have already triumphed over them all.”
Darcy laughed and nuzzled his face into her shoulder and sighed. “Sweet revenge.”
“What is that?” She whispered.
“A happy life with you.”
THE NEXT MONTH was spent preparing for the Season. Lady Matlock took Elizabeth in hand, drilling her on the lessons she had practiced at Pemberley during the time after Christmas. She was very pleased with her student. Elizabeth was well-versed on every aspect of the home, from menus to place settings, preparing invitations, to addressing peers. Even her playing and singing had improved under Georgiana’s guidance. Helping Elizabeth prepare for the Season served as an exercise in improving the girl’s confidence, and she dove into the work with enthusiasm. Now Elizabeth was in London, and had to work on those intangibles that could not be learned without an experienced member of society at her side. She was taught how to take her curtsey, and the presentation gown was prepared. She visited the modiste and ordered a dizzying supply of clothes.
One afternoon her task was to study the gossip pages, learning the names, the scandals, the conversation needed in the drawing rooms, no matter how annoying she found it all to be.
“Must I really care about gossip?” Elizabeth complained to Lady Matlock.
“I am afraid that you must my dear, if for no other reason then to learn who may be seated together at your dinner parties.”
“But we only intend to invite friends, why would there be animosity amongst them?”
“Oh dear, there is always some undercurrent of social upheaval underway.” Lady Matlock laughed as Elizabeth’s eyes rolled. “Come, there is much to accomplish.” Elizabeth was grateful that Jane was permitted to attend some of these lessons, so at least she had someone with whom to suffer the education she received. Louisa Hurst was proving invaluable to Jane as well, instructing her on the ways of the circles located below the Darcys’. The day continued on, until Lady Matlock realized that it was time for her return to her own home. Elizabeth thanked her again for her assistance, and watched the carriage departing with relief.
In need of some conversation of a sensible nature, she entered William’s study. “What has wrinkled your handsome brow?” She smiled and took a seat across from him.
He laughed. “Hmm. A letter from Anne.”
“Is she well?” Elizabeth asked with concern.
“Yes, seemingly,” he paused. “Lizzy, she asks that we come to Rosings for Easter.”
“Oh.” She bit her lip. “I know that you always visited there at that time before.”
“Yes, but every other year I had not been suffering my aunt’s attentions so … dramatically.” He looked up from the letter. “I hesitate to go. I can not imagine her disposition has improved.”
“But she is no longer mistress, Anne is.” She pointed out.
“That does not prevent her from exercising her tongue. I have no desire to travel somewhere only to see her disparage us.”
“Does Anne truly need your help?”
He sighed and looked back down at the letter. “She should not, she has an excellent steward. She says that she wants my assurance that all is well.” He met Elizabeth’s eyes. “I feel that I should honour her request, despite my misgivings.”
Softly Elizabeth spoke while looking down at her hands. “Perhaps she misses you.”
Confused, Darcy tried to catch her eye. “We saw each other very rarely before.”
“Yes, but you were not married then, and she could still imagine …”
He understood now. “She said that she did not love me, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth looked up at him and spoke shortly. “Love has nothing to do with it. She based her dreams of escape on your offer.”
“I hope that your suggestions are merely the product of your fertile imagination.” He raised his brow and smiled slightly.
Elizabeth relaxed then shrugged and smiled at him. “I am not worried for your safety or felicity, Will. If you feel that we should visit, we will go.”
“Easter is at the end of March, the 29th. I believe. We will go, but only for a short stay, long enough to reassure Anne, and hopefully escape Aunt Catherine unscathed.” His smile grew.
“And we shall come back to the welcoming embrace of London society!” She smiled fully at him.
“Hmmmm.” He smiled and Elizabeth walked around to kiss him before returning to her neglected duties as mistress. He watched her depart with regret. She had been so busy with his aunt they had spent not nearly enough time alone together. The Season’s commencement might actually bring them some relief.
Of course he had his own assignment during this period. Their knocker was not on the door, so they were not forced to endure calls, but he was strongly encouraged by his uncle to visit his club, and re-establish relationships with the men there. Bingley accompanied him after honeymooning for a week, and Lord Matlock came as well. Darcy enjoyed none of it, not the speculation, th
e direct questions about his choice of wife, nor of her willingness in their bed. It took a great deal of work for Bingley to keep him in his seat, whether to prevent him from thrashing the men or simply leaving. The questions about Elizabeth were difficult enough, but the references to Georgiana made him fume. There was nothing he could do, and eventually he found that by not responding to the barbs, the men left him for more reactionary victims. Gradually, they left him alone. His sister remained unquestionably ruined, she was not old enough to allow her dowry to buy her way back into society yet, but as predicted, he seemed to have been allowed back into the fold. It was a relief, but he knew it would only begin again once the Season started and Elizabeth was by his side. He was being given a temporary pass, and he knew it.
“DARCY.” The tall older man with greying, but still blonde hair stood nearby; fidgeted with his sword, and looked expectantly towards the open doorway.
“Lord Rutherford.” Darcy glanced at the man, then turned his gaze in the same direction.
“My daughter.” He nodded to the doorway, and looked back at Darcy. “Surely your sister is not …”
“She is too young.” Darcy said without emotion. “My wife is being presented.”
“Of course, yes, I read of your marriage. Congratulations. It has been a long time since Pemberley has had a mistress. I remember visiting frequently when your mother was alive.”
Darcy turned and looked at him with greater attention. “Yes, I believe that I remember you.” The men’s eyes locked, and Lord Rutherford flushed. Movement in the doorway caught their attention and a young woman with golden blonde hair and wide blue eyes came into the room, escorted by a striking older woman.
“Ah, there is Julianne and my wife. Excuse me, I wish you felicity with your marriage.” He quickly made his way across the room to greet the ladies.
Darcy stared at the girl. She could have been Georgiana’s twin. The memory of laughter and voices, knowing winks and quiet footsteps filled his mind. He watched the man before him as he turned and caught his eye, holding it for a moment before leaving the room. Darcy stared down at his shoes and clenched his fists, a combination of pain and fury filling up his heart.
“Will?” He looked up to see Elizabeth, beautiful even in the ridiculous attire of the newly presented. “Are you well?”
He cleared his throat and took her hand, kissing it. “Yes, of course.” He smiled slightly. “How did it go?”
She was silent for a moment, taking in his red-rimmed eyes, and how he bit his lip in agitation. “It was the most overblown bit of nonsense I have ever experienced and I am delighted that it is over.” She squeezed his trembling hand. “What is wrong?”
He looked down and shook his head, knowing he could never hide anything from her and whispered. “I think that I have identified Georgiana’s father.”
“Lord Rutherford?”
Darcy’s head snapped up and he stared at her in surprise. “How do you know?”
“I thought I was standing behind Georgiana. I was surprised that your aunt did not notice.” She smiled softly, and squeezed his hand as she saw the agreement in his eyes. “What will you do?”
He lifted his shoulders and spoke in a terse whisper. “Nothing is to be done, other than avoiding his sons as suitors. I very well can not chase after him, demanding that we meet at dawn for a duel.” He then closed his eyes; confirmation of the truth was difficult. He expelled a held breath and returned his gaze to her. “I should instead be grateful for my sister’s life.”
Elizabeth knew that he was feeling much more than he could speak about at that moment, she could feel the anger radiating from him. Their conversation would have to wait for home and privacy. Her goal at that moment was to remove them from the situation. Lady Matlock, who had been speaking with some friends, joined them. “Well, shall we return to Darcy House so that we can rid ourselves of these horrible clothes? I often wonder how many of these presentation gowns find their way to the ragman the next morning.”
Elizabeth laughed and hooked her hand onto Darcy’s arm. “Oh yes Aunt Ellen, please! And we must rid my husband of this sword before he begins to feel the need to use it on someone.” She smiled up at him and he relaxed a little.
“I am not a man of violence.” He said softly.
“Violent affections, perhaps?” She squeezed his arm and felt the tension that remained.
“Well … yes.” He attempted a smile and hugged her arm to him, and then offered his other to his aunt. They returned to Darcy House for the little family celebration they had planned. Bingley and Jane would join them later; they were far back in the queue. His status was not nearly as high as Darcy’s, and Jane, with Louisa as her sponsor, would have some time to wait before her turn arrived. As of the next morning, the knocker would be on the door, and they would finally face the ton, together.
“WELL MY DEAR cousin, what trouble have you found in the absence of your brother and sister?” Richard settled onto the sofa, took a bite of a biscuit and grinned at Georgiana.
“Oh Richard, do not tease me. You know that I do not look for trouble.”
He smiled and thought, No cousin, it finds you. “Hmmm. I do not know if I should take your word … Miss Mary, oh excuse me, Miss Bennet, what have you to say about this?”
“I am still not used to being called that!” She smiled shyly. “But sir, I suppose that we are cousins by marriage, are we not? I would not object to you calling me Mary.” She blushed with her boldness and looked down at her hands. Richard grinned.
“I would be delighted! But only if you call me Richard, I am still trying to grasp the moniker Mr. Fitzwilliam, and it has been two months since I resigned my commission.” Mary looked up and smiled at the comparison. “Now, please tell me your doings. You have enjoyed a month without proper supervision.”
Georgiana sighed loudly. “Mrs. Annesley has been quite attentive, and Mrs. Reynolds, I swear has spies or at least eyes on the back of her head. There is no opportunity to misbehave, even if we wished. We have spent the time playing music and taking advantage of the library, and I thought that now with the weather improving, perhaps I could try to teach Mary to ride.”
He sat up and looked at her with interest. “Really? Well that is certainly a worthwhile occupation! I would be glad to lend my expertise to the endeavour.”
“Oh, but then she would only learn to ride into battle!” Georgiana teased.
Mary laughed. “I do believe I can safely say that I will never be going to war, sir.”
Richard chuckled and tilted his head. “No, as fetching as you might be in red, I would prefer the ladies to remain safe at home.” She blushed furiously and he smiled. “But I nonetheless would like to at least accompany you on your attempts. I will be visiting for a fortnight before I must return to my new home, and would certainly appreciate the occupation.”
“Why are you staying so long?” Georgiana asked.
“You do not want me? I am offended!” Richard laughed.
“No, oh that came out all wrong!” Georgiana bit her lip and glanced at Mary then back at him. “I … just thought that Shee Onnoroil required your attention, such an odd name, why did you choose it?”
“Well, I suppose I will eventually come to call it Onnoroil, but well, you know our Fitzwilliam ancestry is Gaelic, correct?” She nodded, this was her blood family and she was very curious about it. “The phrase shee onnoroil means peace with honour. I thought it rather appropriate for a retired man of war. Do you agree?”
“What a beautiful sentiment!” Mary exclaimed. He smiled warmly at her.
Georgiana laughed. “That is perfectly lovely, Richard. What did Uncle Henry have to say about it?”
“He told me he would never have guessed me to be a sentimental fool, but I do believe he was very pleased with my attention to our roots.”
“Perhaps Richard, if you could while you are here, perhaps you might teach me about the Fitzwilliam family? I know now that I am not a Darcy, and as wonderful
as it is to be accepted as one … I would like to know my true history. I could never speak to William about the Fitzwilliam side of our family; it was just too painful for him to think of Mother, but for you …”
“Of course, I would be glad to tell you the bloody tale of our clan!” He cocked a brow at Mary. “I am afraid that you will be bored to tears, Mary.”
“I have a feeling that you are capable of making any tale exciting, sir.”
“Ah, I am cursed with a golden tongue!” He laughed, and saw the little sparkle in Mary’s eyes, reminiscent of her sister, but unique to her. Darcy was correct. Take this time to become friends, show her his true self, and see what came of it. “Well if I am to deliver a dissertation, I am afraid that I will require something more than tea. Ladies, excuse me while I request some port.”
Clutching Mary’s arm in mock terror Georgiana exclaimed. “Oh no, you are winding up for a long talk, Mary, do you think that we can bear him for such a period?”
Mary smiled gently and met Richard’s warm and friendly smile. Elizabeth told her to simply enjoy his visit, to let down her guard and be the girl she always imagined and wished herself to be. She determinedly forgot all of Fordyce’s advice about a modest woman’s behaviour and laughed. “Well, Georgiana, I believe that if you can bear his effusions, I will as well.”
Chapter 38
“Miss Bingley, may I have the next set?”
Caroline looked into the gentleman’s eyes. They were not particularly warm, certainly not the soulful blue of Darcy’s or the bright green of her brother’s. They were brown, sharp, and most importantly, directed at her alone. “Yes, of course, Mr. Thatcher.” She took his offered hand and glanced at Louisa, who gave her an encouraging smile. The gentleman led her away to the dance, and they stood opposite each other, assessing their partner and wondering if this would be their view for life.
Louisa turned to her husband. “What do you know of him, Gilbert? He approached you at the club?”
