Darcy strode unwaveringly toward the staircase leading to their apartments. Lizzy smiled and teasingly proclaimed, “Estate business, Mr. Darcy? Should we not be en route to your study?”
Darcy paused and studied his wife seriously. “I was envisioning our discussion transpiring in our bedchamber, Mrs. Darcy; however, if you prefer my study for the resolution of our estate affairs, I am amenable to oblige your desires.” He grinned.
Lizzy considered, for several minutes actually, and then tossed her head flippantly and propelled her husband toward the stairs. “I shall concede to your inclination at this time. The study shall remain undisturbed, for the present.”
“Is that a promise or an allusion that there shall be an occasion where my study may be disturbed, my love?”
“You do spend large quantities of time there working so diligently, slavishly attending to odious tasks, and are thus in need of relief and diversion. As your wife, Mr. Darcy, it is my solemn duty to ease your suffering in any manner feasible, even if said remedy is impetuous or unsought.”
They had reached the second-floor staircase, when Darcy halted abruptly and pulled his wife into his arms, kissing her ardently. “Elizabeth!” he growled, “no further teasing. I am desperate for you. Two days without loving you, without giving you pleasure, without your warmth surrounding me. Oh God, I must have you now, my love! Please… come with me.”
He grabbed her hand and stumbled through the first available door, thankfully an empty guest chamber. Darcy scarcely had the presence of mind to lock the door before he was gathering her into his arms. Lizzy, only marginally less aroused than he, withdrew a pace to peer about the unfamiliar room. She clutched his hand and hurriedly crossed to the sofa, commanding him to sit, which he speedily did.
They loved each other fully until spent utterly, bodies melting together and breathing heavily. They stared, imprisoned in the other’s gaze for long moments as they embraced and caressed.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, would that I could convey how miraculously exquisite you are when aroused and when we…” she closed her eyes and kissed him tenderly. “I do not have the words,” she whispered. “My heart is bursting with love for you my husband… my darling… my lover and my soul.”
He smiled, fingers caressing her lovely face. “My wife… my precious wife. Shall I chronicle how resplendent your face is in your rapture? You are luminous: your eyes shining with devotion and excitement, your lips swollen and ruddy from my kisses, a light sheen of perspiration gracing your perfect brow, your cheeks sanguine with desire. Always you are beautiful, my Lizzy, but never more so than when you give yourself to me intimately.”
They kissed, tenderly and languidly, not wishing to part until finally Lizzy spoke softly, “William, my legs are numb.”
He chuckled, taking his kisses to her throat and ear. “Then I shall carry you to our bed, dearest, where I intend to undress you gradually as you undress me, after which I intend to kiss and caress and nibble,” accenting his proclamations with demonstrations, “every inch of you until you are aroused anew and begging me for the satisfaction only I can offer.” He lifted her easily with his strong hands, readjusted his clothing and hers, checked the corridor, and then swept her into his powerful arms.
For over an hour they loved, Darcy fulfilling his promise and wholly gratifying his wife, and himself.
The Gardiners arrived around three in the afternoon. Lizzy and Darcy, refreshed and glowing, welcomed them to Pemberley. Despite the difference in their ages, Darcy got on famously with Lizzy’s uncle and was genuinely glad to see him. The Gardiners had become acquainted with the Colonel in London and at the wedding, and Richard’s sunny disposition was such that Lizzy could not imagine anyone disliking him. After a brief respite in the main parlor, the gentlemen retired to the billiard room, Darcy with a lingering caress and kiss to Lizzy’s hand.
Lizzy accompanied her aunt to the suite set aside for them; Georgiana left to practice carols on her pianoforte. Her aunt wasted no time in commenting on Lizzy’s obvious felicity.
“Oh, Aunt Violet, I cannot express in mere words how happy I am! Marriage is vastly superior to anything I could have envisioned.”
“Well, my dear, at least marriage to the right man is!” They both laughed. “How are you finding Pemberley? Overwhelming?”
“Yes, a little. William has been patient and attentive, escorting me everywhere, hardly leaving my side. Mrs. Reynolds, in truth all the staff, have been enormously supportive and kind. I do have so very much to learn, though.”
“Is Mr. Darcy pressuring you in any way?”
“Oh no! Quite the opposite. He is immeasurably patient and actually seems nonchalant regarding the subject. He dotes on me profoundly. I fear I shall quickly become horribly spoilt if he does not desist.”
Her aunt laughed. “I doubt this, Lizzy. It is not in your nature to be unappreciative or influenced by luxury. Embrace his love and allow him to express it. I believe it is good for both of you. Mr. Darcy is altogether more buoyant and amiable, and you have a steadiness and peace hovering about you. It is refreshing to see you both so well matched. I reckon I need not ask how the physical aspect of your relationship fares,” she continued in that forthright manner of hers, “as it is clearly written upon both your countenances and obvious in your demeanor.”
Lizzy unwittingly assumed a dreamy expression. “Aunt, it is everything you told me and more. William is… amazing, wonderful, gentle, and passionate. I am so very blessed and satisfied.” She blushed then but her aunt chuckled.
The Lathrops arrived around six. Mr. Lathrop was much shorter than Darcy, about the same height as Lizzy, stocky with a ruddy complexion, blond hair, and hazel eyes. His wife Amelia was the same height as her husband, full figured, plump, with green eyes, fiery red hair, and a profusion of freckles. Darcy greeted his friend with delight, ushering them inside the manor rapidly as snow was beginning to fall. Introductions were made in haste as all parties, especially the Lathrops who were fatigued from their extended journey, needed time to freshen up before dinner.
Lizzy counted this meal the first official feast of the season and had planned accordingly. There were ham, turkey, and pheasant, an abundant variety of vegetables and breads, pastries and pies and puddings. The large table was laden to capacity, the guests animated, and the atmosphere celebratory.
Lizzy sat Mrs. Lathrop to her right. It was apparent that the young woman was weary, yet still she was talkative and pleasant. Her lovely Scottish lilt was musical and husky. Conversation flowed and Lizzy was drawn to her outgoing, candid nature. She was quick witted, spirited, and occasionally verged on crudeness, but Lizzy liked her.
Per protocol, the ladies and gentlemen separated after dinner for a spell, Lizzy hosting her guests in her newly redecorated parlor. Between the irrepressible Amelia Lathrop, the unpretentious Violet Gardiner, and the clever Elizabeth Darcy, the naïve and shy Georgiana received a lesson in humor and scintillating repartee!
The party gathered together again in the music room where Col. Fitzwilliam was induced to accompany Georgiana with the cello. Darcy stood behind the seated Lizzy with his fingers lightly resting on her neck, unaware that Mr. Lathrop stood behind his wife in the identical inadvertent pose.
“Col. Fitzwilliam,” Lizzy declared, “you play beautifully! I am tremendously impressed.”
The Colonel bowed. “Thank you, Mrs. Darcy; you are very kind. I fear I am rather out of practice. The only opportunity I have to indulge my meager musical talent is here at Pemberley.”
“My husband claims to be as poor a proficient on the violin, yet now I begin to speculate he may not have been totally forthright. How would you evaluate his skills, Colonel, as one artist assessing the other?”
Richard smugly appraised his faintly frowning cousin. “Ah, Mrs. Darcy, you place before me an interesting dilemma. If I judge his talents paltry, then we shall all take pity and not wish to embarrass him by prevailing upon him to play, thus depriving us enterta
inment, but he shall thank me and be in my debt. If, however, I laud his gift, extolling the unsurpassed skill he wields, then all shall beseech him to grace us with a tune to our delight but I shall likely be soundly pummeled once alone.”
They all laughed. Mr. Lathrop chimed in with his soft voice, “I shall save you, Colonel. Darcy has not seen me for many months so would not likely horsewhip me.”
“Do not be too confident, Lathrop,” Darcy interrupted with a growl.
Undeterred, Mr. Lathrop continued with a grin, “Darcy often played at Cambridge and is quite good, although he abhors performing for crowds. Except for that one time, remember, Darcy?”
All eyes were on Darcy, brows raised in question. Richard stifled a chuckle and Mr. Lathrop was grinning broadly. “This is blackmail, old friend.” Darcy said, trying not to smile.
Mr. Lathrop spread his hands innocently, “Simply a reminder of what is possible with the appropriate… influences.”
“What manner of influences, Mr. Darcy, pray tell?” asked Mrs. Lathrop with a dimpled smile. All were staring at Darcy with varying degrees of humor with the exception of Georgiana who was frankly baffled.
Darcy cleared his throat. “Very well. Georgiana, play ‘Largo’ by Handel and then ‘Minuet in G’ by Bach.” Darcy took a moment to tune his instrument, refusing to make eye contact with anyone, and then indicated to his sister that he was prepared.
Lizzy waited with bated breath, anxious to hear her husband, yet feeling tremendous remorse that her thoughtless teasing may have led him to humiliate himself. She acutely recalled her own chagrin at having been coerced by Lady Catherine to display her weak pianoforte abilities. Darcy, however, was reticent by nature and therefore more apt to embarrass.
Upon the first strains, she knew her fears were groundless. Darcy was no virtuoso but he was talented, far surpassing what she had imagined based on his assertions. He and his sister played beautifully together and the entire room was spellbound.
The applause was sincere and lengthy. Darcy bowed and then turned to his cousin. “Richard, one more with your assistance.” Colonel Fitzwilliam took his place at the cello and smiled at the sheets placed before him by Darcy. Georgiana indicated she was ready and they launched into a sterling rendition of “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven, eminently apropos for the season.
Georgiana’s skill and stamina were put to the test this night. The impromptu concert led to a swell of hidden talents brought to light as the guests’ boldness and merriment increased. Lizzy and Mrs. Lathrop lifted their voices, as did Mr. Gardiner, who revealed a pleasing tenor. Mr. Lathrop chimed in on occasion with an unexpectedly deep bass belied by his soft speaking voice. The crown of the evening was Mrs. Lathrop raising her beautiful Scottish alto a cappella for three folk ballads: “I Once Loved a Lass,” “Mary Queen of Scots’ Lament,” and “Blow the Candle Out.”
Lizzy sat at her vanity, Marguerite having been dismissed, absently brushing her hair as she smilingly recalled the evening’s events. There seemed no doubt all had enjoyed themselves, and therefore the night could only be credited as a resounding success.
Lost in her reverie, Elizabeth did not notice her spouse’s entrance until he gently took the brush from her hand and assumed the task. She smiled brightly at his reflection in the mirror. He loved to brush her hair, so his usurping was rapidly becoming a sort of ritual. Lizzy closed her eyes and sighed with contentment.
“It was a successful evening, wouldn’t you agree, William?”
“Unquestionably. Our guests were well fed and marvelously entertained. I harbored no doubts whatsoever that the Mistress of Pemberley would triumph admirably.”
“Thank you, love, however, I deem that a greater portion of the acclamation should go to Mrs. Reynolds and the rest of Pemberley’s outstanding staff. And no small amount of praise to you, dear husband.”
“I? Elizabeth, I did nothing but attend and partake.”
“Nonsense. You were a gracious host and stunned us all by your performance on the violin.” She looked at him then via the mirror with a playful lift of her lips. “You misrepresented the truth, dear husband. With only one brandy consumed you dazzled us with your skill. I was amazed and delighted, despite your previous assertions to the contrary!”
Darcy blushed and remained silent. Lizzy’s smile broadened. “So tell me about the one time at Cambridge and what influences were necessary.”
Darcy winced and then briskly put down the brush, patted his wife’s shoulder, and seriously pronounced it was time for bed, becoming all ‘Master of Pemberley’ as Lizzy called it, as he strode solemnly from the room. Lizzy laughed gaily and chased him, cornering him by the fire. He valiantly attempted to dissuade her, but between tickling and pretend pouting, she finally forced him to capitulate and sink onto the edge of the bed.
Passing a hand over his face, he mumbled, “Perhaps when I am in my dotage, I will live this down.” He glared at his grinning wife, “You really want to hear this?” She nodded and he groaned.
“During my years at University, there were only three times I… overly indulged, shall we say. The last was one month prior to the end of my stay. Some thirty of the lads threw a farewell party of sorts for me, Lathrop, and a few other gents who were finishing as well. Sometime toward the wee hours of the morning, when we were all far into our cups, someone, I do not know whom, which is just as well as I probably later would have murdered him, brilliantly decided that music was in order. Instruments of all sorts materialized from Lord knows where. I think I was the only one present at the time who had some musical talent, although it aided me naught in the state I was in.”
He paused and groaned again, putting his face in his hands. “We thought we were marvelous and played for hours, so the story goes. Frankly, few of us remember any of it.” He started laughing into his hands. “So stellar we credited our abilities that serenading the entire compound seemed a good plan, so we took our genius to the streets. The Dean dubbed us the ‘Squealing Pig Orchestra’ and immortalized us by creating a plaque with all our names on it. To this day it hangs in the Hall of Records and probably will long after I am dead.”
Lizzy was laughing so hard she was breathless. Darcy grabbed her and tossed her onto the bed. “You owe me now, Mrs. Darcy, and you shall pay.”
He tickled her mercilessly, head to toe, revealing sensitive zones she hadn’t known existed. Arousal was guaranteed and abundantly welcomed. Darcy’s arousal, in fact, and Lizzy’s assistance in heightening his state were the incentives necessary to cease his tickling torture. The playful mood reigned as they nibbled with titillating bites, stimulated with romantic pinches and squeezes, and beguiled with amorous kisses.
Each day their lovemaking changed, evolving to new heights of delight as they learned more about their own bodies’ responses and how to control their passions. Darcy, as the leader in most instances, had discovered a stamina and mastery he would not have thought achievable a month ago. On occasion their ardor overwhelmed them and they willingly and gleefully relented to their consuming need. However, usually they desired to prolong the act, reveling in the intoxication of a protracted interlude as their urges amplified leisurely. The resulting release was not necessarily superior, but their unions always intense and gratifying, and the steady nature of an unhurried pace led to a fulfillment as prolonged and languid as the journey itself.
Such it was tonight. Their afternoon assignation had so tremendously satisfied them that now there was none of the previous urgency. Their passion built gradually, their desire tender and nurturing, and their devotion, reverence, and faithfulness overruling their lust. Caressing ceaselessly and kissing temperately, they reached a release that was extended and joyous, flowing over them in soft, soothing waves, and leaving them trembling and awash in profound emotions of serenity and belonging and security.
They nestled close, gripped by their love and happiness. Lizzy kissed Darcy’s chest just as she drifted into sleep and he tightened his arms about her, kissing he
r head and smiling with contentment. “I love you, Elizabeth,” he murmured as sleep claimed him.
AS THE LONG YEARS unfolded, the Darcys would experience a multitude of Christmases at Pemberley. Some would be intimate family affairs, and on other occasions the manor would be overflowing. In time, their children and the children of relatives would exponentially boost the festivities. The traditional Darcy feast for the tenants would resume and occur annually for decades. The Darcy heirlooms would proudly regain their historic locales, along with the candles and greenery and ribbons eventually further augmented by the Christmas tree. The vast majority of the holidays would be joyous gatherings with delightful memories, such as the year Lizzy’s birth sac burst while kissing her husband under the kissing bough on Christmas Eve and the year their eldest daughter became betrothed during the Cole’s Masque. Thankfully the somber years were infrequent, the saddest being the first season after Mr. Bennet passed, although it would also mark the only time all the Bennet sisters managed to gather at the same time.
In truth, this particular Christmas would not necessarily be counted preeminent, yet through the blissful years of their life together, Lizzy and Darcy would agree that it held a very special place in their hearts. The reason was simple: it was their first.
Christmas Eve dawned cold with ominous dark clouds threatening despite having dropped fresh snow in the night. All the guests were slow to rise, preferring to stay snuggled under warm blankets. As there were no particular plans for the morning hours, it mattered not. The Darcys, as host and hostess, strove to attend to their duties and so departed their chambers far earlier than they wished or had grown accustomed to. Darcy held Lizzy’s hand in the crook of his arm as they walked.
Abruptly Darcy stopped, causing Lizzy to collide with him, but prior to her uttering a sound, he propelled her backwards into an empty side corridor.
“What…” she began but he shushed her with a hiss and a finger to her lips.
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