Pirates and Prejudice

by Louise, Kara

  Elizabeth finally stopped. “Mr. Darcy, we have not spoken at all of Lydia’s shameful actions since it happened.”

  Darcy’s head lowered, his brows pinched together, and he looked off to the side. “There is nothing about which to speak.”

  “Oh, but there is.” It grieved her to see the pained expression on his face, but she had to know. “You see, my family may not have considered this, but I certainly have. I cannot help but think that my sister was spared any arrest, trial, and possible conviction by your hand.” She shook her head. “I do not know how you may have done this, but I find it incomprehensible that she was merely released. I cannot believe that she did not have to suffer any of the consequences for doing such a horrid thing.”

  Darcy looked down at their hands. “You are correct,” he said solemnly. “But for the most part, I did nothing but make it perfectly clear to the authorities that she was an…” he paused and looked up. “Pray, forgive me for my words, here, but I fear I told them she was an ignorant and silly girl who was merely following the directions of Mr. Wickham, out of love, or lust, or whatever you want to call it.” He took in a deep breath. “I told them that she knew nothing about what it was she was being asked to do.”

  “You had no reason at all to do that, Mr. Darcy. My family thanks you, even though I do not believe they fully comprehend this.”

  He paused and took in a slow breath. “You know I did it all for you.” His tender words washed over her and filled her with a flood of warmth.

  Elizabeth opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

  “Miss Bennet, if your feelings are what they were in the spring, just say so. I would hope those impressions I came away with last evening were everything I believed them to be, but I will not speak words of my love and devotion for you if they are still unwelcome.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes welled with tears. She shook her head slowly. “No, Mr. Darcy, they are not unwelcome. Not in the slightest. In fact, I can think of nothing I would rather hear you say.”

  They began walking again, and he did not seem inclined to say anything further, which left Elizabeth somewhat perplexed. But again, rather than breaking the silence, she would wait until he did.

  At length, came upon the clearing. It was a natural small meadow of grass, bordered by low shrubs. Wild flowers grew in patches throughout, adding a myriad of colours to the serene setting, and a bench was situated on one side. A coverlet was laid out in the middle of the clearing, and a basket had been set on the coverlet. Her heart leapt in her chest at the sight.

  “Mr. Darcy, this is lovely!”

  He patted her hand. “I am glad you think so.”

  He led her over to it. “Would you care to sit down?”

  “Yes, that would be very nice.”

  He directed her to the coverlet and helped her down, finally releasing her hands as she sat. He stood for a moment merely gazing at her. Then very slowly, he lowered his tall frame down to her side. Instead of sitting, however, he came down on one knee.

  Elizabeth had to tell herself to breathe and hoped that her heart would bear the excitement she now felt, after the exertion this morning of the climb, the momentary fear she had experienced, and the pounding that accompanied all the feelings that this man evoked.

  “Miss Bennet… Elizabeth, I do not know what I have ever done to warrant a second chance with you, but I am grateful for it, all the same. I have never ceased to love you, and that love has continued to grow with each passing day. I will not bore you with details about how I have changed… how I hope I have changed. I can only hope you have seen it for yourself and can be assured that I desire nothing more but to make you happy. I ask you, Elizabeth, will you make my joy complete and consent to be my wife?”

  Elizabeth’s shoulders began to shake as her tears began to fall. She nodded her head and mumbled, “Yes, I will!”

  Darcy drew to her side and pulled out a handkerchief. He gently wiped her eyes with it. “Come, Elizabeth, I had hoped this would make you happy, not sad!”

  Elizabeth laughed between sobs. “I am happy. I am very happy! You cannot know how deeply I have come to love you!”

  Darcy sat down next to her, a wide smile gracing his face. He opened the basket and pulled out a bottle of wine and two goblets. Then he set out a plate with cheeses and breads. “Would you care for something, Elizabeth?”

  She smiled and looked up at him with brows raised. “Yes, that would be very nice… Fitzwilliam.”

  Darcy had just tilted the bottle of wine to pour it, but stopped. He looked up at Elizabeth, his dark eyes shining. “I like the sound of that, Elizabeth. I have often wondered what it would be like to hear you say my name.”

  They sipped some wine and ate the bread and cheese in silence. Elizabeth actually began to enjoy the silence between them, as if they shared something special.

  When they had finished, he took her hand and cradled it between both of his. “You have no idea how happy this has made me.” He patted her hand, causing her to look down.

  Elizabeth placed her other hand over his and studied them. “You know, Fitzwilliam, it is the way you held my hand that made me realize how much I adore you.”

  “It all began when I reached out and grabbed it, then?”

  Elizabeth chuckled. “I may not have fallen in love with you then, but you know that I noticed your hand. I could not ignore how soft and smooth it was; I told you that. I came to realize how warm and protective and strong it was. I believe from that very moment you clasped it, there was nothing that would get in the way of my falling in love with you.”

  Darcy smiled. “Truly? And what of David? I saw him holding your hand on several occasions.” He raised a brow as he asked.

  Elizabeth licked her lips. “Hmm. Yes, he did hold my hand. But…” She gave him a sideways glance. “I realized that when he held my hand, I did not feel all those things I felt when you held it.” She bit her lip and widened her eyes. “It felt like any other gentleman who had ever held my hand.” She looked up and saw his brow lift. She quickly added, “I will have you know that has occurred solely during a dance; so pray, do not fret about a dozen men who have taken my hand in theirs.”

  “Oh, I will not fret, but I do wish to know more about how you felt.” He looked down at their hands, then stole a sly upward glance.

  She blushed, wondering how she would ever explain those feelings that were so personal, so intimate. She also knew it was something she should not discuss with him – at least now. She raised a single brow. “I shall only say that when I held your hand in mine at the end of our dance on the ship and you warned me that I was in dangerous waters…” She paused and waited for him to acknowledge it.

  “Yes?”

  “I have often felt very much the same way when you hold my hand in yours.” She glanced up and met his penetrating gaze. “Or look at me in that intense way.” It was true. The way he looked at her made her feel as though she would melt away.

  Darcy began to move towards her, lowering his gaze to her lips. When he was but a few inches away, Elizabeth pushed herself up and walked over to the edge of the clearing.

  “Is something wrong?” Darcy asked, standing up and walking over to her. “You do not wish for me to kiss you?”

  Elizabeth laughed. “On the contrary. I have desired your kisses since…”

  Darcy leaned in towards her. “Since when?”

  “Since you held me on the merchant ship as we prepared to swing across to your ship.” She tossed her head casually. “As improper as that would have been.”

  Darcy’s eyes widened. “You wished to be kissed then?”

  Elizabeth nodded and watched him take a step closer.

  “Does this mean you desired Captain Smith to kiss you?” His eyes held incredulity. “How do I know you have not fallen in love with him, instead of me?”

  Elizabeth’s mouth opened, and she covered it with her hand. “Oh, my! This is wretched, indeed! I had not thought of that!”

 
; Darcy folded one arm across his chest and rested the elbow of his other arm on top of it. He brought his fisted hand up to his chin and tapped it a few times. “This is grave. What am I to think?”

  Elizabeth looked up with mock despair and just a little bit of teasing. “Perhaps you can help me forget my little infatuation with the captain.”

  He took another step closer. “And how am I to do that?”

  “Well,” she said as she stepped towards him, closing the distance, “you may begin by putting your arms about me, much like he did.” She helped him along.

  Darcy smiled. “Now what?”

  “Well, I believe I had to put my arms about your neck, much like this.” She stood on her toes and brought her arms about him. They stood staring into each other’s faces. Elizabeth could feel his breath upon her and again felt that she might collapse if he loosened his grip.

  “Now?”

  “Heavens, no. We were then tied together.”

  Darcy shook his head. “We have no rope.”

  “That is true. We shall have to pretend, then.”

  Darcy tightened his grip and pulled her even closer. He leaned down and asked huskily, “Is this pretend enough?” His breath brushed her hair by her ear, sending shivers through her.

  “Yes, I believe so,” she whispered trembling, looking up at him with wide, expectant eyes.

  Their gaze remained locked for some time, and Darcy lowered his head. Just before his lips touched hers, he suddenly stopped. “You are not afraid?”

  “On the contrary, I believe I shall enjoy this immensely.”

  Darcy tilted his head. “I believe the word was immeasurably.”

  “Oh, yes. I believe I shall enjoy this immeasurably.”

  He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I believe I shall, as well.”

  He drew back and looked at her. He drew a strand of hair away from her face. “I have a question I must ask you, Elizabeth. Have you ever done this before?”

  Elizabeth felt a sense of light-headedness at his question. “Never!” she said, and his lips came down to meet hers.

  If Elizabeth had believed she had felt everything a woman could feel in the arms of a man she loved, she was wrong. She felt as if she were swinging across the sea again, flying, soaring to new heights and new depths. Her heart pounded from her head to her toes as his lips moved from her mouth to her cheeks, up to her ears, and down her neck. With each kiss, a new sensation revealed itself and rendered Elizabeth breathless.

  She clung to him as if her life depended on it as he sought her lips again, this time with more fervency. She felt as if she would collapse into a puddle if either let go. When he finally lifted his head, he asked hoarsely, “Did that work?”

  Elizabeth was somewhat confused. “Did what work?” she asked meekly.

  “Did that erase any feelings you might still harbour for Captain Smith?”

  Elizabeth smiled and leaned her head against his chest. She could both feel and hear the pounding of his heart. She nodded her head but then looked up. Her brows furrowed. “I think I can readily recall – with a great deal of fondness – the curls that peeked out of his tri-corn hat and trailed down his neck.” Her fingers lightly played around his neck.

  Darcy gave her a cautioning look before coming down and claiming her lips again. Then without warning, he suddenly picked her up.

  “What are you doing, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked, feeling both anticipation and just a little uncertainty.

  “I am going to make certain you forget about Captain Smith.” He sat down on the bench and cradled Elizabeth on his lap. Wrapping his arms about her he said, “I daresay you never sat on the captain’s lap, did you?”

  Elizabeth bit her lip and shook her head, speechless. She could not prevent a smile from appearing.

  “Good.” He looked at her with deep longing in his eyes as he drew close to her, kissing her with a passion that stirred them both.

  She leaned her head against him as he stroked her back. She felt his kisses on the top of her head.

  He finally pulled away. “Now, Elizabeth, I must know. Have I removed every ounce of feeling for Captain Smith?”

  Elizabeth swallowed, her mouth suddenly very dry. She allowed a smile and said, “There is one more thing, I am certain, that will take away all memory of him.”

  “What is that?” he asked with feigned distress.

  She reached up and stroked his clean-shaven face with her fingertips. She felt breathless as she met his intense gaze. “I doubt that his face was as smooth as yours.”

  Darcy shook his head and captured her hand in his, pressing it against his cheek. “I can assure you, it was not!” He closed his fingers around hers and then brought them to his lips, kissing the tips of each.

  After a moment, he continued, “Can I now be assured that Captain Smith is completely out of your heart and mind?”

  Elizabeth slowly nodded. Her face felt flushed and a wave of emotions swelled through her. “Utterly and completely,” she replied weakly.

  *~*~*

  They lost all track of time as they remained in their secluded hideaway, laughing, holding each other, and kissing. At length, Darcy slid her off his lap and onto the bench. He stood up and sent her a meaningful look.

  “Come, Elizabeth. If you are to remain virtuous until our wedding night, I suggest we leave now. We have moved from the dangerous waters into the fire, and I, for one, do not think I can control my behaviour if we do not cease now. In addition, the longer we remain here, the greater chance there is that someone might come upon us.”

  Elizabeth tilted her head at him. “But we still have so much to discuss!”

  “Ha!” he exclaimed. “We have been here for quite some time, and very little discussion has taken place!”

  “You are correct,” she said with resignation. She began to stand and was grateful for Darcy’s hand. Every nerve within her trembled.

  He leaned over and gave her a very chaste kiss when she was on her feet. “There is something I need to ask you, Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth looked up at him. “Yes?”

  “I should like to marry as soon as possible. Do you think your sister would mind if we made it a double wedding?”

  Elizabeth rewarded him with a wide smile. “I think Jane would be delighted to share her wedding day with me.”

  Chapter 28

  While Elizabeth folded the coverlet, Darcy placed the glasses and remaining items into the basket. They then set them behind a nearby bush, making sure they were well hidden, so he could retrieve the items on his return to Netherfield.

  As they made the short descent down Oakham Mount, Elizabeth tucked her hand through the crook of Darcy’s arm. She was content to walk quietly, but she needed some answers, so she decided she would begin with one easy question to see if he seemed inclined to talk.

  “Tell me, Fitzwilliam, what will Georgiana think of me as a sister?”

  He turned and tapped Elizabeth on the nose. “I believe she will like it very much. She told me she was very fond of you, and I told you last evening that she looks forward to furthering your acquaintance.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “I am glad. I found her delightful.” She stole a glance at Darcy, who had turned to look ahead. He did not seem inclined to add anything, so she allowed him a little silence.

  After a short while, Elizabeth took in a quick breath and held it briefly. She knew asking the next question – the one she really needed an answer to – might prove problematic. She looked up at Darcy and smiled, receiving one in return.

  “And what of your aunt?” she asked with a light tone. “What will she think?”

  Darcy’s brow lowered, but he continued to look straight ahead. “My aunt?”

  “Yes, Lady Catherine.” Elizabeth looked down and then back up. She stopped walking and turned to him. “I understand… I heard that there were certain expectations about you marrying Anne.”

  Darcy rubbed his jaw and then clasped his hand ov
er Elizabeth’s, where it still rested on his arm. “What you heard is correct, but…”

  Suddenly he released her hand and began feeling around in his coat for something. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a letter. He gave her a pointed look as he opened it. “This is from my aunt. I received it just before I left London. I will not bore you with everything she writes, but I shall read one part. I will summarize what she said, however, by telling you that somehow she heard about my little pirate adventure, about my appearance, my speech, and a few more things that somehow had been added or grossly exaggerated.”

  He moved his finger down the letter. “Here, this part might be of interest to you.”

  You can be at no loss, my nephew, to understand my reason for writing. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why. But I shall account for it anyway. This alarming report about your pirating activities, your manner of dress and talk that I understand was utterly despicable, makes me wonder if you have forgotten what you owe yourself and all your family. I believe your mother would be deeply grieved, as am I, as this cannot turn out good for my Anne. Even though your mother and I wished for your engagement and marriage from the start, I must now declare that this marriage would be impossible to take place! Honour, decorum, and prudence forbid it! Pray, Nephew! Tell me this has all been a scandalous mistake, that the rumours circulating are untrue! Otherwise, I shall have no other alternative but to remove my consent.

  Darcy lifted his eyes to her over the top of the letter. “There is much more, but I do believe that she has released me from her expectations. I daresay, my mother released me even before she died.”

  “I imagine she still will not be pleased.”

  Darcy let out a huff. “I can assure you she will not. There is very little that pleases her. I would not be concerned.”

  “How do you suppose she found out?”