“And what of me, Sir? How may you consider me to be progressive?” Her challenge offered him a warning of choosing the right words. “Do you see your wife as too forward-moving and too liberal?”
“Not at all, Madam.” Darcy found an interest in the curls that draped down from her hair.“Your progressive nature means you are dynamic and spirited.You consume my mind.”
Elizabeth laughed with a cackle, which began deep within her. “Fitzwilliam, I admit you handled that quite well. I always took delight in your ability to twist the English language to prove your point.”
A full smile overspread Darcy’s face. “Truthfully, my Love, our verbal swordplay was one of the first things that attracted me to you. I used to say things to provoke a response just to hear you address me directly.”
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, you did not!” She seemed shocked by this disclosure.
“I am afraid, my Dear, I did.” His eyes twinkled, realizing her reaction to his words.
Elizabeth relished his early attempts to win her attention. “Tell me, Sir, when did you so manipulate me?”
“Do you recall Miss Bingley’s litany of qualities of an accomplished woman?”
“Of course, how could I forget? She wished to let me know I could be found wanting.” Elizabeth shifted her weight, indicating she still felt limited when she recalled the words.
“Oh, my Love, do not even begin,” he cautioned. “I know how you think.You want for nothing. It is Miss Bingley who lacks any real worth.” Darcy saw her shoot him an incredulous stare.“Do you not recall to Miss Bingley’s list I added extensive reading to improve one’s mind? Caroline never reads unless forced to do so. I knew you were a voracious reader. I assumed you would understand my reference.”
“You forget—I thought you hated me then.”
“That still amazes me, Elizabeth; I could not take my eyes from you.You played havoc with my emotions that evening, my Love. You stood beside Mr. Bingley as we played cards. When you offered your attentions to Charles, I said something to provoke you to draw your attention to me—to force you to look in my eyes.” Darcy caressed her jaw line with the back of his hand.
“It could not be so.Why did I not see your desires?” Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief.
Darcy chuckled; how often they misunderstood each other in those early days of their relationship took on comic effects in hindsight, although his misery at the time nearly destroyed him.“Do you remember my comment of knowing only a half dozen women who were truly accomplished? I knew you would never let that comment go by.”
“It seems, Sir, you knew me better than even I did.” Elizabeth kissed him tenderly.
“If I knew you as well as I should have, it would not have taken us so long to find each other.” Elizabeth saw the remorse drift into his eyes.
“None of that, Mr. Darcy.” She massaged the frown lines in his forehead.“We agreed we went through all we did so we could be happy now. Do not remember the bad; it never existed.”
Darcy drew Elizabeth near where he could feel the contours of her body next to his; her warmth brought him comfort. “As long as you never consider leaving me alone again, Elizabeth.”
“How could I ever leave you, Fitzwilliam? You possess my heart.” Her kiss this time made him want her, and Darcy’s hand searched the neckline of her dress, running his finger along the top of her breast. She finally broke the embrace.“My goodness, Sir, you are dynamic, or is that progressive, today?”
He began to laugh. “We will continue this later, Madam, in our room.”
“I am anticipating the pleasure, Sir. Let us rejoin our guests now.” She took his proffered arm to leave the room.
“I said it before, but we will invite no one else to our home, Elizabeth. Believe my words.” They both knew the irony of their relationship. They needed close family and friends to sustain them, but solitary interludes held a real appeal.
CHAPTER 2
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813
“I plan to ride into Lambton, Charles.Are you in the mood for a brief outing?” Darcy asked when he entered the drawing room.
“I would enjoy such a time, Darcy. Let me change.” Charles Bingley missed the interactions he and Darcy once shared.
“Fitzwilliam, would you post the letters I wrote?” Elizabeth asked as she joined the others.
“Of course, Elizabeth.Where are they?”
“I left them on the tray for Mr. Howard’s attention. Thank you, Sir.” Elizabeth’s voice held an intimacy only Darcy recognized. Her “thanks” seemed innocent enough to the others in the room, but even something this simple held sexual tension for them.Their passions always rested just below the surface so when she said, “Thank you, Sir,” Elizabeth also allowed her eyes to drift up his body, and Darcy arched an eyebrow when she rested her attention on his countenance.
He winked at her when she pursed her lips.“I will retrieve them, Madam.” Then he offered his wife a seductive smile as he left.
Elizabeth held images of him in her mind as she picked up her needlework and joined her sister and aunt. “Aunt Gardiner, where are the children?” Elizabeth asked as she abandoned those images to the mundane activities of daily life.
“Your uncle took them for a tour of the grounds.”
“I am pleased Mr. Darcy asked Charles to join him for a ride today. My husband missed Mr. Darcy’s counsel,” Jane confided.
“It would be natural, Jane, being such good friends for so long.” Elizabeth had no idea whether Darcy felt the same as Charles; they never discussed it; she supposed he held similar feelings as Charles Bingley.
“Since our marriage, Charles had only Mr. Hurst and our father for male companionship.”
Elizabeth found this amusing. “Mr. Hurst is certainly not a conversationalist, and our father, though quite capable, usually cannot be bothered to do so.”
“That was Charles’s plight of late. We met Sir William one evening a fortnight ago, and I did not think I would ever get Charles to leave his conversation with the man.”
“Well, I am sure our husbands will enjoy whatever men discuss when not with women.” Elizabeth allowed Darcy held thoughts of which she was not privy; this realization bothered her for some reason, although she tried to pass them off. “Where are Georgiana and Kitty?”
“Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh are in the music room with the colonel,” Mrs. Gardiner offered.“I believe I saw Kitty in the garden earlier.”
“Mr. Harrison packs for his journey,” Jane added.
“Let us have some tea.” Elizabeth put her needlework away. “Now as we are alone,” she took on a conspiratorial tone, “I am dying to know what each of you think of my new home.”
Sipping her tea, Elizabeth turned to her beloved sister. “Well, tell me, Jane, do you not love Pemberley?”
“Elizabeth,” Jane looked around the drawing room, “Aunt Gardiner and I spoke of the splendor of Pemberley yesterday. It is a magnificent estate and definitely lives up to its reputation.”
“Then you approve?” Elizabeth asked as if someone might object.
“As for me,” Mrs. Gardiner teased, “the most perfect thing about Pemberley is seeing you with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth. To see you so happy at last is most gratifying.”
“Thank you, Aunt. I still worry about how to make Pemberley my own, but Fitzwilliam’s love makes the transition easier. Could either of you ever think both Jane and I could be so blessed?”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “Mr. Bingley could not be more amiable, and he matches our Jane perfectly. Mr. Darcy is more complicated, Elizabeth, but from the time I met him last August, I knew his devotion to you would create a perfect world for you two.You are both of a solitary nature; so as Mr. Bingley fits Jane, Mr. Darcy fits you.”
“It amazes me I once found him to be disagreeable,” Elizabeth mused. “Now, I admit I cannot stand to be away from Fitzwilliam for very long.”
“Our Lizzy met her match, Aunt,” Jane laughed.
Elizabeth enjoyed the humor at her expense. “Mr. Darcy captured my heart.”
Bingley and Darcy rode easily; Bingley found the company pleasurable, while Darcy preferred riding when he had things on his mind. Reaching Lambton, Darcy turned to his friend. “Bingley, I hope you will not be offended. I want to speak to Mr. Spencer about Elizabeth’s condition. Mrs. Darcy had a recent accident, and I want to be sure everything is well. I shall not be long, though.”
“Of course, Darcy. I would like to find something special for Jane. Shall I meet you in half an hour at the Royal Crown?”
“We will have something to drink before returning to Pemberley.Thirty minutes it is, Sir.”
Darcy posted the letters and walked briskly to Mr. Spencer’s house. He asked the housekeeper to see the doctor.
“Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Spencer suspected he would see Darcy today.“I see your wife spoke to you, Sir.”
“She has, Mr. Spencer. Now, I would like your learned opinion of Mrs. Darcy’s condition.” Darcy took the seat Mr. Spencer offered.
“Well, Mr. Darcy, I believe your wife has as good of a chance for a complete delivery as does any other woman. Her recent accident should cause no long-term problems. Mrs. Darcy suspected her condition prior to the fall. She did all the right things during the fall. Mrs. Darcy protected the baby; she is a very smart woman, Sir.”
Darcy found a new respect for his wife. “My Elizabeth is remarkable.”
“Mr. Darcy, your sister was the last life brought into Pemberley’s world. Since Miss Darcy’s birth, you knew nothing but death in your home. Mrs. Darcy will change that for you. Of course, I cannot guarantee a live birth, but I have no reason to think otherwise.”
“Are there any precautions of which I should be aware, Mr. Spencer?”
“I warned Mrs. Darcy about the terrain surrounding Pemberley, but your wife is healthy. She needs to be cautious but not frightened of her everyday activities.”
The next question brought Darcy some discomfort. “Mr. Spencer, what of my private relationship with my wife?”
“Mr. Darcy.”The man stood to come to sit across from him. The doctor knew it cost Darcy a great deal to open himself up to these questions. “There are many misconceptions about intimate relationships between a man and a woman when she is with child. I hear old wives’ tales, which suggest the baby will see the gentleman’s manhood and refuse to enter the world. These are ridiculous to a man of science such as I. Normal relationships are acceptable, Mr. Darcy, until your wife’s lying in. Be aware of her abdomen as the baby grows. Place no extra weight on her as she expands, but there is no reason to abstain from your wife’s attentions. Keep her life as normal as possible, but do so within reason, and your chance of an heir will be in your favor.”
“You must think me a foolish husband, Mr. Spencer.” Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
“On the contrary, Mr. Darcy. I wish the husbands of many of my patients cared as much for their wives as you do for Mrs. Darcy. You, obviously, want what is best for her and are willing to accept some discomfort to have accurate information.”
“Mr. Spencer, I would do without an heir for Pemberley if it meant carrying my heir would put Mrs. Darcy’s health in danger. I want nothing to happen to her. Please remember that when you are called upon regarding the delivery of our child. Mrs. Darcy is to be your priority.”
“I understand, Sir. Thank you for explaining your feelings to me. I will convey your wishes to the midwife you choose.”
Darcy expended as much emotionally as he could afford on this matter; he stood to leave. “Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for addressing my concerns.” With polite farewells the men separated. Spencer stood in disbelief at how much Darcy changed since meeting Mrs. Darcy. Pemberley, in the doctor’s opinion, would never be the same.
“I hope you have not been here long, Bingley,” Darcy offered as he slid into the chair across from his friend.
“No, Darcy, I just arrived. May I order something for you?”
“Some tea would be nice.” Bingley motioned for an additional cup to be brought to the table. The locals scrambled to meet Darcy’s needs. His presence in Lambton created a buzz of activity; many in the area owed their existence to the estate. “Did you find something for Mrs. Bingley?”
“I bought her a new handkerchief,” Bingley began. “I resolved after our conversation the other day, I would let my Jane know of my devotion to her whenever I can. Do you not think little ‘gifts’ appropriate, Darcy?”
“Bingley, I learned my lesson about offering advice on your and Mrs. Bingley’s relationship.” Darcy chuckled lightly, a bit embarrassed by his own admission.
Charles laughed; Darcy once tried to keep Bingley and Jane apart.“I am asking your advice, Darcy.”
Darcy knew Bingley still lacked self-confidence in most of his interactions with others; Charles handled conflict with retreat rather than surety. “Bingley, I believe any woman responds to spontaneous examples of affection from the man she favors. Shower Mrs. Bingley with gifts or simply express your devotion to her when the opportunity arises. Do not worry about Mrs. Bingley’s regard for you. Obviously, if it did not diminish in the months you were apart, it is not likely to do so now.”
“Do you believe that to be so, Darcy?”
“I most certainly do, Bingley.”
“My fear is we are too close to Longbourn for our marital felicity. Mrs. Bennet appears at our door regularly, and Jane’s kindness will not allow her to rebuke her mother.” Bingley paused and looked a bit uncomfortable with his next thoughts. “Mrs. Bingley is not willing to abandon Netherfield yet, but if things do not change soon, I will try to convince her. If that were so, would you help me find something closer to Pemberley? I would like Jane to have access to Mrs. Darcy; her family is important to my wife.”
“Mrs. Darcy would certainly welcome such a change, as would I. We spent little time together since our respective engagements.”
“Male companionship has been lean at Netherfield. Even going shooting became an ordeal.” Bingley looked uncomfortable again.
Darcy tried to assure his friend. “When you are ready to change, Charles, it would do me well to serve you once again. In the meantime, I will be aware of any land which may come available.”
“Darcy, are you as content with marriage as you seem?”
“Bingley, Elizabeth’s presence creates such satisfaction. Pemberley was never so alive; you should have seen her and Georgiana at the tenant’s celebration. I could not be prouder of either of them.When I chose Elizabeth as my wife, I chose her obvious beauty but also her wit, her intelligence, her compassion, and her devotion. I need a woman beside me who will help me transition Pemberley into a new age. Elizabeth is that woman for me.”
“Your words sound as if you plan for your estate, and Elizabeth plays a major part in that plan.”
“I do. Some will judge me poorly, although I know you will not be one of them. Elizabeth is learning the estate’s business. I will not have a dependent—Elizabeth will be my partner.That lifestyle works for the two of us. I do not advocate it for everyone, but it is what I need. Elizabeth fills in the areas which I cannot.” Darcy’s matter-of-fact statements persuaded Bingley to their truth.
Bingley offered his friend a light chuckle with the irony he saw in the situation. “You once told me duty to your family’s name outweighed your need for affection in a choice for a wife. Luckily, you found both in Mrs. Darcy.”
“Your wife’s sister certainly captured my heart, Bingley.” Just dwelling on Elizabeth brought a gamut of images to Darcy’s mind, and a hint of a smile formed on his lips. “Speaking of our wives, maybe we should return to Pemberley. I imagine Mr. Harrison is ready to depart.”
“Mr. Harrison, you will be missed,” Elizabeth turned to her guest.“Your stories of the Americas were very entertaining, Sir.”
“Mrs. Darcy, you never lack for hospitality and
generosity. You welcomed me as a member of your family during the most holy of days. I am blessed to earn your friendship.” He bowed to Elizabeth respectfully.
Elizabeth appropriately dropped her eyes before acknowledging his praise. “Mr. Harrison, you are welcome at Pemberley anytime, Sir.” Darcy stood beside his wife and sister as they bid the man farewell.
“Mr. Darcy, your counsel was most enlightening.” Harrison finally turned his attentions to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, I look forward to seeing you again.” He wanted to embrace her—to hold her—but instead he offered Georgiana a loving glance and a proper bow before leaving in his coach for Dove Dale.
Walking back to the drawing room, Elizabeth instinctively encircled Georgiana’s waist with her arm. “Mr. Harrison will return soon, Georgiana. Mark my words.” Elizabeth held concerns for Georgiana’s gentle disposition. Although she knew Harrison expressed a desire to know Georgiana better, Elizabeth’s wariness at his honest entreaty held trepidation; yet, she did not wish to belie the man until she knew for sure. Her qualms lay only with protecting Georgiana. Miss Darcy held back tears while smiling at her new sister.
“I will wait,” Georgiana whispered, knowing she could open up her thoughts to Elizabeth without fear of censure. Their relationship created the female bond Georgiana always desired. Since Elizabeth entered Fitzwilliam’s life, Georgiana found herself able to express her innermost thoughts. Elizabeth caught Georgiana’s eye and nodded without further comment.
Later that afternoon, Darcy and Elizabeth reclined leisurely across their bed, having spent themselves in passion. He brushed his lips across hers playfully. “Mrs. Darcy, your husband loves you most ardently.”
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