“I assume you made your intentions known to Miss Bennet.” Darcy amused himself with Ashford’s nervousness.
“I have, Sir.”Ashford remained in all seriousness.
Darcy teased,“And she is willing?”
Ashford swallowed hard.“I believe so, Sir.”
“I would act in Mr. Bennet’s stead, but, of course, I would seek his consent.” Darcy smiled knowingly. He hoped Mr. Bennet was not as hard on Mr. Ashford as he was initially on Darcy.After a few moments of excoriating silence, Darcy added, “Mr.Ashford, may I speak openly?” Darcy, too, sounded serious.
Ashford sat forward, giving Darcy his full attention. “Certainly, Sir.”
“Our Kitty will not be an easy woman to love, but she will be a jewel for the man who helps her find her true worth. Unfortunately, my wife’s mother is a foolish woman who taught her younger daughters that beauty is more important than substance. The result was the youngest daughter ran off with an unsuitable match. We arranged her marriage to save the rest of the family.
“As you may imagine, I do not share this information easily, but if you choose to align yourself with Miss Bennet, you inherit some of the baggage. The other daughters rose above the standards taught by Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley are exceptional women. Mary Bennet is one of the most devout young ladies one could hope to meet; only Lydia selected poorly. My wife and Mrs. Bingley chose to bring Kitty into our fold. Now that you know her background, Mr. Ashford, do you wish to withdraw your interest in Miss Bennet?” Darcy held the man with his intense gaze.
“Of course not, Mr. Darcy,” Ashford stammered, “but it does explain my initial reaction to Miss Bennet.The batting of the eyes and the pursing of her lips nearly drove me away until I looked beyond those exaggerations.” Darcy chuckled at Ashford’s earliest evaluation of Kitty Bennet. “Yet, the more I looked into her eyes, the less chance I had to withdraw. Is that not a mark of a man in love, Mr. Darcy? In Miss Bennet’s eyes, I saw the man I want to be.”
Darcy actually laughed out loud this time, shocking and embarrassing Ashford. “I am sorry, Mr. Ashford, your words brought me back to my early days of admiring Mrs. Darcy. I am afraid Elizabeth’s fine eyes haunted me for many months before I admitted loving her. At least, you eliminated the torture I felt at the time, Sir.”
“Then you hold no objections, Mr. Darcy?” Ashford seemed hopeful.
“None whatsoever, Sir,” Darcy assured the man. “I will write to Mr. Bennet and inform him of my decision and seek his consent.”
Ashford stood and bowed.“Thank you, Sir.”
“Why not join us for dinner, Mr. Ashford?” Darcy offered. “You may renew your acquaintance with Miss Bennet.”
“I would enjoy that, Sir.”Ashford smiled with gratitude.
Darcy added,“I will send Miss Bennet to you in the library, Mr.Ashford.”
Although he need not distrust the vicar, Darcy sent a maid to sit in the library with Kitty and Mr. Ashford. He wanted no more scandal, especially not in his own household.
“Mr.Ashford,” Kitty spoke his name as she dropped a curtsy.
He rose to his feet and bowed politely to her.“Miss Bennet, it is pleasant to see you again.” Ashford’s eyes searched her countenance to observe her reaction to him.
“Please have a seat, Mr. Ashford.” Kitty motioned to a chair near the fireplace as the maid moved to one in the corner of the room.“I understand you were in Kympton, Sir.” Kitty tried to sound casual.
“I was, Miss Bennet.” Ashford continued to stare at her. “I hope your trip to the east was pleasant.”
“It was pleasant to spend time with my sister’s new relatives, but I am happy to once more be at Pemberley.” Kitty wanted to hint she missed him.
Ashford knew he had no right to ask Kitty his next question, but his jealousy overruled his reason. “Did you find pleasant dance partners for the ball?”
“Miss Darcy and I found agreeable company, Sir. Mr. Harrison attended the celebration.” Ashford continued to smile at her. “Do you find something amusing, Sir?” Kitty asked incredulously.
“Nothing, Miss Bennet.” He realized she avoided his question. “I just wanted you to know I missed your family’s companionship.”
“You were missed as well, Sir.” Kitty dropped her eyes, afraid to see how he would react to her boldness.
Ashford tried to steady his voice. “Miss Bennet, I spoke to Mr. Darcy.”
Kitty could not look at him.“To Mr. Darcy?”
“Miss Bennet,”Ashford found his voice again,“as I told you before you left for Nottingham, I would like for us to spend time together to learn more about each other. If you agree, after an appropriate time, I would extend my hand to you in marriage.That is, if you are willing to accept my interest.”
Kitty swallowed hard, keeping her eyes downcast, not knowing whether she possessed the nerve to give him the assurance he sought. “Mr. Ashford, my family missed you, but I wished to return to Pemberley specifically to see you again.”
Ashford’s heart went soaring; she accepted his advances. “Then we have an understanding, Miss Bennet?” Ashford moved to sit beside her on the settee.
“We have an understanding, Mr.Ashford.”
For the next hour, Kitty Bennet and Clayton Ashford talked of nothing and of everything at the same time.“Are you enjoying redecorating the Darcys’ nursery, then, Miss Bennet?” he asked to find out more about the vivacious girl seated beside him.
“I discovered the most attractive pattern in a little shop in Lambton,” Kitty bubbled with excitement. “Mr. Darcy even approved it. It is fine and delicate enough for the infant, but it will serve well as the child grows.”
“I would be interested in seeing it sometime.” Ashford reached out and touched the back of Kitty’s hand with his fingertips, allowing his hand to linger next to hers.
Kitty’s eyes drifted casually to where Ashford’s hand rested on the settee’s cushion. With the slightest of grins playing across her face, she slid her hand under his cupped one, smiling largely when he clasped hers and pulled it to his lips for a gentle kiss to the back of it.
“Mr.Ashford,” she gasped.
Ashford expected her to withdraw from him, but instead Kitty squeezed his hand and gifted the man with another of her smiles. “Tell me about your position here in Lambton, Mr. Ashford.”
Elizabeth happened by the library and observed the scene between her sister and the young vicar. She started to enter the room and demand to know what was going on; instead, Elizabeth sought Darcy’s advice. “My Husband,” she called as she entered his study, coming to stand in front of Darcy’s desk, “what do you know of our Kitty and Mr.Ashford?”
“Mr. Ashford asked my permission to call on your sister with the intention of offering her his hand.” Darcy smiled with amusement.
“She already holds his hand.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “How long have you known about this, Sir?”
“Actually, for only a few days,” he confided. “I assumed Kitty shared her feelings with you previously, my Love.”
“Do not look so smug, Sir,” Elizabeth offered a pretend reprimand.“What do you know?”
Darcy came from behind his desk and led Elizabeth to a chair. He seated himself across from her. “I became aware of the seriousness of the matter the night of Lady Catherine’s vituperation. Georgiana escorted you to our rooms; Edward and Lady Pennington took care of Anne. The others spoke quietly among themselves. When I returned to the drawing room, I realized no one considered poor Kitty’s feelings. My aunt’s attack on your family connections also hit your sister.”
“Poor Kitty.” Elizabeth looked pained by the memory. “I did not even think to see to her needs. She was always so foolish. I thought Kitty would ignore Lady Catherine, except for the fact your aunt dampened the night’s social hour.”
“You are mistaken; your sister sobbed quite uncontrollably for awhile.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam, for helping her. I hope Kitt
y did not distress you; she is very much like Lydia, I am afraid.” Elizabeth blushed with shame for her family.
“That is another mistaken assumption on your part, my Love.” Elizabeth looked at Darcy in surprise.“I believe Kitty is very much like you.”
“Like me? What did Kitty share with you?”
“There were many issues I could not address, but the gist of the conversation dealt with the subtle censure both Mary and Kitty received by some in Meryton because of the rumors of Lydia’s rushed marriage. Compound that with Lady Catherine’s speech and the secret Kitty once let Mr. Denney kiss her, and your sister was quite distraught.” Darcy found the look of surprise on Elizabeth’s face endearing.
Elizabeth exclaimed,“She allowed Mr. Denney what?”
“It seems Kitty read too many novels about romance, and she wondered about having a man kiss her. Luckily, Mr. Denney’s beard scratched her face, and the man smelled of port and cigars. She found it most unpleasant from what I understand.”
Elizabeth found the idea of Kitty confessing this to her “very proper Mr. Darcy” to be exceedingly amusing, and she laughed out loud. “What else was said?” She wiped away the tears of joy streaming down her face.
Darcy, not sure he liked being a source of his wife’s entertainment, answered a bit haughtily,“Your sister thought herself to be no better than Lydia. I could not allow that so I explained how she must face the world with the knowledge of a pure heart.Then she confessed Mr.Ashford might be calling on her, and she would be interested in receiving his attentions. Naturally, when the young man did just that this afternoon, I gave him my permission, pending your father’s consent. I posted a letter to Mr. Bennet a while ago. Do you have some objections to Mr.Ashford, Elizabeth?”
“How will the man react when he finds out about Lydia and Mr.Wickham?” Elizabeth looked worried.
“I took the liberty of sharing some of the details with Mr. Ashford. I thought a man of the cloth would be discreet, but because of his position, he had to know to what his interest in Kitty might lead. I would not want him to turn away from her once he began the relationship.That would be devastating for Kitty; she must know of his acceptance of Lydia’s shortcomings.” Darcy took on a businesslike manner.
“You are quite the Cupid, my Husband.” Elizabeth smiled at him.“Do you believe Mr. Ashford to be a suitable match for Kitty, then, Sir?”
“Mr.Ashford has a respectable income, and he is quite taken with her already. He speaks of her fine eyes.” Darcy watched as the reference to their earliest days together brought joy to Elizabeth’s face.
“You tease me again,” Elizabeth suggested lovingly.“We are quite a pair; your sister speaks to me of love, and my sister speaks to you of the same subject. When did we become the older sages of relationships?”
“Now it is I who is being teased,” Darcy laughed.“Are Mr. Ashford’s intentions acceptable to you, Elizabeth?”
“He would make my sister an excellent match, Sir. Thank you for taking care of Kitty. You amaze me with your magnanimity; I am blessed by being loved by you.” Elizabeth stood to leave, but her words moved Darcy, who strode over to her purposefully.
He spoke softly into her ear, “It is I who does not deserve you, my Love.” Darcy caressed Elizabeth’s cheek. “I told your sister when I first kissed you it was like coming home.” His gaze intensified.
Elizabeth snaked her arms around his neck, toying with a curl along the line of his shirt. “In that case, Sir, let me say, welcome home.” Darcy kissed her passionately, and she deepened the kiss, again and again.
Although it was late morning, Elizabeth still sat at her desk penning letters to family members and to other social obligations. She did not notice Darcy at the door for several minutes. He watched her bite her lower lip and twirl a single strand of her hair as she worked her way through her correspondence. Darcy’s smile spread as he leaned back against the doorframe. “You are beautiful,” he finally said.
Not expecting him, Elizabeth jumped when she heard his voice. “I thought you were out of the house, Sir.” Elizabeth smiled, realizing he returned to find her.
“I thought I might show you a part of the estate today.” He seemed to have a purpose. In reality, Elizabeth had several tasks she wanted to complete today, but the look of eagerness on Darcy’s face forced her to place her items to the side for his benefit.
He helped her dress for the weather. “I hope you do not mind a short walk.” Darcy tightened her fur-lined pelisse around Elizabeth’s body.“I will need to find you a larger pelisse soon.” He patted her stomach lightly.
“Do not make fun of my blossoming figure, Sir,” Elizabeth spoofed.
Darcy took her hand as he led her from the house.“I would never make such a mistake, my Love.”
They walked for nearly a mile, mostly uphill behind the estate. “Much farther, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth usually did not tire easily, but her current condition made her more susceptible when climbing inclines.
“Only around the bend of the road, my Love,” Darcy coaxed her along.
Elizabeth took a deep breath and pressed forward to reach their destination. Coming around the curve of the road, which would only be accessible by foot or horseback, Elizabeth froze. Nestled among the pin oaks and Spanish chestnut trees was a small lodge, probably used by hunting parties.
“Fitzwilliam, it is wonderful,” Elizabeth stammered.
“Let me show you inside,” he encouraged her.
The place had a masculine feel to the furnishings, but the workmanship possessed a level of elegance not evident in most hunting lodges. Elizabeth stood in awe, looking around the room. “Exquisite,” she mumbled. “I had no idea this was on our property.”
Darcy stepped back to let Elizabeth explore the lodge’s several rooms. Finally, it struck her.“Why is there a fire burning in the fireplace, Fitzwilliam?” She turned to give him an enigmatic smile.
“I missed you of late, my Love,” Darcy said as he encircled Elizabeth in his arms.
Elizabeth taunted,“You see me every day and every night.”
“In a house like Pemberley, we are never truly alone. I needed time with you, Elizabeth.”
“How long may we stay here?” Elizabeth laughed. “I could be yours forever and never tire.”
“I brought us some food in a picnic basket, several warm blankets and a fur rug for the floor, plenty of firewood, and a change of clothing. May we stay the night, Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth rushed into his arms.“Do you mean it?”
Darcy clutched her to his chest. “Elizabeth, we need time together; the demands of Pemberley will increase with the spring plantings. We need to find time for us.” Darcy, as usual, reasoned their escape. “I need you in my life, Elizabeth. I need to know you love me.”
Elizabeth felt contentment in his arms. “Of course I love you, Fitzwilliam. I feel such a sense of acceptance when I am with you.”
Darcy experienced warmth and protectiveness when he held Elizabeth. Ironically, as much as they both resisted loving one another, now they depended on the other for their true happiness.The strength of Darcy’s devotion held her to him as he bent his head to kiss the one person who completed him.
“Let us spread out the food and enjoy the meal,” Elizabeth told him.“We can put the bearskin rug in front of the fire and sit together. I cannot believe we have a whole evening with no interruptions.Thank you, Fitzwilliam, for arranging this.”
“I told only Georgiana and Mr. Howard where we are, and I told them we are not to be disturbed unless there is a true emergency.”
Looking around the rooms, Elizabeth noticed the bedclothes turned down in anticipation of their use. She shot Darcy a quick glance and a raised eyebrow, and he feigned innocence while putting a new log on the fire.
“Come and sit with me, my Love,” Darcy called to her. He leaned back against the hammock; Elizabeth came to sit between his legs. “I wanted to take you on a picnic to the stream,” he told her,“but t
he weather is still too cold for that. I hope this does not disappoint you.”
“Heavens, no,” Elizabeth gushed.“A picnic would give us only a few hours of pleasure.This promises us a complete evening.”
Darcy took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. “I love you, my Elizabeth,” Darcy whispered into her ear.“I dreamed of having you in my life for so long, and now my dreams are real.”
Elizabeth shifted her position to rest her head in Darcy’s lap, smiling up at him engagingly. He began to remove the pins from her hair, allowing her locks to loosely drape across his legs, and he felt a rush of desire for her.The woman resting on his lap cared about him for himself. Elizabeth cared not for his wealth or his position; she would be happy to be in his arms even if they lived in one of the cottages.The realization of Elizabeth’s devotion brought Darcy the contentment that so eluded him for years.
His eyes traced the lines of her face, and he stroked her chin line with the back of his hand. She closed her eyes and allowed her husband’s closeness to take her to that special place in her mind where only she and Darcy existed.
“Why do you smile?” Darcy asked, amused at seeing the corners of Elizabeth’s mouth turn up.
“I dreamed of your touch.” Elizabeth tightened her eyes to sustain the image.“You and I were dancing at Netherfield, but there was no one else there.We circled, and all I could see was you. I felt your eyes on me; you undressed me and made love to me without even touching me—all the while we were dancing.”
“Could we not dance, unclothed?” His voice held another level of amusement, and Darcy traced her jaw line again.
Elizabeth’s eyes shot open. “Dancing unclothed!” she exclaimed. “You are incorrigible, Sir.”
“I just modified your dream and made it my own.” Darcy gave her a look of innocence.
“Come lie next to me,” Elizabeth suggested. “There will not be dancing, but I can promise part of your dream will come true.”
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