“How do you know, Elizabeth? How can you be so sure?” Darcy turned to face her, but he did not withdraw from his wife’s embrace.
“The man literally stumbled back upon Georgiana’s entrance today.The love he feels for our sister could not be hidden.”
Darcy seemed surprised.“Did he really?”
“Mr. Harrison is violently in love with Georgiana. He physically protected her twice. You said so yourself, my Husband, the man was single-minded in Georgiana’s defense with Captain Rutherford. He would allow Rutherford’s men to burn the estate or even take his life, but protecting Georgiana was a different story.”
“That does not mean he will not hurt her; I ardently love you, but I hurt you.” Darcy looked in Elizabeth’s eyes, seeking the forgiveness she already gave him, but which Darcy did not fully give to himself.
“Our trials were not of our own making, Mr. Darcy; you cannot compare what happened to us to the normal relationship between a man and a woman. However, even with everything, we found our way back to where we belong. You, Fitzwilliam Darcy, are my dream—my destiny.”
Darcy could not resist kissing her lightly; Elizabeth’s words moved him. “I remember our wedding; you were so beautiful. It was all I could do not to run to you and take you in my arms.You, however, were all calm and innocence.”
Elizabeth brushed her lips over Darcy’s before speaking. “Mr. Darcy, I am so pleased my acting skills improved to such a degree; I assure you, my Love, calmness was not part of what I felt standing next to you.”
Darcy’s breath became shallow as he asked,“Then, pray tell, what did you think?”
Elizabeth flashed him a quick smile; she kissed him lightly, allowing her lips to linger close to his. “I kept thinking, oh, please, Reverend Woodson, hurry and make me this magnificent man’s wife before he changes his mind.”
Darcy chuckled,“Magnificent?”
Elizabeth gave him a little growl in his ear, and then accented each of her words with a kiss along Darcy’s chin line. “Magnificent . . . superb . . . handsome. . . .”
Darcy allowed his hands to drop to Elizabeth’s lower back after pulling her hips to him. “I will again surrender to your charms,” he gasped as Elizabeth continued to distract him with her closeness. Darcy lost himself to his wife’s body for a few minutes, his interest in Elizabeth’s intimacy increasing rapidly. Then a thought crossed his mind, and Elizabeth felt Darcy’s body stiffen. He blushed when he asked, “Did you speak to Georgiana about what she should expect tonight?”
Elizabeth could not completely stifle her amusement as the “prideful” Mr. Darcy asked about his sister’s wedding night. “I spoke to Georgiana,” she gave him at last. “I told her the same thing I told Kitty—what my Aunt Gardiner shared with me.”
Darcy’s eyebrow shot up.“Mrs. Gardiner? Not your mother?”
Elizabeth laughed out loud. “Trust me, my Love, if I listened only to my mother’s advice, I still would be denying you my bed.”
“I always respected Mrs. Gardiner.” Darcy’s smile turned up the corners of his mouth as he returned to kissing Elizabeth deeply.
Finally, she asked,“Will you not come back to bed, my Love?”
He paused in his need to kiss Elizabeth’s neck and shoulder. “Soon, Mrs. Darcy.” He withdrew from her a few steps and tried to settle his emotions. “I believe I want to stay here for a few more minutes. As tempting as you are, Elizabeth, I fear I am missing my sister this evening a bit more than I reasonably should.”
“Do not question whether you did your duty to Georgiana, Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth stepped up behind him and lightly touched Darcy’s back.“She could not be more prepared for the life she chose.The only thing more surprising than the chance Georgiana is taking is where that chance is taking her.”
Darcy kissed Elizabeth’s cheek. “I know you try to ease my mind, my Love, but I still question whether I did well by Georgiana.”
Before she could answer, a light knock came at the door. Darcy strode quickly to the opening. He found Henry standing outside. “I beg your pardon, Sir,” the valet stumbled over the words, “but a late post came a few minutes ago. I thought it might be important.”
“Thank you, Henry.” Darcy took the letter from the silver salver and closed the door.With shaking hands, he crossed to sit in a chair close to the candle where he could read. “It is from Georgiana,” he said distractedly. Darcy broke the seal and unfolded the paper, reading the words out loud.
14 November
My dearest Brother,
I realize this is highly unusual, but I insisted Chadwick stop on our journey and allow me to post this letter to you. I should have said these things in person, but I could not do so without the emotions overcoming both of us. Fitzwilliam, how may I thank you for giving me everything worth having in life? I speak not of Pemberley or the wealth. I speak of the freedom you gave me—the freedom to be me.
Darcy’s words drifted off as tears welled in his eyes, and Elizabeth slipped out of the room to allow him some privacy. Darcy continued to read his sister’s missive, only now, he did so silently.
A young girl has so many questions, and you, my Brother, never thought any of mine to be foolish ones.You encouraged me to pursue what I love—my music, allowing me the freedom to develop my skills.You valued me enough to trust me with the knowledge of Pemberley.You taught me not to accept the attentions of a man who did not recognize my wit and my intelligence to be equal to my beauty and my wealth.You could have sent me away to school—an unhappy defection—but instead you kept me close and showed me love.Then you brought Elizabeth into my life at just the right time, teaching me that marrying for affection and respect to be superior to marrying for practical purposes. Luckily, with Mr. Harrison, I married for all three.
Fitzwilliam, I will miss your calling me “Dearest One,” your tap of my chin with your index finger, and your loving glance across a crowded room.You gave me unconditional love and the confidence to be my own person.Although I look forward to being the mistress of my own estate, I dread being away from you, my Brother, but I go to Hines Park knowing your love goes with me.
Your affectionate sister,
Georgiana Harrison
Darcy swallowed hard, fighting back the emotions. Georgiana knew he needed her tonight, and his sister answered his silent call. He watched as Elizabeth slipped back into the room; she carried Ella, sleeping quietly in her mother’s arms. Elizabeth came to where Darcy sat; she placed the sleeping child in his arms and seated herself on the floor at his feet. She leaned against his knee, stroking the back of Darcy’s calf while he held the child close, lightly caressing her face with his index finger.
Finally, Elizabeth spoke tenderly, but with passion. “Ella needs the same kind of love you always gave to Georgiana. She needs to know what to value in this world. Ella will need to make good choices; as a woman, she will need a strong man who will help her find her worth. Your daughter needs the same lessons you gave to your sister; it should be easier this time, my Love; you learned well with Georgiana.”
Darcy directed his attentions to his wife. With a smile he asked,“If it is to be so for Ella, what should I teach Lucas?”
“His family duty,” she teased.
“Never, Mrs. Darcy.” His humor returned. “My son must learn to value the women in his life.”
“Even if they are progressive in their thinking?” Elizabeth got on her knees and moved in closer to where she could touch him.
Darcy met her taunt by looking deep in Elizabeth’s eyes. “Especially if they are progressive in their thinking—they are the most difficult to understand but are the most worth knowing. Maybe my princess needs to return to her crib,” he smiled, “and we need to return to our bed, Mrs. Darcy.”
“I was thinking something similar. Is it not wonderful we two think so much alike?” Elizabeth took Ella from him. “Warm the bed, Mr. Darcy; I will be right back.”
Elizabeth headed back to the nursery. Returning a few min
utes later, she found Darcy already under the counterpane. She slid in next to him, warming herself against his body. She encircled his neck with her arms and began to kiss along Darcy’s neck.“I love you, Fitzwilliam.”
“Both you and Georgiana knew what I needed tonight.” He raised his chin to allow Elizabeth access to the indentation at the base of his neck.
“All I did, Mr. Darcy, is remind you others need you as much as Georgiana.” Elizabeth now kissed along his collarbone, and Darcy felt the warmth spreading through his loins.
He cupped her chin and brought Elizabeth’s mouth to his. “My dearest Elizabeth,” he said, his voice taking on a seductive huskiness,“thank you for reminding me what I want and what I need lie in you and the children. A dreamer is protected by the security in being home.”
Elizabeth kissed him deeply. “Life offers each of us a thousand chances; I am pleased I am the one with whom you chose to spend your life. Love comes gently when we least expect it—like walking in a dream.”
Darcy pulled Elizabeth as close as he could, pressing her body to his. He kissed her passionately while touching her intimately.“I love you, Lizzy,” he whispered into her ear.
“Umm,” she moaned,“perfection lies in those words.” Elizabeth draped her leg across Darcy’s body.
“Lizzy,” he murmured as he directed kisses to her neck and chest.“I must have you.”
Elizabeth touched him in the way she knew would enflame his passion further.“Where you are, my Love, is where I intend to be. I surrender to your charms; I want to be where no one will dare to interrupt us.”
“Then it is a good thing, Lizzy,” he teased,“you lie with the Master of Pemberley.”
“It is an excellent thing to lie with the Master of Pemberley.” She gasped with Darcy’s assault of her sensitive spots.“In fact. . . .”
Darcy put his fingers over her mouth.“This is not the time to demonstrate your wit, my Love.”
A teasing smirk flitted across her face. “What should I demonstrate, Mr. Darcy?”
“How much you love me, Mrs. Darcy.” His kiss this time left Elizabeth gasping for air.“Tell me you want me, Lizzy.”
Her fingers tugged at the curls along the nape of his neck. Darcy met her eyes with an intense rush of desire.“I want you, Fitzwilliam.”
“Kiss me, Lizzy,” he demanded as he began to take pleasure in the love Elizabeth freely offered him.
RESOURCES
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Clayton, Delaware: Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Press. 2005.
Cressbrook Multimedia.“Well Dressing.” Peak District Multimedia Guide. 1997.
{http://www.cressbrook.co.us/features.wellhist.htm}.
Decker, Cathy.“Images of Real Regency Clothing.” University of California at Riverside.April 20, 2004.
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“Gunter’s Tea Shop.” Georgian Index.August 2006.
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“Hannah More (1745-1833).” British Abolitionists. February 2001. BrycchanCarey. November 17, 2007.
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Mactyre, Shelley Chrystal.“Regency Hero.” 2002. Shelley Chrystal Mactyre. January 18, 2008.
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Myretta, Barbara, et al.“Pride and Prejudice.” The Republic of Pemberley. 2004-2005.
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1 William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act IV, scene 1, line 156.
2 Michel de Montaigne, Essays.
3 Madame de Staël, Corinne.
4 William Shakespeare, The Tempest, 1.2.
5 Motto of the Order of the Garter, Edward III (1327-1377).
6 New Testament, I Corinthians, vii, 3.
7 Cicero (106-43 B.C.), De Officiis.
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10 William Shakespeare, Much Ado about Nothing, 4.1.
OTHER ULYSSES PRESS BOOKS
DARCY’S PASSIONS: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
RETOLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Regina Jeffers, $14.95
Profound and amusing, this novel captures the style and humor of Jane Austen’s novel while turning the entire story on its head. It presents Darcy as a man in turmoil. His duty to his family and estate demand he choose a woman of high social standing. But what his mind tells him to do and what his heart knows to be true are two different things. After rejecting Elizabeth as being unworthy, he soon discovers he’s in love with her. But the independent Elizabeth rejects his marriage proposal. Devastated, he must search his soul and transform himself into the man she can love and respect.
MR. DARCY’S DECISION: A SEQUEL TO JANE
AUSTEN’S PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Juliette Shapiro $14.95
Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy begin their married life quite blissfully, but it is not long before the tranquility they seek is undermined by social enemies. Lady Catherine de Bourgh makes little attempt to hide disdain for her nephew’s wife. However, Elizabeth has more pressing matters on her mind—carrying the Darcy heir being the most pleasant of them. Concern mounts with the sudden return of Elizabeth’s sister Lydia. Alarming reports of seduction, blackmail and attempts to keep secret the news of another’s confinement dampens even Elizabeth’s notoriously high spirits.
THE LOST YEARS OF JANE AUSTEN: A NOVEL
Barbara Ker Wilson, $14.95
There was an interval in Jane Austen’s life, before any of her novels were published, when she disappeared from sight. This book seeks to fill those missing months with a visit from England to the colony of New South Wales. It is a fact that Austen’s aunt, Mrs. Leigh Perrot, was brought to trial on a shoplifting charge. Botany Bay, Australia, was where Mrs. Perrot might have been transported as a convict. Jane Austen and her uncle would have had good reason to visit the unfortunate woman in Sydney Town, where the dashing Mr. D’Arcy Wentworth has settled at Homebush, a convict revolt is brewing at Castle Hill, and no one is quite certain whether the Napoleonic War has ended or not.
MR. DARCY PRESENTS HIS BRIDE:A SEQUEL
TO JANE AUSTEN’S PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Helen Halstead, $14.95
When Elizabeth Bennet marries the brooding, passionate Mr. Darcy, she is thrown into the exciting world of London society. She makes a powerful friend in the Marchioness of Englebury, but the jealousy among her ladyship’s circle threatens to destroy Elizabeth’s happiness. Elizabeth is drawn into a powerful clique for which intrigue is the stuff of life and rivalry the motive. Her success, it seems, can only come at the expense of good relations with her husband.
To order these books call 800-377-2542 or 510-601-8301,
fax 510-601-8307, e-mail [email protected], or write to Ulysses Press, P.O. Box 3440, Berkeley, CA 94703. All retail orders are shipped free of charge. California residents must include sales tax.Allow two to three weeks for delivery.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Regina Jeffers, an English teacher for thirty-eight years, considers herself a Jane Austen enthusiast. She is the author of several novels, including Darcy’s Passsions, Wayward Love: Captain Frederick Wentworth’s Story and the upcoming Vampire Darcy’s Desire.A Time Warner Star Teacher and Martha Holden Jennings Scholar, Jeffers often serves as a consultant in language arts and media literacy. Currently living outside Charlotte, North Carolina, she spends her time in the classroom and with her writing.
Copyright © Regina Jeffers 2009.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in the United States by
ULYSSES PRESS
P.O. Box 3440
Berkeley, CA 94703
www.ulyssespress.com
eISBN : 978-1-569-75796-3
Library of Congress Catalog Number 2009902007
Editors: Jennifer Privateer, Lily Chou
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