His hands grasped hers, holding tight. “A trifling misunderstanding is not enough to separate me from you.” A fervent kiss was placed upon each set of her knuckles.
“I hesitate to call our disagreement trifling. My temper was unyielding. I know better than to behave so, yet I feared what you might say.”
“You need never be afraid of me. Your heart is dearer to me than the pitiful organ which beats within my chest. I could not break yours without causing irreparable damage to my own. I have been a miserable beast without you.”
“A beast?” She raised an eyebrow. “Have you been feasting upon your poor servants and attacking unwary family members?”
“No, but Georgiana would not rest until I divulged all of our acquaintance. My aunt managed to elicit a confession as well.” She shuddered; he removed his topcoat and wrapped it around her.
“I did wonder about Lady Fitzwilliam. I thought she might know who I was when we first met, and after our dance, I questioned her excuse of introducing us to one another.”
His hands rubbed up and down her arms. “When I asked if I should come here to speak to you, she said she would be disappointed if I did not.”
“My aunt and uncle are aware of your connection to Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam. I believe we have been manipulated.”
“I have no complaints,” he confessed. “Do you?”
“No. On the contrary, I am indebted to them for their aid. I do not know how long I could have waited to resolve our quarrel without becoming fit for Bedlam.”
“I planned on attending to business on the morrow. I would have found your uncle’s letter and rushed to your side.” The light from the windows below was sufficient to reveal the sparkle in her eyes. She was exquisite. Her dark curls were piled upon her head, spilling from the pins in a becoming fashion. Her ivory gown was a better quality than what she wore to the Netherfield ball and enhanced the creamy complexion of her skin as well as the blush of her lips and cheeks.
Her lips! His head dipped, but before he touched her, she placed a hand to his chest. “Your aunt stationed a maid just inside the door.”
He peered behind him where the girl stood with her back to them. “She is not watching.”
Her tongue peeked out to moisten her lips, and he bent to press a chaste kiss to her irresistible mouth. Her palms pressed against his chest as she rested against his form. They were not alone. They were not alone. He had to keep repeating those words lest he forget himself!
He made to withdraw, but her mouth opened and the warmth of her breath fanned against his face. Lord help him! A guttural noise came from his throat as he claimed her lips with a desperation borne of a fortnight’s longing.
Elizabeth did not balk or step away, but responded in equal measure. She did not even flinch when his tongue invaded the warmth of her mouth or grazed her tongue, but mimicked his actions, rendering him senseless. His mind could not form a coherent thought as he clenched the silken fabric of her skirt.
The fingers that combed through his hair now tugged at his curls with a painful pressure, dragging him back to the reality before him. He gently took her top lip between his then bestowed a final kiss to her forehead.
“I should not have lost control.”
She lowered from her tiptoes and peeked around his side. “She still faces the other direction.” The tinkling laugh he adored rang in his ears. “Lady Fitzwilliam’s maid is not much of a chaperon.”
“And I am grateful for it.” Her entire body shook as she buried her face in his cravat. “Perhaps we can arrange for her to accompany us at all times until we are wed. Your family will be satisfied that propriety is upheld, but we can misbehave to our heart’s content.”
“Until we are wed?” She pulled back and tilted her head. “I do not remember a proposal of marriage.”
He was a leather-headed git! Not that he objected to proposing, but he had yet to do it! Without a word, he dropped to one knee. A tear dropped to the swell of her cheek that she brushed away with her fingers.
“If you kneel, you will ruin your trousers! Please stand.”
He chuckled, but did as she asked, stepping closer to her as he rose.
“I have always dreamt of finding a lady who had a distinct preference for my company rather than my pocket book. I searched the crowded balls and dinner parties of the season and did not find her. I tortured myself by attending Almack’s, but that plan was a failure as well. I never thought I would find the lady I wished to marry in the wilds of Hertfordshire.”
She hiccoughed a laugh and covered her mouth with her hand.
“I have been a reserved man all my life. I prefer a quiet life at Pemberley to the pandemonium of the London season, I prefer to sit in the library before the fire with a book to a ball, and I have only ever required the company of my closest friends and family to ensure my happiness. Since I made your acquaintance, I now require more. I need you. I love you.”
He cleared his throat. “Elizabeth Bennet, would you do me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage?”
Her hands wrapped around the back of his neck as she lifted onto her toes and touched her forehead to his. “Yes,” she whispered.
His heart leapt at the word—the one simple word that ensured his happiness and made his soul sing. He wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you. I swear you will never regret it.”
“Wait.”
She drew back, but his hand kept a firm hold of her wrist. She would not change her mind, would she?
“Until we parted at Netherfield, I never knew myself. I thought I did, yet I never let myself acknowledge the full extent of my feelings for you. After I misunderstood you so abominably and you left, I realized a part of my heart remained with you.”
He removed his handkerchief from his pocket and began to dab her cheeks. “Elizabeth—”
“No, I want to say this. You deserve to know.” She blew out a heavy exhale. “I love you, Fitzwilliam Darcy. I am not whole unless we are together. We shall quarrel in the future and—”
“Hopefully far into the future.”
With a chuckle, she stepped back into his embrace. “But I promise to be more reasonable than I was a fortnight ago. I fear my recalcitrance was more an issue with my own confidence than with you.”
“What could you possibly have to doubt about yourself?”
“When we were courting, I was lost in the moment and excitement, but after overhearing your conversation with Mr. Bingley, I gave my mother’s criticisms and comparisons to Jane more credence than I should.”
“Is this the ridiculous notion that you are not as handsome as Miss Bennet?”
“I have heard it all my life.”
“And you will never hear it again if I have a say in the matter!” His voice came out as a growl while he pulled her to him and kissed her temple. “With your mother’s insufferable proclamations at an end, as well as Bingley wed and off the marriage block, let us hope we have no reason to misunderstand one another as we did at Netherfield.”
She shook her head. “You are terrible, Mr. Darcy!”
He brushed a curl from her eyes. “You called me Fitzwilliam earlier. I rather liked it.”
Her cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink as she whispered, “Fitzwilliam.”
“Oh!” He stepped back, unbuttoned his waistcoat, pulled his fine lawn shirt from his trousers and began to search for what was hidden beneath his collar and cravat. He had to bend at an uncomfortable position, but it paid off when the flesh of his fingertips brushed against the gold chain. With fumbling fingers, he unclasped it, holding the precious piece of jewellery suspended from it so it would not fall.
When he removed the item he needed, he tucked in his shirt, but Elizabeth wore a bewildered expression. “Forgive me, but I have wished to place this on your finger for some time. Now that you have accepted my hand, I find I do not want to wait.”
“Even if you remove your clothing to do so?” Her eyebrows lifted upon her forehead.
&nbs
p; “I do not have the talent of tying my cravat as intricately as my valet. I do not know if anyone would notice, so I thought to remove this the best way I could.”
Once he finished fastening his waistcoat, he took her hand and pulled her closer, removing her glove. “This ring belonged to my mother. It is not the grandest of the Darcy jewels, but the lustre of the pearls reminded me of your complexion.” He spread her fingers enough to slide the band into place as her intake of breath drew his eyes to her face.
She tilted her hand to better see the jewels. “It is beautiful. I shall wear it always.”
After a quick glance around him and into his aunt’s sitting room, she pulled his head down for a kiss he was quite happy to give.
A clock chimed within the house, and she startled. “I should return before my aunt and uncle worry.”
“Elizabeth?”
She handed him his topcoat, which he donned without delay.
“Did you read the letter I left with your father?”
“I did, though I must confess not until after I saw the reference to Bingley and your cousin in the gossip column.” She closed her eyes. “I cannot apologise enough for my stubbornness.”
His thumb grazed her temple. “No more apologies, no more regrets. We begin again tonight.”
“Think only of the past as its remembrance gives us pleasure?"
“Precisely.” He took her hand and kissed the ring upon her delicate finger. His mother wore it upon her index finger, but Elizabeth was more petite. The band fit her middle finger with ease, yet did not slip from its place.
As he entered his aunt’s sitting room, he retained possession of Elizabeth’s hand despite the presence of the maid. “Thank you for remaining, but Miss Bennet will be returning to the ball directly.” After a curtsey, the girl disappeared through the servant’s door as they exited to the corridor where he paused.
His palm pressed against her cheek. “I wish we did not have to return.”
Her fingers toyed with the top button of his waistcoat. “I…”
A creak sounded from behind, and Elizabeth dropped her hands. When they both turned, Georgiana’s head peeked from the door of her chambers.
“Fitzwilliam?”
He removed his pocket watch and flipped open the cover. “I thought you would have taken your draught by now? Are you well? Could you not sleep?” With a quick stride, he drew up to where she stood, peering around her. “Where is Mrs. Annesley?”
“She is fetching my draught. While I waited, I heard your voice.” She glanced towards Elizabeth, who had remained behind. “I would be honoured to make her acquaintance.”
“Oh!” He extended his arm and Elizabeth stepped forward with an air of uncertainty. “Please forgive me. I had not meant to abandon you.”
“I thought you might require a moment of privacy.” Her regard for the feelings of others did her credit, though in this instance, her consideration was not necessary.
“Miss Georgiana Darcy, I am proud to present Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
His sister’s eyes bulged. “The Miss Elizabeth Bennet? My goodness! Neither my aunt nor my brother indicated you were to attend this evening.” She started. “I am exceedingly pleased to make your acquaintance. Surprised, but pleased.”
Elizabeth’s lip quirked to one side. “I have heard a great deal of good about you, Miss Darcy. I am happy to meet you as well.”
Georgiana smoothed her dressing gown. “Please pardon my attire. I had not expected guests.”
“Which is understandable. I required air, so your aunt was kind enough to escort me to her sitting room balcony. Otherwise, I should have remained in the ballroom with the rest of the rabble.”
His little sister pursed her lips in an attempt not to giggle; however, the tell-tale jolt of her shoulders gave her away. Georgiana was not accustomed to such a sense of humour or teasing unless it was from Richard.
“I do not believe your aunt and uncle would appreciate being referred to as rabble.” His tone remained light.
“When we return, we shall join the rabble, shall we not?” Her head tilted as she watched his reaction.
He chuckled. “My aunt’s guests would protest being referred to thus.”
“You did not have to stand up with them.”
“You could have refused.”
“Then I could not have danced with you.” Her eyebrow arched, and he clenched his hands to refrain from pulling her into his arms. If only he could kiss that mischievous grin from her lips!
A noise from inside Georgiana’s room drew their attention, but his sister’s expression held his gaze. The largest, most genuine smile he had seen since before Ramsgate adorned her face.
She stepped forward and took Elizabeth’s hands. “I must retire for the evening, but I…” Georgiana’s fingers traced the pearls down the centre of the ring. “This was my mother’s.” Her voice was no more than a whisper, but her words and amazed tone were easily discerned. “You have accepted my brother?”
Elizabeth nodded. “I have.” Her eyes darted to him and back to his sister. “I hope you have no objections, Miss Darcy.”
“No! Of course not! But you must call me Georgiana as we are to be sisters.”
“My sisters call me Lizzy if you would care to join them.”
Tears welled in Georgiana’s eyes, but did not fall. “I have always wished for a sister.”
His hand wrapped around Elizabeth’s elbow and gave a gentle squeeze. “Now you will have Elizabeth and her sisters. Have I mentioned she has four?”
“I look forward to making the acquaintance of them all.” Georgiana kissed his cheek and hugged him. “I am delighted for you, Brother.”
“You will return to live with us once we are married?” He had not spoken of the possibility with Elizabeth. She would not object, would she?
“Yes,” Georgiana responded with a sniff. “Yes, I will.”
He gave her his handkerchief to dab her eyes as she stepped back into her room.
“Lizzy, would you have tea with me one day this week? I hope to know you better before you wed Fitzwilliam.” A glint appeared in her eye. “Mrs. Reynolds has told me stories from when my brother was a young boy. I do not mind sharing.”
“Georgiana!”
Elizabeth laughed. “I would have come without such temptation, but now that you have mentioned them, I shall hold you to those stories.”
“Time for you to retire.” His sister would not be telling those tales if he had anything to say about it! After a quick farewell, the door closed.
“She is lovely, Fitzwilliam.”
“Her manner is reminiscent of my mother. She was the gentlest of souls.” He offered his arm. His heart satisfied when her fingers wrapped around his elbow. “I fear after Ramsgate she will never marry.”
“Then I would be content for her to remain with us.”
He bestowed a kiss to her curls. Why had he been concerned? “I love you.”
“She is the nearest relation you have in this world. I could do no less for you or for her. Home and family are what will help her endure this ordeal. I would be heartless to keep her from such comforts.”
“When we next have a moment to ourselves, I must tell you more.”
Her eyes closed. “Why do I dread what you must say?”
“She will be well. We shall ensure her future health and happiness. Dread nothing, for I do not wish to dwell on it once it is said. I must forge ahead, and everything in me screams that Georgiana must do the same. She will not heal otherwise.”
“I agree.”
Every muscle in his body tensed at the notion of their return, but avoiding the throng of people below was not an option. Despite the green-eyed monster within wanting to keep Elizabeth to himself, Darcy led her down the servant’s stairs to the corridor off the hall. “I shall go first and await you just inside the ballroom.”
He slipped through the door with ease. No cloying mothers or preening young ladies were about, so he purpos
efully strode through the entry, pausing by one of the large Greek statues along the wall.
Elizabeth had recognised Dionysus. Who was he standing near now? With an upward glance, the lion’s skin and head upon the man revealed the statue’s identity—Hercules. He stifled his laughter. With any luck, the remainder of the evening would not be a Herculean task!
A woman and her two daughters came to stand nearby. Blast! He spoke to soon! The mother nudged him with her elbow a few times—once painfully as she fiddled with her reticule. She attempted to apologise as an excuse to begin a conversation, but he pretended he did not feel or hear her. Where was Elizabeth?
When she appeared in the doorway, he all but ran to greet her. “Miss Elizabeth, may I escort you to your aunt and uncle?”
Her face lit with happiness. “Why yes, thank you.”
Once she took his arm, he leaned a tad closer. “Do you see them?”
“Head in the direction of the refreshment table. Perhaps they are near your aunt.”
They wound around those who milled about the edge of the dancing until they spotted his aunt. She stood with a well looking couple—certainly people of fashion.
“Darcy!” cried Richard. “How did you find Miss Darcy? I assume she has retired for the evening.”
Why was Richard speaking for all to hear? He was standing close enough to be heard and Darcy was by no means deaf.
“My sister is well and has indeed retired for the night.”
His aunt steered him closer by the arm. “Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, I would like you to make the acquaintance of Mr. Edward Gardiner and his wife Marianne. Mr. Gardiner inherited his cousin’s estates, Dawley Court in Cambridgeshire and Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire.”
“I have heard a great deal of you from Miss Elizabeth.” He shook Mr. Gardiner’s hand. “Please forgive me for not responding to your recent letter. My butler must have placed it with my business correspondence, which I have not yet had the opportunity to sort.”
Mr. Gardiner waved his apology away. “Think nothing of it. In fact, I informed Lizzy myself of the likelihood of such a circumstance as similar mistakes have occurred within my own business.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Particular Intentions Page 17
