by Webb, Brenda
“My poor darling boy, you look completely done in. Sit down and I shall tell you what has happened while you have been so diligently occupied with things best left to the supervision of others.”
~~~*~~~
Later
William’s Dressing Room
Almost an hour after his aunt and sister had removed to Westcott Manor, William was standing in his dressing room. He had bathed and was now clothed in the black silk robe that Elizabeth liked him to wear. Had he not reeked of dust and sweat, he would have rushed to her side directly after his aunt’s lecture. However, for what he had in mind, a bath would refresh his body and help to stave off the fatigue of his journey.
Spying the small bottle of sandalwood cologne that was always on his dresser, he reached for it. Instantly, his eyes were drawn to his image in the mirror. His brow furrowed as he considered the man staring back. How could he have been so naive as to think he was being reasonable—even sacrificial—in allowing Elizabeth and Georgiana so much time alone? Perhaps it resulted from not wanting Elizabeth to think him so jealous as to complain about his own sister. Yet, his aunt had completely disabused him of the notion that he was being generous by relating Elizabeth’s feelings on the situation as well as her own.
Elizabeth loves Georgiana, but she is wholly devoted to you. Too late she recognised that she had erred in giving her sister her complete attention. She deeply desires that your relationship be as it was before my niece came home. Though she has every intention of spending time with Georgiana, she intends the better part of it to be done together as a family.
Now, Nephew, you need to draw a line with Georgiana. While you may have thought you were being noble by allowing her to have so many private tête-a-têtes with Elizabeth, you were wrong! She is your wife, not Georgiana’s companion! That is not to say they shall not spend time alone, just not continuously.
And with regards to your duties and responsibilities as Master of Pemberley, there may well be instances when your presence is needed, but I have learned that the majority of estate problems can be handled by a good steward. You have not seen me rushing to Ashcroft Manor whenever something was amiss. That is because I let Mr. Wainwright do his job. You pay Mr. Pickering a good salary, I imagine, so tell him what you want and authorize him to act in your stead.
Most importantly, never be away from home so long that Elizabeth begins to doubt your devotion to her. She is your strength, Fitzwilliam! If you forget that, you shall fail in all things, but especially in your marriage!
The sting of her rebuke was crushing! Not because he had been proven wrong, but because he had not realised how deeply his fixation on other matters had affected Elizabeth.
Why did you not ask Elizabeth what she thought about your being away? I know you are used to making decisions without consulting anyone, but you are married now. Stop trying to ‘guess’ what she is thinking and discuss it with her. Communication is the key to a successful marriage!
Properly humbled, he was certain that the only good portion of his aunt’s dressing down was learning that Elizabeth missed him as much as he had missed her. Praying under his breath that she would accept his apology, he noted that his hair was unkempt and searched the dresser for a comb. Raking it through his still damp hair, when the usual strands fell across his forehead, he shrugged in defeat. Then heading to the door that led into their joint sitting room, he entered to find it empty.
Fully expecting Elizabeth to be in her bedroom, he was crossing the room towards that door when he spied her out of the corner of his eye. Though night had fallen, a full moon revealed her on the balcony and that she was wearing the transparent silk gown she had worn on their wedding night. As he stood transfixed, a strong breeze began to tousle her hair, causing the gown to cling to her every curve. In an instant he was behind her, pulling her against his body, one arm resting under her breasts, the other around her waist. Burying his face in the crook of her neck, he placed moist kisses over every inch of silky skin visible, begging forgiveness between each scorching caress.
“Forgive me, Elizabeth! I love you so much! I never meant to hurt you. Please say you still love me.”
“I do love you, but it is you who should forgive me. I was so very blind. I—”
As she turned her head to address him, he could resist no longer and captured her lips. Without breaking the kiss, she turned around to face him. Their bodies melded as his hands slid down to urge her closer.
And as their ardour grew, Elizabeth’s legs began to buckle. William reached down to pick her up and swiftly made his way to the bedroom. Once inside, he set her on her feet, and after undressing them both, urged her backwards toward the bed and placed her there.
Knowing now how wrong he had been and how much he had hurt her, his relief at her forgiveness stirred a desire to claim her in every possible way. Thus, the rest of the night was marked by very little sleep, and William made love to Elizabeth as though he were a man possessed. After their last particularly satisfying union, she literally collapsed atop him, unable to move while she caught her breath. William stoked her back while she recovered.
“Are… are we to make up in this manner whenever we disagree?” Elizabeth said breathlessly. Then she giggled. “I would almost be willing to force a quarrel if this is the consequence.”
William rolled over, taking her along so that she now lay beneath him. “You will have no need of creating quarrels, my love. I intend to make love to you in this manner for the rest of our lives!”
And with those words, he proceeded to prove his boast.
~~~*~~~
It was well after noon the next day when a very exhausted but contented looking couple greeted Mrs. Reynolds as they descended the grand staircase, informing her that they were ready to break their fast. She smiled, nodded and then rushed to the kitchen to inform Mrs. Lightfoot, the elderly cook, that a meal was needed without delay.
Mrs. Lightfoot exclaimed in her customary straightforward manner, “They must be starved! Half the day is past! I cannot imagine anything so important as to keep the master away from my scones!”
Mrs. Reynolds did not reprimand her, as it would have served no purpose. Mrs. Lightfoot carried a courtesy title, but she had never been married and simply had no idea what Mr. Darcy might consider more important than food. Chuckling to herself as she headed to her office, the housekeeper took a deep, satisfying breath and let it go.
It is so good to see the Darcys happy again! Thank God for Lady Ashcroft!
~~~*~~~
Westcott Manor
One week later
The morning had dawned clear and beautiful, the rain from the last few days disappearing as swiftly as the butterflies that flit about the flowers in the gardens. It was almost as though God was determined to show the newlyweds that He approved of their union. At least, that was what the new Countess of Westcott, Lady Audrey Landingham, chose to believe. After all, last night there had been no reason to hope their wedding day would be any different than the previous three. Nevertheless, as Marshall led her across the rain-washed brick terrace, she peered up through a canopy of oak trees at a brilliant blue sky —proof enough that God answers prayers.
As she was contemplating divine intervention, Marshall suddenly stopped walking and turned to pull her into his embrace. He kissed her tenderly before whispering, “You are the most beautiful woman in the world, Audrey.”
She smiled a bit teasingly. “You may be in need of spectacles, but I shall not be the one to point it out! Instead, I shall just accept that you are blinded by love and refuse to disagree.”
“I mean it, my love. Each time I look at you, you take my breath away.”
Instantly she was being kissed! A kiss entirely unlike any she had shared with Marshall in the past and clearly meant to demonstrate the depth of his desire. For a moment, she pondered just who might see them via the floor-to-ceiling windows or the French doors that spanned the length of the terrace, for if ever a kiss was not suitable fo
r witnesses, it was this one. Even so, mesmerized by her husband and losing all ability to think, the passionate embrace continued for some time, in full view of any guest who might look.
Suddenly, the orchestra began to play a German 28 waltz, and the music wafted through the open doors. Audrey looked up at Marshall, surprise written across her face. The rift created when the waltz was introduced at Almacks was a frequent subject of some of their closest acquaintances.
“Is that a waltz?”
“Yes, it is. I gave the conductor a little something extra to play it.”
She chuckled. “I cannot wait to hear what the ton will say when news reaches London.”
“Frankly, I do not care, love. I happened to be at Almacks 29 when Countess Lieven danced a waltz with Palmerston. I was captivated by the gracefulness of the movements. I confess to asking a good friend to show me the steps in hopes of waltzing with you,” Marshall declared, kissing the tip of her nose. “Now, what say you? Shall we waltz?”
She laughed. “I have no idea how it is done.”
“It is a very simple step. Just follow me!”
Pulling her tight against his body, in no time at all they were floating around the terrace as though they had been waltzing all their lives.
~~~*~~~
When the waltz began, William was waiting for Richard to return from a private conversation with his father. The few couples brave enough to venture onto the ballroom floor to perform were being watched by the majority. Several ladies nearby remarked loudly that they would love to waltz, but had no partner. Having no intention of accommodating them, most certainly not during a waltz, William concluded he should forget Richard and find Elizabeth. Spying his wife standing with the Countess of Matlock and Alicia near the French doors, he quickly fled into the hallway, only to re-enter a doorway closer to Elizabeth. As he moved towards her, he was pleased when she spied him and smiled lovingly.
Nearing the women, he bowed slightly, “Ladies.” Then he turned to Elizabeth, devouring her with his eyes as he kissed her hand. “My love.”
“Fitzwilliam, where have you been? It is not like you to leave your lovely bride alone,” his aunt teased, winking at Alicia.
Without being distracted, he replied, “I have been trying to find my bride since the music began, in case she wished to dance. I would never allow her to waltz with anyone save me.”
Evelyn Fitzwilliam teased her niece. “A very wise man, your husband.”
Elizabeth beamed. “I think so.” Then she assured William, “I would never waltz with anyone but you, and since I do not know how to waltz, you have no worries that I shall require you to do so.”
The last word was barely out of her mouth before she paled and reached out to William as though to steady herself. Naturally, William panicked, pulling her into his embrace.
“Elizabeth?”
Recovering just a bit, she began to reassure him. “I am well, Fitzwilliam, but a little fresh air and something to drink would be welcome.”
As he led her out the door, he beseeched Alicia, “Please—a glass of punch.” His cousin rushed to do as he asked, while his aunt followed them onto the terrace.
Seeing them enter, Audrey’s attention was instantly drawn to her niece. Quitting the waltz with Marshall, she rushed to join the countess at Elizabeth’s side.
“What has happened?”
“I… I felt faint, that is all. I am almost recovered already.”
“Send for Mr. Basset immediately!” William ordered, knowing the local physician would move heaven and earth to help. After all, the Darcys had constructed his clinic in Lambton in order to help him serve the community.
“I do not think that is necessary.” Lady Landingham countered, giving her niece a look that asked if she had told William her suspicions.
In answer to her aunt’s unspoken enquiry, Elizabeth barely shook her head no.
Lady Matlock happily declared with great confidence, “Most likely you have an heir on the way! I remember feeling faint for the first weeks with all my children.” Then seeing the perplexed look on her nephew’s face and the guilt on Elizabeth’s, she apologised, “Oh dear! I fear I should not have voiced my opinion without thinking. I am sorry if I have invaded your privacy.”
Elizabeth reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “All is well.” Then she turned to William. “I was not certain, so I did not say anything. I was being overly cautious, I fear, because all the signs indicate that we are to be blessed with a child.”
William picked her up and twirled her in a circle before setting her down. Immediately he declared, “Forgive me! You are faint, and I have likely made it worse. It is just that I am so thrilled with the news!”
Elizabeth smoothed a curl from his face. “I knew you would be.”
And then, in front of his family and all the guests who had come to see what was occurring on the terrace, he kissed Elizabeth so fiercely that the hum of the resulting chatter rivaled the volume of the music.
Amused, Marshall whispered in Audrey’s ear. “I do not think we need worry about the ton’s reaction to the waltz, my dear. Once again our nephew has managed to divert attention from anyone save himself!”
~~~*~~~
Chapter 49
London
Darcy House
Three months later
Now that November was nearing an end, the weather had turned cold and bitter with intermittent snow and ice. For this reason, Elizabeth had been housebound since she and William had journeyed to Town a week before. If truth be told, she had been indoors on most days, since William insisted she not walk out unless he was available to go with her.
Today was sunny and the paths were clear, and she dearly wished to enjoy Hyde Park. Even the knowledge that her most beloved sister was in Town and could arrive at any minute did little to temper the disappointment she felt of not taking a walk because Fitzwilliam had to meet with his steward.
I am pregnant, not an invalid! A footman would do just as well, if he is not available. Fitzwilliam is simply too cautious.
She had had only two fainting spells in the first weeks of her pregnancy, but she well knew that William would not be dissuaded in his precautions. Thus, growing tired of staring at the park through the tall windows of the library, she sighed and went to her sitting room in defeat. Once inside the light green and lavender sanctuary, she went directly to the window seat and sat down, pushing aside the curtains.
I can at least see the garden from here.
As she watched with increasing melancholy, she absently fingered a new ring that adorned her right hand. It was an exact replica of Fitzwilliam’s signet that he had secretly commissioned just before they wed. Stopping to peer at it anew, her temper began to wane as she thought of how often her husband had lamented the fact that he felt responsible for leaving her unprotected in the park that fateful day. Her hand stroked the slight roundness of her belly, and she smiled to think of the child within.
I suppose I cannot expect him to be any less vigilant with you on the way.
A knock on the door brought her thoughts back to the present, and her heart began to beat faster. Was Jane downstairs? Standing, she called, “Come.”
The door slowly opened but instead of a servant, Jane peeked inside the room. Seeing that Elizabeth was alone, she pushed the door back and rushed into her sister’s arms.
“Oh, Lizzy, I have missed you so much!”
They hugged back and forth, in their usual joyous manner.
“And I you,” Elizabeth replied, “but why did you not just come right in? I told Mrs. Barnes that you were expected and did not have to be announced.”
“I shall never again rush into a room after what happened at Netherfield.” Jane’s hands flew to her face. “I do not think the colour in my cheeks has returned to normal ever since.”
Elizabeth’s own face flushed at the remembrance of what happened the day before the Bingleys’ wedding, though she tried not to show her discomfiture. �
�I told you that you were not interrupting! Fitzwilliam was merely…” Her voice trailed off and she looked away, trying to think of a good explanation.
Jane smiled at her inability to continue. “Merely?” She smirked.
Elizabeth slapped her sister’s hand teasingly. “You know I cannot think of what to say.”
Her sister laughed and Elizabeth could only do likewise. The memory of Jane rushing into her dressing room to find William quickly turning to straighten his breeches while she slid from her perch on the edge of the dresser, madly pulling down her skirts, was still vivid.
“Let us just say that I learned my lesson!” Jane said impertinently. Then changing the subject, she added, “Where is Georgiana? From your last letter, I expected she would be here.”
“She decided to stay with Fitzwilliam’s aunt and uncle last night. She was most upset at not being granted permission to attend the ball, but Fitzwilliam and Lord Landingham both think her too young. Besides, she was allowed to attend the dinner party for Richard’s engagement.”
“I think it is a blessing that she has so many family members who love her and wish to spend time with her.”
“It has worked out well for everyone concerned. Is Charles downstairs?”
“Yes. Fitzwilliam was just coming out of his study when we arrived, and they were speaking when I left.” Jane indicated that Elizabeth should sit back down, and when she did, Jane joined her on the window seat. “Now, I need your advice. I need your help to decide what to wear to the earl’s ball tomorrow. I have no wish to embarrass you in front of your relations.”
“You could never be an embarrassment, Jane. Think of what Mama said when I was in Meryton for your wedding,” Elizabeth teased. “If I remember correctly, her exact words were: ‘You have always been an embarrassment to me and to this family, whereas Jane has always shown exemplary behaviour.’”
