“Alex was fed some time ago, so there should be no danger. Still, lest my son make a liar of me, I shall abstain,” he declared. “Elizabeth would be upset if he ruined his clothes before our guests arrive.”
“And what of yours?”
William laughed. “She would say only that I got what I deserved!”
Richard looked about to make certain no one was in the room. “I was going to wait until tomorrow, but since we are alone, do you wish to hear what I learned of late regarding Lady Susan?”
William threw a small blanket over his shoulder and propped Alexander there as he sat down. Patting the child’s back to occupy him, he said, “I would.”
“According to my sources, Hartley and Susan are living in the West Indies, though Hartley travels between there and Spain. Seems a ship’s captain confirmed that he met them on one of the smaller islands whilst unloading supplies and picking up merchandise. Invited to dinner, the captain said that Hartley had the only decent home there, though it is not much more than a larger version of the huts the natives occupy. And this is the best part! On this particular island there are only two other English speaking persons—both men of advanced age.”
“I cannot imagine that Susan is content with no fine home, no shops to buy what her heart desires and no one to impress.”
“You are correct. The captain also said that she tried to bribe him to take her along when he sailed. Seems he found that very amusing, for Lord Hartley’s godfather owns the shipping line, though she has no idea. Moreover, she confessed to him that she had no access to money. All she could offer him as a bribe was a promise to pay once she arrived in England.”
“I have to wonder if she will return one day. After all, if Hartley should die, what is to stop her? If those who can testify to her complicity in what happened to Fletcher or Elizabeth are gone or scattered, she could be in no danger of arrest.”
“If she returns, it will be as a penniless woman. Hartley’s solicitor is prone to drink, and during one drunken stint, he let it be known that Hartley changed his will before he sailed. He left Susan not a farthing and signed over daily governance of his properties here to a cousin from Wales. The only stipulation is that the cousin rears at Hartley Hall the boy that Susan bore and sends him to Eton and Cambridge. When her son reaches five and twenty he will receive half of Hartley’s estate and at thirty, the remainder. For his service, the cousin will be given property in Wales and an income for life after the boy inherits.”
“What would keep the cousin from doing away with the boy and keeping it all? Or the boy from helping his mother once he has control?”
“Apparently, the solicitor’s law firm is executor of the will. If the child does not live to inherit, or the terms are broken in any manner, everything will pass to Hartley’s godfather or to his descendents. As for the child helping Susan, I suppose it is possible. One can only hope that by the time he inherits, he will be married to a woman smart enough to manage Lady Susan should she suddenly reappear.”
“Still, Susan will inherit Monthaven Manor.”
“Do you not think it strange that Lord Concord’s health improved after she was abducted? So much so, that his mind is now clear enough to manage the estate?”
“To be honest, I have been too busy enjoying my time with Elizabeth and Alexander to consider what was transpiring at Monthaven.”
“Well, speculation is that Susan may have been tainting his food to muddle his mind. In any event, he has changed his will.”
“The allegation against Susan does not surprise me. So who is to inherit Monthaven Manor? Not Lord Attaway, I hope.”
“Good heavens, no! It is a great nephew—Lord Pearson of Wessex, if memory serves. I understand that he is four and twenty, newly graduated from Cambridge and already has a good head on his shoulders.”
“Since he will be my neighbour in the future, let us hope that is true.”
Suddenly, the knocker on the front door caught their attention. William sighed, standing to his feet with Alexander. “I should have known they would come early, and Elizabeth is not down yet.”
“Yes, I am!”
Elizabeth swept into the room, breathtakingly beautiful with her dark hair swept up on the sides and held by pearl combs. Long curls were left to cascade down her back. She wore a teal blue, silk damask gown with skirts that made a swishing noise when she walked. William was instantly reminded of his mother and followed her progress with adoring eyes.
She hurried first to Richard and kissed his cheek, proclaiming, “I am so pleased to see you again, Cousin.”
“And you,” was his reply. She was already rushing toward William when Richard added, “Let me say that that gown is stunning on you.”
Elizabeth suddenly stopped, turned and smiled. “Why, thank you, Richard. I shall have to remember to wear this colour more often.”
Tickled to have received a jealous look from William, Richard smirked as Elizabeth hurried on to her husband. At last reaching William, she placed a quick kiss on his mouth and began to gather Alexander in her arms.
“Let me hold the baby, Will. The last time Mama greeted you, he was nearly crushed to death.”
Acquiescing, William replied dryly, “How well I remember.”
At his remark, mischievousness sparkled in her chocolate eyes. “Mama delights in greeting her ten-thousand-a-year and half-of-Derbyshire son with a generous hug. And, I would never suspend any pleasure of hers.”
William threw up his hands in mock frustration. “Richard, do you see how cruel she has become since giving birth to Alexander?”
Richard retorted, “Her faults are vast indeed!”
At that exact moment Mr. Barnes appeared at the library door, followed by their company. “Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Ben—”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy,” Fanny Bennet squealed, pushing past the startled butler before he could finish. “It is so good to see you again!” She rushed to Darcy and embraced him. He stiffened with the gesture.
Mr. Barnes looked fit to be tied, so William addressed him. “Thank you, Barnes. You may return to your post.” Glancing vexingly at Mrs. Bennet, the butler nodded and did as instructed, leaving the Gardiners and Bingleys to go unannounced.
Unperturbed, Elizabeth’s mother continued her raptures. “I have been telling Mr. Bennet that we should stay here for the rest of our visit instead of in Cheapside. After all, you have so many rooms, and we can see more of our grandson if we are here.”
A heavy sigh escaped Mr. Bennet, though he was not alone in his chagrin, for murmurings could be heard coming from the Gardiners as well. Fanny took no notice and, with no thought for her grandchild, stayed rooted to the spot with a hopeful expression on her face.
Elizabeth coughed. “Alexander is over here, Mama.”
Mrs. Bennet looked in her direction. “So he is,” she said unenthusiastically. Then remembering, in the blink of an eye, she assumed a grandmotherly smile, put on her former joviality, and approached the child. Ruffling Alexander’s hair, she announced loudly, “Thank goodness he favours his father.”
Realising what she had just said, she quickly added, “And my lovely daughter.”
Mr. Bennet had been about to shake Darcy’s hand when the last faux pas occurred. Rolling his eyes, he said quietly, “One cannot make a silk purse from a sow’s ear overnight.”
Sombrely, William nodded in agreement before welcoming the Gardiners and Bingleys.
DURING DINNER
“... and I told Lydia that she was certainly old enough to marry, but I insisted that she bide her time... reminding her that now that Lizzy has secured one of the wealthiest men in England, and Jane is married to a man with five thousand a year, she will be thrown into the company of many men with great fortunes. Of course, she insisted she would never marry a man who was not handsome, but I am sure that my Lydia’s beauty will attract many a fine-looking gentleman... and there is truly no reason in the world that she cannot marry an earl, or even a duke, if she... ”
“I just know it will be a boy, and I pray that he has Jane’s blond hair... not to say that his father’s hair is less handsome, but red-haired children are often teased unmercifully. You, of all people, should understand that, Mr. Bingley,” she said, addressing Charles. “Surely you would not want your son to suffer the indignities you must have suffered all because you were born with ginger hair.” Not waiting for a reply, she went on, “In any event, I know that he will be bright, for Jane is by far the most intelligent of my girls.”
Darcy’s expression instantly darkened, and she thought better of her last statement. “What I meant to say is that—in regards to following my advice—Jane is the most clever; whereas, Lizzy always listens to her father, not me.”
For the thousandth time, Elizabeth thanked God that none of William’s relations were present, save Colonel Fitzwilliam. However, knowing her new cousin’s penchant for finding amusement in social gaffes, her mother’s manners were all the more embarrassing for his presence. Nonetheless, when she glanced to the end of the table where Richard sat, she was surprised to find him examining her with a sombre expression. Then he offered a slight smile and shrug—perhaps a reminder that she should not take her mother too seriously. Elizabeth relaxed and smiled back.
Subsequently, she turned her attention to William, whose eyes had been locked on his plate during much of the meal. He was absently pushing his food about on the plate and eating little. The struggle for control of his temper was evident when he laid down his fork and brought a hand up to squeeze the bridge of his nose. This was a sure sign that he had a headache, and in that moment, Elizabeth wished that all their guests would simply vanish so that she could relieve his suffering. Smiling to herself at the thought of how she normally alleviated William’s headaches, she was surprised to glance back to him and find that he was observing her. She smiled lovingly and gave him a wink.
Having seen their exchange, Richard could not resist. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, he tried his best to sound grave. “Darcy? Are you ill? I declare, you look as though you are suffering some sort of great pain.”
Realising what his cousin was about, William said, “I assure you that I am in excellent health.” Then he leaned toward him, saying so low that only Richard could hear, “If you wish to be welcome at Darcy House ever again, you will cease this very minute.”
Undeterred, the colonel said loudly, “No need to thank me, Darcy. We are cousins, and it is only natural that I should worry about your welfare.”
Following Richard’s antics from her end of the table, Elizabeth was barely able to cover her mouth before she giggled. Mrs. Bennet stopped nattering and looked at her daughter.
“Are you well, Lizzy, dear? Remember one should never talk when one is eating.”
The absurdity of that statement coming from someone who talked constantly— even whilst she ate—was not lost on the others, and many an eye rolled in response.
“I am well. But thank you for the advice, Mama.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled exultantly, looking about the table. “It is not necessary to thank me. That is what mothers are supposed to do—impart wisdom to their children.”
Elizabeth’s eyes met Jane’s, and they both looked away, pursing their lips to keep from laughing.
IN A SHORT WHILE, WILLIAM had doffed his clothes, donned his robe, and entered Elizabeth’s bedroom. She was sitting on a sofa and stood upon seeing him. He came to a complete halt. For instead of wearing one of her cotton gowns, as her habit was of late, she wore a gown that her Aunt Gardiner had given her for their honeymoon. It was pale-pink and sleeveless, made of the thinnest, most delicate silk. The gown clung to her like a second skin, revealing all of her feminine attributes. In addition, her hair was loose, and it cascaded down in silky waves. Desire instantly stirred.
“Elizabeth, you look... stunning.”
Without further hesitation, he went to her, gathering her into his embrace. Feeling the evidence of his desire against her abdomen, Elizabeth’s longing grew stronger, and she slid her hands to his back, urging him closer.
“I wanted to look attractive for you,” she murmured into his chest.
Kissing the tender skin of her shoulder, he feathered kisses to her ear where he whispered, “You are beautiful regardless of what you wear.”
“Still, since Alexander’s birth, I have practically lived in plain cotton gowns. And they are not meant to titillate.”
“You excite me, sweetheart... only you.”
“I am pleased to hear that,” Elizabeth said dreamily. Then she pulled back to peer into his eyes. “Still, tonight I was reminded of how much you have endured because you love me. When I think of my mother’s thoughtless chatter—”
“Do not forget the wickedness aimed at you by my own sister,” William interrupted. “In my opinion, there is no comparison.”
Kissing her tenderly, he enquired, “Are you sure that you are not too tired? Today has been so hectic and I will understand should you rather sleep.”
Suddenly, his lips were captured with such passion that he almost took a step back. The fervour of Elizabeth’s kiss stoked a rapidly increasing fire and William returned her kiss fiercely. Still, when he picked her up, he headed to the sofa instead of the bed, sitting down with her in his lap.
“Will? Are we not—”
Pleased by her eagerness, he brought a finger to her lips to silence her. “Patience, love. The sight of you in that gown almost caused me to forget what I wished to do before I ravish you.” Laughing at her puzzled expression, he smoothed some loose curls from her face. “Do you remember the significance of this day?”
“It is neither your birthday nor mine, and since our anniversary was last month, I am afraid that I do not.”
“We may have been married officially on the twenty-eighth of April, but our marriage did not begin in earnest until this day one year past.”
Elizabeth’s heart melted with the remembrance. “The night we spent in your mother’s cottage.”
“Exactly,” William said triumphantly. “In my heart, our true anniversary will always be today.”
“Does this mean I shall receive two anniversary presents each year?” she asked cheekily.
Reaching under one of the sofa cushions, William brought out a small black box. “Yes, you shall. And here is the second.”
At once she looked remorseful. “I was only teasing, Will. Besides, I have nothing to give to you.”
William smiled sensually. “Oh, but you do, my love. And I intend to thoroughly enjoy my gift in a few minutes.”
“Mr. Darcy, you make me blush.”
“It is my intention to make you do much more than blush, Mrs. Darcy.”
“You are incorrigible!”
“When it comes to you, I am!” he declared, giving her a quick kiss. “Now, open your gift, for I wish to know if you like it.”
As she took off the lid, Elizabeth said, “But I love the diamond brooch you gave me for our anniversary. And I certainly did not expect—”
Suddenly she became completely silent. Inside the box was a delicate, heart-shaped, gold locket engraved with the same sentiments as her wedding ring—First... Last... Only... Always—only this time the words were spelled using small rubies, and the perimeter of the heart was covered in diamonds, all matching in size and brilliancy.
“Oh, Will,” she breathed. “It is lovely.” Then hurriedly opening the lock, she found a miniature portrait of William. “You remembered!” she exclaimed.
When Mr. Curry brought the portrait of Elizabeth in her weddi
ng gown to Pemberley, he had presented William with a miniature of his wife for his watchcase. Ever since then, Elizabeth had begged him to have a similar one painted for her use.
“I did.”
“I cannot imagine when you found time to sit for it.”
“I sat for a few sketches for Mr. Curry at Pemberley. Before he left, he promised to have it finished by the time we came to London for the dinner party. Now,” William said, taking the locket from her hand and placing it back in the box. “If memory serves, I was about to partake of my present when I stopped to give you this.”
Instantly William was kissing her and this passionate kiss intensified until he broke away, taking a deep breath of air. Then taking her in his arms, he strode quickly to the bed where he let her feet slip to the carpet and he pushed the straps of her gown off her shoulders. Watching with hungry eyes as the silky gown floated to the carpet, he was mesmerised by her nakedness and stood perfectly still while Elizabeth untied the belt of his robe and pushed it open. He heard her breath catch upon seeing the evidence of his desire, and when her hands began caressing the hard planes of his abdomen, he struggled to keep control. Once they slid to his muscular chest, raking over the fine hair there, he became consumed by need.
“Sweetheart, what you do to me,” he growled, picking her up and laying her on the bed.
Shrugging off his robe and lying beside her, he initiated another searing kiss. Her fingers entwined in the longer hair at his neck, attempting to pull him even closer, while he spread kisses over every inch of her face, whispering, “I love you” in between each one.
Slowly kissing down the supple skin of her neck to her décolletage, he cradled one of her breasts in his hands, exciting it with his fingertips. Since Elizabeth was feeding Alexander, her breasts were tender, and he had to remind himself to be gentle. Even so, as he teased the taut nipple with his tongue, a low moan escaped her throat, and she writhed beneath him, murmuring her eagerness in his ear.
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 84
