Mr Darcy's Kiss

by Lari Ann O'Dell

  On the third day the gentlemen were invited to dine at Longbourn, an invitation that was quickly accepted.

  Mr. Bennet had chosen not to inform his wife about Darcy’s attachment to Elizabeth and was confident that Jane and Bingley were adequate chaperones. He was oblivious to the garden interludes.

  Dinner was an affable affair. Mrs. Bennet, again, placing Darcy beside Elizabeth, an occurrence that rendered no opposition. Mr. Bennet kept a hawk-like gaze on the two, but that did not prevent them from daringly joining hands beneath the table. Elizabeth was blushing prettily, and Darcy, had a small grin on his face. The other Bennet ladies noticed this and were surprised for they had rarely seen Mr. Darcy smile.

  “Mr. Bingley,” said Mrs. Bennet, “I was thinking that it is time for a celebration in honor of your engagement to Jane. I am sure the assembly hall in Meryton would be well-suited for the event.”

  “What an excellent idea, Mrs. Bennet,” said Mr. Bingley, “but we need not hold it at the Meryton Assembly Hall. It shall be at Netherfield. My sisters will be arriving in Hertfordshire next week, and I am sure they would be happy to assist in the planning.”

  “Oh, Mr. Bingley, you are wonderfully generous. Of course it shall be at Netherfield. Everyone shall be so thrilled. Assemblies at the hall are well and good, but it has been many months and months since the delights of a Netherfield Ball. Jane dear, do you not feel honored?”

  “Of course, Mama. It will be a joy to gather with all of our friends and neighbors.”

  The remainder of the dinner conversation was filled with excitement as the ladies discussed the initial plans for the ball.

  The satisfying evening ended with several games of cards, Elizabeth, once again the victor at her table. The elder Bennet ladies escorted the gentleman out, and after a lengthy adieu, Darcy and Bingley climbed into the carriage and drove off into the night.

  ***

  The following day Elizabeth was once again called into her father’s library.

  “My interview with Mr. Darcy was quite illuminating, Lizzy.”

  “Oh,” said Elizabeth, in an attempted calm.

  “Imagine my surprise when he asked my permission to court you, and when he revealed that he had already proposed!”

  “He told you about that?”

  “Yes,” said Mr. Bennet, “why did you conceal that from me Lizzy?”

  “That day is not one that I like to dwell on. I had misjudged his character so abominably and I was cruel in my refusal. I let my prejudices blind me. Until that day I had never knew that my judge of character could be so terribly wrong.”

  “Elizabeth,” said Mr. Bennet, sounding worried, “I think it is time you tell me everything that happened in Kent. I want to understand why you seem to have changed your mind about Mr. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth hesitated, looking at her father and knowing that she would not be able to leave until she revealed everything. Before she knew what was happening she was explaining it all—her surprise at seeing him at Rosings and her discovery at his involvement in separating Jane and Bingley. She only excluded the parts about Wickham’s true nature and the fact that Darcy had kissed her. When she finished her story, Mr. Bennet suspected that there were some details missing, but he chose to let it go for the time being. “Papa, I am still not completely sure of my feelings for him. I do not know if I love him yet, but I do like him, very much.”

  “Then you would not be opposed to entering an engagement when the time comes?”

  “I see no reason to object, so long as it is a long engagement. I am still getting to know him, but I do enjoy his company.”

  “If he has earned your good opinion than he has my blessing. But Elizabeth, for the sake of my heart, do not accept him until you have come to love him. I could not bear to see you engaged and married to a man whom you could not love and respect.”

  “I promise, Papa.” Then she stood and left the small library.

  Seven

  Miss Bingley and the Hursts arrived the following week as expected. Although Bingley was pleased to see his family again, he could not forget the part they had played in separating him from his beloved Jane. Be that as it may, he was as amiable as ever, and did ask their assistance in planning the Netherfield engagement ball.

  The idea, of course, was unappealing to the pernicious sisters. However, they had no reason to deny their brother’s request, and so they reluctantly assumed responsibility for the event. Caroline and Luisa, fashionable ladies of the ton, were adept at planning amazing soirees. While they wished that the event were not taking place, they did not wish to displease their brother, who, they grudgingly admitted, they had never seen happier than he was now.

  The day before the ball, the Bingleys, Hursts, and Mr. Darcy were sitting at the breakfast table. “Everything is in order for the ball tomorrow, Charles,” said Caroline.

  “Excellent,” said Bingley happily. “I am looking forward to it.”

  “Do your feelings mirror my brother’s, Mr. Darcy?”

  Darcy wanted to ignore her. Ever since Miss Bingley had returned to Netherfield, she had been watching his every move. He wished that he could announce his own engagement just so she would stop badgering him. This was impossible, so he said, “They do. I find the society in Hertfordshire to be quite pleasant.”

  If Miss Bingley was upset by his response she did not show it. Instead she resumed her conversation with her sister about the last minute details for the ball.

  Darcy and Bingley were relieved from the Bingley sisters when they went to call at Longbourn. The Bennets were all excited for the Netherfield Ball, especially the elder Bennet sisters. Jane and Elizabeth were in the sitting room when the gentlemen arrived. As per usual they followed their ritual of lingering in the sitting room for a time and then exiting to the garden. “Elizabeth,” said Darcy, clasping her hand in his, “I have missed you so.”

  “We saw each other just yesterday, sir. Is the separation of a single night such a tribulation?” said Elizabeth with a smile.

  “Yes, but ever since Miss Bingley and the Hursts have arrived, the time spent at Netherfield is tiresome.”

  “Poor Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth with mock sympathy. “I had no idea that life at Netherfield had become so painful.”

  “I believe I shall require a few kisses to ease my sufferings.”

  “Where do you intend to get those?” asked Elizabeth archly, as she moved closer to him.

  “An obliging lady, perhaps,” said Darcy, immediately drawing her in for a kiss.

  Ever since their first interlude in the garden, Elizabeth had grown used to the pleasurable sensations that assaulted her body when Darcy kissed her. Not only had she accepted them, but also she began to anticipate them. Now kissing him seemed so natural. Her arms wound around his neck, and his hands twined around her waist, pulling them closer together. Though their kisses were never overly intimate, they never failed to make her heart race. When they pulled apart she was smiling contentedly. Darcy had the now familiar spark in his dark brown eyes. At moments like these Elizabeth could not believe that it had taken her so long notice how handsome they were.

  Darcy was deeply enraptured by her eyes as well, and loved when the radiance in her eyes darkened to a look of desire. Darcy remembered the first moment he had discovered desire in her fine eyes. It was on their third garden interlude, after a breathtakingly beautiful kiss that had caused both of their hearts to pound rapidly. Now it was a regular occurrence, but it never failed to thrill him.

  A few kisses later, Elizabeth looked up at Darcy, “Is your suffering adequately eased, sir?”

  “It is, Miss Bennet, I shall be eternally grateful,” said Darcy softly. “May I ask you for yet another favor?”

  “Of course.”

  “Would you do me the honor of dancing the first two sets with me?”

  “I thought you despised dancing,” said Elizabeth, recalling the last time they had danced.

  “I do not despise dancing, I only
dislike it when I have to dance with strangers. However, with an agreeable partner, it can be quite invigorating. It also gives me a chance to hold your hand.”

  “Well, in the interest of keeping your love of dancing alive, I will save the first two sets for you, so long as you do not remain solemn and tight-lipped.”

  “Ah yes,” said Darcy, “I remember well your habit of conversing while dancing.”

  “Then you will remember that I will do my best to force you to converse with me. I can be quite persistent when I wish to be.”

  “I know all too well, my dear Miss Bennet,” he replied. He cupped her face in his hand and kissed her once more. Elizabeth melted into his embrace and the next few moments were spent in more satisfying ways than conversing.

  ***

  “Oh Lizzy,” said Jane, looking over at her sister, “You look beautiful!”

  “No one could look as beautiful as the bride to be, Jane,” said Elizabeth. “I doubt that Mr. Bingley will be able to pay attention to anything or anyone else.”

  “I could say the same thing about Mr. Darcy,” said Jane. “It seems as if your opinion of him has greatly improved.”

  “You could say that,” said Elizabeth, coloring slightly. “I will confess that I am looking forward to dancing with him this evening.”

  “To think that there was once a time when you were not handsome enough to tempt him. I believe he regrets those words now,” said Jane teasingly.

  Both Elizabeth and Jane were wearing the most extravagant gowns they owned. In fact, they were the very same ones that had been worn at the last Netherfield Ball. Both dresses were fashioned of creamy white, with full elbow length white gloves. Hill had helped to style their hair into an elaborate mass of flowing curls dotted with various white blossoms. The gowns were elegant in their simplicity and the elder Bennet sisters were a breathtaking vision. It was true indeed that neither Darcy nor Bingley would be able to spare their attention to anyone or anything else for the duration of the evening.

  ***

  Darcy stood in his room at Netherfield. It was fortuitous for him that the window overlooked the front of the house, thus giving him the perfect vantage point to observe the arrival of the many expected guests for the evening. Elizabeth had been dancing through his dreams even more than usual, along with the sensations of their kisses. Of course the Elizabeth of his dreams could not compare to the real Elizabeth that was so incredibly bewitching. Whenever she spoke, he could not help but listen, mesmerized, watching her beautiful lips form each and every syllable. He noticed her amusing attempt to feign a serious expression when teasing another, and when she laughed, her laughter filled the entire room, as it filled his heart.

  Darcy watched through the open window, waiting for the Bennet curricle to arrive. He finally spotted it, and he could not help but picture Apollo’s flaming chariot as it carried the Sun God across the sky, much as the Bennet carriage carried a goddess of its own.

  Darcy straightened his cravat and double-checked his appearance in the mirror hanging on the wall. He wanted to look his best for Elizabeth, for she would surely look like an angel. His heart was pounding in anticipation, and he bounded down the steps so he could be among the first to greet Elizabeth.

  Darcy arrived downstairs just in time to see the entire Bennet family enter the house. Jane immediately took her place beside Bingley, so they could welcome all other guests in turn. He watched as each of the Bennet girls greeted their future brother, and as Mrs. Bennet, with a distinct air of impropriety, went directly to her future son-in-law and began raving about how splendid the room looked. Mr. Darcy vaguely wondered if this is how she would act when greeting him as a future son-in-law. She probably would, but it did not matter. Darcy would endure an army of Mrs. Bennets to call Elizabeth his wife.

  He took a deep breath and approached Elizabeth. She was a vision. His knees went weak at the sight of her. How was it possible that she had grown even more beautiful? “Good evening Miss Bennet, it is wonderful to see you again.”

  “I could say the same to you, sir,” said Elizabeth.

  “Well then, will you grace me with your company before the dancing begins?”

  “The dancing will not start for some time,” said Elizabeth.

  “Yes, I know. I must admit that I am selfish enough to steal you away until it begins.” He glanced suggestively at her.

  “My father will surely notice our absence,” said Elizabeth doubtfully.

  “Then we shall be brief,” and he held out his hand to her. Elizabeth glanced up at him, and was easily persuaded by the look he gave her. She took his hand and despite her gloves, Darcy could feel the incredible warmth of her hand in his.

  They slipped into one of the sitting rooms. Darcy quickly shut the door before pulling her into his arms. Their lips met in sweet harmony. Elizabeth threw her arms about his neck and pressed herself against his strong body. They broke the kiss, only so Darcy could scatter kisses across her face and neck. Elizabeth had never felt this much sensation in all her life. Her heart was thumping in her chest. A soft moan escaped her, which only served to encourage Darcy. He continued his ministrations until Elizabeth was in the throes of pure, and wonderful passion and was clinging to his shoulders for support. When they finally drew apart, Elizabeth was at a loss for words. She simply leaned into his chest and closed her eyes in contentment as he held her in his arms. Every so often, Darcy would kiss her hair or caress her graceful curves, all the while whispering endearments.

  Neither knew how long they remained there, but the opening of the door interrupted their solitude. Mr. Bennet spoke suddenly and Elizabeth and Darcy sprang apart their countenances expressing extreme embarrassment. “Ah, there you are, Lizzy. I am sure Mr. Darcy should be looking for his partner. The dancing is about to begin.”

  Elizabeth, blushing furiously, hurried out of the room. Mr. Bennet remained and cast a stern glare in Darcy’s direction. “I will speak with you later, Mr. Darcy. Let me make this perfectly clear, you will not remain unengaged for long. Now go and claim your partner.”

  “Yes Sir,” said Darcy, obviously not wanting to state that he was just holding his first partner in his arms.

  “And Mr. Darcy, see to it that nothing else improper happens this evening.”

  “Of course,” he said, bowing correctly before brushing past him.

  Mr. Bennet was now certain that Elizabeth was ready to accept Mr. Darcy as her fiancée after the display he had just witnessed.

  ***

  “Miss Bennet,” said Darcy when he found Elizabeth a few moments later, “I do believe that you once said that dancing was a fine way to encourage affection.” He offered her his hand, which she took with a warm smile.

  “It is a fine way, Mr. Darcy, so long as one’s partner is agreeable,” she replied, as he escorted her towards the area that was roped off for dancing. They took their place in line, three couples down from Bingley and Jane.

  Elizabeth had never seen her sister look so happy. Her mirth was bubbling over. Elizabeth’s happiness for her sister was unmatched. Darcy felt the same for Bingley, and his regret for separating them in the first place increased. He knew that Bingley wanted him to cease feeling guilty, but he supposed that he would not until they were finally married. However, he told himself to stop thinking that way. Tonight he would enjoy Elizabeth’s company, for she would surely be upset with him after this evening, due to Mr. Bennet’s demand for a formal engagement. Mr. Bennet’s warning flashed through his head, and he could not help but wonder if Elizabeth would still be opposed to an engagement after what had just occurred between them. He pushed these thoughts aside as the music started and the dance begun. He was silent for several minutes and Elizabeth could feel his tension.

  “Why so silent, Mr. Darcy?” she asked, before they separated.

  “Idle thinking, Miss Bennet,” said Darcy.

  “Do you care to enlighten me about your thoughts?”

  “I would prefer not to, lest this even
ing be spoiled by my musings. Let us speak of more pleasant subjects.”

  “Very well,” said Elizabeth, wishing that he would confide in her. “Did you dance much while away from Hertfordshire?”

  “I avoided the activity as much as possible. For whenever I was on the dance floor my thoughts kept returning to the most delightful partner I ever had.”

  “You flatter me, Sir, but I cannot believe I was an agreeable partner. I was quite impudent and persistent in my effort to try and force you to speak to me.”

  “True, but I got to spend a half an hour with you, uninterrupted, while holding your hand. It was well worth it.”

  “Flatterer!” she accused, with a laugh. They spent the remainder of the set in pleasant conversation, discussing everything from literature to art. To Elizabeth’s surprise, Darcy was quite a graceful dancer. She had never noticed it before, due to her previous discomfort, however, now she could appreciate his skill and natural grace as he moved about the dance floor. Between her proficiency at dancing and Darcy’s grace, they had a wonderful time.

  When the set ended, the couples left the floor. Darcy drew Elizabeth to his side. “I have never enjoyed dancing so much before.” He then brought her hand to his lips. “Thank you, Elizabeth,” he said quietly.

  A moment later, Elizabeth was asked to dance by an old acquaintance. As this gentleman, unknown by Darcy, whisked Elizabeth away, Miss Bingley who had witnessed their exchange approached Darcy. To her horror Darcy was still infatuated with the inferior Elizabeth Bennet. “I see that time has not allowed you to forget about Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s fine eyes, Mr. Darcy,” the bitterness in her voice was evident and it made Darcy uncomfortable.

  “Of course not,” said Darcy quickly. “If you will excuse me, Miss Bingley, I promised Mr. Bennet I would speak with him about a matter of some importance.” Darcy, of course, was oblivious to the impact that his words had on Miss Bingley, and he rushed off leaving Miss Bingley enraged that she had lost Mr. Darcy to a simple country girl.