Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor
Page 28
Quietly, he eased the door of the library open.
She sat with her feet curled up under her skirts on the settee near the fireplace, deeply engrossed in a book. The rebellious curls at the softest part of her neck defied her pins. How Darcy loved to bury his fingers in her thick, silky tresses. He would dismiss her maid early so he could brush her hair himself that night.
He pushed a rather large box aside and set the tea tray down on the table beside her. Elizabeth immediately curled into his side as she flipped the page of her novel. She must be at the best part. Darcy waited until she reached the end of her chapter.
They spent a good deal of time in the library talking, debating, laughing, and loving. It was Darcy’s favorite spot in all of Pemberley.
With a sigh, Elizabeth closed her book.
Sliding her hands up the lapels of Darcy’s coat, she pressed her palms against his heart and splayed her fingers over his chest. She said, “It is a good tale, but it pales in comparison to our story.” She leaned forward and pecked him on the lips.
“If this is the greeting I can expect after being away all day, I shall have to stay away more,” Darcy teased, nuzzling Elizabeth’s ear.
“You will do no such thing,” she replied, moving her fingers up to trace along his jaw.
He lowered his lips, but she spoke before he could press them against hers.
“I have a present for you,” she said, pointing at the large box on top of the tea table. “My uncle helped me get it from an inventor in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland.”
Darcy chuckled. “It was large enough, I thought it was from your mother.”
“Not this, I assure you. Now, are you going to open it or not?”
Patience was not Elizabeth’s strongest quality. Nor was it Darcy’s. Grabbing the lid, he pulled it off.
Nestled inside a mess of hay was another box, about the size of a writing desk top. He lifted it out, and Elizabeth moved the tea tray over to make room for it.
“Is this made of oak?” Darcy asked. The box was engraved with a scene of dancers waltzing in a circle. The wood was smooth and shiny with polish.
“It is not more lavender soap, is it?” he teased.
She grinned at him. “Open it.”
He did, and a Viennese waltz began to play.
“Now I can dance with you anytime I want,” Elizabeth said. “You are an exceptional dancer.”
“Only with you as my partner.” Darcy stood and held his hand out to her with a bow. “May I have the honor of this dance? And the next? And the next?”
Elizabeth walked into his arms and together they swayed to the tune, dancing long after the music had stopped to the beats of their hearts. She was enchanting. Their love was perfect. Everything was right.
Thank You!
Thank you for reading Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor! Your support and feedback make the creation of these stories possible. I'd love to know what you thought of it, so please leave a review — I read all of them.
I'm grateful for all of the people who help me through the crazy process of writing, editing, and publishing a new story. First and foremost, my wonderful, supportive family. I love you guys! Also, my dear friends whose passion for Jane Austen-inspired fiction fuels my motivation and keeps my commas in check. Thank you, Anji and Betty!
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About the Author
When Jennifer isn't busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is learning Sign language, reading, baking (Cake is her one weakness!), or chasing her twins around the park (because … calories).
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of mystery. She also believes there's enough angst on the news, so she keeps her stories light-hearted and full of hope.
While she claims Oregon as her home, she currently lives high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
Other Books by Jennifer Joy
Historical Romances
Darcy’s Ultimatum: The Cousins Series, Book 1
Anne’s Adversity: The Cousins Series, Book 2
The Colonel’s Challenge: The Cousins Series, Book 3
Earning Darcy’s Trust
Accusing Elizabeth
Love Never Fails
Win, Lose, or Darcy
The Elizabeth Conspiracy
The Honorable Mr. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery, Book 1
The Indomitable Miss Elizabeth: A Meryton Mystery, Book 2
The Inseparable Mr. and Mrs. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery, Book 3
The Immovable Mr. Tanner: A Meryton Mystery, Book 4
Cozy Mysteries
Cabs, Cakes, and Corpses: Murder on the Equator, Book 1
Rum Raisin Revenge: Murder on the Equator, Book 2
Cold Case Crumble: Murder on the Equator, Book 3
Diamonds and Doughnuts: Murder on the Equator, Book 4
Sweet Contemporary Romances
Written in the Stars: Starlight Terrace Proposals, Novella 1