Again the cousins had played one of their tricks, and Elizabeth found herself alone with Darcy. But this time she knew that her aunt also joined her forces with that terrible couple of gentlemen.
In just one step, Darcy arrived close to her and before any other word, he took her into his arms. It was like a storm, impossible to stop or contain.
She wanted to protest, but then she thought that if anyone caught them, they would be forced to announce their relationship. She imagined other sorts of events that might allow her to break their covenant, despite knowing that, to look for such an occurrence, was also incorrect.
“Do you like our house?” he eagerly asked, wanting her to feel at ease everywhere he lived.
“It is splendid!” Elizabeth said from his arms.
She escaped from his arms and asked, “Mr Bingley?”
From the shadow of concern that suddenly appeared on his face, she knew the answer.
“He is not in London,” Darcy said in haste because he did not want to lose that moment of solitude with her.
Elizabeth sighed.
He took her by the hand and gently led once her again through the main hall into the library. If she had been impressed by the house, the library stunned her. Looking around, she imagined a peaceful afternoon, both of them lying on the wide leather sofa, reading.
“Kissing,” he said, proving again that he could read her mind. She was once again in his arms only this time, he stared at her for a long time tenderly caressing her back. Then slowly, he approached her face until there was nothing else but their lips together; he wanted her to move forward and kiss him. He opened her lips, and there was nothing unpleasant, the moment she somehow feared was so natural with Darcy that she could cry. She wanted him to teach her, to show her how to kiss. But in the end, she knew exactly what to do, as all women did before her. She let him conquer her, it was a state of bliss she never imagined and his hands got her so close to him that there were no more secrets about their bodies.
It was Elizabeth to escape from his arms. He looked dismayed as she ran to the sofa. Even her eyes deserted him as they searched in all directions to see the beautiful room full of bookshelves. Finally, he smiled. Any other woman would have asked for his mother’s jewellery box—his woman found all the treasure she wanted in the library. The furniture was in a warm honey colour that enlivened the room. She looked at him, and he explained. “It is Indian sandalwood. The wood is used for worshipping the God Shiva, and it is believed that the goddess Lakshmi lives in the sandalwood tree.”
The joy and the curiosity on her face enchanted him.
He took her in his arms as she was looking at the books on display and she leaned her head on him in a gesture that could only mean total acceptance. She said, “I do not know what I like most, you or the library.”
“You can have us both with a single tiny word.”
He spoke close to her, kissing the ear lobe. At his touch, her body shivered in his arms, making him lose control. He turned her and kissed her in an unstoppable frenzy that left both of them without breath.
They looked at each other for a long time with a lost and blurred gaze trying hard to regain their senses.
She was eager to be his, he could feel it in every fibre of her slim body, she was ready for everything that he was prepared to unveil for her.
Her only remaining coherent thought was to get away from him. She realised that at any movement of his she could be in his arms again —unsure what could happen in that splendid library full of marvellous books and love. Her cheeks on fire and her body still unsettled from the shiver, she started to walk, and when she found an open window, she caressed the books.
“You will have all the windows opened after you caress me.” He was joking in a desperate attempt to be calm and able to welcome the guests. She may have a covenant, but he had a plan. One that could not fail as he was confident that Elizabeth was the love of his life. The astonishment he felt each time he went further in kissing or touching her told him everything he wanted to know. She was still pure and innocent, and that thought made him mad with desire. She did not go further than a kiss in the realm of love. So he intended to ignite an irrepressible passion in her body and make her see life from another perspective. That woman would recognise that there would be only one direction for her…into his arms.
He heard voices in the hall, with a last perceiving look he let her enjoy that room…and her ardent turmoil for another few moments.
Chapter 10
The hall was animated with voices and laughter as always when the Russells arrived—the family Darcy admired most. Baron George Russell and Lady Rowena and their grown-up children: Thomas, Daniel, Mathew and Miss Beulah, a resplendent young lady of Georgiana’s age were their best friends.
The young gentlemen made bows while Lady Russell kissed Darcy as she considered herself to be his aunt, if not his mother. During the tragic moments of their parents’ death—at almost ten years distance—Lady Russell had been near them and helped him with Georgiana. When in London, Georgiana stayed more in their house than in hers. Lately, Darcy suspected that sentiment was growing between Georgie and Daniel, the youngest of the Russell sons, who was twenty-four.
Elizabeth came out of the library to find a happy gathering. She looked amazed at Darcy because she would have never imagined at Netherfield—when she met him—that he could be so cheerful and entertaining. It took Lady Russell just a second to understand what was happening. She had known Darcy since he was born and never saw such a happy and broad smile on his face. She met Elizabeth with the joy of a mother who was delighted to see her child happy.
Elizabeth enjoyed that atmosphere, even Lady Russell’s long stare because it was so full of benevolence. She wondered if Darcy told her their secret as it looked as if she knew what was happening between them. Then she remembered her red cheeks and the way Darcy looked at her. It was not so difficult for a perceptive woman to see what was going on. She decided to speak urgently to Darcy and forbid those glances that could reveal their secret to anybody around. Although it was unlikely for her sister to observe anything not regarding her. She still hoped Bingley would arrive.
When dinner began, her beautiful expectant smile faded away, and once again, the sadness inundated her. Luckily, it did not last long. Seated between Thomas and Mathew Russell, she observed the joyful game between siblings who were fighting to win her attention. And to Elizabeth’s surprise, they succeeded in what seemed impossible only a few hours before—to make her laugh. She was still looking at the door, hoping to see the arrival of a late guest, but soon her eyes moved from Thomas to Mathew, and her bright laughter sounded in the room. From across the table Mrs Gardiner sent Elizabeth a glance full of significance. Her eyes were telling Elizabeth, “I told you so! All she needed was a little entertainment and a couple of young gentlemen to raise her spirits.”
“It might be true,” Elizabeth thought. Although when Thomas asked, “Where is Bingley?” Jane’s happy face turned again to sadness. It was the question she did not dare to ask and seemed to have forgotten for some time.
“Bingley is in the North,” the colonel answered. “Their father’s brother died, and as his only relatives, he and his sisters had to go and settle his business.”
It was good news—even if it implied a death—it meant Bingley was not in London and there was still hope, and again a smile flourished on Jane’s face.
“Dear friends,” Darcy said and everybody turned to look at him at the same time Elizabeth’s heart stopped in panic. “Would he dare to announce their relationship without her consent?” Elizabeth thought while she tried to temper her heartbeat. Her anxious look or scolding eyes made no effect on his playful smile, he enjoyed teasing her while she promised herself to chastise him. “I have a proposition for all of you around this table.”
Their curiosity high, Elizabeth blushed under the heavy emotion. He knew how to capture the gathering’s attention.
“Georgia
na will be sixteen in about five weeks and I promised her a huge party. As she is already at Pemberley, we decided to have the party there, this year.” He stopped to see the effect of his words. The Russells already knew the plan as Lady Rowena just nodded, smiling.
“Mrs Gardiner, Mr Gardiner, Miss Jane, Miss Elizabeth,” he said, “we hope you will join the gathering and come to Pemberley to celebrate my sister.”
Elizabeth gasped in relief, hiding her new excitement in face of his eyes still fixed on her. “You will be punished, sir!” she thought still hiding from him.
The Gardiners looked at each other with much pleasure. It was a great honour, and they decided to accept it.
“Of course your children are most welcome,” Darcy said.
“We thank you, Mr Darcy. We gladly accept, and I am sure the girls will also be happy. As for the children, thank you again; they are already at my parents-in-law estate for the summer.” Mr Gardiner looked at Jane and Elizabeth, who both accepted with the same joy.
It was a rare opportunity to travel half of the country and see splendid places and Pemberley was a desirable destination for anyone. Jane hoped to see Bingley and indeed Darcy added, “Bingley and his family will join us there and some of our other friends too.”
He finally caught Elizabeth’s eyes, hoping for a smile, and indeed she smiled. However, her eyes told him he will also be scolded. Luckily, he liked nothing more than a small quarrel that would eventually end with a kiss.
A happy and noisy gathering retired to the parlour. It was the colonel to invite the gentlemen for a drink and the expression on his face told Elizabeth they would certainly prepare another escape for Darcy. She knew their games and indeed the colonel said, “Miss Bennet has not seen Aunt’s Anne miniature collection.”
Like in a well-prepared play, Darcy asked for her hand and led her out of the room. She imagined everybody looking with reproach after them, but she was wrong. Nobody seemed to care or see their departure, except maybe for Mrs Gardiner and Lady Rowena who followed them with benevolent looks.
“You…” was all Elizabeth could say before he took her hand and ran up the stairs with her.
They stopped at the first level to recover their breaths when unexpectedly he took her into his arms and kissed her lightly on the lips. She struggled to escape, but his arms were firm around her.
“Someone may catch us!” she said and saw him laughing, “Elizabeth in my house nobody is catching me…or you.”
“A guest, then.”
“Do not worry, the colonel takes care of the men and…” he hesitated, “your aunt of the ladies.”
Elizabeth blushed. “I told her,” she whispered.
“Splendid, and she is on our side.”
“Don’t you feel that Aunt Gardiner and I are setting a trap for you?” Her tone had that irony he hoped she would keep all her life. He adored her sarcasm and her challenging questions, her untamed curiosity and her laughter.
“Do not speak nonsense Elizabeth Bennet,” he replied, pretending he did not catch her allusion. “I am after you like a mad man.”
As they entered his mother’s room, he turned to her and said, “Will you ever forgive me for thinking those deplorable things about your family?”
“Probably not!” She smiled in discordance with her words, then she forgot about him as she caught a glimpse of the beautiful miniatures that lay in sumptuous crystal-glass cases.
“They are wonderful.”
There were jars and amphoras from ancient Greece, delicate jade figurines from China and Japan and cameos with women’s figures sculpted in gems, ivory or precious wood.
“Leave the miniatures,” Darcy said, “come near me. You will have all your life to admire them.”
As she did not move, he came closer. He opened a case to take out a cameo, the very one that Elizabeth admired the most—the profile of a lady in ivory surrounded by pearls and diamonds, hanging on a delicate silver chain. Darcy tried to put it around her neck.
“No,” she said, “thank you, I cannot possibly accept.”
She was polite and well behaved like a schoolgirl.
Darcy stood still with the gold chain in his hand, then placed the cameo back in its red velvet place. He was calm, and no apparent change seemed to have taken place. However, Elizabeth knew something was wrong. They silently sat at a certain distance, he hesitated to look at her and when he spoke, he was a long way from the man who had raced her up to the stairs.
“I am very serious, Elizabeth…in all I do. Serious and honest in every circumstance. Sometimes I am wrong, other times I am right, but I am always driven by fair expectations and genuine sentiments.”
“I know,” she said, trying to regain their playful mood.
“I do not think that we have the same perception in these matters. I proposed to you and I wanted to have an answer, not a half answer or a promise. In fact, what you gave me was not even a promise but a sort of condition to fulfil to go with my proposal, but I feel like you did not take it seriously. I made a mistake towards Miss Jane and I am ready to apologise. I will do my best to mend the situation, but I need an answer from you. A clear and definitive answer, do you love me?”
He placed his eyes on her and they were like two arrows.
“This is not a game,” he said, “nor a ballroom with flirtation and small talk, it is real life.”
“I love you!” Elizabeth spoke quite unexpectedly, and her spontaneous answer made him finally smile.
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go down and announce our wedding or betrothal…”
But Elizabeth was not ready to go further. Hesitation, regrets and love mixed on her face—a confusing combination, so Darcy took pity on her.
“My dear,” he said while he came closer and took her hands into his. “London—where Bingley escaped from Netherfield—is only a few hours distance from Longbourn, any gentleman could ride in less than a half-day. If Bingley really loved Miss Jane, my advice or his sisters’ interference would have meant nothing. Please believe me it is how we men function. When we want a woman, there are no obstacles in our way. Bingley had his own doubt and hesitation, that is the real reason he did not continue his relationship. Take me—when I found out that you were expected near Rosings I left the idea of leaving for Pemberley and came directly there to meet you. This is how love works!”
She recalled her aunt’s words that were so similar to his. She saw life in black and white, too much under the influence of the romantic novels she read and all the stories that circulated amid young women. Unfortunately, she was that girl who still dreamt of the perfect love and considered it dangerous to break a covenant. Maybe it was a mistake to make such a promise but once accepted, it was not wise to disregard and go on with their life. He could not understand the depth of such a commitment. He considered it a game. For her, it was not a game but a vow she took, one she had to fulfil to continue her life. And then again, a grip took over her heart like so many times in the last days. She was under that covenant, but she did not want to lose him.
“We will make the announcement at Pemberley,” she said, and it sounded like a firm promise.
“I agree, I will have a talk with Bingley and if necessary with Jane too, and that will definitely solve the problem. I would be sorry for my sister-in-law not to like me, but I have to be honest to the end of this story.”
He helped her to stand and with tender and slow gestures, he embraced her. “Do you want that cameo?” His glance was playful and in love, so she closed her eyes and said, “Yes, please. I adore it.”
“Then why are you hiding your eyes?”
Laughingly he put the cameo around her neck. “Admit it! You want me for my money!”
“Maybe for Pemberley,” she replied, also smiling. He did not see her as he was still behind her, admiring her long neck and her perfect shoulders. He took her into his arms and kissed her neck with a long and passionate movement. He caressed her shoulders until she sighed and wholly a
bandoned her body in his arms. It was she who moved first and turned ready for his kiss, anticipating the pleasure. But he continued to kiss her neck and shoulders while all she wanted were his lips to conquer her mouth and feel him in a way that anticipated their wedding night. She shivered and sighed at his caresses impatiently searching for his lips with her own. Still, he broke from her embrace and looking into her eyes, he said, “You little sorceress, you do like to kiss!” He was lovingly teasing her, he was composed but happy while Elizabeth was utterly lost in love making. Slowly—not letting her make the hasty movements she wanted, he kissed her lips in haste and took her hand to leave the room.
“No!” Elizabeth cried, disappointed by the bashfulness of their kiss.
“Yes, my love! The rest of the kiss is for a fiancée. And I have infinitely more for a wife. Whomever she may be!”
She tenderly hit him on his elbow. “Do not speak nonsense Fitzwilliam Darcy!” she uttered, copying the way he had talked to her before, “I am the fiancée, I am the wife!”
“Then hurry up as I can hardly wait!”
On the way back to the parlour Elizabeth took off the cameo. “I cannot wear it,” she said
“Then keep it in your hand or a pocket and remember how you tortured me. One day I will make you pay for all this.”
“I didn’t know you were also vindictive!”
“Elizabeth, my love, you do not know so many things about me…or life.”
∞∞∞
In the parlour, the conversation was so noisy that nobody observed their return. The doors to the large terrace were opened wide. The gentlemen were outside, vividly discussing the road to Pemberley—how difficult it was, the best stops that should be decided upon. They even made plans to leave the road and stay for a day at an inn Mr Gardiner knew from his frequent trips to the North.
“It is not a usual inn on the road, but an estate that receives special travellers.”
“And all of us will have places to sleep?” Sir Russell asked.
Elizabeth's Covenant Page 6