She turned to him, a shy smile showing that she felt as he did. “Would you like me to play for you?”
His spirits lifted. They could be together, no need to talk. “I’d like that very much, Elizabeth.”
He sat beside her as she ran her fingers along the keys before she sighed, and rippled into a gentle, relaxing air that took him instantly to a meadow at the side of a lake. All the tension began to drain from him.
She played for around half an hour, leaving him content. He leaned forward. “Elizabeth, you must be getting tired. Would you like me to call for fresh tea?”
She smiled at him. “That would be much appreciated, William.” Her fingers still moved lightly over the keys, but she drew the little ditty to a close, and carefully closed the piano lid.
Darcy rang the bell, and escorted Elizabeth back to the fire. After their tea, perhaps she might agree to retire for the night.
* * *
They climbed the stairs together, and he bowed as he left her at the main guest bedchamber.
“I will join you shortly, Elizabeth.” Through the open door, he could see her maid moving around, preparing the room. Hastily he averted his eyes. He must not imagine the details of her toilette.
He turned into the guest chamber next to hers. It was a good suite, much the superior of even the best inns, and he was thankful for the opportunity to stay here.
His valet was there, pouring hot water into the basin, a towel folded beside it, and his nightshirt and robe had been placed ready on the bed. Darcy smiled slowly. For tonight, this was very much better than an inn.
He hurried through his preparations, and dismissed his valet. He hesitated; how long until Elizabeth might be ready to receive him? Vainly, he tried to think if her preparations might be extended. She would need to do something with her hair, he thought. How long might it take? He had no idea.
He could wait no longer, and crossed the room to the connecting door with her chamber. He knocked quietly, then turned the handle, not knowing what to expect.
He ought to have known she would not keep him waiting. Elizabeth was standing by the window, turned slightly towards him, a small smile on her face. Dark ringlets tumbled unrestrained over the white silken shawl that covered her shoulders, and he had a glimpse of shapely ankles below her nightshift.
Darcy stopped in the doorway. He’d never seen a lovelier vision.
“William.” She extended her hand towards him, and he crossed the room to her, his heart pounding against his ribs.
He took her in his embrace, and she fitted exactly as he had dreamed. Her face was turned up to his, lips parted, her lashes fanned out over her perfect skin. Her arms curled up around his neck, and he almost staggered with the emotion of it all.
He groaned; at last she could be his. His mouth found hers, and he held her closer. He could feel her heart fluttering against his chest, and the scent of lavender, peculiarly her own, rising headily around them. If her legs felt as weak as his … he lifted her into his arms, never wanting to let her go.
He carried her over to the bed, where the covers had been turned back, and carefully placed his precious wife down. Elizabeth smiled up at him, her arms still round his neck.
“Don’t leave me.”
He lowered his head to hers. “Never. I could never leave you, Elizabeth.”
* * *
Much later, as the dim moonlight flooded the chamber, he watched as she slept in his arms, his heart full of emotion. He had never thought love could be his; he’d wondered what a marriage would be like, thought it merely a duty to continue the Darcy line.
But this; this finding of his love — he smiled at her relaxed features — duty had nothing to do with his choice of Elizabeth, only a determination to make her as safe and as happy as was within his power.
Her gentle laugh brought his attention to her. “If we are to share a bed, William, you must learn to sleep. I would not have you fatigued in the morning.”
He smiled. “I was marvelling at my good fortune, Elizabeth.”
She pasted a smug smile on her features. “My good fortune is better than yours!”
He tried to keep his features impassive. How much he had missed, not being able to interpret the meaning behind many of the conversational cues. How rich his life would be, going forward with Elizabeth beside him. “Most certainly not. I will argue the point if you wish, Elizabeth.” He knew his joke was clumsy compared with hers, but he must be careful not to offend.
She snuggled up closer to him, laughing, and he was gratified.
“I think I might be in trouble with your family, William, if they think our behaviour is beneath your dignity, and that it is all my fault.”
He pulled her closer, delighting in this time together. “Well, I shall certainly not tell them, and maybe I can charge you to keep private my poor attempts at humour.”
She burrowed in closer to him. “Our time together will always be private, William.” She lifted her head. “But you need to rest, yesterday was a great effort for you.”
He smiled. “You made it easier for me, Elizabeth. With you beside me, I am able to understand.”
She sighed contentedly, and he felt her warm breath fanning over his chest. His ardour rose.
“Elizabeth.” He knew his voice was husky as he touched his lips to her forehead.
Chapter 64
Elizabeth sat beside him in the sunny breakfast room of this manor house that she would always associate with peace, calmness, and these early days of their marriage.
She’d prevailed upon him to stay a third night here, and he’d smiled indulgently, agreeing that it would not really affect his planned itinerary.
He nodded at the footman, who poured him another cup of coffee, and she glanced up.
“Thank you for agreeing I might write to Lady Langley, William, thanking her husband for the wonderful gift of these days here. Is there any subject I must be careful of, so I do not inadvertently cause distress?”
He looked at her over the rim of his coffee cup. “I have his letter to me, where he describes why they are not here for the summer. I cannot recall the words he used, but I will show you the letter after breakfast. You can write it tonight, perhaps. Then we can make good time in the daylight.”
“Of course,” Elizabeth turned back to her breakfast. Outside the glazed doors to the eastern side of the garden, the rose garden stretched out peacefully. She smiled, he liked roses. “Although, might we have time to walk in the rose garden before we depart, William? I would like to take the memory with me.”
“Of course, whatever you wish.” He set down the knife and fork, and dabbed his mouth with the napkin. “We have a good rose garden at Pemberley. I will instruct the gardener to send blooms for your chamber each day.”
She reached over and touched his hand. “Thank you. I am looking forward to seeing Pemberley. Georgiana has told me how wonderful the park is, and she hopes to picnic with me in her favourite spots.” Seeing his expression, she reached out. “But I am anticipating our tour first. That you would remember I wished to see the wild coasts and oceans from so many months ago,” she shook her head. “I am so fortunate, and I love you very much.”
His expression lightened. Perhaps he’d wondered if his plans had been in vain.
She smiled, reaching for a slice. “I am desolated, though, that I have no talent at drawing or painting. I would have liked to create a memento of this tour.”
“I’m sure you underestimate your talents, Elizabeth, but I have already decided that you must choose your favourite viewpoint, and we will have that as the background for the portrait I have commissioned for the occasion of our marriage.”
She knew she looked shocked, and she hastily schooled her expression. “I’ve never thought of portraits in that way, William; finished ones are there to be admired in a gallery, that’s all.”
He looked slightly abashed. “I had thought to hang this one in my library, not the gallery, Elizabeth. It will remind
me every day of this time together, of your beauty.”
Now she knew she blushed. “It is time to go, William, or we might not have time to reach our next night stop.”
* * *
That evening, they sat in a private parlour of the inn at Banbury. It had been quite a long journey, although William had been attentive and accompanied her on a short walk each time they stopped at the post to change horses. So Elizabeth felt quite fresh, despite the journey.
After they had dined, she sat at the table, and prepared to write her letter of thanks to Lady Langley. She turned to him. “How do I address her, William?”
“Langley is a viscount, Elizabeth. We direct the letter to the Right Honourable, the Viscountess of Langley but in the letter, you only need write the salutation as Madam.”
“Thank you,” she turned back to the table, and drew out the letter that William had shared with her. She reread it carefully.
… for my wife wishes to be available if there is any news of Stephen while he is commanding his frigate in the blockade …
She smiled sadly, reminded of John Lucas once again. But Lady Lucas had not been anxious for him, had she? Elizabeth pondered for a moment. Perhaps her insight had failed her then. She had always been angry on John’s behalf at his parents’ lack of perception at his difficulties, and perhaps that had blinded her to the loss Lady Lucas had suffered.
But at least she knew what to write.
Madam,
I am writing to thank you and Lord Langley for your generosity in permitting Mr. Darcy to take me to stay at Shendish Manor for the first few nights of our married life.
We very much enjoyed the peace and beauty of your home, and were well-looked after by your excellent staff.
It must be difficult to stay away from such a beautiful place, but I understand your wish to stay close to the news in London.
I will add my prayers to yours for the safe return of your son from his duties.
Yours, etc,
Elizabeth Darcy
She smiled at the signature — she was getting used to signing with her married name, having written to Jane and Georgiana each night. Signing the marriage register at the church had been the last time she would sign her name as Elizabeth Bennet.
William came over to her. “Are you well, Elizabeth?”
She laughed. “Oh, yes. I was just enjoying seeing my new signature again.”
His hand covered hers on the paper. “I like it, too, Mrs. Darcy.” His voice deepened, and she trembled at his nearness.
She looked up at him. “I hope the letter is all right, William. Have you met Lady Langley? Do you know how she might receive my words?”
“I am certain you have chosen the perfect things to say. It is your talent, and it will never desert you.” He took her hand to his lips. “My dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth. Now perhaps we might retire. It is another two days journey to the best of the north Wales coast, but the second day we will be travelling through the peaks and hills of Snowdonia.”
He offered her his arm. “You might find it to be more uplifting than the coast at this time of year, if the weather is fine.” He smiled. “For real wild coastlines, we will have to go to Scotland, where the gales can whip up the waves and the coast is open to the Atlantic.”
“It sounds wonderful, William.” She followed him into the hallway. “I am the most fortunate person.”
He released her hand, and bowed. “I will wait downstairs while you complete your toilette in private, Elizabeth, and join you shortly.”
She dipped her head in acknowledgement. “Thank you, William, you’re most thoughtful.” As she climbed the stairs, followed by her maid, she hugged to herself the thought that he would come straight to their shared chamber, and she would catch a glimpse of him as he prepared for the night. She trembled with anticipation.
Chapter 65
Elizabeth was soon ready and she dismissed her maid. She sat on the chair by the window and looked out at the town of Banbury in the dusk.
He would join her soon, and, despite being in close company with him for the whole day in the coach, she anticipated this further time with pleasure.
After a few moments, the anticipated knock on the door sent her heart racing. He entered the chamber, looking around wryly.
“We will be in very close company tonight, Elizabeth. I hope I do not disturb your rest.”
She rose, and went to him. “How could you do that? The bed might be smaller than the one at the manor, but there we slept in each other’s arms.” She raised her face to his. “I do know that in future when you have to be away on business, I will miss you at night most of all.”
He drew her close; the scent of sage and leather, and the warmth of his lean embrace, made her utterly content.
“I think I will find much more business may be done by letter in future, Elizabeth.” His voice was full of suppressed laughter. “At least I will try.”
Elizabeth tried to keep a straight face. “I think we will settle back to your usual routine within a few months, William.” She lifted her hand to run her fingers through his hair. “Although I will endeavour not to be anxious if you have to journey between Derbyshire and London when the weather is inclement.”
William lowered his lips to her forehead. “We will decide what is best at the time, Elizabeth. Let us not spoil tonight with worry about the future.”
She smiled up at him. “Of course.” She relaxed against him. She wished to recall with happiness their time together.
He kissed her, and lifted her off her feet. Carrying her to the bed, he placed her down on top of the covers, for the night was warm.
She lay back, and put her hands behind her head, knowing her smile was contented and her eyes bright.
He looked at her suspiciously. “What is so amusing, Elizabeth?”
“Why, the opportunity of observing my husband prepare for the night,” she teased him, and he raised an eyebrow.
“I was thinking of extinguishing the candle before I began.”
Elizabeth rolled over. “It would be difficult for you, I’m sure. I will close my eyes, William.”
In the darkness behind her closed eyelids, she heard the floorboards creak, then the mattress dipped under his weight as he sat on the bed beside her. She conscientiously kept her eyes shut. She would not peek, no matter the temptation.
“Elizabeth.” His hand smoothed over her hair, and she frowned. He could not have been so sure in his touch if the candle was not still lit.
“May I open my eyes, William?”
The light touch of his lips on hers. “Of course.” His tone was full of suppressed amusement.
This light-hearted William was a surprise and delight and Elizabeth looked at him. He’d removed his jacket and cravat, and his shirt was open at the neck. Elizabeth had to force her gaze away and up to his face.
His eyes were dark and passionate. “Dearest Elizabeth, between us there must be no secrets.” He bent to kiss her again, then rose and went over to the chair where his trunk was settled.
He was facing away from her, and Elizabeth watched with secret pleasure as he pulled off his shirt. For a moment, she saw the back of his lean body, the muscles rippling below the skin, as he reached out and drew his nightshirt over his head.
Soon he was beside her, reaching for her, and the joy of her marriage was brought home to her again, as her heart raced.
He drew her towards him, and she melted into the warmth of his embrace. Nothing else mattered.
He moved her hair back from her face, and kissed the side of her throat. “I cannot believe when I first considered marriage, it was because I thought you might assist me in social situations.” He breathed in deeply. “I know your scent so well, Elizabeth. No, I care not if we never attended another event at all. All I want is to be with you, the woman I now love above all else, when I had thought love like this could never be mine.”
Elizabeth closed her eyes, the better to feel more as his finger traced
the outline of her lips. “Even if I wanted to go to many social situations, William?”
His finger stopped moving. “Even then, although I would share you with reluctance.” He kissed her brow. “I know you are sociable, and enjoy the company of your family. I will be there with you, if that pleases you.” His lips sought hers, and she wanted no more conversation.
Chapter 66
Darcy had never been quite as happy for a wild gale as he was today. There were few people around them, and he stood close behind Elizabeth in an attempt to prevent the wind blowing her off her feet.
She turned to him, holding her hat firmly on her head, and her laughing eyes shone. “This is amazing, William! I had never imagined it like this.” The sound of her words were blown away on the wind, but he could read her lips well enough.
The ringlets that had escaped from their confinement whipped round her face, and he could feel her skirts flapping against his boots as he stood close to her.
He bent his head close to her. “This coast can be calm and peaceful in the summer, but there are occasionally some blustery days. I’m glad we chanced upon it.”
She turned and looked back over the sea. “Oh, yes.” The wave tops were splintering off and the spume and spray spiralled in the gusts. Darcy could feel the drops spattering onto him as they stood on the promenade, the gritty taste of the finer grains of sand that were blowing with them.
But he knew she was as affected by the wildness as he was; a little sea spray would not persuade her to leave.
A flock of gulls rose, screaming, on the wind, and he stared out to sea, wondering what had disturbed them. A vague dark shape on the horizon, half hidden in the spray. He bent to her again.
“There’s a fishing vessel coming in, Elizabeth. Look, out there.” He pointed, and her head bobbed as she craned her neck.
A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10) Page 26