Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love

by Brenda Webb

  While handing out his aunt and then Georgiana, William paid no attention to their amused glances, as he was preoccupied with reaching Elizabeth. And after he had handed her down, he was equally oblivious to the fact that he was staring at her like a schoolboy while continuing to hold her hand.

  Georgiana’s tease startled him. “Do you not think it best that we all go inside?”

  Immediately he released Elizabeth’s hand and held out his arm. Being just as smitten, his response brought her out of a similar daze, and she coloured as she placed her hand on his arm. Eager to be of service to his godson, Lord Landingham gathered Lady Ashcroft and Georgiana and began steering them up the path that led through the garden and to the back entrance. The lovers followed at a decidedly slower pace.

  During their journey, William had found himself praying that Elizabeth would spend the night at Darcy House instead of removing to Gracechurch Street immediately upon reaching Town. He had decided he was not above enlisting his aunt’s support if she hesitated. But once they had disembarked, his mind whirled as he tried to decide which argument he had devised was most likely to be successful. He knew Elizabeth well enough to know that she would not be easily dissuaded once she set upon a course of action.

  “I hope that you will agree to stay here tonight, Elizabeth. After all, you mentioned that your aunt had left Town. She may still be gone, I mean, for all we know, and I am sure Lady Ashcroft would be a suitable chaperone, should you choose to stay. There will be time enough in the morning to ascertain if she has returned and where you shall stay. Besides, I would like for us to be together as long as possible. After all, we have no way of knowing when we shall meet again.” He knew that he was rambling but could not help himself. “Surely you do not wish to return to Holmes House, in case that cad Wilkens comes to Town in search of you?”

  They had just cleared the back door, when the mention of Wilkens’ name gave Elizabeth pause, and she stopped walking. Her voice shook a little as she contemplated the ramifications.

  “I had not considered that he might follow me to London. I would not want to confront him without speaking to my family first.”

  Fortuitously, Audrey Ashcroft chose just that moment to come in search of them, appearing in the hallway just ahead.

  “Mrs. Barnes informs me that dinner is ready whenever we wish to eat. Marshall and Georgiana have both expressed a wish to have a tray sent to their rooms, as they are exhausted and plan to retire early. I intend to do likewise, so you and Elizabeth are left to dictate your preferences to the staff.”

  William seized the opportunity. “I intend to eat in the dining room.” He looked anxiously at Elizabeth. “And I hope that you will join me.” Elizabeth nodded shyly. Hoping to gain another favourable response, he added, “Aunt, I asked Elizabeth to remain here for tonight at the least.”

  Seeing the unspoken plea in her nephew’s eyes, Aunt Audrey took up the cause. “Of course, you must stay here tonight, my dear.”

  She took Elizabeth’s hand and continued. “I shall accompany you to your aunt’s home tomorrow in order to explain how you came to be travelling with us so there is no conjecture.” Elizabeth let Audrey lead her ahead. “Come! Let us get you settled in one of the guest rooms, then you shall have a chance to freshen up before coming down for dinner.”

  As she escorted Elizabeth up the grand staircase arm-in-arm, they continued to talk, though William could not make out what was being said by the time they passed out of sight at the top of the stairs. The exact moment that he turned, sporting a grin so wide he could not suppress it, the housekeeper appeared in the foyer.

  “Mrs. Barnes, thank you for having everything ready upon our arrival. Please prepare the smaller dining room, as Miss Bennet and I will be dining alone. I believe a half-hour should be sufficient for us to dress, but should I find that we need more time, I shall notify you immediately.”

  Having cared for the Master since he was a child, naturally Mrs. Barnes noticed the stitches on his forehead, which were now accompanied by a purple bruise.

  “Sir, may I ask how you came to be injured?”

  William’s hand flew to his wound at the reminder, and he coloured in spite of himself. Mrs. Barnes tried not to smile. She had not seen him this flustered in years.

  “Let us just say that I had a confrontation with a tree that refused to give me due respect. It is not as bad as it appears, so do not concern yourself over it.”

  With those words, he turned and bounded up the steps towards his bedroom with almost as much enthusiasm as when he was a boy. Mrs. Barnes shook her head in awe at the change in his mood, marvelling at how much younger he looked when he smiled. She had seen his smiles so seldom in the last few years that the sight had caused her heart to catch. As she stood watching his retreating form, a familiar hand on her arm let her know she was not alone. Mr. Barnes had heard their exchange.

  “Come, my dear. Nothing is to be gained by staring after the boy. Let us prepare the small dining room so that it appears to the best advantage. I shall see to it that roses are gathered from the conservatory, if you will locate some of the more beautiful linens with lace and such. Between the two of us, Cook and some candles, I think we shall have a romantic dinner ready by the time they come down to dine.”

  “Romantic?” Mrs. Barnes said, giggling into her palm. “You noticed it too—his interest in Miss Bennet?”

  “One would have to be blind not to see it, Matilda.”

  “I pray this is the incentive he needs to rid himself of that horrid woman,” she whispered, looking about to make sure no other servants heard. “He deserves to be happy.”

  “And happy he shall be, if we do our part, my dear.”

  Mrs. Barnes’ hands began to flutter as she looked about. “Oh, yes, yes. Now let me give instructions to Cook and see if I can remember where I had them store that lovely lace table cloth for the private dining room.”

  She was still talking to herself as she walked away, and Mr. Barnes shook his head in amusement before beginning a search for a footman to go to the conservatory and cut some roses.

  ~~~*~~~

  Later

  By the time Elizabeth made her way to dinner, she found Mr. Barnes waiting at the foot of the stairs to direct her to a room much smaller than the one she had expected. She instantly felt butterflies in her stomach when the stately old butler opened the door to reveal a very intimate space and to find that Fitzwilliam was already inside. The sound of the door closing confirmed that they were alone.

  He was so handsome, dressed in black coat and breeches, just as he had been when they met in the library at Ashcroft Park, and he sported the same hungry look. A few dark curls fell over his forehead, leaving her handiwork completely hidden, and creating the illusion that his handsome face was unscathed.

  When she entered, William had been leaning against a magnificent hearth with an elaborate marble mantle that took up the entire wall. One boot was propped against the stone surround at the bottom, and upon her entrance, he pushed away from it, straightened his coat and tugged at his cravat uncomfortably. Elizabeth had been about to giggle, as that gesture made him seem so eager, so boyish, but once she met his gaze, she thought better of it. The way he devoured her with his eyes left no doubt that he was not a boy!

  She looked away to gain control. Now forced to examine the room, she noted that the floors were polished oak covered with intricate rugs, the wallpaper was a pale gold and the furnishings were in shades of crimson, gold and royal blue. In addition to the hearth, a lovely settee and chair, both upholstered in royal blue with gold trim, occupied that end of the room. They were centred upon an oriental inspired rug, along with a few intricately carved mahogany tables filled with books, china figurines and candelabrum. A round dining table with two chairs and a small sideboard with an oval mirror perched above it dominated the opposite side of the room. They were situated on an equally exquisite rug of gold and blue designs on a crimson background. Crystal vases of white and red
roses decorated every available surface, including a smaller vase in the middle of the table.

  Having waited until she finished her cursory examination, William now walked towards her. She found herself trembling as he reached out to take her hand and suddenly felt vulnerable and a bit scared—not of him but of her desire.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I hope you do not mind that we are on our own. Mrs. Barnes has prepared everything so that we may serve ourselves. I hope it pleases you.”

  He smiled beguilingly, and the sight of perfect while teeth set against his tanned face so unnerved her that Elizabeth almost forgot to breathe. She was certain no stranger would ever be privy to such a treasure as this expression. Barely conscious of what he was saying, she comprehended only the last few words.

  “… thus, I did not wish to be disturbed for any reason. I wanted it to be just us two.”

  Tearing her eyes away, she examined the preparations. The table held place settings for two, while the sideboard groaned with numerous covered dishes, bowls of fruit and trays with breads and sweets.

  “I… I am sure it will be delicious, though I doubt I shall be able to eat much. Just being in this magnificent house simply takes my breath away and leaves my appetite sorely lacking.”

  Bringing both her hands to his heart, he leaned in to rest his forehead against hers, causing them both to close their eyes. For several seconds he said nothing, then raggedly whispered, “Without love, Elizabeth, it is simply a building.”

  His words were so raw that she was afraid she would cry if she spoke, so Elizabeth only nodded her agreement. He stepped back then and motioned to the table, imploring, “Please try to eat something or I shall surely worry.”

  She teased him. “Your aunt mentioned that you worry excessively for those you care about.”

  “I confess that is true. And when I fell in love with you, you became my greatest concern.”

  Elizabeth’s heart thumped so loudly she feared he could hear it. “When did you know that you loved me?”

  “If I had to fix the hour, the spot, the look or the words which laid the foundation, I would have to say it was my first glimpse of you at the bookshop in Meryton. When you peeked around that bookshelf, a pixie in a mass of untamed curls, I thought I had wandered into heaven. Only in retrospection did it become clear that I was in the middle of it before I realised that I had begun.”*16

  She rose on tiptoes to brush her lips across his, prompting him to return the kiss by pulling her hard to his chest and kissing her until she was breathless. At length he let go with a wan smile. “Enough of this or you shall starve. There will be time for kisses later after we dine.”

  He held out her chair, and as she took her place, she ran her fingers over the stunning white lace tablecloth that had been placed atop a deep scarlet one. She marvelled at its intricate design before her gaze moved to the multitude of silverware and crystal glasses, all reflecting the candles in the chandelier overhead.

  As she tilted her head to look up at that magnificent fixture, she breathed, “So beautiful.”

  “Yes… so very beautiful.”

  The tone of William’s declaration caused her to look to him, and she found his gaze fixed on her. From that time on, there was very little conversation, except comments on the food, until they finished dining. When at last they were sated, William offered her another glass of wine and Elizabeth declined. Taking her hand, he then pulled her to her feet and back into an embrace, kissing her tenderly. Then, with one hand on the back of her head and the other splayed across her lower back, he pulled her against his body and rested his head atop hers. Content to hold her thusly, the drumming of their hearts was the only sound penetrating the silence for a long while. Finally, after a deep sigh, he spoke.

  “Elizabeth, I cannot fathom how I will survive without seeing you every day. It is as though the moment you are away from me, I die little by little. Tell me we shall find a way to see each other.”

  Staggered that the misery in his voice matched her own, Elizabeth murmured, “I have also dreaded parting from you.” His fingers dug into her back, and his grip tightened. “I do not know what shall transpire after my family learns what has happened with Mr. Wilkens. I am afraid they were set on our engagement. Then again, his rejection may force me in the direction of another gentleman they deem suitable.”

  William growled into her hair, “NO! I shall not allow it.”

  Her answer was muffled by his waistcoat. “I fear that you will have no say in the matter.” Then she tilted her head to look up into his anxious blue eyes. “They could also send me back to Meryton.”

  “You know that I will travel to the ends of the earth in order to see you. Even if I do not have permission, I will find a way.”

  “Our only hope is to tell Papa of our agreement. I believe he, of all people, will understand.”

  William kissed her gently again. “I pray he will at least give us a chance to explain. Still a part of me—that which thinks of Georgiana as my own child—would completely understand if he forbade me from seeing you ever again, or in the worst case, shot me on sight.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears and she pleaded, “Please do not say such things! I could not bear it.”

  “Sweetheart, I am speaking the truth. We must think of how our love may appear to your father—to anyone that learns of it.”

  She ran her fingertips gently over one cheek before cupping his face. “Papa has always wished for my happiness. Once he recognises how much I love you, that I do not wish to live without you, he will understand that I have no choice but to wait for you.”

  William kissed her thoroughly now, his ardour rising with the declaration of her love. Passions escalated rapidly until he pushed away from her, his breath in ragged pants.

  “Elizabeth Bennet! See what you do to me. My resolve vanishes the moment our lips meet.”

  Elizabeth sighed dreamily. “It is the same for me.”

  “Do not tell me that, my love. It will be hard enough having you under my roof tonight without coming to you.”

  “You will not come? But we may not have another chance to be together after tonight.”

  Pulling her back into his arms, William savoured the pleasure of her form melding into his. “Last night was torture. Had I awoken this morning with you in my arms—” He stopped to take a deep breath, and she felt his chest swell with the effort.

  Unexpectedly he pushed her at arm’s length, searching her face for a hint of understanding. “I am only a man, sweetheart. The next time I spend the night with you, I may not be able to resist you. And I want to be able to tell your father the truth when we meet again—that we have never made love. Help me in this.”

  She nodded despondently.

  He tried to smile though his heart was not in it. “Thank you, my love.”

  After another long, seemingly endless kiss that was more difficult to quit, he led her out of the dining room and up the stairs, stopping outside the door to her room. They stood for some time without speaking, neither wishing to be the first to say goodnight. Finally, Elizabeth took action.

  “Please remember that no matter what happens in the future, I shall love you for all eternity, whether we are allowed to marry or not.”

  “I have never given my heart to any woman save you, my love. Providence willing, you shall be mine in the eyes of God and man one day soon.”

  A chaste kiss sealed their vows, and as Elizabeth slipped into her room, William stood for a long time with his hand clenching the knob, before retiring to his own room.

  ~~~*~~~

  Darcy House

  The next morning

  The servants were up and about early, all working so quietly below the main floors as to be unnoticed by the occupants of the upper ones. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes had no expectation of seeing the Master or any of their party until much later, as it was their custom to awaken later than usual when they first arrived in Town. In addition, the knocker on the front door had not bee
n put back, as the family never received visitors for at least two days after their return. It would remain off until Lady Ashcroft or Mr. Darcy instructed them to restore it.

  Nonetheless, even under those circumstances, someone had the audacity to rap on the front door just after eight o’clock, stunning the staff. Mrs. Barnes was standing in the foyer when the offending noise made her startle.

  Mr. Barnes rushed from the back of the house, thinking his wife must be below stairs and had not heard the commotion. Seeing her staring in the direction of the door, he stopped short and addressed her. “No sensible person would call on a house with the knocker removed. Do you suppose there is some crisis?”

  Jarred out of her trance, the housekeeper nodded slowly. “You could be right. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam would not call at this hour if he knew the Master was in residence, unless it was urgent.” She hurried to grab her husband’s arm as he stepped towards the entrance. “But keep in mind it could also be another ploy by Mrs. Darcy.”

  Mr. Barnes hesitated. Gisela Darcy had tried an infinite number of ways to gain entrance in the past. However, while he vacillated about what to do, the sound of someone outside the door shouting Miss Bennet’s name made them both cringe. Aware that the Master would not appreciate anyone making a scene on his doorstep, they tensed with anticipation and dread. Though it was obviously not Mrs. Darcy’s voice, neither could place who it might be.

  As the shouts increased in volume, Mrs. Barnes shook her head in bewilderment. “We have no choice, but do not let her in until we determine what she wants.”

  With nods of agreement, both stepped to the door, and Mr. Barnes cracked it open. As soon as it was breached, however, an older, heavy-set woman with red hair generously sprinkled with grey, pushed past them into the foyer. Butler and housekeeper alike were too astonished to react as she continued her rant inside the house.