“You are staring, Mr. Darcy. Do I have a distracting blemish on my face?” she teased.
He laughed, “Sorry, my dear. No, you do not have any blemishes. I am entranced by your beauty, that is all.”
“Quite the flatterer you have become, sir. So charming. Who would believe it of you?”
“Well, as I intend to save my best flattery for when we are alone, no one would believe you even if you were to inform them.”
“So, am I to infer that you will be devising and practicing said flattery beforehand? If so, you must remember to give as unstudied an air as possible.”
Darcy grinned at her reference. “Perhaps I shall occasionally plan my flattery; however, as you are well aware of how uncreative I am, my dear, I would imagine that the pleasing compliments will usually proceed from the impulse of the moment.”
They both laughed and she threw a grape at him. “Ridiculous man! Read your newspaper and let me eat in peace!”
He did his best to comply with her request, discovering that it was quite challenging to focus on world events with her across the table. As the meal proceeded, they both relaxed. Neither of them knew it at the time, but they were innocently setting the stage for what was to become a morning ritual for the rest of their lives. Except for those occasions when guests were present or business separated them, they would breakfast together quietly each day in their joint sitting room. Darcy would read the newspaper and Elizabeth would read a book. They would discuss their daily plans or estate business or items from the news. The staff would be instructed not to interrupt the Master and Mistress until they were called for. Even their children would breakfast apart. This time would become a favorite and necessary part of their day.
“What are we to do with ourselves today?” she asked at one point. “Have you made any specific plans?”
Darcy put the newspaper down and gave his full attention to his wife. “Nothing specific,” he replied. “We could always stay here all day.” He gave his wife a naughty leer. “I am sure we could dream up something to occupy our time. Or if you would rather, the village is quite close so we could ramble through it and see if there is anything that you wish to purchase. The Hamiltons have a gig available, if you wish to take a drive in the country or around the lake. The weather appears to be fine enough for a drive. Too bad it is winter, as a picnic would be an agreeable pastime.”
She raised one eyebrow. “Oh? Did a law pass of which I am unaware that we can only enjoy our meals outdoors in the spring or summer?”
He was surprised. “I did not mean to imply that such activities are unlawful in the winter, Mrs. Darcy, as you well know! I am solicitous regarding your comfort, however. It is late November and quite cold outside.”
Lizzy laughed. “Honestly, William, I thought you knew me better than that! When has the weather ever hindered me?”
“As you wish, Madame. A picnic it shall be. I beg one concession, however. You must endure my fussing over you and not argue if I deem it is too chilly to remain outdoors. Agreed?” She nodded her assent, smiling placidly.
They each retired to their dressing rooms to finalize dressing for their day out. Darcy finished first and crossed the bedchamber to Elizabeth’s door. He knocked tentatively. “Elizabeth?”
“Come in,” she called.
He opened the door and was startled to see her alone, sitting at the vanity with her arms up, pinning her hair. “Did the maid not respond to your summons?” he asked, fully prepared to complain to Mr. Hamilton immediately.
“I did not summon her,” Lizzy said. She noted his baffled face in the mirror and smiled. “I have been taking care of my own hair for years, my love. I am aware that this will likely change once I am at Pemberley, but for now I wish to do it myself. Does this disturb you?”
“Not in the least. I feared the service was lacking, that is all.” He stepped behind her and ran his fingers along her neck and shoulders. “Elizabeth, I do not wish you to alter any of your habits at Pemberley. If it pleases you to attend to your own hair, then it pleases me for you to continue doing so. I fell in love with you as you are. I do not desire for you to be anything other than my Lizzy.”
She gifted him with one of her dazzling smiles. Love and desire swept through him in a surging rush and he hastily removed his fingers, sensing a sharp and powerful urge to unfasten the buttons of her gown that threatened to overcome him. He retreated to a couple of paces and cleared his throat.
“I intruded on your privacy only to inform you that I am departing momentarily to speak with Mr. Hamilton about our needs for today. I will return for you when all is prepared. Be sure to dress warmly.”
“I will.” She pivoted the stool around so she could face him. “And William, you do not need to knock, and I shall never think of you as an intruder.”
Darcy beamed, once again amazed at how dissimilar she was to any woman he had ever known and how incredibly blessed he was to have found her. “That may take some adjusting to, my love, but thank you.”
They spent a lovely day together, this first day of the rest of their lives.
Darcy commandeered the gig with easy competence. Mrs. Hamilton had prepared a luncheon hamper for them and loaded the carriage with several thick blankets. Darcy looked Elizabeth over carefully before they set out to ensure she was well bundled. She laughed inwardly at his apprehensiveness but kept silent.
To begin with, they drove into the village. It was not a large town, about the size of Meryton, but there were numerous quaint shops to browse through. It was liberating to be able to stroll along together without being halted every few feet by people wishing to converse with them. No one was acquainted with them here, and no one assigned them a second glance. Lizzy quickly realized that she had to be cautious in exhibiting interest in even the smallest trinket because Darcy would insist on buying it for her. In spite of her guardedness, Darcy’s arms were encumbered with packages by the end of two hours, and he was forced to rearrange the blankets and hamper to make room in the gig.
Despite Darcy’s worries it was a beautiful day, crisp and cool, but the sun was warming and the sky cloud free. Snow had not yet fallen, nor had it recently rained, so the ground was dry. An intermittent breeze wafted but primarily the air was still, rich with the fragrance of winter blooms.
They leisurely drove along the edge of the river toward the small lake, admiring the countryside. Lizzy sat as close to his side as she could possibly manage, blankets covering them both. She rested one hand on his leg, feeling the warmth of him and delighting in his presence. They would stop periodically to marvel at a particular natural feature and take the opportunity to steal a few kisses. Eventually they discovered a level spot close to the lake’s edge that seemed perfect for their luncheon.
Once Darcy was satisfied with the comfort and warmth provided by three blankets laid upon the ground, he assisted Elizabeth from the carriage and nestled her snuggly, insisting on placing another blanket over her. It truly was not that cold, but he refused to take any chances that she might become ill. She was beginning to wonder if he would ever relax and thought that perhaps picnic had not been such a good idea after all. She appreciated his diligence regarding her well-being but could not prevent becoming annoyed.
To cover her waspishness, she busied herself with the lunch. Mrs. Hamilton had packed provisions enough for four grown men, including a bottle of red wine. The day was simply too marvelous and Lizzy far too happy in general to remain cranky for long. She also had learned over the past weeks that Mr. Darcy was especially mellow after dining. Today was no different.
They chatted as they ate. Conversation now came so easily to them that it was impossible to imagine that they had ever struggled so. The topics ranged widely from childhood memories to current events to family matters to literature to future plans and various points in between. By the time they had eaten their fill, Darcy was totally untroubled. He laid his head in her lap and read out loud from a book of Shakespeare’s sonnets while Elizabe
th played with his hair, deliriously content merely to stare at his face and listen to his resonant voice.
After a bit they decided to stroll. They held hands as they meandered, sometimes talking and sometimes silent. They encountered not a soul. It was as if they were the only two people in the world. When passing a large oak tree, Darcy halted, leaned against the trunk, and gathered Elizabeth into his arms. For some time he merely held her pressed tight to his chest. She experienced a profound sense of peace and protection. His warmth radiated out of him, stalwart arms strong about her body, cheek resting on the top of her head.
In due course his soft lips traveled through her hair to her ear and then her neck, raining gentle kisses and sweet endearments along the way. He caressed her back through her coat, drawing her ever closer to him. Elizabeth gave in to the pleasure that his breath and touch elicited. How wonderful to be married so that they could freely allow their emotions to wash over them! Darcy allowed his hands to open her overcoat and travel deliciously about her curves. Lizzy did the same, pressing her body into his, feeling his arousal. Naturally there was a limit; both of them were cognizant that although they were not exactly in public, they were not in the privacy of their bedchamber. The precipice was reached when Darcy noted his hands, as if of their own accord, grasping and lifting her skirts at the same time that Lizzy untucked his shirt while running one delicate hand up his chest. Darcy groaned and knew he was at the edge of his endurance so they regretfully ceased, mutually deciding that, all things considered, it was time to return to the inn.
They packed up in haste and drove as speedily as safety permitted. Darcy bordered on curtness in instructing the servant that they would be dining at seven o’clock and not to disturb them for the rest of the afternoon. He failed to notice the servant’s smile of understanding, nor would he have cared.
The door to their room was barely latched before they were in each other’s arms, removing clothing as fast as humanly possible. Darcy’s jacket and waistcoat were easy enough for Lizzy to manage; the cravat was another matter. Lizzy’s fingers fumbled with what seemed like a dozen knots and twists, the process not aided by the fact that she was kissing his neck at the same time.
Darcy was distracted by her lips and focused on removing the innumerable pins binding her lustrous hair, but he became aware of her struggles when a singularly frantic tug at his neckcloth choked him. They both laughed, and Darcy competently removed the offending cravat, giving her free reign to assault his neck while he returned to her hair. Her tresses finally unencumbered, Darcy was mesmerized momentarily by the sensation of her dense silky curls entwined in his fingers.
He was snapped back to reality with a gasp at the sublime currents racing up his body as her hands moved under the shirt she had untucked. The sudden intense need to feel her skin rocked him, so his hands moved to her back and attacked the tiny buttons of her gown. The ever proficient and assured Mr. Darcy was at a loss with the tightly clasped and seemingly inexhaustible row of buttons. The urge to grab the neckline in his strong hands and rend it open forcefully was overwhelming.
Thankfully, as Lizzy did not own that many dresses, prompt inspiration dawned and he moved behind her to see better what he was doing. This led to the added revelation and intoxication for them both of tracing warm kisses down her spine as each button was released. Lizzy bemoaned his absence and the emptiness of her hands but was quickly overcome with shivers of pleasure at his lips on her back. The rest of her clothing, all totally unique to him and rather fascinating, came off slowly as he endeavored to educate himself and also because he discovered the increased arousal they both experienced by prolonging the stimulation.
Finally she was naked before him, trembling from desire, as he lightly traced long fingers over the sensitive skin of her back, waist, and buttocks. He had not yet seen her from this angle. She was beautiful and perfect. He kissed her bared flesh, familiarizing himself intimately with every inch of her backside.
He turned her about in his arms and kissed her sweet mouth, savoring her taste, and teasing her lips. “I love you so completely, my Elizabeth, my wife,” he breathed. He gazed into her shining eyes. “You own me, do you know that, my love? I do not exist without you.” He kissed her deeply, letting her feel the extent of the arousal derived solely by his love for her.
He removed his shirt in one swift motion and crushed her to his chest. He abruptly took a step toward the bed, Lizzy in his arms, but their feet tangled on the discarded clothing. They both lost their balance and fell onto the mattress, laughing. Darcy landed on his back, Lizzy sprawled on top of him, one elbow connecting forcefully with his nose. They both laughed hard, Darcy massaging his sore but otherwise undamaged nose.
“William! I am so sorry,” Lizzy apologized, kissing his nose and face and everywhere else, and then proceeding to finish undressing him.
It was a novel experience and more than a little enjoyable. They laughed as they fumbled with the strange clasps and buttons, taking another step along the road of discovery and comfortable unity in their relationship. The end result of their playful exertions was as one would expect.
With colossal effort and regret, they left their bed with barely enough time to make themselves presentable for dinner. Maintaining etiquette and decency throughout the meal bordered on painful. Luckily, the room was empty most of the time so, between bites, they shared a few kisses and squeezes.
The food was delicious. They ate heartily, both ravenous from the energy expended over the past hours. Darcy was mesmerized by his wife, every movement generating ripples of delight through his body. His need to touch her overwhelmed him. Breaking pieces of bread and fruit, he fed her, lingering on her lips and losing all awareness in her sparkling eyes.
“William, your food is growing cold,” she teased, kissing his finger.
He smiled, leaning to nuzzle behind her ear and briefly kissing. “I care not, beloved. Famished I may be, but touching you is preferable. For once your parents are not present to preclude me fulfilling the fantasy of displaying how even the simple act of eating enhances my desire for you.”
Lizzy giggled, fingers covering her mouth. “Oh, William! The vision! I wish you had acted on your impulses then so I could see Mama’s face, if nothing else!”
Darcy laughed, resuming his seat and picking up his fork. “As entertaining as that may have been, Elizabeth, your father would likely have strangled me. Curbing my inclinations was not always easy, but wise. Thankfully I no longer need to do so. Well, within reason, of course.”
After dinner they took a stroll in the silent garden. Darcy talked about Pemberley. The plan was to depart fairly early in the morning since the journey home would take most of the day. Darcy was in a state of uncontrollable bliss that his Lizzy would finally be with him in his home… their home. It was a dream he had harbored in his aching heart for so many months that the reality was incredible. Lizzy was excited and anxious at the same time. With Darcy by her side, his strong arms around her, it was difficult to feel any apprehension. However, she could not completely erase the gnawing doubts of her competence as Mistress of an estate such as Pemberley.
For now though, her emotions were captured by her husband. Her happiness was unlimited and her desire simply to be with him transcended any fears. Before too long they returned to their room, wishing to thoroughly enjoy the last night at this place which would forever be special to them. They made love again, slowly and reverently worshipping each other’s bodies before they fell into a deep, peace-filled sleep. Lizzy ached in muscles and places she had hardly known existed, but her love for this man who had so wholly consumed her soul surpassed any discomfort. They slept entwined, cuddling and warm.
CHAPTER FIVE
Homecoming
MRS. REYNOLDS, HOUSEKEEPER OF Pemberley in Derbyshire, was in a state of jubilant expectancy that she had not experienced since… well, she could not remember a day she had ever anticipated more! Sometime this afternoon her master, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy,
would return to Pemberley with his new bride. The entire staff had hoped and waited for the arrival of this day for years, but few of them fully grasped the inexplicable joy in this particular day, this particular union.
Mrs. Reynolds considered herself one of the luckiest servants in all of England. At the age of two-and-thirty she had joined the staff at Pemberley, along with her husband who had been a groom. Pemberley had a reputation throughout the country as an ideal estate. The Darcy family had for generations managed their holdings with honesty and generosity. The former housekeeper had been Mrs. Reynolds’s aunt. When she began to feel old age creeping up on her, the Darcys had authorized her to recommend a replacement.
Mrs. Reynolds had been employed as a still-maid at a manor in Gloucestershire and was content in her service; however, the opportunity for advancement, coupled with the sterling name of Pemberley, swayed her to accept the position. Any trepidation she might have felt vanished the moment she met Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. For the past twenty-four years she had served faithfully and with ever-increasing happiness.
Over the years she had grown to love the family she tended to. She had watched Master Fitzwilliam mature into a fine young man and Miss Georgiana into a beautiful young woman. She thoroughly enjoyed her duties and was an excellent housekeeper. There had been tremendous hardships and grief along the way. The death of Lady Anne some eleven years ago and of the elder Mr. Darcy six years ago, not to mention the passing of her own husband three years ago, had begotten sorrow in her heart that she realized would never dissipate. Yet the affection she harbored for Pemberley and, more specifically, for the two young Darcys could not be more genuine or profound if they had been her own flesh and blood.
Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One Page 7