by Bray, Ayr
“Banish her! Now, Elizabeth, do not you think that is a little harsh?”
“No, I do not. Were you not there at supper? Did you not see how she treated Jonathan? It will not be allowed here, and I will talk to Jane tomorrow. We will put Mother in her place so Jane and Charles have some peace at Netherfield until they relocate to the north.”
“Relocate to the north? What are you talking about?”
Elizabeth paused in her pacing, “Oh dear, I cannot believe I forgot to tell you. So much has happened today that it slipped my mind. Yes, Jane and Charles are giving up Netherfield and leasing an estate but seven miles from here. Is it not splendid news?”
“Yes it is. I will speak to Charles about it tomorrow.”
“Just remember it is still a secret; only we are to know.”
“Do not worry, I will not tell a soul. Now, about your mother and her interference with your sister. You will do nothing. Jane and Charles are not you and me; they prefer to handle things differently. You will stay out of their business. Promise me!”
Before answering, she walked to the edge of the bed and flopped down with a little pout. “Very well, I promise not to get involved. If Jane asks me I will assist her, but I promise not to approach her about it.” Elizabeth perked up a little as she continued, “I am glad for my sake, though now that I know they are planning to move nearby next summer I am absolutely desperate for time to pass. I dearly want my sister near. My family, on the other hand, may all move to America for all I care.”
Fitzwilliam chuckled at his wife’s dramatics. “You do not mean that. You would miss them if they went to America.” His boots and clothing were removed down to his trousers and linen shirt, which was open at his neck. He walked to Elizabeth’s side then, scooping her into his arms, he took her place on the bed and sat her in his lap. Wrapping his arms around her, he nuzzled her neck right below her cheek. “I know you too well. Your mother may irritate you, but if some ungentlemanlike man condescended to slight her, or any other member of your family, he would be sent on his way with a rather scathing scolding.”
His words made her smile, and she chose to tease him a little in return. “Oh, you think you know me so well, do you? Well, you are correct, and if said ungentlemanlike man were to apologize properly, he, like my mother, would be admitted back into my good graces. If not, he too would be cast off like an old slipper, lost and forgotten, never thought of again.” Elizabeth flipped her slipper off her foot, sending it spiraling through the air to land near Fitzwilliam’s boots.
“Oh, really, just like that, you would throw him away.”
“Yes, just like that.”
Reaching up with both hands on either side of her face, he turned her so he could gaze into her eyes. “I am glad I am no longer ungentlemanlike and that I was able to apologize, for I never want to be cast from your good graces. I love you too much.”
“Even with such a mother?”
He remained steadfast and serious in his response. “Yes, even with such a mother. I have grown to appreciate your mother.”
“Appreciate her? Never!”
“Yes, I appreciate her. For she raised you, and I love you.”
“Well, when you put it that way.” Elizabeth melted into Fitzwilliam’s arms, enjoying the strength of his embrace. Finally, she was able to sit up and forget the evening and move on. “Will you unbutton my gown? I intend to get out of this thing. It is lovely, but I had entirely forgotten how stiff it is. I feel as if I am wearing a bone corset. Oh, how I hate corsets.”
Elizabeth leaned her head forward, giving him full access to the buttons down the back of her gown, which he undid, and then allowed his hands to linger on her back, rubbing and massaging away her stress.
“Be careful, if you begin I may never let you cease. You have no idea the knots my mother causes in my neck and back.” Elizabeth meant what she said, but she also wanted to remove the dress. She slipped from his lap and stepped out of her gown, throwing it over the back of the chair where Fitzwilliam had left his jacket, vest, and cravat. The chair was quickly becoming their favorite place to discard the evening’s clothing until Mr. Carson and Gracie put them in their proper place.
Walking to the washbasin to splash water on her face, Elizabeth stood erect. Turning to Fitzwilliam, who was turning down their bed, she exclaimed, “Fitzwilliam, we were meant to decorate the tree tonight. I wanted it to be a surprise, just the two of us, but I entirely forgot. It is already set up in the drawing room. The decorations have been gathered and are in a wooden box nearby. Oh, what a disaster. I wanted it to be decorated for when Georgiana returns tomorrow. Do you think we will have time to decorate it in the morning?”
“Yes, I am sure we will.”
“Oh, but my family will be around. I had something special planned.” Elizabeth’s bottom lip stuck out in a little pout Fitzwilliam adored. He stepped to her side and took her hands in his.
“Come, let us go do it now. Everyone has retired to their rooms; it will just be the two of us.”
Her eyes lit up at the prospect, but then dimmed, “No, let’s just stay here. I do not want to get dressed again. It can wait until tomorrow.”
“There is no need for you to get dressed. Just slip on your dressing gown and let us go down.”
Elizabeth looked at her husband, his eyes bright with the prospect of her something special, and then towards her robe that lay on the seat of her vanity. She supposed he was correct. They could go down, and no one would ever know. She released his hands and reached for her robe, which Fitzwilliam helped slip over her shoulders. Elizabeth wrapped it around her and tied it snug at her waist. The two left the room and walked to the drawing room, the light from the small candle Fitzwilliam carried lighting their way.
When they entered the drawing room, Elizabeth rushed to the box of decorations at the far side of the room. It was just as she had left it, and Mrs. Reynolds had done her part despite the interruptions they had experienced. Wrapping her hands around the two mugs to ensure they were still warm, Elizabeth turned back to Fitzwilliam. “It is not as hot as it once was, but it is still plenty warm.” Elizabeth handed him a mug, keeping the other for herself. “Mrs. Reynolds tells me caramel hot chocolate is one of your favorite holiday treats. I thought we could enjoy a mug while we decorate the tree.”
A wide smile erupted on Fitzwilliam’s face as he took the mug from his wife. She watched as he breathed in the rich scent and then took a large swallow. “Mmm, this is divine, just how I like it.” He took another drink, remembering all of the reasons why he enjoyed it so well. He sat his mug on the table then reached for Elizabeth’s and sat it beside his. He gathered her in an embrace, and she tasted the delicacy for the first time when she licked the residue off his lips.
The two took their time sharing their drinks and decorating the tree. It was well past midnight when their laughter was heard by another who was still up. Mr. Bennet had seen his wife to their room and, once she was asleep, he had crept downstairs to find the library. He had spent close to an hour searching the shelves, selecting book after book to enjoy during his stay. He had just stepped from the room and closed the door when he heard talking and saw light coming from the drawing room. Sneaking over, he peeked through the doorway and watched his daughter and son-in-law putting the finishing touches on their Christmas tree.
“I think it is a splendid tree. What think you, Elizabeth?” Fitzwilliam said as he placed the last ornament as high as he could reach.
Walking to his side, she wrapped her arm around his waist and responded, “I think it is more beautiful than any tree ever seen. I am sure everyone will love it when they see it tomorrow.” She stretched up on her tip-toes and kissed him upon the cheek, but that was not enough for him. He scooped her into his arms and playfully dipped her, kissing her as he held her suspended above the floor.
Elizabeth clasped her hands tight to his forearms and giggled. “Fitzwilliam, what do you think you are doing?”
“Not
hing,” he stated as he kissed her again, still not raising her to her feet.
“Nothing! Why, this is unquestionably something!” Elizabeth giggled again as he lifted her to her feet and then swept her into his arms. Carrying her to the couch, he sat down with her still in his arms, kissing her deeply. Elizabeth sighed against him. As their passions increased she hitched up her robe and turned to straddle him. His hands settled on each of her hips as she leaned forward and commanded a response from his lips.
Mr. Bennet had seen enough. He turned to leave as his daughter’s hands search her husband’s body. He was halfway up the stairs when he heard Fitzwilliam’s distinct groan, “Oh, God, Elizabeth, do that again.” He rushed to his room and shut the door, unable to witness his child in the throes of passion with her new husband.
Elizabeth endured a restless night, and when she woke the following morning she felt as if she had not slept at all. Today Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam were to arrive, and she was to play hostess to the entire party. She had been working endlessly with Mrs. Reynolds to prepare the manor for her guests, and in her opinion it was lovely. Everything had been falling perfectly into place until her family had shown up uninvited. Now, rather than relax and enjoy a carefree holiday, Elizabeth waited in anticipation for the next catastrophe to ensue, for she knew there was bound to be more. How could there not be with her family in residence?
Fitzwilliam, on the other hand, had had the responsibility of running a large estate and the problems that often occur with such authority for so long that he rarely slept poorly. He woke when he felt his wife stirring in the bed beside him. Rolling over, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. He could feel the tension in her body.
“Elizabeth, what is the matter? Did you not sleep well?”
“No, I did not. Having my family come has disturbed my tranquility. I am happy to see Jane again, but having Mamma here has already put me on edge, and she has not even been here twenty-four hours. She plans on staying almost two full weeks! What am I to do?” Elizabeth let out an exasperated breath then slipped out from under Fitzwilliam’s arm to arise from bed.
“Elizabeth, it is terribly early. There is no need to rise so soon. Here, come back to bed.” Fitzwilliam flipped down the bed covers and patted the bed next to him as he spoke to her.
“No, I cannot. I must help Mrs. Reynolds prepare for the arrival of your sister and cousin.”
“Mrs. Reynolds can handle the preparations. She is highly skilled at her job.” Fitzwilliam raised an eyebrow questioningly as he continued, “Do you doubt the proficiency of the Pemberley staff?”
Though he teased, he did not diminish her anxiety.
“You know I do not doubt Mrs. Reynolds, nor the rest of the Pemberley staff. It is just that most of your staff have never seen the likes of my mother.”
“Well, if you will not join me then I will join you.” Fitzwilliam began to stand.
“No, no, you rest. We were up late last night, and there is no point in both of us going without sleep.”
Her argument was futile. Fitzwilliam had already gotten out of bed to begin his day. Just as Elizabeth tied the sash of her dressing gown at her slender waist, she felt his strong arms wrap around her, and he pressed his lips to the soft skin right below her ear. Elizabeth leaned her head to the side, providing him greater access. Accepting her invitation, he increased the attentions of his mouth while allowing his hands to roam and massage her shoulders and back.
Elizabeth was tense, but he could feel her muscles relax beneath his loving ministrations.
“Come, let us dress and go downstairs. It will not be long before my family stirs, and I do not want them roaming Pemberley alone,” Elizabeth said when his hands stilled.
“They will not be alone. Mrs. Reynolds will make sure they are taken care of.”
“You know what I mean. I need to be around to keep my mother in check. There is no telling what she is apt to say.” Elizabeth unwrapped Fitzwilliam’s arms and dressed with a little more energy than she had begun with. Fitzwilliam had to rush, but he was ready in enough time to attend her to the breakfast parlour.
Only Mr. Bennet was there when Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth entered the breakfast parlour together. He was sitting at the far end of the table with a few books laid out in front of him while he sipped a cup of tea.
“Good morning, Father,” Elizabeth said as she walked to his side and offered him a kiss on the cheek.
Mr. Bennet smiled at the simple act. Until he received her kiss, he had not realized how much he had missed it the past few weeks since her marriage and subsequent relocation to the north. “Good morning, my dear. How are you?”
“I am well. I see you must have found Fitzwilliam’s library. Did you sleep at all last night, or were you too occupied with books?”
“Ah, yes, a place I could easily lose myself in for months—years, perhaps. It is an impressive library, sir. I have never seen its equal in a private collection. You should be proud. I did sleep a little, but not as much as an old man such as myself should.”
Elizabeth turned her loving eyes to the face of Fitzwilliam. He stood tall with his shoulders squared. It was the stance of a man who had hundreds of families dependent upon him; the stance of a man who knew who he was and what he wanted from life; the stance of a man with confidence and superior breeding. A stance Elizabeth was learning to love.
Fitzwilliam held Elizabeth’s chair for her as she sat down. He then took the seat next to her and addressed Mr. Bennet. “Thank you, sir. It has been the work of many generations. I have added a lot to the library, as did my father before me. In days such as these, when great books are so readily available, it would be neglectful of me not to add to it regularly.”
“I quite see your meaning, sir. I have a modest library at Longbourn, considering the size of my estate, but it is nothing to the one you have here.”
Elizabeth reached for a dish of eggs, piling a bit first on Fitzwilliam’s plate and then her own. She continued the process until both of their plates were heaped with eggs, shredded potatoes, sausage, and toast with melted butter and preserves. She then prepared her husband a cup of tea and was just preparing her own when her father addressed her. “Well, Lizzy, you must be hungry this morning.” He pointed at the plates she had prepared.
“Yes, we stayed up rather late last night completing some tasks we were unable to finish due to your unexpected arrival,” Elizabeth responded.
“Ah, yes, the tree decorations. I looked in the drawing room this morning and saw someone had been busy last night.”
“What do you think of it?”
“I thought it very pretty. In fact, I think your entire house looks extremely pretty indeed. I can see you have taken considerable pride in running your own home.” He pointed at the centerpiece on the table and the matching one on the sideboard.
“Thank you, Father. You are right, I have enjoyed preparing Pemberley for the holidays. I know Mamma does not believe I—”
“Pish-posh, forget what your mother thinks for once and care only what the two of you think.”
Elizabeth looked at her father, a little shocked. Never had he told her to ignore her mother’s feelings and care only for her own. She considered this must be what it was like to be all grown up. She was just about to respond to him when there was a slight tap at the door. It opened to reveal Mrs. Reynolds.
“Mr. Darcy, sir, this express just arrived from Miss Darcy.” She held out the missive and Fitzwilliam took it from her hands.
“Thank you, I will read it directly.” He looked at Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet as he opened the letter. “Pray excuse me a moment while I read what she has to say.”
Elizabeth watched her husband’s expression fall slightly as he progressed through the note, then handing it to her, he allowed her to read it. Elizabeth read the missive with eyes wide with panic.
My Dear Brother,
I hope you and my new sister, Elizabeth, are well. I am very excited to join
the both of you at Pemberley later this week.
Please do not be angry, but Aunt Matlock has been hinting she should be invited to Pemberley for Christmas. I am sorry, brother, but her hints were so obvious that I would have to be a fool not to understand them. Aunt Matlock was beginning to lose patience with me not extending the invitation, so I did.
I fear I must warn you that not only will Richard and I arrive on Friday, but Lord and Lady Matlock, as well as cousin James and his wife, Roslynd, and their three children, will also arrive with us.
I must apologize to you and Elizabeth, but, brother, I knew not what else to do. I do not want them cross with me.
Your Loving Sister,
Georgiana
Elizabeth’s skin went pale as she looked at Fitzwilliam and exclaimed, “I do not believe it! Is she serious? Seven more are to be added to our party! If you will excuse me, I must speak to Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Lacroix immediately.” Elizabeth did, in actuality, believe what Georgiana had written, though listening to her outburst one would think she did not. She stood up, but her legs were too weak to take her to the door. Fitzwilliam noticed and beckoned her to sit.
“I will ring the bell for Mrs. Reynolds. Let her come to you. The rest of the family are not up yet and it is likely they will not be for another hour.”
Elizabeth fell back into her seat while Fitzwilliam rang the bell for Mrs. Reynolds. Mr. Bennet eyed Elizabeth, a little concerned by her pale features. He dared not ask who the additional seven guests were, but he need not wonder long, for it was only a minute or two before the door opened to admit the housekeeper. “Sir, madame, you called?” Mrs. Reynolds inquired.
“Yes,” Elizabeth said as she patted the table next to her. “Please come here so I may speak with you.”
Mrs. Reynolds sat next to Elizabeth. “How may I help you, Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth laid the letter on the table in front of her and clasped her hands over the top of it. “The express that recently arrived was from Miss Darcy, and informed us that an additional seven members of the Fitzwilliam family will be arriving with her and the Colonel. It seems that the Earl and Lady Matlock, as well as their eldest son and his wife, Lord and Lady James Fitzwilliam, and their three young children will be arriving today. Our original holiday party of six is now a crowd of seventeen.” Elizabeth put a trembling hand upon the arm of Mrs. Reynolds. “Do you think we can accommodate so many people?”