by Kate Speck
“You are quite prejudiced against those not of your circle, Darcy. I can only be grateful that you accepted me as your friend and are tolerant of my family.” Bingley curtly retorted.
“Bingley, I meant no offense.” Darcy bashfully apologized. “You have been a great friend to me for years and you know it matters naught that your origins are more humble than what I am used to. You were a steady help to me after my father passed and I am truly grateful to you for our friendship.”
Not being one to stay in a foul mood for long, Bingley immediately forgave him and smiled. “As long as you can tolerate me and my family, I will certainly forgive you of all your taciturn moods.”
“I can tolerate you and your sister Louisa just fine, Bingley. Even Hurst, to a certain extent, but your other sister…” Darcy shuddered dramatically.
Bingley burst out laughing. “Hahaha! Well, I can barely tolerate Caroline and she is my own sister! Between Louisa and myself, we had hoped she would get over her fantasy of being Mrs. Darcy but she is as stubborn as ever. I hope she marries soon. I need to have her out of my home for good.”
The carriage soon stopped at the encampment for the officers’ dinner, and the gentlemen focused their attentions to the prominent landowners to discuss the militia arriving this week.
Chapter 7
“It is most dreadful, Mr. Darcy! You will never guess what has happened!” Caroline Bingley fluttered as soon as he and Bingley stepped foot into Netherfield’s foyer, sodden with the torrential rain that was coming down in sheets outside.
“Calm yourself, Caroline! We barely made it home and narrowly avoided running over the large ditch that the rain washed off down the driveway. Thankfully Hutchins avoided rolling right over it and we did not tip over. It could have killed us!” Bingley hollered.
“Well, listen to me, Charles!” Miss Bingley screamed. “Miss Bennet arrived in her carriage when the rain began to fall heavily and Miss Elizabeth, who was on her way to the Lucas’ after seeing her sister here, DID go over that ditch and she injured herself when her carriage tilted and cracked a wheel! Both Bennet ladies are HERE!”
Mrs. Hurst calmly spoke to the group, still standing in the foyer, “Hush now, Caroline. Everything is fine. You are the only one panicking here.” She turned to her brother and his friend, “Welcome back, Charles, Mr. Darcy. Let us go to the sitting room so I can fill you in. Caroline has been completely useless and all she has done was to give confusing directions to the servants who had no idea what she was speaking of.”
They took their seats as Mrs. Hurst ordered for hot baths to be drawn for the men. “Miss Bennet arrived with her sister and when Miss Elizabeth departed to visit her friend, the carriage rolled over the large ditch, making the wheel crack. Mr. Nicholls was efficient in getting the carriage moved to the stables without further damage but Miss Elizabeth had fallen to the side of the carriage and injured her right shoulder. She says it is just a sprain and we have placed a sling for her comfort but she did appear to be in great pain and I have set up guest rooms for her and her sister. A note was sent to Longbourn and Mrs. Bennet replied that the roads there are also washed out and only travelable on horseback. They will need to spend the night and possibly several days longer, as Miss Elizabeth will need a carriage to return home.”
Darcy took in a sharp breath. She is here. She is under this very own roof and perhaps I will be able to have a civil conversation with her at last. His thoughts went to holding her in his arms. I would not mind carrying her on horseback in my arms one bit!
Bingley broke his reverie when he spoke. “And Miss Bennet, is she well? She is not ill or injured?”
Louisa smiled at her brother. She had known he had paid that young lady more attention than others before and she liked Miss Bennet very much. “She is well. Caroline has been asking questions after questions to discover more about her and her family after Miss Elizabeth took to bed to rest but we have been getting along quite well. She is a wonderful lady, Charles.” She approved.
Caroline decided to have her share of conversation. “Well, Miss Bennet told us that her mother’s father was a solicitor and that she has an uncle in Meryton who is also a solicitor. She also has another uncle in Cheapside who is in TRADE!” She exclaimed. “Can you imagine such connections?! And she spoke of her 5,000-pound dowry from her mother as if it is the largest in this godforsaken county. They are certainly not worth our notice! Can you imagine knowing such a family in town?” She scoffed.
“If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside,” cried her brother, “it would not make them one jot less agreeable.”
“But their chance of marrying men of any consideration in the world must be lessened with such connections, Bingley.” Darcy firmly stated.
Uncles in trade, 5,000 a year. With three daughters, it totals 15,000, which is only half of Georgiana’s dowry. They are not destitute but considerably poorer than what I require in a wife. Darcy shook his head. He could not understand why he continued to look upon Miss Elizabeth as a future partner.
“Well, I intend to get to know Miss Bennet better while she is here. Louisa, please ensure that they are given everything they require for their comfort. Has Mr. Jones been requested for Miss Elizabeth?” Bingley asked.
“Yes, Charles. Mr. Jones already looked over her and gave her a small drop of laudanum for her pain. Miss Bennet has been sitting with her for the past half hour and will most likely retire soon. I will make sure the ladies are comfortable here, brother.” Louisa generously replied.
Soon, the ladies departed to check on their guests and Bingley poured Darcy a glass of port.
“I hope you will be cordial to our guests, Darcy. I know you frown upon everyone who is so considerably lower than yourself but I believe they are worth knowing. You must let go of your prejudice against those not of your circles and get to know them better.” Bingley took a sip of his beverage.
“I am not prejudiced!” Darcy defended himself. “I am just very aware of… my place in society.” Darcy muttered.
“Yes, and you let everyone around you know it, Darcy!” Bingley chuckled. “Perhaps if my angel becomes my wife, you will be generous with her as you are with me.”
Darcy smiled, “When you marry a worthy woman of your dreams, Charles,” he called his friend by his given name, “I promise to not only be generous, but do all within my power to help promote her as Mrs. Bingley. As long as she is deserving of you, my friend, I only wish for your happiness.”
The men turned in for the night, both curious what the next day will bring with two lovely ladies in the same household.
Chapter 8
Elizabeth awoke abruptly and did not know where she was for several moments. She looked around and slowly realized that it was the middle of the night and that she was in one of the Netherfield guest rooms and remembered her injury. Her shoulder was smarting something fierce with movement but she took several breaths and held her arm close to her side. The small candle was still burning next to her and she looked around to see if anyone was in the room.
Finding herself alone and being completely awake now, she wondered if there might be a book that she could read. Seeing her bedside table empty other than a cup of water and candle, she sighed.
I suppose I can go to the library and bring something up quickly. She thought. She was wearing only her chemise and she carefully stood to wrap herself with a shawl at the foot of the bed.
She gingerly walked the familiar path to the Netherfield library and recalled being here as a child, when she had been friends with the daughter of the previous owner from years ago, and smiled at the recollection. Mr. Morris had purchased Netherfield about three years ago and he and his son had only lived here for only one year and Jane’s heart had been broken when they departed and leased out their property.
Elizabeth saw that the fire was still burning in the library when she entered it quietly. Seeing no one about, she lifted her candle to look for a volume of poetry in the nearly bare s
helves of the library. She noted an empty glass and a book on the table near the fireplace and lifted up the small leather-bound publication to read the title. It was the newest edition of Wordsworth that she had wished to read and she smiled in excitement to find such a treasure here. She embraced it and tucked it into her sling to hold onto it, when her shawl fell down with the movement.
“Miss Elizabeth,” a voice called out, making her jump back a foot in surprise.
Elizabeth looked up and saw a dark figure entering the lighted area of the library and recognized it as Mr. Darcy.
“Mr. Darcy! What are you doing here? How long have you been lurking in the shadows? You gave me a serious fright, sir!” She reprimanded him.
Darcy could only smile, as he watched her hand on her full chest to calm herself, and her bosoms were heaving up and down from the shock. She was wearing only a thin layer of dress and with the fire behind her, he could see the outline of her luscious figure, making his imaginations pale in comparison to the flesh and blood Elizabeth Bennet standing before him.
He drew closer, standing only inches away from her, and inhaled her scent. She smelled of lavender and mint and he was so stimulated by her nearness that he wondered how it would feel to make love to her on the chair. Hearing her gasp, though, he was quickly alerted to his ungentlemanly thoughts and bent down to retrieve her shawl.
Darcy opened her covering and slowly wrapped it around her, intentionally taking his time and touching her shoulders and arms after nearly embracing her. With his hands still holding the front of the shawl, his fingers conspicuously near her décolletage, he whispered to her, "I apologize for startling you, Miss Elizabeth. I must have fallen asleep and I only just realized you were here… with me… quite alone." He drew himself even closer and could not take any more. He leaned in and dipped his head to taste her lips. But before his lips could meet hers, he felt her hand pushing him away.
“What do you think you are doing, Mr. Darcy?!” Elizabeth hissed.
Darcy colored, realizing he wanted to conjugate with this young lady more than anything else he had ever wanted, without a betrothal or even an understanding. “I apologize, Miss Elizabeth. I did not mean to offend you and I have never acted so before.” He backed away slightly and looked into her eyes to seek her forgiveness.
Elizabeth, who was an innocent, knew the ways of the world and could see that Mr. Darcy had been interested in her since the dinner at Lucas Lodge. He had always approached her for conversation and stared at her whenever she was within his sights at various gatherings. Perhaps he finds me tolerable enough but I will not forget that he insulted Jane most cruelly a month ago. She thought. He is so handsome, though. Arrogant and conceited, but so attractive.
“So, you find me handsome enough to tempt you?” Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and teased him.
"Oh, you have no idea, Elizabeth. So tempting; beyond what I ever thought possible. You are very beautiful." Darcy quickly drew her into his arms and kissed her fervently. He coaxed her lips to open and delved his tongue inside her mouth, and soon they were fighting for control, each desiring to overpower the other with their passion.
Elizabeth had been surprised with how much she had enjoyed her first kiss. This stoic gentleman, who had irritated her to no end, was kissing her ardently and she could not believe she was returning it in full measures. She released a moan while grasping his hair with her good hand, as he held her tightly in his embrace and began to rub his lower body against her abdomen.
Upon hearing Elizabeth's moan, Darcy quickly flew out of his fervor and realized he was close to taking this maiden's virtue. He desperately wished to make her his without the sanctity of marriage and ravish her in this very spot, but knowing that she lacked the qualification to be Mrs. Darcy, he grunted and released her from his grip.
“Damn it, Elizabeth. Why do you have to be so tempting? I cannot marry someone like you and your father will kill me if I dally with you.” He looked up and down at her, from her fine eyes to her delectable figure, “How dare you torture an honorable young man with your arts and allurements like this?”
Elizabeth scoffed, “Me? You dare accuse me of torturing you? YOU KISSED ME!” She cried out. Realizing she might draw the attentions of a servant or someone else in the household to their private meeting, she lowered her voice and continued, “You tried to compromise me and took advantage of an injured young woman looking for a book. I do not know why I returned your kisses but whatever generous thought I had of you for that one moment has been quickly vanquished. You may continue to scowl at me and be your arrogant self, Mr. Darcy. We shall never talk of this and you will not touch me again!”
Elizabeth turned to leave but her shawl fell down again and with a growl, she bent down to retrieve it.
Darcy was quicker and reached for it first with his long arm, once again gathering it around her shoulders and wrapping her small body in his embrace. "I wish for nothing more than to touch you and make you mine. But I will be a gentleman and try to restrain myself. If only I could have you, Elizabeth…" He kissed her intensely once more and quickly left her standing in the library alone.
Elizabeth huffed in frustration and grabbed the candlelight to dash to her rooms. Once inside the safety of her room, she sat on the bed and grazed her lips with her fingers, as she recalled the feeling of Mr. Darcy's strong mouth and tongue on hers. She had never been so affected before and was mortified that she had enjoyed it so much. I cannot believe I was so wanton with that man. I should not have allowed it and if I had my right arm free, I should have slapped him.
She looked down at her sling and remembered that she had placed the poetry volume inside it. She carefully lifted the book from the sling and inspected the cover. She opened the book and saw the bookplate with a distinctive name, ‘Fitzwilliam Darcy’ written inside it.
Elizabeth ran her fingers through the even, masculine writing and thought of Mr. Darcy again. He said he could not marry someone like me. Perhaps he is a rake and desired me for his physical needs and that is all. Perhaps he acted out of character because he had too much to drink. She licked her lips and tasted the brandy that his lips had left behind. Good lord, I hope he was just drunk and will not remember any of it in the morning. Yes; I will not think of it further and he will leave me alone. I must get home and away from that tempting man as quickly as possible!
Chapter 9
“How are you feeling, Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Bingley enthusiastically greeted the Bennet sisters. “It is a pleasure to see you here, Miss Bennet.” He smiled.
Jane blushed and nodded while Elizabeth returned his smile. “I am feeling well, Mr. Bingley. Thank you for your staff’s excellent care. Where are your sisters? I must thank them for their hospitality.”
“My sisters are used to town hours and are still abed. I hope the rooms were to your satisfaction.” Bingley answered.
Elizabeth smiled, “Yes, it was most comfortable. Except for needing to fetch a book during the night, I rested very well and my shoulder is healing quickly.” She looked at Darcy discreetly, who was sitting across from her, to see if he recalled their interlude in the library. She noted no change in his demeanor and shrugged her shoulders. He must have been drunk and does not remember a thing. A drunk and a rake. What was I thinking to return his kisses? Why does he have to be so intelligent and handsome? She chastised herself but quickly returned to converse with Mr. Bingley and Jane.
Their exchange was interrupted when the butler announced a visitor. Mr. Bennet entered, his hair damp from the storm still raging outside, but he quickly hugged his daughters.
“Jane, Lizzy! It is good to see you, daughters. Oh, Lizzy, let me take a look at your arm. Are you well, child?” He asked in concern.
Seeing the family reuniting before them, Bingley and Darcy quickly excused themselves to the sitting room.
“I am fine, papa. It was most unfortunate that Wilson did not see the ditch and I was unseated roughly, but Mrs. Hurst has been a wonderful hostess a
nd Mr. Jones saw me yesterday. I just have to keep it in a sling for a week and I will be right as a sunny day.” Looking outside the window and seeing the sheets of water still falling from the sky, she said, “Perhaps I should say, right as rain.” She laughed.
Mr. Bennet relaxed, as he saw his favorite daughter glimmer with joy, and turned his eyes to Jane. “And Jane, my dear, are you well? Have the Bingleys been treating you well? Your mama thinks he is the one.” He grinned.
Jane blushed and softly smiled. “Miss Bingley has been asking a lot of questions but they have been very kind. I have not had a chance to speak much with Mr. Bingley but I do hope to get to know him better.”
Elizabeth, knowing her sister so well, knew that this was as close to a confession of being in love with that gentleman and beamed. She asked her father about their mother and Mary and soon joined the gentlemen in the sitting room.
“Mr. Bingley, I apologize for the imposition but it appears that I will need to ask you to host my daughters for another night or two. I spoke with both of our stewards this morning and the roads are impassable by carriage and the bridge is completely washed out. Thankfully for us, the militia has just arrived and has been assisting those in the flooded areas, but any repairs that are needed cannot begin until the rain lets up and it has been torrential. If it were only Jane, she could easily ride horseback to return home but I dare not take Lizzy with her shoulder injury.” Mr. Bennet commented.
Bingley grinned broadly, “It is no imposition at all, sir. I will be more than honored to be of service and host your lovely daughters for as long as it is needed. My sisters are pleased with the extra company,” he ignored Darcy’s snort, “and it will make us a merry party through these stormy days.”