“If this is the welcome I can expect, then I must go away more often,” he teased, “Shall we have some tea, I have news to share.”
Sitting in an easy chair next to Georgiana, he waited while she poured them a dish of tea and then accepted his one.
She looked expectantly at him, and it made him feel awkward and self-conscious. Unable to hold her gaze, he toyed with his spoon a moment.
“My dear, do you recall when I stayed with Bingley at his house in the shires last year? I mentioned that I had met the daughter of the local squire?”
“Why, yes, William, Miss Elizabeth Bennet was it not?” she returned softly.
“Err, yes, Miss Bennet,” he confirmed with a cough.
“Well, when I went to Kent to check Aunt Catherine’s estate, I was able to renew our acquaintance. Her friend married Aunt Catherine’s parson and Eliz …” He started to say her name before quickly correcting himself.
“Miss Bennet happened to be paying her an extended visit.” He paused, looking up to gauge her reaction. Had she noticed his slip? Georgiana’s countenance seemed unchanged, although he thought he detected the hint of a smile about her mouth.
“During my free time, I decided to reacquaint myself with some of the walks I enjoyed as a boy. While exploring these paths, I bumped into Miss Bennet, several times actually, and we then decided to explore them together. The parsonage party also enjoyed several excursions to Rosings, for tea or to dine and play cards in the evening. During this time, Miss Bennet and I found that we had much in common,” he paused, wanting to choose his words with care.
“I confess Georgiana, the time we spent together made my visit to Rosings considerably more bearable. You know how condescending Lady Catherine can be, and her continued nonsense about Anne and I being betrothed.”
He paused again. Why was he finding it so difficult to tell her, she was his sister after all? Just get to the point for goodness sake, he scolded himself.
“Well, the point I am trying to get to dearest, is that I found Miss Bennet’s reception to my company most welcoming, and after much consideration, I asked her to be my wife. She has accepted me, and we are engaged.”
A wave of relief washed over him, and he looked to Georgiana for her reaction. He was not disappointed. Georgiana wore a hearty smile.
Putting down her cup, she rose and threw her arms around him in an exuberant hug.
“I am so happy for you, William; it will be wonderful to have a sister, and how fortunate that you chose that particular time to visit Aunt Catherine,” she said innocently.
Darcy was not sure if there was an undertone to her comment. She could not possibly know he had purposely changed his plans, having found out about Elizabeth’s intended visit … could she?
“You are not surprised by my declaration Georgiana?”
“Oh no brother, I hoped this was the news you wanted to share with me, I am delighted for you both. When will I meet her, and will you be wed here in the Pemberley chapel?” she asked gaily.
“Explain if you please,” he said raising a quizzical eyebrow.
“It was obvious William; whenever you spoke of Miss Bennet, your voice became, well wistful. Then in one of your letters, you told me she was beautiful. I knew then that this was someone special. The fact that Miss Bennet accepted you does not surprise me at all, for you are the very best of men, dear brother.”
If he had been so transparent, so unguarded that even Georgiana had correctly interpreted the signs, who else had arrived at the same conclusion, he wondered? Not wanting to dwell on this thought, he decided to respond to her earlier questions.
“To answer your question, Georgiana, we are to be married in the church at Meryton, three weeks hence; that is why I have come home, I could not get married without my Georgie at my side, now could I?” he said, confirming the place she held in his heart.
“We will leave directly after breakfast tomorrow. I have arranged lodgings along the way, and we should be in Hertfordshire in three days. I trust you received my note, and all the preparations are complete?” he asked.
“The wedding is in only three weeks, but why so soon William? I will not have time to arrange a visit to town or have a new dress made.”
“I see no point in a long engagement, and Miss Bennet agrees with me. Besides, I am eager to spend Christmas at Pemberley; we can enjoy a pre-honeymoon, honeymoon.” And he smiled at the prospect of Elizabeth’s first Christmas in her new home.
“I see,” she said quietly, “Well, all is ready for our visit to Mr Bingley’s, and I will try to select something suitable to wear from my wardrobe. Though I should have liked something not previously seen by Miss Bingley, she can be so very cutting with her remarks.”
Darcy detected a slight tremor in her voice and quickly spoke to reassure her, “Do not fret Georgiana, I anticipated your needs and have already arranged for Mrs Simmons and her assistant to travel from town and await your instruction. I hope this is acceptable?”
Darcy’s reward was to see her countenance instantly brighten, along with a kiss on the cheek and another tight embrace. He smiled as he watched her return to her seat.
She refreshed his cup and passed it back to him before refilling her own. He looked at her, perched on the edge of her seat looking every inch a lady of quality. How she had grown, clearly no longer a child, but a young woman.
Once tea was finished, Darcy left Georgiana to practice her music. Noting there was quite some time before dinner, he decided to address some of the neglected correspondence. McFayden, his advisor, always put items that needed his direct attention on his desk. Non-urgent business was put into one of the many labelled folders on a side table. These he could deal with at a more sedate pace. Now, though, with quill in hand and ink ready, the waiting paper remained blank. Something kept pulling his mind back to the conversation he’d just had with Georgiana. Recalling all they had discussed, he still felt something was amiss, something concerning Elizabeth.
He was accustomed to having an orderly life and mind, and it was most vexing that something was eluding him. Deciding his head was not attuned to letter writing, he rose and went to the window. He looked out at the garden, now barely visible in the fading light, and admired the diligence of the groundsmen. It was their hard work kept Pemberley looking so magnificent and the envy of many people. All had been made ready for the expected harsh winter, with bushes pruned, perennials lifted, and hedges trimmed. Further afield, the young saplings that were planted in the spring to replace any felled trees would now be coddled. And finally, the vast lawns would have been raked and cleared of moss, all ready for spring re-seeding. Yes, all was ready for winter, and a new mistress, he thought. Realising he must inform the Reynolds of his impending nuptials, he summoned them to his library, although he suspected Fletcher had probably regaled all below stairs with the details by now. Darcy merely advised them that he was to be married, and after the wedding, they would return to Pemberley for Christmas and the New Year. He advised Mrs Reynolds, which suite of rooms to prepare, namely the ones adjoining his own. Then would she kindly make a list of capable applicants from the female staff wishing to become Elizabeth’s personal maid. Then gratefully and with thanks, he accepted their happy felicitations before they returned to their duties.
He sighed, if he intended to be away for nigh on another month, he must make a start on this paperwork. He sat at his desk and again took up his quill.
With only Darcy and Georgiana in residence, dinner was an intimate affair. Afterwards, they retired to the music room where Georgiana played the pianoforte for Darcy. As the soothing music washed over him, Darcy felt the effects of his hasty journey north and lack of sleep, and he welcomed it when the clock chimed nine. He reminded Georgiana of their early start and then bade her sleep well.
Remembering he had dismissed Fletcher for the evening, he shrugged out of his jacket and laid it over a chair arm. During dinner, he had spoken to Georgiana about giving Elizabeth their mother�
��s betrothal ring, which she had bequeathed to him. Most of her personal jewellery was to go to Georgiana, but all the family heirlooms had come to Darcy, to keep, or to dispose of, at his will. Happily, she had agreed and thought it a wonderful idea. He would retrieve it from the safe in the morning. He half-filled an exquisitely cut glass with brandy and then pulled his chair nearer the fire. Taking a sip, he felt the amber liquid trail a path of warmth down his throat; soon, the feeling of tiredness washed over him again as the alcohol, a full stomach and the warmth from the fire acted together. He may be younger, but he realised he needed his rest just as much as Fletcher. Putting the glass down, he untied his neckcloth and tossed it towards the chair. It fell short and dropped to the floor in a snowy heap. Not wishing to incur Fletcher’s tut, tutting at his disregard for fine cloth, he leant forward to retrieve the errant item. As he twisted out of his chair and onto one knee, it hit him. THAT was it. What a fool he was! When they were at the parsonage, and the odious Mr Collins had discovered them locked in their amorous embrace, Darcy had informed him that Elizabeth had accepted his proposal. But that was just it, she had never actually said yes!
CHAPTER 14
Darcy leant forward and put his head in his hands. How could he have been so stupid? He was trying to change, to be the kind of man whom Elizabeth would want to marry, be proud to marry. Yet in his arrogance and conceit, he had assumed she would acquiesce to his offer of protection and even be glad of it. Oh, she had agreed to his version of events, but only through necessity, nothing else. Having instigated the encounter, he should have dealt with the subsequent outcome better. The truth was, he had been taught good principles as a child, only to be left to follow them with pride and conceit. It was never more evident, than now.
“God’s teeth!” he bellowed, rising from his chair.
He paced the room with agitated steps. What was he to do? Obviously, he must rectify it as quickly as possible, for unless Elizabeth confirmed her willingness to be his wife, how their engagement came about would forever taint their relationship.
Running his fingers through his hair, Darcy caught sight of his reflection; he stared back at the man in the mirror. His hair was in disarray, and he had dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep, both a visible reminder of how exhausted he was. He sighed deeply; in essence, the solution was simple. He must ask Elizabeth again. This time, he would not insult her or recite the obstacles he had overcome, and he most certainly would not refer to the difference in their social standing. The emotional and mental struggle had been his alone. He knew society was fickle, and though the Ton might censure them initially, it would only last until the next scandal came along. If Elizabeth would have him, then he would have Elizabeth. He would lay bare his heart and pray she would accept it. The possibility that she might refuse him was acknowledged, but their recent encounters gave him reason to hope. Another wave of tiredness engulfed him, and he knew he must rest. Naked, he wearily climbed between the soft sheets and let sleep claimed him.
Elizabeth shut the door behind her and started to close the space between them, the fragrant scent of lavender preceding her. Darcy drank in the vision of loveliness before him. Her hair, now free of all constraints, cascaded over her shoulders in soft tendrils. From his fireside chair, he could make out the desire in her eyes and a seductive smile on her cherry lips. Kneeling before him, she stretched up to caress his face before reaching for his loosened cravat, which she cast aside with gusto. Placing her hands on his chest, she let them slowly travel over the contours of his firm torso, ensuring her fingers lingered over his nipples before continuing down to his navel. Her touch wreaked havoc with his self-control. Unable to remain passive any longer, he pushed the chair back and knelt on the floor before her. He was brutally aware that it was not the heat from the library fire that warmed him but his desire to possess her that seared through his veins. As she continued to slowly unbutton his shirt, he entwined his fingers through her mass of luminous curls. He gave it a gentle pull, forcing her to tilt her chin up, bringing their gaze level. How beautiful she was. She searched his face for a second and then slowly teased his shirt apart. She boldly placed kisses and nibbled on his exposed skin, making his breath catch in his throat. The trail of fire ignited by her lips heightened his desire. Pulling her to closer him, he savoured the feeling as their bodies moulded together. He tugged her head back again, and with a desperate hunger took possession of her mouth, welcoming her attempt to match his urgency. Letting his hands wander over the soft curves of her hips and buttocks, he felt her tremble with anticipation. Lifting his eyes, he wanted to savour the innocent passion on her face; instead, he found one of wanton invitation. In one effortless move, he twisted them around until they sank down onto the soft rug before the flames. Looking down at her welcoming smile and outstretched arms, he murmured her name.
“Elizabeth.”
She pulled him even closer and asked seductively, “Have you waited long for me William?”
His need to possess her was now all-consuming, but not before he huskily replied, “All my life Elizabeth, all my life.”
“Oh, I beg your pardon, Mr Darcy, when I heard you talking, I thought you were about sir,” Fletcher said apologetically as he entered his master’s bedchamber.
“Shall I come back, sir?” Darcy shook his head.
“No, Fletcher, wait in the dressing room, and I will come through momentarily, just give me a moment to come to my senses.”
Fletcher gave a small nod and then disappeared into the adjoining room to lay out Darcy’s shaving articles.
Another dream, Darcy thought woefully, so vivid he found himself still aroused. Recalling every detail, he suffered the unfulfilled longing yet again. The effect this woman had on him was both frightening and marvellous. Having regained control over his body, he summoned Fletcher back to his side.
“Are we all secure for a nine o’clock departure, the trunks are loaded? And my sister, has she been roused? I want no delay to our journey.”
“Yes sir, every detail has been attended to.”
Fletcher sniffed haughtily; as if Mr Darcy had to tell him his job! Yes, the sooner his master and the lovely Miss Bennet were married the better. He had observed his master’s moods change drastically when not within an easy distance of her, and not for the better, either. Fletcher heartily approved of Mr Darcy’s engagement to the captivating Miss Bennet. Though to ease his own mind, he had made discreet enquiries of the servants at Longbourn, Netherfield and Hunsford. He had seen many a fortune-hunting mama throw their daughter in the path of Mr Darcy. As a good and loyal gentleman’s gentleman, he considered it his duty to check for skeletons in their past. He could warn his master if need be. So, with a softer edge to his voice, Fletcher asked,
“Are you ready for your shave now sir?”
Darcy nodded his assent and followed him back into the dressing room.
When Fletcher had finished both shaving and dressing him, Darcy joined Georgiana for breakfast. Having ensured she was ready to leave promptly, he made his way to the library to retrieve the ring he wanted to present to Elizabeth. Carefully, he lifted it out of the rosewood box his mother had placed it in all those years ago. Slipping it from its velvet pouch, he wondered, would she have approved of his choice?
Anne Darcy and her only son had enjoyed a close relationship. Normally, after the birth, a mother was expected to hand over their child to nannies and tutors; however, Anne disapproved of this practice and was involved in all aspects of her child’s upbringing. She had an infectious vivacity for life, coupled with a lively wit and a love of laughter. They spent many hours together, conversing and debating on a variety of subjects or playing games such as backgammon or Loo. She was a compassionate and thoughtful woman, always thinking of others, and even when she knew the end was inevitable, she refused to succumb to self-pity. When she died, the life and love at Pemberley seemed to die with her. Darcy thought Elizabeth had many of these qualities and hoped she would restore the h
armony at Pemberley once more. Yes; he thought, as he popped the pouch into his waistcoat pocket, Mama would have liked Elizabeth very well.
They left Pemberley on the strike of nine, with Darcy and Georgiana in the first carriage and Fletcher, Mrs Annesley and Georgiana’s maid in the second. Their trunks had already gone on ahead. Darcy had decided any other servants needed while in the country would be sourced from the local villages. He hoped to impress Mrs Bennet by using her recommendations. The return journey would be at a more sedate pace for the ladies' comfort, even so, the next three days would seem an eternity to him until he was once more at Elizabeth’s side.
Georgiana had brought a book and her sewing to help pass the time, when not employed with either of these, she would ask Darcy for news from London. Often, they would both lapse into silence and admire the passing scenery. Darcy was grateful his sister was not obsessing about Elizabeth, unfortunately for him, she had never been far from his thoughts.
Now only a few miles from Netherfield, he was still at a loss as to what to say to her. He had composed a dozen scenarios over the last three days then decided none would suit.
As the carriage came to a halt at the steps of Netherfield, Charles stepped forward to greet them.
“Darcy, Miss Darcy, it is so good to have you at Netherfield,” cried Bingley with a smile of genuine pleasure.
“Miss Darcy it has been too long, I hope you are well,” he continued, giving her a welcoming bow.
“Thank you, Mr Bingley, I am quite well.”
Georgiana curtsied and proffered her hand to accept his salute. Darcy was pleased to see she still felt at ease in Bingley’s presence and also moved forward to greet him.
“It’s good to see you Charles, and how is the fair Miss Bennet?” he asked, half serious, half teasing.
“Wonderful Darcy, just wonderful,” he replied as a flush of pink crept over his collar. “But you will see for yourself, tonight. I have invited Jane and Miss Elizabeth to dine with us. An intimate gathering to introduce Miss Darcy to our intended, I hope you both approve?” he asked, turning to giving Georgiana a slight nod in acceptance of her smile of gratitude.
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