Decisions

by Ola Wegner

  Elizabeth smiled. “He is a very charming man. I like him.”

  “Well?” he asked.

  “There is a blond man with slightly longer hair. I do believe that they refer to him as Joe?”

  “Are you certain?”

  She nodded. “What are you going to do with him?”

  “Nothing. I shall have him watched. Let us hope that he is innocent and his only fault is romancing one of the kitchen maids.”

  “What about the stolen horses?”

  “I still hope that they shall be found. For those who took them, it would not be easy to sell those horses in Derbyshire. Everyone should recognize them as coming from Pemberley. I do believe that they are still somewhere in the neighbourhood, but before long the thieves will have to move them to another county to sell them there.”

  “Has anything like that happened before?”

  Darcy shook his head. “Never. I truly do not know what to think of this.”

  ***

  Elizabeth woke up to a darkened room. Her first thought was that it was the middle of the night, but when she saw the stream of daylight seeping through the gap between the curtains, she knew that it had to be closer to the morning. Careful not to disturb Darcy, she climbed out of the bed. She put on the robe and stepped behind the curtain, careful not to allow too much light inside the room.

  She yawned, rubbing the remnants of sleep from her eyes. The sun was rising over the snowbound Pemberley. The world was truly beautiful outside but cold. Freezing air was coming through the window. She closed the curtains and returned to the bed.

  She sat on the edge, looking at Darcy. He slept on his stomach, as was his custom. He’d returned home quite late last evening. He had been gone for two days, travelling to an estate situated more than twenty miles away from Pemberley. He had searched for the missing horses but failed to find them. Last night he had been so fatigued that he had retired immediately after dinner.

  His peaceful face began showing signs of upset. He was dreaming.

  “Shush,” she whispered, touching his cheek with the back of her hand. “Rest.”

  “Elizabeth,” he murmured her name. “Stay. Stay with me.”

  “I am here,” she assured him.

  His eyes opened, meeting hers.

  She removed her robe and lay next to him. Darcy drew her into his body, his arms firmly encircling her midsection.

  Soon Elizabeth felt him relaxing and falling back to sleep. She pulled the covers higher over both of them and closed her eyes, her breathing matching the one of the man spooning behind her.

  ***

  Elizabeth was walking down the road leading from Lambton to Pemberley. Usually she preferred to take more adventurous routes through the field and pastures. Due to the heavy snowfall in the recent days, it was rather challenging to step off the beaten track today.

  She felt icy air pinching her cheeks but she did not feel cold. She reminded herself of the way her husband had woken her up this morning. The surge of warmth spread through her body at the memory of him worshipping her body. She was becoming addicted to their lovemaking. Within such a short time he had woken within her desires which she had not been aware she possessed.

  Elizabeth saw the rider coming down the road. Wisely she stepped to the side, waiting for the man to gallop past her.

  The man brought his mount to a stop and dismounted. Then he walked purposely to her. Only when he removed his hat did she recognise him.

  “Colonel Fitzwilliam!” she exclaimed, a large smile stretching her features.

  “It is a pleasure to see you, Mrs Darcy,” he said, bowing deeply in front of her.

  “As I am pleased to see you,” she assured. “Mr Darcy did not mention to me that you were coming for a visit.”

  “He is not aware of it, but I hope that I am welcomed.”

  “It is unkind of you to jest in such a way with me. You know that you are always most welcome. Georgiana and Mr Darcy always speak of you with great fondness.”

  “What about you, Mrs Darcy? I hope that I have your good opinion as well.”

  “You do, you know that you do,” she spoke with sincerity. “I do believe that you are the only relative of Mr Darcy whom I can consider a friend.”

  He looked straight into her eyes. “You certainly can. Shall we walk together to the house?” he asked.

  “With pleasure.”

  They began to walk towards the house with Colonel Fitzwilliam’s horse stepping slowly behind them.

  Elizabeth smiled at him as he gazed upon her.

  “May I ask how are you enjoying Pemberley, Mrs Darcy?” the man asked.

  “I cannot imagine a person who would not enjoy it,” she said. “Never did I presume that I would be mistress of a house which people come to tour in the summer.”

  “Life brings us many surprises, some more welcome than others,” he offered.

  She met his eye. “It certainly does.”

  They walked in silence for a while before he spoke again. “I can see that your love for long walks has not changed.”

  “There is so much here to explore. I am restricted, though. Mr Darcy does not wish me to go much farther beyond the park, especially in winter.”

  “He is correct. The woods around Pemberley can be unsafe; it is quite easy to wander off and get lost in them.”

  “I cannot wait for summer. Mr Darcy promised me that we would go farther into the woods and across the hills.”

  “You shall see many enchanting views there, I am certain.”

  They came to stand on the top of the hill which presented to them a lovely panorama of Pemberley.

  “This view always takes my breath away,” Colonel Fitzwilliam commented. He tore his eyes from the sights and his blue eyes rested on Elizabeth. “I forgot to tell you that I am coming with news. My father invites you, Georgiana and Darcy to join us at Matlock Castle for Christmas.”

  “Truly?”

  “You seem surprised,” he observed.

  “I am. Are you certain that your father wishes to include me in his invitation?”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared sincerely astonished with her question. “He does. Why should he not?”

  “I am not the perfect candidate for Mrs Darcy, at least according to Lady Catherine de Bourgh,” she revealed to him with an uneasy smile.

  “And you thought that my father shared that opinion? Father and Aunt Catherine never saw eye to eye. He was always much closer to his younger sister, Anne, Darcy’s mother. I can assure you that no discomfort shall meet you at Matlock Castle. My father wishes for Darcy to be happy. He was concerned over him after the death of his parents.”

  Elizabeth felt a little lighter and more optimistic after Colonel Fitzwilliam’s assurance. She looked back at the house, contrasting sharply against the snowy countryside. Darcy’s family wished for him to find happiness in his marriage. Was she making him happy?

  ***

  Elizabeth walked into the library. It was a lovely room, filled with the books from floor to ceiling. Unlike other stately homes, the bookshelves were painted a light cream colour, while the walls were a pale shade of turquoise. Elizabeth had been told that this unlikely set of colours was the result of Lady Anne’s taste. Mrs Reynolds told her that while Lady Anne had been carrying Master Fitzwilliam, she thought that it would be sound to remodel the library in much bolder colours. Afterwards, she was said to regret the changes, founding them much too bright, but her husband thought that the cost of another remodel was too high and rather pointless.

  Elizabeth did not mind blue walls and white furniture. She found the décor refreshing, and it was one of her favourite rooms in the house.

  She sat behind the smaller desk which had been brought here for her personal use. She could see that there was a not-so-small pile of letters awaiting her. She decided that she would read the letters from friends and family first before reaching for the others.

  She broke the seal of her mother’s letter first. Mrs Bennet
was not fond of letter writing, thus Elizabeth was rather surprised to receive another letter from her in one month.

  The letter contained much gossip and one bit of interesting news. Mr Bingley had reopened Netherfield, planning to stay there permanently until the summer. According to Mrs Bennet, he was also courting Jane again. Elizabeth reread the paragraph concerning Mr Bingley twice. Could it be possible that there was still a chance for Jane to find happiness with Mr Bingley?

  Although Mr Bingley had been present at her wedding to Darcy, Elizabeth had not noticed him and Jane interacting. Nevertheless, it easily might have changed in the last months. Jane was not one to fall in and out of love easily. Yesterday Elizabeth had read a letter from Jane and her sister mentioned nothing of Mr Bingley. Had he been truly courting her, Elizabeth should have heard it from Jane herself and not their mother. Perhaps Mrs Bennet had been wrong after all? Perhaps it was only wishful thinking on her part? Elizabeth could not blame her mother if she had evaluated the situation wrongly. Both Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet wished for Jane to settle down with a worthy man

  Elizabeth sighed. She wondered whether she should try to write to Jane about it. She did not wish to upset her. What if Mr Bingley had returned to Netherfield but only to enjoy some quiet time in the country? She had to learn the truth. She locked the letters in the drawer of her desk and went in search of her husband.

  Elizabeth knew that Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy had some plans for today, but she was not entirely certain what they were. She expected to find them in the stables. She learned from one of the footmen that Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were in the ballroom. Elizabeth found it rather odd. The ballroom was rarely used, particularly in winter, when there were no tourists coming to Pemberley. The curtains were drawn and the furniture was covered with white sheets. Darcy mentioned to her that they would have to refresh the room once Georgiana would have her first ball as part of her coming out. But it would not happen until the next year.

  As Elizabeth was approaching the ballroom, she heard sounds which were very unusual.

  On entering, she saw Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam fencing. Elizabeth had read descriptions of duels in books, but it was her first opportunity to see sword fighting with her own eyes. She watched the men with wide eyes as they moved fast, battling against each other.

  To her disappointment, the fight ended before long. It appeared to her it was Colonel Fitzwilliam who won. The men were breathing heavily but they were pleased. They leaned against another, laughing and patting each other’s back.

  “You are quite out of shape, Cousin,” Colonel Fitzwilliam noted.

  “Perhaps I am,” Darcy agreed.

  “You should have more physical exercise,” the older man advised.

  “I have plenty of it. I can assure you.”

  Elizabeth decided to announce her presence. She cleared her throat.

  Both men saw her at the same moment.

  Darcy approached her first. He put his hand on the small of her back, looking into her eyes.

  “I was looking for you,” she explained quietly. She sniffed the smell of his sweat. She was quite familiar with it, thus it did not bother her in the least.

  “Is something the matter?” he asked.

  “There is something I would like to discuss with you, but it can wait.”

  “Are you certain?”

  She nodded with a smile. “Quite certain. I will leave you alone. It was not my intention to interrupt.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam walked to them.

  “Mrs Darcy, are you willing to join us? I would be more than pleased to show you a few moves.”

  Elizabeth’s smile grew wider. “It is tempting, but no, thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  “Are you certain? I am sure Darcy would have nothing against it.”

  Darcy frowned in displeasure. “It is out of the question,” he said.

  Elizabeth put a calming hand on her husband’s arm, feeling the heat radiating from his body. “Do not fear, Mr Darcy, I have no intention of reaching for a sword. There are other physical pursuits which I prefer.”

  Both men locked their eyes on her. She realized how her words might have sounded to their ears.

  “Such as walking,” she clarified quickly. “I will not be interrupting you any longer,” she said. “Excuse me.”

  She was about to turn on her heel and leave when Darcy leaned down and kissed her directly on the lips.

  It was so very unexpected and unlike him to act like that in front of a stranger, even if that was his own cousin, not to mention the servants which were gathered in the room as well, that she gaped at him in astonishment for a moment.

  Elizabeth felt the scarlet blush spreading down her face and neck.

  As she was walking towards the drawing room, the matter of Mr Bingley and Jane completely deserted her mind. All she could think of was the picture of her husband sword fighting. It was quite a sight.

  Chapter Eleven

  Elizabeth had her head on her husband’s chest as she was snuggled against his side. She was so comfortable that she had no desire to move even one inch away. Darcy’s hand was running up and down her arm and he was kissing her forehead repeatedly.

  That night her husband had loved her so thoroughly that she was having a difficult time keeping her eyes open. She was astonished with his ferocity, particularly since he had been rather active today with his cousin.

  Propping herself up on her elbow, she looked into his face. “Fitzwilliam.”

  Their eyes met.

  “I thought you were sleeping,” he said.

  “I wish to discuss something with you,” she said.

  He cupped her cheek. “I am listening.”

  Elizabeth pulled up the sheets higher upon herself and sat cross-legged in front of him.

  “Today I received a letter from my mother with very interesting news,” she began.

  Darcy’s expression told her to continue.

  “Mama writes that Mr Bingley has returned to Netherfield. Permanently.”

  “And?”

  “Well, do you know anything about it?”

  “Bingley might have mentioned something to me in one of his last letters.”

  “Why did you not mention it to me?”

  “Why should I?”

  She smacked his arm lightly. “You know very well how much I care for Jane’s happiness.”

  He caught her hand in his before she could take it back and pulled her to him.

  “Well?” she demanded, leaning over him. “Did you discuss with Mr Bingley the possibility of his move to Netherfield?”

  “I did not.”

  “You have not?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at him suspiciously.

  “Bingley is his own man. He does not ask my opinion every time he wishes to move home.”

  Elizabeth frowned. She wished for more direct information, but Darcy appeared reluctant to give her such.

  She felt him pulling down at the sheet which separated them, his hand cupping the side of her bosom while his thumb ran over the tip of her breast. She sighed in pleasure.

  “There, my darling,” he whispered. “There are more interesting subjects than Bingley and his move to Netherfield, will you not agree with me?”

  Elizabeth enjoyed his deep kisses as well as his hands caressing her chest. She was about to lie obediently next to him, allowing him to finish what he had just begun, but he pulled her over him.

  Then, quite unexpectedly, he pulled at her thigh, moving her directly over him. As a result of his manoeuvring she was straddling him, her legs bent on both of his sides.

  Elizabeth felt rather unsure, but his kisses and his hands which cupped her swaying bosom soon distracted her.

  She understood his intention when his hands cupped her hips on both sides and moved her over his engorged manhood.

  As she accepted him slowly, instantly she found it peculiar at first, but soon she began to feel more pleasure than ever before. She uttered most unlady
like sounds. She fell onto him spent and pleased beyond all measure.

  “Sleep,” he said, lifting her off him and over onto her side.

  Elizabeth curled into a ball next to him. Despite her exhaustion, there was one thought present on her mind. Was it possible for her sister and Mr Bingley to come together in the future? She would have to wait and see. Time would tell. She would pray for her beloved sister’s happiness.

  ***

  The carriage stopped in front of a tall square-shaped building. It reminded Elizabeth more of a townhouse than a country house. Even its name, Matlock Castle, did not match the way the building presented itself. She felt underwhelmed as the reality did not meet her expectations. She had imagined it to be somehow grander than Pemberley, but it was not. It was situated close to the town of Matlock and was not as secluded as Pemberley. Moreover, the grounds were incomparably smaller and less picturesque, with very visible French influence. There was affluence but no charm to it.

  They entered the foyer and Elizabeth, although rarely nervous in social situations, felt at least a bit uncomfortable and under much pressure. Their coats and hats were taken away. Darcy, Georgiana and Elizabeth walked farther inside the house, led by Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  In the drawing room, Elizabeth was introduced to the Earl of Matlock, his elder son, Viscount Castlereagh, his wife, the viscountess, and their three daughters.

  True to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s earlier assurances, Elizabeth was greeted kindly by everyone. It was apparent to her that everyone at Matlock Castle was fond of Darcy and Georgiana. And Elizabeth as the new Mrs Darcy was to be treated with due respect.

  The very first evening she was singled out by the Earl of Matlock himself, who invited her to take a seat by his side.

  “Tell me, my dear, what is your impression of Derbyshire?” he asked.

  “It is very different than the south of England. Its beauty is more raw and unrestrained. I cannot wait for the spring and summer when I will be able to explore the countryside more.”

  “You must be missing your family.”

  Elizabeth forced a smile. “Yes, I do. I never thought that one day I would live so far from Hertfordshire and the south of the country. Mr Darcy and Georgiana are both very kind to me and I have much to occupy myself with as Mistress of Pemberley.”