by Linda Wells
“I know that she is not out, Darcy. But she wanted to see you and greet Elizabeth. You will not see her again for quite some time. She will not be staying for dinner.” Lady Matlock assured him.
“I am glad that I will not, William, all of these people are far too intimidating.” Georgiana looked around the room nervously.
“I am afraid that next year, you will not have a choice.” He looked to Elizabeth, “Fortunately, we both have someone to help us through these social obligations now.” He smiled at her and kissed her hand.
She gave his arm a squeeze. “I will do my best, William, but tonight, I am afraid that I am just as nervous as Georgiana!”
“Congratulations Mrs. Darcy, welcome to the family!” Richard took her hand and bestowed a kiss. “We are looking forward to hearing the story of your wedding!”
Elizabeth looked at Darcy. They had not discussed just what their story would be. “Thank you Colonel, we will be happy to entertain you all with the details, but perhaps we will save that for your first visit to Pemberley.” She looked at him pointedly.
He raised his brows and looked to Darcy, who stared at him just as fiercely. He smirked. “Well, I am sure that I and your children will enjoy hearing it over the years. I have a feeling that it will prove to be fascinating.” He laughed at them exchanging glances. “Mrs. Darcy, now that we are family, I would like you to call me Richard.”
She smiled. “Of course, and you must call me. . .” She looked at Darcy, who had a slight smile on his lips and a very warm glow in his eyes, “Elizabeth.”
Richard looked between them. He knew that some sort of hidden communication had taken place, but had no idea what it was. Whatever it was, the newlyweds were now completely lost in their own world, gazing at each other. “I will be happy to do that, Elizabeth.” Seeing no response he continued. “I say Darcy; married life does seem to agree with you!” Darcy did not take his eyes from hers and his smile widened to expose the hidden dimples. “It certainly does, Cousin.”
Lady Matlock apologized for the absence of her eldest son Mark and his wife Laura. He was overseeing the spring planting at Matlock this year and had left London early. She then began ushering them around the room, making introductions. Elizabeth held her own, performing with an excellent combination of poise and humour to all. Even the ladies who were disappointed in their loss of Darcy gave her grudging respect. She was not accepted by all, but that would have been a miracle. Darcy could not have been more pleased. He did not speak often, allowing her to take the point. They exchanged smiles and glances frequently, and when they could, they removed themselves to corners away from people to laugh and compare notes. It was not until dinner was announced that they were forced to separate. Elizabeth and Darcy were on opposite sides of the table, seated close enough to see but not speak to one another. They both felt the distance keenly. Darcy realized her loss immediately, feeling his protective mask, which he had managed to keep off for most of the evening, coming over him. Elizabeth, much better in social situations and bearing the curious questions of her table mates with aplomb, watched him struggle, and wished so much to be able to sit beside him and hold his hand. The dinner itself was interminable. After nearly three hours, the ladies and gentlemen separated. During all of this time, Elizabeth and Darcy had watched each other, trying to think of ways to escape.
Darcy was sequestered with the gentlemen and was finding their conversation increasingly distasteful. It seemed that their greatest desire was to discuss his marital encounters with Elizabeth, and comment on her beauty. They were not even subtle about it. They knew he never had a mistress, and had not ever seen him visiting the brothels. They noticed that he was a silent listener during certain conversations at the clubs, but he never participated in them. Now they were relentless in their questioning and suggestions. His opinion of society, already rather poor, was declining rapidly. All he wanted to do was find his wife and go home.
Elizabeth was not faring much better. It seemed now that she was married, she was privy to conversations she never knew existed before. The ladies were all interested in her wedding night, and rushed to tell her their own experiences and reassure her that it would soon quiet down when her husband took up with a mistress and left her alone. They assured her that she would only have to tolerate his attentions until he had his heir. She tried to change the subject, but they simply would not let it go. Lady Matlock finally rescued her and brought her over to some more well-behaved women, who spoke of music and travel, but the evening, already stressful, had been ruined by the innuendo of the so-called quality. She hoped the men would return soon.
Elizabeth was standing with a group of women with her back to the door when she felt a large warm hand encompass hers, and a soft whisper in her ear. “Please Lizzy, tell me that you are weary and wish to go home.” She gave the hand a firm squeeze, and turned. There was Darcy, a look of pleading in his deep, brown eyes.
She smiled, “I have been wishing for you to say that for hours.” The look of relief in his face made her laugh. Together they sought out their hosts, and said farewell.
“You cannot leave so early!” Lady Matlock cried.
“Aunt, it is past midnight and we are travelling today. We must go. Remember, we did not know what this evening was going to be. If we had been told, we would have planned our trip differently. As it is, we must go.”
Elizabeth turned to her. “It has been a lovely evening, and we thank you for the invitation, but truly we must be off. You will be bringing Georgiana to Matlock soon?”
Lady Matlock considered her for a moment and smiled at the young woman’s determination to support her husband, “Yes, we will be there in about six weeks or so. We will write to you at Pemberley and let you know our plans. Then you can decide if you wish to come to retrieve her, or we will be happy to bring her to you, the estates are not far apart.”
“That will be fine, Aunt Elaine.” She nudged William.
“Yes, Aunt, thank you for looking after her, and now, goodnight.” He bowed, shook his uncle’s hand, nodded at Richard, who to his displeasure kissed Elizabeth’s cheek, and they departed. When they finally entered the carriage, they both let out long breaths of relief.
“I can see why you have such a tremendous dislike of socializing, William. Are all dinner parties like that?”
“No, actually, that was one of the better experiences, I am sorry to say.” He reached over and pulled her to him, and started nibbling on her neck. “I missed you tonight. I could see you, but I could not touch you, and it was torture.”
“Mmm. All I wanted to do was to find a way to come to your side.” She snuggled into his embrace.
“You certainly made a good impression on the men. All they wished to speak to me about was your comely beauty.” He began running his hands over her arms and lifted her onto his lap.
“And what did you say?” She asked, now suckling his neck and stroking his chest.
“I told no secrets, my love.” He whispered.
“I told none of you either.” She whispered back.
“Do ladies speak of such things?” He asked with surprise.
She shook her head in disbelief. “Apparently they do, since I certainly had an earful of very unwanted advice and reassurance.”
“Reassurance? Of what?”
“That you would end your attentions to me soon and find a mistress. Especially once I produce your heir.”
“Lizzy! I hope that you did not listen to such rubbish!” He was truly upset. “You know that I would never do anything. . .”
“I know, my love, I know.” She kissed him deeply. The carriage arrived at their home, and they swiftly went up the stairs and straight into Darcy’s bedchamber.
ACROSS TOWN, George Wickham read a wedding announcement.
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, son of the late Mr. George and Lady Anne Darcy, of Pemberley, Derbyshire and London is pleased to announce his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennet
, of Longbourn, Hertfordshire.
Thoughtfully, he folded his newspaper. It was time to formulate a new plan.
Chapter 22
“Mr. and Mrs. Darcy! Welcome to Netherfield!” Bingley proclaimed, happily bounding down the stairs as Darcy and Elizabeth exited their carriage.
They exchanged amused glances. “I told you!” He whispered in her ear. “Now you owe me my prize.” He brushed his hand over her behind.
“William!” She whispered, her eyes flashing. “Remind me never to bet with you on the behaviour of your friends again!” She darted her hand out and quickly pinched his backside. He grinned in delight.
Bingley reached them and grabbed Darcy’s hand, wringing it. “Darcy it is so good to see you smiling. Marriage suits you!” He turned to Elizabeth. “And Mrs. Darcy! You are radiant!” He took her hand and kissed it.
They both laughed as they entered the house. “Bingley if this is the reception that you give to visitors; you will be inundated with houseguests.”
“Would you like to go up to your rooms or are you hungry?” He asked eagerly.
Darcy glanced around the hallway. “I am surprised that Miss Bingley is not here acting hostess.”
“Ah, well, she decided to return to town and finish the Season. Louisa and Hurst are still here, though.” Bingley’s smile faded.
Concerned, Elizabeth asked, “Is something wrong, Charles?”
“No, no, my sister did not respond well to the news of your wedding, I am afraid.”
“Oh, I. . .” She looked at Darcy who just had a small smile on his face.
“It is quite all right. Really.” Bingley smiled at her. “It was something that she needed to learn sometime.” He glanced up at Darcy who nodded.
Louisa entered the hallway. She decided that it was best to maintain a relationship with the couple. “Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, may I wish you joy?”
Elizabeth regarded her cautiously, but sensing sincerity, she smiled. “Thank you Mrs. Hurst, we are very happy.”
Darcy, with a longer history of her incivilities to overcome, simply smiled slightly and nodded. “Thank you.”
Charles cleared his throat. “Well, from what I understand, the grand celebration with the neighbours will be tomorrow night. Tonight we are invited for a family dinner. Jane will be coming here for a visit, and then we will all go to Longbourn. That will give you time to rest from your journey.”
Darcy turned to Elizabeth, “Perhaps we should go and rest for awhile, we had little sleep after the party last night, and then you will be refreshed for Jane’s arrival. I am sure that you have much to discuss.” He gave her hand a squeeze.
“Yes, I think that is a good idea, William.” She gave him a small smile.
“Shall I show you to your rooms?” Louisa offered.
“You go ahead, dear. I would like a word with Bingley first.” Darcy kissed her hand. “I will not be long.”
Elizabeth left with Louisa and Darcy followed Bingley to his study. They closed the door and settled into the leather chairs in front of the desk. “Tell me the situation at Longbourn.”
“Well, Mr. Bennet has barely spoken since the wedding. For the first four days he took all of his meals in his library. He finally rejoined the family on Sunday to farewell Miss Lydia.”
“Miss Lydia? Where is she?”
“She was invited to join her friend Mrs. Forster, the wife of Colonel Forster of the militia regiment that was stationed here all winter. They removed to Brighton. Mrs. Bennet said she would doubtless find a husband there since Jane and Elizabeth were so successful on their trip to London.”
Darcy grimaced. “She is quite young, is she not?
“Fifteen I believe, but she is well-chaperoned.”
Darcy thought of Georgiana. “If she is determined a chaperone will not matter. She impressed me as . . .”
“A bit out of control?”
“Young, pretty, fearless, a bad combination. I wonder what Elizabeth’s reaction will be.” He said thoughtfully.
“Jane thought that she would be unhappy.”
“Which means that she will be incensed. Mr. Bennet. . .”
Bingley interrupted. “He has been fairly listless. I think that he just wanted peace. I think that the combination of Mrs. Bennet’s and Miss Lydia’s complaints drove his decision.”
“Yes, I can understand that. Elizabeth told me that the reason she came to London in February was to escape her mother.” He looked at Bingley. “Perhaps that is something that you should keep in mind if you decide to purchase this estate.”
“You mean the proximity to my mother-in-law?” His lips twitched.
“Precisely.” He stared at him pointedly.
“Derbyshire seems pleasant.” Bingley smiled at his friend.
Darcy laughed. “I will see what is available. When is the wedding?”
“We are set for June 12th. Does that interfere with your travel plans?”
Darcy frowned. “It may. We may need to delay our trip to the Lake District until after your wedding.”
“I am sorry Darcy.” He said sincerely.
“No, I will speak to Elizabeth about it.” His mind was elsewhere. “I believe that I will go join her now.”
“I will show you to your rooms.” Bingley jumped up and led the way upstairs. He showed him a door. “This is yours, and Elizabeth is the next door down. Of course, they do connect inside.”
Darcy looked at the door, and then at Bingley, “Thank you Charles, but we really only need one room.” He smiled broadly and disappeared inside. Bingley stood grinning at the closed door
Elizabeth had just settled into a bath when Darcy knocked. Rosie opened the door, and seeing his wife in the water, he dismissed her. Elizabeth smiled at him, watching him quickly disrobe. “What are you doing, sir?”
“I intend to share your bath.” His coat, waistcoat, and cravat were gone, and he was pulling off his shirt.
“You will not fit in here with me!”
He sat on a nearby chair and pulled off his boots and stockings. “I beg to differ. I will fit quite nicely.” He unbuttoned his breeches and was quickly undressed. Elizabeth eyed him appreciatively.
“Stand up please, sweetheart.” He held out his hands to help her. She stood, soap running down her body. He stepped into the warm water and kissed her, and settling into the water, reached for her and reached for her. Settling onto his lap, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “See my love, we fit very well.” Darcy held her, caressing her wet body, and they joined in a very passionate kiss. “Let me show you how well we fit together.” He lifted her hips.
“What are you doing?” She asked breathlessly.
He grinned. “I have been thinking about this.” He entered her and urged her to slowly lower herself.
“Ohhhh.” She moaned.
“Yessss” He groaned back.
He dropped his head onto her shoulder and closed his eyes. They stayed clinging tightly for several minutes and then Elizabeth began to move very deliberately, learning what felt best. Her eyes closed as she became lost in her own world while water sloshed around them. Darcy watched the expression on her face, and ran his hands over her. She discovered the tempo she needed and moaning softly, she found her release. With him still embedded deep inside of her, she relaxed in his arms and opened her eyes to encounter his warm smile.
“What happened?”
He laughed. “You do not know yet?”
She started laughing too. “But you did not. . .”
He kissed her again. “I will, darling. Let us finish bathing first.” Elizabeth stepped out of the tub to his protests and putting on her robe, knelt beside him, delighting in washing his body. She had some difficulty pouring water over his head, but she was determined and soon he declared himself clean. Darcy could not stop smiling as she carefully dried him off, and finally took the towel from her hands and tossing it aside, lifted her up and carried her to the bed.
Untying the belt of her robe he opene
d it and drew his hand over her warm skin. Elizabeth held out her arms for him. “Come.”
“Oh Lizzy, I love you.” He fell into her embrace and entered her, thrusting deeply and leading to a frenzied intense release that left them both gasping. With a sigh he cuddled her, and pulled the comforter over them. “I think that we should always bathe that way.” He whispered; his voice still hoarse from the effort.
Elizabeth kissed his pounding heart and ran her fingers through his damp curls. “Only if we acquire a larger bathtub. That was a very snug fit!”
“Very snug.” He smiled wickedly. “Just wait until you see our new bathtub at Pemberley.”
She raised her brow. “And when was this bathtub purchased, Mr. Darcy?”
“I ordered it March 2nd.”
“The day that you asked to court me?”
“The very day, my love.” He replied, a little self-satisfied smirk on his face.
She shook her head, smiling. “Have you always been a romantic, William?
“I have never been inspired before. I was waiting for you.”
“So sweet!” She kissed him soundly.
His eyes twinkled. “Like honey?”
“Like wine, mellow and warm.”
“Mmmm. I like that. Thank you.” He kissed her and they dozed.
Finally she turned and raised her head from his chest. “What did Charles tell you about Longbourn?” His arms wrapped around her and he told her of his conversation. He was correct, she was very unhappy about Lydia. “What were they thinking?” She sighed. “They were not, that is the problem.”
He tilted his head and regarded her closely. “I remember you saying that your mother can be rather persuasive.”
“Relentless is the word.” She said dryly.
“Perhaps your father was not able to fend her off as usual.”
She looked at him with surprise. “Because we married?”
“Perhaps because he realized his mistakes.” He said thoughtfully.
“So he creates another one instead?”
Darcy smiled, running his fingers through her hair. “Let us hope for the best.”