Theo could not help laughing. “Really, Anne, you cannot expect to give Monty any useful advice about drinking. I am sure he must have been drinking alcohol at his mother’s apron strings, for in all my years of knowing him, I have never seen him truly foxed. He is quite a wonder. Every gentleman I know has succumbed to the bottle, one way or the other, but not Monty.”
Monty was about to reply, but Anne interrupted. “I have worked out what is wrong with that cravat. I do not understand why you object to having it corrected. You will look a great deal less unkempt if only you would listen to sense.”
Unkempt? Monty? Theo gave a bark of laughter. This was really too much, particularly when Monty prided himself on the exquisite tailoring of his clothes and impeccable taste.
“You cannot let my cousin get away with that, surely, Monty. That is a low blow indeed.”
Under the table, Monty gave him a kick to the shin. Theo bit down an exclamation.
“I am sorry that my tie disagrees with you, Miss de Bourgh,” said Monty, with the carefully polite tone of someone rapidly losing patience. “I would not wish to have you suffer any further. Since you are quite the expert at tying gentleman’s cravats, I would be happy to succumb to your tender ministrations. You may make any corrections you deem fit.” At this, Monty bowed and offered his neck up to Anne with an eloquent gesture of the hand.
Theo waited for Anne’s reaction. Monty had issued a challenge, expecting Anne to retreat. He did not know Anne.
Anne’s eyes flashed. “Very well,” said Lady Catherine’s indomitable daughter, promptly reaching for the guilty cravat and unraveling it.
Theo grinned at Monty’s shocked expression.
From across the table, Darcy frowned at Theo in disapproval.
Theo raised his brow and wagged his eyebrows.
“What do you expect me to do?” he mouthed.
“Stop her,” mouthed Darcy back.
Considering that Darcy had turned tail and ran when faced with the harpies at Rosings, it was rather much for him to expect Theo to control Anne.
“How do you find the food, Anne?” said Darcy loudly, in a misguided attempt to distract her.
“I am busy with something else, Darcy, as you might have noticed if you bothered to look. I have not yet had the opportunity to try the food.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Your cousin certainly does not mince her words!”
Anne’s fingers twisted and turned the cravat in different directions. Monty, stuck in an awkward position with his neck bent backwards to avoid contact with Anne’s fingernails, gave a beseeching look to Theo.
Theo ignored it cheerfully.
“Help!” yelped Monty, still hoping for rescue.
“I have no intention of helping,” said Theo, “I know now there is justice in the world. After all the times you outsmarted me with the ladies, I am enjoying every moment of your discomfort.”
“I wish you would stop talking, Theo,” said Anne in a quelling tone. “You are distracting me.”
“I beg your pardon, Cousin Anne,” said Theo, with mock humility. “I will endeavor to keep as silent as a mouse.”
Finally, Anne appeared to be satisfied. She leaned back to survey the results.
“That will do,” she said. “Much better.”
Theo peered at the knot she had tied, preparing to tease his friend mercilessly about it, but to his astonishment the cravat was tied in what was called a Waterfall, and it was a definite improvement over Monty’s original.
“Well, Cousin, I do believe you have outdone yourself. Where did you learn to do this?”
It would not have surprised him at this point to hear that Anne had been leading a double life.
“I have had little to do over the years but pore over the fashion plates. I have memorized every detail of men’s as well as ladies’ fashion.”
Monty looked at himself in one of the booth’s reflecting mirrors and gave an exclamation.
“Good heavens!” he exclaimed. “A perfect knot!”
It was absurd to think that Anne of all people could best Monty at tying his own cravat. Discovering this unknown side of his cousin only served to emphasize that they had done something remarkable when they had weaned their cousin off that terrible medicine. Something else to thank Elizabeth Bennet for. If she had not come to Rosings, that might never have happened.
He looked at his friend’s astonished expression in the mirror and began to laugh. Monty, catching his eye, began to laugh, too, and then Anne threw back her head and embarked on a strange kind of neighing laugh, which only served to set off Theo again.
*****
Darcy frowned. What the devil were those young whelps up to, encouraging Anne to behave so badly in public? She was making a proper spectacle of herself and Theo was doing nothing to prevent it. He had always known Monty was a bad influence on his brother and it was more than obvious now.
“William,” said Elizabeth gently, taking hold of his hand under the table. “You need not scowl so horribly, you know. Remember, you have forgiven Theo his past sins and Anne is enjoying herself, probably for the first time in her life. You would not wish to deprive her of that, would you?”
Darcy heard what she said as if from far away. Her thumb was stroking his palm in such a deliciously sensual manner that he was having difficulty staying still. The stroking sent shivers of anticipation through his body and he found his gaze drawn to her smiling lips.
“I believe you wished to say something to me, Darcy?” remarked Anne, breaking into his trance.
Darcy dropped Elizabeth’s hand like a hot potato and struggled to draw himself back to the present. For the life of him, he could not recall what he had wanted to say.
“It was nothing of importance.”
“Do you know when the orchestra will strike up?” asked Georgiana. “I really do not want to miss anything.”
“They start promptly at eight o’clock,” said Mrs. Gardiner.
Elizabeth’s fingers crept over Darcy’s hand and caught it again. Her eyes were full of mischief.
So she was playing the seductress, was she? He would show her what that meant—soon enough. The wedding day could not come too soon for him.
Darcy tried to slowly pull his hand away. The next course would be arriving soon, and he would need both hands to grasp the knife and fork. Everyone would notice.
He gave another gentle tug. Elizabeth held on fast.
“Though we will hear the orchestra from here,” said Anne, “I do not intend to listen to the whole performance. There are far too many other things I would like to see.”
“You have been here before, then, Miss de Bourgh?” asked Monty.
“Yes, Mama brought me here once, but I do not remember anything distinctly. Only the lights sparkling and swaying and being obliged to sit and listen to the orchestra for what seemed like hours before Mama whisked me away, saying I was growing tired, before I had any opportunity to discover the gardens.”
“I cannot imagine anyone whisking you away if you did not wish it, Miss de Bourgh,” said Monty.
Theo elbowed Monty. “It is a rather sensitive subject. Kindly do not set her off.”
Fortunately, Jane spoke before Anne had the opportunity to respond.
“This is such a beautiful place. Now that darkness is falling, the colored lamps are so magical.” She sighed wishfully. “I cannot help but wish that Lydia could have been here to see them. She would have enjoyed the sight so much.”
Elizabeth’s hand withdrew quickly. This was not a conversation anyone wished to have at this moment in time.
“She could hardly have come here, Jane, under the circumstances,” said Elizabeth, mildly. “Her husband is by no means fully recovered. With a severed arm, anything could happen. Infection could still set in. He is lucky to have escaped with his life.”
“I cannot help wishing it could have been otherwise,” Jane sighed. “Poor Lydia. She has taken the news of Wickham’s injury badly.”
> “She would have been a great deal worse if he had been deported,” said Elizabeth. She was not quite as forgiving in nature as Jane.
Across the table, Theo had stiffened. Darcy felt a wave of sympathy for him as he noticed the dark shadows under his brother’s eyes. Theo had taken this whole affair very badly. He did not need to be reminded at this moment of anything to do with this whole debacle.
Darcy spoke up, seeking to divert attention from the subject. “I have heard that you see the good in everyone, Jane, which is a very agreeable quality,” said Darcy. “It must account for the reason you were willing to overlook all the faults of my friend Bingley here and agree to marry him.”
“Oh, I say, Darcy!” said Bingley. “I protest. Although I do agree that Miss Bennet—Jane—is my superior in so many ways, I do think I have one or two positive things in my favor.”
Jane blushed and lowered her eyes. “I must protest as well, Mr. Darcy,” she said, shyly. “I find Charles perfect in every way. I cannot think of a single thing I would wish to change in him.”
At this declaration, Bingley turned to her, took up her hand and kissed it.
“That is because you are an angel,” he said, ardently.
“Enough of this.” Anne broke in. “You are forgetting that there are unmarried ladies here.” She looked pointedly at Georgiana.
“You need not look at me, Cousin,” said Georgiana. “I am not the only unmarried lady here.”
Anne looked surprised and everyone laughed.
Monty rose to his feet. “Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you are all finished with the business of eating, perhaps we can take the opportunity to stroll around the garden and discover what entertainments are on offer tonight before the fireworks start.”
*****
Darcy was relieved when they finally turned away from the main area where the buildings were housed. The crowds thinned out here, and the semi-darkness gave a sense of privacy away from the bright glow of the burning lamps. They strolled slowly, Elizabeth’s arm wrapped around his, tantalizingly close. He drew Elizabeth stealthily a few inches closer, aware that behind them Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were watching.
Elizabeth giggled softly. “William! I am shocked! Are you not being rather too daring?”
“Not daring enough, my love,” whispered Darcy. “I long to take you behind those trees over there and kiss you as that couple in the shadows is doing, but I cannot.”
Elizabeth was silent. Darcy’s heart sank. Had he spoken out of turn? Had he offended her? Elizabeth was so outspoken he sometimes forgot that she was still an innocent young lady.
“I— would like that, too,” she said, in a shy unsteady voice that was very unlike her.
He trembled as he realized there was a note of passion in her voice. His self-control was fast slipping away.
“Would you excuse me a moment, please?” said Darcy. “I need to do something.”
He strode over to where Monty and Theo were engaged in an argument over horses. “Theseus is a glorious beast, Monty. Admit it. You know he could outpace Thunder any time.”
“Never mind about that vicious beast of yours, Theo. I need your assistance. I need you to divert the Gardiners’ attention. I swear I will go insane if I do not have a moment alone with Elizabeth tonight.”
Theo whistled. “How the mighty have fallen! I would not wish to be in your shoes, Darcy, for anything, begging for assistance from the like of us.”
Monty grinned. “A man consumed by passion is something I understand very well. I will do what I can to help you, Darcy, but what will you give me in return?”
“Knock it off, Preston,” said Darcy. “This is no time for levity.”
“On the contrary, dear brother,” said Theo, “I thought that was exactly what you were after. A moment of “levity” with your betrothed?”
“Perhaps if you will allow me a little harmless flirtation with Georgiana…” remarked Monty.
“No!” said both Darcy brothers together.
“I rest my case,” said Monty, spreading out his hands in a helpless gesture. “How can you expect me to risk life and limb to divert the Gardiners when you will give me nothing in return?”
“Just find a way,” said Darcy, gritting his teeth against their raillery and striding back to where he had left Elizabeth alone on the path. Bingley gave him a questioning look as he went past.
“Anything the matter, Darcy?”
“Nothing that cannot be put to rights with a bit of determination.”
As he took up Elizabeth’s arm again, she smiled at him.
“I can see you are up to something.”
He smiled back. “You already know me well.” He could not believe how lucky he was to have found the one woman in the world who truly understood him. He felt humbled by his good fortune. “I am the luckiest man alive, Elizabeth Bennet. I wish I could find the words to tell you how ardently I have come to love you.”
“I am certain you will, by and by,” said Elizabeth, laughter brimming in her eyes.
As they reached the viewing area, Elizabeth was jostled by people coming from different directions, all intent on finding a good spot from which to watch the fireworks.
Elizabeth was alarmed to find herself being pulled away. She tucked her reticule tightly under her arm, holding firmly onto the string. She had heard there were sometimes pickpockets in the gardens, intent on robbing the unwary.
Another shove. She held onto Darcy’s arm tightly, not wishing to be separated from him. It would be easy to be lost in the crowd.
“Is that the Prince Regent over there?” said a voice loudly behind her. “I believe it is.”
The voice sounded familiar, but as Elizabeth tried to place it, someone tugged her again.
Elizabeth turned to confront her assailant and found Monty behind her. He winked at her and signaled silence, then gestured for her to follow.
Confused, she glanced at Darcy. He was looking at Monty and nodding.
There was a narrow walkway lined with trees leading to a fountain and behind it, situated in a secluded alcove, there was a bench.
“Go,” said Monty. “I will cover for you.”
Before she could say anything, he had slipped away and disappeared into the crowd.
Elizabeth swallowed a nervous impulse to giggle as Darcy led her to the bench and they both sat down.
“I am sorry for the subterfuge,” said Darcy. “Who would have thought the Gardiners so obsessed with propriety?”
“After what happened with Lydia—”
“Hush,” said Darcy, putting his forefinger to her lips. “I did not contrive to have us alone to discuss Lydia, or anyone else for that matter. Only us.”
Elizabeth shivered as his finger moved to trace the outline of her lips. It was exquisite torment to sit there in the darkness, quite still, feeling his touch, wanting desperately for him to move closer, but knowing he needed to do this his way. Her breath quickened and her lips parted of their own avail.
Darcy took a deep shuddering breath as a firework exploded and cascaded into the sky, showering him with orange light. He drew her suddenly into his arms, crushing her against him, his heartbeat quivering alongside hers. His scent enveloped her—a heady mix of shaving soap and something essentially Darcy. He hesitated for one last second, his eyes boring into her with scorching intensity, then his lips came down to hers in a fierce craving that overwhelmed her senses.
She could no longer breathe. The world melted around her and there was just him, his body trembling against hers, his mouth roving over her face then back to her lips. Her hands went out to touch him on the face, to sink her fingers into his silken hair, to feel the masculine breadth of his shoulders and back—shyly at first, then more confidently as she lost herself in the sensations awakening inside her.
“Elizabeth, my love.” She hardly recognized his voice as he murmured endearments to her in a hoarse voice. “I have waited so long for this. I never imagined I could feel this way for any
woman.”
A particularly large explosion sounded close by. Darcy drew back, startled. Taking a deep breath, he reluctantly pushed her away from him.
He ran a shaking hand through his hair.
“Oh, Elizabeth! What have you done to me? To make me forget myself in a public area when anyone could stumble against us? You have bewitched me, body and soul.”
She took his trembling hand and held it against her cheek. “I love you, William Darcy,” she said, and at the leap of pure joy in his eyes, she repeated it again. “I love you. You have made me the happiest woman alive.”
For a long moment, they looked into each other’s eyes. Then Darcy bent forward and planted a gentle kiss on her lips—a soft petal touch that reached into her and plucked at her heartstrings, one at a time, playing the most beautiful melody in the universe, so beautiful she thought she would shatter.
She had never dreamed she could have felt anything like this.
She gazed at him in wonder.
They belonged together. They had always belonged together, only she had not known it. And to think she had almost let him go!
“We have to go,” murmured Darcy, his eyes promising more, much more.
As if one, they stood up together in unison, hands clasped together, a hundred tiny lights dancing across their faces, and went in search of the others.
*****
“So tell me again, why am I along on this trip?” Theo stretched his long legs across the floorboards of the coach until his feet were not quite touching his brother’s boots.
Darcy grunted and shifted in his seat until his feet were free once more.
“I asked you a question, Brother dear.”
“Apparently you are here to punish me by making this trip as unpleasant as possible.”
Theo grinned and tapped his boot against Darcy’s.
Darcy kicked back. “There is plenty of room in this coach without you crowding me.”
Theo chuckled. “So touchy. One might think you were anxious about something.” He tapped Darcy’s boot again.
“It is not every day that one is on his way to be married.”
The Darcy Brothers Page 36