by Pamela Lynne
“Are we almost there, Brother?”
Darcy looked out the window and answered, “Yes, we are just a few houses away now.”
“Are you sure this hat is flattering? Perhaps I should have chosen the darker blue instead,” Georgiana said as she adjusted her hatpins.
“Georgiana you look lovely,” Darcy said with a smile. He had been annoyed earlier that morning. She made him sit in her room while she donned every dress and hat combination her closet could produce, trying to find the right outfit that would impress “his lady,” as she had taken to calling Elizabeth. It was sweet that she cared so much and he tried to be patient, but when she asked if a particular gown made her backside look big, he decided it was time to take his leave. It made him even more anxious for Elizabeth to come home so that she could take over the hat-choosing and backside-measuring duties. Less than twenty-four hours into this friends business and he was done.
They finally arrived at their destination, and Darcy jumped from the carriage before it came to a full stop. His sister, thankfully, managed a more graceful exit as her brother helped her down and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Their conversation the night before helped, but she was still nervous about meeting someone who was so important to him. She took a deep, calming breath and gave Darcy a full smile as she took his arm and they made their way up the stairs and through the door.
********
Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth greeted their guests with warm smiles as they entered the room. Darcy bowed and said a polite good morning to Mrs. Gardiner before he walked to Elizabeth. He took her hand in both of his and kissed it gently while looking into her eyes.
“Miss Bennet, I hope you are well this morning.”
“I am, Mr. Darcy. It is so good of you to visit us again,” she responded playfully.
“It is my great pleasure, I assure you, Miss Bennet.”
The other occupants of the room were temporarily forgotten as Darcy traced his thumb over her fingers, his eyes not leaving hers. Georgiana tried to stifle her amusement at seeing her stoic elder brother caught in a trance as he stared at Elizabeth. She looked to Mrs. Gardiner, who gave her a knowing glance then cleared her throat. It was not quite enough to break the spell. She tried again. Nothing.
“Oh, for goodness sake. Miss Darcy, I am Madeline Gardiner. Welcome to our home.” Georgiana smiled and immediately felt comfortable with the older woman.
“Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. It is a great pleasure to meet you.”
Hearing his sister’s voice was enough to wake Darcy as he finally remembered his manners. Embarrassed, but still holding Elizabeth’s hand, he made introductions.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, may I introduce my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Elizabeth tugged her hand loose from Darcy’s and stepped toward his sister. She could see in the girl’s demeanor that she was nervous, though she was putting on a good show of confidence. She saw the same eyes in Georgiana that she saw in Darcy: deep-blue and full of emotion. For the second time, she looked at the person in front of her and felt an instant connection. Forgoing the usual curtsey, Elizabeth took the girl’s hands and spoke with sisterly affection.
“Miss Darcy, I am happy to make your acquaintance finally. I have heard so many wonderful things about you.”
Georgiana squeezed her hands as she replied, “I have heard much about you as well, Miss Bennet. It is almost as if I already know you. I am quite sure we will be great friends, and please call me ‘Georgie.’”
“And you must call me ‘Lizzy’ as all my sisters do. Won’t you please sit down?”
Elizabeth and Georgiana sat together on the sofa and chatted amiably while Darcy sat in a chair across from them, happily looking on while the two most important people in his life began to form a special bond. The shopping invitation was forwarded and eagerly accepted, and Darcy inquired about Mr. Gardiner’s schedule for the day.
“He keeps an office in one of his warehouses. You will likely find him there this afternoon.” Mrs. Gardiner’s thought was interrupted by a sound coming from the next room. She looked over her shoulder through the doorway to see she had two escapees from the nursery. “Excuse me, please, Mr. Darcy.”
She spoke to the children in hushed whispers and smiled affectionately at the pair. She solicited some sort of agreement from them, and they nodded their heads. Standing behind them with a hand on each of their shoulders, she ushered them into the parlor.
“Pardon me, Miss Darcy. These two were looking out the nursery window when your carriage arrived earlier. They are anxious to make the acquaintance of the lovely fairy princess that has entered our home.”
Georgiana laughed merrily and said, “I am afraid that I am no fairy, just a mere mortal, but I thank you for the compliment.” She walked up to the siblings and knelt in front of them. “What are your names?”
The oldest of the pair spoke. “I am Annabelle, and this is John. He is only three, still only a babe, but I am five!” she proudly announced.
“I am Georgie, and I am very pleased to meet you both. Tell me, Annabelle, do you have any dolls in your nursery?”
“Yes, I have a whole family of dolls. Lizzy helped me make them.”
“Well, it has been ever so long since I played with a doll, and I quite miss it. Would you and John mind if I came up and played for a little while?”
The little girl squeaked out her approval and dragged her little brother up the stairs, showing Georgiana the way. Mrs. Gardiner followed behind, saying she should supervise the endeavor lest Miss Darcy become overwhelmed by the attentions of the energetic duo.
As Elizabeth laughed at her young cousins, she felt two strong arms circle her waist. She smiled and covered his hands with her own as he leaned down and nuzzled her neck.
“Your aunt is quickly becoming one of my favorite people.” His warm breath on her neck sent a shiver through her.
“She should be. She is a remarkable woman.”
“She raised a remarkable woman.”
Elizabeth smiled. She was pleased he recognized the role her aunt had played in her life.
“Thank you, so have you.”
“Thank you. She loves you already. I can tell by how warmly she speaks to you. She told me last night that she has always wanted a sister.” She turned her head toward him. He looked at her with such intensity she thought her knees might buckle.
“You look especially lovely today, Elizabeth. I love you in yellow.” He pulled her back against his chest and began trailing kisses along her neck and shoulder.
After taking a moment to enjoy the feel of his soft lips on her bare skin, she managed to speak. “That is good to know. Are there any other colors you are fond of, sir?”
He switched his attentions to the other side, and she leaned her head against his shoulder to give him full access.
“I also love you in green, lavender, and ivory,” he said, punctuating each color with a kiss, ending behind her ear where he gently sucked then drew her delicate lobe into his mouth.
Elizabeth clutched his hands tighter as her breathing became labored. His hands were firmly placed over her stomach, but she inexplicably longed for them to roam. So lost in the feelings he was exciting in her, she nearly missed his next words.
“My favorite shade to see you in, however, is pink.” He turned her around to face him and once again wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Elizabeth placed one hand on the back of his neck, and the other tenderly pushed the soft curls from his brow.
“I do not own anything pink.”
“Not a gown.” He lowered his forehead to hers and nuzzled his nose against hers. His lips hovered over hers, barely touching. “But your cheeks turn a delicious shade of pink when I kiss you.”
He went on to demonstrate, deep and slow, until she pulled away in need of breath. He smiled and caressed her cheek with his index finger. “There, just like that.”
She wanted to be bold and say something saucy in return but
could only meet his eyes for a moment when the desire she saw there caused her to blush a deeper shade. She lowered her head and whispered, “Mr. Darcy.”
He groaned and lifted her chin. “What happened to ‘Fitzwilliam’?”
Overcoming her shyness slightly, she smiled and replied, “I cannot always call you ‘Fitzwilliam.’ It would not be proper, especially considering your reaction.”
He laughed and acknowledged the truth of her statement. “Very well, when others are present, I can be ‘Mr. Darcy.’ But please, Elizabeth, when it is just us, can I always be ‘Fitzwilliam’?”
Her hand returned to his hair as she nodded, but then she tilted her head and smiled.
“Except when I call you ‘Will.’”
“Will?” Darcy smiled as Elizabeth nodded. “And when do you call me ‘Will,’ my sweet girl?”
She looked at him contemplatively as her fingers trailed from his hair down the side of his face. “Hmm…no, I am not going to tell you…yet.”
He bent down and placed a wet kiss on the base of her neck. “Tell me.”
She shook her head, and he trailed his kiss down to her collarbone. “Tell me.”
She remained firm in her resolve, but he kept trying to convince her until they heard footsteps on the stairs.
********
“Where are we going?” Georgiana asked as the carriage made its way down the street. They had barely moved forward when they came to a stop and the footmen alighted to hand them down.
“This dress shop belongs to my former lady’s maid. Mr. Gardiner helped her set up shop last year, and I like to give her as much of my business as I can. I know you are accustomed to patronizing the best Bond Street has to offer, Miss Darcy, but I think you will be happy with Evelyn’s work. She is quite talented and has access to materials that even Madame Dupree cannot boast of,” Mrs. Gardiner said with a slight modicum of pride. Her husband worked with several businesses in Cheapside, providing them with funds or imported materials and in many cases both. He worked hard to improve the neighborhood, and she was pleased to be able to display one of his successful ventures to her niece and their new friend.
She looked back at the carriage and shook her head. “I feel a little silly bringing the carriage for a two block trip that could have been easily walked.” She looked over to Elizabeth, who blushed at the memory of Darcy insisting they take his conveyance and making sure they were well protected from the cold for the journey around the corner.
“I suppose I cannot begrudge a man taking care of his women. Shall we go in, ladies?”
They entered the shop, and a woman in her mid-thirties greeted them enthusiastically as a younger woman helped them remove their outerwear.
“Mrs. Gardiner, I am so very pleased to welcome you to my shop this afternoon. As you requested, our time is exclusively yours for the next few hours.” Her eyes remained fixed on Mrs. Gardiner as she spoke, but a noise behind the ladies alerted her to the presence of the footman standing tall by the door. His black hair was mussed by the wind, and his cheeks were flushed from the cold. Her face softened as she gazed upon him for only a moment, and he gave her an almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgement.
Noticing the exchange, Mrs. Gardiner quickly asked, “You do not mind if Remy stays in here with us do you, Evelyn? Mr. Gardiner requires he stay close by, and it is too cold for him to stand outside for long.”
“Of course not, Mrs. Gardiner.” Her eyes grazed over him once again as she turned to Elizabeth.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am especially glad to see you. I have been anxious to dress you for years,” she said happily.
“Thank you, Evelyn. Allow me to introduce my friend Miss Darcy.”
“Welcome, Miss Darcy. Shall we begin? I had several bolts of fabric brought over from the warehouse this morning. I see you are still fond of yellow, Miss Elizabeth. “
“I am.” Elizabeth ran her hands over the fabric in lovely shades of blue and white. She thought back to her time with Darcy earlier, and a slight smile crossed her face when she asked, “Do you have anything in pink?”
********
Darcy watched the carriage pull off with a twinge of sadness. In the days of his re-acquaintance with Elizabeth, he had grown accustomed to having more time alone with her. The moments they shared earlier that afternoon were lovely, but he needed more, much more. He needed her with him day and night, always within reach. The only time he felt alive was when he was near her. He had spent too much of his life in a desert of grief, and now he could not get enough of the cooling oasis that was Elizabeth.
When the carriage was out of sight, he turned in the direction of Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse. He passed several stores along the way, stopping at each window to see if he could find something Elizabeth would like. Though impressed with many of the things he saw, he determined he would rather shop closer to home, where he would be sure of the quality.
Immediately upon entering Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse, a large servant, not unlike Remy, approached to ask if he had business with Mr. Gardiner that afternoon. Darcy wondered just how many living statues Elizabeth’s uncle employed and noted the outline of a pistol under the man’s coat. Darcy gave his name and asked to see Mr. Gardiner. The footman looked him over slowly then gestured for Darcy to follow him upstairs. He rapped on the door twice before opening it.
Entering the room, Darcy noticed it was much like Mr. Gardiner’s study at home: minimal and masculine, a strictly business environment. Darcy bowed to Mr. Gardiner, who rose from his chair behind the desk to greet the young man. Turning slightly from Mr. Gardiner’s smiling welcome, he saw a familiar figure perched on the edge of a chair with his hands clasped tightly over the arms. A shocked expression sat frozen on his face, which lay beneath a mass of unruly reddish-blonde hair. Bingley.
********
“Lizzy, will you tell me about my brother’s behavior in Hertfordshire? He is so reticent; I have always wondered how he behaves among strangers,” Georgiana asked as they sipped tea while taking a break from looking at dress patterns.
“Are you sure you want to know, Georgie? It will not paint him in the best light,” Elizabeth warned.
“Oh no. Did he give everyone the Darcy glare?”
Elizabeth laughed and nodded.
“What is the Darcy glare?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.
“It is the look my brother gives when he is in company and not entirely comfortable. Allow me to demonstrate.” Georgiana cooled her features, and the humor completely vanished from her eyes. The mask hid all emotion, and Elizabeth was duly impressed.
“Georgie, that is perfect! Does that look come natural to a Darcy?”
“Oh, goodness no! I practice mine in the mirror!” The girl exclaimed with much mirth. “I have not used it much myself, but I have noticed it works very well for Fitzwilliam. It is always efficient for warding off the advances of ladies who are determined to win his favor.”
Elizabeth remembered how Darcy had effectively dismissed Lady Grace in the bookstore. She began to wonder how it must feel for him never to be able to let down his guard when she heard Georgiana mumble, “Except one.”
“Do you mean Miss Bingley?”
Georgiana set her tea cup down and relaxed her shoulders with a sigh.
“That woman is relentless! If I believed she cared for my brother, I might find some sympathy for her, but she is so covetous. The last time she was at Pemberley, she kept dropping hints about touring the family rooms, especially the master and mistress chambers. Can you believe her nerve, to actually think she had any right to intrude upon my brother’s private domain or the room that was my mother’s sanctuary? I know she wanted to see them so she could better plan her invasion. Horrible woman!”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrow in surprise while Mrs. Gardiner’s face showed both her curiosity and amusement. Miss Bingley sounded rather interesting.
“Forgive me,” Georgiana said after seeing the other ladies’ expressions, “but she really is horr
ible. After she left, I had nightmares that I was sitting in one of our drawing rooms and suddenly the walls started bleeding orange, and all around me, I could hear echoes of her shrill laughter. It was terrifying.” She shivered, and in spite of her best efforts, Elizabeth laughed out loud, nearly spilling her tea in the process.
“Stop laughing, Lizzy. I am in earnest! She is a nightmare, a walking orange nightmare.”
Elizabeth was lost in her laughter, and when a most unladylike snort escaped her, the other two ladies became lost as well. After a few moments, they calmed, wiped their tears, and got back to the business of shopping.
********
“Darcy! How surprising seeing you here. Are you in business with Mr. Gardiner as well?” Bingley had recovered from his shock at seeing his former friend and hoped his genuine pleasure at seeing him again would cover any awkwardness. He bowed and said, “It is very good to see you.”
“Bingley, I am surprised to see you as well.” Darcy made a motion toward the door. He was unprepared to see Bingley and wanted to leave as soon as he could.
“Forgive me, Mr. Gardiner, for intruding upon your meeting. If I had known you were with someone, I would not have come in. I will leave you now.”
“Nonsense, Mr. Darcy. You are as welcome here as you are in my home. Mr. Bingley is looking for a new venture in which to invest, and a mutual acquaintance sent him to me. You may be interested in this as well. Please have a seat. I take it the two of you know each other?” Mr. Gardiner remained friendly and engaging, but began to eye Bingley with a bit of caution. He could see Darcy’s posture stiffen the moment he spotted Bingley and knew instinctively that Darcy did not trust the man.
“Yes, sir, I have known Bingley since we were both at Cambridge. It was while visiting his leased estate in Hertfordshire that I met your niece.”
Bingley looked confused as he tried to remember any Gardiners in Meryton. He looked to Darcy for help.