by Pamela Lynne
“Elizabeth,” he breathed as he placed his hands on her waist and a soft kiss on her neck. “Is it your plan to torture me, madam?”
“I-I do not know what you mean, sir.” His hot breath on her neck caused her to shiver.
“You know exactly what I mean, my girl. I have a hard enough time keeping my hands off you. How do you expect me to behave when so much beauty is before me?” He trailed more kisses down her neck and the swell of her breasts, careful not to mark her ivory skin.
“Promise me you will wear this dress again after we are married, my love. I want to experience the pleasure of taking it off you.”
Elizabeth was too mesmerized by the huskiness of his voice and the intensity of his eyes to be shocked by his words. As it had happened many times over the last weeks, Elizabeth could not speak, so she nodded her agreement.
“Thank you.” Darcy leaned in and kissed her gently, holding back, knowing his self-control was dangerously low. “I have something for you.”
He took her hand and led her to a chair then kneeled in front of her. He took her hand in one of his and with the other pulled the ring out of his pocket.
“Elizabeth, will you do me the honor of wearing this ring? It was my grandmother’s, but I believe it is perfectly suited to you, in its elegant simplicity.” He slipped the ring on her finger then kissed it reverently. “I want everyone in London to know you are mine, Elizabeth.”
“Fitzwilliam, it is beautiful. It is I who am honored, sir, and anyone who looks at me can tell that I belong to you, my love.” She caressed his cheek with her hand and leaned in for a kiss. They stared at each other for long moments until the sound of voices in the hall alerted them to the arrival of the other guests.
********
Caroline Bingley looked around the Gardiner’s home with a critical eye. What she saw was tasteful and in fashion, but she found reason to despise everything her eyes landed on. She felt humiliated at being forced into the home of a tradesman. Her brother had begged her to come with him in hopes someone there would catch her interest. Their social calendar had become increasingly bare since their break from Darcy, leaving them at home more often than not. Miss Bingley’s repeated attempts to call on Georgiana had come to nothing, and no one from the higher circles received them. If only her efforts with Darcy had worked, then she would be in a position to turn those snobs away instead of being made to feel like the inferior upstart that she was.
Her brother led her around the room, occasionally stopping to chat with an acquaintance. She was faking interest in one such conversation when she spotted him. The object of her desire for so many years was in the same room, and on his arm was that chit Eliza Bennet.
********
Darcy placed his hand possessively on the small of Elizabeth’s back as he stared down the young man whose eyes had not left her chest during their entire conversation. He was not necessarily bad looking, and if he was at this dinner, that meant he had some money to spare. Darcy could not help but wonder if he was someone who would have caught Elizabeth’s interest if they had not become reacquainted. He was going on about how nice it was for him to live in the city year round and asked Elizabeth if she enjoyed touring the gardens in the warmer months. After Elizabeth answered in the affirmative, Darcy spoke.
“Of course, by the time spring arrives this year, we will be married and settled at our estate in the north. As Derbyshire boasts many beauties of nature, I am sure Miss Bennet will not miss the public gardens of London much.”
Elizabeth smiled through her annoyance. She remembered that haughty tone very well, but this time, it was laced with possessiveness. She did not mind it much, but she was not going to let him know that. When the young man politely excused himself, Elizabeth turned to Darcy and said archly, “Marking your territory, Mr. Darcy?”
“I will not apologize, Elizabeth. I do not like the way he was looking at you. If fact, I do not like the way any of these men are looking at you.” He glanced around the room and frowned.
“If they are looking at us, it is because of that sour look you have on your face. They probably think the punch has gone bad.”
“No, Elizabeth, they are staring at you because you are a very enticing woman. I believe we have already had a conversation about how you look in that dress.”
“Well then, Mr. Darcy, you will do well to remember that I spent half the afternoon preparing for this night. I bathed in water scented with a bouquet you sent me. I styled my hair in a way I know you prefer. I had this gown made specifically with you in mind, especially the color, and I am wearing your ring. I told you that anyone looking at me will know I am yours. So let them look, Mr. Darcy. When they do, they will see a woman who loves you, who belongs to you, and who will be bidding you alone a very special goodbye at the end of the evening.”
“Why do you say such things, Elizabeth, when I can do nothing about it?”
“Whatever do you mean, sir? What could you possibly want to do?” she asked innocently.
“Elizabeth,” Darcy breathed.
“Pardon me, Mr. Darcy, I believe my aunt needs me.”
Darcy watched her walk away and was about to give in to the temptation to follow her when a boney hand clasped his arm.
********
Elizabeth had been away from Darcy’s side for ten minutes, and she missed him. Their engagement was only a few days old, but she had already come to rely on his presence. While trying to attend the conversation of her uncle’s business associates, she scanned the room for her Will. She saw him standing tall and imposing, slightly away from the rest of the party. She became concerned when she saw the look of barely controlled anger on his face. She wondered what could possibly have happened in the short time they had been apart. She excused herself and made her way toward him. As she came closer, she saw the object of his ire.
Standing before him was Mr. Bingley, who looked uncomfortable and very embarrassed, and by his side, clutching Darcy’s arm, was Miss Bingley. She wore the too-familiar look of possession she always had in Hertfordshire when in Darcy’s company. The woman is truly insane, thought Elizabeth as she made her way to stand by Darcy.
“Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, I hope you are enjoying your evening so far,” she said sweetly.
“Indeed, Miss Bennet. I am pleased to be among such amiable people as well as old friends,” Bingley replied nervously.
“Miss Eliza,” Miss Bingley began, not attempting to hide her disdain for the woman in front of her. “I had no idea you were in town. How long have you been in London?”
“About two months, Miss Bingley. I am staying here with my uncle.”
“You should have let us known, Eliza dear. I could have shown you the more fashionable parts of town.” Miss Bingley’s mouth curled into a snarl as she clutched Darcy’s arm tighter.
“I will keep that in mind for another time, Miss Bingley.”
“It must be a real treat for you to spend so much time in town, though I suspect you miss your long rambles. You are such a great walker after all.”
Elizabeth had quickly grown tired of Miss Bingley’s condescending tone and was exasperated by her clinging to her betrothed as if she owned him.
“Yes, Miss Bingley, we daughters of country gentlemen are known for our love of nature. Being outdoors can be very beneficial. But it is not only gentlewomen who can benefit from such rambles. A woman such as you could also take much pleasure in long walks.” Elizabeth stepped closer to the overly feathered harpy and spoke in a low tone. “Indeed, they could even help you develop a good sense of direction, which would keep you from finding yourself lost in the middle of the night and in the wrong bedchamber.”
Miss Bingley turned pale and released Darcy’s arm. Bingley was not faring much better. Darcy, who had been listening with much pride to the exchange, did not try to hide his amusement at hearing Elizabeth’s set down of the woman he despised so much.
As Bingley mumbled something and led his mortified sister away, Darcy leaned closer to E
lizabeth and said with a smirk, “Marking your territory, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth looked into the mischievous eyes that glowed with admiration for her and matter-of-factly stated yes and turned and walked away, giving him a saucy smile. She stopped to listen to her aunt speak to a group of ladies and glanced over at him. She gave him a slight smile with her characteristic arched eyebrow. He listened to her silent admonition and began making his way around the room, speaking to the other guests with the reserved confidence she had come to admire.
********
Mr. Gardiner looked down the table to his wife, who gave him a playful smile. He wondered what she was about but then noticed the woman to her left. She had given Miss Bingley the place next to her not to honor the lady, but in hopes she would provide some entertainment. Elizabeth was not the only one who found amusement in the ridiculous, and from everything they had heard about Miss Bingley, it seemed she fit the bill perfectly. He winked at his wife then turned to the man sitting to his left.
“Darcy, I have been informed about an incident that occurred at your club earlier today. I believe it is something I can help you with, if you like.”
“I admit, Uncle, that though it may be considered cowardly to allow you to solve my family’s problems, I do not believe my cousin is in the right frame of mind to finish what he has started. I worry for him.”
The men had agreed to dismiss formalities between them after Darcy and Elizabeth were betrothed. Darcy enjoyed knowing he had one male figure in his life he could count on. Mr. Gardiner looked to his other dining partner and saw he was engaged in conversation, so he continued speaking to Darcy in a muted tone.
“Please do not feel uncomfortable. We are family, or soon will be. I think it best, though, to keep the colonel from society for the moment.”
Darcy nodded. “He is staying at my townhouse now. I have actually been thinking about all of us removing to Pemberley, including your family, if you are able.”
Mr. Gardiner took a moment to think about the offer. “That may not be a bad idea, Darcy. All of my letters to Longbourn have gone unanswered, but I did hear from my brother Phillips. Apparently, Thomas’s behavior has caused some alarm.
“They have not seen Fanny in at least a month, and he says the girls are all behaving strangely. Jane always seems angry, and Lydia is paying far too much attention to the officers. Several shop owners have approached him about Longbourn’s debts that have gone unpaid for months now. I am unsure what to do. My first instinct is to protect Lizzy, but I do have a responsibility to the rest as well.”
“Perhaps we can stop in Meryton on our way to Pemberley. We could send the rest of the party ahead while we see about the situation at Longbourn. If we need to remove the ladies from his care, they will be welcome to come with us.”
“When would you want to leave?”
“I believe we can have everything arranged by Friday.”
“Good, let’s get to it then.”
********
Sitting further down the table, Elizabeth questioned the wisdom of her aunt’s seating arrangement. Three people were seated in between Darcy and herself, one of those being Mr. Bingley, who had not stopped talking since they sat down.
“It is such a pleasure to see you again, Miss Bennet. It has been far too long. I believe we have not seen each other since the twenty-sixth of November when we danced together at Netherfield.”
“I believe you are correct, Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth attempted to eat her soup as Bingley continued.
“I long to go back to Netherfield, but I am unsure of my welcome since I quitted the place without taking leave of anyone.”
Elizabeth did not respond but continued concentrating on her soup, hoping he would take the hint. He did not.
“Would your family receive me, do you think, Miss Bennet?” He asked hopefully.
“I know not, Mr. Bingley. We have not been faithful correspondents since I have been in town.”
“So you have nothing to say of your sister?”
He looked so dejected that she could not help but take pity on him.
“Mr. Bingley, my mother would never turn you out if you were to pay a visit to Longbourn. There is only one way to be sure of your reception.”
His face changed from hopeful to confused as he looked down the table at his sister. Elizabeth followed his gaze, then turned back to him.
“Of course, doing so might take some courage, sir, and determination.”
“Yes, Miss Bennet, you are correct, of course.” He responded and finally turned his attention to his meal when an idea suddenly occurred to him. Miss Bennet had set down his sister. She knew about her attempted compromise of Darcy. She and Darcy had not been out of each other’s company much that evening, and she was wearing a ring that was obviously an heirloom.
“Miss Bennet, forgive me, but I feel I must be quite daft. Am I to congratulate you?”
Elizabeth smiled brightly. “Yes, sir, Mr. Darcy and I are engaged to be married.”
“I offer you my sincere congratulations, Miss Bennet. Darcy is indeed a very fortunate man. Your family must be overjoyed.”
She looked to each end of the table and replied happily, “Yes, they are.”
This is perfect. I can go to Longbourn and offer my congratulations. I will leave as soon as I can.
He looked at his sister then down again quickly as if he feared she could read his thoughts.
********
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly, and Darcy and Elizabeth found themselves once again in the foyer saying their goodnights.
“Elizabeth, now that we are engaged, I wonder if you might grant me the favor of a token?”
Elizabeth had her arms around his neck, and she looked up at him and replied, “Ah, what would you like, sir? A handkerchief, a lock of hair, a ribbon?”
“Any of those things would be lovely, dearest, but I was thinking of something different. I want something that has the pleasure of being somewhere I can yet only dream of.”
“And where is that, sir?”
In an instant Elizabeth was pressed against the wall, eye to eye with Darcy. One of his arms held her up by the waist as the other lifted her leg to rest on his hip. His hand moved to the hem of her dress then began to trail upwards.
“Beneath your skirts.”
She felt the warmth of his hand on her silk stockings then on the exposed skin of her upper thigh. She was breathing heavy and thought she might swoon at the sensation when his hand reached her bottom. His fingers trailed down and hooked onto her garter, slowly pulling on the strings. His eyes never left hers, and when his token was finally free, he released her, but not before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
“Thank you, Elizabeth.” He placed the garter inside his coat and gave her another soft kiss. “Goodnight, my love.”
Darcy walked out the door, leaving Elizabeth with a longing she did not quite understand but relished nonetheless.
Chapter Fifteen
* * *
Elizabeth stood by her window and watched the morning light bounce off the diamonds in her ring. She sighed, smiling, lost in the memory of his eyes and kisses. She thought back over their relationship with no little amount of awe. It all happened so fast, yet they seemed to have been together forever. She felt a connection to him that very first night at the assembly, but his thoughtless comment caused her to hide her disappointment behind her wit and feigned dislike. Every look and conversation attempted to draw her in, but she resisted and instead fell further into resentment.
How ironic that is was Jane’s heartless words that finally made her see the truth. They had wanted each other all along. They were, in fact, formed for each other, and when chance threw them together at the height of their despair, there was nothing to do but love each other. Common sense may say that their understanding happened far too quickly, but what is reason compared with an overwhelming desire to feel complete?
She sighed and leaned her head against
the glass. He was so sweet, her Will. He made her feel safe and cherished as she had never felt before. Everything about her that had been made to seem faulty—her wit, her impertinence, her willingness to speak her mind—he elevated to a virtue. Even during their time together in Hertfordshire, she could tell he did not do anything by halves. He was not offering her pieces, but his whole self, heart and soul, to do as she would. And she would love him.
Her mind shifted from his heart to his person. He was a beautiful man. She closed her eyes to better imagine his form. Her mind’s eye traced over his broad shoulders to his solid chest and down his stomach to that place he pressed against her when they became lost in each other. She bit her lip in curiosity. She was unsure exactly what it was or what she should do with it, she only knew she wanted to do something.
He left her the night before with a craving she had never experienced. She enjoyed his previous attentions immensely, but his actions after the party contained a promise, one that caused every nerve in her body to stand at attention and greedily demand more. Once again, propriety, convention, and that same common sense screamed that she should be frightened and offended, but they could all be damned. She did not need her father’s permission or the official stamp of approval to make her feel any surer of what she already was. His.
Lost in dreams of her beloved, she did not hear her aunt enter the room.
“Lizzy dear, are you well? You did not come down for breakfast.”
“Oh! I did not realize it was so late. I was lost in my thoughts, I suppose.”
“Hmm, I wonder what could possibly be on your mind this morning. It could not be the very handsome man that gave you that dazzling ring you are wearing, could it?”
They both laughed. Mrs. Gardiner took her niece’s hand in hers and led her to the sitting area.
“Lizzy, how much do you know about a man’s body?”
Elizabeth’s throat suddenly became tight. Oh God, what does she know? “Why do you ask, Aunt?” she asked a bit nervously.