His words did not bring Kitty the comfort Darcy hoped. Her tears flowed again, and after several awkward moments, she finally confessed,“But I once allowed Mr. Denney to kiss me!” She blurted out her confession without much forethought.
Darcy gently brushed the tears away with his already damp handkerchief. “What you allowed was not the end of the world, although I would never encourage such actions. Yet, what liberties Lydia allowed Mr.Wickham showed her lack of regard for you and all your sisters. I know if Mr. Denney demanded more of you, you would never participate, especially if you knew it could hurt your whole family.”
“Of course not, Mr. Darcy,” Kitty exclaimed a bit too loudly. She dropped her voice after looking around to see if anyone noticed.“I was just curious what it would feel like.”
“And how did it feel, Kitty?” Darcy wondered about the workings of the young female mind.
“Mr. Denney’s beard scratched my face, and his breath smelled of port and cigar smoke. It was not what I expected; my novels describe a more pleasant experience.” Kitty felt foolish for having believed such romantic notions.
Darcy chuckled again at Kitty’s naïveté. “Do you know Elizabeth kissed me several times before we were married?” A short gasp told him Kitty never expected Elizabeth allowed him such privileges. “Of course, we already set a date for our marriage when this occurred. However, I know from my friend, Mrs. Bingley did not allow him more than the holding of hands.”
“Jane would never cross the line of propriety.” Kitty did not appear surprised by this news.
“As I see you to be more like Elizabeth—more passionate—more feelings in your interactions, I share this with you so you see there is no true standard. Do you see Elizabeth as any less proper than your sister Jane?”
“Most certainly not! Elizabeth is all what a lady should be!”
“Both Mrs. Bingley and my Elizabeth did what was best for them—they neither hurt their family and both have a clear conscious. That is what you see when you look into their faces—the purity of their actions and the purity of their hearts. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you?”
“Lydia hides her actions with too much face paint and too many ribbons on her bonnet,” she said with some conviction.
“Quality—not quantity—is the standard.”
Kitty looked about sheepishly. “Mr. Darcy, may I ask you something else?”
“Of course, Miss Bennet.”
“Mr. Ashford, before we left Pemberley, asked if he might call on me when I returned.Would you speak to him on my behalf?”
“Do you wish for Mr. Ashford to make such calls?” Darcy seemed amused.
“I reflected on it for the past several days. I would like to get to know Mr.Ashford better.” Kitty hoped she did not seem too forward for Darcy’s standards.
“I will speak to Elizabeth tomorrow, and we will determine what is best for your future. I must say Mr.Ashford seems like a sensible young man.” Darcy’s approval brought Kitty joy.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
“Are you ready to retire for the evening? If so, it would be my honor to escort you to your room.” Darcy offered Elizabeth’s sister his arm.
Kitty stood and took his arm, happy to be accepted as part of his family.At the top of the stairs, she turned to him one last time.“May I be allowed one last question?”
Darcy’s smile showed no annoyance with Kitty’s entreaties. “Certainly.”
“When you first kissed Elizabeth, what was it like?”
The laughter came easily this time, and Darcy half teased her when he said,“Of course, your sister had no beard, and she did not smell of cigars or port, so my experience was more pleasurable than the one you described.”
A pout took Kitty’s lips. “Do not tease me, Mr. Darcy. I really want to know.”
“Very well, Miss Bennet.” He started by looking away and visualizing the moment.“Your sister just agreed to be my wife. Elizabeth tilted her head to look up at me, and I knew I could do nothing else. It was exciting, breathless, and exhilarating—all the things one would expect when two people are in love, but it was more than that; it was as if I was coming home—it was where I belonged. I guess it was very much like those novels of which you are so fond.”
“I knew it had to be better than Mr. Denney. Mary said all kisses are purely to lead to sins against God’s will.” Kitty’s astonishment showed with the enthusiasm in her tone.
“Your sister Mary is more devout than most of us, but I will share one more insight. If there is a Heaven on earth, mine lies in your sister Elizabeth. Now, we spoke beyond what a married man should say to his wife’s sister; I will see you in the morning, Kitty.”
Kitty dropped him a curtsy before giving Darcy a large smile and heading to her room. Darcy chuckled in watching her go. I hope my child is a son, he thought. Another female in my household may be more than I can handle.
With that, he returned to his rooms. Georgiana left when she saw him come in. “I gave her some chamomile tea to help her rest. Elizabeth says she waits for you to join her before she sleeps.”
The description he just offered Kitty of their first kiss came back quickly to his mind’s eye.“I will go to her soon.”
Once alone, Darcy stayed in the sitting room, exhausted by the pretense he played. He did not know how long he sat there staring at the dying embers in the fireplace.
“Will you not come to bed, my Husband?” Lost in his own thoughts, Darcy jumped at the sound of Elizabeth’s voice.
“How can you still want me there after the public humiliation my family caused you tonight?” Darcy could not take his eyes from the woman he loved.
Elizabeth, likewise, sought assurances from him once again. “How can you still want to be there after the mortifications my family cost you?”
In a second, Darcy crossed the room and violently pulled her to him, grasping her so tightly Elizabeth could hardly breathe.“My Love, do not leave me.”
“I can go nowhere—you are my everything, Fitzwilliam. My life lacks purpose without you there.”
Darcy kissed her, demanding Elizabeth’s love, branding her as his; he never felt such need to possess her. Once he thought he might never know her love, but now he fully understood the depth with which Elizabeth loved him. He could not lose her; Elizabeth must continue to love him.
“Let us go to bed. I need you where nothing comes between us.”
Darcy picked her up; Elizabeth snuggled into his chest.“My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth,” he spoke softly into her hair,“with you, I am finally home.”
Chadwick Harrison, like many of the Matlocks’ neighbors, arrived at the estate in the late afternoon. Nearly a month had passed since he last saw Georgiana Darcy, and the man missed the sweetness of the woman, but when he found her, a naval officer kept her company.
“Mr. Harrison,” Georgiana said, looking up from the pianoforte when he entered the music room, “it is pleasant to see you again.” She stood and made her curtsy, but the woman emerging in her never took her eyes from Harrison’s countenance.
Harrison made her the proper bow. “Miss Darcy, you are looking well. I have not seen them yet, but I assume your family is in health.” Georgiana shot the captain a furtive glance. All those present at last night’s fiasco pretended no such confrontation occurred. The captain, the only other person in the room at the time of Lady Catherine’s attack on her family members, chose to ignore the issue in deference to his allegiance to Lord and Lady Pennington.
“They are, Sir. My family wishes to renew its acquaintance with you.” Georgiana offered Mr. Harrison an endearing smile. Turning to the officer she added, “May I introduce Captain James Rutherford.”
“Captain Rutherford.” Harrison made the man an obligatory bow.“I am pleased to meet any friend of Miss Darcy’s.”
“Mr. Harrison,” the captain acknowledged the man with a like bow. Sensing Georgiana wished to speak to Mr. Harrison privately, the captain excused hims
elf. “Miss Darcy, I hope you do me the honor of a dance set this evening.”
Georgiana felt uncomfortable. For the past several days, she accepted the captain’s attention, but now with Mr. Harrison in the room, she no longer wanted the captain’s regard, but she saw no way out. If she refused the captain his dance, Georgiana would have to sit out the rest of the evening, and Georgiana wanted to dance with Chadwick Harrison. “It would be my pleasure.” She smiled briefly at Rutherford before he exited.
Georgiana moved from the instrument bench to a settee, and Harrison followed her there.“Has your time at Hines Park been productive, Sir?” Georgiana asked politely once they were seated.
“It has, Miss Darcy. I am anxious to speak to your brother during the evening; I have questions to which I hope he has answers. Plus, I wish to extend a dinner invitation to your family while you are in the area.”
“I would enjoy seeing your estate, Mr. Harrison.” Georgiana dropped her eyes before they met his.
“My estate is progressing. I would like your opinion of it. I value your opinion, Miss Darcy.” Harrison hoped to say more, but his promise to Mrs. Darcy prevented that.The sexual tension made them uncomfortable, and they fought valiantly against the emotions trying to surface. When Harrison first met Georgiana Darcy there was an instant attraction, but in his first estimation, he considered her to be naïve. His weeks at Pemberley proved his initial opinion to be in error. Miss Darcy possessed an independent spirit hidden by the beauty of her face. Harrison found during those weeks with Georgiana he could socialize without the pressure of mating or remain silent without censure.This contradiction confused him at first; now he welcomed it.
Noticing they were actually alone, the couple fell silent. Finally, Harrison said, “I missed my conversations with your family, Miss Darcy. Hines Park is sadly without the fulfillment I found at Pemberley.” Harrison looked around to make sure no one could observe or hear him. “Miss Darcy.” she turned to look at him as he lowered his voice.“Please excuse my impropriety when I tell you I missed you.”
“Mr. Harrison,” Georgiana said, blushing deeply, “although I cannot accept your lack of proper manners, I do accept your words most willingly.”
Harrison said nothing else; he wanted to tell Georgiana he loved her, but he made progress; therefore, he turned his attention to other matters. When the time came, Harrison knew Georgiana Darcy would, at least, listen to his plea. “How long have you known the captain?”
“Only about a week—he is an acquaintance of my guardian Colonel Fitzwilliam; the captain is a guest in the house of my mother’s cousins, Lord and Lady Pennington.When I first met him, I thought you two were familiar because the captain asked me many questions about you.”
“Did he now? What did the captain want to know?” Harrison’s interest peaked.
“Nothing in particular which I recall—the captain just wanted to know my opinion of you.” Georgiana felt somehow she betrayed Mr. Harrison.
Although concerned about the captain’s questions, Harrison did not want to alarm Georgiana.“I hope, Miss Darcy, you were able to offer the captain a good report on my behalf.”
Georgiana laughed lightly, and Harrison’s heart skipped a beat. “I found several good things to share with him.” Georgiana looked at Harrison and smiled. He thought he could spend the rest of his life sitting on this settee with this woman.
“Like the captain, I hope you save at least one dance set for me this evening.”
“I will look forward to it.” Georgiana’s voice broke with anticipation.
Harrison knew he treaded the line with his words, but he also implored, “Would I be too forward if I ask you to double my pleasure this evening and not only consider a second set with me but a place by my side when we go in to dinner?”
“My brother may object,” Georgiana offered, “but I will save you the set before dinner is served, but that means I must dance with others first.”
Harrison would not take pleasure in watching Georgiana dance with the captain and others, but the prospect of sharing her company over dinner allowed him tolerance. “I understand, Miss Darcy.”
Knowing they should spend no more time alone, Georgiana suggested they find Kitty. “I am sure Miss Bennet will want to save you a dance set this evening, as will my sister Elizabeth.”
CHAPTER 5
“Every man is surrounded by a neighborhood of voluntary spies.”
Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey, 1817
Harrison walked about the ballroom, wanting desperately to spend the evening in the presence of Georgiana Darcy, but for this first set he chose to dance with Kitty Bennet while Georgiana accepted the hand of Captain Rutherford.
“This is an agreeable dance,” Georgiana said as she and the captain made their pass the first time.
“It is, Miss Darcy,” Captain Rutherford responded. “Were you able to renew your acquaintance with Mr. Harrison?” the captain asked as they came together to proceed down the line.
“Mr. Harrison is an amiable man.”
“Really? You said as much before.” The captain’s remark came too quickly.
Georgiana seemed surprised by the captain’s tone. “Would you not think so, Sir?”
Captain Rutherford could not respond immediately for they parted to each side. When the form brought them together again, he said, “Mr. Harrison’s opinions are considered controversial by many. I assumed your bother would be concerned with your knowing the man.”
His words brought an evident perturbation to Georgiana’s countenance. The captain’s words were calculated to have an impact on the young girl—to serve as a warning. She did not respond as they came together again and again, and Rutherford thought Georgiana would remain silent through the rest of the dance and maybe the rest of the set. Yet, the man underestimated the young woman standing in front of him.
Georgiana Darcy might have accepted the captain’s words at one time with little or no comment, but that was before her brother showed Georgiana her worth. So as she came forward to meet the captain at the end of the first dance, she reprimanded him, “If you are referring to Mr. Harrison’s dislike of our government’s policy condoning the impression of others in deplorable conditions, I take offense.”
“Offense, Miss Darcy?” the captain asked, incredulously.
“I know little of the life of those of whom Mr. Harrison speaks, but I do know some men relegate women to positions of no consequence. If a man would treat women thusly, how would he treat men of different circumstances?”
The dance ended on a sour note for Georgiana Darcy, and her agitation became evident as Darcy stood with his wife watching the revelers.
“Should I separate Georgiana from the captain?” he whispered in Elizabeth’s ear.
“Your sister is capable of responding to Captain Rutherford’s words without your assistance, my Love.Trust her.”
“She seems disturbed.”
“Georgiana’s response shows more resolve than agitation. I suspect the captain just heard a bit of Darcy philosophy.” Elizabeth looked at her husband with amusement.
“Darcy philosophy?” He smiled at the woman he loved.
“Yes, the Darcys are committed to those to whom they affect; it is a characteristic quite out of step with much of society. Thankfully for me, you, Sir, gave me your affection.” Elizabeth’s eyes met his.
“I do choose to seek my comfort in your arms,” Darcy whispered once again. They stood a bit too close even for a married couple, but their devotion to each other demanded as such. “I love you, Mrs. Darcy,” he said under his breath, and Elizabeth made a point of squeezing his hand in response.
The second song of the dance set ended, and Captain Rutherford returned Georgiana to her family.
“Captain,” Darcy began,“you dance well for a man used to the rolling motion of the sea.” It was a comment so uncharacteristic of Darcy that both Georgiana and Elizabeth turned to look at him.
“My land legs do me as well as my
sea legs,” the captain laughed.“I am also quite comfortable on horseback.”
“I do not believe I heard you say upon which ships you sailed,” Darcy’s statement came out as a question.
“I changed ships several times,” Rutherford offered. “At another time, I will be happy to share my experiences with you. Now, if you will excuse me, Sir—I asked Miss Andrews for the pleasure of the next set.” Rutherford made Darcy and the ladies a quick bow before exiting.
“An unusual man,” Elizabeth commented as the captain took his leave. Darcy did not say anything, but his expression told Elizabeth he held similar thoughts.
“Do you think I might have the honor of your hand for this next set, Elizabeth?” Darcy asked finally.
“It would be my pleasure, my Love,” Elizabeth said, smiling up at him,“but maybe your sister would prefer your company.” Elizabeth shot a quick glance at Georgiana.
“No, please, Elizabeth,” Georgiana stammered, “you and Fitzwilliam should dance. It is such a beautiful evening; please enjoy it.”
“Are you sure, Georgiana?”
“Yes, I am quite content to sit here for a few minutes.”
“Would you do me the honor then?” Edward stepped forward.“Anne would prefer to talk to my mother, and I am in an excellent mood.”The man beamed with pleasure.
“Edward.” Georgiana took his arm. “It has been too long since we danced, and I can think of nothing more pleasant.”
“You are growing up too fast.” Edward touched Georgiana’s cheek. “How have you changed so much?” Edward marveled at Georgiana’s new confidence.
“That is easy,” Darcy interjected. “My sister and my wife conspire against us all.”
“The truth is, Colonel, my husband encourages impudence from both his sister and me.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled when she looked at Darcy.
Edward laughed out loud.“You are an unusual trio. I was so involved with my issues with Anne and Lady Catherine, I took little note of the changes happening at Pemberley.”
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