Darcy's Temptation

by Regina Jeffers

  “Mr. Howard,” Darcy began upon seeing the man, “thank you for coming so quickly.”

  Mr. Howard made Darcy a proper bow. “We are happy to see you well, Sir.” Howard brought the estate books to Darcy’s desk. “When we found your coach, we knew not what might have become of you, Sir.”

  “You found my coach?” Darcy looked surprised.

  “Yes, Sir, Mrs. Darcy had a premonition of what had happened, and then she received the letter from Miss More, indicating you failed to arrive in Hull. Distraught, Mrs. Darcy sent us immediately to retrace your route. I do believe if Mrs. Darcy was not with child, your wife would have led the search party herself.”

  “A premonition, you say?” Darcy tried to look amused but really felt agitation.

  “Yes, Sir, Mrs. Darcy nearly swooned from her strong feelings regarding the matter.” Mr. Howard opened the estate books to the current pages.

  Darcy shifted in his seat, disturbed by his own ideas.“When exactly did this happen?”

  Mr. Howard paused to recollect when they attended to Mrs. Darcy’s misgivings. “You could not have been more than two days out, Sir. Mrs. Darcy suddenly took on a dreadful feeling and collapsed in this very room. Mrs. Reynolds and Miss Darcy attended to her. I am unaware of all the particulars, but the irony of the situation once we knew of your not achieving Hull did not escape the men in the search party.”

  Darcy sat back in the chair. He brought his fingers together in supposition, resting his chin as he meditated on what Mr. Howard shared about Elizabeth Darcy. How could she know? Could she have arranged the attack? No, that was impossible. Elizabeth would not bring attention to herself if she were a culprit in his encounter.Then that meant they had an unusual connection—one not found in most marriages. Darcy could not explain how confused the stories of Elizabeth made him. His brief observation of her told him his wife did not meet the standards of what his father drummed into Darcy. Yet, from all accounts, they had a loving—a trusting—relationship. Perplexity ruled his thoughts about the woman he married. How could they achieve some semblance of marital felicity?

  Mr. Howard’s voice brought Darcy’s attention back to the books. “As you can observe, Sir, the recent changes instituted by you and your wife proved wise ones.The estate is on solid footing, and the promise of new crops opened markets we did not anticipate.”

  “Really?” Darcy seemed surprised.

  “Of course, Sir,” Mr. Howard beamed. “Your insights proved themselves, and Mrs. Darcy’s attention to the needs of the tenants creates a feeling of solidarity among them. They band together to help each other. I, personally, have seen nothing to compare to what you achieved here, Sir.”

  Again, Darcy leaned back in the chair. “Would you explain how these changes affected the tenants? Give me specific examples.”

  “There is a general feeling of—of—how to explain this—of congeniality.When Mr. Lucas hurt his leg last week, Meyers, Littleton, and Sanderson came to help him finish the plowing and mended Lucas’s fence wall.Your wife and sister make regular tenant calls; they listen to the women and praise the efforts of the men.They bring food and comfort to the families.”

  “From where does the food come?”

  “Most of the food comes from the controlled kills,” Mr. Howard added nonchalantly, forgetting Darcy had no memory of this recent change in how the estate handled nature’s tendency to allow some species to be more abundant than others.

  “Controlled kills?”

  “Miss Darcy’s idea, Sir. Forgive me—when I spoke, I forgot about your recent attack. Miss Darcy reasoned we could cut down on poachers if we controlled the number of deer ourselves. We thin the herd periodically and give the meat to the tenants. In return, they help with repairs upon the estate. We become our own state, taking care of our own. It is quite simple in concept, but the positive tendrils have spread among the cottagers.”

  “And this was my sister’s idea? Are you sure, Mr. Howard?”

  “Quite sure, Sir. Your family and I sat in this very room when the plan came into fruition. Miss Darcy and your wife assumed much of the control of the estate while you were away. Your jointure on Mrs. Darcy proved prudent.” Mr. Howard’s praise of the two women continued for several minutes.

  At dinner, Darcy planned to extend his congratulations to Elizabeth for her insights in regards to the estate, but his houseguests, anticipating the strain of his first evening at Pemberley, all begged off and took their meals in their rooms. Earlier in the day, Mr. Bingley came briefly to Darcy’s study to inform him he and Mrs. Bingley would depart from Pemberley tomorrow. “You are welcome to stay, Sir. Mrs. Bingley, as Mrs. Darcy’s sister, should not be deprived of her relations on my account.”

  Yet, Bingley insisted; the garbled relationships played havoc on Mrs. Bingley’s kind nature, and he would remove her from Pemberley until Darcy could reestablish his position with his wife. Therefore, their absence from the dinner table did not surprise Darcy. Kitty Bennet, not used to confrontations, followed suit.

  Edward insisted he and Anne had extensive wedding plans to discuss. Darcy did not believe him; he knew Anne did not want to witness the problems in Darcy’s marriage. If Lady Catherine, according to Edward, thought Darcy might withdraw his attention from Elizabeth and take Anne as his wife, then difficulties would occur for his cousins.

  Mr. Harrison, suspecting a change in the dynamics of the household, made an early exit and took a room at the Royal Crown in Lambton. He promised Georgiana to call tomorrow before leaving for Hines Park.

  Finally, Darcy received word through her maid that his wife had a headache and would take a light meal in her room.As he sat down to dinner, Darcy found only his sister as company.

  “It seems only you, Dearest One, seeks my company this evening.” Georgiana recognized the hurt in Darcy’s voice.

  “With Elizabeth’s condition, I am sure today created problems for her,” his sister tried to reason with him.

  “What can I do, Georgiana? I hear tales of my wife’s resilience and her amiability, but I cannot justify my decision in regards to our father’s directives.”

  “Fitzwilliam, I admit Elizabeth is not what you say you want and is not what our father on first glance would find appropriate, but I know she is what you need. Our father would approve of how happy you are with Elizabeth. No one who saw the two of you together would think otherwise.” Georgiana laughed nervously. “Of course, no one except our formidable aunt.”

  Darcy looked surprised to see his sister speak out about their aunt.“Lady Catherine? Obviously, our aunt would disapprove of my marriage to Mrs. Darcy. Lady Catherine would approve of no one except Anne as my wife.”

  “Fitzwilliam, she did not just disapprove,” Georgiana protested. “She tried to stop your marriage. Our aunt presented herself to Elizabeth before you proposed the second time. Lady Catherine’s words demonstrated a lack of breeding, but Elizabeth refused to deny or confirm your relationship.”

  “Second time? I know I proposed to Elizabeth more than once, but why would she refuse me? It is, evidently, a prudent match for her.”

  “Elizabeth refused you at Easter time at Hunsford. Fitzwilliam, you were very disrespectful to her,” Georgiana half teased. “I will explain more later, but Elizabeth found your proposal insulting at best; then you spent several months in misery. Elizabeth traveled to Derbyshire with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner; you came home a day early to find her at Pemberley. By then, she had a better understanding of what an honorable man you are and was able to finally accept you.”

  “Do you not mean Mrs. Darcy saw Pemberley and realized what a wealthy man I am?” Darcy sarcastically added.

  Again, Georgiana came to Elizabeth’s defense. “Elizabeth is not like that, Fitzwilliam. She knew of your wealth in Hunsford and refused you. Elizabeth was misled by Mr. Wickham’s lies about you.When she realized she—she misunderstood the situation, Elizabeth allowed herself to see the man you are.”

  “What else should I k
now about my wife?” Darcy asked suspiciously.

  “I esteem her above anyone I ever met. Elizabeth took over the estate when you were missing; she is the most capable person I know beside you, Fitzwilliam. At her suggestion, I learned much about how to run an estate. Elizabeth could legally make all decisions regarding our ancestral home in your absence, but Mrs. Darcy would not allow that. Plus, Elizabeth reasoned a man who really esteemed me would accept my knowledge as an asset to our marriage.”

  Darcy mused,“She did, did she?”

  “Do you doubt me, Brother?”

  “Of course not, Georgiana.”

  “Elizabeth protected me from Mr. Wickham.” Georgiana tossed in a reminder of her sister’s loyalty. “Of course, I protected her earlier from Lady Catherine.”

  “You spoke disrespectfully to our aunt?” Darcy was not sure whether he was appalled or amused by the concept.

  “Our aunt, Fitzwilliam, came here with the purpose of removing Elizabeth from the estate. Lady Catherine was unaware of the jointure placed on Elizabeth, but even if no such document existed, our aunt could have shown more solicitous feelings toward Elizabeth. Lady Catherine even insinuated your child belonged to someone else. I could not tolerate such expurgents in your house, Brother!” Georgiana’s voice rose with indignation.

  “Lady Catherine claimed what?”

  “Fitzwilliam, our aunt knew where you were, but she kept the information from Elizabeth—from me. How could she? How could she place her disapproval of your wife above your safe return home?”

  “I do not know, Dearest One.” Darcy reached out to caress her cheek; Georgiana turned her head to kiss his palm.“There is so much I do not know.”

  A light tap came at Elizabeth’s bedchamber door, and she looked up to see Darcy standing in the doorway. For a moment, she wondered if he intended to take his husbandly rights, but he approached her not. She rose to address him. The translucent silky fabric of her nightdress revealed the lilt turn of Elizabeth’s figure, only enhanced by the fullness of her breast and her abdomen. Her auburn curls cascaded over her shoulders, and Darcy’s eyes found both the depth of her eyes and the enigmatic smile she wore very enticing. “Yes, Sir,” she said softly.

  “I came to inquire about your health.You were missed at dinner.” He guarded his words, not wishing to amplify the strain obviously between them.

  “It was only a headache.” Elizabeth tried to smile at him. “It will pass. I am very tired. I slept very little while you were gone.”

  “You must think of yourself and our child first.” Elizabeth’s appearance shook his resolve to make amends and then leave. “Would you feel well enough to join me in the sitting room for a few minutes?” For some reason Darcy really did not want to leave her.

  Elizabeth wanted to rush into his arms and kiss his face until the hurt went away. “May I beg off, Fitzwilliam? The child has been quite active today, and the need to reevaluate how we live our lives has taken its toll on me.” Elizabeth looked at her bed, nervously wishing to be there with Darcy. “My sister and Mr. Bingley depart early tomorrow. I wish to give my dear Jane the comfort of seeing me refreshed and rested.” She finally allowed her eyes to rest on her husband’s countenance.

  “Naturally, Madam.” He gave Elizabeth a slight bow.“I will see you in the morning then.” With those words, he left the room. Entering his own bedchamber, Darcy leaned back against the door and took several deep breaths. He rakishly ran his hand through his hair. “My wife has some appealing qualities,” he smiled at his own jest, “some appealing qualities, indeed.” He reached to remove his cravat and tossed it on the back of a chair.

  CHAPTER 15

  “How wonderful, how very wonderful the operations of time,

  and the changes of the human mind.”

  Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814

  Early afternoon found Georgiana climbing the hill behind the house, taking in the warmth of the spring sun. The stress of finding her brother required a more demanding walk than usual for the delicate-natured Georgiana. She neared the glade separating the lake from the foothills and took a seat on a hollowed-out log. Raising her face to the sun, Georgiana closed her eyes and listened to the world.

  From the hill overlooking Pemberley House, Chadwick Harrison espied her walking away from her home and immediately turned his mount from the road leading to the carriageway and instead circled the building to follow Georgiana to her destination. In reality, it was she he came to see; it was she to whom he must say his goodbyes.

  Georgiana took her pleasure in the quiet of the glade and the unseasonable warmth of the day. Unaware of Mr. Harrison’s presence, she gathered some wildflowers and sat twirling a long stalk as if conducting an orchestra, eyes closed and engrossed in her own world.

  Harrison, captivated by the image of the sunlight reflecting off her golden locks, watched with longing. He wanted to take her in his embrace and kiss the nape of her neck. His eyes drank in her beauty, and it was with great difficulty he finally spoke her name.“Miss Darcy.” His voice was husky with desire.

  She turned calmly as if expecting him to find her here.“Mr. Harrison, this is a most pleasant surprise.” Her eyes held a new light of recognition especially for him.

  “It seems I lost my way to Pemberley.” He gave her a smile of amusement.“But I managed to find you.” His smile grew by the moment.“Maybe you might save a wayward soul.”

  “I am afraid, Sir, saving souls belongs in the realm of duties of Mr. Ashford. All I might offer you is the music.” Georgiana dropped her eyes as he approached.

  Harrison found her words intriguing. “The music, Miss Darcy?”

  “Come, Mr. Harrison, and sit by me, and let me introduce you to the music.” Georgiana looked him directly in the eyes and bid him do as she said.

  Harrison, as if mesmerized by Georgiana’s beauty, moved to the log and took a seat.“Give me your hand, Mr. Harrison, and close your eyes.” Georgiana touched each of his eyelids with her fingertips. She heard the deep intake of breath he took, giving her the confidence to continue.

  She spoke softly, nearly in his ear, and Harrison could feel the warmth of Georgiana’s breath against his cheek. “Keep your eyes closed, Mr. Harrison, and listen to the music—the music is in the wind, in the rush of the reeds by the lake, and in the sun dancing off your face.” She slipped her hand in his, and he tightened the grip.They sat as such for a few moments; then she said,“Do you hear the music, Mr. Harrison?”

  A smile crept into the corners of his mouth. “Who would think it possible? A man can hear something where nothing is there. Do you hear the grasshopper singing, Miss Darcy? How about the wings of the birds beating out a rhythm overhead?”

  Harrison sat still, enjoying the feeling of her hand in his and of her closeness—her warmth along his shoulder. His words brought Georgiana’s attention to his face, at first thinking he teased, but realizing Harrison listened with all his being just as she did. She could not look away, memorizing the lines forming on his forehead and around his eyes.

  “Do you hear the sandy swish of the leaves against each other at the top of the tree? Can you hear the rippling sound of the water as it drips from the hill to the waiting pool?” she whispered in his ear.

  Harrison turned his head slowly, gradually opening his eyes and coming face to face with her at last. Only inches apart, he asked, “Georgiana, can you hear the beating of my heart?”

  His use of her familiar name opened an intimacy denied to them in public.“I hear it, Chadwick.”

  “Georgiana,” the word nearly stuck in his throat. Hypnotized by her closeness, he felt compelled to kiss her; she actually took his breath away. The delicate control he tried to show dissolved into the desire he felt. He lowered his lips to touch hers, and the firmness with which she responded surprised him. His arms encircled her as he deepened the kiss.When he reluctantly withdrew, Harrison’s breath came in short bursts. Georgiana instinctively rested her head against his shoulder, breathing in
the smell of his desire and mixing it with the essence of hers.“My dearest Georgiana,” he whispered into her ear,“what does a wish sound like?”

  He could hear the delight of her giggle as it started deep within her. She withdrew just far enough to see his eyes. “I do not know the music found in a wish, but I know the feel of it.” She traced his lips with her fingertips.

  Harrison kissed her fingertips lightly and then returned to her mouth for one last time before he would have to part from her. The memory of those kisses would sustain him for many months. “Georgiana,” his voice played soft against her hair, “I must take my leave of your family today.”

  “I know, Mr. Harrison.” Her voice muffled into his chest.

  “Must it be Mr. Harrison, Georgiana?”

  “Chadwick.” She smiled at him.

  Harrison nearly laughed out loud. “You never cease to amaze me, Georgiana.”

  “You will be missed, Sir.” She sat up and began to straighten her dress, but she looked back to caress Harrison’s jaw line.

  Harrison looked deep into her eyes, and an imprecation escaped his lips.“I wish I never made a promise to your sister.”

  “My birthday is not until late August,” she taunted.

  Harrison gasped,“You know?”