Darcy's Temptation

by Regina Jeffers

  On the return trip, Darcy stopped in Hertfordshire. The Bingleys and the Bennets would join the Darcys for a few days at Pemberley. The Darcys stayed at Netherfield because Darcy wished to renew his relationship with Charles Bingley. Some of his memories of Charles’s friendship also resurfaced.“I found a property an hour away from Pemberley if you are still interested, Bingley.”

  “Maybe we can see it when we come to Pemberley.”

  “I assume the Bennets know nothing of this,” Darcy added.

  Jane looked about nervously. “I do not wish my mother to suspect our plans, Mr. Darcy.”

  “It would please Elizabeth to have you so close, especially after Georgiana’s wedding.”

  “That means a great deal to me also, Mr. Darcy. Family is important to all of us.” Jane squeezed Bingley’s hand and gave him a slight nod.

  “There is something else we have not told the Bennets. My wife is with child.” Bingley beamed as he said the words out loud.

  “Then it is important to find you the perfect estate, and that is exactly what we will do.”

  “He filled the room with candles and flowers,” Georgiana gushed.“It was perfect.”

  “I am most anxious to see Mr. Ashford; it has been nearly two months. I worry he forgets me.” Kitty needed Ashford’s pledge.“The wedding is six weeks away, and we have discussed nothing. I am afraid, Georgiana, he no longer loves me.”

  “Oh, Kitty, if you could just see how miserable the man is without you at Pemberley, you would never question his regard. His sermons have lost their passion. Mr. Ashford goes through the motions, but, you, Kitty, bring life to the man’s existence. Mr. Ashford offered to give up the living from my brother for you.What other proof do you need of his affection?”

  “I hope you are right, Georgiana; I am just worried I may lose him.” Kitty dropped her eyes and bit her lower lip.“May I tell you something, Georgiana?”

  “Of course, Kitty.”

  “I let Mr. Ashford kiss me on several occasions. Could he think less of me because of it?” Kitty looked worried.

  “Kitty, I guarantee the man loves you. If you allowed him some liberties, they have not lessened his desire to marry you. In fact, you may have increased those desires. I guarantee it, and in two days’ time, you will guarantee it also.”

  Elizabeth walked about the lawn of Pemberley, overseeing the festivities. She became quite adept at supervising several activities at once. Pockets of people stretched out on blankets, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. Her parents visited at Pemberley for nearly a week.The Bennets would remain with the Darcys for three more days before returning to Longbourn.

  Mrs. Bennet barely spoke the first two days at the house, too enthralled with her surroundings to dare speak to Mr. Darcy about his home. “Oh, Lizzy, bless me, I never imagined Pemberley to be such a great estate. I cannot wait to tell my sister Phillips and Lady Lucas how important you really are. You were so smart to give Mr. Darcy an heir right away.These great men expect it, you know, my girl.”

  “Yes, Mama, I know.” Elizabeth’s eyes rolled in exasperation.

  Mr. Bennet liked hiding himself in Darcy’s library. “I could spend a lifetime in that room, Lizzy.”

  “Mr. Darcy does share your love of books, Papa.” Elizabeth hugged her father. “Come play with your beautiful grandchildren. Mrs. Reynolds and Hannah are bringing them down from the nursery.” Elizabeth led her father to some chairs scattered under a large Spanish chestnut.

  “Mrs. Darcy.” A woman rushed over to speak to Elizabeth. The woman made Elizabeth a perfect curtsy. “We be thankin’ ye Mistress for thinkin’ of us in yur time of happiness. I brung ye somethin’ for the babes.” She thrust two wooden rattles in Elizabeth’s hand.“Me son carved ’em himself.”

  “Thank you for your goodness, Mrs. Fleming. Mr. Darcy and I are pleased you are here today. Enjoy the activities.” Elizabeth touched the woman’s hand before moving on. She placed the rattles on a blanket holding various gifts designed for the children.

  Darcy came up behind her and lightly touched her waist. Elizabeth turned to look up at him; she caressed his jaw line as she gifted Darcy with a gigantic smile. “Mrs. Reynolds is bringing the children down from the nursery, my Love.”

  “Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.” Darcy scanned the area.

  “The day is perfect.”

  “I am pleased to see you wearing my mother’s necklace; you have not worn it since our wedding.” Darcy’s eyes drifted down Elizabeth’s body. “You are very beautiful today.” He whispered in her ear.

  “Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth leaned in close and lowered her voice, “if I did not know better, I would think you had unchaste ideas.”

  Darcy gave her a mysterious smile.“I miss you, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “And I you, Sir.” Elizabeth blushed with her boldness as she examined his physique closely.

  His breath came shallower.“Then maybe. . . .”

  Elizabeth touched his lips with her fingertips.“Not maybe,” she whispered again.“Definitely.”

  “I love you, Elizabeth.” Seeing her wearing his mother’s necklace made Darcy feel very possessive, and a surge of need rushed through him.

  “Shall I expect this reaction each time I wear this necklace?” Elizabeth smiled, watching his eyes fill with desire.

  “Definitely,” he teased.

  Elizabeth taunted,“Then I will wear it and nothing else.”

  “Not fair, Lizzy.” Darcy nearly moaned.

  She pursed her lips.“Touché, my Love—definitely not fair.”

  Mrs. Reynolds and Hannah brought down the children and handed them to Darcy and Elizabeth. They took a dominant position on a slight incline. Standing very close to each other in a show of solidarity, they waited for the crowd to gather around. Georgiana helped Mr. Harrison, who still struggled, although his progress was evident to everyone. Elizabeth motioned for Kitty and Mr.Ashford to come forward also.

  Darcy cleared his throat as the gathered masses moved even closer. He hated speaking at any type of gathering beyond one of a few close friends. Elizabeth, sensing his discomfort, edged closer, allowing her fingers to caress his arm in the guise of shifting the baby in hers. Darcy glanced down at her when her touch awakened a knowledge he was no longer alone.

  Clearing his voice a second time, Darcy began to speak. “Friends and family of Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy and I welcome you today, and we appreciate your sharing in our happiness. As many of you know, Pemberley has been blessed of late.We are blessed to have Mrs. Darcy’s sister, Miss Bennet, accepting the hand of our own Mr. Ashford.” The crowd acknowledged the happy couple as Ashford brought Kitty’s hand to his lips.

  Darcy continued, “The Pemberley family and I have been blessed to have my sister Georgiana Darcy with us for these many years. Her goodness and generosity is well known among you. Now, Miss Darcy has accepted the hand of Mr. Harrison and will split her time between his estate in Dove Dale and in London, as Mr. Harrison will serve county Derby in Parliament.”The crowd took great pride in their connection to the new PM and showed it with cheers and applause.

  When the commotion settled, Darcy prepared to raise his voice again, but before he could express the words in his heart, he gazed into Elizabeth’s eyes. Finally, he turned back to the faces he knew as the Master of Pemberley. “I am blessed to have found an incomparable woman who in a short time made Pemberley her own. Mrs. Darcy loves this estate as I love it, and this remarkable woman has given me—given us—the greatest gift of all. She has given Pemberley a future. Help me to welcome my daughter, Ella Jane Darcy, and my son, Lucas Edward Darcy.” With that, Darcy and Elizabeth turned back the blankets and allowed those gathered that day to view the heirs to the land. A tumultuous roar burst forth, and both parents reassured their children all was well.

  Elizabeth placed Ella in her mother’s arms and took Lucas from Darcy. Cradling her son close to her, Elizabeth began to circulate among the clusters of people anxious to see the
heir to Pemberley. Darcy, Georgiana, Mr. Harrison, Kitty, and Mr. Ashford were immediately surrounded by well-wishers.

  After a few minutes, Darcy rejoined Elizabeth among the crowd. “Mrs. Darcy, your father wishes to hold his first grand-son,” Darcy spoke authoritatively, but Elizabeth knew he wanted to relieve her of her duties to his tenants.

  “Of course, Mr. Darcy.” She excused herself from the group and thankfully placed Lucas in Mr. Bennet’s waiting arms. To her father Elizabeth whispered words of endearment, and Mr. Bennet returned her sentiments. “I miss you at Longbourn, Lizzy,” his eyes misted as he spoke to his favorite daughter,“but it is quite evident your place is here with Mr. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth looked up, catching Darcy’s gaze across the lawn. “It is, Papa. Coming to Pemberley, I found myself. I belong at Pemberley because Mr. Darcy is here.”

  It was the Bennets last night at Pemberley. Mrs. Bennet took stories of Elizabeth’s success as the estate’s mistress and mother of Darcy’s children to Hertfordshire to share with any who might listen. Mr. Bennet took memories of his first grandchildren, knowledge his Lizzy found happiness, and a stack of Darcy’s books to read. He would return the books at Kitty’s wedding.

  “Mr. Bennet.” Clayton Ashford approached where the older man stood with Darcy.

  “Mr.Ashford.” Mr. Bennet turned toward the young vicar.

  Ashford looked a bit backward.“May I speak to you, Sir?”

  “Of course, Mr.Ashford.”

  “If you will excuse me.” Darcy started to take his leave, but Ashford asked him to stay.

  “I have some news which I feel an obligation to tell both of you,” Ashford began.“I lately received a letter from my father’s uncle. Unfortunately, the man recently lost his only child—his son. As I am the next male in line, his estate will fall into my hands upon my relative’s passing.”

  Ashford said the words so solemnly, Mr. Bennet knew not whether the vicar looked forward to the event. “Well, young man, it seems your potential is more than I anticipated.” Mr. Bennet thought the situation to be amusing.

  “Thank you, Sir. Of course, I wish no harm to my relations. I simply chose to make you aware one day I will be able to give Miss Bennet a nicer home. I believe your daughter deserving of more than I am currently able to give her.”

  Mr. Bennet teased,“You believe our Kitty to be deserving?”

  Mr. Ashford looked a bit askance. “Most definitely, Mr. Bennet.”

  Mr. Bennet gave Darcy half a wink. “Mr. Ashford, I once thought my Kitty to be one of the two most foolish girls in the country—her sister Lydia being the other. However, if she earned the regard of a landed gentleman, I may have to change my estimation of her.”

  Darcy picked up on Mr. Bennet’s teasing nature. “Maybe, Mr. Bennet, we should ask the size of Mr. Ashford’s estate before we offer our congratulations or extend our approval.”

  “I believe you are correct, Mr. Darcy.” Both men took Ashford into their gaze, leveling a serious stare on him.

  Ashford began to stammer.“I believe, Sirs, it has an income of a little less than three thousand pounds per year.”

  After an exceedingly long pause both Darcy and Mr. Bennet began to laugh. Darcy slapped Ashford on the back. “We apologize, Mr. Ashford, for taking our pleasure at your expense. Although I would hate to lose you from our community, I am sure both Mr. Bennet and I extend our sincere congratulations. We are pleased for your beneficial situation. Where might the estate be?”

  Ashford still appeared confused, but he relaxed some.“Near Bedfordshire, Mr. Darcy.”

  “Well, we will pray for your relations’ continued good health,” Darcy added with a smile.

  “Considering my wife’s nerves can tolerate no more than the splendor of Pemberley right now, I will spare you, Mr.Ashford, by not sharing your news with Mrs. Bennet until we are well on our way to Longbourn.” Mr. Bennet patted Ashford’s shoulder and strolled away.

  Ashford looked bewildered. Darcy took it all in before trying to assuage Ashford’s qualms. “Do not fear, Mr. Ashford, Mr. Bennet only finds those amusing whom he believes to be the most worthy. You will get used to the man’s sense of humor; even I once feared asking for Mrs. Darcy to become my wife.”

  “How could Mr. Bennet consider you to be unworthy?” Ashford thought this to be an amusing possibility.

  “The man may appear indolent, but he cares dearly for his daughters. I am sure your news pleased him thoroughly.” Darcy led Ashford back toward the gathering. “When will you tell Miss Bennet?”

  “Soon—I wanted to give Miss Bennet more than simply my love; it appears God answered my prayers, but I will sorely miss my time tending to my congregation.” Ashford’s eyes affectionately drifted to where Kitty stood talking to her sisters and Georgiana.

  “I am sure your Lord will not turn his back on your service in his name,” Darcy assured him. “When the time comes, you will find God has bigger plans for you.”

  Ashford asked in all honesty, “Do you truly believe as such, Mr. Darcy?”

  “There was a time, Mr. Ashford, I thought my destiny to be decided by my birth right. However, since meeting Mrs. Darcy, I have been persuaded to see God places a person on the path, but his destiny is still in his own hands.”

  They joined the four ladies, and Elizabeth stepped to Darcy’s side, intertwining her arm through his. “May I, Fitzwilliam?” she asked as he nodded in agreement.

  “Kitty.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Mr. Darcy and I have news for you and Mr. Ashford. Lord and Lady Haverty called upon us last week to pay their respects and to meet the twins. While here, I showed Lady Haverty to the nursery; your design impressed her Ladyship. She offered to pay you two hundred pounds to redecorate two rooms at her estate.”

  “Elizabeth,” Kitty gushed,“tell me you do not jest.”

  “We do not jest, Kitty,” Elizabeth confirmed what she said. “If Lady Haverty is pleased, you could earn additional funds for your talent.”

  “Did you hear, Clayton,” Kitty bubbled with laughter, “I could earn money just like an independent woman might do.”

  “I heard, Miss Bennet.” Ashford barely acknowledged Kitty’s enthusiasm.

  CHAPTER 29

  “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession

  of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

  Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813

  As the evening progressed, Kitty finally cornered Mr. Ashford alone for a few minutes. He pretended to read, but Kitty knew his attention to the book to be a sham. “Mr. Ashford,” she spoke softly, hoping to relay a sense of intimacy,“have I offered you some offense?”

  Ashford brought his eyes to meet hers. “No, Madam, I find little fault with you.”

  Kitty, who had grown wiser in the past year, knew just what to say. “My dear, Clayton,” she whispered, “we each have one fault: I keep no secrets, and, you, my Love, conceal everything. Please tell me what displeases you.”

  Ashford looked deeply into Kitty’s eyes, holding her gaze before he spoke.“Miss Bennet, when one first meets you, he finds you to be a little rough around the edges, but on closer examination, he cannot help but see you are absolutely beautiful.”

  Kitty blushed and looked away briefly, but, finally, she returned his gaze once again. “Mr. Ashford, you try to distract me from my pleas with your words of flattery. Please, Clayton, I beg you not to shut me out.”

  “If you insist, Miss Bennet, but it will seem foolish,” he began slowly. “Although I applaud your ingenuity, I fear your abandoning me for the fame you may achieve as an independent woman. I know your preference for balls and parties, and I can give you none of that—at least, not in the near future.”

  Against propriety, Kitty took his hand in hers. “Clayton, I love you.” She paused before continuing, hoping to find the right words. “May I tell you something? Last winter when I traveled to Nottingham with my sister and Mr. Darcy, I went f
or many long walks across the Pennington and the Matlock estates, and on those walks, I found myself. I found I am not my sister Lydia; I am more like Elizabeth. I have a certain resolve to prove myself better than the station in life which defines me, and although balls and socials once were my entertainment of choice, I am no longer that foolish girl; I would prefer the company of well-informed people and good conversation.That is the person I have become, and that person loves you. I would like the opportunity to earn part of my own money; my father can give me very little as part of my dowry, and I want to bring something to this marriage besides my regard for you. We may use the money I receive to purchase the extras for the parsonage, to buy books for the school, or even put the money away for our children.” Kitty dropped her voice on the last line.

  Ashford looked at Kitty as if seeing her for the first time. “Our children?” he stammered.

  Kitty released Ashford’s hand after spotting her father’s intense stare in her direction. “Do you not want children, Mr. Ashford?” Kitty’s voice held hurt, and she bit her lower lip to force back the tears welling in her eyes.

  “Of course, I want children—our children.” Ashford’s words demanded her attention with the urgency in his voice. “I just never suspected you held such thoughts.”

  “Every woman dreams of her husband and her family,” Kitty whispered so only Ashford could hear. “Every woman needs to feel the warmth of the man she loves—to share her intimate self with another. A woman dreams of a man who offers her both love and respect; she dreams of his accepting her for her strength and her vulnerability. A woman does not wish to always conceal her mind in deference to her husband’s.” Kitty meant her words to let Ashford know she expected to be treated with some equality although the British laws did not demand he do so.