Nimble fingers reached around her back and began to unfasten the hooks one at a time while his lips bestowed feather-light kisses upon the swell of her breasts. He lifted to claim her lips, drew back, and ran his knuckles down her heated cheek. “I can deny you nothing.”
Clarell House was decked in flowers and finery for the wedding of Charles Bingley to Anne de Bourgh. Though not as ostentatious as the ball he had attended a short month or so ago, the house was an elegant reminder of his uncle’s status and wealth.
"I can guess the subject of your reverie." A feminine hand wrapped around his arm as he turned and raised an eyebrow. “You are thankful our wedding was as simple as it was. We had no need to attend a wedding breakfast or entertain a large number of overtaxing guests.”
Elizabeth knew him too well. His mind had indeed taken that turn not a few minutes prior to her approach.
“Perhaps,” he responded, covering her hand with his own. “Do you find you regret the method of our marriage?”
Her musical laugh prompted a few heads to turn in their direction. “Not at all. Your aunt has introduced me to a gaggle of ladies this morning, who were more interested in my status as Mrs. Darcy than myself. We had those we love around us, which is what matters most to me.”
His heart calmed within his chest. He had needed to hear those words, to know she had no regrets. “Come with me.”
He laced his fingers with hers and led her to the library where he slipped through the doors and pulled her into his embrace. He grazed a nip where her neck and shoulder met and kissed below her ear.
“My uncle had news for me upon my arrival.”
“Did he now?” How he adored that breathy voice she had when they were intimate! He loathed mentioning the topic that he had ensured their solitude to discuss.
“Rumours have been rampant with Lord Carlisle’s swift departure from town.”
“I heard he left within a few days rather than the week you mentioned after the incident on Bond Street. I admit to wondering why.”
“He read Cade’s journal.” An adorable little crease appeared between her eyebrows. “She was intimate with Cade but managed to keep the affair a secret.”
Elizabeth’s eyes appeared as though they would burst from the sockets.
“When she was sixteen, the family stayed at the estate Cade managed. They had a short affair during that time, but while Cade thought she would one day run away with him...”
Her eyelids pressed tight. “Instead she rebuffed him for a gentleman in possession of a fortune.”
“Precisely. His ire towards me was from the beginning it seems. He ranted and raved about my supposed engagement to Lady Althea, yet was incensed when I broke her heart.” He pulled her closer as she had shifted away just a little while they spoke. “Lord Carlisle wished to distance himself immediately from town. Lady Althea had become more troublesome since our encounter with her, and he worried of society linking her to Cade.”
“They still might.”
“Cade was hanged three days ago. If any gossip were to come from that quarter, I think it would have made the rounds of society. My uncle agrees.”
“I still find it difficult to believe he was hanged.”
He nuzzled her temple and brushed a kiss to her hairline. “He attempted to harm a prominent member of society who is related to a wealthy and powerful political figure in the House of Lords. My aunt’s presence at the incident also sealed his fate. My uncle did not speak against him, but our connection to the Fitzwilliams was Cade’s downfall. I also wonder if Carlisle influenced the decision in some manner.”
They jumped when Richard opened the door and sauntered inside. Without looking in their direction, he strode to the liquor decanters and poured himself a generous glass. “I thought you two might be hiding in an empty room. Can you not remove your hands from one another long enough to appear in company?”
“Richard!”
Elizabeth giggled and leaned against Darcy’s arm. “He is just making sport. We shall have a turn at him when he, one day, is in a similar situation.”
The colonel bared his teeth as he swallowed and tipped his glass at them. “I appreciate your confidence in my finding a wealthy heiress to support my dissolute lifestyle, but since I have entered society, the ladies have flocked to my brother or Darcy here. I am under no delusions that I am a good catch in the ton. I am a mere second son.”
“Perhaps when Milton weds?” Her head was tilted as she appraised his cousin.
“I find it doubtful, but I shall allow you to plan the event for me. I expect I shall be married to the army for as long as she will have me. Besides, I am poor husband material. I am moody and set in my ways. Can you imagine my disposition in another ten years?” He shuddered. “Do not wish that upon any woman.”
His wife walked forward, and with a hand to Richard’s shoulder, gave him a sisterly kiss on the cheek. “You are loyal, protect those you love with your life, witty, and caring. I believe she would be a fortunate lady.”
Various shades from pink to beetroot emerged upon Richard’s face, which brought a hearty laugh from Darcy’s lips. “Richard does not accept praise well. You best return to me, my love, before you embarrass him further.”
Before she could step back, Richard took her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles. “I thank you for your compliment. Please forgive me if I choose to believe your kind words are the biased attempts of a family member to lift my spirits.” He straightened and cleared his throat. “While we are assembled thus, I have been remiss in correcting your address of me, Mrs. Darcy. We are family, so I would have you call me Fitzwilliam or Richard rather than colonel.”
A tinkling laugh was music to Darcy’s ears.
“I cannot call you Fitzwilliam, but if I am to address you as Richard, you must call me Elizabeth or Lizzy.”
With a hand to her waist, Darcy drew her back to his side and bent to her ear. “Elizabeth is for me alone.”
His wife rolled her eyes. “Forgive me, but it seems you are relegated to calling me Lizzy, though Georgiana calls me Elizabeth.”
“Quite a different situation.” A fire lit in her eyes as she turned and lifted a finger to his chest.
“Do not quarrel on my account,” smiled Richard. “I do not require the use of your given name. Lizzy is sufficient.”
A noise from the entry revealed Bingley peeking his head into the library. “I have wondered where you disappeared to. You will miss the entirety of my wedding breakfast should you hide yourselves away in here.” His line of sight rested on the glass in Richard’s hand, and he hastened to remove it. “You can become well into your cups after Anne and I depart.”
“I am no drunkard!” Richard trailed after Bingley as the latter exited in the direction of the party. “I have yet to ruin a social occasion by being in my altitudes. My brother, on the other hand…”
His cousin turned one last time before he disappeared through the doorway. “By the by, my mother is searching for the two of you. She has learned of your intended departure for Pemberley and disapproves.”
With a growl, Darcy dropped his head upon her shoulder. “How much longer must we remain? Aunt Charlotte will not take no for an answer. She will lecture and preach until we concede.”
Elizabeth’s dainty hand reached into his pocket, retrieved his watch, and flipped open the lid. “Another hour, at least, lest we be considered rude. Do you believe your aunt will be so stubborn? She should understand our reluctance to remain in London.”
“I am sure she does. Her concern is likely due to rumours and establishing you in society.”
“I do not give a whit about the season.” She wrapped her hand around his elbow and tugged him towards the corridor. “Perhaps if we are seen enough today, your aunt will not press.”
He pulled her back into his arms before she reached the doorway. “If only we could be so fortunate!” His teeth grazed her ear, and his pulse began to accelerate at the sound of her sharp inhale.
“We could remain here rather than retuning to the festivities.”
Her small palm pressed to his chest and his shoulders dropped. “Fitzwilliam, we must return.” She bit her lip and backed towards the door. “If you are polite and friendly for the remainder of the wedding breakfast, I promise I shall reward you well when we return to Darcy House.”
Her teasing manner made him sensitive to every brush of his shirt against his chest and every rub of his wool trousers against his legs. “What is my reward?”
With a provocative lift of her eyebrow, she watched him from the corner of her eye as she proceeded without him. She had always been skilled at teasing, but when did she learn to become so flirtatious?
He awoke from his trance when her head peeked around the corner. “Are you going to join me?”
His feet hastened to follow her. After all, how could he refuse?
Chapter 30
At last! The end of the interminable season was upon them! Once he and Elizabeth departed this infernal ball, they would be free. Free to pack their belongings, free to return to Pemberley, and well, free to do anything but remain in London!
Darcy’s eyes followed his wife as she moved through the current set with Richard, who was sure to be speaking of the ridiculous; Elizabeth’s diverted expression was proof enough that his cousin was speaking nonsense. Well, that and his mouth had not stopped moving since he had retrieved Elizabeth for their set.
His gaze remained on his wife as she passed nearby and bestowed a brilliant smile in his direction. Despite his naturally poor mood in company, at least his wife was enjoying herself.
“I know you detested remaining in town, but you must admit it was for the best.” His aunt took his arm as she watched the dancers turn with the music. “I know the callers and the gossip were a trial, yet you and Elizabeth did well—very well.”
Aunt Charlotte had indeed caught them before they could leave Anne and Bingley’s wedding breakfast, sequestering them inside his uncle’s library for close to an hour as the two convinced them of the ills of forgoing the season.
“The entire town is gossiping of what occurred on Bond Street as well as the incident at Darcy House. Should you journey to Pemberley, you will appear as though you are hiding—that you did wrong. You must remain and face those who would spread their lies.”
Darcy clutched Elizabeth’s hand. “I care not for the talk of idle minds! We have endured enough since our arrival and want nothing more than to go home. You must understand.”
His uncle clutched Darcy’s shoulder. “We do understand, but you must accept that your aunt is merely considering what is best for you. We are thinking of your reputation, the honour of the Darcy name, and when the time comes, the standing of your children.”
Lord Fitzwilliam removed his glasses and wiped the lenses with his handkerchief. “Because she is the daughter of a country squire, many in society are prepared to treat her as an interloper. They cannot comprehend that she has the grace or intelligence to make it in our sphere.”
“I care not for such small-minded people.”
“Whether you care or not is irrelevant. Lizzy must be allowed to prove them wrong, or your task will be even greater next year.
“We have seen and heard the rumours surrounding such marriages in the past. Please, trust us to lead you in this. We can ensure the Darcy name remains respected by those who matter, but they must see Lizzy—they must speak with her.
“The matter of what occurred on Bond Street has been bandied about with no regard for the truth. We also cannot forget the gunshot that is known to have taken place at Darcy House.” Aunt Charlotte looked between the two of them. “You must remain in town.”
Elizabeth placed her other hand upon his chest as his careful travel plans eroded before him. “I have no wish to remain, but what if your aunt is correct?”
“I know I am correct, dear.”
As soon as he had heard talk of Elizabeth’s gunshot, Darcy, with the help of his aunt, traced the rumour back to a neighbour’s servant. It had been his own footman who had spoken of the possible intruder with one of the maids; however, the rumour spread like a plague infiltrates the poorest parts of London—the dissemination was rampant.
The worst was the conjecture that he had shot at Elizabeth’s lover as well as speculation that he had not only killed the man but also hidden the body—not that anyone had a name or location for the man in question or the corpse.
In the end, the best they could do was ignore the whispers behind the fans of the matrons and maidens and hold their heads high. After all, they had committed no wrong.
His aunt was correct, Elizabeth had done well—no, more than well. She had been outstanding. “I am exceedingly proud of Elizabeth.” He smiled as his wife’s eyes met his. She curtsied to his cousin as they began the second dance.
“As you should be.” She motioned with her hand towards Miss Bennet, who stood up with Sir James Audley. “What does Elizabeth think of the match? I must admit to being surprised. I had no notion of his interest when they were first introduced. I admit that I expected her to attract a husband but not a baronet.”
He watched a few ringlets of Elizabeth’s hair bounce as she turned her back to him. “She is pleased. Sir James estate is too distant from Pemberley for her to be overjoyed.”
“Sir James is a good man.”
“He is, which is why she is happy for her sister’s good fortune, though I understand Mrs. Bennet was quite put out with a meagre baronet for her eldest and most handsome daughter.”
Aunt Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Should Mr. Bennet pass before his wife, perhaps you should have that woman sent to Bedlam. From my observations and Elizabeth and Marianne’s comments, I question the woman’s sanity. Not every man can afford to wed a lady of little fortune.”
“Sir James was prudent not to waste his wife’s dowry after her passing. Not many men would have appreciated the freedom that could be attained with the excess funds. It has allowed him to wed a lady more of his choosing this time.”
His aunt leaned closer. “I have heard Sir James’ mother is not pleased with the match. She hoped for the daughter of an earl.”
His hands clenched at his sides. “She might wish for her son’s happiness rather than more money for their coffers. Sir James has done well with his estate. I understand he recently purchased a small parcel of land adjacent to the west of his park. Amongst its attributes are a wood suitable for hunting and a fair-sized cottage.”
His aunt bit her lip, as she turned to him, her eyebrows lifted in question.
“He has already had any necessary repairs done to the house and had it furnished. It will make an excellent dower house.”
A laugh came from beside him. “And when did he implement these plans?”
“They were in place prior to his betrothal to Miss Bennet. The owner of the land approached Sir James almost six months after the death of his late wife. As his mother and Lady Audley often disagreed, he wasted no time in negotiating a price and beginning the repair of the cottage.
“Once he decided upon Miss Bennet as his bride, completing the project became a necessity. Her placid nature was all the more reason for his mother to remove to a dower house. He will not abide any abuse of his wife.”
“Good man!”
“Indeed.”
The music stopped and Darcy searched through the people milling about until he spotted Richard moving in their direction with Elizabeth on his arm. When Elizabeth reached Darcy’s side, she took his other arm, caressing the underside with her thumb. His heart thrummed with contentment at her touch.
“If you will excuse us.” With a glance back at his wife, he led her past the refreshment table to the hall and through a set of French doors. The night air was cool and did not yet have that musty odour he detested about London in the summer. A few people milled about the garden, but a place of quiet and solitude was to be found in the back corner.
He removed his topcoat and placed it u
pon her shoulders as he pulled her into his embrace. “We depart directly after supper.”
Her shoulders shook as a soft laugh came from the direction of his chest. “I have promised a set to Milton as well as Sir James, and I am afraid your aunt will prevent us from sneaking away.”
“We depart London in two days. She cannot force us to remain.”
“’Tis but a few hours.”
“An eternity.” His voice was petulant, even to his own ears. The season had dragged by so, but why did the moments he wanted to hold close to his heart escape his grasp with such an unexpected swiftness?
“Come, the season was not as dreadful as you predicted.”
No, the entirety of the season was not terrible. He and Elizabeth had taken great pleasure in many of the plays they had attended as well as several art exhibits. The queen’s suspension of drawing rooms for the year had done a great deal to lift his spirits. Elizabeth had not been forced to endure that ridiculous tomfoolery, though Aunt Charlotte had dragged them to Almack’s. Lord, but he despised that pompous, preening event!
He brushed a tendril of hair from her eyes. “Some events were tolerable.”
“Tolerable?” she laughed. “Such high praise.”
“I am pleased by your success. I am proud of you.”
Her brow arched as she tilted her head. “I cannot say I have worked for the success you and Aunt Charlotte perceive. I was merely myself when your aunt made the introductions.” Elizabeth’s connection to the owner of two reasonably sized estates (despite his roots in trade), her status as Mrs. Darcy, as well as her friendship with Lady Fitzwilliam, helped her forge alliances that would see her through future events with the ton.
The gossip of Bond Street and what occurred in their home was eclipsed by Gwyllym Wardle’s humiliation in Parliament in late February and the recent re-instatement of the Duke of York to Commander in Chief of the Army. Thankfully, such salacious tittle-tattle of more prominent men than him and their public scandals directed the gossip elsewhere.
Particular Intentions Page 33