With a quick lift to the tips of her toes, she planted a kiss to his nose. “We should return before we are missed.” Taking his hands in hers, she stepped back and tugged him in the direction of the house. “I promise to make the remainder of the night worth your while.”
“Little can make a crowded ballroom worth my while.”
A glint appeared in her eye as she crushed her soft breasts to his chest; her cheek pressed to his. “Can you think of nothing?” Her breath against the sensitive flesh of his ear caused a tingling sensation that prickled down the back of his neck. As though he required further torture, she grazed her teeth against his earlobe before she backed away, turned, and peered over her shoulder while she sauntered in the direction of the doors.
He hated to admit he was wrong. Well, why did he have to admit such a thing?
With a tug to straighten his waistcoat, he took one dignified step forward before lunging. Elizabeth gave a shrill giggle as she dodged his extended arm and threw his topcoat at his chest.
He was so close!
His appearance was back in order when they emerged from their hiding place. One or two couples stared in their direction, but he held himself tall and ignored the attention as Elizabeth took his arm and squeezed. Talk was sure to be rife in tomorrow’s drawing rooms of an assignation between them in the garden. Oh well! If he was to be scorned for loving his wife, so be it!
As they entered the hall, a hard clap on the shoulder jerked his attention to Bingley at his side. “Should Aunt Charlotte or Lady Catherine inquire, I have escorted Anne to take the air.”
Anne’s peaked eyes and green countenance prompted Darcy to step to the side with haste. “Are you well?”
Anne gave an exasperated huff. “I wish everyone would stop asking if I am well.”
“Perhaps it is the heat of the ballroom?” offered Elizabeth.
With a hand to his wife’s back and a brilliant toothy grin, Bingley pressed her through the exit. “I am certain you are correct.”
Once the door was closed behind the Bingleys, Darcy leaned towards his wife. “I cannot understand why he smiles so when his wife is suffering.”
She peered around at the few people milling in the room as though searching for someone before she looked him in the eye. “Anne suspects she is with child but does not want Lady Catherine to know as of yet.”
He looked through the nearby window where Anne and Bingley appeared to be having a discussion. “I would want to delay that conversation as well. Her mother will be insufferable.”
“At least she has come to terms with their marriage.” Elizabeth lifted her free hand and began to nibble upon her thumbnail.
He lowered the offending thumb with his hand. “Stop and tell me what is bothering you all of a sudden.”
“Are you disappointed I am not yet with child?”
He ran his knuckles down her cheek. A sharp inhale came from behind his shoulder, but he disregarded it. If some interloper had issue with his touching his wife, then they could look elsewhere. “I must admit that I am not ready to share you yet. A baby will come soon enough. I intend to enjoy every moment we have without that responsibility.”
A small line was between her eyebrows. “You are certain?”
He squinted a bit as he studied her eyes, which bore into his. “You opened your mother’s letter.” Why would she not wait as he had requested? Mrs. Bennet’s correspondence never failed to put a damper on her spirits, and he had not wanted her downtrodden tonight. If he could but throttle that woman!
“The parcel was not thick. I hoped it was nothing more than a quick note.”
“She chastised you again for not being with child?” He and Mr. Bennet had interrupted Mrs. Bennet’s less than tactful questions and advice when they journeyed Longbourn at Easter, which had curtailed any further discussion of babies for their visit, especially since they stayed at Netherfield. In return for Bingley’s allowing them to use the estate, Darcy gave Bingley an expensive case of brandy for the service since he would not have survived the week at Longbourn and remained in his right mind.
Elizabeth shifted her head a bit from side to side. “Amongst other matters.”
He turned her to face him. “What other matters?”
“Where do I begin? Lydia’s new governess is mean-spirited and too strict for a girl as lively as her youngest daughter. She believes Milton is better suited for Jane than Sir James and expects me to convince Jane to end the betrothal. Oh! Since Jane has stayed at Clarell House, we have the room to invite Lydia—never mind that we leave a mere few days after her letter arrived.”
“Her words should be relegated to the grate.” His hand clenched and released. “Mrs. Simms is just who Miss Lydia requires. She is strict, educated, and will brook no silliness from your youngest sister. Your father was wise to offer her the position as your sister requires near constant supervision.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “And to think just a few weeks ago, your mother bragged to the neighbours of what a governess meant in terms of status.”
“Mary has indicated Mrs. Simms does not allow Lydia any sort of freedoms. She accompanies her to exercise every morning, yet maintains they are not to walk to Meryton, which vexes Lydia. Lydia has lessons she must complete, and Mrs. Simms has told Lydia to retire without dinner for her lack of respect and manners.” An adorable noise of contempt escaped his wife’s control. “Mama claims Mrs. Simms is stifling Lydia’s lively personality.”
“What of your father?”
“He remains in his book room and ignores it all. Once he hired Mrs. Simms, he seemed to wash his hands of it.”
She grinned towards the entrance of the ballroom. When he turned, Jane was speaking to his Aunt Charlotte as she held Sir James’ arm with a beatific smile. “As for Jane, my sister loves Sir James. I am convinced she and Milton, regardless of his current courtship of Lady Amelia, would never suit.
“Besides, the license has been purchased. Mama, whether she likes it or not, must accept Jane’s marriage to a mere baronet.” She took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Forgive me, but for the moment, I wish to forget about Mama. Do you think we could just enjoy the remainder of the ball?”
“If we departed straight away, then yes.” He jumped at the sharp pinch she gave his ribs.
“I see your aunt and uncle there. We should join them.”
Despite his wish to return home, they did not enter their carriage until nearly dawn when he escorted a yawning and groggy Elizabeth to their equipage. The next few days were occupied with packing, taking their leave of their friends and acquaintances, and preparing for the journey to Derbyshire. As each chore was accomplished, another weight was lifted from Darcy’s shoulders. They were going home!
A putrid odour enveloped London the morning they boarded their carriage and set off for the north. It was unfortunate that the morning was humid and warm; the sticky air did not help the smell.
Georgiana and Elizabeth held handkerchiefs scented with perfume to their noses until they were out of the city. During their first stop to change horses, they opted to take the fresh air than enter the confines of the busy inn.
While Georgiana was accustomed to such travel, he ensured Elizabeth suffered no signs of undue fatigue or sickness caused by the motion of the carriage. On the contrary, she bore the strain of a three-day journey with aplomb, almost bouncing in her seat as they entered the boundaries of his estate.
“When do you think we will reach the house?” Her eyes glowed as he tucked a curl away from her cheek.
“Patience, my love. We must still pass through a fair amount of pastureland first.”
She turned to watch the passing hills and valleys dotted with sheep. “I am overwhelmed to finally see a place of which I have heard so much, but I am also nervous. What if your housekeeper does not like me?”
“Mrs. Reynolds will adore you!” protested Georgiana. “She will be so relieved Fitzwilliam did not wed Miss Bingley. From what my maid has said, the serva
nts have spoken of that fear often below stairs.”
A shudder rippled down his spine. “As if I would marry such a woman!” Elizabeth’s merry laughter made him smile as he kissed her hand. “My sister is correct, though. Mrs. Reynolds will appreciate you and respect you due to your position, but you will earn her approval due to your kindness and intelligence on your own. Mrs. Reynolds is a fair woman. You have nothing about which to fret.”
His stomach fluttered when they took the last rise. His home could be seen from the ridge, where the wood ceased. As they cleared the last of the trees and curved around to begin their descent, Elizabeth’s sharp inhale could not be missed within the confines of the carriage.
“Is that…?”
Where it had remained for the last few centuries, the large, handsome stone building sat on the opposite side of the valley. The imposing structure stood well on rising ground and was backed by a ridge of high woody hills. In front a stream of some natural importance swelled into a lake, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned, which suited him well.
His home inspired great pride and love, and now he could share it with Elizabeth. His heart expanded as though it would burst from his chest. His arm wound around her stomach from behind as he pressed his cheek to her hair, his lips near her ear.
“Welcome to Pemberley, my love.”
About the Author
L.L. Diamond is more commonly known as Leslie to her friends and Mom to her three kids. A native of Louisiana, she has spent the majority of her life living within an hour of New Orleans until she vowed to follow her husband to the ends of the earth as a military wife. Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, and now England have all been called home along the way.
After watching Sense and Sensibility with her mother, Leslie became a fan of Jane Austen, reading her collected works over the next few years. Pride and Prejudice stood out as a favourite and has dominated her writing since finding Jane Austen Fan Fiction.
Aside from mother and writer, Leslie considers herself a perpetual student. She has degrees in biology and studio art, but will devour any subject of interest simply for the knowledge. As an artist, her concentration is in graphic design, but watercolour is her medium of choice with one of her watercolours featured on the cover of her second book, A Matter of Chance. She is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Leslie also plays flute and piano, but much like Elizabeth Bennet, she is always
in need of practice!
Leslie’s books include: Rain and Retribution, A Matter of Chance, An Unwavering Trust, The Earl’s Conquest, and Particular Intentions.
Acknowledgements
As always, I have to thank Jane Austen, whose timeless works have inspired me and others to re-imagine her unique and beloved characters into countless scenarios as well as time periods. She had a talent few possess for words and though she meant them to be more satires than romance, I appreciate both aspects when I read one of her wonderful works.
Huge hugs and thanks to my betas, Lisa Toth and Suzan Lauder, who have spent their free time pouring over, critiquing, and correcting these chapters. Big thanks to those who helped me with proofreading! The hard work of my betas, my editor and my proof readers, (Brandon, Brenna, and Tresha) help make this suitable for reading! As we say on the boards, all mistakes are mine!
Speaking of editors, big thanks to my new editor Brynn Shimel. I know JAFF was probably not what you had in mind when you decided on your degree, but thanks for giving it a go!
I would like to thank those who run and frequent the JAFF forums, especially A Happy Assembly and Darcy and Lizzy. You have provided me a launching pad for my work and helped me become a writer. I appreciate every comment! The community has been great in terms of support and friendship. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
The amazing authors at Austen Variations have also been great with their encouragement and sharing their knowledge. I can’t wait for our next get-together!
My mother always encouraged my creativity. She purchased just about any art supplies I required as a child. She was my first piano teacher (I will forever associate Claire de Lune with her. She played it often). She bought me my flute, and fussed when I didn’t practice, which was often. (I’m afraid I’m a bit like Elizabeth Bennet in that I don’t practice like I should.) My mother was also a reading teacher and never denied me a book, and when I was twenty-two, she introduced me to Jane Austen. I miss her every day. I love you, Mom!
I have a husband and three children who have to endure my crazy Jane Austen addiction. They have suffered through National Trust homes, as well as trips to Ramsgate, Bath, and Lyme Regis. Despite my torture of them, my children still brag that I am a writer and my husband has taken to chatting up my books in airports when he travels. One of my daughters begged to attend Jane Austen Regency Week this year, and my other is now pushing for me to take her next year. Perhaps there’s hope I can turn them to the dark side!
Thank you to everyone who has bought a copy of one of my books. You make it possible for me to write! My muse thanks you as well!
When Elizabeth Bennet’s parents attempt to force her into a marriage of convenience for the sake of her family, she flees to make her own future.
Will circumstances and their families conspire to keep Darcy and Elizabeth apart
or will they unite to take them on together?
“A very refreshing and thought-provoking alternate path to Pride and Prejudice!” -Austenesque Reviews
“As with the usual ‘what-ifs,’ you can guess roughly where it is going and how it is going to turn out. However not with this book!” – My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice
Single-mother and artist Lizzy Gardiner has just bounced back from a bad marriage
when she meets businessman William Darcy; true to form, Darcy doesn’t make the best
of impressions. The problem is he finds himself attracted, but she is insistent on relying
on no one but herself. Can the two of them leave their pasts behind and find love
with each other, or will the ghosts of the past return to keep them apart?
“This is a unique take, with some excellent dramatic moments in typical L.L. Diamond style. It’s not cut and dried at all, like most romantic writers, it’s development is realistic
and a bit raw.” – Amazon reviewer
Fitzwilliam Darcy is in a difficult situation. His father is pressing him to propose marriage to the last woman in the world he would wish to take as his wife. With a fortnight to announce his betrothal, he makes the acquaintance of Elizabeth Bennet, who is in a predicament of her own.
Could Darcy be willing to consider Elizabeth as a solution to his problem and to hers? And can Elizabeth ascertain enough of Darcy’s character to trust him upon nothing but a first impression?
“The book is everything, touching, full of emotions, funny, sentimental, whatever you need, wish or hope.” – Obsessed with Mr. Darcy
More Agreeably Engaged Favorite Book of 2015 Honoree!
Top 10 Regency Variation – Obsessed with Mr. Darcy
Fascinated upon a first acquaintance, the Earl of Matlock is a determined suitor,
but Rebecca Fairchild is not so certain. The earl is kind, yet he is always so frustrating
and stubborn! He is not what she had planned or what she ever imagined in a partner. Other ladies have also laid claim to the handsome Lord Matlock despite his preferences. Can he convince Rebecca he is her future or will other forces stand in the way
of their happily ever after?
A prequel to An Unwavering Trust!
“All the characters in this tale were well-defined, strong, and memorable. Whenever I put this book down, my head would remain full of them for long periods after.” – Austenesque Reviews
“I fell in love with the Earl when Rebecca did.” – Obsessed with Mr. Darcy
Table of Contents
Chapt
er 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
About the Author
Particular Intentions Page 34