He stopped when he was hailed by one of the gentlemen and they spent a few minutes talking about the business, finally agreeing to meet the following week. By now another set had started and Darcy was grateful that he was able to sit this one out. From what he could see, most ladies were happily occupied with other gentlemen. The only lady he was still unable to find, was his own.
Finally, he caught sight of her lithe figure and his eyebrows rose in surprise when he noticed her dancing with his cousin. She was laughing softly at something his cousin had said, easily managing to perform the steps of the dance while carrying on a conversation with Fitzwilliam. For a moment Darcy just savored the sight. She wore a pale-green gown and every time she moved the diamonds around her throat and in her hair flashed. Although her eyes were even brighter than the precious stones as was her smile.
Darcy smiled at the obvious joy in his wife’s expression and the ease with which his cousin moved and acted. Some of the shadows had lifted from Fitzwilliam’s countenance and his laughter came freely and without hesitation. It was good to see. They had all been worried about him.
Darcy schooled his expression when the dance finally ended and Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth left the floor. Once they noticed him, they came toward him. Elizabeth’s smile was brighter than the candles and she looked lightly flushed. It was an utterly fetching and familiar look. She was also clearly happy to see him. Fitzwilliam’s expression was more wry and tinged with amusement while he followed her. Darcy knew only too well how much his cousin admired his wife and while he had no fear that he would try anything, his heart still cleaned. He was aware of the fact that Fitzwilliam was more charming than him and much more at ease in company. Especially in larger crowds. Even as children, Darcy had preferred to spent time with a few select and close friends than at bigger gatherings.
He watched while Fitzwilliam leaned closer to Elizabeth and whispered something into her ear. Faint pinkness touched her cheeks and Darcy gritted his teeth. His heart clenched, and he had to fight against the urge to rush over and wrench Elizabeth away from his cousin. He knew that Elizabeth loved him and that the only thing between Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam was friendship and the care for a family member.
Pushing those unkind feelings and doubts aside, he slowly walked toward them, meeting them halfway.
“Lizzy. Richard,” he murmured in greeting.
Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth and smiled happily when she immediately accepted him and came around to his side. “Please excuse us, Richard. I have to borrow my wife for a brief moment.”
He nodded at the other man who just nodded in acceptance. “And I’ll head to the card room. I have the feeling, Lady Fortuna might smile on me tonight.”
Darcy just nodded at him and watched him leave before he turned back to Elizabeth and started to lead her out of the ballroom.
“Darcy? Is something wrong?” Elizabeth asked.
Darcy just shook his head and continued walking. The idea had just occurred him and maybe it was wrong, especially as there was a ball taking place and their presence was expected. Soon there would also come the dinner break but right now, he wanted, no, he needed a few quiet moments with his wife. His heart was beating wildly and he had to fight the urge to pull her into his arms and claim her mouth, staking his claim.
“Fitzwilliam? Has something happened?” she asked again.
“No, nothing is wrong. I just…,” he trailed off and fell silent.
By now they’d reached the corridor that led to the rooms that had been set for refreshment and as powder room. Beyond that was the hallway that led Darcy’s office and the picture gallery. He guided her down the corridor and glanced around. He noted Elizabeth studying him with a frown although she still followed him. Finally, she seemed to realize what he was planning.
“Darcy!” she hissed unable to keep herself from laughing. “We can’t! Our guests will miss us. And what if someone sees us?”
“Ssssh. Of course we can. No-one will see us. Just as no-one will miss us for a few minutes. Just a kiss or two,” he told her, aware of the pleading note in his voice.
He glanced around, noting that the corridor was empty and used that moment to cup her face between his hands and kiss her. She made a surprised sound but quickly melted into him, giving him what he needed. Her surrender was sweet, but it got even better when she wrapper her arms around him and kissed him back. He’d planned to keep the kiss sweet and chaste but the way she leaned against him, was too great a temptation and he took her mouth with eager hunger which she met with her own ferocity.
She looked so beautiful in her elegant gown with his mother’s diamond-necklace and the matching hair-piece. Elegant as befitting the Mistress of Pemberley, yet still his sweet and modest Elizabeth. Just looking at her was enough to fill him with hunger and make his body stir. Having her in his arms, her scent and warmth surround him, was almost more than he could bear.
Elizabeth seemed to feel the same as she surged even more wildly into the kiss. He pulled even tighter, enjoying the way her body molded against his. Maybe they would take a slightly longer break? It would be risky though. When he’d claimed her at their favorite spot in Pemberley’s woods, he’d known that the chance of being caught was minimal. But at Pemberley? With a ball in full swing? The chances of being caught were high. Even sneaking in a few heated kisses was risky. Especially as he would be able to claim her once the guests had left. Then he could take her upstairs and join her in her bed.
Yet, despite all these thoughts and mental admonishments, Darcy found that he didn’t care. He had the love of his life, the woman he desired above everyone else in his arms, and she was meeting his hunger with her own. They were so perfectly matched that Darcy sometimes found it hard to grasp just how lucky he was. To have found her. To have her agree to marry him.
He stroked his hands down her back and cupped her lovely behind, pulling her closer. She made a faint, gasping noise when she could feel his hardness press against her belly. One of her legs lifted and wrapped around him, trying to pull him even closer, although they were already as close as possible without taking off their clothes and being physically joined.
He broke the kiss and raised an eyebrow when he suddenly heard a faint giggle. He glanced at Elizabeth who frowned at him but then her eyes widened when another giggle sounded.
It sounded as if they weren’t the only ones sneaking away for a few moments of intimate privacy. For a split-second, Darcy was tempted to just leave without investigating, displeased at having his own private moment interrupted. But then he remembered Georgiana and what had almost happened to her. There was no way he would allow a lady to be compromised under his roof. It seemed as if Elizabeth shared his thoughts as she’d already taken a step away from him and in the direction where the giggle had come from.
Darcy followed her and moved in front of her. He pulled the door open and frowned at the couple that hastily sprang apart. His eyebrows went up when he recognized them.
“Mr. Havers? Mrs. Havers?” Elizabeth was unable to conceal her astonishment at the sight of the couple.
Darcy knew the Havers well. Their oldest son had been a playmate and friend of his before their paths had taken them in slightly different directions, although they still occasionally met when in London. He suddenly felt as of he’d caught his parents during a tryst. Luckily both were still fully dressed and their clothes in order aside from a slightly rumbled cravat and a few curls that had escaped Mrs. Havers’ coiffure. But their lips were wet and slightly swollen and their eyes bright.
Both looked extremely guilty but also kind of amused at being caught in flagrante. Mrs. Havers cheeks were stained pink and even Mr. Havers looked somewhat flushed. Both stood up and carefully inched past Darcy and Elizabeth. Mrs. Havers giggled again, putting a hand over her mouth while she looked from Darcy to Elizabeth and back. Darcy frowned when she winked at him. He could feel his won cheeks start to heat.
“Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Darcy,” Mr. Havers sai
d, inclining his head slightly, almost as if they were passing each other on the street and he was offering them a casual greeting. “Is it already time for the dinner break?”
Darcy was speechless, luckily Elizabeth had already recovered her wit and smiled brightly. “Not yet. But it should be soon.”
“In that case we better head back to the ballroom,” Mrs. Havers exclaimed brightly.
Silently, Darcy watched them leave then turned to look at his wife who was covering her mouth with a hand and trying hard not to laugh. But when she met Darcy’s gaze, she was unable to contain her laughter.
With a sigh, Darcy decided to wait her out.
“Maybe we should head back as well,” he said, feeling morose.
Somehow his comment caused Elizabeth to laugh even harder.
*
Still filled with mirth, Elizabeth walked with Darcy back to the ballroom.
When she’d heard the first giggle, she’d assumed that one of the young ladies following the urging of her admirer had escaped her chaperon. Of course, she couldn’t allow them to continue. Not under her watch. Not while at Pemberley!
Of all the people to have caught, the Havers would never have crossed her mind. Both were at least in their fifties and staid pillars of the community. She knew that they had children the same age as Darcy and a bit younger. Not the kind of people one would expect to sneak away from a ball for a little tryst. Yet, somehow the sight had touched her deeply. To be this much in love after all those years and to still desire each other was inspiring
She glanced at Darcy, wondering if they would be like this in twenty or thirty years. She hoped so. At least she already knew that her often so stiff appearing husband could be adventurous. Whether it was a tryst in the woods or sneaking away at a ball to steal a few kisses. In some way just like the Havers. Maybe in twenty years, they would be the ones sneaking away and getting caught by their younger hostess.
The thought made giggled softly and her giggles turned into a laugh when Darcy looked at her. He was clearly still under shock. Somehow it was rather endearing. Her poor darling.
She reached for his arm and leaned against him.
“At least they are married,” she offered.
He just snorted. “I know their son.”
“So? You know all the families present. You know the parents, the sons, the daughters. Grandsons and granddaughters. Probably the aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews as well.”
He cast her a wounded look from dark eyes and Elizabeth was unable to keep her laughter in. It just pearled over her lips. Finally Darcy’s lips twitched.
“Are you sorry that our own little tryst was interrupted?”
“Very much so,” he said, his eyes suddenly filled with a dark fire.
Elizabeth shuddered at the look. His kisses had already stirred her body and lit a fire deep inside her core. His look just fanned the flames and she could scarcely wait for the ball to be over so that they would be able to retire upstairs. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer against his side.
“I can’t wait for this ball to be over,” he murmured, while pressing a kiss into her hair.
Elizabeth agreed with him but they still had dinner and the second half of the ball before them.
“I think Miss Pratt might enjoy dancing with you. Should I introduce you?” An introduction of course wasn’t necessary as he knew the Pratts and even Miss Pratt but a gentle push was never amiss. And right now, she needed a distraction or she would never be able to allow him to leave her side.
He sighed deeply. “It is the supper dance,” he pointed out.
“True. And Miss Pratt shares an interest in the works of John Keats with you,” she offered and laughed when he perked up slightly. While they often discussed the books they read together, he was alone in his appreciation of John Keats. Spotting Mrs. Pratt, Elizabeth headed over to them but stopped short when she noticed a young man leading Miss Pratt away.
“I was spared,” Darcy pointed out with a relived and amused sigh. “I think now you have to dance with me and then join me for dinner.”
Elizabeth shivered at the heated look he sent her. She knew she should object. They had a duty to their guests after all but she felt helpless to resist him and just gave in.
*
Finally, the last guests were gone. With a deep sigh, Elizabeth leaned against her husband. His arm came up and he pulled her closer against his side. Happily, Elizabeth snuggled against him. As far as she was able to tell, the ball had been a full success. Everyone had enjoyed themselves. No-one had caused a scene. None of the young ladies had misbehaved and it looked as Cupid had smiled on a few of them. She’d noticed several longing glances and shy smiles. She hoped that they were as lucky as she’d been and found someone who matched them as well as Darcy matched her.
“Bed!” Darcy ordered and looked at the other members of their family. Georgiana and Kitty giggled softly but immediately obeyed and disappeared up the stairs. Elizabeth had the feeling that both were still too excited to immediately go to sleep. They probably would keep each other occupied for a while before they fell asleep.
Fitzwilliam had stretched out in one of the chairs while they waited. New he slowly stood up, yawned, and arched his back.
“I do not know about you, but I’m heading upstairs as well. I think I hear my bed’s siren’s song.”
Elizabeth just watched him leave and accepted Darcy’s arm when he offered it. She leaned against him while he led her upstairs. Fitzwilliam and the girls had their rooms in a different wing so that Fitzwilliam went left while Darcy and Elizabeth went right.
Elizabeth sighed happily when Darcy drew her into a kiss before parting from her. She watched while he disappeared into his own bedroom before she headed into hers. Her maid was already waiting although she looked tired. Elizabeth had no intention of keeping her for long. Despite the length of the day, she still felt energized, eve more so when she thought about Darcy joining her soon. After dinner, he’d spent the whole second half of the ball teasing her with long, heated looks, although he’d stayed away and instead danced with Georgiana and a few of the other young ladies present. Yet, the whole time Elizabeth had been aware of him, of his eyes following her, of they way he was keeping her in the center of his attention. It had stirred all her senses, making her highly aware of everything but especially of him. Every look had been like a teasing caress, feathery light but deeply arousing.
Grateful, Elizabeth accepted her maid’s help in getting undressed and putting down her hair. She’d already changed into her nightgown when the door connecting her suit to the small sitting room that connected her suite with Darcy’s opened. She smiled at the figure of her husband. It looked as if he’d rushed through his ablutions. She dismissed her maid but didn’t move from her dressing table. Instead she concentrated on brushing her hair while Darcy prowled through her room like an impatient tomcat.
When she finally put down her brush, he appeared at her side and offered her his hand, pulling her into his arms with an easy show of strength. She laughed while she stumbled slightly and fell against his chest. Righting herself but without stepping away from him, Elizabeth look at Darcy.
His eyes were filled with fire and a familiar hunger. Her body stirred in response, her nipples hardened slightly and the flesh between her legs started to throb with heat. But she had no intention of making it easy for her. She enjoyed it too much when he lost control of his usual restraint.
“I think Pemberley’s ball this year was an utmost success,” Elizabeth said.
Darcy actually growled in response. “Of course it was. What else could it be with you taking care of everything?”
Elizabeth just hummed thoughtfully. “Maybe. There were a few things…”
She yelped when Darcy suddenly just lifted her off her feet and then lowered her on the bed.
“Enough!” he ordered. “I have waited long enough.”
“Fitzwilliam?” she asked, staring with
wide eyes at him. She wasn’t scared but pretending to be affronted seemed the right things to do to rouse his spirits some more.
“You, wife, are a tease,” he growled, then swooped in to claim her mouth in a hard kiss.
Eagerly, Elizabeth moved into the kiss. The whole second half of the ball had been a long, slow tease and she was not only ready for him but also eager to feel him.
Her nightgown disappeared and was soon joined by Darcy’s dressing gown and nightshirt. Elizabeth shivered at the feeling of skin touching skin. She always enjoyed the way Darcy touched her body, the way he worship her with his eyes, his hands and mouth. It always felt as if he was pouring his whole being into making love to her.
Elizabeth arched when Darcy peppered her face with light, feathery kisses before he started to trail kisses down the line of her throat and onto her chest. She gasped when his lips closed around the hardened tip of her nipple. That tiny, brief touch sent fire racing through her veins and deep into her core. The flesh between her legs was like liquid heat and every touch of his hands or lips just added oil to the fire.
“You, Madame,” Darcy murmured, his lips caressing her skin. “Owe me a reward or two.”
While she agreed with him, Elizabeth had no intention of letting him know that. “Indeed? What for?”
“For making me suffer,” he muttered and pressed his face between her breasts. “All those vapid girls.”
Elizabeth giggled and ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair. “They weren’t so bad. I especially picked girls that had some spirit or wit and would be suitable company.”
She moaned when his mouth found her other nipple. He licked and teased the little nub until it was hard and aching. Every brush of his tongue sent shivers through her and made her writhe on the bed. He chuckled softly and turned his attention back to her other nipple. Yet, before he took it into his mouth, he glanced up at her. “Vapid girls who only had eyes for potential husbands,” he complained.
Pemberley Tales Page 12