My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book Two]

by Lauren King

“Of course, I will if you want me to. I need to spend some time with you. I have missed our time together.” Darcy claims honestly.

  “That sounds wonderful. I will be right back.” Elizabeth beams at William and then leans up on her tip toes to kiss his lips before she leaves. She is much bolder with expressing her affections for him, now because he likes her that way.

  At dinner, with Darcy’s permission, Elizabeth explains to her Uncle, Aunt, and Jane about all that has happened with Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh. Obviously, they all gasp at the incredulity of the situation, but they are glad that Elizabeth was swift and resourceful enough to resolve the problem with positive effects.

  Elizabeth just could not bear to part with William, so in the end he does not leave the Gardiner residence until ten o’clock. After all the time spent with each other tonight, it was still hard to farewell William at the foyer.

  “May I visit you tomorrow morning at ten o’clock, dearest? I will miss you awfully if I do not come until luncheon.” Darcy says endearingly.

  “I would have it no other way. I am….” Elizabeth hesitates and shyly looks down.

  Darcy nudges her to tell him. “What is it, dearest? Tell me.” Darcy encourages quietly as he gently tilts her chin up to look into her shy eyes. He kisses her luscious lips. He just cannot get enough of her; he feels like an addict. This is an addiction that he would not mind having for the rest of his life.

  Elizabeth prettily pouts and then whispers. “I am…missing you already. I do not want you to leave me.”

  “Oh God, Lizzy. How am I going to get into my carriage, now? Oh, sweetheart, I love you so immensely. I thought I was the only one with such intense hunger for you.”

  Elizabeth looks down shyly again, but William tilts her chin up again. She has never been so bold with her desires for him. She wants to be with him at all hours. She does not want to spend another hour away from him; however, she knows that she has to wait. She is glad that she can freely speak of this with him because she feels such desire and love for him.

  “I just want to be your wife already; then you will not ever have to leave me.” Elizabeth says softly – so softly that Darcy has to strain to hear her.

  He is glad he heard her because they were some of the sweetest words in the world to him. “I will never leave you again in five and ten days, dearest. You do not know how happy I am to hear your sentiment. I feel the exact same way. I feel like I am missing a piece of myself when I am without you. I knew I should have suggested the wedding to be on the seventeenth.”

  “Why did you not, darling?”

  “I did not want to scare you into a wedding so early after just being engaged.”

  “You are always caring of me; I would not have been scared if you explained to me back then.” Elizabeth feels so cherished to know that William wanted to be married sooner but was thinking of her comfort. How can anyone else have a better betrothed than hers?

  Darcy playfully growls. “I know that, now.” They chuckle at his comment.

  “Well, we know each other much better now. Next time, we will speak our minds openly and not be shy so that there is no misunderstanding, alright, darling? I want you to tell me anything and everything so that I can…please you how ever I can. I want to be everything to you. I want to be the only one you ever seek; the only one you ever want; the only one you ever think of; the only one in your heart.”

  “You are my everything, dearest. I am yours completely and utterly. There is no one else for me except you.” Darcy kisses her lips again. “Will you do the same and not be so shy with what you want from me?”

  “I will try. Please, be patient with me. I truly want to please you in every way.” Elizabeth reveals openly as love bursts inside of her. Can someone faint from so much love and happiness?

  “God, I am not going to be able to leave here tonight if you keep talking like that.” Darcy leans in to kiss her lips again. “I will, impatiently, wait until I can show you the full depth of my love for you in a way only a husband like me can show you. Always know that you are in my thoughts all the time.”

  Elizabeth feels hot and her heart has sped up remarkably with his kisses and sentiments. His desire for her is evident; there is no mistaking it while she is within his embrace. Her desires are also apparent, but she does not know what to do to please him other than kiss him or touch him. However, she is not worried because she can tell that William will not mind guiding her into her wifely duties. He is a loving, passionate, considerate person, and he will care for her. She will do anything he wants.

  “You are embedded in my heart, mind, and soul. I love you.”

  “As I love you.” Darcy takes a deep breath of satisfaction as he kisses her lips, yet again. He just wants to devour her mouth, this instant.

  “Please, be careful going home, darling; it is late.”

  “I will be careful. I wish I did not have to leave you, ever again.” Darcy sighs heavily and Elizabeth giggles softly at their shared yearning to be together. “Alright, patience, patience. Goodnight, my love. Lock all the bolts. Have Johnny check it one last time.”

  “I will; goodnight. I will see you tomorrow at ten o’clock, my love.”

  CHAPTER 2

  ***************

  FRIDAY, JANUARY 16th

  Friday morning comes and Jane tells Elizabeth that she thinks they should inform Mr. Morgan of them being back in town because she does not want him to think that she deceived him in any way. They both agree that they will ask William to let it be known that they all are back in town.

  When William calls upon Elizabeth at ten o’clock they both greet each other so affectionately that one would think that they have not seen each other in weeks. Elizabeth assures William that she is not perturbed by the events of the last two disconcerting days.

  Darcy tells her again, “I am beyond ecstatic that you agreed to be wife. I will love you, care for you, and protect you for the rest of my life. I am blessed to have you, and I will do all within my power to deserve your trust, love, and devotion.”

  Elizabeth is rendered speechless, but today, it is in a good way – a marvelous way! “My sentiments exactly, darling; I could not have said it any better. I love you; that is all there is to it.” She hugs him and kisses him quickly; it just feels right to be in William’s arms.

  Darcy is very pleased with her expressions of love for him – 15 more days!

  “Darling, do you think you could somehow inform Mr. Morgan of our presence in town? Jane does not want Mr. Morgan to think that she deceived him by not informing him of her early return.”

  “Yes, I can communicate to Morgan that I am back in town; from that he will know that you and Jane are also back. I do want to have a talk with him about his situation with that young lady and Jane. Things need to be disclosed clearly because Jane is truly hurt from his actions, is she not?” Darcy states empathetically.

  “Yes, she is and I agree with you. I feel bad and upset for Jane.”

  After luncheon, Darcy asks, “Lizzy, do you and Jane want to go for a walk in Hyde Park and then have dinner at my home this evening?”

  “Oh, that would be nice, darling.”

  Jane is delighted to join them.

  After retrieving Georgiana, the four of them set off to Hyde Park for a welcomed walk in today’s sunny weather. Darcy walks with Elizabeth and tells her about his visit with Bingley on Tuesday.

  “Bingley is still distressed over his ending with Jane. I did not dare say anything to Bingley about Jane’s current state with Morgan. However, I will not lie if he is asks me directly, but I will not volunteer the information right now. It will sound like gossip if I tell Bingley anything about Jane’s present circumstances. On the other hand, it would be a statement of fact if Jane and Morgan do separate permanently.” Darcy says straightforwardly.

  “Poor, Mr. Bingley. Has he ever been like this with any other young lady?” Elizabeth’s sympathy and curiosity peaks.

  “No, he has never b
efore been this taken with any other young lady. Jane is his first serious relationship. He said he loves Jane.” Darcy answers forthrightly.

  “I wonder why he did not ask for your advice when he was first told of our family’s trouble. Mr. Bingley saw what you did and what your reasoning was for accepting me. It must be that Mr. Bingley did not love Jane enough in order to accept such a burden into his life and future. Or maybe Mr. Bingley simply could not manage his younger sister; she is very strong-willed, stubborn, and conceited so I can see the difficulty.” Elizabeth speaks candidly.

  Darcy nods his head in agreement. “Everything that Bingley is not. He does not like confrontation, especially with her; therefore, he wanted to think about what he could do to satisfy all quarters.” Darcy responds. “Unfortunately, he made the mistake of not knowing himself quickly enough. He should have told Jane of his hardships and asked her to wait for him while he figures things out. He assumed that he could just take some time away and Jane would still be waiting when he came back.”

  Elizabeth responds immediately. “When he left that day, he made Jane feel as if there was nothing left between them. He did not contact her at all. What else could Jane have felt and done? It looked to me like he abandoned her, and it was not even something she had done directly. I think he did not love Jane as much; there is nothing wrong with that. Not everyone will love their partner enough to overcome such a dreadful event.” Elizabeth looks directly at William and fondly squeezes his arm before she continues, “I am beyond blessed that you love me enough to want to continue with me.”

  “I love you, Lizzy.” Darcy pats and squeezes Elizabeth’s hand affectionately as they continue their walk. “I feel bad for the both of them. I will keep an eye on him; he is a good man. He just made a mistake in dealing with his sister and letting it affect his relationship with Jane.” Darcy states frankly and understandingly.

  Jane walks and talks with Georgiana throughout their time in Hyde Park when, once again, she sees a man that looks like Mr. Morgan with the same young lady on his arm along with another couple in the same position. This cannot be. This scene is too intimate and revealing. Jane stops walking and looks back at Elizabeth and William. Both Elizabeth and Darcy see the disappointment, surprise, and distress on Jane, thus they approach her quickly. As they come closer to where Jane has stopped, they also see the scene with Mr. Morgan and the same young lady about forty feet away.

  Elizabeth holds one of Jane’s hands and says, “Jane, this time we will not avoid Mr. Morgan. Let us get the truth; let us see how and what he says. We do not have to converse much with him beyond a greeting if you do not want. We can leave immediately after the greetings. Will that be alright with you? Do you wish to do that or shall we leave now?” Elizabeth asks sympathetically and protectively.

  “I think you are right, Lizzy. Let him face me. I have nothing to hide. I no longer want to drag this out any further.” Jane responds sadly and softly.

  “Jane, do not worry; after the introductions if I see awkwardness or discomfiture from anyone, then I will make our excuses to leave without delay.” Darcy says helpfully. “If it is inopportune for him to talk to you here, then he should ask to call upon you as soon as possible. If he does not, then we know our answer.”

  Jane nods at William in agreement and understanding.

  “Well, he is approaching, Jane.” Elizabeth tries to break the tension by saying, “I see her clearly now and you are much prettier.” Elizabeth giggles, and then she nudges Jane until Jane also giggles lightly. “You already know that you are very pretty. You are always told that. Mr. Morgan is losing out, not you, my dear sister.” Elizabeth smiles at Jane.

  Georgiana continues to hold onto Jane’s other arm as the two sisters giggle. She has deciphered from the conversation that Mr. Morgan is probably doing something ungentlemanly towards Jane, and that is why Elizabeth and Jane are talking and joking like this. Could Mr. Morgan be courting both ladies at once and now Jane has found out? That is wrong, is it not?

  Elizabeth turns to Georgiana and says, “Georgie, I am sorry if I sound facetious, but I do think Jane is prettier.” Elizabeth teases. “Alright that is not nice to say about others in order to elevate your own sister. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Elizabeth squeezes Georgiana’s arm playfully.

  “Morgan just recognized me, Lizzy. We cannot escape the greetings now. He is coming over.” Darcy states with a handsome smile towards Elizabeth as she smiles brightly back at him.

  All three ladies continue to talk quietly when they hear Mr. Morgan jovially ask, “Darcy, when did you get back to town?” Morgan quickly looks at all four faces that have turned to him.

  “Morgan, how are you? I was going to send you a note today to let you know that I was back.” Darcy continues, “Ladies, we encounter Morgan.”

  Jane, Elizabeth, and Georgiana acknowledge Mr. Morgan with a curtsy and a smile. Obviously, all three ladies inconspicuously look at the young lady on his arm. Morgan greets the three ladies like an acquaintance, and then he introduces his party.

  “I would like to introduce Mrs. Diana Crawford, Miss Clara Berkley, and Mr. Louis Talbot. This is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Jane Bennet, and Miss Georgiana Darcy.” Morgan introduces politely with a smile.

  Morgan looks at Miss Bennet and sees that she is serene and courteous. He is happy to see her so soon, but he cannot acknowledge her as someone he is courting at this moment.

  Everyone bows and curtsies as polite people do. Jane sees that Mr. Morgan does not attempt to give her any special attention, and the young lady on his arm seems very comfortable with her position next to Mr. Morgan; they look like a courting couple would look. Mrs. Crawford smiles brightly and attentively at Mr. Morgan as he speaks to William about whether they can meet at their club tomorrow.

  Jane observes Mr. Morgan’s demeanor, and he seems as friendly and as amiable towards Mrs. Crawford as he was to her when they were together. Jane understands clearly now. Well, she is glad that she knows; apparently, she made a mistake with Mr. Morgan. She does not regret that she was open and honest with him; she did not do anything unbecoming, thus she is not sorry for anything. He has simply made his choice, and she will learn from this mistake of falling for an eloquent speaker. He is a barrister, after all; they have to be persuasive and clever talkers in order to argue their cases to their favor.

  After Morgan asks for a meeting with Darcy at their club tomorrow noon, Darcy announces that his group is expected at another engagement, so they will be leaving. Darcy did not see Morgan make any effort to talk to Jane or to recognize their courtship, thus he had to end their meeting to prevent any uneasiness. All courtesies are expressed, and then Darcy’s group walks towards the exit. Darcy discreetly glances back at Morgan’s group to see that Morgan is still smiling and being amiable towards Mrs. Crawford as if they are a courting couple. Morgan did not even try to acknowledge Jane as anyone other than a mere acquaintance. That was indefensible and very ungentlemanly of Morgan. Darcy guesses that Morgan has made his decision, but in an offensive and indecorous manner – absolutely abysmal.

  At Darcy House, William leads Elizabeth and Jane to the sitting room so they can have more privacy and relaxation in front of the cozy fireplace. Georgiana asks if she can be of any help to Jane, and then she states that Jane is such a wonderful person who anyone would be lucky to know. J

  “Thank you, Georgiana; you are too kind and sweet. I will sit here and think for a while.”

  Georgiana calls for tea for everyone, and then she leaves for the music room. Elizabeth thanks her and asks that she come to join them for tea any time she wishes. Georgiana smiles sympathetically before exiting.

  Darcy sees that the two sisters will want some privacy. “I will be in my study should you ladies need me for anything.”

  Elizabeth smiles adoringly at William, and then she thinks again of how providential, fortunate, and blessed she is to have William for her future. She would be absolutely wr
etched without him now. Darcy kisses Elizabeth’s hand, and then Elizabeth reaches out to caress William’s cheek before he quits the sitting room.

  Elizabeth knows that Jane is hurt and depressed at this moment. Elizabeth cannot believe Mr. Morgan’s earlier behavior. He really deceived them all, rather skillfully. He must be very proficient in the courts. How disappointing; he seemed like such a respectable gentleman.

  Elizabeth tries to console Jane by being sensible, logical, and understanding. She will not let Jane settle into melancholy. Jane has always been quiet and taken things inwardly and silently. Even though Elizabeth is sensitive and also takes things to heart, it is easier for her to recover from such serious issues if she keeps very busy or concentrates on something else. Jane tends not to recover as speedily. However, this time, Elizabeth will not let Jane retreat back to her previous shy self and keep things suppressed. Elizabeth remembers her time apart from William; it was cruel on her emotions and state of mind. She does not like to think of those times and what could have happened to them if she kept worrying and pushed William away. Her love for him was so fervent it did not allow her to sacrifice their future.

  “Jane, I do not want to minimize your hurt or diminish your situation but at least you know how he is now. He does not deserve you. You should rise above his indecency and not give him an ounce of importance in your life. I know that is easier said than done, especially if you like him very much.” Elizabeth asks caringly. “Do you love him already, Jane?”

  “I like him very much, and I think love was right around the corner. However, I feel like a fool, now, for liking him as much as I did and as soon as I did. Was it something about me?” Jane poses sincerely.

  “No, Jane; do not think that. You were a perfect lady.”

  “Was I too naïve to think that he could have liked me as much as I liked him so soon?”

  “He led you on by adamantly pursuing you and requesting a courtship even after he knew of our family’s problem. He led all of us to think that he was a caring, upstanding gentleman for accepting you in the midst of our family troubles. He even expressed openly about wanting to settle down with someone like you. He praised you in many ways. How else are you going to feel after a gentleman reveals his thoughts like that? You were not naïve in a bad way; you were misled. Do not agonize over him, Jane. He is not worth you spending time tormenting yourself over what you did and whether it was wrong. You did nothing wrong in this courtship. You never deceived him with anything. He deceived you.” Elizabeth pats Jane’s hands. “He is not a gentleman as far as I am concern. How could he do that to you when all you have been is an outstanding person? I will not acknowledge him in public unless I am utterly forced into that position. William also told me that he will not remain friends with Mr. Morgan if Mr. Morgan is so ungentlemanly towards you.”