He flinched involuntarily as he looked away, disappointed that she’d made this decision without consulting him, but he quickly recovered, hiding his regret, knowing that if they could not agree, it would be best to wait.
He turned back with a warm smile. “If that is what you wish, then that is how it will be, but I can think of nothing I would rather have than a little girl with long dark hair and green eyes or a little boy with deep brown eyes and dark curls.” He took her hand in his and gently caressed it. “You will have beautiful children, and I know you’ll be a wonderful mother.”
He dropped his gaze for a moment and then glanced at her again. “We need to get the license this week and make the arrangements. I want my brother and sister to come. My father will not come, as he is not pleased with our pending marriage. But I don’t want you to worry about that, because he will accept it. I’ll not lose anything as a result of it, either, but even if I did, it wouldn’t change my mind. I love you, and nothing will ever change that.”
“I love you, too, but why does your father not approve? What did he say?”
Taking a long breath, he lifted her hand and enclosed it in his, stroking it gently. “He wants me to marry an English girl. Someone from our own social circle, but Elizabeth,” he quickly added, “please don’t despair. I’ve explained everything to him clearly. He knows that you are my equal in all ways that matter. He also knows how much I love you. I told him as much. He will accept it in time, so don’t worry, my love, and please don’t let it hurt you.”
“I hope you’re right. This does make me feel uneasy, but I love you…I trust you.”
Fitzwilliam looked at her tenderly. The momentary flash of hurt in her eyes did not go unnoticed, and it grieved him to see it. He wished he didn’t have to tell her, but he firmly believed in being forthright. If his father would give them a chance, he knew he would see how wonderful she was and how happy she made him. He pulled her a little closer. “Don’t worry, Liz. It will all work out.” He held her, comforting her as best he could. “Now, come. I have something for you.”
He leaned over to retrieve the small gift bag he’d placed by the side of the sofa. Taking three packages from the bag, he handed one to her. “Open this one first,” he said with a gentle smile.
Opening the box, she gasped at the sight of the ring. “Oh, Fitzwilliam! It’s a blue diamond, deep blue like the ocean and so very beautiful. I love it.” Tears flooded her eyes, as she took the ring from the box.
He took it from her and reverently placed it on her finger while he gently gave her a kiss. Then he took the wedding bands out and showed her the inscription. Fitzwilliam & Elizabeth.
“Fitzwilliam, they’re beautiful. I will cherish them always, and once the band is placed upon my finger, it will never leave.”
He wiped the tears from her eyes with his finger before pulling her to him for another kiss. “Now open the next one.” He handed her the second box. “This is your engagement present.”
She opened the box slowly and was immediately overcome with emotion once again. “Oh, Fitzwilliam, you should not have done this… It’s gorgeous!” she gasped. “It’s a replica of Arwen-Undomiel’s necklace from The Lord of the Rings, except it’s an emerald instead of a diamond.” She gently lifted it from the box. “This is the most beautiful pendent I have ever seen, and I have certainly never owned anything like this. It and the ring must have cost you a fortune.” She hugged him tight and kissed his cheek.
He softly laughed. “Whatever it cost, you are worth every penny. Arwen was the great granddaughter of Lúthien and said to be the most beautiful of all living beings in Middle Earth, and you, my darling, are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. If anyone ever looked like Arwen or Lúthien, it is you.” He smiled as he picked up the third and final box. “Here, I saw these and had to have them for you. It was meant as a Christmas gift, so it’s a little late.”
She opened the third box. “Oh, Fitzwilliam!” she exclaimed, taking the ebony and ruby hair sticks from the box. “These are lovely. I can’t wait to wear them. Fitzwilliam, thank you so much.” She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss that nearly knocked him over.
“Hold on, Miss Bennett.” He laughed as he grabbed her to keep them both from falling. “I do appreciate your enthusiasm.”
Settling back down, she reached and retrieved the small box she’d brought with her. “I have something for you, too. It isn’t much compared to what you have given me, but I hope you will like it just the same.”
He took the offered box and slowly opened it to find inside a dozen fine Irish linen handkerchiefs embroidered with his initials, covered in an intricate pattern of English ivy mingled with morning glories.
“Elizabeth, these are beautiful.” His fingers reverently grazed the delicate needlework. “This is very fine craftsmanship. Where did you find handkerchiefs made like this?”
“I know of a shop in Charleston which imports the finest fabrics from all over the world, so I ordered the cloth from there. I made the handkerchiefs myself and then stitched the designs. They reminded me of Middle Earth, and since you love Tolkien as much as I do, I thought you would like them.” She softly laughed. “It seems we understand each other very well. Both of us thought of Middle Earth when we selected our gifts.”
“You made them yourself?”
She nodded with a gentle smile.
“Elizabeth, I love them, and I’ll cherish them always because they came from your heart. Thank you.” Laying the handkerchiefs aside, he stood up and pulled Elizabeth to her feet. “Now come and let me show you how much I appreciate you…how much I love you.”
She closed her eyes as he lowered his head, catching her lips in a slow, possessive kiss while his hands cupped her face. Stepping closer, her fingers clenched his robe, and she pulled him towards her. Breaking the kiss, he scooped her up into his arms and took her to his bedroom, dusting her face with tender kisses as he walked.
Carrying her past the threshold, he gently set her down and took her in his arms once again, kissing her deeply as he slipped her robe from her shoulders, letting it gently fall at her feet. Steadying himself, he broke the kiss and stepped back. He reached up and brushed the contour of her ample bosom as his fingers traced over the intricate embroidery of her gown. Moving down to the strings that held her breasts captive, he took them in his hands, and diligently untying them, he freed her breasts. His fingertips gently slid over her collarbone and slipped the straps of her gown off her shoulders, letting it join her robe on the floor.
His breath caught sharply as she stood before him naked in the dimly lit room. Reaching forth his hand, he stroked the curve of her throat before working his way down to her bare breast. He ever-so-lightly caressed her firm nipple with his thumb, feeling it harden under his touch. Unable to wait any longer, he turned back the bedcovers and stripped off his clothes. Then he swept her up in his arms again and gently placed her on their bed before climbing in beside her. Ever conscious of her needs and desires, he intended to love her slowly, determined that she receive as much pleasure as he could give her as he leisurely made love to her, savoring every touch…every kiss…every feeling. It was only when he felt her body shudder that he allowed himself to let go. Folding her in his arms, he rolled over and gathered her against his chest. Satisfied and contented, they finally fell fast asleep embracing one another.
Chapter Nineteen
…a peace he’d made long ago…
The next day Fitzwilliam awoke to the bright morning sunshine streaking across his bed through the parted curtains. He glanced to his side. There lay Elizabeth asleep on the pillow next to him with her hands folded peacefully under her cheek, looking beautiful and serene. He had to smile at the sight of her. She looked so natural, and it felt so right to have her in his bed. He lightly traced the gentle curve of her lips with his forefinger.
“Umm…Fitzwilliam.” She snuggled closer and slipped into his embrace.
“Wake up, lo
ve. It’s morning. We need to shower and meet with Charles and your sister,” he said, gently tapping her lips. “We have plans to make.”
“Hmm…not yet…not yet, darling.” She pulled him on top of her. “Make love to me.”
A large smile graced his face. Fifteen minutes later, shower water was running.
Upon entering the Bennett townhouse, the smell of ham cooking and fresh coffee greeted them.
“I’m so hungry I could eat the house. Let’s go to the kitchen to see what Jane is cooking. I can’t wait to show her my ring.”
Fitzwilliam laughed. “Yes, I’m sure you are, especially after last night and this morning. Let’s go and see. I’m sure your sister will want to show you her ring, too.” He grinned as they walked into the kitchen.
“Jane, come here. Look, look at what Fitzwilliam gave me. Isn’t it beautiful?” Elizabeth asked as she presented her left hand.
“Oh, Lizzy, a blue diamond. It is beautiful.” Jane squealed in delight as she took her sister’s hand, admiring the ring and giving Elizabeth a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Yes, and I notice you’re wearing something new, too. Let me see it.”
Jane sheepishly held out her hand for her sister to see. “Charles gave it to me after you all left for the night.”
“Oh, Jane, it’s lovely! A white diamond in yellow gold—it’s what you’ve always wanted. And it has a circlet of blue stones! Are they diamonds, too?”
“Yes, light blue diamonds. I had mentioned that my favorite stone was a blue topaz, and Charles remembered. He says they match my eyes.”
“Well, it’s very beautiful, and it’ll go well with that pale blue nail polish you’re always wearing,” Elizabeth said, turning to take Fitzwilliam’s hand. “Now, Jane, what do you have for breakfast? While we’ve been having all the fun, poor Fitzwilliam has been starving.”
Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Oh, who’s been starving? I seem to remember it being the other way around.”
“We’re both hungry,” Elizabeth said as she gave his hand a squeeze, “so what do you have?”
“Well, let’s see,” Jane said with a smile. “We have ham, bacon, biscuits, eggs, and strawberry jam with some of your favorite scones.” Smiling, Jane cast a quick glance at the men, “And, of course, grits and coffee for Charles and Fitzwilliam.”
“Oh…I guess we’re getting used to grits by now,” Bingley said with a smile.
“Charles, don’t complain. It’s not so bad,” Fitzwilliam said.
As they sat down to breakfast, Fitzwilliam addressed Charles. “So, what did you two decide about an early wedding?”
“How about in two weeks?” Jane answered.
“Two weeks!” Both Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam responded simultaneously.
“Is that not soon enough?” Jane looked at them quizzically.
“We were thinking a little longer. I don’t think we can arrange everything in two weeks,” Elizabeth replied.
“Well, we’ll have to move quickly to have everything done. I want my brother and sister to come, but I think Elizabeth is right. Two weeks is pushing it. As much as I would like it, I don’t think we can.”
Upon further discussion, it was agreed that they would marry in three weeks. They would get the license this week, preferably tomorrow, and Elizabeth and Jane would go to Longbourn Baptist Church to speak with Pastor Emery about January 23rd as a possible wedding date. They would also have to speak with Aunt Tana about the flower arrangements, and then there was the reception to be planned.
Elizabeth and Jane quickly made out their guest list to include their aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Since there was so little time, they made phone calls as well as mailed invitations. Cecilia Lawton, the Bennett girls’ childhood friend, and their sister Mary Beth were the only ones unable to come on short notice. Mary Beth was in Europe, and Cecilia was in South America.
After speaking with their aunts, it was agreed that they would handle the wedding and reception with the help of the church ladies, but then the church, as a whole, would have to be invited. Both couples reluctantly agreed.
Joseph would be home next Friday, and it was decided that he would give his sisters away as the current Master of Longbourn. As such, Joseph wanted a private conference with each prospective husband.
David informed Fitzwilliam that he and Georgiana would schedule a month’s time for the event, and they would arrive on Friday as well. Georgiana wanted to spend time getting to know her new sister-in-law, as well as seeing some of the sites in the area. David, though, claimed he had business matters in South Carolina arranged for the week following the wedding.
Several days before the guests were expected to arrive, a phone call came from Mrs. Norris’s son, informing them his mother had become ill, and therefore, would not be returning. He requested that her things be packed and sent to his address in Ohio. After discussing the matter, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam agreed it would not be necessary to hire a new housekeeper. She would assume those duties with his help.
During the daytime, they took care of the wedding preparations. In the evening, they used their time to prepare for the upcoming semester. Both worked together in the study side by side, helping one another as needed. When nighttime came, they took care of their other needs. Elizabeth was everything he knew she would be. Her sensual nature came alive under his tutelage. She was a hot, passionate lover—eager to learn and eager to please. Their desire for one another was nearly insatiable as he made love to her until they were both utterly spent. By the end of the week, they were more deeply in love than either could have ever imagined.
~*~
On Friday, the guests began to arrive. David and Georgiana flew into Nashville on Pemberley Two and rented a BMW to drive to the Cumberland Plateau. Georgiana flushed with excitement at all the sights she saw as they drove East on I-40 up into the Great Smoky Mountains. David chuckled while watching his sister’s reaction. Looking about, he understood why the mountains were known by that name. They reminded him of what the Misty Mountains of Middle Earth might have looked like. This time of year the trees were barren, but the rocks, hills, and evergreens cast against the snow-capped mountains shrouded in thick clouds stole his sister’s breath away. And the sight of an occasional deer running alongside the path in an open field thrilled her even more as she pointed everything out to him.
While he listened to his sister chatter away as they drove across the landscape steadily climbing upwards into the plateau, David secretly meditated about a certain lady in South Carolina. Alternating between Cecilia and his brother’s future wife, he silently made it his primary goal to make sure Elizabeth truly loved his brother. Once he was convinced of that, he intended to go to South Carolina.
He’d had more women than he dared to count, but none had stirred him like Cecilia Lawton had that night in Charleston. No matter what he did, he was unable to forget it...or to forget her. He had to go back. As they entered the town limits, David snapped out of his daydream, paying close attention to the BMW’s navigation system as he found their way into Old Town.
~*~
With the exception of Mary Beth, the entire Bennett clan gathered together, waiting for Joseph when the doorbell rang just before it opened.
“Joseph!” Lizzy squealed, running to him, wrapping her arms around his neck before he could fully come through the door. Kat and Jane were just a few steps behind, with Daniel standing off to the side, grinning like a kid at Christmas.
“It’s good to be missed, and even better to be home!” Laughing, he grabbed all three sisters in a bear hug, lifting them off the ground and swinging them around.
Daniel finally got in between his sisters and slapped his older brother on the back. “Welcome home, Brother. I’ve missed you.”
“And I have missed you!” Joseph exclaimed, giving his brother the same bear hug. “Keeping the girls in line, eh?”
“As much as can be,” Daniel grinned. “With Jane and Lizzy conveniently occu
pied, it’s just me and Kat now.”
Joseph laughed, looking over his shoulder to his two older sisters standing beside two strange men. Clapping Daniel’s shoulder, he stepped aside to walk in their direction. “Hi, I’m Joseph Bennett.”
Each man shook his hand.
“Charles Bingley. I’m glad to finally meet you.”
“Fitzwilliam Darcy. It is a pleasure to meet the brother I’ve heard so many tales about. Your sister has told me quite a lot about you.”
Glancing over at Elizabeth, Joseph grinned. “Well, I hope it was all good.”
“Oh, nothing more than many of your escapades with cow manure.” Elizabeth laughed.
“Well, since those stories involve you, too, I’m sure he is fully aware of what he is getting himself into.” Joseph flashed Fitzwilliam a wide grin.
Releasing a playful giggle, she smiled. “I’m sure he does.”
“Oh, I’m sure I don’t, but I’m more than willing to find out.”
They all laughed.
Joseph glanced to the side. “Robert!”
“It’s about time you noticed! I thought I’d never get a word in edgewise.” Robert Bennett stepped forward and shook Joseph’s hand as he slapped his shoulder. “It’s good to have you back, Joseph.”
“Well, what can I say? You know how the girls are.” He winked over his shoulder at his three sisters. “How have you been, Uncle?”
“It’s been better, but tonight is not the night for any of that,” Robert said in a somber tone. “We’ll talk soon.”
“Is something wrong?”
Robert smiled. “We’ll talk later.”
All of the aunts and uncles, and finally Grace, greeted Joseph. Elizabeth introduced David and Georgiana, and before long they all made their way into the dining room. As they sat and ate while laughing and talking, Joseph couldn’t help but notice Georgiana Darcy stealing glances his way every now and then. Once, when he smiled and nodded, he was pleasantly surprised to see her blush crimson.
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