The Cumberland Plateau

by Mary K. Baxley

  He caressed her arm with a gentle stroke, snuggling her to his chest. “Elizabeth, you are so beautiful…so very beautiful.”

  She sighed gently and murmured, “I don’t feel very beautiful. I’m still fat, and the babies make me so tired. I feel old at times.”

  He looked at her lovingly. “Elizabeth, at twenty-seven, you’re still young, and no, you’re not fat. In fact, I rather like how your body has changed since giving birth to our children. I love you just the way you are, and that, my lovely Elizabeth, will never change.” Pulling her into his lap, he said, “I have missed you, my darling wife.”

  She looked up with shimmering eyes as he took her face in his hands. Whispering her name, he began to kiss her unhurriedly. As their kiss deepened, a groan rumbled in his chest. He’d almost forgotten what it felt like to hold her in his arms, to kiss her, to make love to her. His body tightened, wanting her in every possible way.

  While they kissed, his hand traveled the length of her body until he reached the hem of her gown. Slipping beneath the fabric, he began caressing her thighs, traveling to her hips, waist, and abdomen. He felt her quiver and tremble as his hand slowly edged closer to its destination. As he stroked her silken hair, she parted her legs to allow him access. He drew in a ragged breath, delighted at how she writhed under his touch. As his fingers caressed her, a soft moan of pleasure escaped from her throat. He kissed her once again, deeply and ardently—his tongue teasing… tasting… ravishing… devouring her mouth.

  Elizabeth repositioned herself in his lap so that she straddled him. Edging closer, she pressed hard into his erection, rocking back and forth. She released a slight whimper as she sunk both hands into his hair, pulling him to her and covering his mouth with hers. Breaking the kiss, she arched her back and allowed him access to her throat, which he aggressively took, kissing, nipping and suckling, scraping his teeth over her delicate skin while his hand continued to travel the curve of her body until it reached her derriere where he pressed her into him and arched against her.

  As they moved against one another, his mouth found the spot behind her ear that used to drive her wild with desire. Settling on that spot, he forcefully sought it with his tongue and lips, kissing and suckling, nibbling her earlobe every now and then. Moving down her shoulder to her engorged breasts, he freed them from the slits in her nursing gown and caressed them, lightly stroking his thumb over her swollen nipple before bending down and gently flicking it with his tongue. He knew her breasts were tender, so he was careful, although he found the taste of her dripping milk to be sweet and exotic.

  By now, his passion had grown to an almost painful state, but she still wasn’t to the point where he wanted her, so he continued to caress her body, stroking her every curve. Feeling her hot dampness as his fingers slid inside of her, he paused and quickly withdrew. She was fully aroused and ready for him, and he was more than ready for her. Gathering her in his arms, he picked her up and carried her to their bed where he ripped back the coverlet and gently laid her down. Removing the remainder of their clothes, he climbed in beside her.

  “Elizabeth, Elizabeth…my Elizabeth, how I’ve missed you!”

  She tried to answer, but he covered her mouth with his, silencing her.

  Elizabeth pressed the softness of her enlarged breasts against his chest while whispering in his ear in between kisses. “I love you, Fitzwilliam… I love you.”

  He rolled her over in one smooth, quick motion, settling on top of her. Cupping her face in his hands, he looked deep into her beautiful eyes. “Liz, I have wanted you and needed you for so long. I love you, Liz.”

  “Fitzwilliam, please…please don’t make me wait.”

  Tenderly he caressed her cheekbones with his thumbs before gently sliding his hands under her back and gathering her in his arms. While he held her close to his body, she raised her legs, encircling him, clinging to him in a lover’s embrace.

  Linked as one, they moved in an effortless, rhythmic motion, one with the other. Fitzwilliam felt her tremble beneath him, and it took all of his concentration to hold back as he fought to remain in control. Finally, feeling her fingernails dig into his back as her muscles forcefully tightened and contracted, his resolve broke, and he followed her over the edge, letting go.

  Collapsing on top of her, still rocking gently and savoring the feelings of the moment, he began to kiss her again. As he broke the kiss, he pulled back. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  “No, no, I’m fine. In fact, I’m wonderful. I’m not fragile…I won’t break.”

  “I love you, Liz, and I have missed you in more ways than I can tell you. Welcome home, Mrs. Darcy,” he said, showering her face with tiny endearing kisses as he rolled over, taking her with him and cradling her against his body.

  She laid her head upon his shoulder while she stroked his face, whisking his damp curls away from his forehead. “I love you, Fitzwilliam. Hold me close and don’t ever let me go. Promise me you will never, never leave me again—ever.”

  Her words broke his heart as a tear fell from her eye onto his shoulder. He gently wiped it away.

  “Please don’t cry, Liz. We’re together now, and I have no intentions of ever leaving you again. If for any reason we do have to be apart, I’ll come for you personally, and I will ring you every day. I promise.”

  Elizabeth reached up with one small hand and cupped his face, bringing his lips to hers. Fitzwilliam responded in like, and once again they found pleasure in one another’s arms. Resting for about an hour, they repeated it, only to be interrupted by a small cry in the corner of the room.

  “Well, I guess we have to put this on hold. Duty calls,” Elizabeth said, softly laughing as he moaned and climbed out of bed to change the babies and bring them to her.

  She smiled as he placed the twins between them and slipped beneath the covers. The children nursed contentedly while they all four drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

  ~*~

  Early the next morning, Fitzwilliam awoke first. He propped up on one elbow and watched his sleeping family. How things had changed from a year ago! He had his wife back and two children along with her. He now had a purpose beyond Pemberley, and he knew he must take care of them properly, never forgetting what they meant to him. No one would ever hurt them again. They would be first in his life, with their needs and wellbeing always met.

  Elizabeth awoke, noticing Fitzwilliam staring at her. “What are you thinking?” Elizabeth asked.

  “I was thinking about you and the twins, and how different things are from a year and a half ago. I think I have a made pretty good return on my investment, don’t you?”

  “I think you invested wisely, darling.” She sleepily smiled. “Fitzwilliam, they’ve nursed much of the night. I think we can turn them over to Clara and Maggie now. Let’s shower, get dressed, and have breakfast. I’m starving. Georgiana and I are going shopping later. I’ve decided that I will change the nursery. I’m thinking Peter Rabbit. What do you think? I bought Peter Rabbit dishes, and Cecilia and I made several quilts and blankets with that theme. It was what I did while I waited.”

  “I like Peter Rabbit. I’ll commission for the murals to be changed. You can design it yourself. How would that be?”

  “I would love it!”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “My little domestic mathematician—the best one I’ve ever known.” He nuzzled her nose with his as he nipped at her lips.

  “I’d better be the only one you know.” Giving him a saucy grin, she kissed the tip of his nose.

  “Believe me, madam, I can only handle one, and that is you. Now, you and Georgiana have fun today. I’ll be going into the office. I have business matters that I can’t put off. I’ll see you this evening.” With a kiss, he headed for the shower.

  Chapter Sixty-two

  …I want them to see that I love her…

  After meeting with Pemberley Group’s team of solicitors, the brothers met in the Fitzwilliam’s corporate office to hash out the deta
ils of their proposal.

  “David, what do you think of J.C. Hanover as our new banking partner? It’s either them or Chase Manhattan.”

  “Umm, well, the animosity that exists between Jack and Hilda is well known, therefore choosing Hanover would make a statement as well as firing a shot over the bow. As for Chase, I don’t like that option at all. Although they are well-established in London, it’s an American-owned bank. Therefore, it’s my opinion that Hanover is the better option on many fronts. However, if you choose them, Hilda will know this is personal…and final. So let’s discuss the perils as well as the particulars. We have to be cunning, and she cannot know what we’re planning.”

  “You’re absolutely correct. It’s time to play hardball, and I know Hilda is a master player.”

  The two brothers set about developing their plan. They spent the better part of forty-five minutes thrashing the matter out. When they had finally reached a consensus, David reiterated. “If you are absolutely sure this is what you want to do, then let’s go forward. Make it swift, and make it deadly. But… you must be sure. Hilda’s clout is considerable, and as you say, our actions will be irrevocable all the way around, therefore, the consequences could be immense. There is no room for a mistake.”

  “Oh, I’m sure—absolutely sure. And I am well aware of the risk we take. Hilda is a force to be reckoned with, but I assure you, she has met her match in both cunning and skill.”

  David sighed. “She is our aunt, Mum’s only remaining sister, and you know, in spite of her cruelties, Mother loved her.”

  “Yes, I know, and it grieves me to do what we are about to do, but I cannot forgive her for what she has done to me.” He passed his hand over his face and released a sigh. “Now, let’s put this aside and have a good weekend. Since Thomas is on holiday, there is nothing more we can do for now. We’ll take care of business when he returns. Besides, it’ll give me a little more time to pull things together before I meet with Jack Hanover,” Fitzwilliam said while shuffling papers into a portfolio.

  “Well, if there is nothing else, I’ll return to my office and finish up on Jacob’s report. I’m about to finalize the contract on the new manufacturing facility in Singapore,” David said as he rose to leave.

  Glancing up Fitzwilliam added, “By the way, I’m just curious, have you called Cecilia yet?”

  David stopped short and shot his brother a look meant to kill. “No! And I’m not about to. I’ve told you it’s over between us. It should have never been in the first place, so drop it.”

  “Little Brother,” Fitzwilliam sighed, “you’re making a mistake—a big mistake.”

  “And it’s mine to make. Like I said—drop it. I’ve told you, this is a topic I refuse to discuss with you or anyone else.”

  “Okay, David.” He shrugged. “It’s Friday. I’m going home early. If I don’t see you later, have a good weekend.”

  David nodded and left.

  As the door closed behind his brother, Fitzwilliam sat back in his chair and shook his head. The warning David had flashed in his eyes let Fitzwilliam know he’d overstepped his bounds, even for two brothers who shared everything—everything except that very private spot David kept for himself alone.

  ~*~

  Fitzwilliam smiled, humming a lively tune when he came through the front door of Darcy House. Now that he and Elizabeth were back together and in a place where there was actually something to do on the weekends, he wanted to take her out. Feeling the need to have time for themselves apart from the children, he’d made reservations for dinner at a fine restaurant in Knightsbridge. Tomorrow he would take her shopping and sightseeing in London.

  Making his way to the library, he found Elizabeth reading while the twins squirmed on a pallet in front of the fireplace. He took a seat beside her and slipped his arm around her shoulder. “Elizabeth, I want you to dress in something elegant for the evening. We are going out tonight. I’m taking you to Petrus,” he said with a smile. “It’s a very exclusive French restaurant, one that I think you’ll enjoy.”

  She glanced up in surprise. “That sounds wonderful! I love French cuisine, especially escargot, and I haven’t had any since graduate school.” She stopped to think for a moment. “It’s been so long since I was actually out. I’m looking forward to the evening.”

  He chuckled softly. “Order whatever you like. If you like escargot, then you shall have it. We’re going out tonight, but that’s not all we’re going to do. Next week I plan to take you to the Embassy. It’s a private club where David and I are members. Liz, my love, I’m going to properly date you as I would have when we first met had there been someplace to go and something to do.”

  She hesitated for a moment and tilted her head. “Well…I suppose we did miss out when we were dating, though I never really noticed. Hmm…I guess it’s true. There’s not much to do or see in Walnut Grove, is there? But somehow I never felt cheated. Being with you was always enough for me back then. However,” she said with a twinkle in her eye, “I don’t mind you taking me places and dating me now, if that’s what you really want to do.”

  “It’s exactly what I want to do. This is my world, and I’m going to show it to you. We’re going to make up for what we’ve missed. Tonight I’m taking you to dinner, and tomorrow I’m taking you shopping on Bond Street and Oxford. We’re going to buy you some appropriate things for London society, so make arrangements. We’ll eat out, and if you would like, we can take Alex and Emily.”

  “I’ve already been to Bond Street with Georgiana, and I bought a lot of things. However, if you want to take me, I’d love to go again, but I don’t think it’s such a good idea to take Alex and Emily out for an all-day trip. They’re still too young, and I don’t think we would enjoy ourselves with two fussy babies,” she replied. “When they’re a little older, we can take them.”

  “You’re probably right, but I thought you might want them along, especially since you’re nursing.”

  “I can take care of that, and we can come back after a few hours to check on them.”

  “All right, if you feel comfortable with those arrangements, then it’s fine with me. Now, as for shopping, I’m going to do more than show you. I want to buy you several things.” He tipped her chin and pecked her lips.

  “But, Fitzwilliam, I’ve already spent £5000 on clothes!”

  “And you can spend another five thousand. Liz, I’ve already told you not to be concerned about the money. I can afford it!” He moved closer, pulling her into his embrace.” I want you to have your heart’s desires. Besides, you’re going to need an appropriate up-to-date wardrobe for some of the places I want to take you.”

  Smiling, she gingerly gave him a quick kiss. “Well, if that’s what you want to do, then let’s go shopping. Now then, come with me to my dressing room and help me pick out a dress for dinner.” Rising from the sofa, they picked up the children and headed towards the stairs.

  After settling the twins in their cribs, they moved to the dressing room. “How about this one?” He picked out a short white cocktail dress with thin shoulder straps tying in the back and a slight draped ruffle down the front and held it up to her.

  “Perfect!” she exclaimed, taking the dress.

  ~*~

  After dressing for the evening, Fitzwilliam had the car brought around, and Singleton drove them to the restaurant. As the Darcys exited the car, the paparazzi stepped forward, snapping pictures. Their sudden appearance startled Elizabeth, but Fitzwilliam had expected it. He waved, greeting them with a smile and then gently placed his hand to the small of Elizabeth’s back, guiding her into the restaurant. Fitzwilliam was going to do something he had never done before. He was going to court the media. He knew curiosity about his wife ran rampant in all of London, and he deliberately intended for Elizabeth to be seen in the best possible light. He would be in control, comfortable and at ease with the press, just like his father.

  “Fitzwilliam, what was that all about?” Elizabeth asked, pausing in t
he lobby.

  “That, my love, is what’s to be expected in the short term when we come out into society. Greet them with a friendly smile, and all will be well. We’ll be in the news for a little while to come, but it will pass soon enough when the novelty of your appearance as my wife is no longer a topic for public gossip. Besides, I want to show them how beautiful you are.” Glancing down at her with a wide smile, he guided her through the door.

  Following the hostess to their table, curious eyes turned towards the Darcys. Elizabeth seemed unaware of the inquisitive stares as they were seated, but Fitzwilliam was very much aware of the commotion they created amongst the other diners.

  During the course of the evening, several members of London’s elite stopped by the Darcys’ table to greet Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Everyone was cordial and polite with a genuine interest in knowing the woman who had been the point of contention in the very public split between George Darcy and his son.

  Fitzwilliam sat back and watched with delight. Much to the surprise of many, Mrs. Darcy was not only beautiful, but pleasantly at ease with them, possessing a quick wit and a charming allure. Elizabeth held up her part of the conversation comfortably, showing herself to be well informed on many subjects and uncommonly intelligent. Many commented on the sound of her voice, finding her genteel southern accent to be pleasing. They treated her with respect, not only because she was the wife of one of their own, but because she carried herself with a refined deportment—as one who deserved respect on her own merit.

  She, in turn, treated them with the same warmth and kindness as she would anyone whom she’d just met. They genuinely liked her, and it showed. Fitzwilliam hoped it was also evident to all who saw them that he loved his wife very much and that his love was returned.