by AmyJ
"My mother adored you, even if she could never convince you not to play with us boys." He snickered. "She used to tell me I should be nicer to you; that I may regret it someday."
Unable to stop herself, she asked, "And do you?"
"Should I?"
"Perhaps. But then I may not have found you nearly so entertaining, and become friends with one of your cousins or even Lord Blakeslee."
"Elizabeth," Darcy growled, causing her to giggle. She pressed a brief kiss to his lips, and then resumed her previous position. "You have nothing to fear, dearest husband. You alone hold my heart."
Darcy seemed content with that, and held her close, taking a moment to breathe in her essence.
"When I was young," Elizabeth said a few moments later, "I used to break loose from the house and make plans for my escape to Pemberley." She
chuckled. "Once I even drew a map to Derbyshire so I could have the gypsies take me there. I was certain even they would be happy to live at Pemberley."
A chuckle escaped them both.
"You are a Darcy now, and I intend to keep you at Pemberley for a very long time."
After a while, he said absently, "Do you have any idea how difficult it was to watch you dance and speak with other men during our time in London? I kept
thinking any day you would break our engagement."
With tender look, Elizabeth ran a hand down his cheek. "That would have been quite impossible, dearest. I believe I was already quite in love with you. I simply did not know it."
Darcy responded to such a statement the only way he could, with a deep,
passionate kiss. As it intensified, their hands began roaming freely. When
Darcy's lips found their way to Elizabeth's bare shoulder, he felt her inhale sharply. He immediately pulled back. He was about to apologize when
Elizabeth pulled his head back down to her.
After another long kiss, she whispered, "I am not afraid, Fitzwilliam."
Feeling a surge of desire, the likes he had not permitted thus far, he pulled her body tightly against his. "I love you, my Beth," he murmured.
"Make me your wife, Fitzwilliam," came the soft reply. "I am ready."
Having waited what seemed an eternity to hear those words, it took Darcy a
moment to react. When he did, his actions were swift and decisive. Before
Elizabeth had a chance to change her mind, if she was so inclined, he scooped her up and carried her to his bed.
Elizabeth woke in the middle of the night to an unfamiliar noise. She turned her head, searching for the source, but froze when she realized she was
completely unclothed. A flush consumed her, and worsened when she realized
the source of the sound that had woken her was her husband.
The newness of the situation made her bashful, and she longed for her
nightshift. Trapped below his arm though, there was little she could do. She lay awake, listening to her husband snore. A giggle began to bubble up, and she had to press her hand against her lips to keep it from escaping. There are worse situations.
After a while, she tried to escape his arm. Just when she thought she was free though, he turned over and pulled her closer to him. He murmured something
incoherent, and then the snoring returned. She was stuck. She sighed.
My husband. The word still sent a delightful thrill through her. Never did she imagine a year ago that she would not only be reunited with her friend, but they would be married and very much in love. "I love you, Fitzwilliam," she breathed.
She shifted about and finding a comfortable position, fell back asleep with her head buried against her one true love.
The next morning, Darcy woke, feeling something warm and soft beneath his
hand. He cracked open an eye, and seeing his wife, grinned broadly. For once it was not a dream! His beautiful, alluring wife was slumbering next to him.
He turned, trying not to wake her, for a better view. He stifled an adoring chuckle, seeing her hands tucked innocently under chin, and the gentle upward curve of her lips. He was the most fortunate man in all the land.
As it was still early, and he had absolutely no desire to leave his bed, much less his chambers, he made himself comfortable once again, and then pulled her
body alongside his.
"Good morning, my love," he whispered when she stirred. Her dreamy eyes twinkled up at him in response.
"Good morning, dearest husband," she replied. She stretched, yawned, and then cuddled up next to him again. "I shall have to thank Lady Catherine," she murmured.
"For what?" His eyes widened in horror. That woman's name in his bed chamber was nearly enough to kill any ardour.
"Why, without her persistence in seeing you married to Anne, you would never have been forced to marry me."
Darcy chuckled. "She does like to be useful." With a pinch on her bottom, he added, "But this is the last I shall tolerate that name in this room, or hear the words ‘forced to marry me' from your lips."
"And how will you go about stopping me, dear husband?"
Darcy ferociously attacked her lips with his. After a few moments, he growled,
"I seem to recall you taking a vow of obedience."
Elizabeth laughed out loud. "But, I may forget," she replied coyly.
Hungrily he attacked her neck, causing her to squeal. "You were saying, dear wife?"
"I love you, dearest husband." She pulled his head down for another deep kiss.
Darcy returned it with equal fervour. When the kiss broke, they remained locked in each other's gaze, seeing each other's soul. Without moving, he said softly, "I, Fitzwilliam George Howard Darcy, take you, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth Rosamond, for my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from
this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love," He kissed her fully on the lips. "Cherish." He punctuated the word with another kiss. "'Till death us do part." After a long kiss he added, "All that I have is yours, my Beth."
With his thumb, he brushed away the tear that had formed in the corner of her eye, and then gently kissed each of her lids. "I wanted you to hear that as I meant it."
Overwhelmed by such a heartfelt declaration, Elizabeth snaked her arm around his neck and pulled him into deep, lingering kiss. It led to her own, though less verbal, recitation of her vows.
It had been four weeks since they wed. Since then, Elizabeth and Darcy had
spent a week at Pemberley, and another ten days touring the peaks and
surrounding area. Now, they were back at Pemberley, preparing for their return to London.
"I realize this is our honeymoon, dearest," Darcy began the day after their return to Pemberley. "But would you mind terribly if we entertained this evening?"
Elizabeth's brows immediately moved towards her hairline. Her reticent
husband wanted to entertain when they could rightfully refuse all visitors? "I...
I suppose. The kitchen has not had time to prepare, and..." She inhaled deeply, trying to calm fluttering stomach. All at once the admonishments of Lady
Matlock flooded her brain.
"There is no need to go to additional effort. Whatever you already have planned will be sufficient."
"Might I inquire who the guests will be?" If the callers were prominent members of the neighbourhood, a great deal of effort would be required,
despite her husband's assurances otherwise.
"Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Strelley. Mr. Strelley has an estate north of here, but his family's legacy is a charity school for young men and wounded soldiers. My
family has been assisting the Strelley family in finding places of employment for his men for many years. The men are able to make their own way and learn new skills, and it is good for the business owners. Many businesses would
struggle were it not for these men, and the assistance of the families that support Mr. Strelley's efforts.
"Pemberley'
s under-gardener came to be in my employ from Mr. Strelley. More recently, Mr. Stohner's apprentice, Mr. Dunhill and his family, was saved from
the workhouse on a recommendation from Mr. Strelley. Mr. Stohner has no sons to take over the smithy; and since Mr. Dunhill can no longer work the
fields, it was a good match."
Feeling more assured such a couple would easily overlook any of her small
faux pas, Elizabeth replied more cheerfully. "It all sounds so elaborate. I was only aware of the charity home in London, and the charity house to which my aunt makes donations."
"It can be difficult finding the right situation for a man, but the benefits are well worth it."
"I had no idea you were such an accomplished matchmaker, dear husband. My mother will be so pleased." She could not help the tease, nor the smirk at Darcy's look of utter disgust. "Is that not what you are doing? Matching the right business owner with a suitable apprentice?"
"We are not matchmaking." Darcy said gravely.
She could not help the trill of laughter that escaped at Darcy's admonishing look. "Very well, my non-matchmaking husband. You may inform Mr. and Mrs. Strelley, I would be pleased to have them for dinner this evening."
Exercising no little amount of restraint, Darcy kissed the inside of his wife's wrist. "Thank you. I would not ask this of you, but we shall be for town in but a few days, and I need to discuss a few things with Mr. Strelley."
Elizabeth's eyes twinkled. "It is no difficulty. I can hardly deny a meal to a man who helps so many others." After finishing her cup of coffee, she rose. "I, however, must speak with the cook and inform her that we shall be a few more tonight; but if she is angry and ruins the pudding, it will be upon your head."
Darcy chuckled at his wife's retreating form. He would deal with her
impudence later tonight, when they were alone.
Despite Darcy's assurance that the Strelley's did not expect anything elaborate, Elizabeth could not help but fret. It was, after all, her first dinner as Mrs.
Darcy. She tried to console herself, that at least this was not London, but at the same time, railed against the lack of time for preparation.
With the assistance of Pemberley's kitchen staff, Elizabeth had modified the dinner menu to include a full new course, and had tweaked a few of the dishes to be a bit more elaborate. Though the mutton would remain as planned, the
fish would be served a la crème now, and an herb soufflé would be offered
alongside the lemon custard. For better or for worse, the only vegetables
available were spring ones; though the asparagus was changed from being
curried to being served with a buerre blanc sauce.
After those preparations were set in motion, she set her mind to the dining room. Being just the four of them, she decided to dine in the small formal
dining room. She had fresh flowers cut, and then spent a prodigious amount of time deciding on the place settings. When everything was brought together, she looked over the arrangement and smiled. Lady Matlock would have been
pleased.
As the dinner hour was nearing, she took one last sniff of the floral
arrangement to test their freshness and fragrance, and then she hurried above stairs where Penny was waiting.
Her observant maid, Penny, had picked up on the importance of this evening, and had outdone herself in styling Elizabeth's hair with dainty violets tucked under silver combs.
Darcy was waiting in the small parlour when Elizabeth finally made her way
down to greet their guests. He stood immediately upon her entrance. "You are utterly enchanting, dearest." As the servants were milling about, he settled for a lingering kiss on her cheek. As his fingers brushed against her cheek he
murmured, "I was a fool to suggest entertaining guests tonight."
Elizabeth pulled back and kissed him chastely on the lips. "I shall forgive you...
This time."
A little while later, the Strelleys were announced. After the gentlemen
exchanged greetings, Darcy introduced Elizabeth.
"Mr. and Mrs. Strelley, may I introduce to you my wife, Elizabeth Darcy." He could not suppress the broad smile that cracked his formal façade.
The evening passed easily, and without incident. Mr. and Mrs. Strelley were good conversationalists, and despite the age difference, the two couples were able to find a great deal of common interests.
After speaking some time about the school, the four discussed the Darcy's
recent trip around the area. When Mrs. Strelley learned of Elizabeth's desire to visit The Lakes in the summer, she was quick to praise its beauty and provide advice of the towns to visit.
There was a brief separation of the sexes after the meal, in which Elizabeth was able to better make Mrs. Strelley's acquaintance, and Darcy and Mr. Strelley were able to conduct their business. When the four rejoined, Elizabeth
entertained them all with a few pieces on the pianoforte.
Cognizant that they were intruding on the newly married couple's honeymoon, the Strelleys declared the evening very lovely, but made their excuses to depart at an early hour.
The Darcys too retired earlier than their wont.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Elizabeth sat pensively in the coach, doing her best not to notice the way the vehicle swayed with each gust of wind, or how the grim clouds threatened
overhead. Despite her efforts, she could not help thinking the setting lent itself perfectly to a horrible accident, and that by this time tomorrow, the London papers would be declaring its sorrow at losing such a prominent member of
society. That was, if they were found.
"I am looking forward to seeing Georgiana, again." Elizabeth said, attempting to make conversation. Her sewing was serving her very ill in the capacity of a distraction.
"Aye." was all the response she received. With a heavy but silent sigh, she re-examined her stitches, and after finding her place, recommenced her effort to attach a piece of lace to the handkerchief. It was to be a gift for Jane.
A few minutes later, she attempted conversation again. "Has there been any word from Colonel Fitzwilliam?"
Receiving only a clipped "No," Elizabeth looked over at her husband. He was engrossed in his book, and seemingly impervious to the impending doom.
Another blast of wind rocked the carriage just as its wheels hit a rut in the road.
The combination caused Elizabeth to let out a squeak as she nearly lost her seat.
When she was recovered, she looked over at Darcy, who appeared completely
nonplussed. "Fitzwilliam!" she cried. "How can you remain unaffected when we are about to be thrown from the road?"
Darcy chuckled, instantly sparking her ire. "Dearest, we are perfectly safe. If there was cause for concern, the driver would have alerted me, and we would stop for the day at the next inn."
If he had intended his statement to quell her fears, he had failed miserably.
Indeed, her fears were now compounded by her anger. Too emotional to see to the careful stitching required for working with delicate lace, she put away her sewing. Then, with several sharp movements, she situated herself in the corner, and folded her arms across her chest.
Twenty minutes passed before Darcy took much notice of his brooding wife.
"Are you cold?"
Elizabeth shook her head, but would not look at him. So, setting his book aside, he called to her with open arms. She hesitated a minute before situating herself safely against him.
"Is this better?" he murmured into her hair.
"Yes," she said petulantly. "But I do wish the wind would calm."
Darcy rubbed her arms soothingly. "Surely you have ridden in more inclement weather than this."
"Not often, and I did not like it then either." she pouted, causing Darcy to chuckle once again. He quickly pacified her with a kiss on her head. "I will not let anything happen to you."
For perhaps t
he first time since the journey began, enveloped in the strong arms of her husband, Elizabeth relaxed; that was, until the wind once again blew heavily, testing the carriage springs.
"We shall stop for the day at the next inn," Darcy soothed, feeling Elizabeth shiver, and seeing her fears would not abate. In truth, the last gust had
unnerved him as well. "For now, however," releasing Elizabeth for a minute, he reached under the seat across from them and pulled out a wool rug, "this will keep you warm."
They rode for almost another hour before reaching a suitable inn, at which their day's journey could end.
Thankfully, the remainder of the travel to London, while albeit cooler than the season warranted, passed uneventfully.
As the sounds of town infiltrated the carriage, Darcy's formal mien returned in full force.
Well attuned to her husband's mood, she teased, "You are not looking forward to parading your new bride around town?"
Darcy rolled his eyes at her teasing. "You know very well I am not fond of town. And to placate your vanity, if you must know, I would prefer not to share you at all."
Elizabeth blushed appropriately. "Not even with your dearest sister?"
With a playful nibble at the inside of her wrist, he growled, "Not even with my dearest sister."
After emitting a short giggle, Elizabeth replied with a wistful sigh. "I, too, wish we could have remained at Pemberley."
Darcy pulled his wife close to him. They were testing the bounds of propriety -
being so close to town - with such intimacy, even within the confines of their carriage, and knew it must soon come to an end. "Then it is decided. There is no need to stay until the end of the Season. We shall depart from town no later than six weeks hence. That should give the gossip mongers plenty of fodder."
"How little faith you have in me."
"You know very well that is not true, Elizabeth." He levelled a playful scowl, causing her to crack a smile.
Not long after, the couple arrived at Arryndale, where they were warmly
greeted by the chief staff.
"Miss Darcy is in the music room," Mrs. Brenton informed them, as Elizabeth and Darcy headed to their rooms to discard their travel clothes. "Lady Matlock