by Aleena Ashe
Did he just use her Christian name? He did, and Elizabeth found that she liked it. Swallowing, she realized her mouth was suddenly very dry. “I promise you, Mr. Darcy, I won’t let anything happen.”
Chapter 19
Darcy
The next few days went by slowly. A storm blew in from the North bringing with it the first snow of winter. Unfortunately, it was mixed with sleet resulting in a bitter cold and impassable roads. So it was that Darcy spent his days bundled in the window seat, curled up with a book, quite miserable, and fully feeling the effects of a woman’s monthly flow.
Several times, Kitty or Jane had attempted to pull him into their conversations without luck. He tried his best not to be quarrelsome but when on the third day, he overheard Mr. Collins suggest to Mary that he was “pouting because she didn’t get to go play outside” he almost snapped. With all the restraint he could muster, Darcy chose to ignore Mr. Collins and ‘rejoice’ in the fact that he and Mary seemed to be becoming quite close. It seemed their plan was having the intended effect.
Kitty entered the parlor just then, practically bouncing with excitement. “I thought we could all use a little treat after being stuck in this house for so long so I asked cook if she would help me make hot chocolate and biscuits”
“Oh how thoughtful,” Jane exclaimed, genuinely excited.
Lydia squealed, “Hot chocolate? Oh Kitty, I knew I there was a reason I loved you best!” Then giggling at Mary and Mr. Collin’s disapproving looks, she got up to help serve.
Even Mr. and Mrs. Bennet came in for the treat. Darcy looked around and realized it was not often that all the Bennets (and Collins) sat in one room and enjoyed each other’s company.
“We should play a game! Snap Dragon! Or charades!”
Mr. Bennet spoke up, “Tsk, tsk, Lydia. We are already enjoying hot chocolate. We’ll save the raisins for closer to Christmas.”
Undeterred she tried again, “How about Pass the Slipper? It may be a child’s game but it is fun. Or Shades!”
“Ooh Shades! I’ll get the paper and lamp black!” Jane said as she actually jumped up and left the room.
“I’ll get the candles,” Kitty said opening the cupboard.
As they all gathered around preparing to play. Darcy looked up and saw Mr. Bennet attempting to sneak away. “Oh no you don’t, Papa! I plan to sketch you first!” As Darcy took Mr. Bennet’s arm and gently pulled him back into the room, the older gentleman looked chagrined but said,
“If you must, but I expect a game of chess later to make up for subjecting me to this Tom Foolery.”
“With pleasure, Papa.”
So they took turns standing and tracing each other’s outlines. Some, like Lydia, took great pleasure making the outlines exaggerated and grotesque. Others like Mary - who outlined Mr. Collins - were more serious, though with not much better results. As promised, Darcy outlined Mr. Bennet and even he was pleased with how it turned out.
“Why Lizzy, I may have to frame this and place it in my study to add a sense of decorum.” Though he teased, Darcy knew Mr. Bennet would likely do just that because his Lizzy had made it. For a brief moment remembering how his father had been much the same with him pained him but he quickly shook it off to enjoy the reverie.
“Lizzy, it is my turn to do you!” Jane said turning to Darcy. “Come on, now. You’re the last one.”
Darcy stood still as Jane, took her time. When she was sure no one was paying attention Jane whispered, “Perhaps Lizzy, one day you can give this to Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy blushed and Jane immediately clarified, “Not now, goose. But if he ever declares himself to you... I know you like him, despite your protestations to the contrary. Mr. Bingley and I think it would be perfect. We could move up North, near Pemberley, and our children could play together.” She waxed on or another moment as they both became lost in the picture she painted of the future. “Well, I finished. What do you think?”
“Oh Jane, its perfect.” He said quite taken with her work. “It looks just like… me.”
“Well of course it does! Here, now drink your chocolate before it gets cold and will set these out to dry.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon with various members of the family playing games such as Charades or Spillikins, reading, and occasionally playing on the pianoforte. All in all, it was a very pleasant afternoon and Darcy found, to his delight, that he had not once found himself wishing to escape above stairs.
That evening before bed, Darcy thought more about Jane’s description of their perfect futures. It sounded so wonderful. He just hoped that Elizabeth would think so too.
**************
At Netherfield, tensions had been high for the past few days as Caroline’s health had not yet improved. Elizabeth noted maids going to and from her room at all hours of the day and night. Approaching Charles in his study one night after dinner - the second night in a row Caroline had not attended, Elizabeth asked, “Charles, how is Caroline’s health? Has there been any improvement?”
Charles poured himself a full brandy and offered one to Elizabeth. But she declined remembering the effects from the last time. He shrugged before slumping into a chair by the fire. “I’m scared Darcy. Her fever hasn’t broken and the doctor says there is no more to be done but wait for her to fight through.”
Elizabeth crossed the room and sat in the opposing chair. “Caroline is nothing if not a fighter, Charles. I’ve never seen determination like hers.”
Charles looked up and seeing Darcy smiling gently, he chuckled. “I suppose you’re right.”
“I am. You’ll see. She will be up and around in no time.”
“I hope so. I know you two have your differences but she is still my sister. I don’t know what I’d have done if she hadn’t always been there to push me. She really does care, deep, deep… deep down.”
Elizabeth was pretty sure that Caroline had always pushed because it benefited her to do so. But that didn’t matter when it came to brotherly love. Charles’ feelings were genuine and to his credit.
“Come Charles, let’s go play billiards. It does no one any good to borrow trouble. Besides, it should be drying up soon and you will be able to visit your Miss Bennet.”
With a knowing look, Charles smiled, “And you, yours. You cannot fool me Darcy. I have known you for a long time, old friend, and I have never seen you this way before. Tell me, have you an understanding with Miss Elizabeth?”
Answering honestly, “No, we do not. I have feelings but I am not sure they are returned.”
At this Charles, laughed heartily. “Not returned? I say, perhaps in the beginning they were not but I have watched you two.” Seeing the doubt in his friend’s eyes, he continued, “I know you think I am lost in my amour, but I tell you, friend, if you cannot see what I have seen clear as day… you are blind indeed!”
They played billiards into the early hours of the morning. Before heading up to bed, Elizabeth decided to run down to the kitchen for a late night snack. Hoping not to disturb anyone, she tiptoed down the stairs and into the larder looking for a quick bite to eat.
Hearing footsteps approach and not wanting to be discovered she quickly pulled the doors to. There were two voices: one male and one female and neither were completely unfamiliar. As she listened it dawned on her who she was hearing. The male voice was undoubtedly Lt. Wickham. The female voice she was not sure of but thought it might be Jeana - the stable boy’s sister. She had not spoken to Jeana in many years but she often saw her at church so she wasn’t a complete stranger.
She heard giggling, “Shhh, George. You shouldn’t be here.”
“How can I resist such temptations, my dear? You are too much.”
More giggling from her and soft moans from him. Elizabeth could only assume they were kissing. Odious, disgusting rake! I’m going to be sick. But what she heard a few minutes later made her blood run cold.
“So, when shall we hear of the announcement? I bet, his face was priceless when
he woke up to see her next to him in bed. He always was such a prude.”
“Oh, George, don’t be mad. He woke up before she made it over the balcony and he locked his door without ever seeing her. And I already locked the guestroom door and rushed out so no one would find me. At first I thought maybe he had welcomed her to his bed, so I didn’t want to disturb them. But when I went back to ‘catch them’ nearly an hour later, she was not there. I checked the guest balcony only to find her froze half to death! I snuck her back upstairs and told everyone she had gotten locked out of her room. Oh Lord, I hope she doesn’t die!”
Jeana was nearly in tears but Wickham didn’t seem to care. “You daft cow! How can you mess up such a fool-proof plan?” He pushed her away and paced the kitchen. “All my life, Darcy has had everything I ever wanted. I finally have a chance at revenge and you bungle it up. I should have known a half-wit maid could never pull this off. You better hope, the fancy miss keeps her mouth shut.”
“George, please don’t say that. I thought you loved me!” She pleaded with him, “We are going to have a baby. You said, you’d marry me and take me away from here. Make me an officer’s wife.”
He laughed cruelly. “Why is it you women all believe the same old lines? Of course, I’m not going to marry you. Why would I marry a maid with no money? I am a gentleman after all,” he sneered. And with that he turned and walked out the way he came in. Stopping at the door, he said, “Don’t worry, sweetie, I’ll find another way to get my revenge. I’ve never been a quitter.”
Jeana picked up an apple and lobbed it at his head, narrowly missing. Wickham laughed again and left, never looking back. It was another hour before Elizabeth could sneak back to Darcy’s room as Jeana had slumped to the ground crying for some time. As much as she wanted to, Elizabeth knew she couldn’t comfort her. Even if she had been herself, Jeana would never have wanted anyone else to know.
Chapter 20
Elizabeth
Elizabeth awoke with a start. Someone was banging loudly at her door. She looked to see Davies already moving to answer it. It was evidently quite early if Davies had not been up yet. Elizabeth stood and put on a robe, then nodded to Davies. Bingley practically burst into the room but seeing nothing amiss he stopped short, confused.
“Charles? What brings you to my room so early?”
“You were screaming. I went to check on Caroline and on my way to breakfast I heard you. Are you alright? Is something troubling you?”
“Huh? No. Well, yes, but I can work it out. I have been having terrible nightmares. I apologize for worrying you.” She invited him in and they sat by the fire for a minute in silence. Seeing that Bingley looked haggard, she inquired, “Any improvement with Caroline?”
Looking up from the fire, Bingley seemed to gather his wits. “Her fever broke last night but the doctor says she has an infection in her lungs. If she can get past that, she will recover but will likely be weak for some time. Maybe even require nursing. I don’t know what to do. Louisa is expecting and I hope to be newlywed soon.” He paused to make sure Darcy comprehended the issue.
“And you are not sure who Caroline should stay with?”
“Yes, that’s it exactly! It’s not fair to Jane to have to nurse my sister but neither should Louisa have to worry over her when she will have a new baby to care for. Louisa suggested sending Caroline to Aunt Matilda’s for a time but I hardly think that is fair.”
Lightning struck in Elizabeth’s mind and she began to formulate a plan. “I have an idea. It may seem odd but hear me out.”
Elizabeth went on to explain what she had overheard while in the larder closet and her plan. At first Bingley could only focus on the idea that Caroline had tried to compromise his friend.
“You mean to tell me that she lies in bed, fighting for her life because of her greed? Does Louisa know of this?” He was stomping more than pacing and Elizabeth had never seen Bingley so angry. She doubted Darcy had either.
“It is unlikely that Caroline confided in anyone about her plans.”
Bingley seemed mollified a bit by that. “So, despite how this maid would have help trap you into marriage, you’d have me help her? Why?”
“She is young and was manipulated. Wickham can be very persuasive and I think she thought if he didn’t fulfill his word, at least she would have a place in Miss Bingley’s service. Either way, she is in need and I feel obligated, having not thought to warn you or your staff.”
“Why did you not make your presence known? Demand he marry her?”
“I wouldn’t wish him on anyone. Being forced into marriage would not have made him honorable and she (and her child) would have suffered for it.”
“True. I suppose what you suggest could work. Caroline won’t like it.”
“So much the better. I do not wish her ill but I think it is high time she is put in her place.”
“I will write to Aunt Matilda today. I think you have the right of it.”
Bingley left with a plan, determined to see it through, and Elizabeth got up to dress for the day.
As Davies set about readying her clothes, Elizabeth headed for the privy. “Ugh, I will never get used to this. Men are so… odd. I have to pee and yet I cannot because he is practically standing at attention. Ok, think of something unappealing.” After a few minutes, the issue subsided and she was able to relieve herself.
“Men, even when there is no reason. Hmph.”
******
Seeing that the weather had finally let up, Elizabeth was practically itching to get outside and she was willing to bet Darcy felt the same. He should be nearly over his… ‘ailment’ by now. She laughed remembering the helpless look on his face. Poor man.
After grabbing a quick bite to eat, she looked in on Bingley who was now working on some papers in his study. “I’m going for a ride.” And before Bingley could protest, she added, “I’ll be back in time to call on the Bennets!” With that, she headed for the stables.
“Good morning, Hector! It is a lovely day for a ride. You can hardly tell it snowed the other day!” No one else seemed to be around but Elizabeth didn’t mind. She hadn’t told them she’d ride out today and they were probably busy exercising the other horses after such foul weather. Hector nosed her by way of greeting and she was soon on her way.
She rode to the copse but Darcy was not there. Then she rode to Oakham Mount. As she crested the peak, she saw him, laying in the grass, hands behind his head, with his eyes closed. He looked so peaceful that she thought he must be asleep. Elizabeth quietly dismounted Hector so as not to disturb Darcy and crept over toward him until she was kneeling next to him, when an idea struck her. “I wonder if he is as ticklish as I am? I mean now that he is me, he should be… right?” Holding her hands in the air just above his armpits, she looked around once more to make sure they were not being observed. She knew this was the height of impropriety but she could not resist. When she looked back, she noticed his eyes were open and looking upon her with great amusement. Before she could react, he grabbed her, pulled her to the ground, and was up in a flash tickling her.
She ‘fought’ back trying to tickle him as they both collapsed into fits of laughter. “You thought to take advantage of an innocent, young maiden now did you, Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy could barely catch his breath as he teased her.
Elizabeth answered in shorts bursts, “Me? No Sir, I believe you made the first move!”
“Preposterous! You snuck up and if I had not heard you - you really are not as graceful when you are so large - you would have had me at your mercy!”
They sat there staring at each other’s leaf covered clothes and hair. “Oh dear, what will you tell Mama when you get home?” She smiled, picking a leaf out of the curls now falling from their pins.
“Simple, I will just explain that I was not careful - as usual - and fell on a slippery patch. Apparently, you are known to be a bit clumsy. I never would have guessed, Miss Elizabeth.” Chuckling, he leaned toward her, and reached to help
her straighten his jacket. He was so close he could feel her breath hitch. When he looked at her, their eyes locked. He moved closer, his eyes dropping to her lips, he lifted one hand to her cheek, and then the other. This was not how he had imagined kissing Elizabeth but he didn’t care anymore. He had to know if she felt the same. He looked in her eyes again as if asking for permission. Her almost imperceptible nod was enough.
It started slow but before long they each, simultaneously, rose on their knees in an effort to get closer. Elizabeth ran her hands up his neck and his hair. He reveled in the feelings that coursed through her body. He wanted to memorize them so he could use that knowledge to ensure her pleasure in the future. He felt her chest tighten and her nipples go taut. He felt her stomach quiver and her knees weaken, and everything in between ache. Oh sweet mercy.
For Elizabeth’s part, she was so lost in the new sensations that she could hardly register the changes that occurred in his body until they touched. Then it was all she could feel. Their bodies pressed against each other; it was agonizing and blissful at the same time. All she wanted was more. More contact, more movement.