Mrs Darcy's Fine Eyes: A Pride and Prejudice Novella (A Blissful Marriage, Book 2 - Hot Mush Series)

by Lory Lilian

  “Mrs. Darcy, are you well? Your eyes are sad,” Emily asked.

  “I am well, my dear. Do not worry. I look forward to returning home. Mr. Darcy is waiting for us.”

  “For me too? Does Mr. Darcy like me too? Will he not be upset that you bought me all these expensive clothes?”

  “Yes, he does like you, Emily. And he will be delighted to see your new gowns. Would you like to come and greet him briefly before dinner?”

  The girl remained silent a moment, looking at Sarah.

  “We shall come and greet Mr. Darcy before dinner,” Sarah said, and Emily nodded.

  “Excellent,” Elizabeth smiled, happy to see that the carriage had stopped in front of the house.

  Chapter 8

  Darcy was the one who opened the door for them, eager to welcome his wife. It was the first time they had been separated for almost the entire day since they married.

  Emily was still shy and she said a quick “good day”, then hurried downstairs, followed by Sarah.

  Darcy took his wife in his arms and, before he even helped her remove her outerwear, he claimed a kiss.

  “I have missed you so much,” he said.

  “Surely as much as I missed you.”

  They immediately retired to their apartment, happy and relieved to finally be together, alone, finding comfort in each other’s arms and sharing the events of the day. With great effort Elizabeth managed to calm Darcy when she related the story of Lady Catherine. Eventually, they agreed to meet the Matlocks the next day and discuss the best way to avoid any scandal at the theatre.

  Later, they prepared to dine properly, despite Darcy’s efforts to convince Elizabeth otherwise.

  “I see no point in dressing formally for dinner, only to undress again later. I have dreamed of loving you all day. Minute by minute,” he whispered hoarsely, his lips tantalising her ear.

  She chuckled and attempted to reject his insistence.

  “Mr. Darcy, we are expected to behave properly. The dinner will be ready and Emily will come to greet you. We must think of etiquette, would you not agree?”

  “Not at all. I would happily see Emily tomorrow. As for dinner, I will ask for it to be delivered here.”

  She quickly met his lips again. “Surely you must be hungry after such a long day. I surely am.”

  “You surely are ignorant about the sort of hunger that troubles me now, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “I am counting on you to address my ignorance later, Mr. Darcy,” she teased him. “After dinner.”

  “I admit I am rather displeased with your present disobedience and stubbornness, Mrs. Darcy, he replied, dressing himself.

  “I am sorry to hear that, but you were warned by your aunt long before we married. It is your own fault that you disregarded her advice.”

  “Perhaps. I must struggle to overcome such faults, Mrs. Darcy. Later on. After dinner.”

  With more teasing and stolen kisses, they finally arrived in the dining room. As the first course was being served, Sarah entered, holding Emily’s hand. The girl was smiling in her new dress and shoes. She curtseyed properly and dared to even look at Darcy.

  “Thank you for coming to see me, Emily. You look lovely,” Darcy said earnestly.

  “Thank you, Master.”

  “Do you enjoy staying here?”

  “Oh, yes…”

  “May I ask what do you like the most?” he asked in a warm and friendly tone.

  “I like Mrs. Darcy and Sarah. And my bed.”

  Even Darcy was touched by such an answer.

  “Have you dined yet tonight, Emily?”

  “Oh yes. I ate very much, I hope you do not mind…”

  “I most certainly do not mind. We are delighted to have you here, Emily.”

  “Thank you, Master,” she repeated.

  “Emily, your necklace is in my drawer. Do you wish to wear it?”

  “Oh no; I am afraid I will lose it. Please keep it for me, Mrs. Darcy!”

  “Very well, my dear. You may ask for it whenever you want.”

  The girl nodded and curtsied to them again.

  “Pour soul,” Darcy whispered after Sarah and Emily had retired.

  “Yes… She needs so little to be happy… And that little has been denied to her for so long… Even Lady Matlock was appalled after she spoke to Emily. I shall not visit Madame Claudette ever again, and your aunt declared the same.”

  “I hope to not hear about Madame Claudette ever again,” Darcy declared. “Come, let us finish dinner. I have already told you that I am starving.”

  ***

  It was still early evening when the Darcys were finally ready for the night. Stevens had shaved Darcy, so he appeared in his wife’s chamber after she was already changed into her nightgown, with her hair hanging loose down her back.

  There were only two candles lit in the room, the fire and the moonlight entering through the half-open curtains.

  Elizabeth was already in bed, leaning against the pillows, with a smile full of promise and anticipation.

  He sat near her, slowly removed his shirt and gently pulled her nightdress up over her shoulders, throwing it away, then did the same with his trousers. She closed her eyes and felt him lying upon her, covering her with his naked body. His hands trapped hers at either side of her head and their fingers entwined instantly.

  “My love, please open your eyes,” he whispered as he kissed her eyelashes. Their gazes met again, while his legs separated hers. He kissed her briefly and then freed her hands which readily encircled his neck. His hands travelled down and rested on her hips for a moment, stroking her thighs. She moaned, and he lifted her legs to encircle his waist, kissing her dry lips. She struggled to keep her eyes open and held her breath.

  Barely controlling his yearning, he entered her slowly, inch by inch, with gentle moves, his intense gaze never leaving her face. Her eyes closed again as the sensations overwhelmed her. It was tortuously slow, and she tightened her legs around his waist to pull him closer. With a last thrust, their bodies finally fully united, and she opened her eyes to meet his.

  He began to move inside her, bare skin burning bare skin. His mouth captured her lips, and his tongue tasted them greedily. With her hands imprisoned, she could not touch him or explore him as she wished, but she adored the feeling of complete surrender to him.

  She moved beneath him and against him, their bodies brushing over one another. She broke their kiss in search of air and bit his shoulder. He moaned as her tongue tasted his throat, then bit him again, gently. He thrust inside her even harder — and she bit him again.

  With great surprise, she suddenly felt herself rolled over; he was on his back and she was now lying atop him. Her breasts were crushed against his chest while her legs, which still encircled his waist, were trapped beneath him. She remained still for a moment, staring at him. She felt him pulsing inside her and her hips moved instinctively. He freed her legs, and pushed deeper inside her. Her moan of delight was the sign he needed. He embraced her bare back, stroking her from her shoulders to her waist while his movements increased. She lost her rhythm, but his strong palms lingered on her hips and guided her body until it matched his pace.

  She learned quickly, and became even more daring, enjoying the discovery that she could breathe easily, she could move easily, and she could use this freedom to her benefit — and his. She slid her fingers into his hair and squeezed it as he was squeezing her thighs.

  He groaned with pleasure as her breasts brushed against the hair on his chest; the sensation sent shivers across her skin, and she repeated the gesture until she heard him crying her name.

  His voice brought her as much pleasure as his deep moves, which became wilder with every passing moment. She kept her body moving together with his while her lips tantalised his earlobe.

  “Is this pleasant enough, Mr. Darcy?”

  “God, yes!” he articulated breathlessly, then he rolled her back against the pillow as he reclaimed his place upon her. She was
surprised — again — but only for an instant. Her legs entwined around him and her arms encircled and stroked his back.

  He demanded she open her eyes again, so they could see each other in the moment of blissful pleasure and their swollen lips cried one another’s names.

  They remained united, silent and still; he only rolled their joined bodies over to relieve her of the burden of his weight.

  “I have missed you so much today, my love,” he said, caressing her hair. “I was starving for you.”

  “As much as I missed you, my dear husband,” she repeated their earlier teasing. “And as much as I was starved for you, too.”

  He did not doubt her words. He continued to stroke her hair until he felt her breathing peacefully in her sleep and kissed the top of her head. He knew he could not possibly fall asleep with her warm body pressed to his, but he did not even need sleep if he had her.

  Chapter 9

  The day of the Theatre Royal reopening began with agitation in Darcy House. The entire town was in increasing trepidation over the event. After it burnt down in February 1809, the theatre had been rebuilt and all the prominent supporters of its reconstruction were expected to attend that evening. These included Lord Byron and Miss Annabella Milbanke—to whom a betrothal was widely anticipated—and the patronesses of Almack’s.

  The evening was marked by a production of Hamlet, with the famous Robert Elliston in the leading role. It was also said that Lord Byron had written an address that would be read at the opening by Robert Elliston himself.

  Darcy, his uncle and cousin treated the whole event with their regular indifference. To them, it was just another night at the theatre.

  For the ladies, the meaning was out of the ordinary, as they had the chance to present themselves at their best. It was not about the play or the theatre, but about their image among the ton.

  All the bustle added to Elizabeth’s nervousness regarding her first appearance in Lady Matlock’s box, in front of the eyes of the entire ton. She secretly hoped that, with so many things to look forward to that evening, few people would have any interest in Mr. Darcy’s wife. After all, he was not royalty, but just one among many other people of a certain wealth and position in society. However, Lady Matlock vanquished such expectations. She insisted that Elizabeth must be flawless and be ready to bear equal approval and reprobation.

  “Of Catherine, you must not worry. My husband had a harsh conversation with her. He suggested that Catherine and Anne join us and show a united family front. Even more so since Anne seems more relieved than upset by Darcy’s marriage. We do not expect her to be kind to you, but civil. Nothing more, nothing less. But Catherine accused us of betraying her and I have left them in the middle of a ridiculous, childish argument. Consequently, she declared she would stay in Lady Amelia Eresby’s box. Well, I wish her good luck with that! Lady Eresby is severe and very strict regarding decorum. If Catherine makes a single gesture to embarrass Amelia, she will throw her out before the intermission!”

  “I hope Lady Catherine will see reason, eventually. She must understand that Fitzwilliam would have probably not married Anne, even if I had refused to marry him.”

  “Oh, nonsense! Who would refuse Darcy?” Lady Matlock replied, while Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged a meaningful glance.

  As the big day had come, Elizabeth started to prepare early in the afternoon. Sarah and Mrs. Talbot both helped her, while Emily was sitting on the rug by the fire, watching her, spell-bound.

  The gown looked stunning on Elizabeth and all three of her companions gasped in admiration.

  Then Sarah and Mrs. Talbot put the tiara of gold, diamonds and citrine upon her head.

  “Mrs. Darcy, you look like an angel,” Emily said so seriously that Elizabeth laughed.

  “Thank you, my dear. If I have your approval, I only need Mr. Darcy’s and it will be enough.”

  “Oh, the master will certainly approve,” Mrs. Talbot declared. “You look simply beautiful, Mrs. Darcy. More beautiful than any other lady.”

  “This is true. And I most certainly approve of such an image,” Darcy said, entering the room. He looked dashing and handsome himself and Elizabeth smiled at him, while the other three retired to the door.

  “Thank for you helping Mrs. Darcy,” the master said, approaching his wife. “Sarah, Mrs. Talbot, you may retire for the night. You will surely not be needed until tomorrow.”

  The two women curtsied and left the room, taking Emily with them. The sparkle in Mrs. Darcy’s eyes and the master’s dark gaze were clear signs that they would not need any servants around when they returned.

  Darcy gently caressed Elizabeth’s face, then softly kissed her lips.

  “I am under your spell, Mrs. Darcy. I can hardly breathe looking at you.”

  “I can say the same, Mr. Darcy. You are the most handsome gentleman of my acquaintance. I noticed that the first time I saw you. Just before you refused to dance with me.”

  He tried to silence her with another kiss and she laughed against his lips.

  “You should not tease me, Mrs. Darcy, or else we will miss the entire evening. Now, let me help you with your earrings and necklace.

  He put on the jewels, then his fingers lingered upon her neck. Her skin made the diamonds and citrine even brighter, and her eyes sparkled even more than the jewels.

  He placed a kiss on her neck, on her throat, then lower, towards the edge of her gown.

  “I look forward to returning home, Mrs. Darcy…”

  “Should we not leave first,” she replied, rejoicing in his tantalising caresses.

  “Yes, we should,” he said and abruptly separated from her. He helped her put on her coat, gloves and reticule, while he took his coat and hat and escorted his wife to the carriage.

  Elizabeth glanced back and noticed several servants watching them through the windows, including Sarah, Mrs. Talbot and Emily. She waved to all of them and they happily waved back with admiration. They would have never dared to do so with Darcy or with any other lady, but Elizabeth had already won their hearts and their trust.

  ***

  “I have another small gift for you,” Darcy finally said, placing a small box in her palm. She opened it with surprise and curiosity to find an exquisite golden opera glass.

  “I hope you like it. It belonged to my mother.”

  “I am honoured to have it. Thank you.”

  The drive to Drury Lane was rather short. In front of the impressive building, there was a large gathering and carriages kept arriving.

  Everybody seemed to admire the new construction, commenting on it, but in truth they paid equal attention to those around them. The crowd was separated based on social position and on the type of their tickets. At the precise hour, the Matlocks’ carriage arrived too and Elizabeth and Darcy joined them. Only then, from behind a small group who seemed to be acquaintances, did Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner approach them.

  They entered, with the Matlocks leading the way, followed by the viscount and his wife, then the Colonel and Georgiana, and the Darcys and the Gardiners at the back. In the main hall, Lady Matlock indicated Lady Sefton to Elizabeth.

  “The two near her are Lady Jersey and Mrs. Drummond-Burrell. Both of them claim to be the image of respectability. If only I had time to tell you more,” Lady Matlock said.

  Elizabeth concealed a smile, until their group stopped near the three patronesses. Their style resembled that of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst.

  “Well, well. Mrs. Darcy, you look delightful, I must say,” Lady Sefton said, while Lady Matlock introduced Elizabeth to the other two.

  “Mrs. Darcy. The entire town is talking about you,” Lady Jersey said.

  “Your ladyship is too kind, but I am sure the town has more interesting subjects to debate,” Elizabeth replied politely.

  “Not quite,” Mrs. Drummond-Burrell added. “You have stolen one of town’s most desirable bachelors. People have reason to be curious.”

  “I assure your ladyship
that Mrs. Darcy did not steal me, quite the opposite. It took significant effort and more than a year to gain her affection and hand in marriage,” Darcy declared.

  Such a statement stunned the three ladies and their male companions. Nobody among them had ever considered any other scenario besides Darcy being somehow induced into that marriage.

  “Did it? I cannot imagine you pursuing a woman, Mr. Darcy,” Lady Jersey said.

  “We could not imagine it either,” the Colonel interjected. “But Darcy has always been a diligent man, when he sets himself something to accomplish.”

  “And I congratulate myself for that,” Darcy said, covering Elizabeth’s hand on his arm with his own.

  “Well, how lovely,” Lady Sefton replied. “Mrs. Darcy, I understand that you did not only save my dog from Madame Claudette, I heard you took that poor creature that was in everybody’s way. I confess that surprised us all. We barely noticed the poor thing.”

  “It is a wonder that everybody barely noticed the girl—myself included—and yet, the reports about her have already reached you, Lady Sefton,” Lady Matlock said.

  “There is no report and nothing surprising,” Elizabeth said calmly. “I observed that Madame Claudette had no time and no patience for a child and we thought it would be best for everyone if the girl lived with us. I talked to Mr. Darcy and he agreed with me.”

  “So you just took the girl? But why? An orphan is a burden and you do not even know what heritage she has. Who was her father? Where is her mother?”

  Elizabeth took a breath to keep her composure, then responded.

  “A child of eight cannot be held responsible for her parents, and in a house with thirty people, a child can easily find shelter and care. I am sure your ladyship would agree with me that we cannot remain indifferent to a child being in danger or suffering.”

  Her polite words were properly spoken but behind them there was a sharp rebuke that nobody missed.

  “My wife has the most generous and kind heart,” Darcy said. “That is only one reason why I admire her.” Elizabeth looked at him and their affectionate gazes locked for a moment.