Fitzwilliam Darcy, Poet
Page 20
“She answered to both, but her name was Rhea.”
“The flightless bird or the mother of the Greek Gods?” Elizabeth asked.
Darcy chuckled. “Both would apply. I flew over the fields on Rhea’s back, but she demanded the respect and consideration of anyone she allowed near her. The poor stable boy was afraid of her, and she seemed to delight in giving him reason for fear. But she loved me … so long as I treated her like a queen, which I did without hesitation because I loved her too. In that, you were not completely wrong. Rhea gave me freedom, a much-needed reprieve from the expectations of others.”
“I can see why you loved her. She was as selective and demanding of others as you are,” Elizabeth said with an impish grin.
“And yet, as selective and demanding as you proclaim me to be, I chose you. Are you flattered?” he teased.
“When did it happen?” she asked. “I knew I wanted to be your friend when you showed an interest in poetry, but it was not until I had given up all hope of you becoming a poet that I started to wish for much more. When did you realize you loved me?”
She clasped her hands together and bit her lips together, anxious.
Speaking from his heart to put her at ease, Darcy said, “The moment you made clear you were not influenced by my rank and fortune is when my regard took root.”
She guffawed. “That soon?”
“Your honesty impressed me. It set you apart. However, it was not until you questioned my character and dared me to do better — to behave as the gentleman you expected me to be — that I truly realized the danger you posed to my heart.”
Elizabeth snuggled closer to him, resting her head against the crook of his shoulder. Sighing, she said, “How difficult it must have been when you realized I was in love with you … only I did not know it. At the start, I was disinclined to like you at all.”
That was putting it lightly. Darcy commented, “Love borne from hate.”
She smiled up at him. “It is the finest, stoutest kind.”
Darcy pressed his lips against her forehead. “A fine, stout love,” he whispered against her skin.
“Nourished with the food of love, your poems,” she teased. His own impertinent minx boldly arched her neck and parted her lips. “Mr. Darcy, my poet.”
“Mrs. Darcy, my muse.”
Impertinent Minx
Running through fields, chasing the light of dawn.
We steal away, our tethers left behind.
Would I could return to the days long gone;
To the glory days of summer rewind.
You wait for me with a glow in your eye,
Sunlight weaving gold in your chestnut mane.
I look for you and receive no reply.
Truth is harsh, and yet I look on in vain.
My loyal friend, my faithful confidante,
Who would ease the burdens weighing me down.
My imperfections you kindly recant.
With outpouring love, my sorrows you drown.
While I would wish you always at my side,
In my heart you continue to reside.
Nonpareil
I used to dream of finding my equal
Until I met a lady beyond reach.
From my pride did her prejudice recoil
And in each other’s faults, we found love’s breach.
You marched into my thoughts and stood your ground;
With honest conviction you won my trust;
Finer eyes than yours I have never found;
My marble defenses crumbled to dust.
Wit is your sword; humor, your sturdy shield.
With sun-kissed skin and golden chestnut hair,
Against such weapons I am glad to yield
And in paltry verse lay my feelings bare.
Marry me, please, Elizabeth Bennet.
My life is not whole without you in it.
Thank You!
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About the Author
When Jennifer isn't busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is learning Sign language, reading, baking (Cake is her one weakness!), or chasing her twins around the park (because … calories).
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of mystery. She also believes there's enough angst on the news, so she keeps her stories light-hearted and full of hope.
While she claims Oregon as her home, she currently lives high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
Other Books by Jennifer Joy
Historical Romances
Darcy’s Ultimatum: The Cousins Series, Book 1
Anne’s Adversity: The Cousins Series, Book 2
The Colonel’s Challenge: The Cousins Series, Book 3
Earning Darcy’s Trust
Accusing Elizabeth
Love Never Fails
Win, Lose, or Darcy
The Elizabeth Conspiracy
The Honorable Mr. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery, Book 1
The Indomitable Miss Elizabeth: A Meryton Mystery, Book 2
The Inseparable Mr. and Mrs. Darcy: A Meryton Mystery, Book 3
The Immovable Mr. Tanner: A Meryton Mystery, Book 4
The Remarkable Miss Darcy: A Meryton Mystery, Book 5
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor
Sweet Contemporary Romances
Written in the Stars: Starlight Terrace Proposals, Novella 1