He grinned like the boy she remembered so long ago. “I hope so.”
Chapter 34
TheNetherfieldparty,withthe exception of Darcy, retreated to that house directly upon arriving at Longbourn. Darcy closeted himself in the Longbourn library to apprise Mr Gardiner of all that had taken place, as it was within his rights to have a thorough explanation.
“Are Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh well?” Gardiner inquired.
“Miss de Bourgh is. My sister, I believe, is still somewhat shaken, but she assured me as they departed that I would see her well by the time I returned. I wonder, however, that you do not ask how Miss Elizabeth fared?”
Gardiner offered a sly grin. “I know her better than that, perhaps. She seemed well enough when they came in. Did she ever tell you about that fellow who was trying to pay court to Jane when she was but fifteen?”
Darcy’s mouth tugged to the side. “Mrs Bennet made mention once that Miss Bennet had received some very pretty poetry from a gentleman.”
Gardiner laughed. “Far from pretty! The girls were staying with us at the time. The fellow was a perfect eel—another Mr Collins, I should say. Jane felt obliged to receive his attentions because of her mother, but even at thirteen, Lizzy would have none of it. She made a point of telling him all manner of unflattering stories about her younger sisters, playing the pianoforte rather more poorly-andloudly—than usual, and once she even went so far as to purposely trip over the man’s feet and spill hot tea all over his lap. He did not return!”
Darcy could not help a loud, hearty laugh, a sound which startled the ladies outside the library.
“Lizzy!” Mrs Bennet snapped. “You are a terrible influence on that gentleman. Why, he was so perfectly respectable and dignified until he started spending so much time around you!”
Elizabeth exchanged smiles with her aunt. “You are quite right, Mama.”
Atlast,averytired Fitzwilliam Darcy bid his beloved a good afternoon, with the intentions of spending the rest of the day in his bed. Elizabeth had ferreted out a secluded nook in the hallway where they could have a moment of privacy. It occurred briefly to him that Elizabeth owned a perfectly good bed upstairs, but even as alluring as that sounded, he was too tired for his passions to overcome his good sense in disallowing the fantasy.
She wound her arms around his neck and allowed him to kiss her gently. “Elizabeth,” he murmured, “please tell me it will not be long before I can remain always with you.”
She arched a brow. “Unless you wish to continue scandalizing the neighbourhood, I think it best we get the nuptials over with quickly and remove our shocking presence from the vicinity. I do hope there is not a towntoonear Pemberley!”
He chuckled, brushing a joyful kiss into her crown of curls. “Not as near, but we have a good many more tenants. You will have to earn their loyalty early if we are to keep up the Darcy family name.”
“I shall endeavour to do so, but it is the master’s affections which shall preoccupy me.”
“Then you shall be assured of success on all counts,” he verified with another kiss. “Elizabeth, I must go, because I may soon find myself far too relaxed and fatigued to remain on my horse all the way back to Netherfield. At present, I am trying not to wonder if Longbourn boasts any additional guest quarters.”
“It does not.” She gave a firm push to his chest with a playful smirk. “William, there is one last thing before you go.”
He quirked a knowing expression at her. “Richard?”
“How did you know?”
“Never mind. What wisdom have you to impart regarding my dear cousin?”
“None. Leave him alone, William. I beg you would not question him about Wickham’s words. If he needs to speak of it to you, he will, but I expect it will not be for years, if ever.”
He sighed. “I wondered if that might not be the case. Georgiana’s reaction was rather peculiar as well.” He shook his muddled head to clear it. “If you wish it, it shall be so. I will say nothing—at least, not unless I have cause.”
“Thank you, my love.” She raised herself up on her toes to kiss his very surprised face.
He froze. “What did you just call me?” he quavered, his voice hushed.
“You heard me,” she whispered in his ear, pressing another kiss to his cheek.
“No, most assuredly, I did not! I beg you would repeat yourself.”
She raised a cheeky grin to his eyes. “You will have to work to earn another such endearment, William! Before you should attempt to do so, however, I am of the opinion that you must first see to the needs of one I care for very much.”
He drew back reluctantly. “I will tell Georgiana of your concern.”
That impish smile he so adored graced her features once more. “I was speaking of you, William! Go get some rest, my love!”
