Darcy’s face softened slightly. “Indeed, but she is fortunate to have a brother willing to put such measures in place for her. Should she learn to live within her means, she might yet find a place in society where her reputation need not suffer further. Perhaps, if she lowers her expectations, she will be able to make a suitable match.”
Bingley nodded, though his expression remained uncertain. “One can only hope,” he said quietly, raising his glass for a reflective sip. “Enough talk of my sister. Tell me, how is married life treating you?” he said with a grin. Darcy merely smiled in response, but said little other than to indicate it was treating him well indeed.
Chapter Thirty
FRIDAY, 6 DECEMBER 1811
Elizabeth sat in front of her vanity, partaking of tea and toast her maid had brought. Once again, she had awoken with an upset stomach which she attributed to her nerves at the approaching visit with her family. There was another possible cause, she knew, but she hoped to get through this meeting first, and if her upset lingered, then she would share her suspicions with her husband. Given everything else that was happening, she was certain her current anxiousness would be nothing tohisif her suspicions were proven correct.
As she sipped her tea, she thought about what she would say to her sisters regarding her marriage. She knew she was exceptionally fortunate to have found such a husband, but since Mr. Bingley had spoken the night before about a militia unit that was quartered in Meryton, she was even more anxious about her youngest sisters.
So lost in thought was she, that her husband’s entry startled her, causing her to spill her tea.
“Forgive me, dearest,” he whispered, approaching her with his handkerchief at the ready.
“You are forgiven, for indeed, it was not your fault. I was simply wool-gathering and did not notice your entrance,” she replied, smiling down at him where he was on his knees wiping the droplets that had landed on her petticoat.
He grasped her free hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “Are you well, my love?” he asked. “You have not felt yourself for some days now; for the last se’nnight, perhaps even longer, you have awoken with a queasy stomach nearly every morning.”
“There has been much of late to make me anxious and worried. Once things settle down, I hope my queasiness will ease. For now, the tea and toast help until I can get something more substantial in me. Did you enjoy your ride this morning? I know you have not been able to ride often since we wed.”
“Bingley had a few questions to ask and accompanied me as I rode the estate. I believe he could do well here; that is, if he determines this life is what he wants. He claimed he was enamoured of your eldest sister upon his first meeting with her, even though he has spent little time in her company since. I had to dissuade him from accompanying us to Longbourn today, telling him that you needed this first meeting with your family to be just the two of us,” Darcy replied, rising from his knees only to pull a stool closer so he might sit and talk to his wife. Her maid continued to brush and dry her hair before she began plaiting it.
“Thank you,” she replied. They spoke of other inconsequential matters for several more minutes before finally, Elizabeth’s hair was finished, and the maid excused herself.
Darcy grinned. “I take it you wish for me to play ladies maid and finish helping you dress.”
“You could help me dress now, or we could spend a few minutes more agreeably engaged. But you must promise not to disturb my hair because I do not wish to have to call Simmons back to redo my hair before we arrive downstairs.
“I make no promises,” Darcy smiled, rising from his stool and assisting Elizabeth to stand.
Elizabeth’s laughter rang softly through the room as Darcy’s hands settled at her waist, pulling her tightly into his embrace. She met his heated gaze, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, sir, do you mean to ruin all the hard work Simmons has done?”
“Not at all,” he murmured, a teasing glint in his eye, “just wished to remind you that you are mine, my dear wife, and I am reluctant to share you with anyone—including your family.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. “Are you always so selfish?”
Darcy’s gaze darkened with a playful glint. “Selfish? Only with you, my love,” he murmured, his hand sliding from her waist to rest at the small of her back, pulling her closer still. “But you tempt me greatly when you suggest we might spend our time otherwise.” His thumb traced slow circles, sending a delicious shiver up her spine.
She arched slightly, pressing closer to him, feeling his breath hitch as his fingers found her hand and entwined with hers. “How wicked,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as he bent his head closer. “Whatever will my maid think if she has to return to re-pin my hair?”
“Let her think what she will,” he replied, his voice a low rumble as he leant down, his lips grazing her neck and drifting downward to her edge of her stays. “I do not mind scandal if it means keeping you to myself a while longer.”
Elizabeth’s heart raced as his fingers traced the delicate lines of her jaw, and her hand slipped into his, steadying herself as herbreath caught. “We will be late for breakfast,” she managed, her protest softening as he tilted her chin up to meet his gaze.
His lips met hers then and for several minutes, neither spoke. “If I am to wait an entire day before having you only by my side, I must ensure it is worth the torment,” he whispered as he lifted his head for a moment before taking her mouth yet again. “I am already impatient to be alone with you and hate that we have been forced to spend so much time in the company of others.”
She sighed into his embrace, momentarily forgetting the world outside as his hands continued to skim her waist, anchoring her against him. With a reluctant laugh, she broke the kiss, her cheeks flushed as she took a small step back. “You, sir, are utterly incorrigible.”
He chuckled, his gaze filled with mischief. “Only with you, Mrs. Darcy. It seems I am destined to be ever selfish with your time and attention. I do not want to share.”
She smoothed her skirts and straightened, allowing her pulse to settle. “Then let us go,” she teased, catching his hand with a playful tug. “But do remember, dearest, that I shall hold you to that impatience you are presently demonstrating when we return. I will no doubt be in need of your comfort then.”
Darcy’s smirk deepened, his gaze lingering on Elizabeth with a simmering intensity. He extended his arm to her once more, his voice low and rich with promise. “I look forward to it,” he murmured, his tone laden with unspoken anticipation.
Not long after breakfast,the Darcys boarded the carriage that would convey them to Longbourn. Once again, Elizabeth held her husband’s hand firmly, drawing comfort from his warmth and strength. As they arrived, she took a deep breath and lightly kissed Darcy.
“I am so happy that you are with me, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth whispered as she pulled away. “I spent so many years at Longbourn unhappy, feeling lost without you, thinking that you had forgotten me. These last two months have been the happiest I have spent since the summer I met you in Derbyshire.”
