“Tonight, my Love, you sleep in my arms, and I do mean sleep.”
“Yes, Fitzwilliam, I need some sleep.”
CHAPTER 24
“I can imagine he would have that sort of feeling—the mixture of Love, Pride, and Delicacy.”
Two days before the new year, the Gardiners’ coach rolled onto Pemberley’s grounds in the late morning hours. As visitors, they saw the estate in early August, but now they were to stay as guests, the honor not lost on them. Mr. Gardiner brought gifts for all the members of the household. Darcy’s special gift, another picture of Darcy and Elizabeth—this one of them as husband and wife, came from Cassandra Gardiner. Darcy placed it in his study beside the one given to him earlier where he could see it as he deliberated over business dealings. He picked up the child and hugged her; later, after dinner, she sat on his lap and fell asleep in his arms as he gently stroked the girl’s head; and the scene brought Elizabeth great joy. Warmer than what was expected for this time of year, Mr. Gardiner took advantage of the weather and showed his sons how to fish although he knew fish were not to be had. All the children played with Hero and helped the dog chase the game birds along the wood line. “Come, Aunt Gardiner, I promised you a ride around the grounds.” Elizabeth’s joy showed as they headed for a phaeton ride, a promise sealed months earlier.The Gardiners knew the joy of seeing Elizabeth in love and at Pemberley.
Jane and Bingley did not arrive until late in the day. “Jane, we worried for your safety,” Elizabeth said as she greeted her sister.
“They decided to sleep in,” Kitty whispered as she hugged Elizabeth. Jane blushed when she overheard Kitty’s comment, but shealso could not help smiling. Elizabeth giggled at the prospect of Jane and Mr. Bingley enjoying the same kind of pleasure she did with Darcy.When she caught Jane’s arm going into the house, Elizabeth could not help but murmur, “Jane, if you want to sleep in tomorrow, you have my blessing.”
Jane blushed again, but she said, “Maybe I will, Lizzy. Maybe I will.”Then they both burst out laughing, enjoying the secret.
Darcy welcomed Bingley in his study; they had not seen each other since their wedding day, and they had much to share. “I am happy to be at Pemberley, Darcy. I must admit I have seen enough of my sisters and my brother Hurst for a while, and after only two months, Netherfield’s proximity to Longbourn has lost its appeal even for Jane. We are considering looking for another estate if things do not change.”
“I am sorry to hear of your need for privacy. Elizabeth and I spent a glorious fortnight in London.”
“Darcy, I feel sorry for Jane. She does not deserve such treatment; my sisters had her running everywhere to try to please them. I promised her a lifetime of happiness, but the drudgery of everyday life already takes its toll on our relationship. It was luxurious this morning to not have obligations to others.”
Darcy began to laugh, and Bingley fidgeted with embarrassment. “I am sorry, Bingley; I do not mean to make light at your expense. I laugh because your sister Elizabeth spreads her magic again. She decided days ago, you and Jane should have rooms away from everyone else. Obviously, Elizabeth realized Mrs. Bennet’s lack of civilities would not take a holiday once you married. She wishes for you and Jane to be as happy as are we.”
“Darcy, remind me to thank your wife properly.” Bingley laughed.
“If I know Mrs. Darcy, your making Mrs. Bingley your priority will make Elizabeth happy without any thanks. At Netherfield, Elizabeth delighted in your attention to Jane.”
“That reminds me, Darcy; you were quite cunning in gettingme to invite Mrs. Darcy to stay at Netherfield. I thought you did so to allay my agitation over Jane’s illness; little did I realize you had other motivations.”
“Your concern for Mrs. Bingley was my initial thought, but I willingly admit Elizabeth possessed my heart even then, although I fought my feelings for her. I was a man torn between two worlds—a dutiful son and a man in love with an amazing woman. I never realized I could be both—no choice was necessary.”
“How are we so fortunate to marry such intelligent ladies, Darcy?”
“It is for sure we succeeded where many others fail.”
Kitty looked forward to spending time with Georgiana Darcy. Since Lydia left for Brighton, Kitty had no one else with whom to share her questions about love and about men; they had shared several “intimate” sidebars when they met at Longbourn before Elizabeth’s wedding to Mr. Darcy. Kitty hoped Georgiana would look on her as a close friend and confidante. Kitty Bennet knew Georgiana Darcy to be more refined than anyone else of her acquaintance, and Kitty felt she could learn something from her. Jane and Elizabeth found excellent matches because they presented themselves as “ladies.” Lydia’s husband at first seemed appealing to Kitty, but she learned Lydia’s life was not so easy.They were often in debt and forced to change living quarters, and it was not in a good way. She decided Elizabeth’s offer of continuing her studies and of coming to Pemberley was a better way of finding her own “excellent” match.
At Pemberley, she concluded, she would learn what it took to attract a man of consequence—a man with a future. Being able to attend balls and private parties with eligible young bachelors would be to her advantage. Being Mrs. Darcy’s sister would also be to her advantage. The prospect of staying at Pemberley andnotreturning to Longbourn with Mary’s religious rants and her mother’s nervous condition delighted Kitty’s youthful imagination so she was pleased, then, to meet Chadwick Harrison even though he obviously hadeyes only for Miss Darcy.At least, if she made a good impression on the man, he might introduce her to someone promising.
The house echoed with life, and Darcy’s expression reflected the joy he felt at last. Only the absence of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne brought him any sense of regret. He hoped for a resolution with the de Bourgh household although he never expected one. Friends and loved ones in the same house changed how he looked at the world. He and Elizabeth found each other; Georgiana grew into a young woman; and Pemberley loomed larger than ever.
He rolled over in the bed to look at a sleeping Elizabeth. Her hair draped down over her shoulders, and her body curled in a ball around a pillow she hugged to her bosom.They married only two months ago, but Darcy had no adult memories of which she was not a part. Wanting to allow her time to rest because she seemed so tired of late, he slid out of the bed and snuck off to his dressing room. He called for hot water and immersed himself in the tub. Relaxing back in the water, he closed his eyes and reflected on his happiness.The warmth combined with his thoughts of his wife lulled him into a dreamlike state. He could seehis Elizabeth,the woman he loved nearly from the start; she certainly consumed his every thought even back then. Darcy laughed softly to himself as he reached for the sponge. Taking the soap in the hand, he began to slowly rub the lather against his upper thighs.
Finishing, he finally returned to her bedchamber, expecting to find Elizabeth where he left her; but an empty bed surprised him. Searching, coming softly into her dressing room, he waited in the doorway, holding back, watching her as she perched precariously on the edge of her own tub. She toweled her hair dry, the unruly auburn curls playing across her shoulders and down her back. Her silk dressing gown clung to her damp body, and the cinched belt accentuated her tiny waist. The gown opened at her knees, and Darcy drank of her slender leg and ankle with his eyes.
Sensing his presence, Elizabeth looked up slowly, meetinghis intense gaze. Without looking away from him, she said, “That will be all, Hannah.”
“Yes, Mrs. Darcy.” The maid offered them both a quick curtsy before exiting to the hallway.
An amused smile kissed his lips. “I thought you would still be abed.”
“You left me alone, Sir. I cannot sleep when you are not with me.” She chastised him although he felt no guilt. He looked up to see her signature enigmatic smile, welcoming him into her world.“Perhaps I should, my Husband, no longer be in charity with you.” Her voice held a veiled reprimand.
Darcy pushed away from the doorframe, advancing slowly towards her.“I did not wish to disturb your slumber.” He could feel the heated sensation of her presence.
Realizing his intent, Elizabeth stood quickly. “Fitzwilliam,” she stammered, while backing away slightly.
Darcy paused, allowing his eyes to trace her form. “Yes, Elizabeth.” A wolfish grin turned up the corners of his mouth.
