He basked in the soft warmth of her body nestled against his. It was as though he had always been cold, and this was the best way to melt the ice that had encrusted him. Before long, Darcy found himself smoothing her soft hair, his fingers itching to unbind it.
“What are ye doing?”
He froze and stared at her. She blinked at him sleepily.
“You loosened some hair while you slept. I was attempting to repair it.”
She smiled as though she had caught a child in a lie. “How much longer until the horses must rest again?”
“More than an hour.”
Elizabeth leaned against him again. “Wake me when we arrive.”
Chapter Five
Lord Darcy gently nudged Elizabeth awake as they rounded the bend of the lane which led to the great house. Goodness! She had once again slept in Lord Darcy's arms! Elizabeth righted herself and pinched her cheeks.
Oh, that her first view of Pemberley could have been during the day! Instead, a hot bath and a warm bed would have to do. In the dark, the house was a hulking behemoth of stone, towers, and windows. It was not a castle exactly, but it was definitely a fortress. . .or a prison. Elizabeth shook her head and pushed that thought away. It would not do to start off thinking of her new life in such a way. If she did that, she might never be happy again.
“Do I look well enough to honour thy household?”
“My lady, you would look well had you been asleep for a thousand years.”
“Remind me to work on thy ability to flatter. That turn of phrase sounds dreadfully desperate.”
Why on earth was she teasing this man? Why was she sleeping in his arms with no reservation? She was sad and miserable, was she not? She still hated him, did she not? Despite all the sleep the journey had afforded her, Elizabeth’s mind was exhausted, and this conundrum would be best examined after a bath and some rest in a decent bed.
Lord Darcy offered his arm and led her towards the line of servants gathered within the courtyard. He introduced each of them with swift efficiency. At the end of the line stood Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper, Timmons, the butler, and the Honourable Lady Jane Gardiner.
“My lady, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Lady Jane said, smiling as she dipped a deep curtsey.
Jane's action made her somewhat uncomfortable. She herself had curtsied many times to women of higher rank but obviously had never been the recipient of such a grand gesture. She bit her lip but gave her most gracious smile, nonetheless.
“Likewise, Lady Jane. My lord tells me that thy mother was employed by High Lady Anne.”
“Aye, she was and taught me everything she knew for my time. We have a proud heritage of service to the noblewomen of the North Country.”
“I would think so. I look forward to getting to know ye, madam.”
“And I you, my lady. Shall I send a maid to your room to help you change into your night clothes?”
“Nay, but many thanks. I have brought my own maid. Shall we meet in the morning for breakfast tea?”
Jane curtsied again. “Yes, my lady. Very good.”
High Lord Darcy once again offered his arm, taking her into the great house. Surprising her, he dropped a kiss on her forehead.
“What was that for?” she asked quietly.
“You did well, my lady. It was my way of congratulations.”
“Many thanks then. But I would prefer the reward of a long, hot bath and a soft bed.”
“Then you will have your wish granted. Your apartments are in the east wing. Would you like Timmons to escort you?”
“Where will ye be?”
“In my own rooms. In the west wing.”
