Page 50 of Her Affections and Wishes

“I would never force you to do anything. And I suspect the ‘obey’ line in your wedding vows will be a conditional agreement.” Elizabeth gave an embarrassed laugh, but there was urgency and desire in her eyes.

He was tempted, but he shook his head. He sensed them both edging recklessly out of control, and here and now was not the moment to indulge in anything more. “Next time we are alone, and you are not injured.”

“Are you trying to prove you are not selfish?” she teased. “I already believe it.”

“Perhaps. But maybe I just want to feel your hands on me in desire and curiosity when we can be at ease and completely alone.”

“And completely without clothes.”

All he could manage was a nod as he willed his blood to cool.

“Very well, but further rejections from you once the banns are read and the settlement signed will hurt my pride.”

“Bold of you to think I have the strength to refuse you again.”

She laughed a little before wincing and settling next to him rather than on his lap. She must be sore from her fall, even if she was better than expected.

“Did you sleep at all last night from pain?”

In answer, Elizabeth yawned. “I struggled to fall asleep, but I think that was because a young man distracted my thoughts.”

He smiled. “A young lady has been distracting mine.”

“Tell me more about Pemberley,” she said, leaning against his shoulder. “I know you held back the other day, but I encourage you to be boastful.”

He put an arm around her and quietly told her about the house itself, what he thought she would like and what she might want to change. His soothing tone had the effect he anticipated, and Elizabeth drifted into a sleep—and Darcy’s concupiscent thoughts gradually shifted and returned to the matter at hand.

He would take Elizabeth from Woodcote in the morning. She would not want to leave; she thought he was a fool to be afraid for her, but there was no reason to wait. Monday was far too long to keep her here with someone intent on harming her, and it was indecorous to travel on a Sunday. She may believe they were accidents, and even if they were, this trap was deliberate. Lewis Tessier would have to be content that he kept Henry out of mischief as long as he had.

Elizabeth would be reluctant, but he had to act. They were going home tomorrow no matter what Lady Metcalfe or Mrs Tessier or even Mr Bennet said. She may not see the danger, but he had to keep her safe and it was his responsibility and his decision.

“What could be in front of the door that is so heavy it prevents it from opening?” she murmured sleepily about an hour later.

“The sofa?” he guessed. “Though it is rather far from the door. Would you have heard someone pushing it across the room?”

“I am not sure. Possibly not since my attention was at the top of the stair, but it was a long way for someone to sneak into the library from either door, then push the sofa all the way to the jib-door.”

Elizabeth stretched, and they both stood. Sitting like this could not be good for her after her fall yesterday. If she was not very sore before, she must be now. She tried the door again, but it was still blocked.

Darcy thought for a moment. “The metamorphic table was just in the corner. You could shove it forward a foot or so and then quickly swing it open so the tabletop and ladder are braced against the jib-door.”

“That should make it easy for everyone to realise there is a problem. We will be let out as soon as anyone comes into the library.”

“We might have to tell everyone we are engaged if they make improper assumptions about us,” he warned. Not only must he protect her person, but her reputation too.

“An improper assumption? With the table blocking the door? It will be obvious we were trapped.”

Darcy shrugged. “You know what people are like, and how they love to gossip. We may have to announce it if your reputation is called into question.”

“Let us not be in a hurry to do that. I want to hear from my father before we tell anyone about our engagement.” He opened his mouth to argue, but she went on. “And Julia will only be more uncivil to me and bolder with you if she learns we are engaged. I doubt a little thing like our promises to commit to one another forever will deter her.”

“We might not have the luxury of time to wait for your father’s permission. In fact, I think we tell everyone as soon as the door opens and leave in the morning. Your safety is in jeopardy.”

“There is no great conspiracy to injure me!” she said with a laugh. “And I will not let this stupid prank drive me away as though I did anything wrong. Besides, I want my family to know first before we confess all and leave together. You asked my father if you could marry me, and he deserves to have his answer heard before we make it a general concern. You can understand that, can you not? We will tell everyone Monday morning, before we leave together,” she insisted. “We will have my parents’ permission by then. I suspect we both received a letter from my father today.”

He still wanted to leave tomorrow, but he chose not to argue about it now. If she took his silence for agreement, so be it. He would wait and see what the reaction to their being trapped was.

They talked idly for a while, mostly about Bingley and Jane and how their future happiness could only be inferior to his. Thankfully, this side of the house faced north, and the sunlight did not make their tight space unbearably hot. He learnt their taste in literature was strikingly alike. The same books, the same passages were admired by each. When he consulted his watch, he was surprised when he saw it was nearly five.