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Then her father’s gaze returned to the door through which Darcy had exited and she knew he was trying to bring his anger under control. Fin
ally he glanced back at her. “Lizzy, are these things true?” he asked in a small voice.
“Yes, Papa.” She said simply. Then she stood and followed Darcy.
As Elizabeth suspected, Darcy had exited the house and was standing outside the front door. When she came out, he walked over to her, but did not dare to even take her hand for fear that they were observed through the windows.
“I am sorry I lost my temper.” He said softly. His eyes were full of anxiety as he gazed steadily into hers. Does he truly believe I would condemn him for responding to such provocation? She reminded herself that their marriage was still new and he was often more unsure of himself than he appeared.
“Do not apologize. Your vexation was completely understandable given what my father was implying about your character.” After glancing back at the house to see if they were observed, she daringly brushed his hand with her fingertips. The effect was electric; Darcy shivered slightly.
“I also apologize that my actions gave him cause for suspicion in the first place,” Darcy glanced away from her face as if unable to meet her eyes. “I should have put more effort into locating a proper chaperone. In the moment, the thought of spending time alone with you was very appealing, but I should have realized it would lead to such difficulties. In my defense I can only say that I apparently do not possess much self-control when it comes to you.”
She laughed a little. “Then it is fortunate indeed that we are married.”
“Not that it does us a lot of good,” he growled.
“No,” she sighed with regret, focusing on his thick dark hair and thinking how it would feel if she could run her fingers through it. “But William, you take too much on yourself. I decided to leave with you. It was not your doing alone. I do not, for one moment, regret that decision, despite what my father thinks.” This declaration won a warm smile and an expression of relief from Darcy. She sighed. “I just wish we could reassure him that your intentions are honorable, but it would be a horrible lie to say we are engaged.”
Darcy nodded regretfully. “Perhaps we should simply tell your father the truth. He would be angry, but my intentions would be unexceptionable.” He finally succumbed to the temptation of taking her hand in his.
Elizabeth shook her head emphatically. “Our deception has angered him, now is not the time to relate additional deceit. That would be a very difficult beginning to your relationship with him.”
“More difficult than it is now?” Darcy inquired with a raised eyebrow.
“We should give him time to calm himself – and to know you further.”
“As you wish.” Darcy fell silent for a moment, then spoke reluctantly. “I should leave so you may speak to your father in private. Please tell Bingley I will see him back at Netherfield.”
“Very well.” She was loath to have him leave, but the situation was fraught with difficulties. Her father was probably furious that she was outside speaking with Darcy instead of inside explaining herself to him.
Despite her concerns about her father, she felt the effects of Darcy’s nearness. He was so tantalizingly close, but she could not act on her impulses. Perhaps it would be best to remove the temptation of his presence.
“Tell me, are you still in the habit of taking early morning strolls?” he asked, regarding her from the corner of his eye.
“Yes, I often walk towards Oakham Mount. But Mr. Darcy, surely you are not suggesting an assignation! That would be highly improper!” She replied archly, but kept her voice low.
He leaned over and whispered teasingly in her ear. “I can think of few things that are more proper, except, perhaps, having you in my bedchamber, wife.” His hand was caressing hers in a sensuous way, sending shocks of energy throughout her body.
“I do take my wifely obligations seriously.” She smiled flirtatiously.
“Your dedication to your duty is one of the things I love about you.” She laughed and he kissed her hand, making warmth spread throughout her body. As she smiled, she willed her eyes to demonstrate all of the passion she could not express any other way. “Elizabeth!” he said fervently, “You have no idea what effect such a look has on me. I am quite undone…but I should depart before I do something your father would find objectionable. Tomorrow cannot come soon enough.”
She walked him over to his horse and waited while he mounted, not returning to the house until he had disappeared from sight.
Elizabeth knew her father would not let the matter rest, so she was not surprised when he summoned her to his library that evening. He started without any preamble. “I am sorry I suggested that anything improper occurred between you and Mr. Darcy, but you have to admit the circumstances certainly could be misconstrued. I shudder to think what would happen if the gossips of Meryton heard even a hint of that story, but your Mr. Darcy does not seem likely to spread rumors. However, I am very disappointed that you chose to conceal the truth from me.”
“I am sorry, Papa. I was concerned how you would react given Lydia’s situation.” She strove to sound more contrite than she actually felt. “I did not wish to cause you additional vexation.”
Her father scrutinized her face. “Is there anything else about your visit to France you would like to share with me?” Undoubtedly he hoped she would explain her relationship with Darcy.
She considered her response before she spoke. “I would be happy to share the details of my adventures, but I assure you that Mr. Darcy was a perfect gentleman.”
Her father gazed at her steadily for a moment before speaking again. “I know that he is a gentleman and that you are capable of defending your own honor,” he said. “But remember: Mr. Collins informed us that Mr. Darcy is engaged to his cousin. You cannot hold any hopes that he might propose to you.”
Elizabeth fought the desire to laugh at the idea that Darcy might never wish to marry her. “He is not engaged to his cousin.”
“Did he tell you that?” Mr. Bennet’s tone was sharp and suspicious.
