Chapter Twenty-Four
“I can imagine he would have that sort of feeling—the mixture of Love, Pride & Delicacy.”
TWO DAYS BEFORE THE NEW YEAR, THE GARDINERS’ COACH ROLLED INTO Pemberley’s paddock in the late morning hours.
As visitors, they had seen the estate in early August, but now they were to stay as guests, the honor not lost on the pair.
The Gardiners presented special gifts to all the members of the household.
Darcy’s fairing was another drawing of Darcy and Elizabeth.
This one of the Darcys as husband and wife came from Cassandra Gardiner.
Darcy placed it in his study beside the one presented to him earlier.
After supper, the child sat on his lap and fell asleep in his arms as he gently stroked the girl’s head.
Elizabeth received a new shawl from her mother, while Miss Darcy received a set of combs for her hair.
It was warmer than what was expected for this time of year, so Mr. Gardiner took advantage of the weather and showed his sons how to fish. All the children played with Hero and assisted the dog in chasing the game birds into the woods.
“Come, Aunt Gardiner, I promised you a ride around the grounds.” Elizabeth hustled her aunt towards a waiting phaeton, a promise sealed months earlier. The Gardiners knew the joy of seeing Elizabeth in love and at Pemberley.
Jane and Bingley arrived late in the same 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 she also could not stop smiling.
Elizabeth giggled at the prospect of Jane and Mr. Bingley enjoying the same type of pleasure as did she and Darcy.
When she caught Jane’s arm going into the house, Elizabeth murmured, “Jane, if you wish to sleep in tomorrow, you have my blessing.”
Jane blushed again, but she said, “Mayhap I will, Lizzy.” Then they both burst out laughing, enjoying the secret.
Darcy welcomed Bingley in his study. They had not seen each other since the wedding, 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 to suit my nature. Netherfield’s proximity to Longbourn has lost its appeal even for Jane.
We are considering looking for another estate if things do not change. ”
“It grieves me 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 please them. I promised her a lifetime of happiness, but the drudgery of every day has taken its toll on our relationship. It was luxurious this morning to have no obligations to others.”
Darcy laughed, and Bingley fidgeted with embarrassment.
“I apologize, 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 that you and Mrs. Bingley should have rooms away from everyone. Apparently, Elizabeth realized Mrs. Bennet’s manipulations would not take a holiday once you married.
My wife wishes for you and Jane to be as happy as are we. ”
“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 your Miss Bennet.”
“That reminds me, Darcy. You were quite cunning in manipulating me into inviting Mrs. Darcy to stay at Netherfield. I thought you did so to allay my agitation over Jane’s illness. Little did I realize you possessed other motivations.”
“Your concern for Mrs. Bingley was my initial thought, but I willingly admit, although I fought my interest in her, Elizabeth possessed my heart even then. I was a man torn between two identities: a dutiful son and a man in love with an amazing woman. It took me some time to realize I could be both. No choice was necessary.”
“How are we so fortunate to marry such intelligent ladies, Darcy?”
“It is fortunate that we have succeeded where many others fail.”
The house echoed with life, and Darcy’s expression reflected the joy he felt.
Only the absence of Fitzwilliam and Anne brought him any sense of regret.
Although he never expected one, he had hoped for a resolution with the De Bourgh household.
Friends and loved ones in the same house, as the others were now, had changed how he viewed the world.
He wished for peace among his loved ones.
He rolled over in the bed to look upon a sleeping Elizabeth.
Her hair draped over her shoulders, and her body curled around a pillow she hugged to her bosom.
They had married a bit over two months prior, but Darcy had no adult memories of which she was not a part.
Because she seemed so tired of late, he slid quietly from the bed and snuck off to his dressing room.
He called for hot water and immersed himself in the large tub in the bathing room.
Relaxing, he closed his eyes and reflected on his happiness.
The warmth combined with thoughts of his wife lulled him into a dreamlike state.
He could see his Elizabeth, the woman he had loved from the start of their acquaintance.
He laughed softly as he reached for the cloth.
Taking the soap in the other hand, he slowly rubbed the lather against his upper thighs.
Finishing, he returned to her bedchamber.
Expecting to find Elizabeth where he had left her, he was surprised by an empty bed.
Searching—coming softly into her dressing room, he waited in the doorway, holding back, watching her as she toweled her hair dry, the unruly auburn curls playing across her shoulders and down her back.
She had chosen a hip bath while he claimed the larger tub.
Her silk dressing gown clung to her damp body, and the cinched belt accentuated her tiny waist. The gown opened at the knees, and Darcy studied her slender legs and ankles.
Sensing his presence, Elizabeth looked up. Without looking away from him, she said, “That will be all, Hannah.”
“Yes, Mrs. Darcy.” The maid offered them a quick curtsy before exiting through the servant door.
An amused smile claimed his lips. “I thought you would still be abed.”
“You left me alone, sir. I cannot sleep when you are not with me.” She good-naturedly chastised. He looked up to see her signature enigmatic smile, welcoming him into her world. “Perhaps I should 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.”
Realizing his intent, Elizabeth stood quickly. “William,” 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.
“We cannot.” With his slow, determined approach, her eyes grew larger. “We have a house full of family and friends.”
“Mrs. Reynolds will see to their needs. I had hoped you would see to mine.” Suddenly, he playfully dipped his hand into the sudsy water and flicked a spray of droplets in her direction.
Elizabeth squealed as she brushed the dampness from her face with her sleeve. “You are incorrigible, sir,” she taunted.
Darcy stood before her. “And you, my Lizzy, are exquisite.” He bent his head to brush his lips against her cheek. Without thinking, he scooped her up into his arms and spun her around, teasingly tossing her in the air.
Laughing gleefully, Elizabeth kicked and squirmed, clawing desperately at his shoulders and arms. “William,” she gasped, “put me down.”
The sparkle in her eyes told him she had enjoyed his attention. “Put you down?” He balanced her gingerly. “Where should I put you down, Lizzy?” As he spoke, he turned towards the center of the room and the filled tub. “Should I put you down here?” He extended his arms, balancing her above the tub.
“William, you would not!” she warned as she tightened her hold on his neck. “You would ruin the new silk dressing gown you presented me.” She attempted to reason with him.
“I will purchase another,” he said matter-of-factly and then pretended to release her.
“No!” she screamed as his laughter filled the room.
Her ire flashed. “William!” She reprimanded him in earnest, but his mouth found hers, and her anger gave way to the passion of the moment. He clutched her to him as he seated them on a nearby settee, Elizabeth nestled into his lap.
“I will purchase another,” he whispered as he kissed her cheek. “And another.” His lips lightly touched the corner of her mouth. “And another.” This time the kiss deepened quickly. “Lizzy, you are the most bewitching woman I have ever met.”
She snuggled closer, resting her head below his chin and turning her body into his chest. At length, she tilted her head to engage his eyes in a merry dance of love.
“Tomorrow, when we awake, it will be a new year. I wanted this year—the one in which we found each other—to be memorable. Will you remember this year, William?”
“I do not know how to describe what you have brought to my life, Elizabeth. Sometimes you are the most impossible woman God ever placed on this earth, but I have only found happiness with your nearness. I will love none but you.”
She kissed him with desire. Darcy held her close.
Their arms encircled each other, their legs entangled, their breathing jagged, their hearts pounding together.
He required nothing more than to be loved by her.
The outside world had come to a halt. In the intimate moment they shared, it was only they two remaining in their world.