Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
The familiar and dearly welcome sound of her husband's boots in the entryway had Elizabeth shoving aside her correspondence to rush to his side.
Choosing to stay in Hertfordshire for the first few weeks of their marriage had necessitated quite a few sacrifices, Darcy's frequent trips to London and the modest quarters of their cottage being the most significant among them.
But her dear husband had taken it all in stride, and Elizabeth found herself falling deeper and deeper in love with him every single day.
"Darling," his voice reached her before his arms could, and Elizabeth ran freely into his embrace.
A warm welcome, of word and deed, quickly followed, and Elizabeth was rather glad of their small, discreet staff by the time she pulled back panting from her equally panting husband.
"Was the ride difficult today?" she asked as she helped him shed his coat, her hands lingering.
"Not more difficult than your visit to Longbourn, I would think."
Elizabeth sighed. With Netherfield currently being refitted, their present lodgings were the best to be found within reasonable distance from Longbourn. Given Papa's declining condition, they might not have to make the sacrifice for long before returning to Pemberley.
"Thank you for allowing me these weeks." Elizabeth lifted herself to give him another kiss. "I do not relish watching Papa this way, but I do believe our presence helps."
"As does our promise to provide for your family's future?"
"I have yet to tell Mama."
"Is that so?" They ventured arm in arm back to the parlor. "I would have thought—"
"I did tell her we will make sure she and the girls remain provided for.”
"But you did not mention this cottage."
"No." Elizabeth leaned against his chest. He hugged her close. "I would much rather my mother not start visiting to assess the china just yet."
Darcy chuckled. "The china is hardly significant here."
"True." Elizabeth grinned up at him. "But I'm sure there are myriad reasons she would have to call every single morning and afternoon if she were to know this would be her future home. And I would much rather she leave us alone."
"Do you?" Her husband's smirk was a devilishly distracting thing.
"Having finally gained a husband, I would much rather keep him to myself for the foreseeable future."
"A husband, what a trifling thing I sound like, almost dispensable."
"Did you think yourself indispensable?"
"I would prefer to be. Is that not why you married me?"
"Well, you were a much better candidate than the alternative."
Her husband's chuckle rumbled against her skin. "So I am merely to be preferred as an alternative to Mr. Collins. What a flattering thought."
"At least you are the better alternative, husband."
"Hm," he hummed. "I suppose. I don't think I can bear it if I were to lose you to Collins."
"Well, your aunt would be happy."
"As if her happiness ever dictated my own."
They exchanged smiles, and kisses, and many a smile and a kiss more.
As newly wedded life went, theirs was not a particularly glamorous one for their station, but it was one filled with so much sweetness that Elizabeth could not possibly imagine sharing the beginning of their life together any other way.
"Do we need to dress for dinner yet?" Her husband tugged her up the stairs five minutes later. "I am rather eager to shed these travel clothes."
"One could always undress for dinner," Elizabeth teased as they reached the landing.
"Splendid idea." He pulled them inside the bedroom before abruptly leaving her to go shut all the windows.
"And, pray, tell, what are you doing?"
"It is Hertfordshire." He sent her another smirk. "One never knows what one might find trekking about the grass."
"Like animals?"
"Or laborers, or runaway brides."
Elizabeth laughed as he tackled her onto their bed.
"At least this runaway bride is happy to have run straight into her husband." She grinned. "Thank goodness for that."
His moan against her neck was his only reply.