Chapter Four #4
He glanced out the window. A tree had almost shed its red leaves. Just weeks ago, it would have been full and green and then suddenly a brilliant red. Darcy sighed. That tree was very much like Elizabeth, full of life and on fire.
The silence stretched until it was uncomfortable. Slowly, he became aware that she had been testing him. He racked his brain to try to find topics to discuss.
“What book were you trying to read?”
She opened her reticule and pulled out a thin volume. He took it from her, flipped through the pages, examined it, then handed it back to her.
“I did not think ye would like it,” she said.
“I did not say I did not like it.”
“Ye wrinkled thy nose.”
“I did not.”
“Yes, ye did. It is fine, though. I have not met a man yet who enjoyed poetry. They write it in hopes of wooing or sounding intelligent, but not a man amongst them enjoys it.”
“That is a rather broad assumption.”
“Do ye know of a man who enjoys reading poetry?”
He took a moment to think about the question.
“Precisely.”
“Then how do you justify reading what could very well be considered lies?”
“They are very pretty lies.” Her lips tilted a little as she said it.
“That is amusing. The most honest person of my acquaintance, and she enjoys pretty lies.”
She blushed adorably while she gazed at the book in her lap. “I cannot apologize for that which attracts me.”
The words spoke for more than poetry and they both were fully aware of the fact. She was not going to let him forget that he had not won her but bought her and that her heart belonged to another man.
“The same could be said on my behalf.” His protest was rather unconvincing even to his own ears. “I shall not pretend to think you love me. I am not seeking that, Elizabeth, but know this. As my High Lady, I can offer you a world you never dreamed of when you belonged to the boy.”
“I remind ye yet again that I wanted no other world than that of the world I shared with George, but it is done. Let us not dwell on it. I shall do my best to fulfil my duties as your wife.”
“Speaking of which, I have sent ahead and readied your bridal apartments. When we arrive at Pemberley you shall be introduced to your lady-in-waiting. She is the Honourable Lady Jane Gardiner. I believe her mother served mine. I think Jane might have served an aunt of mine for a time. Whatever, she is well qualified for the job.”
“I thank ye.” Elizabeth shivered and wrapped her arms around her body. “I fear the air is beginning to chill already.”
Darcy leaned across and reached beneath the seat, producing a rug. He moved to sit next to her and wrapped her in the heavy cloth, rubbing her covered arms to warm her. When he met her eyes, a pang came from his chest due to the shock.
“You do not have any servants to bother impressing,” she said in a whisper, her eyes wide.
“Your words this last evening made an impression. I had not thought of how this situation had affected you. The least I can do is spare a bit of kindness for my bride just as she asked.”
“A thousand thanks.”
She turned to the window and leaned back.
Darcy contemplated returning to his side of the carriage, but she had not protested so he remained where he was.
Lost in his own thoughts, he was surprised when she nudged him.
He glanced over and found that she was asleep and had slipped against his shoulder.
“You longed for my company desperately, did you not?” he asked wryly, but she did not respond. Instead, a tiny snore escaped her lips.
He moved with the intention to straighten her up and return to his own seat.
Even better, he could bring everybody to a stop and mount up.
But then a change took place. His arm was still around her shoulders, and she snuggled in the crook, her cheek rested solidly against his chest. Her lemon and sage scent wafted through his nose, and her warmth radiated into him.
Her face was smooth and perfect. No sadness, no anger marred it. Her lips were not pursed nor were they turned down; cheeks glowed, and the tip of her nose was the faintest shade of pink from the cool air.
As she was, Darcy wanted to protect her, though she was the last creature on earth who needed a champion.
Involuntarily, his arm tightened around her as he marvelled at her incomparable beauty.
This was not the beauty that tempted him and set his groin to blaze.
No, this beauty was pristine and holy, as though she were a goddess stepping down to walk amongst mortals for a moment, and he was the lucky mortal who was to be her guide.
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.”