Chapter 1.27 #3
She divided her time between purchasing the remaining necessary items for the wedding, visiting Georgiana and making plans with her, and talking with Mrs Hamilton and Molly.
They insisted on asking her opinion about everything—her expectations of her future maid so Molly could be trained, her favourite courses so the chef could learn to prepare them, her favourite colours so they could make any changes to fit her tastes—according to their master’s orders.
Elizabeth tried to assure everyone that she considered Mr Darcy’s house and his staff perfect in every way and did not intend to make any changes, but everybody seemed so willing to please her that simply refusing to express any preferences would appear rude and inconsiderate.
She finally agreed with some minor alterations and made a few suggestions and requests for Molly.
It was not as easy for Elizabeth when it came to her future apartment.
She visited the rooms with both Mrs Hamilton and Molly and was immediately thrilled and overwhelmed by their beauty.
Mrs Hamilton carefully presented each piece of furniture, but Elizabeth could hardly listen to her words; she simply allowed her eyes to be spoiled by the exquisite surroundings.
The rooms were impressive but not at all intimidating, quite the contrary—they were very inviting.
She felt a sudden urge to lie on the bed, close her eyes, and let herself become part of the rooms. “I thought it might be helpful for you to get accustomed to sleeping in my room.” His voice sounded so clear that she startled and looked around, only to realise that he was not there and the words were resonating only in her mind.
“Miss Elizabeth, please let me know what you want us to change. If you cannot decide now, a simple note will do very well. I assure you, everything will be settled as you wish when you return to London. Master said—”
“Mrs Hamilton!” She gently touched the lady’s arm to stop her effusions, and her smile grew, seeing the housekeeper’s surprised face.
“I know what Mr Darcy said, but I beg you not to worry about anything. I promise I shall tell you whether or when I want something to be changed, but for the moment, my honest conviction is that everything is perfect. It would be silly of me to make changes simply to prove I am the mistress, would it not?”
“As you like, Miss Elizabeth. We are at your disposal.” The housekeeper’s countenance lightened and relaxed, pleased with another proof of the future mistress’s wisdom and generosity.
Elizabeth’s constant approval was a compliment not only to Mr Darcy as the master of the house, but also to the housekeeper and the servants, a compliment that Mrs Hamilton was eager to carry downstairs, as the entire staff deserved to be aware of it and to be content knowing their efforts were so well appreciated.
Molly, too, felt more relaxed and confident in her ability to learn in a short time how to serve her future mistress as she deserved.
Of one thing both Mrs Hamilton and Molly were certain: that Mrs Darcy would have their unconditional devotion and affection.
They had reached the main hall when they met—with no little surprise—the master, who was clearly in search of them. His gaze fell on Elizabeth, searching her face insistently. She blushed and averted her eyes, but she could not help glancing at him again, only to look down once more.
“So, am I to understand you have finished visiting the mistress’s rooms?”
“We have, sir.”
“Very well, Mrs Hamilton, I am certain that you took notice of everything Miss Elizabeth wanted to be done in her apartments.”
“I did, sir. However, Miss Elizabeth made few requests. She declared herself to be pleased with the present arrangements.”
He moved closer to Elizabeth, and his voice changed instantly as he addressed her directly.
“Is that true? I am glad that you approved them, but—”
“I think the rooms are perfect as they are. I do not wish to change anything, at least for now.”
“Very well then. Mrs Hamilton, thank you for your help. I shall take care of Miss Elizabeth from here.” He spoke to the housekeeper, but his eyes never left Elizabeth’s.
“Very well, sir.” Mrs Hamilton departed in haste, followed closely by Molly.
Mr Darcy took another step towards Elizabeth until he was close enough to whisper to her, “Did you enjoy the rooms, Elizabeth?”
“I did, thank you. I think they are perfect.” She could not understand why her lips were suddenly dry and she found breathing difficult.
“So there is nothing much for you to do for the time being?”
“Not particularly. Everything is settled, including my belongings.”
“Indeed, then there is only one thing that must be taken care of before our departure tomorrow.”
“Is there? I confess I do not know what that might be. I thought I had already—” In a gesture that admitted no resistance and no argument, he took Elizabeth’s arm and guided her through the door of her future room, closing it behind them.
She should have expected it. His dark gaze was a clear sign of his intentions.
Still, his gesture surprised her, and she wanted to warn him that the house was full of servants walking about, but her lips were soon incapable of speaking.
His hungry kiss left her breathless and mindless to any rational thought, and she was barely able to stand.
She was grateful when she felt herself lifted and carried to the couch, his mouth not releasing her lips for a moment from their sweet but demanding captivity.
His arms embraced her closer, so tightly that she could not say which were the beats of his heart and which beats stemmed from hers.
The servants and the whole outside world were soon forgotten.