Chapter 1.31 #3
“I will never leave your side, William,” she whispered tearfully, kissing his closed eyes. “And if my love is all you need, you should be fine when you wake up.”
London, January
The next days were peaceful and quiet in Darcy’s house at Elizabeth’s request.
Mr Bingley returned to Netherfield, eager to start the preparations for his wedding.
The four men responsible for murdering Lady Catherine were discovered and imprisoned by Mr Bourne the next morning as they woke from their drunkenness. They remembered little except their anger at the annoying woman who carried lots of money with her—and a desire to punish her for humiliating them.
Lord Matlock and the colonel returned two days later, burdened by their connection to the person who was inadvertently killed through her own violent plan.
They brought Miss de Bourgh with them, and she found residence with the Matlocks.
Anne sent Elizabeth a touching letter, apologising for her mother’s actions, and Elizabeth responded warmly, assuring Miss de Bourgh that she would always welcome her in their home.
Due to Lord Matlock’s insistence on keeping his sister’s name unsullied, justice was handled with discretion. The men who attacked Elizabeth were charged with other crimes they had committed previously while Wickham remained in debtors’ prison, being dismissed from his regiment.
James met with his elder cousin and Mr Aldridge. He received a thousand pounds, signed a receipt for it, and also agreed to join Mr Aldridge’s sons on business trips to his estates.
Darcy delayed any other activities. He spent most of his time in bed, joined by Elizabeth—or a book when she had to attend to other duties.
On the morning of the third day, Peter spoke animatedly. Elizabeth and Darcy hurried to his side. Surrounded by his mother, his sisters, a few maids, and Dr. Taylor, the boy seemed torn between the pain of his injuries and the joy at everyone’s praise.
“Peter, how are you feeling?” Darcy asked gently, hardly controlling his emotion.
The boy’s face lit.
“I am very well, master! I caught the carriage—did you see? I am not as smart as Libby, but I do have some good qualities you said—don’t I?”
“You have been braver, faster, and more agile than many men. You are an impressive boy, and we are all grateful to you. We could not thank you enough for your courage.”
“Thank me? Oh no, master—I had to protect the mistress. You must not thank me.”
“We shall speak of it later when you are recovered. Peter, you made us all very proud. I hope one day to have a son who resembles you,” Darcy continued.
Janey looked at him tearfully while Peter stared in wonder.
“As soon as you are well, we must also speak about prudence and safety, young man. I would not have you ever put yourself in such danger again as I expect you all to come to Pemberley and help me with my duties there,” Darcy concluded, caressing the boy’s hair.
Before leaving, Elizabeth bent down and placed an affectionate kiss on Peter’s forehead.
“I thank you for fighting for me, dear boy. And thank you, Janey, for raising such a worthy young man.”
The maid had no strength to reply to such an extraordinary compliment.
Elizabeth hurried out of the room with her husband, fighting her tears and praying to the Lord that the boy would recover completely.
In the next few days, Peter’s state improved steadily under Dr. Taylor’s constant care.
Soon enough, though he still kept to his bed—fed only by his mother and wrapped in tight bandages—Peter could enjoy his sisters playing in his room and Titan and Lucky spending most of the time near his bed.
And he could laugh and tell everyone of his struggle to catch the carriage and thieves, and his delight that the master said he was proud of him!
∞∞∞
The days that kept Darcy mostly in his room were a time for Elizabeth to grow in her role as mistress of the house as well as mistress of her husband.
She struggled to keep a good balance between spending time with Georgiana and Mrs Annesley, speaking to Mrs Thomason, and enjoying Darcy’s company.
Their bond strengthened along with their perfect understanding of each other.
Elizabeth’s enhanced self-confidence led her to discover new ways to share passion with the man who captured her mind, her heart, and her body and was now barely moving from pain.
She found great enjoyment in teasing him with soft kisses, touches, and caresses, and she soon understood that she had the same power over him that he had over her. It was her time to give, and she was delighted to do so.
Day by day, as the doctor approved Darcy’s progress, Elizabeth’s gestures became more daring. After a week, she tentatively reached the next step and allowed herself to join with her husband just as he had taught her the night before the accident, bringing fulfilment to their yearning bodies.
In two weeks, Darcy’s recovery was complete, and Dr. Taylor declared that there was no longer any reason for concern. The first one who learnt the news—and felt it in a most powerful and tormenting way—was Mrs Darcy, who was generously rewarded for her care during the master’s illness.