Chapter 13
She was warm and comfortable, and there was a steady beat in her ears. Elizabeth murmured sleepily to herself. She hadn’t been so cosy since … she froze, and then relaxed, smiling to herself.
Her husband was beside her, large and warm and comforting. Her head was resting on his chest, and the steady beat of his heart sounded the promise of his love and constancy.
The linen sheets were softer now, holding their heat and draped over them, weighed by the fine holland merino blankets. No wonder she was so beautifully comfortable. She might never wish to rise again.
His chest rose and fell — she would not let herself laugh — it must be like being on a boat, the steady swell of the waves beneath her head. His heart a drumbeat for the rhythm of his breath.
Something was tickling the back of her neck and she almost reached up; but no.
She was very content like this and would not risk moving.
After the sensation had repeated a few times in concert with the movement of his chest, she understood it was his breath whispering across her skin and her own heart began to speed up in the thrill and excitement of a perfect requited love.
He murmured and his arm tightened around her as he stirred. “Elizabeth.”
She snuggled closer to him. “And who else might it be?”
“A phantom or a dream, dearest. It has been so — very often.” His voice was excessively sleepy and she laughed softly.
“I assure you I am very real, and you must know that because of the weight of me on you.”
“Perfect. This is the perfect way to wake, and I will never let you go.” His arms tightened further and he drew her up beside him, his lips questing for hers, and then shared the softest of kisses.
“I believe I fell asleep first, and I must express my regrets.”
“I was very content to watch over you — although I confess I too succumbed to sleep quite soon.” He sounded amused. “Why do you feel you must apologise, my dear?”
“Why, I was going to tell you a bedtime story!”
William’s chuckle was deep; it sent a thrill through her as he rolled onto his back and tucked her firmly in beside him. “Does it begin with once upon a time …?”
She pretended offence. “No sir, it does not. I was thinking with such extensive grounds here, we ought to discuss which paths Little Red Riding Hood might take to avoid encountering the wolf.”
“Wife! I have a much better idea of how we might occupy our time of privacy than exchanging nursery rhymes.” His voice had become deep and husky, and Elizabeth felt a flame of heat through her.
“I have no objection to …” she managed before he crushed her close to him.
As they walked arm in arm down the great stairs to the breakfast room, Elizabeth knew her cheeks were probably scarlet, knowing what the servants were thinking, given they were so late downstairs.
William lowered his head to hers. “Courage, my heart.” And she raised her head, smiling. They were married — had been for several months. This she could do.
He excused himself briefly to speak with Mrs. Reynolds. When he returned, her heart was filled with happiness. This season was going to be perfect. It was as if they were newly wedded.
William filled her plate with exactly what she would have chosen before fetching his own.
She appreciatively savoured the aroma of the hot buttered roll and the perfectly coddled egg next to the finely sliced ham.
Tea and coffee poured, he nodded to the footmen.
“You may go and shut the door, please. We will ring when we have finished.”
Elizabeth watched him through hooded eyes as he took the seat next to her, drawing it closer to hers. His arm and shoulder pressed against hers; she was not entirely sure she would be composed enough to eat breakfast.
But conversation flowed; it seemed that Mr. Darcy — William — was as loquacious when with someone he loved, as he was silent amongst strangers.
As they finished, he drew back her chair, and offered his hand. He escorted her to the door and turned to the footman outside the door.
“Please send for Mrs. Darcy’s maid to attend her in her chambers.” Then he turned to Elizabeth.
“Might I request that you dress very warmly this morning, Elizabeth. And then add three more layers of warm clothing than you had thought of.”
She knew her eyes lit up. “We are going outside!” She hesitated just a moment, and then decided she could tease him a little. “And you are going to permit me to borrow your hessians and then I will not fall over!”
His laugh was unrestrained, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw the startled reaction of the footman by the front door.
“Minx!” William murmured in her ear. “If you do not hurry upstairs now, we will be late.”
“Late for what?” Elizabeth opened her eyes wide and fluttered her eyelashes flirtatiously. Then she blinked and shook her head. “Remind me never to do that again. How do ladies ever manage it?”
William shuddered theatrically. “It is dreadful, and makes most gentlemen run.”
Elizabeth was surprised. “I am confused the seminaries for ladies teach it, then. It was obvious at the assembly that Mr. Bingley’s sisters were skilled at the performance.”
His arm tightened on her hand. “Please do not remind me!” And he led her upstairs to Emily’s tender mercies.
As Elizabeth came downstairs, the footmen threw open the great door and she gasped in amazement.
A sleek white sleigh was waiting outside the gate, with two of the lightest grey horses she had ever seen in harness.
Bells and ribbons were plaited into their manes, the ribbons of all colours waving in the gentle breeze, the animals’ coats gleaming in the winter sunlight.
William was standing at the base of the stairs, his arm outstretched. “Your conveyance awaits, my lady.”
Elizabeth tucked her hand into his arm. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”
As he handed her up onto the seat, he sprang up beside her and gathered up the reins, leading the horses to toss their heads in apparent impatience.
But there was an army of footmen and Mrs. Reynolds to supervise the hot bricks being placed under their feet and many, many blankets tucked in around them.
Eventually Elizabeth waved them to a halt.
“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I am perfectly comfortable. Thank you for your care and we will be back as warm as when we left you.”
The housekeeper stood on the driveway as William shook the reins and smiled down at her.
“Are you ready, Mrs. Darcy?”
She beamed up at him. “I am, indeed, Mr. Darcy.” He nodded at the groom, who stepped back, and then, with an encouraging call, the horses tossed their heads, and began to walk, moving smoothly to a trot and all other sounds were soon left behind.
Elizabeth moved closer to her husband. “This is wonderful. Thank you for arranging it.”
“I’m glad.” He lifted his left arm, still holding the reins, and she lowered her head underneath it, and leaned against him, in the loop of his arms.
Soon she was lost in the sensation of their speed raising a breeze past her face, and the smoothness of the sleigh over the jolting of a carriage was stark. “You know I am spoiled for a coach for ever, William. This ride is so smooth!”
His smile as he looked down at her enjoyment was dimpled and she knew her heart was entirely his.
Leaning her head on his shoulder, she enjoyed watching the seasonal view of her home.
She frowned slightly; was it only a few days ago that she had thought Pemberley was his home and she would never feel that she belonged here?
How her feelings had changed, most of all towards the man sitting beside her, sheltering her in his arms; the man who had known she enjoyed being outside, who knew ladies footwear was unsafe on slippery ground and had arranged this beautiful Christmas morning treat for her.
She suddenly thought of something. “William, as we have the sleigh, will not people expect us at services?”
He shook his head. “I have had these paths around the house cleared. But the road into the village will only be passable on horseback. And then only when essential.” He chuckled. “Never fear, my love. You may enjoy this morning without the strictures of your conscience.”
She relaxed back onto his shoulder. “Thank you. This is the greatest gift. I will have to think of a way to return the favour.” She glanced coyly up at him. “Perhaps I will wait until we are in my chamber tonight.”
A sharply indrawn breath told her she had struck a note — whether she could think of something appropriate that would be worth his wait, she was not sure. Then he dipped his head.
“That is quite a promise, madam, I hope you realise it.”
“I have only just understood that, sir. But I have the day to think of something.” I hope I can.
Twenty minutes later they turned for home. “I think Mrs. Reynolds will have arranged warm baths for us, and then hot chocolate and gingerbread.”
She smiled at his words. “A new Darcy family Christmas tradition.”