Chapter 17 #2
“Yes, that would be one of them. I admit I do not wish to leave London without knowing he has gone one way or another. It is difficult to find him a commission in another regiment, though. His reputation precedes him, and not in a good, worthy way. No officer in command wishes for the troubles that accompany him. My cousin asked for a relocation to one of the regiments going to the continent, but I know the risks and dangers would be greater than being a militia lieutenant, so I have not yet agreed.”
“So, what will you do? Is it necessary to take so much trouble with him? Can you not just let him be?”
“I could. But I cannot leave him in prison, so I must decide either way. But enough of that scoundrel, I do not wish to waste our time speaking of him. It is just one of the tiresome issues that forces us to stay in London.”
After as short a stop as necessary to refresh themselves and exchanging a few words with the Gardiners, declining the offer to join them for a light meal, they resumed their journey to London.
“I confess being more nervous about meeting your uncle and aunt. Although, if I were to judge from the colonel and the viscount, they cannot be too frightening,” Elizabeth said.
“They are not. I am grateful to my aunt for hosting a dinner for us. Her support will be helpful in easing your first steps into the so-called first circle. Although, I confess I do not care much for it. Neither do my cousins.”
“That is because you were born into it. To me, it is important to take the right steps, because it is not about Elizabeth Bennet, but about Mrs Darcy. I am not ignorant of my duties and responsibilities or my place in society.”
He gently caressed her face and stole a brief kiss. “You are just as perfect as Mrs Darcy as you were as Elizabeth Bennet, my love.”
“That is not much in terms of encouragement, as we both know I was far from perfection. In fact, I suspect you were tired of perfectly accomplished ladies, and my imperfections drew your attention.”
“Your sparkling eyes drew my attention first. Then your smile and your sharp mind. But also,” he continued, leaning further towards her until his lips tantalised her ear, “your enchanting figure captured my interest too. Especially when you walked with Miss Bingley around the room, do you remember? I do not know whether it was that certain something in your manner of walking, but I admit I slept very little and very ill that night.”
She shivered from the sensation of his lips on her skin, although she was accustomed to it by now and it had caused her many sleepless nights too.
“I did not imagine that evening that my walking would have such an effect upon you, sir.”
“How ridiculous I was to assume you understood my admiration, when you were busy despising me.”
“No woman would easily forgive a man who called her tolerable and refused to dance with her, Mr Darcy.”
“I do not expect to be easily forgiven, Mrs Darcy. Quite the opposite. I shall put in any effort to please you for years to come,” he whispered, his lips tantalising her again.
“No effort is needed, sir, since I have long forgiven you,” she answered, turning her head so her lips met his.
“I am sorry to hear that, Mrs Darcy! I have put some thinking into how to earn your forgiveness, and I think I have found just the way to persuade you. You must allow me…” After that, the conversation was scarce until the carriage stopped in front of Darcy’s townhouse.
∞∞∞
The young maid withdrew discreetly, closing the door behind her; she was not needed any longer, but she had done her job more than satisfactorily.
Elizabeth stared at her image in the mirror, blushing slightly noticing how revealing the silk, creamy nightgown was. Mrs Gardiner had purchased it, and Elizabeth had been reluctant to wear it, although she admitted it looked and felt lovely on her.
Elizabeth was neither ignorant nor na?ve, and she knew what to expect from that night; in fact, she was thrilled and eager to share and fulfil her love with her husband.
However, she also felt nervous, anxious, shyer in her gestures than her thoughts.
She touched her hair again, which was falling loose on her shoulders.
It was slightly damp, as she had had a bath drawn in her room as soon as the introduction to the servants — their servants!
— had been completed and dinner and the brief tour of the house was over, which occupied most of the evening.
Now, it was close to midnight, and she was waiting for her husband to join her.
“You are more beautiful than in the dreams that kept me awake so many nights, Mrs Darcy,” she heard his voice and then his steps.
She turned, wearing a little smile, glancing at him. He was freshly shaved, with his hair also wet and curled on his temples, with the top buttons of his nightshirt opened. He was wearing loose trousers that revealed his ankles, and the sight of his bare skin increased her nervousness.
“Are you comfortable, my love? All is well, I hope?” he asked.
“Yes, all is perfect, indeed. Especially now that you are here,” she replied.
He kissed both her hands and closed his arms around her.
“You are more beautiful than in my dreams,” he repeated, “and I am happier than I ever imagined, my dearest, loveliest wife.”
“So am I…happier than I imagined,” she repeated. “But you should tell me more of those dreams one day, Mr Darcy,” she teased him to cover her anxiety. “I have asked you several times, but you have refused to share them. Is it proper for a gentleman to keep secrets from his wife?”
He held her closer in his embrace, and her hands slipped around his waist and glided slowly up and down, feeling the heat of his body and the sinewy muscles of his back through the thin linen, while her face lifted to meet his adoring stare.
“I have kept the secret from my betrothed, as it was not something I would dare to share with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. However, I am ready to reveal all my dreams to Mrs Elizabeth Darcy, if she wishes to hear of them.”
“She does…I do…very much so,” she whispered, her lips trembling in anticipation of touching his.
“As I told you once, I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours, Mrs Darcy. But instead of telling you, would you not allow me to show you?” he tempted her, an instant before his lips captured hers.
She had no time to voice her answer, but her acceptance was clearly expressed, beyond any doubt. And there was no time for dreaming that night, as they fell asleep very late, when the dawn broke the darkness. By that time, there were no secrets left unshared between them.
THE END