Chapter 3.28
Darcy was awakened from his deep sleep by the stirring of his senses.
He opened his eyes, intoxicated by Elizabeth’s scent.
She was sleeping peacefully, her head on his chest. Her body—completely naked—still carried the flavour of their night of passion and the smile spread on her lips betrayed her delight.
As soon as they were alone, she had requested more details about his confrontation with Walford and—strangely and amusingly—she appeared equally interested and excited about the notion that he had punished Walton directly.
Her enthusiasm increased her desire, making her confident, passionate and daring in their lovemaking.
He adored noticing how much the growth in their relationship expressed itself in their marriage bed too. The more they knew each other, trusted each other, became more at ease with each other, the stronger their bond became, uniting their hearts, their minds and their bodies.
Two months of bliss had already passed, but there was a whole lifetime ahead.
“I am not sleeping anymore. But I do not want to leave you yet,” he heard Elizabeth whispering.
She turned her head to meet his gaze, and her tender smile warmed him even more.
Their bodies were still touching and her every move heated him up inside, making him wonder—one more time—how it was possible that his desire for her seemed never to be satiated.
“I am glad you are awake, my beloved, so I can wish you a happy anniversary.”
Her eyes widened. “True! It has been two months today!”
His arms trapped her, and he covered her face with small kisses. “Yes!”
Elizabeth chuckled, delighted by the sweet indulgence.
“It must be almost noon—I cannot remember when we last slept so much,” she said.
“What you mean is when we last slept so late! We still have not slept much!”
She chuckled again. “Indeed, that would be a more accurate statement. Georgiana is probably wondering what has happened to us.”
“I doubt that. I heard the pianoforte a little earlier. I am sure she is managing well without our company.”
“We are shameless, Mr. Darcy,” she said, then cuddled against his chest.
He kissed her hair. “I take the entire blame upon myself, Mrs. Darcy.”
“You may say so, but I feel as guilty as you do. Still, it is not enough inducement to make me leave your embrace.”
“Even if you wish to, I would not allow you to leave yet, my love. But soon. We have much to do today, and it is already late.”
She glanced at him again. “What do we have to do?”
“I have a gift I want to give you,” he replied, avoiding her enquiring look.
“A gift? You have already given me so much that I cannot imagine anything that I might need.”
Darcy quickly kissed her face, then withdrew from her and put on his robe. Her moves were already dangerously arousing, and he was beginning to lose his self-control.
Elizabeth was slightly surprised that he left the bed in such a hurry, but followed him and put on her nightgown, then sat on the edge of the bed, watching him as he went to his apartment and returned with a black velvet box.
She wished to tell him that she did not need more jewels, but his face was glowing with joy.
“Fitzwilliam! But I have nothing to give you for this anniversary. I did not even know that two months was an anniversary at all!”
“Every day since we married has been an anniversary, my love. This is something that I hoped would be ready for our wedding, but it arrived late, so I have been waiting for a proper opportunity to give it to you.”
He sat by her side and opened the box. Inside, there was a gold necklace with a pendant of rubies, in the shape of a red heart. He turned it to show her that on the back, there was an engraving that read, “Mrs. Darcy.”
“It is beautiful,” she whispered, struggling with her emotions. “Please help me put it on; I wish to wear it this very moment.”
Darcy pulled out the necklace and placed it around her neck. The colour of the heart shined even brighter against her silky skin.
She moved the small wall mirror to admire the gift.
“This is so beautiful,” she repeated, as he put his arms around her, his lips lingering on her shoulder.
“I am glad you like it.”
“It is stunning. But you must know by now that I adore anything coming from you—and your love more than anything else.”
Darcy caressed her face tenderly. “I know, my beloved. Now, if you will excuse me, I must prepare for the day, and you should do the same. I suggest we dress more formally for this occasion,” he said in a light tone.
She was surprised and amused. “Very well, Mr. Darcy. I will look for an elegant gown to please you.”
“If you were to really please me, you would take off the gown you are already wearing, Mrs. Darcy. But that can be a discussion for later on. Now, let us get ready and join Georgiana.”
Half an hour later, the couple went downstairs arm in arm.
In the drawing-room, Georgiana and Emily were waiting.
To Elizabeth’s surprise, both were dressed more elegantly than usual and again she was amused, imagining her husband had asked them to do so.
For such an early hour, being only among themselves, their formal attire looked strange and slightly laughable, but she appreciated his intentions.
“Emily, you look beautiful, my darling,” she said. With a heavy heart, she noticed that the girl was wearing the necklace given to her by her mother, to match her pale pink dress.
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. This is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. I will take care of it! And I have two more like it. One is green, and one is blue,” the girl declared in earnest.
“It is you that makes the dress pretty, my dear,” Elizabeth smiled at her. “Now, since we are all dressed up, should we eat something? Have you eaten breakfast?”
“No, we waited for you,” Georgiana replied.
They moved to the dining room where the breakfast table was arranged, although it was already noon.
From the corner of her eye, Elizabeth noticed that Mrs. Talbot was also more formally attired than usual and for a moment she wondered what the good housekeeper thought of the master’s strange requests.
They sat and enjoyed the food, amid animated conversation. Both Georgiana and Emily noticed Elizabeth’s new necklace and admired it. The previous day’s problems were banished from their thoughts and from the joy-filled room.
An hour later, a loud noise interrupted them. Elizabeth glanced at her husband, fearing that something else had happened. Emily became nervous immediately, looking around with worry. Darcy, however, remained calm, with a trace of a smile twisting his lips.
And then, from the main hall, a well-known voice broke the silence and made Elizabeth’s heart stop, then race wildly with pure joy and utter gratitude.
“Oh, dear Lord! This is astonishing! I never imagined that one of my daughters would live in such a house! Your house is nice too, Mr. Bingley, but this is simply stunning! You should not mind, Mr. Bingley, surely there are not many earls who have such beautiful houses! Oh, where is Lizzy?”
Elizabeth looked at her husband, tearfully, and his smile confessed it all. From across the table, Emily and Georgiana were smiling too, and so were Mrs. Talbot and Sarah, waiting in the doorway. This was her husband’s real gift to her—and everyone seemed to be aware of it.
She had no time for words, as the voices were approaching. She had only enough time to rise from her seat, before her parents and sisters, together with Jane and Charles Bingley entered.
“Lizzy! I mean—Mrs. Darcy! Oh my dear, you look stunning! You have turned into a real beauty! And Mr. Darcy! You are as dashing as ever, sir! My poor nerves cannot bear so much excitement, but I would not mind if I died at this very moment!”
Elizabeth embraced her mother while Darcy bowed to them. Then she moved to Jane and her husband, welcoming them with all her heart—then to Kitty and Mary. Georgiana had her fair share of embraces and warm greetings, then Emily—slightly intimidated by the din—was introduced.
More silent, but no less emotional, Mr. Bennet gazed at his favourite daughter, who eventually came to greet him.
“Oh, Papa, what a surprise! I knew nothing of it!”
“Your husband has been very strict regarding our secrecy. Only from you, of course, as your mother has told the whole of Meryton that we were coming to visit you.”
Elizabeth laughed tearfully. “Well, to me, the surprise was utter and complete. It seems like a conspiracy, as even my own staff were a part of it.”
“I never imagined you would have your own staff, Lizzy. But the situation seems to suit you—you look beautiful.”
“My marriage suits me, Papa! One could not be happier than I am. And now that you are all here, I will say, like Mama, I am not sure my heart can bear so much excitement.”
“I am afraid your poor husband would come to regret his idea soon then,” Mr. Bennet said, pointing to the master of the house, who was bearing Mrs. Bennet’s repeated hugs and kisses. “Do you know we are invited to stay until after New Year?”
“No! As I said, I knew nothing! But my husband is truly the best of men, and I expect nothing less from him! Papa, I have missed you all so much! I am so happy to see you!”
“So am I, my dear! Oh, so that you know, your husband allowed me to decide whether to invite Lydia too. Not Wickham, only Lydia. He offered to send a carriage for her. I have chosen not to mention anything to her though. She must adjust to her new responsibilities. Besides, travelling such a long distance in winter is not wise.”
Elizabeth kissed her father’s cheeks. “I have received several letters from Lydia. I have also sent her some money; not much, only enough for some small expenses. Fitzwilliam said I should rather ask her what she needs and send her things instead of money that Wickham might lose in card games.”