Chapter Ten #3
“Elizabeth, please listen. You are a beautiful woman, and any man would thank the gods to have you. You looked into my soul and accepted what I showed no other. I question your choice—not mine. We can never consummate our marriage. I will not chance bringing a son into this world. My opinion on that matter has not altered. Are you willing to accept never knowing a child of your own?”
“We could adopt, William.” Her voice was a mix of innocence and determination.
Darcy dabbed her tears away. “Could you live such a life, Elizabeth, never knowing the passion of the wedding bed? I cannot share you with someone else. I care too much for you. I will not spread my seed elsewhere, nor can I tolerate your giving yourself to another.”
Elizabeth confirmed, “I will be satisfied with what we have, William. Having only part of you would be superior to knowing anyone else fully.”
Darcy studied her closely. His lovely Elizabeth was so full of goodness. “You will want for nothing, Elizabeth. I promise you. We can travel—see all the places of which you have dreamed. Anything you want.”
“I want to be with you, William—then I will be happy.”
He brought the back of her hand to his lips. “Then you will be my Vixen forever.”
Impulsively, Elizabeth took his hand in both of hers. “Keep this kiss,” She brushed her lips over his palm. “For when you miss me the most.”
“You are a tease!” He traced her mouth with his fingertips.
“Which you more than appreciate, Sir.”
He laughed that deep rolling laugh he shared only with her. “You make me feel alive.”
“Wickham said something similar.” She spoke the creature’s name with distaste.
Darcy’s attention was suddenly on alert. “Of what do you speak?”
Elizabeth directed him towards the nearest bench. “Mr. Wickham claimed your powers are stronger since we met. He said such was the reason to eliminate me.”
“I never explored the depth of my legacy until there was you.” In distraction, his fingers massaged the back of her wrist.
“To rid ourselves of Mr. Wickham, we must explore all possibilities. Evidently, he fears these newfound powers of yours.”
Darcy looked about to assure their privacy. “I thought I killed him today.”
“I saw,” Elizabeth said solemnly.
Darcy spoke in shared astonishment. “I thought … I know this sounds impossible … I thought the silver of the sword would kill him.”
Elizabeth challenged him. “Who says it did not?”
“He disappeared as he always does, so I must assume he still exists. I aimed for his heart. I do not understand how I failed.”
“Wickham has no heart. No wonder you missed it.”
Darcy snorted. “Maybe the sword was not real silver.”
“No heart or no silver—either way, Wickham still is a problem we will face together. First, we are going to London to marry. My Aunt Gardiner will be quite surprised with this turn of events.”
“You understand you cannot tell her our secret, Elizabeth.”
“Do not worry. I will convince her we are marrying for love. You will show me proper attention before her?” Elizabeth asked coaxingly.
Darcy smiled. “It will be my pleasure.” He stood to assist her to her feet. “Georgiana will be surprised when I escort you to London.”
“She knows nothing of us?” Elizabeth asked with uncertainty.
Darcy admitted, “Georgiana knows there is someone. Mrs. Annesley, my sister’s companion, had a vision of Wickham’s deceit.
Georgiana sent one of my men to find me at Netherfield.
Fortunately, we connected on the road. Her note described you and the manor house.
That was how I knew to come to you. Mrs. Annesley claimed you were my future.
It seems the fine lady’s vision was accurate again.
First, she saved Georgiana and now you. She has been an invaluable asset to my household. ”
Elizabeth spoke with practiced cheer, but he recognized her underlying fears. “I am eager to claim a new sister and to extend my gratitude to Miss Darcy’s companion.”
“We will leave early tomorrow.” Things settled between them, they returned to the house. Privately, Darcy damned the inadequacy of his role as the bridegroom. Elizabeth deserved better. Although he could never give her a “real” marriage, he vowed she would not have regrets.
“William,” she caught his arm before they entered her home, “once we are married, we must reconsider everything we think we know of Wickham and of vampires. Some of your knowledge appears to be nothing more than inaccurate folklore. The jeweled crucifix affected Wickham, but it did not stop him from taking me prisoner. The silver sword injured him, but did not kill him. What we are doing provides protection. Yet it does not end the curse. We must combine our understanding and discover Mr. Wickham’s secret if we are ever to be free of this. ”
Darcy’s tone was serious. “I have always taken great pride in holding myself aloof and never requiring another’s assistance.
However, your suggestion makes sense. I have met Wickham’s attacks, but I never launched an assault.
It appears I must act, rather than react.
” He cupped his hand over hers. “I am not worthy of you, but I will make you happy, Elizabeth. That is my warrant to you.”