Chapter Twelve #2
“Bingley planned to spend Christmas with his sisters at Hurst’s estate in Hampshire. When we departed Hertfordshire, they were to spend the night in London then proceed on to Hurst’s property.”
“I understand your choosing the colonel to represent your family during the ceremony, but Mr. Bingley’s absence was felt.
” Elizabeth paused before adding quickly, “I hope Bingley’s removal from Netherfield had nothing to do with his sister’s aspirations to be Mrs. Darcy.
It would grieve me to know our marriage separated you from your friend. ”
“After all I have shared with you, you cannot still believe I would have chosen Caroline Bingley!”
Elizabeth flushed in embarrassment. “I did not mean to vex you.”
Darcy caught her hand up in his. “You must know I have only two regrets in our union, and neither involves your being my choice.” He turned her hand to kiss her knuckles.
“I considered sending word to Hampshire, but I did not wish to subject you or the Gardiners to Miss Bingley’s censure.
Moreover, I was not confident how seeing Bingley would affect your sister.
His leaving so unexpectedly must have played on Jane’s sensibilities. ”
“Do you suppose there is any hope of their relationship growing?”
“I cannot say how deep Charles’s interest might be. I protected my own feelings by avoiding speaking to him regarding your family.”
“I do like the colonel, and her ladyship was most kind. She wishes us to visit with them often. The countess was most attentive to the earl’s desire to keep his sister’s family close.”
Darcy chuckled. “I expect you promised we would attend to my uncle’s wishes.”
Elizabeth giggled. “I did try to allay her ladyship’s qualms.”
He switched his seat to sit beside her. “I thought we would spend another week in London, and then we would travel to Pemberley before the roads become too dangerous. I sent word to Mrs. Reynolds, my housekeeper, to expect us and to prepare the house for the holidays.” He looked wistfully out the window.
“It will be the first festive Season in nearly eight years that I have been at home.”
“Would you prefer to remain in Town?”
Darcy paused before answering. “I believe it is time to claim my life—something beyond what Fate has handed me. Moreover, Georgiana should learn more of Pemberley and her legacy.”
“I hold a great admiration for Miss Darcy,” she said.
“You, my dear, possess a tender heart.”
Elizabeth blushed. “If we are to travel to Pemberley, may I send some gifts to my family with Jane? I would want them to remember me in their celebrations.”
“Shall we return to Longbourn for Christmas?” he offered.
“As much as I will miss my family, I think it best if we keep danger from them. Moreover, you are my family now.” She paused awkwardly. “In truth, I am excited to see Pemberley.”
“Our home,” he stated proudly. “You should know when I left you and our sisters yesterday, I spoke to my man of business. I placed a jointure in your name. If something occurs to my detriment, you will have a home at Pemberley. If it comes to pass that Georgiana’s heirs assume control, you will be given the dowager house, as is your due.
The paperwork will be delivered tomorrow. ”
Elizabeth gasped, “William!” Her eyes grew luminous. “Why?”
“Because you are my wife and because it is the best I can do to protect you when I am … because I must do this. It is important, Elizabeth. Important to me to fulfill our bargain and important that you have a future beyond this craziness.”
When they arrived at their London home, Mr. Thacker met them at the door. “Mrs. Darcy, the staff of Darcy House wishes you all the trappings of our fair wishes for you and Mrs. Darcy.”
“Thank you, Mr. Thacker.”
Darcy felt Elizabeth’s fingers tighten on his sleeve, indicating her nervousness. “Mrs. Darcy and I will have a light supper, Mr. Thacker. Let us say at five.” Darcy pulled her closer to offer his support. “My wife will greet the necessary staff members tomorrow.”
“Assuredly, Mr. Darcy.” The butler bowed. “Mrs. Darcy’s trunk from Gracechurch Street arrived, as well as one from Hertfordshire. Joseph placed both in the mistress’s suite. I asked Sally to serve as the mistress’s maid while you are in residence. I hope that meets with your approval, Sir.”
“My thanks for your attention to detail, Thacker.” Darcy smiled with the knowledge that today was one for which his staff had long hoped. “We will dress for supper at half past four.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“The staff wishes me to convey our best wishes for happiness, Sir. We await your pleasure, Mrs. Darcy.” He bowed out this time.
Elizabeth leaned into Darcy’s shoulder, grasping his forearm tightly with her free hand. “Will I meet this challenge?”
“Yes, my darling, you will,” he reassured her.
“My staff will respond to your natural good humor and your kindness. Most have served the Darcy family for years—generations, even. They are loyal and will open their hearts to you as my wife.” They entered his study.
Darcy leaned down to whisper, “I am confident they are thankful I did not choose Miss Bingley.”
“I, too, am grateful you did not choose Miss Bingley,” she responded mischievously.
Elizabeth left his arm and closed the door to the room.
Returning, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “At last—we are alone,” she said.
“I am prepared for our first kiss as a married couple. Pray do not trouble yourself, Mr. Darcy. There is no pressure for it to be a momentous occasion.”
Darcy chuckled at her taunt. “You will not leave me if I do not make your world tilt upon its side?”
Elizabeth edged closer. Her breast rose and fell. “It must be spectacular to surpass the one on the balcony at Netherfield, but I am willing to provide you the opportunity.”
“I may require more practice,” he countered.
Elizabeth angled her head. “Then let us begin,” she whispered.
Darcy lowered his mouth to hers. His stomach tightened with the ecstasy of the moment.
She tasted of chocolate and of cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg.
Her perfume wafted over him, and nothing else mattered beyond the fact she was in his arms. She was everything to him—beauty and love and life—all wrapped in the glory of his Elizabeth.
After several delightful moments, Darcy groaned and he forced himself to withdraw a few inches. Heat flushed Elizabeth’s cheeks. She was mesmerizing.
Elizabeth blinked. “I believe my world tilted a bit.” She smiled.
“I believe mine did also,” he confirmed before setting her from him. “You, Mrs. Darcy, are both a married lady and a temptress.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “It is probably best if we open the door. With it closed, we could easily believe only we two exist.”
“I will permit the world in for now, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth retorted, “but not forever.”
At supper, Darcy placed Elizabeth to his right.
He knew below stairs the servants gossiped about how often the master and his new wife held hands, how they stared into each other’s eyes, how Mrs. Darcy blushed when he whispered in her ear, and how he laughed aloud.
Those who had served him for many years knew something extraordinary happened when he married Elizabeth Bennet.
Hope had returned to Darcy House. Only he was cognizant that “hope” was to be short lived.
Darcy excused his valet. It was his wedding night, and he knew not what to do.
He acknowledged privately what he wanted to do.
He wanted to take his wife, as a husband should.
She was sultry and flirtatious and seductive and innocent all at once, and Darcy was so very aware of her physically that sometimes he could barely breathe.
When she was Elizabeth Bennet, and he had lain beside her at night, he controlled his desire by telling himself he could not compromise her and destroy her reputation, but those reasons no longer existed.
She was his. He had the right to take her as a man claims a woman.
Yet he would resist. He could not love Elizabeth as a man because he was not a man.
He was a dhampir, a wretched being, half vampire and half human, and Darcy would not create another of his kind.
She would spend the rest of her days and nights in his home.
Only the adjoining door between their suites separated them.
His eyes drifted closed, and a sigh escaped his lips.
He visualized her arching against him— seeing her head fall back, exposing her lovely neck.
His muscles tightened, and his breath became shallow just thinking of her softness pressed to him.
Ironically, when Elizabeth burst through the door to Darcy’s bedchamber, she was filled with enthusiasm.
Her thoughts were of the newness and the luxury of her quarters.
Yet when she saw him, she froze. Her husband was a magnificent man to look upon when dressed in a waistcoat and cravat and tailored jacket.
But she found him especially appealing those times when his hair was a bit disheveled, and he wore a loose-fitting shirt and breeches.
Tonight, however, he was perfect. The clean, muscular line of his back caught her attention, as well as the expanse of his shoulders and the taper of his waist.
“William,” she gasped, attempting to force her eyes from his hirsute, muscular chest, as he spun to face her.
He appeared as shocked as she. “Yes, Elizabeth?”
“I apologize.” She backed out of the room, embarrassed at having intruded on his privacy.
“No,” he called, moving quickly to prevent her retreat. “Please do not leave.” He caught her wrist and held Elizabeth in place.
“I should not have come.” She flushed with color.
He gave her hand a tug in his direction. “You are my wife. You need never apologize for entering this room.” He loosened his grip, but he did not release her hand. “Come join me.”