Chapter 1.13 #2
“Oh, yes. It is a well-kept secret among ladies and one of the most powerful arts and allurements in finding and securing a husband. Apparently, it is not appreciated by a gentleman if a lady eats too much, perhaps because a wise gentleman is sensible not to being forced to spend extra money for his wife’s food in addition to her jewels and gowns.
” She started to laugh in the face of Georgiana’s incredulity, and the girl smiled back at her.
“Elizabeth, you are teasing me.”
“Well…maybe yes, maybe no. Let us see what we have here. Oh, that looks wonderful. Let us try it, and tell me what it is.” Her joy and vitality were contagious, and Georgiana could do nothing other than oblige her.
Neither of them really ate much, but at Elizabeth’s impulse and repeated inquiry about one course or another, Georgiana ate a little of everything as Elizabeth was sampling the various dishes prepared for each course.
So pleased was Georgiana to have Elizabeth in her company that, as timidly and obviously unaccustomed as she was, she invited her to call again the next day, an invitation accepted without a second thought.
Elizabeth also was delighted with Georgiana’s company and, more than anything, was desirous to help in any way she could for the young girl’s improvement.
As they ate, Mr Darcy entered the room silently and stopped at the door, looking at them in amazement. They were not facing him and did not notice his entrance, but he could see their profiles.
His sister, a slight smile on her lips, was eating with more appetite than she had in a long time, but his eyes were fixed on Elizabeth’s lips as she licked them, pleased with the taste of her food. This simple, natural gesture made his own lips dry, though he thirsted not for water but for her.
Mortified, he recovered a few moments later while desperately trying to shake off those oh-so-improper thoughts. He hesitated as he tried to gain control of himself, taking a few more steps into his sister’s room and approaching them slowly.
The ladies finally noticed his presence. Elizabeth startled and quickly covered her mouth with her napkin, whispering to Georgiana, “I am afraid Mr Darcy has caught me, and now he will understand my deception.”
Georgiana answered daringly in the same jovial manner, “Do not worry. My brother is a rich man; he can afford a wife who eats quite a lot!”
The innocent statement stunned both of them and seemed to hang in the silence.
One was shocked for what she had inadvertently implied, the other—not unpleasantly—was unsure how to react.
They looked at each other for a moment, embarrassed, but a moment later, Elizabeth burst into laughter behind her napkin, and Georgiana joined her timidly, happy to see she was not upset.
“May I inquire as to the reason for your amusement, ladies?”
“Yes you may, Mr Darcy, but we shall not answer, for it is a private matter. Not to mention that the answer would likely place me in an unfavourable light.” Elizabeth’s response made his sister burst into another peal of laughter.
“Georgiana, I am pleased to see you eating a little more than usual,” said he, amazed to see them looking at each other and smiling again.
“Well, brother, Miss Elizabeth’s company has been very stimulating.”
“Yes, I know. Miss Elizabeth’s company is always stimulating.
” Mr Darcy smiled, making Elizabeth blush again.
“I am sorry to interrupt your visit, Georgiana, but your room is ready, and it is time for the doctor to check on you. Our guests are expecting Miss Bennet downstairs as the other dinner will be served very soon.”
“Oh I know! Elizabeth, I am so sorry for having selfishly detained you so long. I had a very pleasant time, but I am afraid it was not very polite of me.”
“It was a pleasure for me as well, Georgiana, as I have already told you. I am sure the doctor will find you quite well.”
“Thank you! Shall I see you again tomorrow?”
“Yes, you may depend upon it.”
Both of them looked at Mr Darcy for his consent, only to see the hint of an approving smile on his lips. He addressed Elizabeth with warm politeness that perfectly matched his smile.
“Miss Elizabeth, if you will excuse me for a moment, I shall take my sister to her room and return.”
With her maid’s help, he lifted Georgiana in his arms and entered the bedroom.
∞∞∞
Mr Darcy returned a few minutes later and gently took Elizabeth’s elbow, directing her to the door. However, it was not the same one by which they had entered but the door that led to Georgiana’s small study—another beautiful room, smaller and illuminated softly by a few candles.
His gesture caused Elizabeth to cast a wondering glance at him, but his countenance was light, and a smile twisted at the corner of his mouth.
“Miss Elizabeth, I understand you will call again tomorrow?”
“Yes, sir, if you approve. If you consider it too tiring for your sister, I shall postpone the visit.”
“No indeed. I approve of it very much indeed.” He stopped before opening the door, forcing Elizabeth to do the same.
“Miss Bennet”—she turned to him—“please allow me to thank you and to tell you how grateful I am for your kind attention towards my sister.”
“Sir, please believe me, there is no need to thank me. The time spent with her was pleasant; she is indeed a remarkable young lady.”
“Yes, she is, and I was amazed to see her so animated and happy in your presence. You seem to have a power over the Darcys, Miss Elizabeth,” said he, his voice deep and gentle while reaching for her hands and holding them tenderly.
They were close to each other, and both moved even closer until their bodies almost touched.
For Elizabeth, it was as astonishingly pleasant as she remembered—the feel of his strong but tender hands holding and stroking hers—but now she knew what would come next, so she was not surprised.
She allowed herself to enjoy fully all the sensations his caressing fingers and overwhelming nearness aroused through her and inside her.
Although she felt her knees weaken, she still could smile as her gaze was held by his. She was even able to tease him.
“What power do I have over the Darcys? The power to make them eat?”
He brought their joined hands close to his chest, caressing the backs of her hands with his thumbs while Elizabeth boldly began to move her fingers over his, fondling them, instinctively wishing to return the astonishing sensation that was sending uncounted thrills along her spine.
Her tender but obvious response made Darcy’s heart almost burst with happiness, and he leaned closer, his forehead almost touching hers, amazed to see that, from so close, the sparkle of her eyes was brighter and more radiant then ever—and different from what he had seen before.
Could there be…passion in her eyes? And desire?
Or was it only his imagination deceiving him—his own desire intoxicating his senses?
But he knew he did not misunderstand her when he felt her trembling, though she could not possibly have been cold.
In truth, her whole body radiated warmth.
His thirsty lips hardly managed to whisper, “No, Miss Elizabeth—the power to bring joy into our lives.”
It took all of his restraint and the proper manners ingrained by years of education to maintain tenuous control over his overwhelming passion.
His mind was clouded by the urge—the desperate need—to touch her, taste her, and devour her.
After the long, dark month of painful longing, to know that it was not a dream, that she was there, so close that he could feel her breathing, tensing, trembling, waiting…
Her hands were in his, their fingers entwined—hers almost as daring as his—tantalising, caressing each other as if all sensation began and ended in their hands, in that spot where their flesh was joined.
Never releasing her gaze, he lifted her hands until his impatient lips reached them and bestowed a lingering kiss on each of her wrists. Tracing his way down to her palms and back, his soft kisses, warm and wet, left Elizabeth dizzy and breathless.