Chapter 1.18 #5
She stroked her cheek in a motherly way, smiling. “You may call me Lady Ellen; I prefer that from my family.”
The look of gratitude on Elizabeth’s face could not be misunderstood. “It would be an honour, Lady Ellen.”
Elizabeth remained inside in the main hall, trying to relax a little after such a formidable conversation and a tumult of emotions, while Mr Darcy escorted his aunt to her carriage.
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Darcy returned shortly and approached Elizabeth, smiling tenderly and wrapping her in such an adoring gaze that she felt her knees weakening as her eyes looked deeply into his.
He came closer and took her hands, kissing them, and lowered his head, whispering, “I am so happy you are here. I tried to settle everything sooner than expected so I could spend more time with you.”
She fought the sudden knot in her throat and, licking her dry lips, managed to articulate her thoughts.
“You need not have been concerned nor rushed, for I promised I would wait for you.”
“Yes, you did.” He smiled while his eyes darkened, wearing a more intense expression than Elizabeth had ever seen there before. It made her tremble, the rhythm of her heart rising to a tormenting level.
He gently took her arm and escorted her towards the stairs, but instead of climbing them, he pulled her into the library, and she could do nothing except follow him.
“I already spoke to Georgiana. She told me you were in the drawing room with my aunt. Poor Georgie seemed a little worried. I told her I would take care of you and that we would probably be delayed a few minutes. There is something very important I want to ask you.”
His deep voice became even more tender, and she could not think properly in order to understand his meaning. “Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong, but very grave indeed.” He closed the door and made her sit on the same settee as the day before.
As strong as she thought herself to be, the emotions and her own overwhelming feelings—together with the fear that something bad may have happened with Mr Wickham—made Elizabeth wary of what would come.
Her lips became even drier, and she started to ask him what had happened.
But before she could do or think of anything, he lowered his head and captured her half-opened mouth with his warm, moist lips.
At the same time, one hand glided up her back, around her shoulders, while the other gently held her head, his fingertips resting on the back of her neck.
She was so surprised that she did not even have the time to breathe.
She had thought that, by now, she knew what to expect from a kiss and the kind of feelings she would experience, but this kiss, though gentle and tender, was nothing like the day before.
His lips were not just pressing gently as they had previously, but he was actually tasting hers, tentatively at first and then bolder, even demanding.
In a moment, her lips were no longer dry but wet with his intoxicating flavour.
She unconsciously leaned her head to rest on the back of the couch, pressing against his arm in complete abandonment to his will.
She did not know what to expect, but she knew it would be more.
Suddenly, her entire body shuddered violently when his tongue slightly touched her lips and then tasted them.
She had never expected that to happen as they kissed.
She tensed, almost frightened by such an intimate gesture and by the novelty of the new sensations engulfing her.
It felt so strange, so wet, so warm…so utterly arousing.
She remained still but did not withdraw from him, not even to breathe.
Gradually, his kisses changed again, turning rather more tender than passionate, and she relaxed instantly. Her hands encircled his waist shyly, and she leaned closer to him, so close that she could feel her body pressing into his chest; his deep moan sent another shiver through her.
The sweet assault on her mouth started again, growing more intense, but this time she knew what to expect, and her mouth did not remain passive.
Timidly at first, she learned the rhythm of passion easily so that, when his tongue touched her eager lips again, teasing and tantalising, they parted even more, allowing him almost to conquer her completely.
He did so, with an urge that proved how ardently he had waited for a sign of her acceptance, and a moment later, any other thoughts, wishes, or feelings vanished except for the astonishing sensation of him invading every sense and his delicious taste spreading into every fibre of her body.
Involuntarily, she moaned deeply, but not a sound could escape from her imprisoned mouth. Elizabeth was certain she would faint.
Mr Darcy pulled back some time later, but not completely, only to place a few small kisses on her graceful eyelids, her flushed cheeks, and the delicate line of her jaw.
He was tempted to trail his kisses to her throat—as she evidently had no intention of stopping him—but he wisely restrained himself and instead placed a cheeky kiss on the tip of her nose, making her open her eyes in surprise.
They stared at each other, not only with love but also with longing and passion, immersed in the depths of each other’s eyes.
Gently but without shyness, she lightly caressed his face, and then her fingers twined tentatively in his hair, making him close his eyes and let out a satisfied moan.
He leaned his head towards hers on the back of the couch, and they turned a little to face each other.
She moved closer, keeping one hand in his hair and the other around his waist, nestling her head at the junction between his shoulder and neck.
They were sitting on the couch, but their position was so intimate, it was as if they were lying together for the first time, staring at each other, intoxicated by each other’s presence and scent.
“I missed you so much, Elizabeth. I could think of nothing else today than to be with you once more. I hope I did not frighten you with my impetuous and very improper attentions.”
He was speaking so close to her hair that she could feel his lips moving at each word.
“Do I look frightened, sir?” she asked teasingly, her breath burning the skin of his neck. “But you did surprise me a little, though it was a most pleasant and welcome surprise, as were the roses and your note this morning.”
“I am glad you enjoyed them—both the roses and the kiss.”
He became more daring in his words and lifted her face gently.
While the intensity of his gaze increased and his hand continued to stroke her cheek and her neck, sliding to her nape, his fingers played in her hair while his thumb caressed the spot below her ear, tracing the line of her jaw and then lowering to her throat.
His left hand was resting on her shoulder but travelled up and down her bare arm, making Elizabeth feel half of her was on fire and the other half freezing.
She was waiting, hoping for him to kiss her again, but he did not.
“Elizabeth, I am sorry I was not here when you met my aunt. I spoke to her last night, but she did not mention any intention of visiting Georgiana today or I would have warned you in my note. Was she very harsh with you?”
She swallowed hard, trying to answer while hiding her disappointment for the absent kiss.
“She was a little harsh, yes, but I understand her reasons. Her only concerns were for you, Georgiana, and your family’s honour. I cannot blame her for that.”
“I trust you made a very good impression from what I could witness.”
She began to laugh softly. “I am afraid not. She told me very clearly that she did not consider me prepared to be the proper mistress of Pemberley and that I have many things to learn before I can rise to the expectations of Mr Darcy’s wife.
And I could not contradict her. But I hope she believed me—and I hope you believe me—that I shall do everything in my power to honour your name. ”
She felt her emotions and uncertainties overtake her again, but he smiled quite humorously.
“My love, I have not had the slightest doubt about that—not for a long time. Indeed, you will have to become accustomed to many small things, but your wonderful qualities are more important, for they are not things one can learn. You will be the best mistress…” He leaned a little to place small kisses on her cheek, and his lips stopped near her ear for a small kiss and a whisper. “…and the best wife…”
Though hardly able to think, she managed to answer while trying to maintain her composure and even to tease him.
“But, sir, I must warn you: I may be quite…overwhelmed…by emotions at the moment, but I am afraid my old habits will come to light again soon. Would it be acceptable for Mrs Darcy to tease her husband and contradict him—maybe even quarrel with him from time to time?”
“I depend upon it, madam. However, I also must warn you that I shall have no scruples in using this very efficient method of silencing you…”
He proved his argument, claiming her lips again with his opened mouth, only this time she was not at all surprised.
Her lips parted in an instant and then, without restraint or hesitation, joined his in a wild dance of passion.
As she became more accustomed to the sensations aroused in her, she found that she could actually breathe during the kiss, a startling but useful discovery that allowed her to remain in his embrace for what seemed an eternity, and it was still not enough as their desire for each other seemed only to increase.
Their lips finally parted, for it was necessary to regain their composure and normal breathing, when she managed to whisper, “William, will you tell me now what happened?”
“What happened? I do not understand your meaning.”
“When we entered the library, you said you had something important and grave to tell me.”