Chapter 2.19 #2
Elizabeth opened her eyes and met his joy-filled gaze. She smiled at him, and he pulled her into his arms, carrying her toward the small balcony. There, he sat on the floor, still holding her tightly, and she cuddled to his chest, admiring the sight before them.
Above the hills and the woods, opposite the sun, a magnificent rainbow shone seven shades of colour over the Pemberley grounds.
Elizabeth turned in her husband’s arms to have a better view, her eyes widened in delight as if she were waking from sleep only to fall into a beautiful dream.
“Forgive me for disturbing you, but I could not permit you to miss the rainbow,” he said.
She leant against him, entwining her hands with his.
“We have been here for only a fortnight, and you have already given me the rainbow—and so much more, my dear husband. So much joy and so much beauty…and please feel free to wake me whenever you want. I much prefer daydreaming to sleep.”
“I will keep that in mind, my dear wife.”
∞∞∞
In the following days, the weather improved, and the sun, warm and bright, reminded everyone that summer was expected soon.
Georgiana’s piano arrived as scheduled, and the plan worked flawlessly.
Elizabeth asked her sister to join her in Lambton to check two houses that might be suited to host Maud and her family and to speak with Mr Martin.
Once in the small village, they were invited for tea by Mrs Martin; then Dr. Baring conversed with them about London.
They returned to Pemberley after more than three hours, and they were welcomed by Darcy. To Georgiana’s surprise, her brother insisted she play something for him. Astonished and slightly tired, she indulged him, following him to the music room.
The girl’s cries of joy and tears of gratitude, the pure delight on her face, and the gentleness of her touch on the instrument brought Darcy and Elizabeth to the edge of their own tears.
“This is our present for your sixteenth anniversary, dearest,” Darcy said.
“William, I cannot believe it…this is so beautiful…a pure work of art. How could I thank you? There is nothing I would have liked more…”
“Will you not try it?” Elizabeth encouraged her.
“Of course I will…but my fingers are still shaking…such a surprise. And what a devious scheme—to keep me away from the house. I should have guessed something. William would never agree to be away from you for so many hours,” Georgiana teased them through her tears.
She then sat at the piano, and her hands masterfully touched the keys, filling the room with enchanting music, which slowly drifted outside through the open window.
Pemberley echoed with Miss Darcy’s playing, and everyone in the house and nearby paused in their duties for several minutes to listen to the brilliant performance.
Georgiana continued to play for another hour then returned to the instrument before dinner and again after it, when she played for her brother and sister until late in the evening.
As Darcy had hoped, the instrument was exquisite in every aspect and quality—a perfect companion for Miss Georgiana Darcy’s talent.
∞∞∞
The next day, it was Elizabeth’s turn to be surprised. The day was lovely and warm, and at first, she found nothing curious when her husband told her, “My dear, please dress for the outside. We will take a longer ride in the phaeton.”
The surprise appeared when she discovered that the ride was planned for late in the afternoon and that Georgiana would not join them.
“Will we return in time for dinner?” she inquired.
“No,” he answered briefly. “Please take a thicker coat; it might get colder later.”
He was obviously reluctant to offer more details, so she did not insist. When Darcy helped her enter the phaeton, Elizabeth noticed a large basket and some blankets.
He noticed the direction of her gaze and smiled.
“We will have dinner outside. Do you remember the grove where we stopped on our first day? I promised you we would return there, and I thought today would be a proper occasion.”
“I know it is our three-month anniversary; surely, you did not expect me to forget,” she said.
He kissed her hand. “Of course not.”
The day was still bright, and the road was in excellent condition. The horse took them at a steady trot to the top of the hill. Darcy was holding the reins, and Elizabeth’s hand glided under his arm as she recollected the emotions she experienced the first day she arrived at Pemberley.
He stopped the phaeton away from the main path, helped Elizabeth down, took the blankets and the basket, and then tied the horse to a tree.
Elizabeth walked through the high grass, touching the trees’ leaves and the flower blossoms while Darcy put the blankets on the ground.
The place was secluded behind trees and bushes on one side but opened widely on the other side toward Pemberley House. From that height, the entire estate displayed its greatness and beauty.
Darcy invited his wife to sit on the blankets as he revealed the secrets of the basket: cold meat, cheese, vegetables, biscuits, and sweets. He took Elizabeth’s hand in his.
“I would like to have dinner here. It is one of the most remarkable places on the entire estate, and the view is unique, particularly at sunset.”
“What a lovely idea.” She caressed his face then leant to touch his lips. “You have spoiled me so much that I expected another surprise for our anniversary. What does this say about me?”
“It says you are starting to know your husband quite well.” He laughed, stroking her arms and placing small kisses on her face.
She sighed, rejoicing in his attentions. “Is this grove private enough to allow me to kiss my husband without being caught?”
He cupped her face and claimed her lips. “It is very private. I am quite positive it cannot be seen either from the main road or from the valley.”
“I am relieved to hear that…”
“Besides, nobody uses this road unless I am informed about it. We do not expect visitors at this time.”
As he spoke, their bodies touched, as did their mouths and hands, every gesture turning into a passionate caress.
“Look, the sun is going down!” Elizabeth broke the embrace, as elated as a child, marvelling at the sight. “The sky seems to be on fire—such an astonishing view!”
“I enjoy seeing your eyes sparkle with delight,” he said, staring at her while she gazed at their surroundings. “Elizabeth, there is something I want to give you while it is still light.”
“Another gift? I should be dishonest not to admit that I like your surprises, but I truly have everything I want. Everything.”
“Allow me to doubt that. You certainly do not have this.”
He offered her a package, and by its size, she thought it was a large, thick book. She unwrapped it with eager curiosity to reveal a notebook with red velvet covers; the front cover bore the name, “Elizabeth Darcy.”
She brushed her fingers over it then looked at her husband and again at the book. He opened it, his fingers lingering over hers. Inside, the pages were blank.
“I thought the new Mrs Darcy should have a journal of her own—to make her own decisions, her plans, her projects, and to write them down. There are many clean pages for you to fill, my dear.”
“William…” she was lost for words, holding the notebook, their fingers still touching.
“My love, I know that, even for someone as strong, brave, and bright as you, it might be overwhelming, even burdensome, to be constantly compared to her predecessor. I love and cherish my parents’ memory, and I would be glad to know you want to continue what my mother started, but I wish you to feel free to decide whatever you like—to allow your heart and your mind to fly free and to remain loyal to yourself before others. That is the meaning of my gift.”
“I never felt burdened, nor unfree—perhaps overwhelmed at times—but it helps me to know how well you understand me and how easily you read my thoughts, even those that I hide from myself. Your trust allows me to fly and to remain loyal to myself while being loyal to you. Thank you, my love.”
They remained embraced—her back resting against his torso, the notebook on her lap—watching every moment of the sunset. Then a full, bright moon took its place in the sky, mirrored in the lake while countless, bright stars shone in the serene sky.
“Are you not hungry? It is quite late.” He caressed her arms to warm her; then his hands lingered on her shoulders.
“No…perhaps later…I do not want to move a single inch from your arms.”
“Then you shall not.”
His lips tantalised her neck, her earlobe, her jaw, and she turned her head to allow more room for his caresses.
“I want you to love me,” she whispered. “Now…here…”
“Elizabeth…”
He gently lowered her dress so her entire shoulder was exposed to his kisses. His hands slowly touched her full breasts then closed around them. She moaned, and her body arched, pleading for more and whispering his name.
Carefully, Darcy lowered her onto the blanket then leant atop her. He was aware of her scent and the smell of fresh grass as he allowed his passion to be released upon her in countless kisses and eager caresses.
Elizabeth’s soft moans disturbed the silence of the night, soon joined by Darcy’s groans.
The fresh air chilled her bare skin before his touches heated it again.
Threads of grass tickled her hands, her legs, and her nape, and above her, the sky was gleaming.
The song of the crickets and the soft whisper of the summer breeze was the music on which their bodies joined in an ardent rhythm.
They reached their pleasure, shattering together in delight, then remained tightly embraced, allowing their hearts and their breathing to steady. She looked at the stars, the moon, and the lights of Pemberley through heavy eyelashes while he only gazed at her beautiful face and sparkling eyes.
Around midnight, they were still reluctant to leave, but the stars were shadowed by clouds and a cool wind began to blow, forcing them to hurry home.
When they arrived at Pemberley, the rain had started again, and the moon and the stars could hardly be seen.