Imperative: Volume 1, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice, page 108
“But you are with me, now. You know that I will not allow anyone to cause you harm. I dearly want to enjoy this evening with you. If they wish to gawk, let them, but my primary goal is to see you happy.” He saw another blush creeping up her face and he raised her fingers to his lips.
“Are we the only ones here not posturing for one reason or another?”
“hmm.” He looked around and lifted his chin. “No, I would say that gentleman there has no reason to put on a show.”
They had nearly reached their box and Bingley strolled over to them. “Here you are at last, the show within the show. I was just watching a young woman watching you, Darcy. It reminds me vaguely of a sister of mine.” He laughed and slapped his friend’s shoulder. “I am teasing you. Word got around about your accident and I can see surreptitious glances being sent your way from all over.”
“Who spread that news?” Darcy demanded.
“I could not say, but they know of Elizabeth’s role as well. In fact, they are shockingly well-informed. I learned a few new things myself. Did you truly murder three highwaymen with your bare hands while rescuing your wife from their grips, and cry out your never-ending love to her as you fell over the cliff?” Bingley laughed as Darcy gaped and Elizabeth stood with her hand pressed to her mouth. “I promise you, my friend, it was not from my lips although as a recognized crony of yours, I have been approached numerous times to provide confirmation, and, better yet, the gruesome details.” Missing their dismay, he rubbed his hands together. “What else shall we add? You know that the ladies would be happily scandalized to learn of your state of undress?”
“Mr. Bingley!” Elizabeth gasped and Darcy slipped his arm around her waist protectively.
“This is not a joking matter. I find absolutely nothing amusing in the levity directed at our near tragedy. How can they even joke? I certainly have not spoken of it! Richard is not here, is he?” Darcy looked around angrily.
Bingley’s smile was wiped away in a flash. “I am so sorry, Darcy. It was all so ridiculous as to be laughable, but of course at the root of it lays the truth. No, I have seen no blue coat containing the colonel. Lord Matlock, perhaps?”
Calming, Darcy shook his head and rubbed Elizabeth’s back. “No, no, with Parliament shut down due to the fog, he decided to feel his way out of London and make his way to Matlock a few days early. He has probably collected Aunt Helen and Cathy by now and they are on their way back.”
“Well, that ends that theory. Most of it is embellishment, but the basic story is there, and they knew you would be here, that is certain. But of course you are not the object of attention anymore; the ladies are far more interested in staring at your wife than you now. Do you care to hear what they are saying?”
“Not particularly.”
“What are they saying?” Elizabeth asked.
“How remarkably svelte your dear wife is.” He smiled and his heart sank when not even that brought a laugh.
“Well, that is one lie ended.” Darcy looked at Elizabeth and she smiled sadly. He rubbed his thumb over her ring. “What is left?”
“Darcy!” They jumped and an odd hush seemed to come over the people milling about the area outside of the boxes.
“Aunt Catherine.” Darcy immediately masked his surprise and bowed his head.
“Mrs. Darcy.” Her critical eye swept over her. “You look particularly fine this evening.”
“Thank you, Lady Catherine, you are quite handsome yourself.” Elizabeth watched her, not entirely certain where the conversation would lead.
“I appear as a woman of my age should. I do not attempt to appear younger than my years like some.” She cast her eye around the crowd and knowing she was the centre of attention, she turned back to Elizabeth. “It is no small wonder that my nephew was attracted to you, your beauty contains no artifice. I see no need for you to apply potions and creams to your skin to achieve what you have simply by breathing. You have not that sallow look of girls who never step outside to their gardens and you take exercise, so you are strong. That is something to admire, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Thank you, I am pleased to have one quality that meets your approval.” Elizabeth spoke clearly, but did not raise her voice.
“I do not simply judge you on the quality of your looks. You have proven yourself through your actions as worthy of your position and are … a laudable successor to my sister as Mistress of Pemberley.”
“So it seems that the shades of Pemberley remain as pure as they ever were.” She raised one brow and met the harridan’s steely gaze. “I am glad to know that, Lady Catherine.”
“I thought that we agreed that you are to address me as Aunt.”
“I only wish to give you the respect you deserve as my husband’s relative. However if I am to address you as Aunt, then I hope you will address me as Elizabeth.”
Lady Catherine nodded and turned back to Darcy. “You have a very fine wife, Darcy. You have chosen the woman best suited to your needs.”
Darcy paused for a few moments as he considered the woman before him. He knew that this was her way of apologizing, and he now knew the source of the stories of the accident swirling around the theatre. He spoke softly. Unlike his aunt, he felt no need to display his emotion or assure that his words were heard beyond the circle where he stood. “I am well-aware of that, Aunt, and thankfully I did not allow any others to influence my decision to marry. And the more that I learn of my parents’ plans for my future, the gladder I am that I was permitted to choose with both my heart and my head. While I abhor any exposure of my or my family’s business in this manner, I am satisfied with this abstract apology that you have tendered, and that you at last acknowledge the truth of how outstanding my dear wife is as publicly as you once so vocally condemned her. I expect that you will continue your good works, even in our absence?”
Darcy’s brows rose expectantly and he fixed his unrelenting gaze upon Lady Catherine. She managed to hold it for a full five seconds before she blinked. “Of course.”
“Good.” Darcy nodded and taking Elizabeth’s hand in his indicated to all that the display was over. Gradually the volume of the surrounding conversation rose to their previous levels and the crowds began milling around again.
Bingley puffed his cheeks and finally blew out the breath he had been holding, and of course instantly attracted Lady Catherine’s attention. “You are Mr. Bingley.”
His eyes widened. “I am, madam.”
“Your sister is in dire need of a new modiste. She will never find a husband if she continues to dress as an actress. I have told Miss Bingley this.”
“Yes, madam, I … I understand that you met just recently at Darcy House … I am certain that she will take your advice to heart.” He bowed and was grateful that after a head to toe examination, she apparently found nothing wanting in him.
“You are to marry my niece’s sister?”
He looked quickly to Elizabeth and saw her eyes look heavenwards. “Yes, Lady Catherine.”
“Marry quickly, there is no need to dilly dally.”
Darcy groaned softly. Elizabeth could not hold back and pressing her hand to her mouth, she laughed. When the eyes turned to her, she shrugged. “I can only admire how you strive to be useful at every turn, Aunt Catherine.”
Fortunately, a gong sounded at that moment signalling the beginning of the play was imminent. Darcy closed his eyes briefly and drawing up every remaining ounce of civility he possessed, addressed the formidable woman. “Will you join us, Aunt?”
“I will remain for the first act. I do not have the time to waste on these frivolous affairs.” She sniffed, and spoke in her usual strident tone. “After all, my daughter is to be engaged to a viscount. It is unnecessary to seek out others for her.” Nodding her head, she swept away to the door. “Are you coming?”
“We will be right there, Aunt.” Elizabeth called.
“Good Lord.” Darcy closed his eyes. Elizabeth took his hand and squeezed hard. “Dearest, how can I ever apologize for my aunt? If I had any idea that she would appear …”
“She probably just did more to retrieve my reputation than a year’s worth of appearances at balls could do.” She leaned on his arm. “Too bad that she is the one who ruined it in the first place.”
“I am so sorry, Lizzy.”
“You are wonderful.” She smiled. “I loved your speech.”
“I found my tongue.’ He smiled shyly and looked around to see that the hallway was empty. “Well, shall we go and join her? At least we know that we can enjoy the play after she has left.” Elizabeth laughed and he turned to Bingley. “Will you join us?”
“No, I have my own apparently poorly dressed family to sit with.” He laughed. “Go on, you and Mrs. Darcy deserve a pleasant evening, even if the opera glasses are trained upon you, and you have some company for a bit.”
“I think that you may call me Elizabeth now, Charles.” She opened her reticule and handed him the note she had written along with a letter for her father. “As we are almost siblings.”
“If I do not dilly dally.” Bingley tucked the letters into his coat. “I shall deliver these tomorrow, along with the warehouse full of gifts you have charged me to present to your sister.” Darcy chuckled and looked at her fondly.
“Thank you.” She stood up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “That is for my sister and for you on your wedding day.”
“Ah, a better gift I cannot imagine.” Bingley beamed and turned to Darcy. “I would tell you to take care of her, but then I know you likely have a dagger in your pocket and are ready to take down any who threaten her well-being.”
“Including forward brothers.” He said sternly and held out his hand with a smile. “Good luck and a long and happy life to you both, whenever you decide to marry. I will see you … when I can.”
“Take care, friend.” Bingley waved and pointed to the box as he hurried down the steps. “Go on, the lights are out. I have no doubt that you are dying to take advantage.”
“Are you?” Elizabeth whispered.
Darcy took her hand and they entered the blessedly darkened box. “After that wonderful entrance, what do you think? Come on dear, let us see if we can hold on for one act.”
She stood up on her toes and spoke softly in his ear, “Somehow, I do not think that will be a problem. Knowing Lady Catherine, she will be sitting between us. Heaven forbid we harm her sensibilities!”
Smiling, Darcy whispered in return, “Is that a challenge, Mrs. Darcy?”
“Darcy! Elizabeth! Stop this incessant lovemaking and sit down!”
Elizabeth’s hand went to her mouth and Darcy’s shoulders shook in silent laughter at the sound of their aunt’s barely whispered command. “Yes, Aunt.” He spoke softly as he kissed Elizabeth. “We are coming.”
“DO YOU KNOW WHAT TODAY IS?” Darcy kissed the top of Elizabeth’s head. She was curled on her side, her head resting over his still pounding heart, safe within his arms.
“Valentine’s Day.”
“You are my first and last Valentine.” He murmured.
Elizabeth lifted her head from his chest and caressing the soft hair on his cheek, kissed him. “I cannot think of any verse that compares to that, nor one that could possibly make me as happy.”
“I love you.”
She laughed and held his smiling face in her hands. “Now you are flaunting your golden tongue.”
“I think that I do best when I keep things simple.” He lovingly combed his fingers through her hair.
“I love you, Will. Be mine.”
“That is the easiest request I have ever heard.” His lips parted and he drew her forward to kiss her softly, and closing his eyes, tucked her back into his embrace. “Do you remember nine weeks ago, we talked about this date?”
“Yes. We foolishly thought that we could remain celibate until now.” Elizabeth caressed her hand over his hip. “How naive I was.”
“Yes, well … you saw how long that idea lasted in my hands.” He chuckled. “Not even five minutes.”
“Thank you for that.”
“Do you remember what else we spoke about?”
“Our plans for Georgiana?” Elizabeth whispered and he nodded. “I remember how relieved we were to actually conceive of a plan.” She closed her eyes when the hand caressing up and down her back stopped moving. “We also spoke of how wonderful it would be to conceive our baby today.”
“Yes.” Darcy said softly.
“How do you feel about bringing Georgiana’s baby into our lives now, Will?”
“I do not know. It is one of those questions that you think is answered and you move on, but I find that my opinion seems to change with the wind and that is very unusual for me. I am usually very unshakable. And I fear what is to come over the course of these next months. I have loved every moment that we have spent here all alone in our home. Even the misery at the theatre last night had its purpose. But now that we have accomplished that goal of restoring what Aunt Catherine took away from us, I have no choice but to finally face the inevitable moment when Georgiana gives birth. I am only now fully realizing that it does not end with her safe delivery, in some ways it is only just beginning.” His head shook and he looked to her. “I want our baby to be the one that you love first. Is that wrong?”
“No.”
He waited and not hearing anything further, he whispered, “Lizzy?”
“I will always love our baby first, Will. I love him now. I have loved him ever since our wedding day when he was conceived in our hearts, if not with our bodies.”
“Oh, love.” He hugged her to him and felt the tears that fell on his chest. “I feel like such a fool.”
“We are all fools in love …” She whispered and laughed softly. Darcy kissed her. “You are scared.”
“I am terrified.” He admitted.
“So am I. And I do not know how to think or feel.” Elizabeth looked up and kissed him, and tenderly touched his face. “But I think that we have enough love to give our babies and … any others that might come along.”
Darcy laughed softly. “Please, Lizzy. One extra is enough.”
“Very well, that is a bargain, then.” She laughed and then looked at him seriously. “But you, my dear Mr. Darcy, will always, always be my Valentine. Nobody will take your place as first in my heart.” She saw his eyes widen and then relief appeared. “Is that what you needed to hear?”
“How did you know?”
“I just did.” Their eyes met and held, and then a sparkle appeared as she traced her finger suggestively down his chest. “Now, I propose that we stay here all day and practice conceiving our baby.”
Smiling widely, he laughed. “An excellent idea! Who knows, we just might succeed!”
Chapter 42
“These should do us very nicely, sir.” The coachman looked over Darcy’s carefully written directions to Sommerwald. “I was dreading going through Henry’s things trying to find his notes. I have no doubt that he had it but where was in serious doubt.” He smiled and looked at his employer. “Not too many tolls.”
“Enough of them.” Darcy nodded thoughtfully. “I will give you the money for them before we leave …” Assessing his man carefully, he tilted his head. “Could you use new livery?”
He looked over his faded green coat with a smile. “No sir, I wear my old coat when I’m just mucking around the stable.”
“Very well.” Darcy looked over to the house. Seeing yet another carriage arriving he shook his head with a sigh. With the home situated on a corner, he could easily see the portico from the stables in the mews, and a constant stream of carriages, either servants dropping off cards or ladies waiting within hoping to be granted an interview were there to, in his mind, bother Elizabeth. Pulling out his watch, he quickly checked the time. “Two more hours.” He groaned. “I suppose I could practice my fencing some more.” He rubbed at the dull ache in his chest. “No, I cannot.”
“Two more hours of callers, sir?” The coachman chuckled. “Lowry hasn’t had to work this hard answering the door in some time!”
Darcy’s mouth twitched upwards. “You are taking too much enjoyment out of this, Harris.”
“Aye, I am. Dinner will be a pleasure tonight, hearing the tales from the maids.” He watched Darcy’s hand run over the seal painted on the door and lifted his chin. “I expect your new carriage will be built before long?”
“Not for another month. It is a shame; we could have used it for the journey to Scotland.”
“I am glad it was not this one, I am very fond of this beauty.” He rubbed the finish with a rag and looked at it proudly. “There was a bloke hanging around a might too close for my liking and I chased him off.”
His brow creasing, Darcy looked at him quizzically. “Where was this?”
“In Gracechurch Street, the night that you went to the theatre? I saw him leaning on the side, comfortable as you please! He was going to stay the night, by the looks of him.”
“What did he look like?”
“Tall, almost your height, but not quite, dark hair cut short, you know brushed over his face as the gentlemen do?” Nodding, he shook his finger … “Like Napoleon!”
“Pardon?” Darcy started. “Napoleon?”
“Just to pick a face we both know …” Seeing Darcy’s concern he said reassuringly, “I think that he was looking to see what he could grab from inside, and didn’t know me and Ben was in there keeping warm. No harm, done, sir.”
“No, just a vagrant, I suppose.”
“What of your new curricle? My heart broke to see the other ruined. It could fly like the wind! But I’m sure you’ll have a faster one than ever!”
“Well, we will see. I have decided to give the order to Macalister’s shop in Lambton. He seems very eager to try his hand and was relentless in presenting his ideas to Mr. Barnes.”
“Macalister’s a good man, sir. He will do right by you. This will be his first great order.” Harris looked at him admiringly. “This could be the making of him, sir.”
Darcy immediately looked back to his carriage and touched the varnish. “I wrote to him that I want it by August. I have plans to scare Mrs. Darcy with it this summer.”
