Everything Will Change, page 28
There was a flurry of activity at Dunsmore House in preparation for the next day’s wedding celebration.
Just the day before, Elizabeth and Lady Sophia had attended another wedding ceremony—one that was rather quiet and low-key, for it was the marriage of her youngest sister, Lydia, to George Wickham. It was a shock to them all, but the wayward couple mysteriously surfaced from whatever hellhole they had been held up in – no doubt one of London’s seedier sides – proclaiming their intention to marry. Other than Lady Sophia, Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, the officiant and the couple themselves, there were no other guests. Even Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth’s other sisters had not been informed. It was a strange affair indeed. The good news was that the Bennet family’s reputation would be salvaged in time, and for that Elizabeth was exceedingly grateful.
The last thing Lady Sophia and Elizabeth expected was that one of the people among those coming and going that day would be Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Neither of the former two could think of a probable motive for the latter’s coming. Elizabeth had only met Lady Catherine once before and that was during the start of the Season. Elizabeth recalled that her ladyship had been most disagreeable.
Having entered the room with an ungracious air hardly befitting a guest in the home of a duke, Lady Catherine refused all the usual courtesies and asserted her purpose in coming was to speak to Elizabeth in privacy. Assured that Elizabeth’s courage would rise in the wake of any challenge put forth by the bad-tempered guest, Lady Sophia quit the room.
“You ought to know, young lady, that I have just heard a report of a most alarming nature that has to do with you and my nephew. I have come here from my brother’s home – the Earl of Matlock – and I cannot begin to express my disgust. I went there for the express purpose of putting an end to my niece’s lies about Darcy being the father of her unborn child only to learn that she was never with child from the start.”
What? Did I rightly hear her ladyship correctly? Did she say that her niece was never with child? This confirms Mr. Darcy’s original conjecture that his cousin was lying.
Elizabeth responded to her ladyship with unaffected astonishment. “This information seems to be of a rather personal nature between Mr. Darcy and his cousin. I fail to see what any of this has to do with me.”
“I will not be trifled with, young woman. My niece had the audacity to tell me that the favorite wish of two sisters is still not to be realized owing to my nephew’s belief that he is in love with you. That young woman has proved herself to be a most egregious liar, and I suspect that what she claims about my nephew’s supposed feelings for you is just another instance. Her wild imagination does not end there. She claims that my nephew exercised extraordinary measures to bring about the recovery of your youngest sister from her despicable plight – a young woman of barely sixteen fornicating with a man nearly twice her senior – and that his sole purpose in doing so was to regain your good opinion. She also said that my nephew has long intended to make you an offer of marriage and that he likely has already done so.”
“If you believe your niece to be untruthful, what can be your purpose in coming to see me?”
“I determined to come here and have you declare that there is no foundation for her assertions.”
“I do not pretend to be obligated to speak on such matters.”
“This is not to be borne, Miss Bennet. I insist upon being satisfied. Has my nephew made you an offer of marriage?”
“Again, your ladyship, you may choose to ask me questions of such a personal nature, but I am not obliged to answer.”
“You insolent girl! Do you suppose for one instant that I would quietly stand by and allow such a travesty to unfold? If I was not content to allow Darcy to be taken in by my niece – my own flesh and blood – then why would I allow the likes of you to dissuade him?
“From their infancy, my nephew and my daughter, Anne, have been intended for each other. It was the favorite wish of his mother, as well as my own. While they lay in their cradles we planned the union. Now when the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished by their marriage, it is to be threatened by a young woman of inferior birth.”
Her ladyship glared at Elizabeth. “Make no mistake—no scandalous twist of fate can alter your inferior bloodline despite your noble connections.”
“You fail to take into account that Mr. Darcy and I are wholly equal despite the scandalous twist of fate that you expound upon. He is a gentleman and I am a gentleman’s daughter!”
“True. You are a gentleman’s daughter. But what of your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.”
“Whatever my connections may be,” said Elizabeth, “if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you.”
“I have suffered enough of your impertinence! Tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him?”
Though Elizabeth would not have answered this question merely for the sake of obliging Lady Catherine, she could not but say, after a moment’s deliberation, that she was not engaged to the woman’s nephew.
Lady Catherine seemed pleased. “And will you promise me never to enter into such an engagement?”
“I will make no promise of the kind.”
“Miss Bennet, I am shocked and astonished. I had expected to find you a more reasonable young woman. However, do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away until you have given me the assurance I require.”
“And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. It is no great secret that you want Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter, but would my giving you the wished-for promise make their marriage any more probable?
“Even if he were attached to me, would my refusing to accept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin? Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged. You have widely mistaken my character if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these. How far your nephew might approve of your interference in his affairs I cannot tell, but you have certainly no right to concern yourself in mine. I must beg, therefore, to be importuned no longer on the subject.”
“And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable, but, depend upon it, I will carry my point.”
In this manner, Lady Catherine babbled on until she was at the door. Then, turning hastily around, she added, “I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to Lady Sophia or His Grace. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.”
Darcy slowly traced his thumb along the rim of his glass. What a distasteful business it had been—recovering Elizabeth’s youngest sister from the scandal she had thrust upon herself as well as her family. Even if Elizabeth were never to learn of his part in arranging the expeditious marriage between Wickham and her youngest sister, it still would have been worth it as recompense for the pain he himself had caused her.
Sitting across the table from Avery at White’s, he said, “I understand that congratulations are in order. I wish you and Miss Hamilton all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you, Darcy. As much as I would wish to have you there, I do not think it will be wise in light of the circumstances.”
“You are aware, or perhaps you’re not by your attitude, but my cousin’s accusations against me have proved false, just as I said they would. There is no longer an expectation of our being married.”
“I am very happy for you, Darcy; however, I am not sure that changes anything as far as my sister is concerned.”
“That is fair enough. However, you ought to know that my feelings for Elizabeth have not changed. Although she refuses to see me, I have not given up on the hope of a future between us.”
“You wounded her deeply. Why would she wish to see you?”
“Avery, you know under normal circumstances I would never impose upon our friendship. In such a case as this, it cannot be helped.”
“What do you want from me, Darcy?”
“If I could but see her…”
“Darcy, I am not insensitive to your plight as regards my sister, nor have I forgotten what a great friend you have been to my family.” Here, Avery paused for a moment. Arising from his chair, he extended his hand to his friend. “You are welcome to be a part of my wedding celebration.”
Chapter 28 ~ Words of Approbation
What a grand affair Avery’s wedding breakfast was. It was everything that a member of the realm’s nuptials ought to be. Everyone praised the duke’s new wife, whose elegance and grace were in every way suitable to her elevated rank. Her exquisite gown gave Elizabeth and Lady Sophia to know its procurement alone had to have been the work of many weeks, if not months.
Avery was happy with his choice of bride. Nothing else really mattered, and, regardless of the young woman’s humble origins, she was now the Duchess of Dunsmore. Not only did she have Elizabeth’s and Lady Sophia’s respect, but she also had their loyalty and support.
However, Elizabeth did have cause to take umbrage with His Grace. He had not said a word to her about Mr. Darcy’s being invited to the wedding. She had seen the gentleman earlier that week and had managed successfully to avoid him. That was before her encounter with his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Now she wanted to see him. Better stated, she needed to see him. Lady Catherine’s tirade had raised more questions than answers, and it had also inspired in Elizabeth a glimmer of hope.
Supposing what she had to say about his involvement in my sister’s recovery is true, the very least I can do is thank him on behalf of my family.
When he could, Darcy headed straight towards her. Bowing, he said, “Miss Elizabeth.”
She curtsied. “Mr. Darcy.”
“It is a pleasure to see you.”
“I would say the same, sir. However, I would much rather not say anything here. At the risk of being untoward, pray you will meet me in the library.”
His charming smile confirmed he was more than happy to oblige her request. This was indeed a cause for hope.
Alone in the library, Darcy and Elizabeth spoke of many things: his aunt’s visit, his cousin’s duplicity, her sister’s scandal, and Elizabeth’s feelings of having failed her family. She had thought she could make a difference in her family’s life. Her good intentions had not been enough to protect her sister.
“It was right that you tried to do your best by your family and give your sisters good examples to follow. You must not blame yourself for what happened.”
“Yet you went out of your way in saving my sister from ruin. You salvaged my family’s reputation and at considerable expense to yourself, I suspect. Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for the generous compassion that induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering Lydia and Mr. Wickham.”
“If you will thank me,” he replied, “let it be for yourself alone. Your family owe me nothing. As much as I respect them, in coming to your sister’s aid as I did, I believe I thought only of you.”
“I contend that I am deeply obligated to you, sir. What’s more, I might not have learned any of this as soon as I did if it had not been for Lady Catherine.”
“No doubt she was most unpleasant. I am sorry.”
“Please do not be. Her visit cast a different light on other matters as well.”
“How so?”
“Your aunt told me your cousin fabricated the entire scheme from the start, just as you suspected. You, sir, know me well enough to know that I am a very curious creature. Surely there’s more to the story.”
“My cousin admitted to taking advantage of me, even violating my privacy in a most egregious manner, but she also admitted that nothing of a physical nature occurred between us, despite the impropriety.”
“If you are saying what I suspect, it is horrible all the same. She is someone whom you’ve always admired. You loved her and now you must hate her.”
“No—I have too many fond memories of her to ever say that I hate her. Although I feel strongly it will be many years before I truly forgive her. I do not suppose I will ever learn to trust her again.”
“Because of that trust, you acted the only way you could. I cannot fault you for that. I might even go as far as to credit you with being honorable for the sacrifice you were prepared to make on your cousin’s behalf.”
“I am sure there are many who would beg to differ.”
“Let others say what they will. You and I know better.”
“Still, I feel as though I ought to make amends to you for the disappointment you suffered.”
“Now it is my turn to say you owe me nothing. I might spend the rest of my life trying to repay you for all you have done for me and my family and all my efforts would prove insufficient.”
“I would much rather prefer you make better use of your time simply sharing my love.” Darcy took her by the hand. “Elizabeth, it goes without saying that I’m sorry to have wounded you. I always suspected my cousin was lying. Now that we know the truth, tell me it is not too late. Pray tell me we can rid ourselves of the memory of this most harrowing few months and start anew. Dare I ask too much that this day might be the first day of the rest of our lives together?”
“Sir, do you not suppose that such an act as you propose might seem a bit rash?”
“Indeed I do not. How I wish I had offered you my hand before you left Pemberley. I love you – most ardently – and I do not intend to let another day go by without proving it to you. I would like to start this very moment by asking you if you would do me the honor of accepting my hand.”
As he was holding her hand, Elizabeth felt compelled to brush a kiss across his knuckles. “Sir, nothing would give me more pleasure.”
“Truly—you mean to say this is finally happening? No more waiting?”
“I would say that you and I have waited long enough.”
Moistening his lips, Darcy leaned forward. As they closed their eyes, their lips met. How she had missed the soft feel of his lips on hers. She missed the sweet taste and his gentle coaxing, urging her to surrender her inhibitions and enjoy all that a kiss from the man whom she loved occasioned.
At length, the sound of someone clearing his throat commanded their attention and thus drew them apart. “This had better mean what I hope it means.”
Biting her lower lip and hence relishing the lingering taste of her lover’s, she looked at the unexpected third party rather sheepishly. The three of them could not help but smile. In such a case as this, what better words of approbation from an older brother might Elizabeth hope for?
Chapter 29 ~ A Tender Moment
Avery’s insistence that Elizabeth’s companion, Miss Greene, accompany her in Mr. Darcy’s carriage on her return trip to Hertfordshire vexed Elizabeth exceedingly. True, decorum dictated that a single woman not travel alone with a single gentleman. However, it was not as though she and Darcy had not bent their fair share of rules over the past several days since their betrothal. With both of them vowing that they never wished to be parted again, it was all they could do to stay away from each other. Be it early morning strolls in the park, middays spent reading in the library, or dinner parties at either Dunsmore House or Darcy’s townhouse, Elizabeth and Darcy were nearly inseparable.
Thus, when Mr. Darcy asked Elizabeth to contrive to sit opposite her faithful companion in order that he might sit next to her, she willingly obliged.
Elizabeth supposed she had the steady lull of the carriage combined with the bright sun peeping through the windows to thank for Miss Greene’s persistent yawns and occasional nods. Oh, how she wished the other woman would simply succumb to slumber’s beckoning call rather than continue fighting it.
Elizabeth was gazing out the window thinking of the promising prospects that awaited her once she and Mr. Darcy were married when she felt a light brush against her hand. Moments later, she felt a gentle squeeze. She closed her eyes and relished the frissons of pleasure coaxing all over her body. In a flash, she opened them and threw a furtive glance in Miss Greene’s direction only to find that her wish had come true. Next, she glimpsed her betrothed. The smoldering look in his eyes told her that he likely had been wishing the same thing.
He raised her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. As much as Darcy did not like the added scrutiny that his friend had subjected him to of late as it regarded Elizabeth, he could not fault Avery, especially given his body’s reaction to her whenever they were this close. No doubt, were his own sister, Georgiana, engaged to a man so evidently and so violently in love with her, Darcy would exercise the same guarded measures as His Grace.
All he could think about from the moment Elizabeth had agreed to be his wife was how long it would be before the blessed event took place. Fortunately, it would not be very long at all. As much as Elizabeth may have wished for a lengthy stay in Hertfordshire, she dearly wanted Avery to be there on her special day, which dictated he delay his extended wedding journey. Assured his petition for Elizabeth’s hand would be met with Mr. Bennet’s approval, Darcy had even procured a special license. Soon Elizabeth will be all mine.
Releasing her hand, Darcy casually outstretched his arm and then rested it along the back of the seat. He claimed her hand once more with his free hand, allowing his fingers to brush over her skin. Slowly, he leaned in until his lips were within inches of hers.
“Sir,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her breath warm, her amazing dark eyes questioning.
Her lips were moist, slightly parted and inviting and he wanted nothing more than to kiss her. He leaned even closer and then whispered in her ear. “I was beginning to think she would never fall asleep.”
Just the day before, Elizabeth and Lady Sophia had attended another wedding ceremony—one that was rather quiet and low-key, for it was the marriage of her youngest sister, Lydia, to George Wickham. It was a shock to them all, but the wayward couple mysteriously surfaced from whatever hellhole they had been held up in – no doubt one of London’s seedier sides – proclaiming their intention to marry. Other than Lady Sophia, Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, the officiant and the couple themselves, there were no other guests. Even Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth’s other sisters had not been informed. It was a strange affair indeed. The good news was that the Bennet family’s reputation would be salvaged in time, and for that Elizabeth was exceedingly grateful.
The last thing Lady Sophia and Elizabeth expected was that one of the people among those coming and going that day would be Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Neither of the former two could think of a probable motive for the latter’s coming. Elizabeth had only met Lady Catherine once before and that was during the start of the Season. Elizabeth recalled that her ladyship had been most disagreeable.
Having entered the room with an ungracious air hardly befitting a guest in the home of a duke, Lady Catherine refused all the usual courtesies and asserted her purpose in coming was to speak to Elizabeth in privacy. Assured that Elizabeth’s courage would rise in the wake of any challenge put forth by the bad-tempered guest, Lady Sophia quit the room.
“You ought to know, young lady, that I have just heard a report of a most alarming nature that has to do with you and my nephew. I have come here from my brother’s home – the Earl of Matlock – and I cannot begin to express my disgust. I went there for the express purpose of putting an end to my niece’s lies about Darcy being the father of her unborn child only to learn that she was never with child from the start.”
What? Did I rightly hear her ladyship correctly? Did she say that her niece was never with child? This confirms Mr. Darcy’s original conjecture that his cousin was lying.
Elizabeth responded to her ladyship with unaffected astonishment. “This information seems to be of a rather personal nature between Mr. Darcy and his cousin. I fail to see what any of this has to do with me.”
“I will not be trifled with, young woman. My niece had the audacity to tell me that the favorite wish of two sisters is still not to be realized owing to my nephew’s belief that he is in love with you. That young woman has proved herself to be a most egregious liar, and I suspect that what she claims about my nephew’s supposed feelings for you is just another instance. Her wild imagination does not end there. She claims that my nephew exercised extraordinary measures to bring about the recovery of your youngest sister from her despicable plight – a young woman of barely sixteen fornicating with a man nearly twice her senior – and that his sole purpose in doing so was to regain your good opinion. She also said that my nephew has long intended to make you an offer of marriage and that he likely has already done so.”
“If you believe your niece to be untruthful, what can be your purpose in coming to see me?”
“I determined to come here and have you declare that there is no foundation for her assertions.”
“I do not pretend to be obligated to speak on such matters.”
“This is not to be borne, Miss Bennet. I insist upon being satisfied. Has my nephew made you an offer of marriage?”
“Again, your ladyship, you may choose to ask me questions of such a personal nature, but I am not obliged to answer.”
“You insolent girl! Do you suppose for one instant that I would quietly stand by and allow such a travesty to unfold? If I was not content to allow Darcy to be taken in by my niece – my own flesh and blood – then why would I allow the likes of you to dissuade him?
“From their infancy, my nephew and my daughter, Anne, have been intended for each other. It was the favorite wish of his mother, as well as my own. While they lay in their cradles we planned the union. Now when the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished by their marriage, it is to be threatened by a young woman of inferior birth.”
Her ladyship glared at Elizabeth. “Make no mistake—no scandalous twist of fate can alter your inferior bloodline despite your noble connections.”
“You fail to take into account that Mr. Darcy and I are wholly equal despite the scandalous twist of fate that you expound upon. He is a gentleman and I am a gentleman’s daughter!”
“True. You are a gentleman’s daughter. But what of your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.”
“Whatever my connections may be,” said Elizabeth, “if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you.”
“I have suffered enough of your impertinence! Tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him?”
Though Elizabeth would not have answered this question merely for the sake of obliging Lady Catherine, she could not but say, after a moment’s deliberation, that she was not engaged to the woman’s nephew.
Lady Catherine seemed pleased. “And will you promise me never to enter into such an engagement?”
“I will make no promise of the kind.”
“Miss Bennet, I am shocked and astonished. I had expected to find you a more reasonable young woman. However, do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away until you have given me the assurance I require.”
“And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. It is no great secret that you want Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter, but would my giving you the wished-for promise make their marriage any more probable?
“Even if he were attached to me, would my refusing to accept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin? Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged. You have widely mistaken my character if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these. How far your nephew might approve of your interference in his affairs I cannot tell, but you have certainly no right to concern yourself in mine. I must beg, therefore, to be importuned no longer on the subject.”
“And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable, but, depend upon it, I will carry my point.”
In this manner, Lady Catherine babbled on until she was at the door. Then, turning hastily around, she added, “I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to Lady Sophia or His Grace. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.”
Darcy slowly traced his thumb along the rim of his glass. What a distasteful business it had been—recovering Elizabeth’s youngest sister from the scandal she had thrust upon herself as well as her family. Even if Elizabeth were never to learn of his part in arranging the expeditious marriage between Wickham and her youngest sister, it still would have been worth it as recompense for the pain he himself had caused her.
Sitting across the table from Avery at White’s, he said, “I understand that congratulations are in order. I wish you and Miss Hamilton all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you, Darcy. As much as I would wish to have you there, I do not think it will be wise in light of the circumstances.”
“You are aware, or perhaps you’re not by your attitude, but my cousin’s accusations against me have proved false, just as I said they would. There is no longer an expectation of our being married.”
“I am very happy for you, Darcy; however, I am not sure that changes anything as far as my sister is concerned.”
“That is fair enough. However, you ought to know that my feelings for Elizabeth have not changed. Although she refuses to see me, I have not given up on the hope of a future between us.”
“You wounded her deeply. Why would she wish to see you?”
“Avery, you know under normal circumstances I would never impose upon our friendship. In such a case as this, it cannot be helped.”
“What do you want from me, Darcy?”
“If I could but see her…”
“Darcy, I am not insensitive to your plight as regards my sister, nor have I forgotten what a great friend you have been to my family.” Here, Avery paused for a moment. Arising from his chair, he extended his hand to his friend. “You are welcome to be a part of my wedding celebration.”
Chapter 28 ~ Words of Approbation
What a grand affair Avery’s wedding breakfast was. It was everything that a member of the realm’s nuptials ought to be. Everyone praised the duke’s new wife, whose elegance and grace were in every way suitable to her elevated rank. Her exquisite gown gave Elizabeth and Lady Sophia to know its procurement alone had to have been the work of many weeks, if not months.
Avery was happy with his choice of bride. Nothing else really mattered, and, regardless of the young woman’s humble origins, she was now the Duchess of Dunsmore. Not only did she have Elizabeth’s and Lady Sophia’s respect, but she also had their loyalty and support.
However, Elizabeth did have cause to take umbrage with His Grace. He had not said a word to her about Mr. Darcy’s being invited to the wedding. She had seen the gentleman earlier that week and had managed successfully to avoid him. That was before her encounter with his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Now she wanted to see him. Better stated, she needed to see him. Lady Catherine’s tirade had raised more questions than answers, and it had also inspired in Elizabeth a glimmer of hope.
Supposing what she had to say about his involvement in my sister’s recovery is true, the very least I can do is thank him on behalf of my family.
When he could, Darcy headed straight towards her. Bowing, he said, “Miss Elizabeth.”
She curtsied. “Mr. Darcy.”
“It is a pleasure to see you.”
“I would say the same, sir. However, I would much rather not say anything here. At the risk of being untoward, pray you will meet me in the library.”
His charming smile confirmed he was more than happy to oblige her request. This was indeed a cause for hope.
Alone in the library, Darcy and Elizabeth spoke of many things: his aunt’s visit, his cousin’s duplicity, her sister’s scandal, and Elizabeth’s feelings of having failed her family. She had thought she could make a difference in her family’s life. Her good intentions had not been enough to protect her sister.
“It was right that you tried to do your best by your family and give your sisters good examples to follow. You must not blame yourself for what happened.”
“Yet you went out of your way in saving my sister from ruin. You salvaged my family’s reputation and at considerable expense to yourself, I suspect. Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for the generous compassion that induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering Lydia and Mr. Wickham.”
“If you will thank me,” he replied, “let it be for yourself alone. Your family owe me nothing. As much as I respect them, in coming to your sister’s aid as I did, I believe I thought only of you.”
“I contend that I am deeply obligated to you, sir. What’s more, I might not have learned any of this as soon as I did if it had not been for Lady Catherine.”
“No doubt she was most unpleasant. I am sorry.”
“Please do not be. Her visit cast a different light on other matters as well.”
“How so?”
“Your aunt told me your cousin fabricated the entire scheme from the start, just as you suspected. You, sir, know me well enough to know that I am a very curious creature. Surely there’s more to the story.”
“My cousin admitted to taking advantage of me, even violating my privacy in a most egregious manner, but she also admitted that nothing of a physical nature occurred between us, despite the impropriety.”
“If you are saying what I suspect, it is horrible all the same. She is someone whom you’ve always admired. You loved her and now you must hate her.”
“No—I have too many fond memories of her to ever say that I hate her. Although I feel strongly it will be many years before I truly forgive her. I do not suppose I will ever learn to trust her again.”
“Because of that trust, you acted the only way you could. I cannot fault you for that. I might even go as far as to credit you with being honorable for the sacrifice you were prepared to make on your cousin’s behalf.”
“I am sure there are many who would beg to differ.”
“Let others say what they will. You and I know better.”
“Still, I feel as though I ought to make amends to you for the disappointment you suffered.”
“Now it is my turn to say you owe me nothing. I might spend the rest of my life trying to repay you for all you have done for me and my family and all my efforts would prove insufficient.”
“I would much rather prefer you make better use of your time simply sharing my love.” Darcy took her by the hand. “Elizabeth, it goes without saying that I’m sorry to have wounded you. I always suspected my cousin was lying. Now that we know the truth, tell me it is not too late. Pray tell me we can rid ourselves of the memory of this most harrowing few months and start anew. Dare I ask too much that this day might be the first day of the rest of our lives together?”
“Sir, do you not suppose that such an act as you propose might seem a bit rash?”
“Indeed I do not. How I wish I had offered you my hand before you left Pemberley. I love you – most ardently – and I do not intend to let another day go by without proving it to you. I would like to start this very moment by asking you if you would do me the honor of accepting my hand.”
As he was holding her hand, Elizabeth felt compelled to brush a kiss across his knuckles. “Sir, nothing would give me more pleasure.”
“Truly—you mean to say this is finally happening? No more waiting?”
“I would say that you and I have waited long enough.”
Moistening his lips, Darcy leaned forward. As they closed their eyes, their lips met. How she had missed the soft feel of his lips on hers. She missed the sweet taste and his gentle coaxing, urging her to surrender her inhibitions and enjoy all that a kiss from the man whom she loved occasioned.
At length, the sound of someone clearing his throat commanded their attention and thus drew them apart. “This had better mean what I hope it means.”
Biting her lower lip and hence relishing the lingering taste of her lover’s, she looked at the unexpected third party rather sheepishly. The three of them could not help but smile. In such a case as this, what better words of approbation from an older brother might Elizabeth hope for?
Chapter 29 ~ A Tender Moment
Avery’s insistence that Elizabeth’s companion, Miss Greene, accompany her in Mr. Darcy’s carriage on her return trip to Hertfordshire vexed Elizabeth exceedingly. True, decorum dictated that a single woman not travel alone with a single gentleman. However, it was not as though she and Darcy had not bent their fair share of rules over the past several days since their betrothal. With both of them vowing that they never wished to be parted again, it was all they could do to stay away from each other. Be it early morning strolls in the park, middays spent reading in the library, or dinner parties at either Dunsmore House or Darcy’s townhouse, Elizabeth and Darcy were nearly inseparable.
Thus, when Mr. Darcy asked Elizabeth to contrive to sit opposite her faithful companion in order that he might sit next to her, she willingly obliged.
Elizabeth supposed she had the steady lull of the carriage combined with the bright sun peeping through the windows to thank for Miss Greene’s persistent yawns and occasional nods. Oh, how she wished the other woman would simply succumb to slumber’s beckoning call rather than continue fighting it.
Elizabeth was gazing out the window thinking of the promising prospects that awaited her once she and Mr. Darcy were married when she felt a light brush against her hand. Moments later, she felt a gentle squeeze. She closed her eyes and relished the frissons of pleasure coaxing all over her body. In a flash, she opened them and threw a furtive glance in Miss Greene’s direction only to find that her wish had come true. Next, she glimpsed her betrothed. The smoldering look in his eyes told her that he likely had been wishing the same thing.
He raised her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. As much as Darcy did not like the added scrutiny that his friend had subjected him to of late as it regarded Elizabeth, he could not fault Avery, especially given his body’s reaction to her whenever they were this close. No doubt, were his own sister, Georgiana, engaged to a man so evidently and so violently in love with her, Darcy would exercise the same guarded measures as His Grace.
All he could think about from the moment Elizabeth had agreed to be his wife was how long it would be before the blessed event took place. Fortunately, it would not be very long at all. As much as Elizabeth may have wished for a lengthy stay in Hertfordshire, she dearly wanted Avery to be there on her special day, which dictated he delay his extended wedding journey. Assured his petition for Elizabeth’s hand would be met with Mr. Bennet’s approval, Darcy had even procured a special license. Soon Elizabeth will be all mine.
Releasing her hand, Darcy casually outstretched his arm and then rested it along the back of the seat. He claimed her hand once more with his free hand, allowing his fingers to brush over her skin. Slowly, he leaned in until his lips were within inches of hers.
“Sir,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her breath warm, her amazing dark eyes questioning.
Her lips were moist, slightly parted and inviting and he wanted nothing more than to kiss her. He leaned even closer and then whispered in her ear. “I was beginning to think she would never fall asleep.”
