Mr Darcy's Legacy, page 9
“No doubt after he proposed to her and she accepted, he gave her that ring. What happiness it must have been. They thought that somehow the Duke would be induced to accept their marriage. I wish I knew all the story! But I have this impression that it was not because of my illness that she did not tell me more but because they decided so. I think from the beginning Fitz knew his father would oppose the marriage and they decided to keep the secret from everybody.”
“I long for you, for your body next to mine!”
Elizabeth stopped, blushing with embarrassment, and tried not to look around the table. She had taken a letter without Edwina seeing her, as the lady seemed utterly lost in the past. But the colour in Elizabeth’s cheeks did not fade; Darcy was sure it was not only the letters that troubled her but also her own feelings. She could not read anymore.
So Darcy stood up, kissed Lady Edwina’s hand, inviting everybody to retire for the night.
“We have had a most difficult day; it is time for reflection and rest.”
Only Georgiana looked disappointed and sad. She would have liked the evening to go on, to read all her mama’s letters. So Lady Edwina gave her the letters with a smile that filled Georgiana’s heart with happiness. That august lady considered her old enough to read all the messages. It was a ritual of passage from girlhood to maturity that Lady Edwina performed for her in her mother’s absence. Georgiana was so delighted she forgot to say goodnight, eager to be alone in her room with the cherished letters. On the table remained only the letters for the Duke. They were still tied up with a ribbon, as nobody dared to untie them. Darcy took them and said to Edwina:
“I will decide in the morning what to do with them.”
Lady Edwina remained silent, as it was not her decision. She affectionately caressed Elizabeth’s face in a long, tender movement.
“Very well. I shall see you all tomorrow.”
Chapter 12
In the last day Elizabeth had been living sweet torture: she always wanted to be near Darcy, to touch him, to make him take her into his arms. That ride that they took together in the carriage had revealed feelings she did not know she had, a whole new world of sensations and yearnings. She anticipated his prolonged kisses with a desire that ached sometimes.
Their love was not the madness Anne and Fitz shared in the past but Elizabeth remembered the carriage again and during those hours their love was an ardent and overwhelming passion. So she had to admit that it was she who must draw a limit to their physical love. Anne had abandoned herself to that consuming love, with confidence in her feelings and in her beloved. She did not care about the wedding day or what the world would think about her.
For the first time in her life, Elizabeth let desire conquer her, like an intense river that took possession of her veins. And as she put her diaphanous nightgown on, she felt grateful to Anne for her courage, not only to be with the man she loved but also to reveal the secret that showed her as a mother and a wife, as well as a woman overwhelmed by passion. Anne did not marry her love, but Fitz was the first man in her life and Elizabeth was certain it was this memory that made her accept her life without him.
Elizabeth’s decision was taken with all the force of passion and the courage Anne conveyed to her through her own example.
She admired the house with the spacious halls so well lighted all night long but for once it seemed too large; it took her too long to arrive at Darcy’s door, as their rooms were too far apart. Eventually, she breathed deeply and knocked at the door with her heart pumping, and her feelings overcoming her thoughts and her senses. She startled when Parker appeared – she never considered the butler might open the door.
"Miss Bennet. Would you like to come in?” The butler invited her with obvious surprise.
She nodded and stepped in, ignoring the butler.
Darcy was at his secretaire writing a letter, still wearing his clothes, his jacket on the back of his chair. He raised his eyes in astonishment but a smile flourished on his face. He stood up, waiting for Elizabeth to approach.
“Go to sleep, Parker,” he said, “I will not need you anymore tonight!”
Darcy was so delighted that his heart was pounding. Finally, he caught his breath but with an effort; she was blushing and he was gasping like after climbing a mountain, looking at each other with an intensity that accentuated their emotions.
“Are you sure, Elizabeth? We could be married tomorrow, you know!”
It was her turn to sigh; an urge that almost prevented her from speaking was travelling through her body like incandescent blood. She saw in his eyes how much he desired and wanted her and at last, she said:
“Because I want my wedding day as I planned it, with flowers and ribbons, the white carriage and all the family around; I want the beautiful dress I purchased and even to have a long trail that will follow the church’s stairs like a living snake.”
No matter what the fashion was, she wanted to look like Anne at the ball where she met the Duke.
Elizabeth paused for just an instant; she was not undecided but excited.
“However, that day would be only to sign our union in front of society. In front of God and us, we can solemnize our wedding tonight. I do not want another day to pass without being your woman.”
“You are my woman, Elizabeth!”
“No, my love, I am your promised woman; I want to keep this promise tonight in Lady Anne’s bedroom!”
“Or mine!” he said, and a smile finally grew on his face after all that tension.
“Or yours!”
But he did not intend to approach her, he wanted more answers:
“Why, Elizabeth? Why?
“Because you or even I, one of us could walk out the front door and disappear forever…”
She was almost crying, but she was not scared; it was just the passion that had so many ways to erupt.
Darcy attempted to respond, but Elizabeth covered his mouth with her fingers in a delicious gesture.
“Let me finish!” she pleaded. “Life is like that; there are so many circumstances that could come between us even in this final two weeks and I want you, my love, to be the first man in my life no matter what happens after this night.”
“I have already told you, nothing will happen after this night. There will be tomorrow night and so on until the marriage and finally on your wedding night you will not be a virgin and your husband will forever reproach you for this.” He was smiling but the perspective of her body made him less confident in his capacity of hiding his feelings and lust. He only hoped Elizabeth was not yet capable of seeing his profound excitement.
“Yes, knowing my future husband, I am sure he will blame me all our life for my lost virginity, but it is a risk I take…”
She wished to say more but Darcy raised her up and carried his precious burden to the bedroom. He undressed her and not taking his eyes from her for a second, he undressed in front of her, letting her become accustomed to his body.
“Are you sure my love?” he whispered as he approached her so near that she could feel him; she sighed, a little sound between passion and fear.
“I am!” she said.
“Do you know what you have to do?” Darcy asked with the sweetest possible tone.
Elizabeth coloured, or she had never recovered from her last blush as she was nodding.
She didn’t know what to do and Darcy was so happy about her innocence that he tenderly kissed her on the forehead:
“Come, my love, do not be frightened; you will see how wonderful love is, just let me guide you!”
She wanted to close her eyes but Darcy told her to look at him. Her body, tense and almost immobile, began to vibrate in an inconscient rhythm she could no longer control. It was his voice whispering in her ears, his hands that moved along her body in all the places she considered to be secret. At first, she tried to resist but from time to time a single touched made her blood explode and the sensation was so intense that she did not want to resist. The staggering promise hidden in his caresses and in his kisses made her want to go further; his hands on her body suddenly were not enough anymore as she finally understood what he meant when he whispered, “I want you!” Her whole body on fire, she sensed she was ready for him, no longer afraid or shy, no longer hesitant, and for the first time she could say, “Yes, come!” The girl she still was did not know for sure what would follow but she had confidence in him; she let his body conquer her and what was painful at first became pleasure, happiness and bliss.
Unsure at first, her moves were timid and unskilful but he was there melding her to his own rhythms and when she did not know what to do she understood from his caresses and his body.
And when at the end of the night it was her turn to caress him, Darcy had to admit that he had found not only a mistress for Pemberley and the mother for his children but a woman who would give him pleasure as no other had in the past. He was so astonished by this discovery that he looked for a long time to his sleeping beauty wondering what secret she owned to put such a spell on him, and how lucky he was to be her choice.
Chapter 13
It took just a glance for Edwina to understand what had occurred. Elizabeth had dark circles around her eyes but they shined with an unmistakable confession; she was deeply happy and fulfilled. Edwina decided to temper the tension of that first day after the first night, so she smiled and said to Parker:
“Please, Parker, invite Mr Acton to breakfast.”
Elizabeth looked to Lady Edwina with gratitude. It was precisely what she needed, a simple day, like any other, no more letters or passion or stories from the past.
They were expecting Darcy; Elizabeth could hardly wake him long after she was dressed.
Elizabeth was expecting him with a hint of curiosity but also worry; what if she was not what he expected? But then she realised that she had no means to answer that question, as he could not discuss with her details from their bedroom during breakfast.
But Darcy looked unchanged; he greeted them, kissed Georgiana’s and Lady Edwina’s hands, and took his place at the table. And only then he looked at Elizabeth, his eyes telling her how wonderful she was and how much he had missed her. Her heart began to race, her senses awakening as had happened in their bedroom. She could not believe what effect he had on her. She looked around, blushing. Lady Edwina already guessed the truth, there was little doubt about that. Georgiana was so happy after reading her mother’s letters that she hardly noticed anything else. She needed to speak about those letters and she hoped Elizabeth would come with her after breakfast. But then, she realised Elizabeth was almost as young as she was and inexperienced like her; she needed a woman able to advise her. Lady Edwina could read her thoughts, so she promised Georgiana to spend the morning together.
The breakfast was joyful, as Mr Acton carried most of the conversation, and everybody was grateful for his exuberance; he was passionate about every task Darcy asked him to do and was anxious to prove himself to the master and to them all.
At the end of breakfast, Darcy invited the ladies into the parlour.
“Just for a short while,” he said, speaking in a very neutral tone that gave no sign what he wanted to tell them about. They knew the subject was Anne as they were far from concluding the story.
However, Darcy did not want to resume the letter reading, as Georgiana feared; he just made a brief announcement.
“I decided to give His Grace, the letters my mother left for him. I dedicated a lot of thought to the matter − I assure you − and took this decision on my own. I hope you understand that mother gave me the power to decide.”
Nobody protested or said anything, so he continued:
“I wrote and sent him a letter asking for a meeting tomorrow. I will go and give him the letters, no need for many words or explanation. It is a gesture that I must make for her, despite what the consequences might be. I confess that I do not care anymore about the London Ton and gossips. Elizabeth and I will leave for Pemberley soon after the wedding and we intend to stay there for a long period, as a proper beginning to our marriage. For this morning Elizabeth and I will go for a walk in Hyde Park I want people to see us together and to become accustomed to our soon to be marriage.”
Lady Edwina agreed; she loved and admired Anne’s son who had turned into such a fine man. For some years she had been afraid he was too proud, selfish, and snobbish but during the last day… and night, he proved to be a responsible gentleman and, most precious of all, a lad in love.
“Just one word before we leave,” Lady Edwina said, “when I fully recovered from my illness, Anne was going to get married.”
The party looked at her in general bewilderment but it was Darcy who spoke:
“They were married that summer?”
“Yes!” Lady Edwina said. “And from the moment she was wedded to Darcy, Anne never spoke again about Fitz, till the last days of her life, when she gave me some instruction regarding her secret being conveyed to you.”
“Perhaps the Duke left her by his own decision,” Georgina said with a sad voice.
“Absolutely, not!” Lady Edwina was firm. “Fitz was obliged to marry Hilda of Hanover and Lady Anne Fitzwilliam was obliged to marry James Darcy, your father. I am sorry children, but this is the only truth I am absolutely sure about!”
***
Elizabeth and Darcy strolled for half an hour in Hyde Park. The day was cloudy but as in the morning it had snowed for an hour, some of the trees still had a white coating, making a mirific scene. Elizabeth had borrowed a fur-lined pelisse and a vast muff, in white fur, from Georgiana. Even though she was lovely in her appearance, Darcy decided that it was the first and last time his wife to be would borrow clothing from someone else. Just before arriving at Hyde Park, they stopped, in front of a store and to Elizabeth’s surprise an exquisite woman came to their carriage, agreeing with Darcy to visit them at one o’clock.
Elizabeth was surprised by all the events of the day, as she had imagined them staying together, maybe even cuddling and kissing and instead they went for walks and received visits.
“It is not, properly, a visit, my love. Mrs Camberley has a very successful business in women’s clothes and she will make all the outfits you need, for now; then the next time we are in London, I am sure that you will visit her on your own.”
There was nothing to be said; Elizabeth was not as happy as Darcy expected, and there could have been only one cause.
“Listen to me,” he said before getting out of the carriage, as he knew how delicate the subject was.
Secretly he had asked Mr Bennet not to give him any dowry; he knew perfectly well the Bennets’ financial situation and he wanted to help them as much as he could, but it was something he did not want Elizabeth or anyone else to know. Thanks to his mother, these problems would be fixed forever once they were married.
“You seem to forget you are rich and you do not need your father or me to indulge you.”
“I did not forget, my love. But I am still not comfortable about receiving such a generous income of 1500 pounds a year, for my expenses only. It is generous but also a bit overwhelming. It seems impossible to be true.”
“It is true, my love. Marry me today and tomorrow you will be a rich woman or marry me in two weeks and be my mistress until then and I will pay for all your dresses and anything else you would like to buy!”
He was laughing and she, at once, shared his delight. They strolled in the park arm in arm, showing their happiness to strangers or to the people who stopped to salute them. To her pleasant surprise, all the people they met were very courteous, inviting them to parties or dinners, or just wanting to congratulate them on their engagement.
Chapter 14
Darcy was very content with the results of their stroll; he was now sure that his misadventure left no visible traces and he did not care much who contributed to this end or how it was achieved.
They intended to have a light meal and maybe rest for an hour or two, but the very moment they entered the hall Parker arrived in a hurry, handing Darcy a letter with great solemnity. Elizabeth was walking up the first stairs when Darcy, silently, held her hand, stopping her. He led her to the library, a room she liked less than the others in the house. The library was impressive with a high ceiling full of marvellous paintings and intricate wood bas-relief carvings; on three walls the books were arranged behind crystal glass doors on shelves as high as the room. She had entered that room several times to choose a book, each time intimidated by the mahogany shelves where the volumes stood in an order she hesitated to disturb. She made a promise to herself that when she became the mistress of the house, the library would have all the glass windows widely opened and anybody would be allowed to take books and even leave them in disorder.
But for the moment, the austerity of the room was in perfect accord with her future husband’s face. Without words he gave her the letter he had just read, with only his intense gaze on her face as if asking for advice. Elizabeth lived a short moment of deep satisfaction; the man in front of her had abandoned all the imperfection she had blamed him for when she first met him. The letter was from the Duke of Blandford inviting Darcy to call on him as soon as he received the message. The letter was entirely written without any ceremony. It sounded familiar and began with Dear Darcy; the invitation was so informal that only a member of the family would dare address it so.
“He is a Duke,” Elizabeth said as Darcy waited for her opinion. “I do not know, maybe a Duke can write such a letter to anybody! It is the first time I received a letter from a Duke!” She was joking and he smiled, but Darcy was perfectly aware that highly ranked people were very formal and utterly dependent on the society’s protocol.
“What did you write to him?”
Darcy smiled again, but this time, his smile had another meaning. He remembered her coming into his room as he was writing and the extraordinary event that followed…
“You are, sir,” she said with a sweet reproach, “remembering things from last night with no importance for the present moment!”
