How is it that I never noticed it before? Elizabeth asked herself. Or perhaps I did on some level. Just as I was too blind to see how physically appealing he is, I was too deaf to hear how wonderfully pleasant his voice is.

  “What is it that you wish to ask me?”

  “There is a matter of great importance I wish to discuss with you. May I prevail on you to meet me - alone - in the library?”

  Elizabeth silently commanded her heart to stop racing. Her heart and her busy mind. As this would not have been the first time the two of them had spent time alone in a library, Elizabeth appreciated the hypocrisy inherent in a possible protest on the grounds of propriety. Besides, she did not want to protest. Whatever Mr. Darcy wished to say to her, she wished to hear.

  “How shall such an escape be arranged, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth asked, her voice hushed.

  “I shall make some excuse of needing to speak with my housekeeper. Instead, I will proceed to the library and await your arrival. You do recall where it is located, I trust.”

  “In truth, I cannot say that I do with certainty. Perhaps you will enlighten me,” she said, half teasingly.

  After paying close attention to the gentleman’s step-by-step instructions on the quickest route to the library, Elizabeth said, “Well then, sir, I shall endeavor not to make you wait too long.”

  Darcy stood in front of the window, watching the pounding rain against the panes. Never had he been so delighted by such a deluge. If it were in his power to control the weather, he would command the elements to continue to do his bidding, thereby keeping Elizabeth a guest in his home for as long as it would take to win her heart.

  He was already beginning to feel that his mission to win her good opinion was bearing fruit. The manner in which she looked at him that evening almost made him forget the disdain in her eyes when he proposed to her in Kent. Almost. He did not think he would ever quite forget looking into the face of the woman he loved and not seeing a semblance of affection in return.

  I love her still, his heart whispered. Dare I confess it, or do I wait until I am certain such a confession will be met with Elizabeth’s approbation?

  Seeing the library door open from the reflection in the window, Darcy turned and hurried toward Elizabeth, meeting her halfway.

  “I appreciate your stealing away from the rest of our party for a few moments, Miss Elizabeth. I promise I will not take up too much of your time.”

  “You made it sound so important, I dared not deny you your request. And if it were within my power, I would say to take as long as you like, but I fear there are those in our party who might not view our absence very favorably.”

  “You speak of Miss Bingley, no doubt. That is what I wanted to speak with you about. I know how much the two of you did not get along while in Hertfordshire, and now you are forced to endure her company while here at Pemberley. How can I make amends for subjecting you to such a disagreeable situation?”

  “Sir, I am rather certain Miss Bingley is the one who feels put upon. She is, after all, here by invitation of a rather long standing I would imagine, whereas I literally showed up at your doorstep.”

  “I specifically invited Bingley. His sister insinuated herself upon Pemberley as she is wont to do. One word from you, and I will encourage her to be on her way.”

  “Oh, no! I would never impose my will on another merely for the sake of my own convenience. Besides, my aunt and uncle will no doubt wish to resume their travels as soon as can be, for there are quite a few places here in Derbyshire that we have yet to visit.”

  “Perhaps I might borrow a page from Miss Bingley’s book and insinuate myself on your party. What would be better than to have someone who knows all the ins and outs of this part of the world accompany you on your journey?”

  “Sir, you are very kind. I would imagine you have far better things to do with your time than to spend it visiting places with which you are already intimately familiar.”

  “I confess that it has been some time since I have traversed the Derbyshire countryside, and nothing would give me more pleasure than to revisit old favorites with you.”

  * * *

  Elizabeth hardly knew what to say or what to do in the wake of Mr. Darcy’s confession. She had to admit that seeing this side of him was intriguing. Besides, how could she possibly complain about the prospect of their party of three becoming an evenly matched party of four?

  Gone would be the necessity on her aunt and uncle’s parts to feel as though they needed to focus on entertaining her. With Mr. Darcy to divert her, Elizabeth’s relations could spend their time more agreeably engaged in focusing upon each other.

  “Mr. Darcy,” she began, “Speaking for myself and my relations as well, I believe it will be a pleasure to have you join us–that is assuming you are sincere.”

  “I can think of nothing that would bring me more pleasure.”

  Her spirits rising to playfulness, Elizabeth said, “I suppose we have Miss Bingley to thank for your enthusiasm to be away from Pemberley.”

  “The thought of being away from Miss Bingley is a strong inducement indeed, but in suggesting that I might join you on the next part of your tour, I believe I thought only of the two of us.”

  Chapter 8

  Mr. Gardiner was astounded when the master of Pemberley asked to accompany them on the tour of those parts of Derbyshire they had yet to explore. He told his wife as much when they were alone.

  “Mr. Darcy is a most extraordinary man. I have to wonder why our niece was so hesitant to tour his home in light of their behavior toward each other.” He rubbed his chin.

  “You do not suppose there is more to her initial reluctance than she admitted, do you, my dear?” he continued.

  “More, Mr. Gardiner? What are you thinking?”

  “I am thinking there is a great deal more affection between my niece and Mr. Darcy than either of them would have us believe. I know that the two of them have an acquaintance which started when he first arrived in Hertfordshire last autumn. I was under the impression that she did not like him at all owing to his rather unflattering remarks about her.”

  Wanting very much to learn all she could about her husband’s opinion of Mr. Darcy without saying or doing anything to break her promise to Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner said, “I was not aware that you were so familiar with the history between those two.”

  Mr. Gardiner scoffed. “Do you really think my sister would keep such an insult as one of her girls not being handsome enough to tempt any young man a secret?”

  His lady laughed a little. “I suppose you have a point.”

  “I would say whatever might have been the gentleman’s initial impression of our Lizzy, it has certainly undergone a significant change. I also do not mind confessing that this newfound regard gives me pause.”

  “Why is that, my dear?” Mrs. Gardiner beseeched.

  “These great men are in the habit of getting whatever or, in this case, whomever they want, whenever and however they want. I should hate to see our niece being taken in.”

  “You are her uncle, and you have always been rather protective of her, but I would not worry too much in that regard, were I you. Lizzy has a good head on her shoulders. She knows what she is about. And while we are only getting to know Mr. Darcy, he and Lizzy are very well acquainted. You are aware they spent a prodigious amount of time in each other’s company while in Kent, are you not?”

  He arched his brow. “Perhaps that is even more reason to be concerned.”

  “Come now, Mr. Gardiner. This is Lizzy, whom we are speaking of–not Lydia or even Kitty. Besides, there is something about Mr. Darcy when he speaks–something rather pleasing about his mouth and something of dignity in his countenance that gives a glimpse into his goodness. Our Lizzy is quite safe with him.”

  Mr. Gardiner released a deep breath. “If you say so, my dear.”

  Smiling, Mrs. Gardiner said, “I do. Now, come let us retire for the evening, for I believe we have a big day in store. As much as I love Derbyshire and enjoy being once again in this part of the country, I, for one, look forward to seeing it again through Mr. Darcy’s eyes. I believe we are in for quite an adventure.”

  Chapter 9

  Whether purposely or unknowingly, Darcy and Elizabeth grew farther and farther apart from Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner with each step they took. And understandably so. Being in a place where neither of them could have imagined being just a week ago was almost hard to fathom. That they would be enjoying each other’s company was equally inconceivable.

  “I do not mind confessing how pleased I am to be spending today with you, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy began. “I also admit that doing so affords me a great deal of pleasure, but also some measure of regret.”

  “Regret, Mr. Darcy?”

  “Indeed. I do not wish to dwell on the manner in which we parted in Kent, but I cannot help but reflect on how different things might have unfolded had I behaved more gentlemanly.”

  “Well, sir, since you broached the subject, I am obliged to tell you that I am not very proud of my own behavior toward you.”

  “What did you say to me that I did not deserve? Having spent time with your relations, I realize how wrong I was to think meanly of your connections. I am certain had I put forth more effort while in Hertfordshire, I may have better appreciated your immediate family as well, specifically your mother, who, no doubt, only wants the best for her daughters.”

  “I well understand how my mother’s exuberance might have been misconstrued. If you promise to never mention what I am about to confide, I will share a secret with you.”

  “You have my word.”

  “I could never really blame you or anyone else for suffering reservations where my mother is concerned. Even I find myself frequently overwhelmed by her constant complaints. Her woes are truly more than anyone deserves. That said, the business of her life is indeed marrying her five daughters. With the entail on my father’s estate being such that it is, I can hardly blame her. Especially given that I have done nothing to make her burden any easier. My cousin, Mr. Collins, stands to inherit Longbourn in the event of my father’s demise. He would be well within his rights to toss my entire family into the hedgerows with scarcely a moment’s notice were he to choose to do so.”

  “I never supposed you felt that way. Saying that, I really ought not to be surprised. Your liveliness of spirit would likely place you in grave danger of misery of the acutest kind were you to allow another to dictate how you should live your life or with whom.”

  Elizabeth made no response, no doubt giving her companion cause for concern.

  “I hope I do not speak out of turn.”

  “No, sir,” she replied softly.

  “Yet, you seem troubled. What is on your mind?”

  “Well, sir. Other than Jane and most recently, my aunt, I have told no one what unfolded between the two of us in Kent. My mother would be livid–no that is not the right word–she would be mortified, horrified, and severely wounded were she to learn of it.”

  Now it was Darcy’s turn to remain silent. He moistened his lower lip. He arched his brow.

  “Sir,” Elizabeth said, trying to summon his attention. “I fear you are the one who is now troubled.”

  “I–I do not quite know what to say. I fully expected you to confide in your sister, even Mrs. Collins, knowing how intimate the two of you are and given that you were her guest on that fateful day. I must confess to being a bit taken aback that you confided in your aunt. What must she think of me?”

  “Oh, you need not suppose she has an unfavorable impression of you. I surely did not share any of the details of what we discussed; only that you professed your love most ardently and offered your hand in marriage, and for reasons having to do with my sister and of course Mr. Wickham, I was compelled to refuse you.”

  “Your aunt knows that I am most ardently in love with you, Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy asked, half questioningly, half concerned.

  “I told her that you professed your love to me when we were together in Kent. After my harsh refusal, I had every reason to assume your feelings had changed.”

  “My feelings for you have not changed,” Mr. Darcy said. “Try as I might during the months since we parted, I could not help thinking of you, missing you, regretting you, and praying for a way to stop while secretly clinging to thoughts of what might have been.”

  “I had no idea, sir.”

  “Miss Elizabeth, I know our time here in Derbyshire has been of a short duration, but these past days in company with you have meant more to me than you can ever imagine. Dare I hope that your feelings are akin to mine?

  “Dare I hope that I have a chance to win your heart? If yes, pray tell me at once else as much as it would pain me, I shall remain silent on this particular subject forever.”

  Elizabeth could hardly believe what she was hearing. Until that moment, she never willingly allowed herself to imagine hearing such a profession from the man for whom she had suffered regret. True, he had not proposed marriage. Only time would tell whether such an offer was forthcoming.

  A silent tear traced its way down her cheek. “Yes,” Elizabeth said. Their eyes met, and she trembled deep down inside. “Yes.”

  Mr. Darcy leaned closer and gently wiped away her tear. His own eyes were teaming with tenderness, with love, and with desire. “Yes, I have a chance?”

  Her spirits rising to playfulness, Elizabeth nodded. “With overwhelming odds for success.”

  Chapter 10

  Tacitly understanding that she had an advocate in her aunt Mrs. Gardiner, it was no surprise to Elizabeth that she and her relations were guests at Pemberley for the next few days and nights what with all their chosen destinations being within such easy distances from the great estate. Such an arrangement made exploring the sights of Derbyshire so much more convenient for everyone concerned. And the occasions when Elizabeth had invited Miss Darcy to join them, the young lady had bashfully declined.

  Elizabeth never imagined that rocks and mountains could be so diverting. But then again, she never imagined she would be seeing them with Mr. Darcy by her side, which must surely have added to their allure.

  As he had done on the first evening of Elizabeth’s stay at Pemberley, Darcy requested time alone with her on that particular evening as well.

  The promise of a moonlit midnight stroll was simply too tempting for Elizabeth to refuse. Indeed, she might have suggested it herself after staying up half the night before on the balcony of her apartment, staring up at the bright full moon, and wishing Mr. Darcy were there with her.

  After walking along beside each other, guided by the light of the most romantic moon she had ever beheld, Elizabeth and her companion came to a place in a wide-open field where a large blanket and a basket meant for two awaited them. Her heart slammed against her chest in anticipation of what such a gesture on his part suggested, but she was far too intrigued by the possibilities to feign protest.

  Few words were spoken between them as he led her to the blanket. The two of them sat close enough to feel the heat from each other’s body. Soon enough, he began pouring two goblets of wine.

  Handing one to Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy said, “I understand your relations are planning to leave Derbyshire within the next couple days - taking you with them.”

  Elizabeth nodded, but Darcy was persuaded by the look in her eyes that she was just as unhappy about their imminent separation as he was.

  “I really do not want you to leave. At the risk of it being too soon, I have to ask. Will you say that you will stay with me here in Derbyshire - at Pemberley?”

  “Sir, I am not following you. What of decorum? Am I to pretend I am your sister’s guest as a way of explaining my presence?”

  “I–I,” Mr. Darcy began, “I want you to stay with me at Pemberley as my wife. Miss Elizabeth, I have asked you before, and now I ask you once more. Will you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?”

  Setting her glass aside, Elizabeth took Mr. Darcy’s hand in hers and raising it to her lips, brushed a loving kiss across his knuckles. Looking into his eyes, she said, “Can there be any doubt, Mr. Darcy?”

  He moistened his lips. “I need to hear you say the words that I might remember the sound of them forever.”

  “Yes, sir. I shall be honored to be your wife. And here is something more to remember for all time as I surely will: I have fallen in love with you most ardently and with all my heart and soul.”

  Darcy’s response in hearing Elizabeth’s declaration and the happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do.

  Elizabeth had spent far too much time in Mr. Darcy’s company during the past several days exchanging longing looks, suffering incidental brushes of their hands, their arms, and at times their bodies against each other’s, not to yearn for something more, even if she did not know exactly what something more entailed, not to surrender to Mr. Darcy’s tender ministrations.

  Affectionate kisses about her face, her lips, her neckline grew ever so passionate. The night air conspiring with the bright full moon fueled their desire for each other in a manner neither might have expected.

  In keeping with the promise of sharing the rest of their lives with each other, neither of them objected.

  The sensation of his lips pressing, lingering adoringly, against either of her breasts through her light muslin gown gave Elizabeth to wonder how it must feel were there no such barrier between them. At length, her unasked question was answered in the most desirable way, confirming her every suspicion.

  This feels heavenly. Pray, he never stops.

  Her courage rising, Elizabeth impatiently tugged at his cravat, loosening it, wondering if she might give as gloriously as she was receiving.

 

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