Darcy's Passions (42 page)

Knowing sleep would not be his, Darcy unwrapped himself from the counterpane; slinging his long limbs over the edge of the bed, he reached unconsciously for the bell cord. Although it was still dark, his man appeared within moments of being summoned. A light tap on the chamber door signaled his presence. “Come,” Darcy called.

“Mr. Darcy, do you desire something, Sir?” the valet asked.

“Yes, Henry, please tell the stables to saddle Cerberus at first light.”

“Do you desire riding clothes, Sir?”

“No, Henry, I do not want the full riding
frock
. I simply wish breeches, boots, and a shirt; Cerberus will rid me of my premarital anxiety.We both need the exercise, I fear.”

The valet smiled at his master's disheveled appearance and exited the room. Darcy ran his fingers through his hair and tried to compose his thoughts and calm his heart. He wished to be at Pemberley instead of at Netherfield; being Bingley's guest required Darcy to curb his anxiety on this momentous day; if he was at Pemberley, Darcy would be pacing the halls of the east wing by now.

Henry returned shortly and helped Darcy don the breeches, shirt, boots, and greatcoat, and then Darcy followed Henry down the narrow back stairway leading from the servants' quarters. He used the same steps only a few days before in order to surprise Georgiana and Elizabeth; Darcy paused briefly as the images of that day sparkled brilliantly in the candlelight. Free of the confines of
Netherfield, Darcy strode quickly through the morning mist to the stables. Cerberus awaited him at the mounting block; as he approached, he took the time to pat his favorite mount before swinging up into the saddle.With a “cluck” of his tongue and a light tug on the reins, Darcy turned the cream-colored stallion toward the rolling hills and woods of Netherfield Park. He rode firm but not with speed; he wanted to melt into the haunches of the horse and absorb its strength, and without realizing it, Cerberus carried his master to the rise from which Darcy first saw Elizabeth Bennet.

A deep laugh escaped his throat and was carried upon the morning by the withdrawing mist. As Darcy looked intently upon the place he first saw Elizabeth, Cerberus turned in circles wanting to chase the sound of his voice. He pulled the reins to the right, “Come on, Boy, I know where we can go.” A three miles' journey, which Darcy traversed daily since Elizabeth accepted his proposal, led to Longbourn, so why not do so today? Of course, he would not go to see her on their wedding day; Mrs. Bennet's “nerves” would never survive such an intrusion, but he would go close enough to observe the house in which Elizabeth prepared for their life together. It would satisfy Darcy to know Elizabeth would be that close; even without saying so, she would know he waited for her.

Instead of following the road, Darcy snaked Cerberus along the hedged fields with a smattering of sheep grazing tentatively on the remaining shoots of grass. He brought the horse up when they crested the hill leading to Longbourn and dismounted, letting the reins drag the ground. He walked slowly to an overhanging boulder, leaning against its dampness and letting the coolness of the rock calm his heart. Longbourn in the morning sun took on a pictorial solemnity; peacefulness falsely exuded from its walls. Darcy could just imagine Mrs. Bennet scolding servants and daughters left and right—Jane Bennet's knowing smiles and the roll of Elizabeth's eyes. He chuckled thinking about a sweet revenge on Mrs. Bennet; Darcy would take Elizabeth away from all this chaos.

Staring hard at the house in the distance, he could see Elizabeth
at the window of his imagination. Finally, he turned to pick up Cerberus's reins and began to mount, but a movement in the morning haze caught his attention. There coming through the rising mist was his Elizabeth clothed in her night shift and a pelisse. For a brief second, he thought it a trick of the mind, but the clutching of his heart by his chest told Darcy she was real.

The lovers' eyes locked on each other, peering into each other's souls, and they moved forward as if in a trance. Without saying a word, they embraced as the sun danced behind them. “Elizabeth,” Darcy whispered her name into her hair.

“Fitzwilliam,” she laid her hand upon his chest and welcomed his nearness.Their hearts beat wildly as they envisioned the happiness awaiting them.

“Dearest, Elizabeth,” he lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you likewise, Sir,” was her tempting reply.

“I could find no sleep for images of you. I sought my release by riding here to assure myself this was not a dream, and I find a living, breathing Elizabeth,” he stammered.

“Fitzwilliam, you have no fear of finding yourself alone ever again,” she stroked the stubble of his beard. “For you, Sir, stole my heart and only you may be rid of it. It is at your whim.”

Darcy brushed his lips across hers in an inviting tease. “We should not be found together like this,” he said unwillingly.

“'Tis, true. My father might be required to defend my honor on my wedding day,” she said, bestowing a full kiss upon his faintly trembling lips. His arms enveloped her as she moved closer for a long, tender moment.

As they separated, Elizabeth's fingers gently traced his lips; he caught her hands and kissed her fingertips. “I will await you at the church,” he smirked as she turned to go.

“Do not forget to bring my heart,” she taunted him over her shoulder.

“Elizabeth,” he called.

Turning slowly and giving him an enticing gaze, she pursed her lips,“Yes?”

“You did not answer my question. Why came you here this morning?”

“Did you not will it, Sir?” She laughed and walked briskly back to the house.

Still feeling her breath upon his cheek, Darcy watched her leaving until he could see her no more, and then he recovered Cerberus's reins, mounted, and rode toward Netherfield.

 

“Edward, it is so good to see you here; I feared your relationship with Lady Catherine would keep you from coming.” Darcy extended his hand in welcome.

“I had to make sure you did not change your mind, Cousin,” Edward laughed.

“You always play to the full house, right, Edward?”

“Anne sends you her regards, Fitz. She will send out our announcements tomorrow if you make it through the day.” Edward could not give up the playful nature of the conversation.

“Cousin, if I was not the happiest man in the world this day, I might call you out for your references to my cowardice.” Darcy was in a good mood. “In reality, Edward, I could not be here today without your good counsel. You were more than a cousin; you were my salvation. I pray you and Anne live long and are happy.”

“Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I wish you and Elizabeth the best life has to give.You won an amazing woman.”

“Will you escort Georgiana back to Pemberley after the ceremony?”

“Back to Pemberley? Will you not be in London for the Festive Season?”

“Elizabeth and Georgiana want to be at Pemberley. It is time to stop grieving for my parents.”

“Fitzwilliam, you will be fine. Elizabeth will help make Pemberley greater than it ever was.”

“I hope to have a small gathering at New Year's. Would you and Anne consider being our guests?”

“I will not promise; much needs to be finalized at Rosings, but we will try.”

“You and Anne are always welcome in my home; come any time, Edward.” Darcy looked around nervously. “I believe it is nearly time to begin.” Edward hugged Darcy, slapping him on the back several times. Both men had gigantic grins as they moved into the church.

“Fitzwilliam,” Georgiana came forward and lightly kissed his cheek, “I just saw Elizabeth; she is the most beautiful bride ever. The lace delicately frames her face; she looks like an angel.”

Darcy could not imagine Elizabeth looking more beautiful than she did this morning walking toward him out of the mist; the passion rushed through him. “Georgiana, you are prejudiced on Elizabeth's behalf.”

“'True, Fitzwilliam. I am nearly as anxious as are you.”

“I doubt that,” he laughed lightly.“Edward will accompany you back to Pemberley.”

“The colonel and I will take great pride in singing your praises, Fitzwilliam,” she giggled as she hugged him one last time.

 

Darcy and Bingley took their places at the front of the church. Moments later a hush fell over the congregation, and Darcy turned to see Mr. Bennet with Jane on one arm.Then his gaze fell on Elizabeth on the other side. She looked exquisite! The fine muslin and white satin drape of the dress hung close to her body revealing her curves. The dress scalloped round the bottom was finished with a green ribbon twist.The delicate lace she chose to trim her bonnet also decorated the long sleeves, which were scalloped to correspond with the bottom of the dress and ornamented with more green ribbon. A green silk sash encircled her waist. Green ribbons accented the neckline, and green beaded hairpins peppered her close curls. The diamonds and emeralds glistened as they caressed the soft indentation of her neck, and the green of her eyes pierced
his soul; Darcy was not sure, but he thought he let out a moan. Then she was by his side. Mr. Bennet took her hand and placed it in Darcy's, and he accepted the love she gave him this day.

Remembrances of the actual ceremony were not to be had; Darcy was too busy looking down at Elizabeth's face, noting again the thickness of her lashes, the blush of her cheeks, and the ghost of a grin playing about her lips. Flashbacks of the past year—the assembly, her singing at Lucas Lodge, Elizabeth's mud-covered petticoat, the Netherfield Ball, the walks at Rosings, her initial refusal, the lawn at Pemberley, her acceptance—danced through his head. When asked, Darcy's resonant “I will” brought titters from some of the younger town girls and a loud sigh of disgust from Miss Bingley, but other than that, nothing remarkable happened. Both couples retired to Longbourn following the proceedings for the traditional wedding breakfast. Mrs. Bennet was the “perfect” hostess for a “perfect” reception; at least in her opinion, everything was “perfect.” She managed to marry off her eldest daughters to two of the area's most eligible bachelors. “Oh, Mr. Bennet, we are so blessed—three daughters married.”

Mr. Bennet looked less enthusiastic than did his wife. Although Jane would be close by at Netherfield, his Lizzy would be far away in Derbyshire. Mr. Bennet learned to respect Mr. Darcy over the past few weeks, but that would not lessen his feelings of loss. Kissing his daughter's forehead, Mr. Bennet's eyes welled up. “Lizzy, this house will be so lonely without your laughter; I will miss you child.”

“Papa, no one will replace you in my heart. I will always be your Lizzy.” She kissed him on the cheek.

“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet cleared his throat as he turned to his new son, “Elizabeth is very special; I expect you to respect her worth and to protect her from any harm.”

“I will, Mr. Bennet.Trust me; I will.” Darcy spoke softly as the charge from Mr. Bennet was solemn; the man was losing his favorite child, and Darcy understood his sentiment.

 

Never comfortable in large gatherings, Darcy accepted the congratulations
of each guest with as much civility as anyone recalled seeing him do. Being always no more than an arm's length from Elizabeth throughout the gathering helped him persevere. His arm often slipped around her waist to keep her close to him; she rewarded Darcy with smiles, which reflected her happiness. A squeeze of his hand reminded him in a few more minutes they would be alone on the road to London. Each time she did so increased the intensity of Darcy's gaze directed exclusively toward Elizabeth.

They were standing close together whispering endearments when the Bingley sisters approached to offer their respects. “Miss Eliza,” Caroline Bingley began,“you look lovely today.”

“Thank you, Miss Bingley. Being so deeply in love makes it easy for one to appear
lovely.
” Elizabeth smirked.

“Congratulations go to you, Mr. Darcy.” Caroline did not mean what she said, and disappointment laced her voice.

“Thank you, Miss Bingley, for your congratulations; I must agree with you; Mrs. Darcy is beautiful. Of course, I always thought she had
fine eyes.
They pierced my soul.” He enjoyed being part of his wife's cut.

“Yes, I recall your saying as such on several occasions.” Caroline bit the words.

“Did you really, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth turned to her new husband and feigned innocence.

Darcy looked down at her lush lips and nearly drank of their sweetness in front of everyone. Caroline and Louisa stepped back slightly as if they invaded their privacy.“I believe, Mrs. Darcy, I saw no face but yours since the assembly at Meryton.” He pulled her closer.

“Miss Eliza,” Caroline fought for Darcy's attention even if it meant speaking to his wife,“is your necklace a family heirloom?”

“It is, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth enjoyed baiting the woman, and Darcy knew Caroline did not stand a chance.

Caroline was taken aback.“Really!”

Elizabeth laughed lightly. “Oh, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth's voice
was all sugary and sweet,“you thought I meant the Bennet family. The necklace is not a Bennet heirloom; Fitzwilliam gave it to me for I am a Darcy now.”

“Actually, it is a gift from my mother for my wife,” Darcy added quickly. “The diamonds and emeralds are almost as superb as is Elizabeth. Do you not agree, Miss Bingley?”

Caroline could barely disguise her disgust.With nothing more than a nod of her head and a curtsy, she made her exit.

“Fitzwilliam Darcy,” Elizabeth teased,“you are almost as
evil
as is my father.You enjoyed Miss Bingley's humiliation.”