Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley (40 page)

"How strange to love someone so small and yet unseen. You carry him, my heart, thus your love is undoubtedly stronger yet. It is such an amazing experience!" He began to turn his head but a sharp stab halted him.

As if in response to Darcy's voice and expressed devotion, the baby commenced a series of lazy pushes into his father's cheek. Darcy gasped, reaching quickly for Lizzy's hand to lie next to his cheek. Together they waited in silence as the tiny life exerted his individuality and vitality. In all the years and pregnancies that would follow--each of which were a miracle and cause for intense celebration, with Darcy and Lizzy never tiring of the simple wonder to be found in these internal movements--this first experience would eternally hold a special place in their hearts. Darcy wept silently without shame, so overcome that it was several minutes before he could think clearly. Lizzy rose slightly, grasping him in her arms and pulling upward until nestled snuggly in her embrace.

Tenderly and slowly they made love, passion cresting at a leisurely pace, yet intense and fulfilling as always. Afterwards, tingling and satiated, Darcy's body draped partially over Lizzy's while they dreamily caressed each other, they kissed softly and drowsily. "I love you, William," Lizzy whispered as sleep claimed her, Darcy mumbling the same as he too drifted into a blissful slumber.

"I see it! Pemberley at last. Look, William!" Lizzy was bouncing on the seat as a child in her enthusiasm, Darcy laughing as he stroked her back.

"Yes, dearest love, I see it. Finally we are home."

The carriage proceeded slowly up the lengthy drive leading to the Manor, tall trees shading the gravel avenue and interspersed so as to offer glimpses of the River Derwent to the left. Lizzy had been literally on the edge of her seat for the past hour as familiar Derbyshire then Pemberley terrain came into view. The trip of two days had passed uneventfully. The Darcys led the small caravan in their carriage, followed by Georgiana, Kitty, and Mrs. Annesley in a second, the Bingleys and Caroline in the third, and last the servants. The massive quantity of luggage, far more than when they left Pemberley two months ago, was distributed between all four conveyances.

Lizzy sighed and turned to her husband with a bright smile. "You understand that I do adore Darcy House, but nothing can compare to Pemberley." She leaned into his chest, playing with the knots of his cravat and smiling sweetly. Brushing against parted lips, she whispered, "Tonight, my beloved husband, we shall stand on our balcony gazing at the stars over the valley. Then we shall make love in our bed in our chamber in our home and it will be fantastic, amazing, and beautiful. The perfect homecoming."

Darcy spoke hoarsely, "My love, you should cease or we will not be waiting until tonight, I can assure you!"

"Tsk tsk. What an impatient man you are, Mr. Darcy! No self control whatsoever."

"Who was it, Mrs. Darcy," he spoke breathlessly, "that lowered the shades on this trip because she wanted what only I can give? Hmm?"

"You certainly did not argue the treatment, my dear. Very well then, we both lack the most basic virtues of bodily control and discipline. What a pity. We must work on that."

"No, we shall
not
'work on that,' my lover. When it comes to my desire for you, and vice versa, I never wish to rein in our impulses." He kissed her tenderly, smoothing a few loose strands of hair and retucking them into her coiffure.

"Thank you, dear. Am I presentable?"

He chuckled. "Oh yes, love, you are presentable. Beautiful. Perfect. Delicious." The carriage bumped over the cobblestones, drawing their attention away from each other. Moments later they halted before the grandly carved stone steps leading to the massive portico and front doors of Pemberley Manor. Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Keith stood on the top steps, several footmen on the drive springing into action the second the carriage stopped.

Darcy assisted his wife from the carriage, glancing over to see the others exiting their carriages. Linking his wife's arm, they mounted the short stairs toward the smiling trio.

Mrs. Reynolds spoke first. "Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, we are so delighted to have you home. I have a light repast and tea waiting in the parlor, and all is prepared for the guests, sir. I took the liberty of preparing a couple's chamber for Mr. and Mrs. Bingley."

"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. That completely slipped my mind. Did you place Miss Bennet next to Miss Darcy?"

"Yes, sir. Miss Bingley I placed in her usual room, seeing no call to alter that. Is this sufficient?"

"Perfectly, thank you."

"Mrs. Reynolds, are the plans proceeding for the Festival as we had outlined?"

"Yes, Mistress. I have a detailed report on your desk. We can meet and discuss the particulars whenever you wish."

"Excellent. Tomorrow will be soon enough."

The others had alit and were climbing the stairs. Kitty's jaw had dropped, eyes sweeping the facade of the house rather than attending to her steps. Luckily, Georgiana was guiding with arms linked. Jane, naturally, was controlled in her surprise, yet Lizzy could tell she was impressed. With a broad smile, Lizzy grasped both her sister's hands, leaning in for kisses to their cheeks.

"Welcome to Pemberley! I am so happy to have you both here. Come inside and let me show you our home." Darcy smiled at Elizabeth's zeal, also noting Caroline Bingley's sour expression. Lizzy, thankfully, did not notice, already steering her sisters through the doors. Inside the grand foyer, Lizzy introduced them to Mrs. Reynolds and Mr. Taylor, assuring that they could be called upon for any needs. Then she proceeded to tour them about the enormous room, pointing to various objects and offering history and insight with a thoroughness that surprised them all, even Darcy, who had not realized the depth of her knowledge regarding the house. They followed Lizzy as she ascended the grand staircase, chattering as she unerringly led to the main parlor, settling with relief onto comfortable sofas and chairs.

"It is as you claimed, Mrs. Darcy; you have changed nothing."

"A few alterations here and there, Miss Bingley, but as I said, Pemberley is lovely as it is." She glanced up at Darcy, who was talking to Bingley as he poured a brandy from the sidebar. "I did redecorate my parlor, which I shall show you all later. I suppose next I must tackle the nursery and bedchamber, but that chore shall be a delight."

"Oh, I wish I did not have to leave!" Kitty moaned. "I want to help with the nursery."

Lizzy patted her hand. "There there dear. Perhaps we can do some shopping before you return to Hertfordshire. Also, you can offer any opinion you may have on furnishings. After all, I am a novice and could use all the advice available!" She laughed, smiling up at her husband who had rejoined the group.

Miss Bingley spoke, "Surely you intend to hire a professional for this, do you not, Mrs. Darcy? Infant requirements are so specific, I would imagine. Would it not be wise to allow the nanny and others to arrange the needs?"

"Thank you for your concern, Miss Bingley," Darcy replied in his firm voice, "however, Mrs. Darcy and I intend to educate ourselves fully. We will be proactive and wholly in charge of all aspects of our child's necessities. Jane, my steward informed me that the Hasberry Estate is still available, although there have been two seriously interested parties. He took the liberty of arranging an inspection for the morrow."

"Jane, dear," Bingley addressed his wife, "Darcy thought it wisest for us to meet alone with Mr. Greystone this initial time, man to man, so to speak. We can return the following day with you and Lizzy if the manor is acceptable."

"Whatever you think best, Charles," Jane replied calmly, but Elizabeth was frowning faintly.

"Excellent! Darcy and I will ride out there early then and perhaps..."

"Ride!" Elizabeth interrupted with a raised brow and harsh glance to her husband. "Your
physician
, Mr. Darcy, has ordered you not to ride as of yet."

"Pardon me, Lizzy," Bingley spoke quickly, "Poor choice of words. We shall take a phaeton and," hastily finishing at the look on her face, "I shall drive."

Jane smiled at her sister's concern. "How well do you know this Mr. Greystone, Mr. Darcy?"

"Somewhat. My father was more familiar as they were close in age. Tragically, Mr. Greystone never sired any children and his wife passed last year. I heard he plans to dwell with a sister who lives near London once he sells the estate. It is a lovely piece of property, Jane. I do believe you will find it more than adequate."

Lizzy clasped her hand in excitement. "Then, Jane dearest, you shall be nearby. I can reach you in my new curricle in no time at all!" She grinned up at Darcy.

"How is your injury mending, Mr. Darcy? It must be extremely disturbing to not be able to ride your horse. I know how very much you enjoy the activity," Caroline asked with a familiar smile.

"Nearly one hundred percent. I rather believe my personal physician is being overly cautious." He patted Elizabeth's shoulder and smiled into her eyes. "Nonetheless, I promised to obey the professionals, including my nurse. I have the remainder of my life to ride my horse, although it is undoubtedly sensible to avoid Parsifal just yet. He will not understand."

After dinner entertainment was blessedly brief, all individuals in varying states of weariness due to the long trip. Darcy and Lizzy entered their sitting room hand in hand and eager to be alone. The servants diligently managed to unpack the luggage and properly distribute most of the packages. However, they had been flummoxed as to what to do with the contents of the massive trunk which sat forlornly in the middle of the floor. Lizzy laughed, kneeling on the carpet to open the crammed trunk. Within were the presents that George Darcy had brought from India and further abroad.

Darcy sat on the chaise and began removing his boots while Lizzy rummaged inside. Mostly he had brought a stunning array of fabrics of a quality and color nearly impossible to find in England.

"Indian women," George had said, "are a bold people. The peasants even wear bright colors, but the wealthier wear elaborate weaves of silk." As he spoke he pulled yards upon yards of vibrantly patterned cottons and silks from the trunk, tossing them randomly at Lizzy and the girls. Then he proceeded to use a grinning and compliant Dr. Penaflor to demonstrate the numerous methods of draping a sari. Raul had posed and pranced while they all dissolved into hysterics.

Lizzy retrieved a particularly colorful silk, and with a flutter of her lashes toward her smiling spouse, draped it over her head. Apparently George had accumulated the odd assortment of gifts over a long period of time, some purchased and others given as payment for medical services. The trunk held a collection of exotic spices and teas; jewelry in an endless array of styles for fingers, toes, upper and lower arms, necks, ears and more in designs simple and intricate made from gold, silver, glass, ivory and copper; incense; engraved glassware; pottery; musky perfumes; hand-woven carpets and wall hangings; an exquisitely crafted silver tea set engraved with roaring tigers; pictures of Indian peoples and scenes both painted or created with tiny pieces of wood or glass or beads; and for Darcy, an English saddle constructed of camel skin with a superbly carved pattern of racing horses over sand dunes.

"We could redecorate an entire chamber as an Indian harem or some such. Perhaps one of the bedchambers, then we could charge for travelers to stay in Pemberley's exotic Far East Chamber of Passion!"

Darcy laughed, tossing his stockings toward the pile of shoes and wiggling toes as he stretched long legs. "Precisely the reputation I have been seeking. Excellent suggestion, Mistress Darcy."