Page 11 of Fitzwilliam Darcy Undone
He raised his gaze to Elizabeth’s and realized by the widening of her eyes that she’d witnessed his naked desire. She stumbled and he reached for her.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he managed to say with a modicum of normalcy. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I was wool gathering.” She regained her equilibrium and continued through with the next portion of the dance although she refused to raise her eyes and her cheeks blazed a bright red.
He had to do something. At any moment she would abandon him on the dance floor and flee for her life. Well versed in the fight or flight phenomenon, he did not want her to leave without setting her mind at ease. Later, at his leisure, he’d research old tomes and see if this had ever happened before. There was more to Elizabeth Bennet than met the eye.
At their next return he said, “I had a delightful letter from my sister today.” A small lie, but necessary to break the frigid ice around her heart.
“You have a sister, Mr. Darcy?”
He paraded around another lady in their set before facing Miss Elizabeth again.
“Yes, she is my only sibling and is in Town with my aunt and uncle while I help Bingley learn estate business.”
They touched hands and proceeded down the line for a few beats of music.
“Is she enjoying her time with your family?”
Wasn’t that the hundred-pound question. When he’d seen her at Lord Matlock’s home he was shocked at how wan and thin she appeared. All life seemed to have drained from her eyes and she wouldn’t even play the pianoforte. There was nothing he could do but leave her in the capable hands of his aunt and the new companion they hired.
“My sister is but fifteen and not out in company as of yet. She has a love for the pianoforte and my aunt has hired a Master for her learn more.”
“My sister Mary would love to tutor under a Master musician. She spends most of her day, when not reading and copying tracts, playing our instrument. Papa has had to replace the keyboard at least twice in my lifetime, such is her passion.”
“I have perceived her passion and commented to her how much I enjoy her playing. Especially the song she used to warm up with.”
“I’m afraid I was getting Mama a glass of punch and missed Mary’s warm up. I’m glad you appreciated her efforts. Not many people praise my younger sister. She will hold you in high esteem now. I hope you’re prepared for her to like you despite what others may say.” She clamped her lips tight as she realized how insulting the words were. He determined to take it as a light jest.
“Come now, Miss Elizabeth. Who has spoken against me?”
“No one, Mr. Darcy. Pray excuse my bad behavior. It was ill done and I am most ashamed.”
The dance ended and he extended his arm to escort her back to their party.
“Miss Elizabeth, you have nothing to be ashamed of. If anyone should apologize, it is me. You well know I’m aware that you overheard an obscene remark. It was most ungentlemanly done and my mother, were she alive, would have boxed my ears in front of the whole assembly.”
She stifled a giggle behind her gloved hand and he felt a sense of relief when her bright eyes danced with amusement.
“Mr. Darcy, if I could travel through time, I’d love to meet your mother, have her attend that same assembly and watch the mayhem and ensuing chaos with glee.”
“You, Miss Elizabeth, are decidedly cruel. My cousin Richard would stand with you and cheer, ungrateful cur.”
“The ladies were quite taken with your cousin. They sighed over his bearing and red coat for at least a half hour the next day.”
“And you, Miss Elizabeth? Did you fawn over my cousin’s regimental bearing?”
A small frown creased her brow. “No, Mr. Darcy. A man in regimental red does not set my heart apace. I require a man who is thoughtful, well learned and loves to laugh at the capriciousness which is life. Not one who charms each lady as if she is the only one he cares about. A fickle heart will not sustain any long-term relationship.”
“Ah, Miss Elizabeth. You have discerned my cousin’s motive most aptly. To my knowledge, he has not given his heart to any lady and until Monsieur Bonaparte is defeated, he doesn’t dare raise their hopes. He may not return from the battlefield.”
“I forget at times there is a reason for most of our young men to don the uniform of His Majesty’s army.” She raised concerned eyes to his. “I shall treat him with more generosity of spirit than I had before.”
They had reached her sisters and he allowed her to let his arm go.
“That is all we can ask for.” He bowed over her hand. “Thank you for a most delightful dance, Miss Elizabeth.”
It took every ounce of his will power to keep from her bedroom that night. Everything in him clamored to stake his claim again. He wanted to leave his mark all over her sensuous body and show everyone that she was his, and his alone. As it was, he pored over old family tomes within the walls of Pemberley, where he was heavily warded and no one, not even his trusted servants would know he was ensconced in the library trying to unravel the secret that was Elizabeth Bennet.
