Page 53 of Lord Lonbourn's Daughter
“I want to be your partner, although I do not know everything there is to know about estate matters. I would like to support you through your responsibilities and aid in any way I can.
“Above all, I want to be loved. Ridiculous, insensible love that endures, tolerates, prevails, and conquers! I am not practical, I never was! I did not immediately realise why I felt no objections towards marrying you. I have long since discovered that you are the man who, in essentials, suits me the most. I may bring levity into your life, while you could be my grounding. Together in all matters against villains and well-wishers, I do not care as long as we are united.”
Elizabeth collapsed back on her stool after her long rant about her wants and needs. Darcy was at her side in a few long strides. He sank to his knees in front of her, disregarded the shooting pain, and gathered her hands in his.
“Will you not look at me?”
Elizabeth raised her eyes from the floor. It was to be hoped she could see the warmth of his gaze, but most of all that she saw the joy in his smile.
“My wife, you know I am not an eloquent man—as you have said so yourself. But I can solemnly promise that never will my love burn out, nor will my joy in being yours wither. I carry you with me, day and night, in everything I do, in everything that occurs. I love you. I love you too.”
The ire in Elizabeth’s eyes was replaced by something much more sinister—yearning. After such an ardent declaration of love, he wanted to kiss her but kept himself stock still, afraid to scare her or miss what she would say next. A day in his wife’s company was certainly eventful.
Her gaze dropped from his eyes to his lips as she slowly closed the gap between them. Darcy dared barely breathe in anticipation. Their mouths had barely touched before he wound his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against the hard plains of his body—deepening the kiss to a toe-curling intensity. With a firm grip round his wife he managed to rise without breaking contact with her mouth and fully intended to carry her off.
Elizabeth wrenched away from his lips. “Put me down! Your knee!”
“I cannot even feel it at the moment. It must have fully healed,” he lied but put her down on her own feet. His ruse would be discovered if he crumpled on the stairs.
He captured her lips for a brief moment before grabbing her hand and continuing towards the staircase with no concern for his health. Neither the footmen lining the walls nor a maid scurrying past deterred him from his course towards the master’s chamber when he suddenly drew to an abrupt halt.
“I do not consider you wanton, Elizabeth. Especially not when you kiss me or long for my touch. Quite the opposite. I regard you as the most sensible and rational creature that has ever lived.”
Elizabeth’s chuckles were swallowed as Darcy alternated between ardent kisses and long strides. He flung the door shut, and Elizabeth tore herself away from his lips.
“I quite enjoy feeling protected, especially when you hold me close to stave off the morning chill.”
“You want to stay with me, in my chamber?”
“Yes!”
“Thank God! I loathe leaving you at night. In fact, I do not relish leaving you at any time. If I could have had you sewn into my attire, I would have.”
“That sounds rather impracticable.”
“I would have managed,” he pronounced with such sincerity that Elizabeth laughed. “I can picture your face sticking out of my shirt with the cravat adorning your hair.”
“Silly man!” She laughed until his hands chased every thought of levity away.
Chapter 17 Masquerade
Elizabeth did not know what to do after dressing for the day. Her emotions were in such a jumble, part of her being deliriously happy while other parts were knotted in concern. She did not expect any callers but entered the front parlour to be obtainable to anyone who might need her. Miss Darcy came to mind, though she was hoping Jane would visit to relate what she had managed to wheedle out of Kitty.
The first week of her marriage was officially over, ending on a high note indeed. Elizabeth fought the tugs at the corners of her mouth. It would not do to stand there grinning by herself.
She sat at the desk to pen a letter to her friend Miss Charlotte Lucas. So engrossed was she in writing her letter that she did not hear anyone enter the room. She flinched when Colonel Fitzwilliam addressed her from just a few feet behind.
“Forgive me, Lady Elizabeth. It was not my intention to frighten you.” Elizabeth chuckled at her own response while discreetly pulling a blank sheet over her written words.
“There is nothing to forgive. I was simply too engrossed in my letter-writing to pay attention. What can I do for you?”
“Your father summoned me to meet him here. He has news. Since Darcy is indisposed, I gather his lordship perceives me as my cousin’s extended ears, eyes, and legs.”
“Oh my, to be reduced to a pile of limbs and organs. How very dreadful. I shall admonish my father adequately as soon as he arrives.”
“You must not. Who would replace me? Or are you applying for the position yourself?”
“I might be.” Elizabeth smiled. “But Mr Darcy has recovered beyond my expectations. Oh, I believe that must be them. I can hear my sisters bickering from the other side of the fence.”
