Page 87 of Attempted Compromises
His words sent a flutter through her chest, and she looked down, fiddling with the lace at her sleeve. Darcy stepped closer, bowing his head slightly to lift her hand. He pressed a kiss to the backs of her fingers, his eyes never leaving hers. “How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice tinged with both tenderness and concern.
"I am… well," she replied, her cheeks coloring slightly under his intense scrutiny.
He straightened, hesitating briefly before continuing. “I feel I should apologize for still being here when you awoke this morning.”
Elizabeth frowned slightly, confused. “Why would you apologize for that?”
“Most ladies and gentlemen prefer to sleep separately,” he explained. “Separate rooms, separate beds. It’s not uncommon.”
Elizabeth hesitated, gathering her courage before speaking. “I… I never minded my sisters climbing into my bed when we were younger. And I liked that you were there.”
Her voice was barely above a whisper, her cheeks flaming as the words tumbled out. Darcy’s expression softened into something that left her breathless—a mix of tenderness, gratitude, and wonder.
“You liked it?” he asked, his voice low.
Elizabeth nodded shyly, her heart pounding in her chest. “I.. I did.”
The look on his face made her admission feel worthwhile. He hesitated, his hand tightening ever so slightly around hers. "Elizabeth," he began carefully, "may I… may I come to you again tonight?"
Her breath caught. The question hung between them, and she felt her cheeks grow hotter. He hastily added, “You are always free to say no. I will not be hurt or offended.”
Elizabeth's pulse quickened, and her gaze dropped to her hands as she nodded. "You may come any time you wish," she said quietly, her voice trembling with vulnerability.
Darcy’s hand lifted to tilt her chin gently upward, his eyes searching hers. "Are you certain?" he asked, his tone serious yet tender.
Her lips parted, and after a moment, she nodded again, this time meeting his gaze directly. Warmth radiated from her eyes, filling him with a sudden, undeniable hope.
A slow smile spread across his face, and he leaned down to brush a soft, lingering kiss against her lips. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
His lips captured hers ones again in a kiss that was impossibly soft, filled with an unspoken promise. He lingered, the touch of his lips growing deeper, more insistent. Elizabeth felt herself respond instinctively, her hands brushing against his chest, when a sharp knock on the door shattered the intimate moment.
"Elizabeth?" Georgiana’s voice called hesitantly from the other side. "Would you like to walk down to supper together?"
Elizabeth pulled back, her cheeks flushed. She cast Darcy a quick glance before replying, "Yes, of course, Georgiana. I’ll join you in a moment."
"Shall I ask William to join us as well?" Georgiana asked, her tone uncertain.
Darcy stepped back and raised his voice slightly. "There’s no need, Georgiana. I’ll come out with Elizabeth."
The silence on the other side of the door was deafening before Georgiana stammered, "Oh—oh, my apologies! I didn’t realize you were… Oh dear, I’ll wait at the stairs!"
Elizabeth clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she looked up at Darcy. "You’ve scandalized her," she teased.
Darcy smirked faintly, offering her his arm. "She’ll recover. Shall we?"
Elizabeth nodded, stepping toward the door. “It’s a transition for all of us.”
They joined Georgiana in the hallway, who was still pink with embarrassment. Elizabeth looped her arm through the younger woman’s, offering a reassuring smile. “You did nothing wrong, Georgiana,” she said gently. “We’re all making adjustments, but that’s part of becoming a family.”
Georgiana nodded, though her cheeks remained pink. "It’s just… I don’t remember my brother ever being in my cousin Anne’s room, at least not that I noticed."
Elizabeth hesitated, then said gently, "Different people have different preferences. I cannot speak for the late Mrs. Darcy, but I, for one, enjoy your brother’s company."
Georgiana’s eyes widened slightly, but she nodded again, her lips curving into a shy smile. Darcy’s gaze flickered to Elizabeth with an expression she couldn’t quite place.
Together, the three entered the parlor to wait for the dinner announcement. Elizabeth felt a sense of ease settle over her, though her gaze frequently strayed to Darcy, whose presence filled the room with a quiet, commanding warmth. They exchanged light conversation with Georgiana as they awaited Mrs. Hurst, Bingley, and Jane to join them.
Elizabeth took a seat on the settee near the fire, Georgiana settling beside her, while Darcy stood near the mantle, his handsclasped behind his back. The flickering flames cast a soft glow over the room, lending an air of intimacy to the quiet space. The hum of conversation between Elizabeth and Georgiana wove through the air, light and pleasant, though Elizabeth was acutely aware of Darcy’s steady gaze lingering on her from across the room.
