Page 25 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man
Pemberley
The Balcony
The air was crisp and breezy, and though it was still quite dark, the first faint signs of dawn were underway by the time Elizabeth walked out onto the balcony. She dearly loved to watch the sun rise over this beautiful place, so she remained there, wrapping her arms tightly about her thin dressing gown to thwart the cold. Waiting patiently for the first rays of light, she considered for the hundredth time her decision to stay—to be his. She supposed she should feel ashamed, but that feeling was not the one with which she grappled this morning.
Being with William inspired feelings unfamiliar to her—a stirring somewhere deep within. It was ever-changing...sometimes a tingling and other times a fire. Her only certainty was that once it ceased, she longed to experience it again. She had known the anguish of unrequited love, the torture of a broken heart and despair so deep it had brought her to the brink of madness, but she had known little happiness. And never, never , had she felt anything so consuming as her craving for him. She blushed to acknowledge her malady—it was desire, pure blissful desire .
Naturally, she also contemplated the effect she had on him. That he desired her was obvious—his body betrayed that fact every time he held her close to him. Even now, butterflies took flight in her stomach at the memory of his hardness pressed against her. But beyond the physical attraction, what she found most fulfilling was the assurance that he truly loved her...had loved her for years. She could not hold back a smile from her lips. Fitzwilliam Darcy loves me!
Her thoughts returned to her earlier musings. If those warm, sensual feelings were just a prelude to the act of marriage, then she was certain that to love Fitzwilliam would not be a duty to dread as her mother had always lamented to her daughters, but instead would be a pleasure to anticipate. Unbidden, the image of another bare-chested man appeared to taunt her. Closing her eyes tightly, she tried to purge Stefano’s face from her thoughts. He had been cruel, insisting she respond to his kisses when she felt nothing for him save disgust, and becoming more abusive when she did not.
In contrast, she welcomed Fitzwilliam’s gentleness, his touches, his kisses. Forcing her thoughts to focus on her heart’s desire, a strange thing happened—she felt his presence. Eyes still tightly closed, she pictured her beloved there with her and whispered his name almost as a prayer—“ William.”
Abruptly, two muscular arms slid firmly around her, one just under her breasts, the other about her waist, pulling her solidly against his broad chest. At once sure of her captor’s identity, she melted into him. Warm lips found the juncture between her neck and shoulder and quickly kissed a path to her ear, causing her to shudder. A flash of desire so strong she almost fainted shot through her. She turned to brush her cheek against the coarse surface of his woollen coat and breathed in the scent of soap and sandalwood. The aroma calmed her as effectively as a drug.
A deep voice whispered roughly in her ear, tickling the sensitive skin. “You could not see me. How is it you knew I was here?”
She sighed contentedly. “I cannot explain it, but I can sense you...your presence.” He kissed the top of her head at the revelation, and had she turned her face up to his, she would have seen a look of incandescent joy on his face.
“Since you found me, it is as though something within alerts me when you are near. I can remember, even when my mind was still unclear, that I would sense you close by and turn to find you watching. It gave me such peace to know my protector was always there.”
“Oh, Elizabeth!” He kissed her hair again. “I will always be your protector.”
When she turned in his arms, his mouth captured hers. This kiss was not gentle, as had been their final kiss last night, but full of want—of insatiable need. Immediately, she felt the now familiar hardness against her, and the knowledge of his desire rekindled her own. She slid her arms around his waist, trying to pull him closer. His response was to unbutton his coat and pull her inside its warmth. Quickly, she unfastened his waistcoat and slid her hands over the hard planes of his chest. The heat of her small hands was like a brand through the thin cloth of his shirt and he groaned. Sliding his hands down to cup her bottom, he lifted her and slowly rubbed back and forth against her, causing her knees to buckle. Picking her up in his arms, he carried her inside and gently lay her on the bed. His eyes were dark as pitch as he sat down on the side and leaned across her.
“If you only knew how much I desire you at this moment.”
He climbed onto the bed, not stopping until he lay atop her, boots and all. Rising up on his elbows, he stared into her eyes as slowly he lowered his mouth to unite with hers. The kiss was achingly slow, each touch of their hungry lips progressively harder, until powerful, deep strokes merged their mouths, and they would not be parted.
Hands, both his and hers, found places they had longed forever to caress and lingered, lost in pleasure. He pulled her dressing gown fully open, and he found generous breasts soft beneath the thin nightgown, until under his manipulation, each nipple hardened. Her hands found entrance under his shirt, and he as she explored his body, beginning at his rock hard chest, before sliding down to his abdomen.
Unconsciously, their bodies fell into a motion, a rhythm, responding to desires as ancient as the earth, though their clothing prevented complete satisfaction. It was with great effort, that William finally rolled onto his back, pulling her onto his chest, his breath coming in pants, as did hers.
His voice was hoarse. “I find myself begging your forgiveness every time we are together.”
“You did not hear me object, my darling,” she sympathised, raising her head to admire his handsome face as she ran a finger along his jaw. “Please do not make me feel wanton by apologising for something I clearly wanted as much as you.”
He smiled. “Then I shall simply say that I am sorry to have started something I cannot finish—at least not now. I love you, Elizabeth, and I cannot wait to make love to you.”
She kissed him lightly. “I cannot wait either.” His countenance changed, and she wondered if she had said something upsetting.
“Sweetheart, I worry that you have been so abused by him . I never want you to feel that I would use you or discard you, or ever harm you, or—”
A finger to his lips silenced him. “I have no such thoughts. You are nothing like him. When I rejected your offer, you fled England because you could not have me. When I rejected him, he took me by force.” At the wretchedness etched on William’s face, she continued. “It is time I told you.”
“Never feel that you owe an explanation or that I require one.”
“I know that I do not, and you are so kind not to ask, but if we are to be together, I must tell you. Otherwise, there will be a gulf between us, and I could not bear it.”
William threaded his hands into her hair, lifting his head to place a kiss on her forehead, before dropping back to the pillow. “Then, tell me everything.”
“When I said he took me by force, I was referring to the abduction.” Elizabeth swallowed hard. “I was never his wife in any sense.”
William tried not to show any surprise, focusing on keeping his breathing as normal as possible. “Do you mean he never—”
“No, though he tried to.” She took a ragged breath. “I awoke in the middle of the night to find him in my bed. It only happened the one time, but he could not...he was incapable,” she sputtered, blushing a deep red and diverting her eyes. “He left and never tried again, though he did force his kisses on me.”
William closed his eyes and pulled her back to his chest, burying his face in her hair as the tears he could not hold back escaped the corners of his eyes.
“Oh, sweetheart, while I despise that he touched you in any way, I am so thankful you were spared.”
“God must have meant for me to be only yours.”
Instantly, he rolled over, trapping her beneath him, but this time he did not kiss her. Propping himself on one arm, he ran his hand gently through her hair, then began to trace along her brows, eyes, nose, jaw and eventually her lips. His eyes followed his fingers, committing each feature to memory. At last, he spoke with great purposefulness, gently raising her chin so their eyes held.
“Are you sure this is what you want...loving me, committing to me forever, having my children? You have been through so much, Elizabeth. Forced into a marriage against your will, abused, kept a virtual prisoner, your friend killed before your eyes, and your being so ill. You have borne so much pain in your short life, and God help me, I was part of it.”
Shaking her head, she cried, “No!”
“Yes, I was. If I had not been so proud, so bound by duty when we met, perhaps you would have accepted my offer, and all the rest would never have happened.”
“We cannot know that.”
Releasing a weary breath, he rolled over on his back, staring up at the canopy. He sought one of her hands and raised it to place a loving kiss there.
“I need to know that you understand. You are free. You are no longer a prisoner. You have choices, and you determine your future.”
She struggled to understand. “You said you would have no one if you could not have me? Do you still feel that way?”
“God knows my heart. I will never love anyone but you. If I cannot have you, I will remain single.”
She sighed, closing her eyes in relief. “You have given me my freedom, and I have chosen you. Do you think that you are the only one capable of loving only one person?”
This time when he pulled her into his arms, his kisses were intense, and they were lost in a world of their own until a soft rapping on the door penetrated William’s passion, bringing him back to reality.
He groaned, pulling back and apologising. “I forgot that I asked Adams to alert me when my horse had been saddled.” Then he smiled adoringly at Elizabeth. “Please tell me all is resolved and we shall be together forever.”
She lifted her head to brush his lips with hers. “It is settled. We shall love each other forever.”
Another series of kisses and another knock on the door ensued before William slid off the bed, straightening his clothes. With regret Elizabeth watched him readying to leave. “Will you be gone all day?”
“I have many tenant problems to settle before I return, but I hope to be home in time to dine. If that is not possible, will you wait up for me?”
She slid off the bed to follow him to the door. “I would not dream of going to bed without a goodnight kiss.”
He opened the door to find Adams waiting patiently and trying to look indifferent. Informing his valet that he would be down shortly, William quickly closed the door and swept her back into his arms. “Nor would I dream of leaving without this.”
Bending her backward, his strong arms were the only thing keeping her from collapsing to the floor. He kissed her thoroughly, leaving her breathless before returning her upright. Still holding her tightly, he held her gaze for a long moment. “Remember, no matter what the future holds, I love you.”
“As I love you.”
With a squeeze of her hands, immediately he was out the door and walking down the hallway. As he reached the top of the grand staircase, her heart called out, Look back at me. 2
As if in response, he turned, giving her a dimpled smile. Then he turned and hurried down the stairs, as her heart began a familiar ache.
Rosewood Manor
Morning
“Ana, have you seen my riding crop?”
Evan turned to see his wife watching him as he rifled through his closet. His smile widened. She had hardly let him out of her arms since his return from London last evening, and the gleam in her eyes signified that she was not done with him yet.
“What are you thinking, Mrs. Ingram?”
“I was thinking of waging another assault upon your person, Mr. Ingram,” Georgiana purred, standing now so that her breasts were clearly visible through the thin, peach-coloured satin gown he had purchased for her in London.
Evan groaned, an arousal beginning again. “That gown should be outlawed.”
Georgiana moved to stand in front of him now, sliding her hand along the rigid tent in his breeches. “You purchased the offending item.”
“Oh, it does not offend me—exhausts me perhaps, but it does not offend me.”
“So, are you no longer capable or willing to make love to me day and night for days on end?”
Bringing her roughly to his chest, he murmured into her hair, “Oh, I am quite capable and willing, if that is what you desire, but the estate may go to ruin while I am otherwise occupied.”
“Yes, but to ruin for an excellent reason.”
It was another hour before they left their bed to find Millie and her nurse in the music room, sitting side-by-side on the pianoforte bench. Mrs. Calvert, who had been a gentlewoman before circumstances forced her to enter a life of service, was skilful on the pianoforte and was encouraged by the Ingrams to incorporate music into Millie’s day whenever possible. She was busy creating a simple melody for a poem that Millie seemed to enjoy. Georgiana easily picked up the tune and began to sing the words she knew by heart.
When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy,
And the dimpling stream runs laughing by;
When the air does laugh with our merry wit,
And the green hill laughs with the noise of it;
When the meadows laugh with lively green,
And the grasshopper laughs in the merry scene,
When Mary and Susan and Emily
With their sweet round mouths sing “Ha, Ha, He!''
When the painted birds laugh in the shade,
Where our table with cherries and nuts is spread,
Come live & be merry, and join with me,
To sing the sweet chorus of “Ha, Ha, He! 3
At the sound of her mother’s voice, Millie gasped and slid off the bench. She was a vision in blue with bouncing curls as she ran towards them. Spotting her father who had been absent for almost two weeks, Millie pulled up short, began to cry and instead of running to Georgiana, headed straight for Evan.
“Papa!” the child cried out as he stooped to pick her up. Tears gave way to giggles as he kissed every possible place on her face.
Finally, Evan pulled back to look at her. “My, how you have grown!” Millie beamed. “Were you a good girl for your mother and Mrs. Calvert while I was in Town?” The small, golden head bobbed up and down, as her blue eyes stopped tearing.
“Wonderful! I brought you some things that I thought you might like. Would you like to see them now?” Another round of silent head bobbing commenced.
“Has the cat got your tongue?” Looking astonished, Millie felt for her tongue and finding it, shook her head. Evan winked at Georgiana.
“Well, your presents are in the conservatory, along with some for your lovely mother.” Holding out his arm for Georgiana, she took it straightaway as he smiled at Millie’s nurse.
“Come, Mrs. Calvert, there are presents for you as well.”
The woman could not help but blush. “Oh, Mr. Ingram, that was completely unnecessary.”
“Perhaps not necessary, but entirely warranted by your excellent care of our daughter.”
Thus, the little troupe made their way down the hallway, singing the Laughing Song, which Georgiana had begun as soon as they started out. Several maids, amused at the antics of the Master and Mistress, followed as they made their way to the pile of presents in the conservatory. Mrs. Jenkins, the Ingram’s housekeeper, brought up the rear, following those she had recruited to help with all the discarded wrappings and refreshments.
Pemberley
That Afternoon
In the bedroom she had occupied since coming to Pemberley, Elizabeth bustled about inside the closet. A huge storm with thunder and lightning had commenced after William left that morning and still raged. It was impossible to enjoy any diversion, as she could not concentrate on a book or the pianoforte while sick with worry about his safety. Thus, she had found another occupation to distract her.
When Mrs. Drury entered the room, she could not help but laugh aloud. Elizabeth was nowhere to be seen, but occasionally an item would fly out of the closet, though there was hardly space left on the floor for it to land.
At her companion’s laugh, Elizabeth stuck her head out. “Mrs. Drury, do I remember correctly? Did Mr. Darcy bring my chest back from Northgate? I was in such a fog, but I believe I remember his saying something about returning my chest and that it should contain my Bible.”
Elizabeth prayed that the vicar Fitzwilliam mentioned might agree to conduct a symbolic marriage ceremony and possibly read a verse from her Bible. It was the only thing she had left from her childhood—a gift from her father—and she wanted to record their names inside it. They might have to, by necessity, keep their relationship secret from all but a few—the Bingleys, the Ingrams and Richard, but she wanted it recorded therein for their children to read one day.
“Why yes, child,” the elderly woman replied, turning to go back into the sitting room, “but I believe it is in here.” Elizabeth followed to find Mrs. Drury entering the closet in that room. Presently she backed out, holding the small chest that Elizabeth remembered from her childhood
“There it is!” Elizabeth exclaimed, a myriad of emotions flooding through her at the sight of the present she had received on her eighth birthday.
“ What will you do with so fine a treasure, Lizzy?” Mr. Bennet smiled. “I promised your mother that you would not fill it with clothes and try to run away again.”
Elizabeth’s smile dimmed. Memories of the whipping her mother had administered when she was found at the coach station made her wince. “No, Papa, but, I was only going to London to find employment. When I had lots of money, I would have come home.”
He tried to smile. “We can get by without having you work, my dear.”
Lizzy frowned. How could she tell her beloved Papa that she had heard her mother tell her Aunt Phillips she would like to send her to live with distant relations so there would be more for the rest of her sisters?
“ I truly love the present, Papa. Now I have my very own chest in which to keep the clothes I made for Martha.”
“ Ah, yes. Martha.” Her father sighed, remembering the rag doll that Elizabeth had fashioned by herself. “How is Miss Martha?”
“ She is sad sometimes. But I talk to her, and I remind her that things will get better once she grows up.” Lizzy swept a lock of unruly hair from her forehead, looking up with the dark, bright eyes her father adored. “That is true, is it not? Things will get better when she grows up?”
Mr. Bennet directed a long, thoughtful look at her. “Yes, Lizzy. Things will get better when Martha grows up. You see, this little trunk is called a dowry chest. Martha should put all the things in it that she loves, and the things she will want to take with her when she marries. One day a handsome prince will fall in love with her. They will marry and go to live in a beautiful castle. And they will both be happy for the rest of their lives.”
Lizzy had smiled her lop-sided grin, jumped down and run over to get the bag that held all Martha’s belongings from under the bed. Then she had sat by her father’s feet on the floor and put everything in the chest.
The sight of the small case affected Lizzy more than she had thought it would when she set out to find it. It was the only familiar item she found among her belongings when she gained awareness of her surroundings at Northgate. Suddenly tears streamed down her cheeks unabated. Realising where her thoughts had surely turned, Mrs. Drury set the treasure down and pulled the young woman into her arms, rocking her as she smoothed her hair gently.
“Please do not cry, Miss Elizabeth. You are safe now, and there is a good man who wants to protect you. Do not let old memories ruin your present happiness.”
Elizabeth pulled back, sniffling and wiping her eyes. She wanted so desperately to confide her plans to this wonderful woman, but she could not for fear of jeopardising everyone’s safety, and if she were truthful, fear of her disapproval. After all, while choosing to leave a cruel husband might not be frowned upon by some, choosing to become another man’s mistress would be condemned by all.
“You are correct. I should remember my old philosophy—think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.”
Mrs. Drury patted her arm. “And look to your future. If Mr. Darcy has any part in it, it will be a bright one.”
Pemberley
On horseback
As William travelled from one tenant’s farm to the next he reflected on the letter in his pocket from Richard. It seems that Richard had had very little time to dwell on anything other than his duties since he had returned to his post and he was looking forward to a few weeks leave after his next trip to London and hopefully solving the mystery of the count.
He had related that he had heard from his father and the men hired by Lord Matlock had not been successful in locating the man who had married Anne. Other than repeating that he had apparently fled England shortly after he had cleaned out her bank accounts, these detectives had nothing to add. Their excuse was that the count had apparently used many aliases and it made tracking him difficult if not impossible and they believed that he would never dare to return to England.
William had often pondered the similarities between Anne’s husband and Stefano, but Elizabeth never seemed to fit in the puzzle. He and Richard had both been of the opinion that the men were similar in character, but the time frame between Anne’s marriage and Elizabeth’s abduction was so close as to make it almost impossible for one man to accomplish. And while Anne had a fortune to plunder, Elizabeth certainly did not. Even so, the detectives William had his solicitors hire to investigate Stefano had not uncovered anything new and his whereabouts were still a mystery—just as mysterious as Anne’s husband.
In this same letter, Richard went on to mention that one of his old army acquaintances now ran a detective agency and he was of the opinion that they should seek his assistance. At the end of the missive he had concluded, “I would enjoy helping you find Stefano and ridding England of the blackguard.”
So would I, cousin, so would I, William thought as he kicked Onyx into a trot.
On the road to Derbyshire
They were still miles from Lord Greenwich’s Derbyshire estate. Gwendolyn Waltham had thought it a streak of good luck when Lord and Lady Greenwich decided to return to their country home directly after she had resolved to try one last time to seduce Fitzwilliam Darcy. But now that they were caught in this monstrous storm, she was not quite sure it was luck after all.
It had rained steadily for the last five miles, and the roads were beginning to become impassable, as wheels slipped into deep ruts caused by the coaches that had gone before them. The horses were having trouble keeping their footing as well. As they pulled into the last coach stop before Lambton, the innkeeper informed them that the bridges ahead were likely to be unusable, as streams and rivers easily overflowed their banks in this type of deluge. The inn was old and quite small, and the only accommodations he could offer them was to spend the night sitting at the tables in the common rooms, as all the bedrooms were taken.
These circumstances cemented the plan that had been forming in Lady Waltham’s mind as they got closer to the place she really wanted to be—Pemberley. There was no argument from the elderly couple when she informed them of the benefits of travelling on to Mr. Darcy’s home. They were accustomed to Gwendolyn’s taking charge of arrangements while they travelled, and that was one reason they encouraged her company. Thus, it was late evening when Lord Greenwich’s coach pulled up to Pemberley’s front entrance in a driving rain. Several footmen ran out to assist the occupants into the house, while Mr. Walker sent for Mrs. Reynolds and went to the library to inform Mr. Darcy.
William had come home just in time for dinner, as he had promised Elizabeth, and they had retired to the library afterward. They were sitting on one of the sofas, while William explained everything that had happened that day, from the newborn colt at Mr. Cramer’s homestead, to his difficulty in finding a place to cross the swollen stream on his way home, when Mr. Walker interrupted their conversation with a knock on the door. Immediately, William moved to the sofa opposite Elizabeth and called out, “Come.”
Mr. Walker entered and bowed. “I am sorry to have to disturb you, sir, but visitors have just arrived. I have shown them to the drawing room.”
“Visitors?” William stood. “In this downpour? Good Lord, they must be drowned.” He reached out to take Elizabeth’s hand. “Would you rather not be introduced? I would introduce you to the world as the woman I love, if it would not offend you. But I do not wish to embarrass you or harm you in any way.” He lifted her hand to her lips. “If you wish, you are my dearest cousin, Miss Lawrence.” He smiled lovingly. “And until we remove ourselves from Pemberley, you shall be introduced as such to outsiders, unless, madam, you do not wish to be on display.”
“I believe it is time to meet the world again.”
He took her hand. “I am glad. Come, my love.”
As William led Elizabeth towards the drawing room, they could hear the newly arrived party talking animatedly about their dilemma and upon reaching the interlopers, found Lord and Lady Greenwich standing in the doorway, effectively shielding Gwendolyn, who was inside the room, from William’s view. At William’s approach they both quieted and turned to face him.
“My lord?” William said, bowing to the elderly man. “What brings you to Pemberley in this storm?”
“We were headed home but got caught in the deluge and feared to travel further,” Lord Greenwich replied as he tried to judge Mr. Darcy’s reaction to their sudden appearance. “There were no rooms left at the inn, and I realise it would be impossible to cross the bridge that fronts my estate. It always overflows in this type downpour. We were hoping we could impose upon you for the night.”
William silently cursed the fact that the guest rooms were being refurbished because a tree limb had fallen during the last storm, causing a hole in the roof squarely in that hallway. It had been his decision to close that entire wing and paint all the rooms during the repairs, especially since no guests were allowed while Elizabeth was in residence. Consequently, the unexpected company would, of necessity, have to be housed in the family wing.
As he pondered the dilemma, Lady Greenwich interjected, “Gwendolyn reminded us that your estate was nearby, and we agreed with her that it would be prudent to stop at Pemberley tonight and travel on to our estate tomorrow. We hope you do not mind our imposing on you, Mr. Darcy. After all, she explained that you and she are old friends.”
A bad feeling began in the pit of William’s stomach. “Gwendolyn?”
At that moment, Lady Waltham stepped from behind the open door and came towards him, grinning as though she actually believed she was welcome. “Fitzwilliam!”
She reached out to clasp his hand, but William stepped back, leaving her thwarted. Once more she stepped towards him, and again he stepped back. Now completely out in the hall, his hand went out to grasp Elizabeth’s, bringing her forward, and alerting her to his discomfort by the stiff way he held himself, his iron grip and the tone of his voice.
“Lord and Lady Greenwich...” He hesitated as his eyes flicked to Lady Waltham. He continued after a few endless seconds. “Lady Waltham. Allow me to introduce my cousin, Miss Elizabeth Lawrence, from Essex. Miss Lawrence has been visiting us this summer.”
Elizabeth fell into a perfect curtsey. “It is an honour to meet you, Lord Greenwich. Lady Greenwich.” As she rose, she turned to greet the woman so obviously infatuated with William, and to her astonishment Gwendolyn huffed and walked several feet away, throwing orders over her shoulder.
“Fitzwilliam, I would like a word with you. I shall wait in the library.” She started in that direction but stopped in a few feet when he did not reply.
Lord and Lady Greenwich looked stunned, not knowing what to make of Gwendolyn’s behaviour. They chose to ignore her conduct entirely as they greeted Elizabeth politely, if hurriedly, and begged to be excused, citing their long journey and the lateness of the hour.
Ignoring Gwendolyn, William assured his guests that they were most welcome to retire and nodding to his housekeeper, added, “Mrs. Reynolds will send a tray to your rooms.”
The Master’s discomfort with this rude woman was not lost on Mrs. Reynolds. As his eyes sought hers, she nodded her understanding of how much this lady was welcome at Pemberley. She summoned Martha to escort the couple to their rooms. “Take Lord and Lady Greenwich to the green room.”
After the elderly couple were out of hearing range, William turned to Lady Waltham. “We have nothing to discuss, madam. I suggest you retire as I intend for you to leave at the earliest possible moment tomorrow.”
Mrs. Reynolds stepped forward instantly. “I shall show you to your room.”
Gwendolyn huffed, “As you well know, I am quite familiar with Pemberley, since my late husband and I were great friends of George Darcy.” She looked pointedly at Elizabeth. “And with Fitzwilliam. Just put my things in the blue room. I know where it is.”
William was furious at her audacity. His response was quick and harsh.
“The blue room is out of the question!” Gwendolyn’s chin rose, her anger clearly visible. “While I have no objections to aiding Lord and Lady Greenwich, I feel no such obligation to you! You will never be welcome here. Nevertheless, because of the severity of the storm, I will allow even you sanctuary for one night and one night only!”
Addressing his servant, though his steely eyes never left Gwendolyn, he declared, “Mrs. Reynolds, I trust you to decide on appropriate housing for this lady .”
The housekeeper nodded in response. She understood exactly. Lady Waltham would be at the far end of the hall.”
After Elizabeth had risen from her curtsey, William had grasped her hand again, caring not what his elderly neighbours or Lady Waltham made of his show of affection. Now, still holding it tightly, he turned to head back to the library with her. Having this harridan insinuate herself in his home shook him to the core, and he needed a few minutes alone with Elizabeth to regain his composure. As they reached the sofa where they previously sat, a sound caught his attention, and he turned to see Gwendolyn sweep into the room. Behind her, Mrs. Reynolds stood at the door with a look of consternation, her arms folded across her chest.
~~~*~~~