Page 18 of Suddenly Married

Elizabeth gazed out of the window with admiration for the landscape.

Derbyshire was undoubtedly wonderful, and, as a lover of nature, she could not help but acknowledge it.

It was her third day of travel, and Mr. Darcy had informed her an hour earlier that they would arrive at her new home before nightfall.

The previous day, as on the first night they had spent at an inn, her husband had slept beside her, kissed and comforted her, yet had not attempted anything further.

She was most grateful that he had refrained from consummating their marriage, though she knew that would soon change.

She was prepared to face that moment and to make her husband feel that his attentions were welcome.

He was fulfilling his part of the arrangement by protecting her family; she would fulfil hers by being a good wife.

Mr. Darcy was observing his beautiful wife's face.

He delighted in seeing her gaze upon the scenery with such open admiration.

He had always known that Elizabeth would be enchanted by her new home and content with her new life.

The previous nights had been delightful; to sleep while holding Elizabeth in his arms and to kiss her was an experience even more exquisite than he had imagined.

That was why he wished to give her many gifts as tokens of his love and devotion.

While in London, he had ordered a new set of jewellery, which he intended to present to her when they returned there in a few months' time.

By then, she would be in half-mourning and could attend certain social events.

"Mrs. Darcy, I would like to know what you desire as a wedding gift.

In a few months, we shall travel to London, and my aunt, Lady Victoria, will assist you in acquiring a new wardrobe with everything you require.

However, I should like to give you a special gift—something of your own choosing," Mr. Darcy said, taking her hand and kissing it.

Elizabeth looked at him for a few moments before replying.

What she most desired was precisely what she had promised not to speak of.

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but I require nothing more.

You have been most generous, and the truth is that I possess all that I need.

" Seeing that he appeared slightly surprised, she added, "I am a person of simple tastes, Mr. Darcy; I have all that I require.

" Wishing to avoid offending him, she said, "But I thank you sincerely for asking.

Besides, it is hardly fair, for I cannot give you anything.

" She concluded with a smile. "You need give me nothing, Elizabeth; I have everything.

" After saying this, he kissed her lips briefly.

He was satisfied to know that his wife required nothing but his presence to be content.

Elizabeth felt slightly uncomfortable, yet she did not withdraw from his touch.

When he ended the kiss, he said softly, "I love you, Elizabeth, and it makes me immeasurably happy to know we are at last together.

But my offer still stands; if you should think of something you wish for, whatever it may be, tell me and I shall give it to you.

" "Be very careful, sir; perhaps I might ask for something you cannot bestow.

" "What do you suppose you could ask of me that I could not grant?

" "The moon," replied Elizabeth with a smile, preferring to avoid further difficulty.

Mr. Darcy could not help but laugh heartily.

To change the uncomfortable subject, Elizabeth began asking her husband questions about Pemberley, and he answered with animation.

Speaking of his estate, he seemed quite a different man; indeed, he even appeared younger than she had imagined, and she was curious to know his age.

"Mr. Darcy, how old are you?" He smiled and replied, "Elizabeth, remember that when we are alone, you may call me Fitzwilliam—or William, as my sister does.

But to answer your question, how old do you suppose I am?

I know you are twenty." "When I first met you, I thought you were eighty; but now I believe you are over twenty-five yet less than thirty," Elizabeth replied.

"I am twenty-seven, though my cousin Fitzwilliam would agree with you that at times I appear eighty," he said cheerfully.

"Although I may seem an old man to you, I assure you I am not.

" "You do not appear old, but at times you conduct yourself like a man much older than twenty-seven.

" "I see," said Mr. Darcy, falling silent.

He knew Elizabeth was correct; he was far too serious for his age.

That was why he had fallen in love with her—for even after losing her father and leaving her home to begin a new life, she could still be affectionate and warm.

Elizabeth was still gazing out of the window when she suddenly saw an injured dog by the roadside and asked Mr. Darcy to stop the carriage so that she might assist it.

The dog had a wounded leg and could not walk.

They gave it food and water, but Elizabeth was greatly distressed to leave it there and conceived an idea.

"Fitzwilliam, I know what I want for my wedding gift.

" Mr. Darcy was a little puzzled, yet willing to grant her wish, whatever it might be.

"Tell me, my dear, what you desire." "I wish to adopt this dog," replied Elizabeth.

"You want a stray dog as a wedding present?

" Mr. Darcy could scarcely believe that Elizabeth had requested such a gift, yet when he saw her smile, he knew she was in earnest. "Well, if you want him so dearly, you shall have him.

" Elizabeth was so pleased that she embraced Mr. Darcy and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy." She did not know why the prospect filled her with such joy.

Perhaps it was because she thought she and that dog had much in common: both were alone and hurt.

Perhaps they might find comfort in one another's company.

Mr. Darcy now knew, more than ever, the value of his wife.

She was entirely unlike the fortune-hunters who had plagued him for years.

Elizabeth Darcy was a singular woman, and he was the happiest of men to enjoy her company and love.

The coachman and page carried the dog to the front of the carriage, and they continued their journey.

After three days of travel, they at last reached Pemberley.

Elizabeth was astonished; the house and grounds were even more impressive than Rosings.

When she alighted from the carriage, all the servants stood in a row, awaiting their new mistress.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Darcy. I hope you like your new house," murmured Mr. Darcy in his beautiful wife's ear.

"I like it very much, sir," Elizabeth replied nervously.

Among the servants stood a young lady of about Kitty's age, whom Elizabeth assumed to be Mr. Darcy's sister.

After the introductions were made, they entered the house, while the servants returned to their duties.

Elizabeth was surprised. Miss Darcy was not at all what she had expected.

Instead of a haughty and proud young lady, she encountered a timid and amiable girl, who looked to her brother for approval whenever she spoke.

Elizabeth wished to retire to her room to rest and reflect upon what her life would be.

She felt overwhelmed by her new circumstances; she would now live with her husband and a new sister in a vast mansion full of servants.

Yet she understood that Miss Darcy was curious and wished to know her better, even if she did not show it.

She therefore gladly accepted her invitation to the drawing room for tea and conversation.

Elizabeth did her utmost to make Georgiana feel at ease, until at last she was sufficiently reassured to speak a little of herself.

"I have heard that you are fond of music, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth said, seeking to begin a conversation.

"Yes, I am, Mrs. Darcy. My brother told me that you sing and play the piano most excellently," Georgiana replied, without meeting Elizabeth's eyes.

"Your brother has greatly exaggerated my talents, but I do enjoy singing.

I know you play the piano well; perhaps we might practise some duets together?

And please, call me Lizzy," Elizabeth was about to add because my family call me that, but she remembered she ought never to speak of them and refrained.

"I should love to practise duets with you, Lizzy.

Will you call me Georgiana?" Miss Darcy was pleased; her new sister was beautiful, with a delightful smile and fine eyes.

She was also most kind, and Georgiana wished to be her friend.

"Of course, Georgiana. You are my sister now; we cannot be so formal," Elizabeth said, taking her new sister by the arm and telling her of the dog she had rescued.

"Poor creature; you were right to save him.

I should have done the same," Georgiana said, though she doubted her brother would have permitted her to adopt it.

"Now I must think of a suitable name for him.

" Georgiana listened attentively to Elizabeth and understood why her brother had fallen in love with her.

As they spoke, she noticed Elizabeth's mourning dress and remembered all that her sister-in-law had recently endured.

She was touched that Elizabeth had made such an effort to be cordial.

"Lizzy, allow me to offer my sincere condolences.

I know how it pains one to lose a parent," Georgiana said with feeling.

Elizabeth was moved by Georgiana's words and replied warmly, "Thank you.

" Mr. Darcy observed with delight how Elizabeth encouraged his sister to speak.

He had always known that she would not only make him immeasurably happy but would also prove an excellent sister to Georgiana.

After refreshing themselves and changing, they enjoyed a light dinner.

Mr. Darcy explained to his sister that it had been a long day and that they would continue their conversation over breakfast. They wished Georgiana good night and retired to their chambers.

Mr. Darcy led Elizabeth to her new bedroom.

She had never seen so large or so luxuriously decorated a room, with a balcony overlooking a beautiful lake.

"I hope you like your new room, my dear Mrs. Darcy.

" "It is most beautiful—and larger than any room I have ever seen," Elizabeth jested, masking her nervousness.

Pemberley was even grander than she had imagined, and she did not know how she would live up to such a place.

Mr. Darcy indicated the door connecting her room to his and told her to call him if she required anything.

He then left her to bathe and prepare for bed.

After her maid had dried her hair and withdrawn, Elizabeth lay upon the great bed.

She could not help but think of her mother and sisters.

She hoped for a letter soon to learn of Mrs. Bennet's health and whether she was recovering.

She also wished to know about Jane, her poor sister, who had lately suffered too much.

She was so absorbed in thought that she did not notice her husband had entered and was watching her.

"Of what are you thinking so intently, my dear?

" Elizabeth did not wish to answer. She had been thinking of her mother, knowing how little he cared for her family.

To prevent further inquiry, she rose and began to kiss him.

In some way, she must prevent him from perceiving that he wounded her by forbidding close contact with her family.

She also wished to deny him the satisfaction of seeing her troubled.

Besides, she did not mind kissing him. Every night, at the inn, they had kissed before sleeping.

To her, it was a means of escape—of emptying her mind and surrendering herself to the moment.

Her husband was handsome and affectionate, and she enjoyed his attentions.

"Elizabeth, my sweet, beloved Elizabeth.

" Mr. Darcy lost all restraint when he felt how fervently she sought him, and he returned her kisses while his hands caressed her.

She was so perfect and beautiful, and she was his wife.

"Elizabeth, my beloved, how I love you," he murmured between kisses, as she yielded to him and they made love for the first time.

"My dear wife, I never thought I could love anyone so dearly.

I swear I shall spend the rest of my life striving to make you happy," Mr. Darcy whispered before falling asleep.

"Good night, Fitzwilliam," she replied, kissing his cheek.

Elizabeth thought of nothing—she simply surrendered to the multitude of sensations her husband's kisses and caresses stirred within her.

She did not know how they had gone from kissing to making love, but she did not mind.

When it was over, Mr. Darcy held her close and repeated his declarations of love.

She clung to his arms and fell asleep, fervently wishing that she might one day love Mr. Darcy.

It had been a wonderful evening for Mr. Darcy—more exhilarating than he had ever imagined.

He fell asleep content and happy, with his beautiful wife nestled in his arms.