Page 16 of Winter of Passion (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

A knock on the door made Elizabeth startle, and she glanced around in momentary confusion.

She had slept little, and her heart was still melting as her mind vividly recollected those sweet, forbidden moments she had spent in Darcy’s arms. The exquisite sensation of sharing a bed with him for two nights — though not quite sharing it — his body over hers, his kisses and caresses that had made her lose control of her body, just as love had made her lose control of her heart and mind.

It was with an outrageous boldness that she had dared to glide the piece of paper under his door, where anybody could find it.

There were no names on it, but still, it could have created a huge scandal.

Her dare has been rewarded most sweetly, as he had come to her in an even more outrageous and scandalous gesture.

The always proper and haughty Mr Darcy acting in such a shocking way was a notion that made her laugh to herself.

The details of his brazen behaviour — his pleasure in giving her pleasure, as he claimed — was something she had not even considered properly and still made her head spin and her cheeks burn from joy and mortification.

“Lizzy? May I come in?”

“Yes, Jane, of course! I overslept again.”

“Oh, no,” her sister said, sitting on the bed. “I woke up early. In fact, Charles and I barely slept out of worry and agitation. I fear I might not be able to handle such a large party…”

“Oh, come now, my dear,” Elizabeth said, embracing her sister. “There is nothing to handle. You have a full household of servants, an efficient housekeeper, an excellent cook, and Hill promised she would come to help in the kitchen if you wished for one of her special courses.”

“Yes, but some of these people are so fastidious…and Caroline and Louisa always try to make me uncomfortable. And Charles said we must stay with them all the time. Poor Charles. I am so sorry that I agreed to Caroline’s suggestion to host this chaos…

Charles wished to go to London…but Caroline and Louisa insisted on inviting Lord Langley and Mr Morton, and then more guests were added… ”

“Dearest, please do not allow anyone to ruin your spirits! I can feel your pain, but I think you distress yourself too much. Remember what Mr Darcy said — you do not need the approval of these people! They should be grateful that you are treating them with so much consideration!”

“I know your reason is correct, but I am not as strong and brave as you are, Lizzy. I am so grateful you are here with me! And Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who are so kind and supportive of us.”

“Yes, they are.”

“And Miss Darcy is so sweet and pretty and kind… I believe she is almost as scared as I am by all these people.”

Elizabeth kissed her cheek. “I believe you are right. You and Miss Darcy are very similar in kindness and sweetness, which is why you allow strangers to torment you.”

“Lizzy, Charles said you and Mr Darcy will go to Longbourn to introduce Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy to our family.”

“Will you and Charles not come? Our aunt and uncle and cousins are expecting you both, I am sure.”

“Charles says we cannot leave…we must stay with the guests.”

“Oh…”

“Yes…I must go down now, Lizzy. Breakfast should be ready in half an hour. Please come on time — Louisa said these people are always punctual.”

Elizabeth kissed her again. “Do not worry — I shall join you shortly.”

“Lizzy…where did you get this necklace?” Jane enquired, and Elizabeth held her breath.

She touched the heart, then, after a moment of confusion, she whispered, “Oh, this. I purchased it a while ago, and I left it in my reticule. I shall take it off now.”

“It is lovely. That heart is of garnet, I believe. Red is surely your colour.”

“Yes…there…I have taken it off, and it is time for me to dress while you hurry to your guests.”

Fortunately, Jane was too distressed to enquire further, but Elizabeth needed another moment to regain her composure. She felt as if she had disclosed proof of the passion she had shared with Darcy and a glimpse into their secret engagement.

∞∞∞

Later that morning, the party of four travelled to Longbourn. Elizabeth sat next to Miss Darcy, opposite Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Elizabeth had spoken to Darcy only briefly, but his closeness was enough. In the intimate company of his sister and cousin, she felt warm and at ease.

“I must warn you both that my mother’s attention might be a little loud and enthusiastic,” she said. “I am sure the colonel will bear it well enough, but for Miss Darcy it might be a little overwhelming.”

“I trust Georgiana will enjoy meeting your family, Miss Bennet,” Darcy replied. “As for my cousin, there is no doubt at all.”

“We are all acquainted with Lady Catherine. I doubt your mother could be more overwhelming!” The colonel laughed.

“She is not — not by far,” Darcy declared.

“I shall be pleased to meet your parents and sisters, Miss Bennet,” Miss Darcy said. “And I look forward to seeing Mr and Mrs Gardiner.”

“I have warned Georgiana that she might hear mention of Wickham,” Darcy said, surprising Elizabeth.

It was one of her main concerns, and he apparently had guessed it.

“Wickham was cruel to our entire family, and his name is not pleasant to any of us,” he continued, suggesting to Elizabeth that neither Miss Darcy nor the colonel were aware of her knowledge on the subject.

“You must not worry about me,” Miss Darcy whispered. “It was painful to discover his true character since I have known him all my life. But I am not hurt any longer. I hope he will improve and your sister will be happy with him, Miss Bennet.”

The girl’s effort to show composure was apparent and her voice barely audible.

“I doubt Wickham will change,” the colonel replied severely. “I dare say his wife would be happier as a young widow.”

“Richard, please mind your words,” Darcy replied. “Georgiana does not need more distress and neither does Miss Bennet.”

“I apologise for my rudeness, ladies. Unfortunately, I cannot conceal my feelings about that scoundrel.”

“There — Longbourn is in view now.” Elizabeth gestured out of the window, happy to change the subject.

“What a lovely view you have!” Miss Darcy exclaimed. “And so close to Netherfield!”

“Only three miles,” Darcy added. “Miss Bennet finds great enjoyment in walking the distance.”

The statement brought back other recollections and made Elizabeth smile.

“And Mr Darcy finds great enjoyment in criticising my habit,” she replied.

“That is not accurate at all,” Darcy argued. “But apparently Miss Bennet finds great enjoyment in teasing me for my past errors.”

“It seems you two always tease each other,” the colonel concluded. “I remember one memorable evening at Rosings when Miss Bennet played the pianoforte for us, and you two argued all the time. I was quite entertained.”

Elizabeth looked at Darcy and met his gaze; that memory — and others from Kent — was vivid for both of them but had been slowly pushed into the past and buried under the exquisite felicity they were living in the present.

The carriage stopped in front of the house, and Darcy stepped out, helping Elizabeth and his sister.

Elizabeth entered first, and moments later, her entire family appeared to greet them.

Having Miss Darcy and the colonel — the son of an earl — in her house was thrilling for Mrs Bennet, and she showed it.

They all entered the drawing room and, with the presence of the Gardiners, the conversation began easily. The colonel immediately became familiar with everyone and found many subjects of mutual interest.

Darcy was quieter than his cousin, sitting next to his sister. Miss Darcy was silent and timid at first, but Mrs Gardiner’s questions slowly put her at ease.

Perhaps half an hour passed until the entire party became comfortable with each other, much to Elizabeth’s delight.

“So tell us of the goings on at Netherfield,” Mrs Bennet asked. “My dear Jane must be so happy to have so many illustrious guests! Our neighbours are all curious to meet them at the ball!”

“Life is busy and agitated at Netherfield,” Elizabeth replied.

“Of course it is. It was Jane’s fortune to marry a man like Mr Bingley and to meet so many rich people. Oh, Mrs Phillips will not believe that Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy visited us! Of course, Longbourn is nothing compared to the houses you are accustomed to.”

“Longbourn is a handsome house,” the colonel said. “And your company is delightful.”

“Indeed…I am glad my brother insisted I come,” Miss Darcy said. “I am not always easy in company.”

“Oh, you are so pretty and so sweet, Miss Darcy!” Mrs Bennet said. “I was afraid you would resemble your brother, but you are nothing like him.”

The statement stunned all those present, and a wave of mortification spread across the room, silencing everyone. Mrs Bennet immediately realised her error, and her face reddened.

“Oh, I am so sorry…I did not mean…”

Darcy began to laugh. “I absolutely agree with Mrs Bennet,” he said. “I know I have many faults, and I am proud to say my sister possesses none of them.”

“Well,” Mr Bennet interjected, “I would say very few men could be described as sweet and pretty. And I can safely say most of us men have plenty of faults.”

“True! I shall drink to that, sir,” the colonel said, and the embarrassing moment passed.

“Having the pleasure of knowing both Mr and Miss Darcy, I can testify to their admirable qualities,” Elizabeth interjected. “I agree they do not resemble each other in appearance, but in essentials, I believe they share the more important traits.”

She felt Darcy’s gaze upon her and smiled at him.

“My brother is a most excellent man,” Miss Darcy said in a low voice.

“I agree,” the colonel interjected again.

“So do I,” Mrs Gardiner said. “While we were in Derbyshire, I heard nothing but praise of Mr Darcy, as a master and as a landlord. He seems to be very much like his excellent father.”

“True,” the colonel uttered. “Darcy is very much like my late uncle, but I dare say even better at managing his affairs. And Georgiana is as fond of art as my late aunt, but I dare say even more talented at the pianoforte.”

“Oh, my daughters do not play the pianoforte well,” Mrs Bennet said. “Lizzy plays nicely, but she is too lazy to practise. Mary practises all the time, but her playing is always so morose!”

“Mama!” Elizabeth cried, stunned by such rudeness. Mary turned pale; her hands were trembling with apparent embarrassment.

“Mary’s technique is good and her diligence in improving herself commendable,” Elizabeth continued.

“I do agree that I do not practise as much as I should. But even if I did, I could not compare to Miss Darcy. Neither could Mary nor most of the young women in London. Miss Darcy’s talent is exquisite and very likely enhanced by passion and constant practice. ”

“I thank you, Miss Bennet. I do love music — it is my passion — and I am fortunate that my brother provided me with the best teachers. But I have heard you play, and I enjoyed it very much. And so did my brother.”

“Indeed, I hope to have that pleasure again very soon,” Darcy replied, making Elizabeth’s cheeks heat.

“As for Miss Mary, I am glad to hear she loves to practise. I have no opportunity to do so at Netherfield so…if you do not mind…perhaps we may practise together…”

To Elizabeth, it was obvious that Miss Darcy had offered out of kindness, but for Mary, it was a gift which brightened her countenance.

“Oh, I would love that, Miss Darcy. I just hope you will not be disappointed…”

“I am sure I shall not be.” Georgiana smiled sweetly. Darcy nodded approvingly at her, and Elizabeth rejoiced in Mary’s happiness.

Strangely, Kitty was rather silent during the entire visit. Elizabeth asked her a few questions, but the answers were always brief, proving the girl was intimidated and not comfortable enough in a company superior to what she was used to.

The visit lasted two full hours, and it ended with regrets and promises to repeat it soon.

Elizabeth was happy to see her family but also thrilled to return to Netherfield.

Everywhere Darcy was, she felt at home. She knew things would have to change in a short while; they would have to announce their engagement, and she would have to return to Longbourn.

Hopefully, they would only be separated briefly, but she felt a pain in her chest just thinking about it.