Page 18 of Winter of Passion (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

“Oh, but we are not mocking Mr Darcy, Lizzy! We were mocking the absurd notion that he might call at Longbourn because he likes you.”

“Well,” Mr Bennet interjected, “his aunt Lady Catherine visited us a couple of months ago, his sister is here visiting us, and his cousin is too. As much as I am honoured and delighted by his attentions, I also find it a little strange.”

Mr Bennet seemed ready to make sport on the subject, which increased Elizabeth’s anxiety.

“Papa, please be careful with your jesting.”

“See, Lizzy? This is why I decided to decline the dinner invitation,” Mr Bennet concluded. “I enjoy being careless with my jokes, and I do not wish to embarrass you or Jane any further.”

“I cannot even contradict you, Papa,” she said, kissing his cheeks.

Elizabeth and Georgiana returned to Netherfield around four o’clock. The sun had already set, and it was so cold that the wind froze their faces as they rushed from the carriage to the house.

All the guests were in their rooms, resting before dinner, and the two of them did the same.

Elizabeth warmed herself for a while, but she could not sleep; she felt restless.

She opened the window briefly but closed it a moment later.

It was enough time to notice it had begun to snow.

Half an hour later, she lost her patience so began preparing for dinner.

When she was ready, she went downstairs, but there was still nobody around.

The only choice was to wait for the others, and she went to find something to read in the library. She entered and needed a moment to adjust her eyes as it was rather dark except for the fire burning.

She was startled when she noticed a shadow on a chair, and a thrill shook her entire being when she recognised Darcy’s silhouette approaching her.

“I did not know you had returned,” she said, his nearness causing her delicious distress.

“Were you looking for me, Miss Bennet,” he asked hoarsely.

“No…for Jane…but I am glad I found you.”

He was now so close that he almost touched her. He gazed into her eyes through the darkness broken by the firelight, then he moved past her and locked the door. Her heart seemed to stop, and her lips became dry.

“Do not worry, it will only be a moment,” he whispered, his lips tantalising her earlobe. “I did not dare come to you, but now you are here…”

“Yes…”

“Would you allow me to…” he teased her, and she immediately replied.

“Yes…”

He captured her half-opened mouth with his warm, moist lips. One of his hands glided around her shoulders, while the other gently held her head, the tips of his fingers resting on her nape.

The kiss was gentle and tender but became more passionate as his lips tasted hers with enchanting boldness. She soon became dizzy, intoxicated by his scent and warmth.

Still embraced, he directed her to the sofa, and she leant her head to rest against its back. Her body tensed, recognising the feeling he aroused inside her, and she yearned for something more that could not be offered at that time and in that place.

“I missed you so much, my love,” he whispered.

“I missed you too…”

“We cannot go further now… After the ball, I shall speak to your father.”

“Yes,” she repeated, her hands around his waist while he resumed the assault of her lips.

“We must tell Georgiana and Richard first…and your sister and Bingley…” His tongue teased and tantalised her mouth, her face, her jaw, her throat, with an urgency that proved how ardently he yearned for her. She moaned, but not a sound could escape from her imprisoned mouth.

He placed a few small kisses on her eyelids, then trailed his lips to her throat.

“You are wearing the heart.”

“Yes…Jane saw it and asked about it. I told her I purchased it some time ago. Since she knows, I can wear it.”

“There are many more valuable jewels that I shall give you once we are engaged.”

“I love wearing your heart,” she replied. “Nothing could be more valuable.”

They stared at each other with longing and passion, immersed in the depths of each other’s eyes. She caressed his face, and her fingers entwined in his hair.

“We must leave now,” he said, still kissing her. “I have been too imprudent already.”

He was so close that she could feel his lips moving against her cheek with each word.

“It is such a pleasant and welcoming imprudence…and much desired.”

“If you only knew my true desire for you, you would be frightened,” he whispered. His hand brushed over her ribs and rested an instant on her breast. Only a moment.

“I could never be frightened by you, my dearest Mr Darcy.”

His face was so close to hers, and his gaze bored into her; there were no words, only the sound of the wood burning on the fire and the wind rattling the windows.

“We must leave now,” he repeated.

“Shall I see you later?” she dared ask.

“I shall try. I am not certain, though.”

“If we announce our engagement, I shall leave Netherfield. We shall not be alone again until after the wedding.” She knew she should be ashamed of her bold suggestion, but she was only thrilled and eager.

“I know…I shall come to you before that happens… One of these evenings…”

A new trail of small kisses covered her face, and another long, deep, passionate one imprisoned her mouth.

Then he suddenly stopped and gently pushed her away, kissing her hand.

“Please leave now, my love. I need a moment to compose myself,” he begged.

She did not know what he meant, but his disturbance was obvious. She brushed her hands over her gown, unlocked the door, and opened it carefully. There was nobody in the hall, so she slipped out, just in time to hear Bingley’s voice.