Fireside Revelation: A Pride and Prejudice Fanfic
The crackle of the fire recently stoked momentarily interrupts his concentration. The quill remains suspended over the half completed page while he valiantly tries to regain his thoughts. Although not a large business matter, it still requires his attention and as master of Pemberley, he wants all in his acquaintance to know he values their communication.
It is no shock to him that in present days he had struggled more with this absence of mind. Much news had been received as to cause consideration. The flames silent again, he once more attempts to finish the missive.
This time, it is not a spark which draws his attention, but a soft, deep breath from the only other individual remaining in the library. At this, Fitzwiliam abandons the endeavor completely. The business will have to wait. He has another, more important concern at present.
Turning from the writing desk, he soon discovers the source of such a sigh.
A comfortable armchair, situated to provide warmth from the fire but not overheat the person occupying it, only partially hides its guest. A lap blanket, once laid on its owner, now lies in a heap at her slippered feet.
Darcy softly approaches his wife and is struck anew at her appearance. Her cheeks, naturally rosy, are flush from the fire's heat. An abandoned book rests in her lap, bookmarked halfway. Although a great reader, it seems her fatigue overcame her desire to complete the novel. Her eyelashes twitch slightly in sleep, her breath slow.
As they had no social engagements to occupy their evening, Elizabeth had consented to his request of leaving her hair relatively unbound. His fingers play with the small ribbon securing her braid. He wishes she had agreed to permit it its freedom but he understood that it would be improper if any servants happened upon them.
He gently removes the novel, marks her place, and sets it on the small table next to them. As he leans forward to pick up the blanket, he sees his wife stir.
She blinks away sleep slowly and upon seeing him in front of her, graces him with a drowsy smile. "Apparently," she says quietly, "Mrs. Radcliff's tales no longer hold my attention as they did when I was a girl. I apologize for my lack of attention..."
Darcy interrupts her apology with a kiss to her forehead. "I'm not slighted by your fatigue Elizabeth. I came over only to ensure you were comfortable. But, perhaps, an armchair is not the most favorable place for a lengthy rest. Will you permit me to take you to our chamber so you can properly sleep?"
Having the intuition of a man married for over a year, he knew her next comment. "I will retire with you if you are up to the company."
Elizabeth readily agreed to these terms and outstretched her arms. He collected her into his with ease.
"Do you need anything for your comfort before I take you upstairs?"
As had become habit in the months before, Elizabeth followed his gaze to the only now increasing middle of her gown. "I believe we are quite well at present thank you. All we require is your person."
He chuckled at the bluntness of which she voiced her request. "I believed you to be fatigued Mrs. Darcy."
"Not so much so that I can't enjoy the company of my husband. Besides, as you have just witnessed, I already napped."
Darcy's deep laugh continued even after the library door closed.