Elizabeth sat within the confines of Pemberly's grand library, nose deep in a weathered novel she'd read numerous times before. The outside had found itself in a frostbitten state, much too cold and dreary for her regular morning walks. The lake had since frozen over and disappeared under a mound of white, and the trees in the garden shivered delicately in the winter's unforgiving breeze. Her eyes drifted lazily toward the figure pressed against the furthest wall, intent on perfecting a letter. His back was stiff from years of proper etiquette, shoulders at attention as he sat at his desk. A small smile managed its way across Elizabeth's lips as she returned to her reading.
On occasion, Darcy would turn to her, fixing his even gaze on her form as she read at her leisure, enjoying each page more thoroughly than the last. Every chuckle she allowed from beneath her breath and every sniffle she attempted to conceal caught his attention in mild alarm. The latter more so, and he softly called for her as she dabbed at dampened eyes. She glanced his way in acknowledgment, briefly smiling to indicate she was feeling well.
Though he didn't accept the assurance, Darcy returned to whatever he'd set out to accomplish, only to turn once again as another sob escaped her. This one more desperate than the last, escaping from her chest in bold dissent. He stood without informing the other; her attention captured by whatever novel that had caused such distress, and sat beside her.
She laughed at him, calling him silly to cease his work to ensure her wellbeing. And he smiled sweetly, taking her hand in his, and kissing the knuckles in reassurance. Her eyes remained red rimmed as she glanced between him and the page, her smile wavering as her lower lip trembled almost imperceptibly. Thumb grazing softened skin, he turned and placed a delicate yet firm kiss upon her lips. His mouth feather light, and touch tender against her cheek, Elizabeth felt her lids flutter. For only a brief moment did it last, and with this she'd barely enough time to close her eyes before it ended. He stood then, returned to his writing, and proceeded as if without interruption.
First P&P fic, so please be gentle. I recently finished the novel and am by no means an expert on the time period or characters.
Thank you for reading~