Chapter 10: In the Light of Dawn

Between Bingley and himself, they had managed to drink more than Darcy would care to imagine. What started as reluctant, indeed resentful, companionship led to toasts of their good fortune in securing the best women of their acquaintance.

It was when Darcy had started to describe Elizabeth's kisses, that he realized he had imbibed on far too many glasses of brandy. Darcy stopped abruptly, somewhat sobered, and pushed his still full glass aside. His friend had not seemed to notice that he stopped talking, indeed Bingley had a foolish lovesick smile pasted on his face.

They had ceased listening to each other for quite a while now Darcy realized, instead they had taken turns talking about their betrotheds, cheerfully rejoicing in their situations.

"I say Darce, do you think Jane is still awake? I must go and see her!" Bingley rose too quickly for the state that he was in, he swayed where he stood.

"You are in no condition to see Miss Bennet, Bingley." Learning from his friend, Darcy stood up slowly, gauging his own balance. When the room did not tilt, he walked to Bingley.

"She loves me, and will not care!" Bingley waved his arm. "Jane is the kindest, most beautiful–" A hiccup disturbed his passionate speech. "I must see her, I long for her embrace, her–" Another hiccup. He walked unsteadily to the door.

Darcy followed him out. Somehow, in his inebriated condition he managed to maneuver Bingley in the direction of the master's chambers. He could only be thankful that he was still thinking straight.

The younger gentleman's continuous exhalations of his love's beauty and goodness reverberated in the quiet hallway.

"I must see Jane, I must!" Bingley insisted as Darcy clumsily jostled him inside his rooms.

"This is her chamber." Darcy pointed to the bed. "There she lies sleeping."

Bingley smiled widely, then squinted in the darkness. He approached the bed, and lay down on top of the counterpane. Darcy saw as his friend fell instantly asleep, his arm wrapped around a pillow.

Sniggering, Darcy stepped out and made his way to his own chambers. It was pure luck which brought him to the guest wing. As he stood turning the doorknob, he looked longingly down the hall. He shook his head, neither was he in any condition to see his beloved.

Darcy stumbled into the room. He groped in the darkness, trying his best to remember where the bed was. When his legs bumped into it, he stripped off his clothing and settled in. He had missed his chance to give Elizabeth a proper good night, and in the process had managed to get himself quite drunk as well. He felt dearly the wasted opportunity. Darcy had not envisioned his night to progress as such, he was acutely disappointed.

"Elizabeth." He breathed. In his well-nigh drunken state, he mulled at how she had quickly become the center of his life. With absolutely no effort on her part, Elizabeth had ensnared him. He saw her everywhere, she lived in him. Indeed, her scent clung to him now as if she lay there on the same bed. Darcy turned on his side, and imitating Bingley, embraced the pillow which lay beside him. He fell asleep with Elizabeth on his mind, the fragrance of her skin in his consciousness.

Elizabeth lay half awake in bed, warm and dreaming of Darcy. She could almost feel him, feel the contours of his body. Just as she had that one night in the gardens of Pemberley. She smiled and turned, her arm reaching out as if to chase after the feel of her beloved.

When her hand touched firm, warm skin, Elizabeth's eyes opened, and then widened in disbelief. She blinked several times, but to no avail. The image that lay before her would not disappear. Her breath froze, she dared not move. There laying beside her, sleeping as soundly as a babe, was Darcy. His arm wrapped around her waist. The counterpane covered up to his waist, underneath it she felt his leg covering hers.

Through the open drapes, she perceived the gray sky slowly being chased away by the light of dawn. Elizabeth stared at Darcy, stared at his bare chest, at the smattering of hair that curled there. The arm that lay about her waist felt heavy, indeed it looked muscular. Elizabeth swallowed. She had never seen a man's bare chest and arms before. Warmth spread through her. She dared not imagine what lay beneath the covers.

How had this come to be? She thought back to the previous night, then flinched in remembrance. Elizabeth saw herself silently enter Darcy's bedchamber, she had felt bold and daring as she sat on Darcy's bed, waiting for him to return. She had wanted to bid him the goodnight that opportunity had forsaken them. She remembered feeling giddy with anticipation as she envisioned the look of surprise that would surely be on his handsome face.

And now here she was, in the same bed as Darcy. She had evidently fallen asleep in her wait. There was still time to go back to her chambers, she thought quickly. No one would be stirring yet, at least not in these parts of the house. Very carefully, she lifted Darcy's arm from her waist. When he did not stir, Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. Untangling her legs from his proved a more difficult task. She felt the shape and texture of his legs against hers, for the shift and wrapper she wore had ridden up her legs in her sleep. She blushed once again at the impropriety of her circumstance.

By the time she had managed the task, Elizabeth was breathless. From her efforts or from something else quite entirely, she could not say. Quietly dropping her feet on the cold floor, she braced to stand up when a warm hand caught her wrist. Elizabeth gasped, her heart raced.

Darcy, with a slumberous gaze, smiled at her. "Lizzy, my love. What a lovely thing to always see you in my dreams, to feel your warm body against mine." He took her hand and tucked it under his cheek, showering it with sleepy kisses, then closed his eyes and continued to sleep.

Blushing deeply, Elizabeth dared not move. She stood bent over the bed, arm outstretched, until Darcy's breathing evened out and deepened. Very slowly did she extract her hand, it tingled where he kissed it. The light stubble on his jaw abraded the skin on her wrist, filling her with sensations.

She moved away from the bed. Still, she could not help but look at him. Elizabeth's eyes traced the line of Darcy shoulders, the muscles on his back. A fine form of a man, indeed her Fitzwilliam was. Even in his sleep, the effect he had on Elizabeth was tremendous, attraction so strong made her heart beat heavy and fast. She counted the days until she could stay with him, until they could wake up in the morning light together.

Darcy shifted in his sleep, his legs kicked at the counterpane. With a combination of horror and fascination, Elizabeth stared as the covers began to hike down. However, years of maidenly upbringing shook her from her daze. What are you doing? She said to herself. Frantically, and as quietly as possible, she raced to the door and eased it open.

Elizabeth's mistake was looking back into the room. In the golden light of sunrise, she saw Darcy's form from behind, uncovered and exposed to her sight. He wore no garments to bed, and she had lain wrapped in his arms.

With a small whimper and no little anxiety, Elizabeth fled to her room.

The breakfast room saw the Bennet sisters first in arriving for the morning meal. The butler had informed them that the gentlemen sent word that they were to follow directly.

A blush threatened to appear on Elizabeth's cheeks. After seeing Darcy in so informal a state, she doubted very much that she could see him in her mind in any other way.

"The weather looks more promising today." Jane smiled.

Outside, little rays of sunshine bravely emerged from puffs of clouds. The fields were a deeper green, still wet from last night's rain. A new day forgeting the troubles of yesterday.

"Indeed." Elizabeth said in a distracted fashion. When she noticed Jane looking curiously at her, she straightened. "I suppose we must trespass on Mr. Bingley's hospitality again and ask for his carriage to convey us home after breakfast."

Jane sighed, rather uncharacteristically. "Yes, I suppose we must."

The sound of walking feet, roused the sisters from what would have been the start of a melancholy mood. Bingley, closely followed by Darcy, entered the room.

"Good morning, Jane, Miss Elizabeth." Bingley said. Both gentlemen bowed.

Bingley winced at the movement and touched his temple. The ladies noticed this, and Jane inquired after it with concern.

"Just a bit of a headache." Bingley replied cheerfully. "Worry not, Jane, nothing that a good cup of coffee cannot remedy.

Darcy sat down next to Elizabeth as he began his meal. "I trust you slept well, Elizabeth?"

"I did, thank you." She replied quickly, bright red spots staining her cheeks.

Surprised at her reaction, he tried to catch her eye, but Elizabeth pointedly refused to look his way. Instead, her concentration went to buttering a bread roll with precision.

Darcy wondered at his beloved's countenance. More than a little intrigued, Darcy smiled and shook his head. He would give her some latitude, and inquire of her strange mood after the meal.

As they headed out of the breakfast room, Jane spoke directly to Bingley about their departure for Longbourn, leaving Darcy and Elizabeth to their own conversation.

"Elizabeth, might you join me for a walk?" Before she could give a reply, Darcy steered her out to the gardens.

"But the ground is wet and muddy from the rains." Elizabeth replied more from a feeling of awkwardness than actual dislike of the idea.

"We shall keep to the pathways."

They walked in silence. The earth smelled of rain, sunlight bouncing off on little puddles of clear rainwater. The same water caught their reflection as they passed. As they entered the rose garden, Darcy stopped at a rose bush and carefully plucked a bloom. He shook the moisture out from its pink petals.

"I recall a certain Miss Elizabeth Bennet with a muddied petticoat who visited Netherfield once." Darcy said as he handed the rose to Elizabeth. "Though I shall admit that I never took notice of her petticoat, I was much too distracted by her bright eyes. How fearless she looked, windblown hair, her color high and brilliant."

Taking the proffered rose, Elizabeth could not help but smile. She glanced at Darcy from beneath lowered lashes. "You are teasing me, sir."

"I most certainly am not." Darcy grinned. "Indeed, I was so attracted to her that I could hardly speak. Fool that I was, I fought what I felt." He took Elizabeth's hand and laid it against his heart.

Elizabeth blushed deeply, remembering that part of him was bared to her sight. She looked down in embarrassment. But her betrothed would not have it, Darcy lifted her chin with his fingers until she met his gaze.

"I never stood a chance." He said wistfully. He kissed her hand. "What has you so unsettled, my love?"

Elizabeth looked hastily away again. "What has you believing that I am unsettled?" She evaded.

Darcy smiled at her in answer, one brow arching amiably. Changing the subject, he led her forward.

"Have I heard Miss Bennet correctly? You are to return to Longbourn this morning?"

"Yes." Elizabeth answered, relieved at the change of topic. "It would not be proper for us to stay longer, I think."

Darcy made no reply, he seemed to be absorbing the surroundings. Rain made everything fresh and new. Everything was cleaner and clearer, braver for having weathered the storm. Elizabeth bit her lip. She must get past this embarrassment, she scolded herself. Very soon Darcy would become her husband, she would see more. For passion was not something that Fitzwilliam Darcy lacked.

"I hope Mr. Bingley recovers from his headache very soon." Elizabeth said determinedly. "He seemed to be in fine health last night."

"Yes, I ah—" Darcy cleared his throat, "I am sure Miss Bennet's company will soon rid him of any ailments." Darcy could only be thankful that he himself had not suffered any ill effects of their impromptu bout of drinking. Indeed, as soon as he settled in bed had he drifted to sleep, and had dreamed of Elizabeth.

It was more often than not that she was in his dreams, but last night had brought a definite clarity. In comparison to his other dreams of his beloved, this one stood out. Golden in a sea of silver. It was as if he really held her in his arms, as if he really inhaled her scent. The feel of her skin against his seemed more tangible.

"I dreamed of you last night." Darcy said, turning to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's resolve faltered, her limp fingers dropping the rose on the ground. "Oh." She squeaked.

Darcy bent to pick up the fallen bloom. Then straightened very suddenly.

An image, a memory?—appeared in his mind, like dye spreading in water. Elizabeth in bed with him, wrapped in his arms, his lips kissing her hair, his legs entwined with hers. Elizabeth leaning over him, hand caressing his cheek. His mind started to recall. Indeed, it was not a dream! He smiled broadly, eyes twinkling.

"You shared my bed!"

Elizabeth quickly covered his mouth with her hand, a blush spread down to her neck. "Hush! Someone will hear!"

Darcy pulled her hand away, grinning like a fool. "That is what has you acting so strangely."

"William, please lower your voice." Elizabeth said panicked. But Darcy was enjoying himself immensely.

"Do not be embarrassed, my love." He smiled as he watched her wring her hands. Finally taking pity on her, Darcy took her hands in his and continued softly. "Elizabeth, I was on my way to your chambers last night, but Bingley saw me, I could not proceed after that. You cannot know the disappointment I felt at not being able to do so."

"Yes, I heard you." She admitted, still uncomfortable. But somewhat emboldened by Darcy's confession, she spoke truthfully. "I opened my door and saw you look back. How bereft I felt. I desired to be with you, William."

Darcy traced her cheek. "So you decided to wait in my chambers."

Elizabeth nodded. "I must have fallen asleep."

Darcy laughed at the irony of that incident. At her confused look, he explained. "Do you know, my love, that I spent those very moments imbibing in drink because I could not be with you?"

"You were in your cups when you retired for bed?" Elizabeth asked surprised.

Darcy nodded. "I apologize, I had not known that my lady awaited me."

"'Tis of little consequence." she said in a small voice.

Darcy could not help it, he took his betrothed in his arms, and kissed her softly. He let his lips convey the love that he felt for her. "Sweet Elizabeth, you disarm me. Your love is something that I have never thought I would find."

Elizabeth's love shone in her eyes. Faltering but for a moment, she continued. "But there is more which I must confess."

Darcy's brow lifted. "Another secret?" He teased.

Not knowing how to begin, Elizabeth stammered. "You–you went to bed without your–your garments on." She swallowed. "And I–I saw some, ah, some parts of you that I should not have." Elizabeth ended almost in a whisper. She would never be able to look Darcy in the eye again. "I must go, Jane will be looking for me." She began to turn but Darcy caught her by the shoulders.

The expression on his face was one of pure mischief. "And was what you saw to your liking, madam?"

Elizabeth covered her face with her hands and groaned. Darcy laughed. "You injure me, my love, it could not have been that abominable!"

"Oh, you! Fitzwilliam, you are incorrigible!"

Darcy endeavored to control his laughter, with the most serious expression he could muster, he spoke again. "Lizzy, you will see more on our wedding night. And I will want to see all of you as well. I pray that such a happening will not be so distasteful to you."

"You misunderstand," Elizabeth said hastily. "I do not find it distasteful at all. It is just that I was overwhelmed! My feelings at seeing you were ones that I had never known before."

"That is true passion, Elizabeth." He kissed her softly. "It warms my heart, for it tells me that you love me in such a way as well. Those very feeling are inside of me, they have been there for longer than I can remember, reaching for you. Every moment I am with you feeds them. You are kindling to my fire."

Affected by his speech, Elizabeth laid her head on Darcy's chest. "Did you ever doubt that I would feel the same, William?" She smiled.

Heart rejoicing, Darcy let the kiss he bestowed on Elizabeth's lips be the answer to her question.

Roses bloomed around them, nourished by the rain, by the sunlight. As their love was by every small or great thing. Everything nourishes what is already strong, he remembered Elizabeth once told him that. And no truer words were ever spoken.

George Wickham read the letter again.

Fitzwilliam Darcy was to marry Elizabeth Bennet it said. London was abuzz with the news of one of its most eligible bachelors being engaged to the daughter of a country gentleman from Hertfordshire of whom little was known.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet, of the lovely Bennet sisters, he thought.

He refolded the piece of parchment and slipped it inside his pocket. The wheels in his head turned.

A/N:

He's here. I'm so sorry, but I had to bring Wickham in! That is why I could not reply to the affirmative to some of the comments hoping not to see him in this story. I promise to make it worthwhile!

Thank you once again for supporting my little story, you are lovely readers. I hope you continue joining me as Darcy and Elizabeth discover new facets of their love for each other.

Tell me what you think of this chapter! Please follow, and favorite (only if you'd like to, of course!). :)