Chapter 11
Day 16
As the sun made its way across the sky early the next morning several rays feebly moved through the trees. One in particular was most clever and found itself shining directly into Darcy's sleeping face. His eyelids fluttered open; his long, dark lashes reluctant to separate. When he was finally able to open his eyes wide enough he turned his head away from the sunlight and looked down at the top of his companion's head. A gentle smile crossed his face as he remembered the night before. He had never imagined that sleeping in a cave could be so enjoyable. She had leaned against him all night and he had dared not moved for fear of waking her. She began with only her head resting on his chest but had somehow during the night placed her arm across him as well, her hand resting within the opening of his shirt. He had both his arms wrapped around her rather possessively and he was quite sure that he had never felt anything more wonderful. He placed a cheek atop her head and tenderly squeezed her body between his while saying a silent prayer asking that she not wake and ostracize him for taking such liberties. He was not sure he could take anymore of her avoiding him. Now that he knew what she felt like in his arms he was determined to convince her that it was where she should always be.
He closed his eyes and his thoughts wondered as his began softly kissing her forehead. Elizabeth stirred and lifted her head slightly, bringing her nose to his mouth. Not wishing that any part of her face be neglected, he placed a light kiss there as well. Her eyes opened slightly and Darcy quickly stopped his ministrations to gauge her reaction. The night before she had revealed much to him and he did not want to repeat Wickham's mistake.
Obviously confused and not totally aware of what was happening she spoke, "Sir?"
"Madam," he responded, released his hold on her slightly to bring a hand to her face. The tips of his fingers traced her cheekbone to her ear and then followed her jaw line to her mouth where they lingered and then he placed his hand under her chin. Elizabeth, during this time, became fairly awake and her breath quickened. She had many questions about how they came to be in such a position but somehow she could not find a reason to care about the answers. His face was so close to hers, she could feel his breath on her cheek. She turned slightly to look him in the eye, and the arm still wrapped around her tightened.
"Elizabeth," he said in a hoarse whisper, her eyes widening at the sound of her name on his lips, "I need to tell you… I need to ask you… something."
"What is it?" She swallowed.
"I…" he paused, "I would very much like to kiss you and I… I could not do so without asking first." His fingers were now running through her hair.
She could not speak. She was not sure what to say. If she said no he would let her go and stop looking at her so fondly and touching her so tenderly. If she said yes, then he may actually kiss her, and that was equally terrifying. Her eyes went to his lips and, quite unconsciously, she nodded. Her head was still moving slightly up and down when he leaned forward, stopping her movement when his own forehead touched hers. Her hand that still lay at his chest slowly made its way upward to his neck and suddenly she was filled with great emotion, as if she could laugh and cry at same time. She let out an awkward chuckle that made him smile a beautiful, radiant smile and when she saw it she swiftly tipped her head back and placed her lips on his.
Any surprise Darcy felt at her forwardness was quickly replaced by eagerness. He shifted himself slightly in order to bring her body closer to his. Then he gently pulled away from the kiss to look at her and was never happier to see her smile up at him. He captured her lips again, this time with more force and she was equal in her passion, placing both arms around his neck, one hand on the back of his head, each pressing themselves against the other. The kiss went on for sometime and when their lips broke away they did not release their hold on each other but only comfortably resumed the position they had held when sleeping.
Without being aware of it, they each felt the same awkward yet euphoric emotion and desperately wondered about the other's thoughts. "What happens now?"
Elizabeth lay in Darcy arms not wanting to move, wishing for time to stand still. She knew once they broke apart the only thing left to do would be to discuss what had happened and she was not ready for such a conversation. She was desperate to know what his expectations were but was terrified of confessing her own deeply hidden feelings. "Perhaps it would be best to pretend it never happened."
Suddenly deciding that this was the best course, she quickly removed herself from Darcy's embrace and stood, her hands nervously gripping each other. Darcy was still sitting up on the ground, his arms at his side where they fell when she pushed them off of her. He had an expression of uncertainty and annoyance on his face as he watched her pace in front of him. Then she spoke.
"Mr. Darcy, we should probably start for the shelter, do you not agree? It appears as though it might rain again today and I would not like to spend another night in this cave." She was standing expectantly near the front of the cave, the empty satchel in hands with the bright sun shining on her. Darcy could not help but be absorbed in her beauty even when she was so obviously rejecting him. Gingerly he stood, his back sore from sitting in the same position for so long. After gathering their things he walked over to her and stood behind her, placing his mouth only a few inches from her ear, his eyes fixed on the curve of her neck.
"As you wish, madam," he said in a low voice, before backing away and walking to the rocky edge.
They walked in silence for almost an hour. Elizabeth walked behind him, keeping her head down, no longer interested in taking in the beauty of the forest. Darcy was in front, his eyes fixed forward, only turning to assist her across any difficult terrain. When he did so he would stoically take her hand and try to meet her gaze but she would not comply. After several attempts at this, he dared not look at her again, his disappointment fueling his anger. It was then that Elizabeth looked up and saw the expression on his face, one of arrogant indifference. She knew that face well.
She was not certain what she should do. It was clear now what her feelings were, she was quite sure that she was in love with him; although how it began she could not say. "What a thing to realize you are in love with a man whom you used to despise." And yet, she was reluctant to trust herself and her affection for him. He had yet to make his sentiments known and the last time she put her trust in a man she thought she loved she was abandoned as if the relationship had meant nothing. "No. I cannot think him capable of that."
When they were just about a mile from the shelter, the pain in Elizabeth's feet became almost more than she could bear. Her thin slippers had not held up very well during their journey and she berated herself for taking on such an excursion without the proper footwear. She concealed her agony well until a sharp rock caused her to cry out. Darcy swiftly turned and was immediately at her side helping her to a fallen tree.
"What happened? Did you twist your ankle?" His hands hung in the air near her feet, afraid to touch to her.
"No, sir, my ankle is not injured, but I fear my slippers were not up for the trial of walking several miles in a forest and my feet have suffered for it." She reached down and cautiously removed her right slipper to examine the damage. There was a tear in her stocking surrounded by a deep red stain. It was when Darcy tenderly took her foot in his hand that shame washed over her. That a man should see her feet and in such a horrid state! But he did not seem concerned with the impropriety of it; his only worry was her pain.
"Miss Bennet, you are in no condition to walk."
"Am I destined to spend the rest of my days on this log then?"
"Of course not. I shall carry you the rest of the way." Elizabeth's eyes widened and she looked down at her bleeding foot. She was about to respond when suddenly he was next to her, his arms moving beneath her and lifting her into the air.
She wanted to call him out, she wanted to chastise him, she wanted to push him away but she found she could not. Once again in his arms she never felt safer, never felt more relief. He was walking slower than before, his grip tightening whenever he had to step over a log or climb a small hill. At one point his foot slipped slightly on a mossy rock and in fear Elizabeth flew her arms around him and buried her face in his neck, letting out a small cry. She felt him stop and heard a low chuckle. When she lifted her face she found his turned to her, his eyes on hers, his lips forming a mocking grin.
"Have no fear, madam, I will not let you go. I promise." She turned away, her face coloring significantly and a small smile on her face. When he saw this, Darcy laughed again and continued walking, his firm hold never relaxing.
He brought her directly to the waterfall, knowing she would need to clean the wounds on her feet. He left her for a short while to bring their supplies back to the shelter and when he returned he had several clean rags with him.
"We should wrap your feet. Are you in any pain?"
"Only a little." Her legs were dangling in the water, the chilliness soothing away most of the pain.
"May I see?" He sat on the rock beside her, slightly lower than herself. She slowly lifted her feet from the water and reluctantly turned to face him. "I will be gentle," he said smilingly as he cupped her heals in his hand and began to pat her feet dry. With a look of concentration he inspected the cuts on her feet. "I believe you shall live, Miss Bennet."
She could not help but grin at his jest, "I am happy to hear that. Although I do not like being an invalid, do you believe they will heal very soon?"
He began wrapping her feet with the rags, "Not very soon. In a few days, I am sure. Until then, I am at your service."
"You mean to carry me around all that time?"
"Of course, madam, I would not have it any other way." To his vexation, her smile vanished and she looked rather alarmed. "You would prefer to crawl back to the shelter then?"
She looked down at him with a crease between her brow and a slight pout on her lips. "No sir! I am only concerned for you. I am sure you are not used to serving others."
A cloud passed over his face as he took her words to heart but when he looked up at her again he was struck by the trepidation in her eyes. "I believe I could get used to it" he said softly, while his thumb began to slowly massage her ankle. They sat like so for several minutes, rather caught up in the moment. Finally Darcy could not remain silent.
"Miss Bennet," he said, placing her foot down and getting up on his knees, taking her hand in his, "I must apologize…"
"No," she interrupted, "that is not necessary. You have nothing to be sorry for. You are… very much a gentleman." As she spoke her free hand found itself on top of his and she turned his hand in her own and ran a finger down his palm. Darcy, meanwhile, was having difficultly keeping his distance from her lips. Not wanting to prove her wrong, he merely leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Then with a raspy voice he thanked her, gathered her in his arms and carried her back to the shelter.
A/n - Thanks again for all those who read and review, you make it all worthwhile! I'm going on vacation this week and won't be back till the middle of next week. Although I'm bringing my laptop with me I'm not sure what internet options will be available or if I'll even have time to post. I'm a few chapters ahead in writing, so I'll post if I can. I'm almost caught up though!
