I like Lady Eleanor, I hope you do too. some more darcy madness though.

Chapter 7

...

The next day found Elizabeth in the grand parlour the Earl's London seat with her new aunt, who had not yet given her permission to call her Aunt Rachel so she was still calling her Lady Matlock.

"Now Elizabeth" (Elizabeth had given her permission to use her first name) "people will start arriving soon. Tell me what are your accomplishments?"

"I am magical, my whole family is. I have affinity with water and am quite talented in it." Elizabeth did not wish to appear modest, she knew she needed to admit where her strengths lay. She debated with herself, she had still not had this conversation with Darcy.

"My baseline magic, in the other elements, is above average also. I can play the piano but not well. I have been told I sing well. My embroidery is passable but I cannot paint or draw well."

Lady Matlock hummed "that sounds reasonable. Your magic will be the best of your talents to display. What can you do to display water?"

Elizabeth smiled "what would you like?"

Lady Matlock raised an eyebrow "last year at the Carrington's ball they had water arching across the ball room to pots around the room and then returning to the single point. That was between two wizards."

Elizabeth nodded and asked for a pot in the middle of the room and one each in the corners. She proceeded to send the water off in quarters from the middle to the outer aspects and then back, simultaneously moving two jets to opposite corners then the other two. She could probably do all four at once, but she would need to practice and she did not wish to start visits with splashes on her gown.

"Very good. Very good" Lady Matlock did look impressed.

Elizabeth then concentrated on the water and lifted it whilst simultaneously cooling it by slowing the water molecules. Making ice, without air magic to aid it's shape, meant that the water set in to a less specific shape, as you could not always control which molecules froze where. However, by lifting and freezing from the base you ended up with a frozen water spout that shot in all directions and was quite spectacular to look at, even in its slightly chaotic form.

There was no mistaking Lady Matlock's look of awe now. As she finished the top of the sculpture, a tree like configuration, a round of applause came from behind her. Richard and Eleanor stepped in to the room.

"Oooh that will be the talk of the town mama, no one else can have ice so readily available, and in such a beautiful form." Eleanor was looking at it appreciatively whilst Richard fingered one of the spikes of ice.

He turned to Elizabeth "I have heard of water magicians making ice, but usually just in a container. They are sought after in households for it gives them a ready supply of ice. Most just set up a shop and sell it. Making a tidy profit I must say."

Elizabeth laughed "I will bear it in mind if Pemberley's coffers run dry!"

Richard and Eleanor laughed at the jest but Lady Matlock looked scandalised.

"Oh fear not mother she was jesting, both about the money and the plans to work"

Elizabeth smiled at Eleanor for her defence "indeed I was my lady."

Lady Matlock made a disapproving noise that indicated Elizabeth should not make such jests in public.

"Richard, we do not need you here this morning, Eleanor I assume your being here means you intend to join us in receiving callers? Barnes" Lady Matlock turned to the footman "place this sculpture on that table there." She turned back to Elizabeth "it will provide a talking piece. Will it need more magic over the course of the morning?"

Elizabeth nodded "as it starts to melt it will need re freezing. Away from the fire would be best"

Lady Matlock indicated the footman should move it to the table on the opposite side of the room.

She was right, the ice display was quite the conversation piece. A few expressed admiration, a few water users asked for tutelage a few tried to sniff in contempt, but ultimately it was a beautiful display of magic which had the added effect of creating a rather stunning centre piece. Lady Matlock was sure that this alone would keep Elizabeth in people's good graces for the hope of gifts when she came to dinner parties.

The rest of the conversation was the inane topics that are often addressed in the drawing room.

"How did you meet our dear Darcy?"

One lady was clearly seething with anger that this country miss had stolen the eligible bachelor practically from under her nose.

Eleanor had leaned in a whispered as they had entered "I think Darcy danced with her once out of respect, it was her birthday or some such. Of course, to Mrs Chappell, that was practically an engagement announcement. Darcy did not help himself by only dancing with his cousins or close friends"

Elizabeth smiled in appreciation for the insight and turned to the lady. "We met in Hertfordshire, where my father's estate is."

"And you managed to catch him right away did you?"

"No ma'am, in fact I was not at all interested at the beginning of our acquaintance, but he was most devoted in his attention and he is the best of men after all!"

"Indeed."

Lady Matlock threw her a warning look.

"More tea Mrs Chappell?" She asked innocently.

Multiple conversations about the weather and the state of the roads were had and, after three hours, Elizabeth was exhausted. Once the last guest had left she slumped back in her chair.

"I do not think I could drink any more tea!"

Eleanor laughed "could you freeze it in to a tea tree?"

They giggled and Elizabeth felt some of the tension leave her.

Lady Matlock rose.

"You did well enough" but she smiled as she said it "I will retire to rest. We shall meet you at the ball this evening?"

As she left the room Elizabeth let out a groan.

"I had forgotten."

"Never fear, that was high praise out of mother!"

The ladies smiled at each other. Eleanor was just twenty and in her third season.

"Tell me truthfully, do you like the seasons?"

Eleanor shrugged "I enjoy the country, but Richard is rarely home and mother can be trying to sit with every day. Out country seat is near Matlock, which is beautiful but it can get lonely. Winter is the worst. The roads are often impassable for days. My sister married two years ago now but she is no happier in her new home." Eleanor noticed Elizabeth's look.

"Oh, her husband is nice enough, but it was a political match and they do not have a lot in common. She is entering her confinement soon, her first. She is hoping for a boy so that she might live wherever her husband is not!"

Elizabeth smiled in sympathy

"I do not wish such a marriage for myself." Eleanor sighed. "Mother thinks I am too picky, but in truth I have not met the right man yet."

"A noble sentiment, not often shared."

"Yes well, I am fortunate. I do not need to marry. I can live quite comfortable on my dowry and spend time with my father for now, my brother when he takes the seat and my sister. Richard if he finds a wife with property would also have me. Why would I tie myself to someone I do not wish to be tied to?"

"I understand."

Eleanor grasped her hand. "I thought you would!"

They smiled at each other, true companionship building between the new cousins. Then they rose and Elizabeth took her leave needing to return home before dressing for the evening ahead.

...

Once back at Darcy house Elizabeth decided she needed to have a conversation with her husband. She found him in the study.

"May I come in?"

Darcy looked up at her and could not help the smile that spread across his face.

"Of course. How was it receiving calls?"

"It went well, I thank you. The question I have is related" she shut the door and came in to the room, as she turned towards him she saw his eyes move down her body and she felt a shiver.

"I need to know what you expect of me, from a magic perspective?"

Darcy looked puzzled "why do you ask me?"

"I have been obeying my father, I believe I swore to honour and obey you a matter of weeks ago?" she smiled at him, remembering their wedding. It was hard not to see the warmth in her eyes.

Darcy took a deep breath, considering her question.

"What did you father say?"

"I was to conceal all but a basic amount of magic, I was not to show or tell anyone of my full gifts. Although his enforcement of the rules was limited."

"What do you wish for?"

Elizabeth thought for a moment, a little crease forming between her eyes, Darcy resisted the urge to reach out and smooth it with his fingers.

"I " she stopped "I have not thought about it. I do not wish to be a target for anyone."

Darcy thought for a minute "I am trying to see what information can be gathered about your abilities, but it is a delicate subject as I do not wish to draw attention to my enquiries."

Elizabeth was startled to hear him admit such.

"I think if you continue to exercise caution, we can say you are water talented as you have been doing. You could demonstrate a minor affinity with one other, I believe Richard was aware of your fire, that would be a good second power if you wish to have one. I would rather you continue to mask the true extent of your power, but no need to make it look like you are average." He was pacing, as he often did when needing to straighten out thoughts. Abruptly he turned to her. "In short whatever you decide."

Elizabeth had listened to his logic, and to his advice. She felt a great swell of love. She had never been given the opportunity to choose before. She stepped around the table and reached up on her toes, brushing a kiss across his lips. His sharp intake of breath caused her to step back and look in to his eyes. They were black and full of longing. She leaned in again and he made a groaning sound, slanting his lips across hers, tongue passing across her lips.

She gasped and her mouth opened welcoming him, he growled and stepped forward forcing her back, her legs hitting the desk and stopping her backward movement, his body pressing up against hers. His tongue entered her mouth and she moaned against him. Her arms reached around him and rubbed the hard muscles of his back, pulling him tighter against her. His mouth moved to her jaw and she moaned again, pleasurable feelings shooting through her. She felt her magic pulsing, warmth flooding all over her body.

Darcy suddenly jerked back and turned abruptly away, pacing towards the door and then to the window. Elizabeth was leant back against the desk, her hands flat, bracing her body. Her face was flushed, her heart racing and her breathing ragged. Darcy would not look at her, he paced to and fro muttering to himself.

After a few minutes Elizabeth stood, straightened her skirts and stepped in to his path, he flinched and stopped, his expression closed. Elizabeth felt her heart break a little. What was wrong with her that made her act in a way that her husband disdained so? She was taught that men have their needs but that a lady would never act in such a wonton way. Clearly Mr Darcy did not wish her to, and yet here she was throwing herself at him, in his study!

Her face burned, this time with shame.

"Forgive me, I" she swallowed back the sob "I do not know what came over me. I just wished to thank you" her eyes remained downcast, not wishing to see the condemnation that was surely on his face "I shall leave you now, I am sorry" the last was just a whisper.

She turned and fled, gaining her room before she allowed the tears to flow.