Note: My apologies for taking so long to update. I had the opportunity to go to restart grad school last fall and took it.
I've revamped all of the previous chapters, but there are no significant changes. The only difference is the first chapter now has an intro of where I'm at IRL and with this story. It's now completely ready to be put online, I'll only be limited by work, projects, exams, family obligations, etc. I will post at least once a week from this point until it's complete. More when I'm able.
Thank you for your understanding and let's get back to the story...
Chapter 12: More Guests
Saturday, 11 April 1812
That morning, as Elizabeth was leaving for a quick visit with Jane and Charlotte before breakfast, she found Anne waiting for her.
"May I join you?" Anne asked. What was Elizabeth to say? She had cherished her time with Charlotte and Jane the day before, it was as if they were still in Hertfordshire: the closest of friends being completely open with one another. Almost. Almost completely open, she amended.
"I would dearly love to experience what it is like to be a part of your group." Anne looked at Elizabeth with such longing in her eyes that Elizabeth had to welcome her company. In Charlotte's sitting room, the group chatted lightly until Mr. Collins reluctantly excused himself.
"He's going to meet with your mother and plan your wedding, Anne," Charlotte told her. "Do you think you should join him?"
"No," Anne proclaimed. "I care nothing about this marriage, I just need it over." Charlotte, understanding her parishioners' fate if Anne passed without issue, raised her brow in concern.
She asked, "Do you feel up to the duties? Carrying a child can be arduous."
Anne glanced at Elizabeth, causing her to shift uncomfortably. "I cannot say, but I must try. My Aunt, Lady Anne Darcy, was also slight and left two heirs." Anne then shifted the conversation to her intended, telling the women she chose Darcy because he was the only viable option, even though he had never been particularly inviting. "Richard would be a better choice, but he has duties to the crown."
"I understand," said Charlotte, with her marriage of convenience she pitied the woman in a way neither Bennet sister could. She decided to bring Miss de Bourgh into their confidence. "When we gather, you may already know we speak freely. As Jane will be marrying soon and Eliza has never been a prudefemme, I have recently shared with them some information that may be of use to you. I do not wish to offend you, but it may make your marital duties easier."
Elizabeth was surprised but amused while Jane colored, whispering, "Charlotte, it is not our place!"
Charlotte asked, "do you really think Lady Catherine will give her better information than your mother will give you? Knowing the other information she doles out, I do not." Turning to Anne, she begged, "forgive me Miss de Bourgh, I should not insult your mother…"
Anne interrupted her, "Mother is absurd at times. I take no offense at the truth. Thank you for your kindness, please continue."
Charlotte nodded. "As delicate as you are Miss de Bourgh, you, more than most women, need to know of the things my Aunt Margaret wrote to keep you from being injured."
"But Charlotte…," Jane begged, exceedingly uncomfortable talking about such personal subjects in any venue, but particularly with a new acquaintance.
Charlotte continued. "Elizabeth is copying an explicit letter my bluestocking aunt sent me when I married. She understood that I too was marrying for convenience rather than affection or attraction. Her letter details things you can do for yourself to make your coupling easier." She turned to her friend, "Elizabeth, would you make two copies? I fear Miss de Bourgh needs it more than Jane. Allow her to read the letter when you return today, she can read it while you copy. That will give her at least a day or two to practice."
Jane looked as though she might die of mortification. Elizabeth, amused at the absurdity of the situation, agreed.
With tears in her eyes, Anne looked at each of the women in the room. "Thank you, ladies. I have never felt so cared for." She moved to embrace each of them individually. "Please, call me Anne from now on." Jane joined Anne in the tears, while to the amusement of all, Charlotte declined Anne's invitation.
"That will not do for me. My husband may have seizures if he learns you to have gifted not only his cousins but also his wife with first name privileges. He would fear my moving into Rosings without bringing him. His envy will have no bounds."
~~~oo0oo~~~
Anne had no time to view the letter that day as the earl's family was due to arrive. The women were forced to spend their morning downstairs with Lady Catherine.
Reassuring Elizabeth that the Fitzwilliam family would be in company only for the wedding as the earl and his sister under the same roof tempted trouble. They would treat Elizabeth respectfully because, with the exception of young Georgiana, all were complicit in the arrangement and had a vested interest in its success.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Georgiana was sorely disappointed to find herself quartered in Lady Catherine's wing rather than with Anne and the other young woman. Drawing her brother to the side, she questioned the wisdom of forcing her to be exclusively in their aunt's company and begged that she be allowed to stay with the women closer to her age. Darcy, feeling sympathetic, said he would try to move her to a more agreeable location.
Georgiana, taking this to mean she would be allowed to stay in Anne's wing, thanked her brother with great relief, even hugging his neck in gratitude as she excused herself to clean up and move her things.
Frustrated with the situation he had just placed himself in, Darcy excused himself to find a satisfactory solution.
Finding Richard, he asked for strategic advice. Richard laughed at him before pointing out the obvious: that Darcy speak with Anne on the subject—she would best know HER house that SHE lived in. Richard's response did not improve his disposition as he tracked down Anne.
Anne entered the study holding tightly to Elizabeth's arm, which did nothing to calm his annoyance. Gruffly explaining Georgiana's desire for a room in Anne's wing, Darcy asked Anne if she knew of a way it could happen.
Anne looked incredulously at Darcy until the silence screamed at him, which did nothing to ease his temper. "There is no concern with this. She can stay in the room across from mine. She will be out of the way on the other side of the wing and away from Elizabeth," she informed him. "I assure you, I hear nothing in my room. " She narrowed her eyes and released Elizabeth's arm before pointing her bony finger at him. "This. This is why you were so angry? Something so simple, yet you storm around and terrify everyone?"
Darcy was annoyed, but Anne refused sympathy. "No matter how highly you think of yourself, you do not know everything. You would do well to remember it and humble yourself once in a while. Ask those with greater knowledge on the subject than you." She turned abruptly and stormed out, dragging a flustered Elizabeth behind her.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Darcy was frustrated about arriving late again.
"They keep town hours, it was difficult to get away." He didn't add that his uncle and eldest cousin had imbibed excessively, taking pleasure in making rude comments about his upcoming marriage—in front of Bingley, no less! On the morrow, Richard would take them to task. Reminding his father of the money already committed, yet he would still have Lady Catherine under his roof if he let slip. So he best shut it.
The day had been a litany of frustration for Darcy. Lady Catherine took him aside, concerned that Elizabeth was not already with child, and insisted that he couple with her more frequently. His reminder that Elizabeth had moved to Rosings Park less than a fortnight ago did nothing to calm her consternation. The earl and the viscount plaguing him. Georgiana's insistence on moving to Anne's wing. Anne's humiliating response (with Elizabeth as a witness). Lady Catherine's verbose displeasure over his sister's relocation. Then Richard laughed at his not being relaxed, despite his nightly activities.
This was among the worst days of his life.
He found himself anticipating his visit with Elizabeth. He longed for her softness—such a wonderful contrast to the roughness of the day. She would give to him rather than demand. She would be appreciative of what he gave. He may be a dark cully, but he was glad for it tonight. He needed the release and comfort she offered.
Had it been less than a fortnight? How had he moved from disgust to comfort? He may reflect on it later, but more pressing desires commanded his attention. It was after midnight when he arrived. Elizabeth was sympathetic, having seen some of his torment. Her room was dark, with no moon tonight. Though he could not see her clearly, he could feel her. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and resting his cheek on top of her head. Gently rocking them, he basked in the calm from holding her. At that moment, she comforted him much like his trusted Ben Key had as a child. Holding her, Darcy felt the stress and anger from the day melt away.
When they separated, her hands trailed from his back, up his chest, to his throat. She deftly started unknotting his cravat, freeing his noose. From there she freed his buttons, kissing any place she found flesh until his shirt was gone. He lifted her robe, worked the skirts over her head, then lifted off her chemise. This was his favorite part, seeing her without clothing. He relished its removal and took his time, touching and tasting as much of her as he could before he slipped the last of them off.
He wrapped himself around her a second time, glorying in the sensations of flesh touching flesh. Removing his remaining garments, he slipped into bed next to her. Her openness to his touch, to his advances, gratified him.
After completion, he pulled her to him. "Thank you," he whispered as he stroked her hair. "I needed your attentions to wash away the frustrations of today." Kissing her forehead, he pulled her close before they fell asleep.
When Elizabeth woke the next morning, he was gone.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Sunday, 12 April 1812
All were thankful for the schedule the Lord's Day provided. The earl and Lady Catherine maintained an amiable distance from one another for most of the day.
After the service, the parsonage joined them for tea, but the men played billiards, remaining separate from the women. Charles expressed his displeasure at being away from Jane. Richard seconded. He much preferred being in company with the beautiful Bennet sisters. Harrying Charles and Darcy by flirting with Jane and Elizabeth would provide hours of entertainment, but the earl and viscount wisely refused and thereby avoided the company of Lady Catherine until dinner.
Richard had still found much to amuse him during the trip. It was entertaining to frustrate Charles and Darcy. When they had been in company with the ladies the day before, Richard applied his attentions to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Bingley quickly invited Miss Bennet for a turn about the room to remove her from Richard's proximity, allowing him to turn his full attention to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She laughed and teased him back; her quick wit matched his own and neither had been so well entertained in that home before. Richard glanced at his cousin standing mutely across the room. Darcy was pale with anger. This had been too easy. When the parson approached Darcy and started blathering about the condescension of Lady Catherine, Richard almost had to excuse himself from mirth at Darcy's reaction.
When dinner was called, Charles secured Miss Bennet's arm as soon as she rose from her chair, shooting Richard a nasty glare. Richard quickly secured Miss Elizabeth Bennet to escort as Lady Catherine demanded Darcy escort his betrothed. Darcy scowled as Richard showered him with a brilliant smile.
Richard sat beside Miss Elizabeth Bennet, laying on his charm through the meal. After dinner, Richard asked Darcy with an air of innocence: "How are visits with Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"
"You too?" Darcy rolled his eyes. "Everything is going well."
"What is she like?" Seeing Darcy's face, he became more specific. "Is she good? Does she participate?"
"Why would you ask me this?" Darcy scowled.
"I was thinking, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is very nice to look at and good company. She can keep up with my jesting, she was not once offended." Drawing his brows together in thought, he continued. "As she will have an estate and income, I could learn to economize for someone so easy to live with. We are the only ones who know of this and have no place to condemn her. I believe I will offer for her once she leaves Rosings Park."
Darcy's expression was everything Richard had hoped for. "You can not afford her. She still brings too little. The estate is small." he barked.
"Of course I can do nothing now, she has only just begun her service to our family. I am thinking about what should happen after." He smiled a little too broadly, knowing it irritated Darcy, "It would be wasteful to let such a divine woman slip through our hands."
As Richard walked away, he could see Darcy's reflection in a far window. Despite his jests, he was still thankful his cousin carried no weapons to dinner.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Once again in dire need of the relief Elizabeth alone could offer, Darcy excused himself early that evening. "Good idea, Darcy," Richard said. "You need to be ready for tomorrow. Big day." The other men laughed, Darcy scowled.
Reconsidering his friendship with his cousin, Darcy went to his room. It was only ten o'clock. He would not be expected for another hour. He undressed then tried reading to pass the time but got nowhere. He looked out the window. Maybe night animals would provide some interest. Alas, there was only darkness in the moonless night. He considered writing a letter, but couldn't concentrate. Darcy looked again at the mantle clock. A quarter after ten. Time was moving as slowly as if his aunt were in the room.
He went back to the book. Staring blankly at the page, his mind wandered. The idea of Richard marrying Elizabeth bothered him. Richard was a good man and marriage to him would elevate her status. If, God forbid, anything happened to the viscount, Richard was next in line. More likely, he would have to learn to economize for her estate to support them. As an earl's son, his cousin was accustomed to fully participating in the finest England had to offer, never denying himself amusements or fripperies. But thoughts of Richard and Elizabeth together made his stomach turn.
Looking once again at the clock: twenty after ten.
Sighing, Darcy thought of Charles' happiness. Bingley's wedding was weeks away. He had forgotten to tell Elizabeth that they would be going and started to plan the trip. Although initially not certain, the more he thought on it, the more essential bringing Georgiana became. To travel there and back, they would need to spend a night at his house in Town. Elizabeth could stay as Georgiana's guest. Otherwise, she must stay the night at her uncle's home on Gracechurch street, forgoing their nightly activities.
Darcy again looked up. Fifteen more minutes had passed. Giving up, he decided he would walk the stairs slowly. If she was not already in her room, he would be waiting when she returned.
Thankfully, Darcy heard laughter before he knocked. Putting his ear closer to the door, he could hear Elizabeth telling of life with four sisters, sometimes imitating her mother, other times imitating different sisters. Georgiana laughed throughout. Feeling like a sneak, Darcy sat by the door listening with a combination of happiness and relief to hear such joy from Georgiana but he also felt a pang of jealousy. He had not heard her laugh since Wickham's perfidy of last summer, yet she laughed openly with Elizabeth.
When the clock rang quarter till, he heard Elizabeth beg the other's forgiveness, as she needed to retire. The disappointment in Georgiana's voice was obvious as he heard the sounds of the door closing. He listened a few more minutes. Hearing nothing, he entered her room only to find it empty. He looked around her dressing room and bedchamber in confusion before seeing her come out of the water closet.
Blushing, she exclaimed, "Oh, sir, I didn't expect you until eleven!"
"The others are keeping town hours. I was not necessary," he gave a half-smile. Cocking a brow, he asked, "I thought I heard Georgiana in here."
"We were telling stories of our siblings." She looked up at him. "Your sister idolizes you."
"I was only a few years younger than she is now when she was born. Our mother died shortly after and Father never knew what to do with a daughter, so I stood in." Approaching her, he pushed an errant curl from her face. He turned a gentle gaze upon her. "Thank you for making her laugh. She rarely feels comfortable enough to be so open. You must set her at ease."
"She is a lovely young woman." Then she frowned. "You heard her laugh? How long were you listening in on us?" She crossed her arms over her chest, her voice changing as she spoke.
"Only a few minutes." He looked down at her, wondering why her voice sounded different but eager to start the evening. The door suddenly opened. Anne stepped in softly shutting the door behind her.
"We have not had a minute alone! I wondered if I could look at the letter Char…" Her voice trailed off when she looked up to realize Elizabeth was not alone. Nonplussed at seeing Darcy in a state of undress, she looked at him, "You are not supposed to be here until eleven."
"I…" Darcy pulled away, searching for a reason. "I needed to talk to her about her sister and Bingley's wedding. Bingley has asked me to stand with him, and Miss Bennet would like her sister with her."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "I would dearly love to be with Jane when she marries!"
Anne shook her head. "It can not be done outside of Rosings Park without unnecessary risk." Anne grasped Elizabeth's hand. "I am sorry, I know how much it means to you. We will send her a lovely gift to make up for it."
"We will be able to go without risk or delaying…," he rubbed Elizabeth's belly to indicate what he meant. Reminding Anne that he would be master of the household after tomorrow, he shared his plans with the ladies and finished with a satisfied nod.
"I could not stay at Netherfield!" Elizabeth cried. "How would I help Jane prepare and pack? My family would be injured by my neglect!"
Darcy had not thought of either of those. Anne pointed her finger accusingly at him, "Do you not remember yesterday? Rather than declaring your plans, you would do better to present them and ask for the input of those who have different knowledge."
Great, Darcy thought, another set down by Anne. Again in front of Elizabeth. Determined to have his way this time, he decided, "Elizabeth and I need to attend. Her sister and my friend both expect us." Darcy turned toward Elizabeth. "How would you make this work?"
After considering a few minutes, Elizabeth let them know her uncle would expect her to both stay the night and travel to Longbourn with him. However, if Georgiana extended an invitation, possibly inviting her aunt and uncle to travel to Hertfordshire in the Darcy carriage, they would likely think nothing of her staying the night with Georgiana.
As for their time in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth could not stay at Netherfield Park without hurt feelings, even staying as a friend of Georgiana. Longbourn was her home and would become her estate. (Elizabeth didn't mention how she longed to feel the comforts of her home for a brief time.) She and Darcy could continue their encounters by meeting during her morning rambles. Longbourn had a small fishing hut close to the border shared with Netherfield Park. They could meet shortly after sunrise, giving them both plenty of time to return and bathe before the others awoke.
Smiling at Elizabeth's solution, Anne asked Darcy if he felt it would suffice. He nodded. Anne said she would willingly give up Peeke for the week, warning both, "there can be no abstinence," before she returned to her room.
Darcy breathed a sigh of relief as he turned his gaze upon Elizabeth. Lifting a brow, he asked, "Is it eleven yet?"
"Yes sir, the clock says half-past."
"Finally," Darcy exhaled. Picking her up, he brought her to the bed. "It's warm out, you don't need so many clothes," he said as he found his way to her flesh and his ecstasy.
~~~oo0oo~~~
(1) Dark Cully = man who visits his mistress at night for fear of being caught.