To those that worried I had given up on the story. . . . . No, I didn't! My mother had a heart attack a few weeks ago and I was dealing with the RL issues that went with that. I am not exactly happy with this chapter so I might edit/revise it in the future. There will be more about Greece in the next chapter as a flashback. This is all of Chapter 10.
Some of you will catch it, but I borrowed a section from Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley in the original. I tried to add a footnote, but my computer was not being cooperative so there is some wonky stuff at the end of that page. Please ignore it.
I apologize this is SO long, but some of you did not like when I cheated and broke up the chapters as I did with Chapter 8 and Chapter 9.
Monsoon raindrops - Research purposes, really? I am honored!
Dizzy Lizzy - You are the best! Thanks so much for the encouragement and the critique! More will follow about why he did what he did in the next and final Chapter.
Tremu - you have been great since the first chapter. Sorry, I was reading because I was trying to care for my mom. It was easier to read than to write believe it or not.
Julianbr - hopefully, you were looking for my post tonight!
And for those faithful readers, there is only one chapter left after this one. Some of you have guessed at one of the issues left unresolved. Others will catch it in the hints provided in this chapter!
HAPPY EASTER & I hope you enjoy . . . . .
Chapter 10
It took a few days to get their plans established. By early afternoon three days after Elizabeth agreed to the idea of a getaway, Darcy's private jet circled Heathrow. He wasted no time making the wheels move to get them out of town. If given too much time to consider it, he half feared Elizabeth would change her mind and decide he was not worth the trouble and simply leave him. He wanted his time with her. Desperately. He was serious about them starting over. Serious about not repeating the mistakes of their past. She knew what he was about now. He would no longer hide his feelings from her.
With Mrs. Reynolds' assistance, Darcy had been able to pry a week from his demanding schedule. Never would seven days seem so short. All alone with Elizabeth. Time, he knew, would simply fly. Looking out his window, he was discouraged by the weather. He had hoped for better. It was vanity, he supposed, but he wanted Elizabeth to see Pemberley in all of its splendor. Not in the middle of an afternoon, during a dreary, spitting rainstorm.
Darcy looked up as Elizabeth exited from the restroom. She had gone, she had told him moments earlier, to change into her London gear. She emerged wearing a bright yellow rain pants, matching jacket and rain hat. Automatically, his sour mood improved. It was hard to be disappointed, whatever the weather, when she was his company. Especially when she wore his very favorite expression - her excited one. It stole his breath and damn near stopped his heart.
Elizabeth retook the seat next to him, glancing out of the window next to him. "Do you think we'll still have time to ride the Eye?"
"I don't see why not." Darcy said, though he wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Since he had a natural aversion to heights, riding the largest Ferris wheel in Europe was not exactly on his top ten lists of things he'd like to do before he died.
Unaware of his reluctance, she hopped a little in her seat. "I've wanted to ride it ever since it was in the Silver Surfer movie when I was a kid. A guy riding a magic surfboard through space, what could be cooler?"
"The Silver Surfer?" Elizabeth rolled her eyes, before giving him that rueful look she wore whenever he missed a reference from popular culture. Then laughing, she grabbed his chin and kissed him fully on the lips. He responded by pulling her closer, deepening the kiss. He could not help but think that this vacation was his best idea ever. He intended to spoil her utterly and completely.
*(*
Mr. James Phillips, one of his most trusted and tenured employee from Pemberley, met them at their gate. Seeing the familiar man made Darcy feel nostalgic. The dapper man had worked for his family for well over twenty years, serving in the capacity of butler and driver whenever the family was in residence. It struck him suddenly that it would soon be time for the older man to retire. It meant another lost tie to his parents. Another indicator that time was indeed marching on.
The proper Englishman greeted him, "Welcome home, Mr. Darcy!"
"Thank you, James." Darcy said, before putting a possessive arm around his guest, "I would like to introduce you to Ms. Elizabeth Bennet."
As expected, Darcy received an appraising look from the man in front of him. He had never before brought a woman with him to Pemberley. He understood the significance of her presence at his side, even if Elizabeth was oblivious. He wagered speculation would begin the minute she cleared the doorway to the grand entrance. It would spread to Lambton before the day was out.
"Welcome to England, Ms. Bennet." Mr. Phillips tipped his cap slightly.
"Thank you. And please call me Elizabeth." Darcy knew the request would go unfilled. His employee was English in the most strictest sense.
"Elizabeth has expressed an interest in riding the Eye before we travel on to Pemberley." Darcy took in her anticipated look. "I don't imagine that would pose much of an inconvenience to our plans?"
Mr. Phillips was only more than happy to detour their trip home to accommodate the wishes of his employer. As they headed in the direction of the landmark, James' began an uncharacteristic rant about the fact he was pleased they were riding it during the day. Evidentially, it now was lit up red at night and now was called the "Coca Cola" Eye. Clearly, the commercializing of such a landmark was not favored by the English man.
"If all the men sound like him, I'm going to love it here." Elizabeth whispered, "I guess it doesn't hurt that he's handsome in that Sean Connery mid-fifties kind of way."
For a split second, irrationally jealousy shrouded Darcy until she leaned her head on his shoulder. Her scent of honey suckle and rain surrounded him, soothing him. They stayed that way some time until they crossed the Thames and she sat up fully, pointing, "Oh my God, Will, that's Big Ben."
Suddenly, Darcy questioned their vacation plans. Would she be bored at Pemberley? Would Elizabeth prefer to sightsee in London? How would the sedate pace of his ancestral home compare to sites like the Globe and Buckingham Palace? Had she in her haste chosen a place that she knew he would enjoy and ignored her own pleasure? Darcy frowned, he wanted this time together to be unforgettable.
She apologized, relaxing against the luxury seating of the town car. "Am I already driving you crazy with my touristy enthusiasm, Will?"
"No, not at all." He hurried to make sure she did not believe he was annoyed. "I was just thinking that you might prefer it if we spent a few days in London before heading to Pemberley."
Her nose wrinkled, twitching like a rabbit's. "Would you be disappointed if we just stuck to our original plan? While I would love to explore London sometime, I find myself more interested in seeing the place you love so dearly."
Elizabeth was right of course, he was more at home in Derbyshire than anywhere else in the world. New York was his company's headquarters, but his heart would always be at Pemberley. It must be the ingrained English in his bloodline.
"Alright," He capitulated to her wishes, kissing her temple. "Only if you promise on our next trip to England that we spend some time in London."
"On our next trip to London," she stressed, "You can take me sightseeing."
A sense of contentment swept through him at her agreement to a future trip. The feeling lasted right until they pulled in front of the Eye. Glancing up, Darcy decided he must really love Elizabeth if he was willingly getting onto the contraption.
*(*
Elizabeth didn't know what she was going to do with Darcy! He bent at his waist, his hands firmly grabbing his knees. His color was not good and she offered, for a second time, to get him a refreshment from a nearby vendor. Again, he declined. She felt terrible. It was only after they reached the top of the thirty minute ride that she had glanced away from the stunning view to point out how tiny the people on the street below appeared when she noticed his color. He was Kermit the Frog green. But, stoically standing beside her as if nothing whatsoever was wrong. She immediately moved away from the windows, claiming fatigue so he would join her in the benches that dotted the pod carrying them.
When they left the ride, Darcy rushed off, saying he needed to walk for a stretch before returning to Mr. Phillips. Elizabeth strongly suspected he believed he was going to hurl and rushed to keep up with him in case he needed assistance.
He took another deep breath. "I'll be fine in a minute."
"Why didn't you just tell me that you were afraid of heights, Will? We could have done something different."
"You wanted to ride it." He told his knees. "A little unpleasantness is worth it if it brings you pleasure."
The rain had begun again in earnest after letting up for their ride. She fidgeted dressed for the weather and cursing that she had not insisted on bringing along with her an umbrella. It was some time later when he finally stood up.
"My poor baby." She ran a hand through his dampening curls. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"I'm sure we can think of something."
They were in the middle of a crowded London street but she noticed no one except for him. His kiss was not demanding, but it somehow compelled her. Claimed her. When he finally released her, she saw his hunger. Hunger for her. She hoped Pemberley was not too far away. She was quite hungry for him too.
*(*
As they left London, Elizabeth felt her energy wan. She made herself comfortable, finding Darcy's shoulder the perfect size and height for an excellent pillow. He did not seem to mind her invasion of his privacy. The comforting thwak of the windshield wipers and the gentle gliding of the car against the pavement made her eyelids grew heavy and she felt herself drift off to sleep. It was some time later that she felt a gentle nudge and woke.
"Are we there yet?" She asked sleepily and stretched.
"No, not yet. It is still a few more miles to the house." He seemed nervous. "I wanted you to see Pemberley from a distance." She sat up and glanced out the windows noticing that the rain had stopped again. Sunlight was peeking through fluffy clouds, which were becoming more white than gray. His excitement was transparent and suddenly Elizabeth was glad she had requested to go on to Pemberley instead of staying back in London.
Turning, the car pulled from the winding four lane road to a much smaller one. The heavy forest gave way to a park that was very large, and contained a great variety of ground2. They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood, stretching over a wide extent. Her mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by the house, if one could call the immense structure a house, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road, with some abruptness, wound.
2) Excerpt from Chapter 43 of Pride and Prejudice.
Mr. Phillips slowed the vehicle and brought the car to a stop near the shoulder of the well maintained road. At that moment, a stream of summer sunlight highlighted the house as her eyes drank their fill of the scene. Pemberley House was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned.
"It's beautiful, Will. Simply beautiful." She turned to look at her host and on his face was a satisfied smirk. Her admiration certainly pleased him.
*)*
"You expect me to sleep in that? With you? Gee, however, will we both fit?" Kicking off her shoes, Elizabeth flopped in the center of the bed where she began moving her arms and legs like one would making a snow angel. She flopped on her stomach, looking back at him, "It's like a bed built for an orgy, Will! Exactly what were you kinky ancestors up to?"
"Is your mind always in the gutter?" Darcy asked, calmly sitting on the edge of the bed, removing his shoes slowly. He placed a hand on the frame. "This is the bed where the Master of Pemberley sleeps. It must be spoken in only absolute reverence."
"Absolute reverence?" She eyed him skeptically, "Absolutely, with no teasing at all?"
"Have you no sense of tradition, Ms. Bennet? Decorum?" He clucked his tongue. "How could you tease about a bed where so many generation of Darcys were conceived? It is said that I was conceived here. As was my father before me, and his father before him and his father before him and - "
"I get the idea, Will. On second thought, maybe we shouldn't sleep in here." She surveyed the breadth of the bed. "Even with all of your careful planning, I could pop up pregnant." She had been teasing, but suddenly an imagine of a little boy who had his curls flashed before her eyes. The idea of a child, his child, was such an attractive prospect. How he would love and care for a child of his own blood!
Darcy was giving her the oddest look and suddenly she forced a laugh as if it was a big joke. She plucked at the bedspread covering for the odd sensations that stirred within her. "Please tell me your stringent ties to tradition permitted you to at least to change the sheets on such a fruitful bed."
"Yes." He deadpanned, "And, you'll be happy to know that the mattress has been changed once or twice too." Darcy joined her, laying flat on his back, looking up at the ornately carved ceiling. "Even though my father has been dead for years, this was always his room. To me, he was the Master of Pemberley." She heard him exhale sharply. "Now I am."
"You never talk about your dad. What was he like?" She saddled up next to him, drawing a line down the front of his dress shirt with her finger. It amused her that even though they were on vacation he was still dressed as if he were going into the office for their trip to London.
"I don't know. Does one ever truly know their parents?" Elizabeth held his gaze for a moment, before shrugging. She liked to think she knew her parents well enough. At least, she knew what motivated them. Darcy seemed a little lost. "My dad loved Georgie and I, but he was not as expressive as my mother was. I inherited my love of science from him. I guess I inherited my reserved nature too." Elizabeth went up on elbow, he had her full attention. "When he died, it was so unexpected. We had lost our mother to cancer and her death was not easier, but at least we had time to prepare ourselves. Time to accept the inevitable. My father's aneurism was sudden. Georgie was devastated."
Darcy's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. His sister wasn't the only one devastated by his father's loss. Losing his parents at such a young age had to have been the most painful of experiences.
"Looking back now, I was so ill-prepared to raise a teenage girl."
"Yet," her fingers began to undo the buttons on his shirt as if they had a mind all their own, "you did a marvelous job by yourself."
"I didn't raise her alone," he corrected, "I had help." A troubled look crossed his face. One she had never seen in his expression before. His jaw tightened. "Actually, my entire family was extremely supportive. After the funeral, my uncle even offered to take Georgie so I could enjoy the sort of life a normal young man my age would." He sighed at the memory, his hand tracing a pattern on her bare shoulder. "He said my sister deserved two parents and I deserved my youth. I remember I was so afraid of making a huge mistake. Would he and Aunt Matilda do a better job than me? Would Georgie be happier with them, having both a father and a mother?"
It must have been a terrible to make such a choice right after the tragedy. Elizabeth could not fathom having the strength of character to not break under such burdens. She searched his face. "How did you decide what to do?"
He rolled on his side. They were nose to nose. "In the end, I simply just asked her what she wanted. I figured after all she had lost she had the right to choose for herself. When she said she wanted to remain with me, it was settled."
Leave it to a scientist to come up with such a simple solution to something so vastly complex.
Elizabeth could not but think that most men in his position would have gratefully accepted his uncle's offer. Would have jumped at it! To be freed of such a daunting commitment, regardless of Georgie's wishes. Of course, Darcy would not have been able to do such a thing. It would be unconscionable for him to shirk his perceived duty.
Elizabeth was certain that the warm affection between the siblings was forged out of this decision. There was no question that Georgie would've been a far different woman if her brother had simply handed her off, even if it had been to their well meaning relatives.
Elizabeth studied his face. Had his uncle been correct though? Had such responsibility been too much too early for him? She remembered her own early adulthood fondly. The freedom. The fun. The selfishness. Could these 'sacrificed' years be the reason it was so hard for Darcy to connect with other people? He had been stunted socially by the crisis of first losing his mother then his father, only to then to be forced to be their surrogate to a younger sibling. Without these experiences would he have been less severe?
Would she want him to be like that? Easy going like Charles. Like most men his age?
Elizabeth didn't think so. After all, now that she was coming to understand him better it was his serious nature that attracted her rather than repelled. Something inside of her craved his steadfastness, needed his stability. Her fingers toyed with the bare skin she had exposed.
The quiet that descended between them as she pondered these question felt different than what normally surrounded them. It was raw. Darcy seemed far away suddenly. He was hurting, trapped in past memories that were not pleasant. Without thinking, Elizabeth pressed a hand to his check, desiring to give him comfort. His awareness returned, his lips turned into a sad, crooked smile.
"So, Master Darcy, if not in this bedroom," she gave him a sassy smile trying to pull him away from the dark place he had gone in his mind, "where did you take your previous conquests? Did you pollute the shades of Pemberley in out of the way places? Or your boyhood room? I wish to see all the sites of your previous debauchery and relive them with you!"
Darcy brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. He did not answer immediately.
"I'm going to have to disappoint you, Elizabeth." His voice was a whisper, "There are no such places. You are the only woman I've ever brought to Pemberley. You're the only one I've shown this room." He looked at her quite deliberately. "And, you're the only woman who will ever sleep with me in this bed."
Elizabeth's heart pounded at this pronouncement. Such a serious man with such serious feelings. No, she never wanted him to be different. He was perfect the way he was. She felt honored. Honored to be his guest. Honored to have his love. She didn't have the words to tell him, but when he pressed his forehead to hers she hoped he understood how she felt.
The kiss that followed began their slow, burning descent into lovemaking. There was no need to hurry. They had lazy days ahead of them without any scheduled distractions.
*)*
The following morning after an adventurous and slippery encounter in the shower and a more sedate, private breakfast on their balcony where he used his fingers to feed her, Darcy took her on an abbreviated tour of the estate. It was hard not to be impressed with Pemberley or her guide's extensive knowledge of his family's history. The original structure was built in the early 1560s, styled heavily after a Tudor mansion with well north of 100 rooms. Each of the twenty of so rooms open to the public were more beautiful than the last. The frescos, the antique furniture, the artwork on the walls, the ornamentation. To Elizabeth, it felt like they were visiting a museum instead of a home.
"Did it feel weird growing up here with people touring your house?"
"I didn't know anything different. It was normal to be at Pemberley and see the tours going through the public end of the house." He shrugged. "I was more interested in riding my first horse, Pi and spending the day fishing at the trout pond at the eastern edge of the estate with my father."
The final room on their tour was the main gallery where all of his forefathers' portraits were hung. They held hands as they drifted among the tall, silent figures. Elizabeth marveled at the transformation of dress and style, a visual transition of the passage of time and traditions. The Darcy men, without exception, were all tall, dark and handsome. All captured young and virile in their prime. It was a virtual feast for the eyes of any warm blooded woman.
"And, where is your portrait, Dr. Darcy?" She asked, squeezing his fingers gently. It was easy to imagine. Darcy would be in his white lab coat, wearing his glasses. He would look modern, handsome and scientific.
"I haven't had mine commissioned yet. When I do, my father's portrait will be moved here and mine will take his place in the library." His attention was drawn to the bare spaces left in the hallway waiting for future additions. His sadness was once more palpable. "Though, I suppose it is about time that I had one done." Elizabeth told him what she thought it would look like. A hint of a smile curved his lower lip. "I hadn't thought to wear my lab coat."
They continued onward, before she came to a sudden halt. There on the wall before her was a man who could have stepped from the frame and passed himself off as her Darcy's twin except for his period attire. "Who is he?"
He stopped beside her, "That is the dashing Fitzwilliam Darcy."
"I didn't know Darcys came in dashing." His smile became pronounced. Elizabeth made a show of being impressed with the man in the oil, "Where can I get one?"
"Tease all you want," His tone implied annoyance, but she could tell he wasn't. She was starting to be able to read the small tells of his face - when he was happy, annoyed, worried. "Fitzwilliam is considered to be the grand romantic of my family line."
He turned to continue on, but she refused to be moved. "Oh, no, you don't. You can't say something like that and then not tell me why. Grand romantic, eh?" Darcy seemed reluctant to tell her the story, so she reminded, "Just this morning did you not tell me that you'd do anything to satisfy me." His eyes flared. She knew he was remembering their night, and then their morning together. She cocked an eyebrow in challenge. "Right now, I wish to have my curiosity about this satisfied."
"Alright." Darcy wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. His breath tickled her ear. "It was apparently quite the scandal. Fitzwilliam Darcy was intended to marry his cousin, Lady Anne DeBurgh. It was his mother and her mother's dearest wish from their cradles. Their marriage would have forever joined the great estates of Pemberley and Rosing's Park."
Elizabeth shook her head. "Was there ever a time mothers weren't meddlesome?"
Fanny had been quite put out earlier that morning when Elizabeth informed her mother she was unable to join her at the book reading she'd arranged to do for Matilda Pool later in the week. She had the perfect excuse - she wasn't even in the country. Fanny had told her more than once that Matilda had apparently requested her attendance at the little soiree. The Senator's wife apparently wanted to, in her mother's words, get to know the woman who had captured her nephew's attention. Little could be done, even by her mother, with an ocean separating them.
Actually, Elizabeth was relieved to miss the event. Fanny discussing sexual relations in a crowd was beyond awkward. All those strangers staring at her. Knowing she was this crazy woman's daughter. Besides, Elizabeth was not quite sure that her mother would actually behave herself. She would like to think Fanny would in Darcy's aunt's company, but with her mother there really was no guarantee. Not embarrassing one of her daughters had never previously worked in checking Fanny's questionable behavior. Elizabeth seriously doubted it would suddenly work now.
No, Elizabeth was thrilled to have such a great excuse to decline the invitation. While the news she was on a romantic getaway with Darcy brought on a whole different set of rather invasive questions about what she was doing to corner the man into a wedding proposal, Elizabeth felt she fared better with the usual inquisitions.
Then, even better, as if he sensed she needed rescuing, Darcy had interrupted her with a very pressing matter that demanded her full attention immediately. Memories of their shared morning shower made her turn and kiss him suddenly. Gratitude had never been such a pleasure to express. When he went to deepen the kiss, she danced away breathless.
"I believe you said there was a scandal. I wish to be scandalized."
Darcy folded her back against him, this time facing her. "I guess it is really not much of a scandal now a days, but he went against convention in choosing his wife. When he was visiting a friend's estate, he met a woman that he simply could not forget. Ignoring the expectations of his family, Fitzwilliam offered for a woman who brought no dowry or family connections to the union. Even though she was a daughter of a gentleman, she was believed to be beneath his sphere. It was viewed by everyone in society initially as a bad match."
"Why?" Elizabeth questioned, "Did she have family in *gasp* trade?"
"Actually, I think she did have a few uncles in trade or law or something."
"They had such silly rules back then." Elizabeth grumbled, "Everyone knows you need a competent lawyer in the family and a successful tradesman if at all possible." Finally, she eyed the portrait again. The man had such a stern look on his face. Like he needed a Midol. "So, was Fitzwilliam happy with his choice even though society frowned on it? Did he come to care about his family's disappointment?"
Another one of those strange expression settled on Darcy's face. She would have missed it if she wasn't looking right at him. His long tapered fingers buried in her hair as his gaze locked onto her. Darcy the serious man had returned.
"He didn't give a damn what his family thought. Fitzwilliam never had cause to regret defying his family for her. She was simply the love of his life."
Elizabeth's heart skittered, missed a beat. They were talking about another couple generations removed, but she was almost made breathless by his intensity. She tried to hide her own reaction by questioning, "And, how do you know that she was the love of his life?"
Darcy's eyes fluttered as if he was not necessarily following along with their conversation. He looked back at the portrait then at her. "The family tree grew quickly. They had their first son six months after they wed."
"How shocking! It's a wonder they were not chased out of polite society."
He frowned, but his eyes sparkled. "Can you never be serious?"
"Buddy," she lightly punched his shoulder, "I think you have the seriousness part covered for both of us."
The rich sound of his ensuing laugh bounced along the walls of the great hall. He kissed her nose, then her lips before he continued his narrative. "They didn't stop with one child." He turned her to face the portrait, as his hands wrapped around her abdomen. "They would go on to have eight children together."
"Eight?" She repeated. "As in one more than seven?"
"Aw, and you said math was not your strong suit."
It was her turn to laugh. Elizabeth was surprised how easy they seem to be with one another. There seemed no end to their amiable joking, playing. Their quick, deft minds keeping up with one another. Darcy always kept her on her toes.
"So, not only do you look like him, but you also inherited your libido from too."
"Are you already complaining about my attentions?" Darcy nuzzled her neck. "I warned you I wouldn't have other distractions on this trip."
"I'm not complaining. Not a bit. I quite liking having you all to myself." She turned, looped her hands over his neck, rubbed her body against his suggestively. "I just worry that you'll be able to sustain your pace."
"Oh, I have the great Darcy name to uphold!"
She warned, "I can be demanding when I want something. And, I definitely want you."
Darcy buried his face in her hair. "God, I just want to drag you back to our bedroom, Elizabeth. How is it that I cannot be satisfied long when I am with you?"
Elizabeth didn't have an answer for him, because she felt the same way. No matter how long they were together, or how often they loved, it was never enough. There was something quite wanton in her when it came to him. He released her. "Walk with me?" At the end of the hall were a pair of doors that led to the outside world. He opened them, turning back to her, "Maybe some fresh air will help?"
Not believing it would, Elizabeth played the part of a good sport and followed. She knew from one of the brochures in the small gift shop that the surrounding land was extensive. Miles in every direction that supported dozens of pathways, fountains, a pond, various rose gardens, a large greenhouse, a maze designed by some famous horticulturist and, of course, a world class stables. She was open to seeing each. Hand-in-hand, they followed a manicured path some distance away from the house that curved and twisted between several tastefully decorated gardens. There were flowers and touches of color everywhere she looked.
After some time, they arrived at a small alcove hidden by several large bushes and oak trees. She would have missed the entrance entirely if not for her tireless navigator. The clearing was dotted with lilac and other fragrant plans. Their effect was sweet, comforting. What a perfectly situated, secluded spot. In the center, there was a small, carved bench in front of a large wishing well made of matching grey and white stones of the house. Nothing terribly grand, keeping with the simple taste of the surroundings. A little metal plate affixed to the wishing well caught her eye. Before she could make out the worn engraved words, Darcy recited them behind her, "E, every day I spend with you is a wish that was answered. F.D."
"F.D. ? Fitzwilliam Darcy. " Elizabeth turned back to face Darcy, who had taken a seat on the small bench. "Who is E?"
"E was his wife, Elizabeth." He continued seeing her expression, "A pretty remarkable coincidence, but it is true." He glanced around the private space. "He had this sanctuary built for them as her engagement present. Staff knew that if the two came here they were seeking privacy from the outside world. Everyone was ordered to keep a distance."
Elizabeth sat on the bench. "Maybe the staff was just afraid they would walk in on the baby making!"
He chuckled, kissing her hair. "Perhaps."
After a long moment where they sat contently side by side, she asked, "Whatever happened to them?"
"Elizabeth died in her late forties, which was a long life for a woman at the time. Fitzwilliam lived for more than a decade after her death, but he never remarried. He died within days of securing a match for their last remaining unwed daughter. He must have believed his chores were complete and he could go on to glory. They are buried side-by-side in the little cemetery next to the family church."
Knowing of the joy the couple must have discovered here was at odds with the news of their death. Elizabeth felt discontent that such a love story had such a normal conclusion.
"I know how he felt." Darcy said drawing her out of her quiet introspection. "Every moment with you is a wish that was answered."
She turned to look at him. He was telling her the truth. It was all over his face.
She ignored the way her heart pounded. "Oh, no, that will not do, Mr. Darcy," She let him know, "I demand originality in my lovers. You must try harder to impress me."
"You better believe I will try my hardest to please you." A smile curled his lips. "And, you are definitely a woman worth pleasing, Elizabeth."
*)*
Sitting cross legged on the bed later that night, Elizabeth eyed him over her cards, stroked her chin as if she had a fake beard, and said in her best Russian accent, "I think you are bluffing, Mr. Darcy."
"Two pair." Darcy proudly laid the cards in front of him before reaching for the kitty of copper coins between them. She stilled his hand with one of her own.
"Full house." She quickly pulled the pile of copper coins in her direction. Then, she bit her lip looking at him in a lusty manner. "I believe you are suppose to take something off?"
He sulked, but stood up to pull his shirt over his head. She had to admit his bare chest was rather nice.
After three rounds, Elizabeth still had on all of her clothes and he had removed two socks and a shirt. She began to shuffle the cards eyeing him. Strip poker had been his idea, but she could see with each hand the appeal to play had waned. "You know we could always play war, Will. Each turn of the cards, the loser takes off clothes."
Darcy's eyes burned over her clothed body, but he was not ready to capitulate.
"If we keep up at this pace, we'll be digging pesky pennies out of the darnedest places."
"Alright, Elizabeth, you've convinced me. Let's go to war!" He reclined, before narrowing his eyes, "I think the bed is big enough for our skirmishes."
*)*
The two maids finishing their dusting on the floor that housed the family rooms would gossip to others of the sounds emanating from Master Darcy's chamber. After several days, there were many stories circulating amongst the staff about the way the normally serious and reserved young Master Darcy carried on with the woman he had brought with him.
Several had come across the couple laughing, holding hands or kissing. Hopes were being raised throughout Pemberley, and over dinner tables in the small town of Lambton nearby, that the great house may be once again graced with the sound of rambunctious children. Children meant the family would visit the residence regularly. There was even talk, in hushed voices, that the Harvest Balls might be resurrected.
*(*
Their next few days were spent in lazy fashion. They spent days wondering around the estate, visiting the various spots within that were his favorite. Whatever activity they took up, they took up together. They talked when they wanted, enjoyed silence when talking was not necessary. For Elizabeth, it was a revealing time. She came to understand much of the man she was quickly losing her heart too.
One rainy afternoon was spent in the library where they browsed the old tomes and played a half hearted game of chess. She surprised him with her skill capturing his queen within four simple moves. He applied his considerable intellect and was able to win a close victory backing her king into checkmate. Even though he beat her, Darcy complimented her strategy. She took the loss in stride telling him that she wouldn't take it so easy on him the next time.
The next day was Sunday. He had informed her that they were headed into Lambton for church. Elizabeth had thought Darcy was joking when he mentioned attending church, but evidentially, when the family was in residence, it was an expectation of the community that the Darcy family attend. She was surprised by the small town. It was quaint, clean and well kept. Clearly, the people took great pride in their little corner of the world.
The church was a huge, white painted structure in the center of town. Elizabeth joined Darcy in the pews, trying to adopt his air of aloof seriousness. But, it was seriously difficult to appear pious when she was amused by the interest her presence was generating amongst the congregation. She felt very much like a Rock Star. Or, a Superstar!
After the service, Darcy held her stiffly at his side, as if he was afraid she would leave him, as he stood next to Father Gregg receiving those in attendance. Many of the older woman greeted her warmly, but the same could not be said of the women closer to her in age. Jealousy was not an attractive quality Elizabeth decided as she kept her smile firmly on her face.
Their lunch plans were decided when Father Gregg invited them to join him at a nearby restaurant. He turned out to be a jovial man who entertained the couple with stories about Darcy's parents. He had a long time association with the family, both officiating Darcy's parent's wedding and the christenings of both of the Darcy siblings. Much was said of the family's ties to the area and how the community had enjoyed the annual Harvest Festival.
"What is the Harvest Festival?" Elizabeth had asked the two men. She had thought it might be something the town of Lambton put on once a year. She wondered if perhaps the priest was trying to solicit Darcy's assistance in some way.
Darcy relaxed against her, rubbing her knuckles absently with the hand that held hers on the seat between them. "The Darcys have held the Harvest Festival for generations. My family would open Pemberley grounds to the public for the all day event. During the day, there are games. Booths dotted the landscape, games of chance, games for children. We'd have a tent and there was taste testing. Pies, jellies and sweets. My father somehow always worked the judge stand for cakes, do you remember Father Gregg?"
The priest nodded, smiling. "Your father was famous for his sweet tooth."
Elizabeth nibbled on her lip wanting to add that in addition to his reserve, his addiction to sweet items must be something else the son inherited from his father. She kept the thought to herself. She did not want to interrupt the story of the festival.
Darcy's smile deepened. "When I was a boy, my mom would make sure that we had those little rides you see at the corner carnivals. You know, the little mini-train, the fun house. She even had one of those moon things. I use to love getting in there and jumping around pretending to be an astronaut. There were paddleboat rides in the lake. Georgie had the pony rides added when she was four or five."
"And, at night, there would be lights everywhere. Floating in the lake, hanging from lanterns. The entertainment became rather adult as the estate was transformed for the Harvest Ball. It was an old fashioned ball with many prominent people in attendance." His cheeks colored. "I even had my first kiss at the ball when I was sixteen."
"It sounds like a lot of fun." Elizabeth was amused by the thought of such an event. "Why don't you still have them?"
The smile faded from Darcy's face like someone had taken an eraser to it. "The year my mother passed, my father refused to hold one. And, after he passed . . . " He withdrew his hand from hers, straightening, "I just couldn't do it."
Elizabeth did not realize her curiosity would lead once more to a source of such unpleasantness. "Will, I know that everyone understood why they stopped - no one could blame you and Georgie. . . . "
Darcy looked at her, then said, "Father Gregg, Elizabeth is a born party planner." He interlocked their fingers again. "Maybe if she would agree to help, we could bring back the tradition."
She was frozen by the request. It was such a huge and important undertaken for the entire community. A family event. Wouldn't it be better to hire someone from the area to plan it? She'd only seen the pleading in his eyes once before. The day he had told her that he loved her for the first time. She could not disappoint him. She'd kill herself, work herself to the bone to get it right, for him, for his family name.
"Of course, Will. I'll help you in any way I can."
It was only months away and there was so much to organize. Immediately, her mind began winding through lists in her head. She knew the staff at Pemberley would be willing to assist, Georgiana would definitely be onboard with anything her brother requested, Mrs. Reynolds surely would, perhaps his Aunt and Uncle Pool. She knew she could rely on her mother who was also a born hostess. There had to be notes about the events in the past somewhere for her to start with. Her mind was whirling. Her fingers itching to get ideas on paper.
When Darcy went to pay the check for their meal, the older man leaned forward. "Elizabeth, I want to take this opportunity to thank you. It has been years since I have seen him at a service. Not since his father died."
"Oh, no. I don't know what you think I've done, but really I haven't done anything. Coming to church was his idea." Elizabeth felt rather awkward talking to a man of the cloth. She had never been to confession and she was living in sin. "I don't want to disappoint you, but I am a Baptist you see and non practicing at that, and I'm not sure if I can actually organize the Festival, I'll do my best but - I hope that I don't mess it up. I don't want to disappoint anyone - "
The man spared her from her floundering. "I hope the Harvest Festival comes together this year, I do. The recession has hit our area hard and it would be great to have something to look forward to. But, I am more grateful to see Will happy once more. As you probably can tell, I was close to his parents. They would have been distressed to see how unhappy he has been since their death. It is just good to see him happy. And, deny it or not, Elizabeth, but his happiness is a direct result of you."
Darcy rejoined them as the older man prepared to depart. "It was good seeing you again today at service, Will." Then, he looked to Elizabeth, "And, I do hope to see more of you in the future, young lady. If you need any help from the rectory for the Festival, let me know."
*(*
The morning of their sixth day, the weather was clear. Darcy insisted they go horseback riding. Never had Elizabeth seen so much land undisturbed by progress. It felt like they were riding in a post card. Grassy hills for as far as the eye could see. They raced before sauntering on at a leisurely spell. It was early in the afternoon when they returned tired and famished.
Darcy surprised her by arranging a picnic lunch at the wishing well. After they had eaten, they sprawled out, cloud watching in the blue sky above.
"Penny for your thoughts?" He whispered running a blade of grass down her nose.
"You should save your pennies for your wishing well." She tilted her head in that direction, then she added, "It's been such a perfect day. I don't want this to ever end."
"It doesn't have to, Elizabeth."
"Yes, it does." She rationalized, turning onto her belly, inching forward on her arms until she was side by side with him. "I know it does. As much as I'd like to, I can't keep you to myself. Tomorrow is our last day."
"What would you say if I told you we could stay away for a little longer?" Darcy hooked an arm about her waist, kissing her temple. "I was talking with Mrs. Reynolds this morning when you were in the shower and she seems to think she can clear my calendar for a few more days."
Even though this getaway was his idea, Elizabeth was surprised. She strongly suspected he was missing his lab and his experiments. There were these little, strange moments where he seemed like he had something deep on his mind. Something he was unable, or unwilling, to share with her. Something that troubled him.
"I might have to take part in a few conference calls that cannot be put off, but other than that, there is nothing to prevent us." He looked unsure of her reception to the plan. "What do you think?"
"I guess I could stay a couple more days in your company if there is absolutely no other option." Elizabeth said stoically before grinning, giddy at the prospect of more time with him.
"Then, you approve of the change in plans?"
"More than approve, Will."
Elizabeth kissed him lightly, but was astonished to find that did not satisfy Darcy. He could not be dissuaded from seducing her right there on the picnic blanket, seemingly determined to test the seclusion of the little wishing well alcove.
As they walked back to the house together much later, she could not hide her blush to his evident humor. To her, it seemed that any employee they passed knew exactly what they had been up to in the alcove.
*(*
That evening, Darcy went to the lab he had installed in the basement at Pemberley. Elizabeth had joined him curious to see for herself his facilities here. There were no current stations setup for experiments but the layout of the room was the very same as the one at the penthouse. A sunburst of tables, safety features in the center, neglected projects in bins on the wall.
She turned to him, whimsical at his predictability. "How does it feel being the smartest man in almost any roomful of people?"
Darcy paused in his search. He was hoping to find information on a long ago forgotten project he had worked on in graduate school. Ever since Elizabeth suggested the idea back at the penthouse, he had been considering the feasibility of using solar panels on the drones.
"Lonely." It was perhaps the most honest thing he had ever told another soul. He considered his answer and clarified, "It feels rather lonely that I cannot relate to other people."
She had not expected such a response from him and her humor evaporated. "Sometimes, Will, I feel that way too. However, it is usually for the opposite reason. I feel like the dumbest person in the room."
He pulled a slender book from a stack of lab books finding what he wanted, before he turned to her. "Do you respect me?"
"Of course, I do." He was gratified by the shock on her face at his question. "Who wouldn't? You are a brilliant, talented, generous, kind - "
He sighed heavily stopping the list. When she appeared confused, he pointed out. "I think you are those things too. And, it simply pains me that you discount yourself, that you don't appreciate your talents in the way you should."
Lowering her head, he knew Elizabeth felt the weight of his words. He had not meant to chastise her. Darcy left his research, closing the distance between them.
"There is not another woman in the world that appeals to me as you do. That fascinates me." He tilted her chin to make her look into his eyes. "There is so much more to you, Elizabeth, than your obvious beauty. You are unique. Special. Wonderful. I wish there was a way to make you see yourself as I do. Truly, I do." She tried to look away from him, but he would not release her. "Because if you saw yourself as others see you, you'd value yourself." Tears shone in her eyes. He kissed her lips then enveloped her in a hug, "Promise me that you will quit putting yourself down. It breaks my heart when you do it. And, I wouldn't allow another soul to insult you so."
"I promise." She whispered, against his shoulder.
"Good! Now, if you will take me upstairs. I believe you promised to teach me how to play backgammon."
*)*
"France, Will?" Elizabeth was pouring over pages of Anne Darcy's journals to see if there was any notes about the Harvest Festival among her writings. At the suggestion of Mr. Phillips, Darcy had also called his mother's old assistant to see if she might also have any information that would prove useful to the planning of this year's event.
"Why not?" Darcy asked, over breakfast the following morning. "You said you always wanted to go. I was thinking we could spend a few days there. Visit the Eiffel Tower. See a vineyard, buy some wine. You mentioned wanting to go to Disneyland. If you are serious, they have one near Paris. We could ride in those teacups after all."
Elizabeth could not think of one single reason not to go, but she didn't necessarily want to leave their sleepy existence at Pemberley. "Are you sure you want to leave? You haven't even been able to go fishing yet."
He smiled mysteriously, "I have other plans to get my fishing in on this vacation."
She was intrigued, "And, those plans are?"
"Those plans are a secret for right now." He looked rather pleased with himself. That usually meant she was going to be pleased too.
*)*
Since Elizabeth expressed a desire to travel by train, Darcy booked them passage on the Eurostar. They spent most of the two hour trip playing backgammon, reading from Anne Darcy's journals and cuddling close to each other as they sped through the tunnel underneath the English channel. Arriving in Paris, Darcy surprised her with a suite at the famed Hotel Plaza Athenee. That night they made love with a backdrop of the magnificent Parisian skyline, complete with the glow of the nearby Eiffel Tower.
It turned out that France was more hospitable as England. The clear, unseasonably cool weather held, but the rain stayed away. Their leisurely habits from Pemberley followed them to their new country. They made love when they liked, slept when they liked, ate when they liked. It was an idyllic time fully immersed in one another's company.
They spent a ridiculously fun day riding Vespas through the streets of Paris. They explored quaint shops, drank coffee in outdoor cafes, and soaked in the laidback feel of France. Another day was spent touring the Louvre ending the night kissing on top of the Eiffel Tower as the sun set. A third day was spent touring a nearby vineyard where Darcy ordered a case of nearly every bottle that she expressed a slight enjoyment.
At breakfast on their last day in Paris, Darcy informed her regretfully that he would have to spend the better part of the afternoon on a conference call that could not be avoided. He looked anxious for her reaction to his news.
"I know you have to work, Will. You told me to expect you would have to spend some time at it while we had our extended vacation." She picked up an orange from the complimentary fruit basket sent to their room each morning. She felt queasy at the thought of another rich breakfast. "I can't very well claim to be upset. You did tell me our extension came at a price."
"I did arrange for an amusement to occupy you in my absence."
Elizabeth was intrigued. There was little the man before her would not do to bring her pleasure. She had daily proof. This vacation would have been special if they had remained in New York and just barred the outside world from intruding, but he had exceeded her every expectation. She would not disappoint him by pretending indifference. She quirked an eyebrow in his direction. "What kind of amusement?"
"The best kind." He volleyed back to her.
"It can't be the best kind, because that would involve you." It was true.
He tilted his head, gazing at her thoughtfully. Her serious man. "You don't know how it makes me feel when you say such things, Elizabeth." He cleared his throat, still struggling to express emotion. "It makes me very happy."
She wondered if he would care if they returned to bed. When he looked at her that way, her entire being fluttered like a case of butterflies had been let loose in her blood stream.
The moment was broken when his cell phone rang. One short glance at it, Darcy frowned and slid his thumb against the screen, silencing it. She laughed at his unpleasant expression. "You don't have to worry about answering your phone if it is work, Will. I do understand."
"It's not business." He said gruffly, "And, it is definitely not important."
Darcy's phone rang again. He sighed, repeating the process, but he hesitated. Then, he answered, "Georgie?"
The two siblings talked so much Elizabeth let her attention wonder to speculate on the nature of her 'amusement.' She found herself equal parts anticipation and curiosity. She slipped a piece of orange in her mouth as she tried to configure a five letter word from her tiles in Words With Friends. Vince was definitely going down this time. She was determined. Besides, she had a Q. It was her lucky letter.
"I have told you now three times I won't. Don't ask me again." His sharp tone made Elizabeth glance up from her game. He regulated his tone. "This is neither the time, nor the place for this conversation." He leaned forward, pressing his palm to his forehead. "Can't you? I am on vacation and I wish to enjoy myself. I don't see why that is such a difficult thing to understand." His sister said something that made him glower. "Are you trying to tell me what to do? How to conduct my affairs? If so, I must remind you that this is exactly what caused this predicament."
What was going on between brother and sister?
The week of the DARPA submission Elizabeth'd been consumed with Darcy's shutting her out. She had assumed since their vacation began that his odd behavior that week had been him about him coming to terms with his feelings for her. Now, she wondered, if there were other troubles he was dealing with that he had not shared with her.
"I hate to disappoint you, Georgie. Honestly, I do. But, disappoint you I must. Some things are just unforgiveable." He really did sound apologetic, then after a moment aggravated, "This matter is simply none of your business." Darcy's eyes swept across the table, to her face as if he had briefly forgotten she was in front of him. "Look, as I said before, this is neither the time nor place. This is definitely a conversation that can wait until I return to New York." His sister said something else that irritated. "You can tell them I'll return home when I damn well please. Not a single moment sooner." He shut his eyes, his face regulating back to normal. "Georgie, please don't. You know I love you. I am not angry with you." Sighing, he looked heavenward. "I swear. I'll call you tomorrow."
When he hung up, Elizabeth could not help but ask, "What was that about?"
Instead of answering her, Darcy took her hand in his and kissed her fingers. "Before we were rudely interrupted, we were talking about the amusement I arranged for you."
Elizabeth wanted desperately to press for an explanation, but she could sense he was not in the mood to give her one. "Yes, we were."
"I have arranged for you to spend the afternoon with Chef Renaldi at Le Talia."
Her mouth hung open. "You aren't serious?"
"I am." Darcy looked concerned. "You mentioned that he was your inspiration more than once. I thought you'd be happy to finally meet him. I'm sorry if I misunderstood. . ." He reached again for his phone. "I can call the concierge I am sure he can arrange a spa day or a shopping expedition if you'd prefer that."
She managed to shut her mouth after several attempts. Chef Renaldi had been her idol for years. To meet the man. To be in his kitchen. To work next to him. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. And, Darcy had arranged it for her on a whim just so she wouldn't be bored while he worked?
"No, I would like to meet him. It's just - Will, - " Elizabeth could not once again express herself. Darcy's willingness to do whatever would please her was so overwhelming. How was she ever to repay such a gift? Gifts? "I would be happy to spend the afternoon in the kitchen with Chef Renaldi."
*(*
The afternoon spent under the tutelage of her idol had been everything unforgettable. She had feared that perhaps Darcy had thrown an impossible mountain of money at the culinary God and he would be resentful of her presence. Instead, Chef R turned out to be all that was gracious and welcoming. He had informed her shortly after arriving that Darcy had evidentially helped a distant relative of his years ago to secure admission into a prestigious college. Her presence in his kitchen was a favor returned. Darcy had quite a few admirers it turned out.
When Darcy finished with his conference call, he had met her at the restaurant. Chef insisted they stay and have dinner on the house. The meal was sumptuous and decadent. Memorable all on its own. After the kitchen closed, Elizabeth could not believe it when her mentor joined their table. They enjoyed a few bottles of wine as the three spent a lovely evening together discussing food, wine and life experience. Elizabeth was thrilled when Chef let her know whenever she came back to Paris, he would have an apron waiting for her.
Darcy extended an invitation of his own to their friendly host that if he ever wanted to come to the United States to let him know. They would be more than happy to have him and his partner for a stay in New York.
*)*
The next morning, Elizabeth had stretched and found herself alone in bed. Her stomach was sour from the rich food of the night before and she found herself almost retching for several long minutes. She felt better after sipping a glass of water and taking a cool shower.
When she went looking for him, Darcy was in the adjoining room staring out at the unforgettable view. She wrapped her arms around his waist and felt him start he was so lost in thought.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
He turned and hugged her tightly to him. "You didn't. I was just wool gathering."
"Is everything alright, Will?" She squeezed his waist. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
There was a long pause. She was going to ask him again, when he said, "Actually, I do have something I want to tell you."
Her stomach flopped. She hoped it was not bad news. "What is it?"
He caught a curl around his index finger. "Mrs. Reynolds was able to track down the address of your Grandmother's old bakery in Berlin. The building is still there, but it has been converted into a small bed and breakfast. I thought if you are interested that we could go and stay a day or so there."
"At her bakery?" Elizabeth could not believe this. Her grandmother was the one who had taught her to bake when she was little. It was her grandmother's German Bundt cake that she made the first night she had been introduced to Darcy.
"Yes. I thought you might want to see it." He was watching her expression closely. "We might as well since we are so close, right? We can be there in a few hours by train. Unless, you'd rather fly?"
*)*
Darcy watched as Elizabeth charmed the Smiths, the middle aged couple who owned the worn down bed and breakfast. It was amazing to him how quickly she made friends. And, kept them. Her web of friendships were forever extending. His uncle had been right. She would be an asset to any man running for office. It was also true, Elizabeth's strongest attributes were his greatest weaknesses. While he tried to push out of his shell, for her sake, he knew that he would always be the silent man behind this vivacious woman. She grinned across the room at him. Darcy felt his cheeks answer her. Every day was an adventure. Boredom would never be an issue.
She came back to the couch where he was waiting for her. The unusual cool weather continued even in Germany. She cuddled up against him enjoying the warmth from the fireplace in the large common area for guests. "They said there are some boxes in the attic of stuff that the previous owners left behind. Do you mind terribly if I look through them later this afternoon?"
"Not at all." He said, "In fact, if you'd like some help, I'm free to assist you."
"Oh, no." She pulled back. "I can't ask you to get all dirty and dusty looking through old boxes that might just be junk. I know that you are just hankering to check up on things back at the office. Why don't you do that while I chase dust bunnies?"
Darcy sighed, knowing she had a point. Mrs. Reynolds had told him to take as much time as he wanted. A message she reiterated during each phone call. She had assured him that she had pushed out most of his important meetings. Ever efficient, she had organized each of the projects the company was working on and assigned a temporary leader until he returned. Each project leader was providing daily updates to which he provided notes. The arrangement was working out surprisingly well, making him realized he spent too much time micro-managing his staff. This trip was giving him a well deserved break while providing his talented employees a chance to shine. When he eventually returned to New York, Darcy was going to have to start thinking about how to reward them for his vacation.
Nearly three hours after Elizabeth left him, she burst into their room like a whirlwind. Her knees of her jeans were white from dust and her cheek contained a smear of dirt. Tears were welling in her eyes and at first he had thought she had hurt herself. He rose to his feet and crossed to her immediately, forgetting the emails he had been responding.
"Elizabeth, whatever is the matter, are you alright?"
Instead of speaking, she held out a large envelope to him. Inside, were dozens of various black and white pictures. Babies, weddings, group shots, a bakery clearly from the forties. He didn't understand, looking to her for an explanation.
"They're of my Grandmother. Her as a child. Her wedding," Tears streamed down her face. Happy tears he realized. "My mom has never seen these pictures, Will. They were lost to us. If we hadn't come here - if you hadn't brought me here - I'd never known they existed - "
Elizabeth stopped not finishing her sentence. Instead, she threw herself at him. He barely had time to prepare himself for the weight of her before her hot mouth was alive on his. He steered them for the bed, but somehow they did not make it. The floor proved most inviting. Clothing disappeared. Passion flared. He was deep inside of her without a thought of condoms or any sort of birth control at all. No thought of anything but delivering to her everything she wanted.
Later, after the heat of their joined bodies cooled and he had lifted her into the bed, she slept against him. As he laid next to her, he watched her sleep. She glowed. The chipped molding, the cheap patchwork. The threadbare furniture. The carpet that should have been changed years ago. He saw none of it as it really appeared. To him, the space was perfect because she was with him.
Elizabeth whispered his name in her sleep, and he adjusted the comforter to better cover her. Thoughts of their unprotected love making made him question his resolve about children. As much as he feared his parental deficiencies, Darcy knew they would have children. She would be the mother of his children. His mind located the memory of her holding Aiden in his Great Room. To be honest, he had known it then. His mind flashed to the gallery at Pemberley, a profound relief settled on him that those empty walls of the gallery would someday fill. The Darcy line would continue past him. Someday, their son would be moving his portrait from the library to the gallery, having his own painting commissioned. Making way for future generations of Darcy.
*)*
The next morning after they packed, Elizabeth insisted on making the owners and the other two couples at the small establishment breakfast to repay them for the discovery of her found photos. She made German waffles and omelets to order. He helped acting as waiter for the small assembly. Once everyone had breakfast, they couples ate in companionable laughter and friendship. She exchanged contact information with the others, promising to stay in touch.
The Smiths extended an invitation that when they returned to Germany in the future that they would be happy to reserve their bedroom for them. Darcy decided he would not have it any other way. Some of his most pleasant hours had passed in the little, cramped bedroom to the right of the creaky stairs.
He hired a driver to take them to the airport. She held his hand as they went to the tarmac to his awaiting private jet. Sighing, she put her head on his shoulder after engaging her seatbelt.
"This vacation has been perfect, Will." She had slept most of the night though, but there were small blue smudges under her eyes. "I'm more than a little sad it's over, but at the same time, I am looking forward to returning to New York. I am actually excited to show my mom the pictures we found."
"Oh?" He said, frowning, "I didn't realize you were in such a rush to get home. I had planned another stop before we returned to New York. I didn't think you'd mind after we extended our stay for France and Germany."
He had her attention. "Another stop? Are you serious?"
"I had thought we could stop in Greece and spend a few days with Jane and Charles, but if you would rather we go straight back to New York."
She shrieked in his ear, apologized, then she kissed him deeply. If they hadn't been about to taxi down a runway, Darcy would have taken her right there on the floor of the airplane. Instead, he held on tightly to his lust.
"I figured you would be missing Jane by now. Since the newlyweds have the villa, we will stay on my yacht. You can swim. See-do. Charles and I can do some fishing in the Mediterranean Sea. How does that sound to you? I figured you'd had enough of this cold weather and we do need to tell Prince Charming something to make him jealous."
Elizabeth enjoyed the change in their plans. He knew she missed her sister. "I don't deserve you. I've never done anything in my life to have deserved you. You are so special, Will."
He cupped her face. She'd been rather emotional the last few days, which was unlike her. "Before you assign all kinds of noble reasons to me, I can assure you I am rather selfish."
"Selfish? No. You are the most selfless person I've ever known."
"Oh, I'm definitely selfish when it concerns you." He kissed her. "Pleasing you gives me an amazing return on my investment."
"Only you." She laughed. Her tears already drying. "Only you would talk about love in terms of economics."
Darcy wrapped an arm around her shoulders, bringing her as close as the two seats permitted. "Listen, Charles knows we are coming, but Jane doesn't. He wants to surprise your sister with our visit so no telling your mom or sisters."
"You are letting him take credit for your idea?"
He shrugged. "It was his idea to meet them for lunch and he did pick out the restaurant."