Chapter 25

The brisk walk back to Pemberley House did both Clifton and Bingley a world of good. A pot of strong tea, along with a tray of small sandwiches and assorted dainties, was brought into the drawing room upon the party's return. The hot, fragrant beverage was just what was required to counteract the effect of the wine consumed earlier in the afternoon and Clifton, quite sober now, saw the advisability of being more attentive to Caroline. He made a point of sitting close to her, smiling at her, and being solicitous in every way.

The ladies retired upstairs after tea, where they would rest until dinner, while the gentlemen headed for the library.

The hours remaining until dinner were passed in a quiet, uneventful manner. Elizabeth, who had always found the custom of ladies "resting" before dinner to be patently absurd (Why would ladies require more rest than gentlemen when gentlemen's activities were so much more strenuous?), sat quietly in her room and read. Soon she put her book aside and recollected the afternoon's events.

It was at her urging that she and Mr. Darcy had removed themselves from the company of the others at the picnic, and Mr. Darcy soon made it clear he desired to be compensated.

"You have deprived me of three of the finest bottles of wine from Pemberley's cellars, Lizzy. From the appearance of it, there will not be a drop remaining after Clifton and Bingley are finished. What sweet nectar do you propose I consume in its stead?"

Elizabeth picked a plump strawberry and bit into it, its sweet juices running down her chin.

"These strawberries are most refreshing, Mr. Darcy," she said teasingly, reaching up to place the remainder of the strawberry in his mouth.

He chewed and swallowed it, then bent down suddenly to kiss her, his tongue licking the juice from her mouth and chin.

"Succulent," he said softly.

"More?" she asked meaningfully.

"Oh, yes, Elizabeth. I want more. Much, much more."

She laughed and fled, looking over her shoulder.

"I must find a bush more heavily laden with berries, then."

Darcy easily overtook her, and they fell in a tangle, she atop him. Bearing in mind the proximity of the others, they were not nearly as daring as they had been at Netherfield before their marriage, but their kisses and caresses were all the more passionate because of these self-imposed limitations.

"Tonight, Lizzy," he had whispered.

"Yes, tonight," Elizabeth repeated aloud dreamily, alone in her room

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Darcy waited impatiently in his bedchamber until all was still and he was satisfied that all the household was asleep. It was insupportable, he thought, that he was forced to resort to such machinations to enjoy the bounteous pleasures his wife offered him.

Finally, around half past midnight, he ventured from his room. Elizabeth's bedchamber was situated three doors down the corridor. He proceeded as quietly as he could, and his hand was on the doorknob when he sensed the presence of someone behind him.

Alex Clifton stood on the opposite side of the corridor, leaning against the door to Charles Bingley's room. His face was buried in his forearm, which was braced against the door. He raised his head, his face contorted with despair.

The two men stared at each other, each simultaneously comprehending the other's intent.

Darcy spoke first.

"Alex, I want you to know that Elizabeth and I were secretly married last night. I divulge this only because she is precious to me, and I would not want you to think ill of her. For her sake and for the sake of her family, we plan to carry on with the ceremony in Hertfordshire in less than two weeks' time."

"I would not think ill of either of you, Darcy, even if you were not married. Far be it from me to question the morality of anyone. I envy you. Your heart's desire is behind that bedroom door, and all you required to gain such a treasure was a marriage certificate. Would that we were all so fortunate."

Clifton's stance, his attitude, and his revealing words all added up, and at that moment Darcy knew what the enigmatic Clifton was about. He tried to analyze the feelings this revelation evoked: a fair share of revulsion, to be sure, but this was tempered with pity at the man's desperation.

He was convinced that no one else suspected Clifton's true nature, and for that he was grateful.

"Go back to bed," Darcy said, "before you do something you shall regret."

"What do you know of regret? Do you know what it is to loathe yourself so thoroughly that you wish to have never been born? And all because of something over which you have no control?"

"You cannot control what you are, Alex, but you surely can control what you do."

"Yes," he answered bitterly. "I must marry Caroline Bingley in denial of who I am, for no reason other than to secure an heir for my estate."

"I see," Darcy answered softly.

"Either that," Clifton went on, "or end my own life."

"You cannot do that," Darcy said forcefully. "That would be in defiance of God Himself and would condemn you for eternity."

"And my life now is not a defiance of God Himself?"

Darcy thought carefully before he replied.
"That is between yourself and God, Alex."

"And is it not God who made me what I am?"

"Certainly, but He gives us free choice of what we do, does He not?"

Darcy, for all his righteousness and sense of morality, had a keen understanding and a liberal mind. Certainly he did not approve of Alex Clifton, but neither did he condemn him. Judgment was not his province, it was the province of the Lord.

He let Clifton talk, and he listened and responded as best he could. Clifton was never explicit, but Darcy's years at school and at Cambridge had acquainted him with those of similar proclivities, and he was able to accurately interpret Clifton's sometimes cryptic remarks.

Clifton searched Darcy's face for signs of disgust and found none. His new friend's grave sensibility allowed Clifton to unburden himself as he never had before.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles Bingley was feeling a bit unsettled that evening as he lay in bed.

Something that had happened that day had felt...well...just not right. But blast it, he could not remember exactly what it was. He was fully aware that he had drunk a bit more wine than was prudent, and that always made him hazy and forgetful.

He thought about his beautiful Jane, whom he had not seen in three days, and he missed her presence keenly. She had always been such a calming influence on him and kept him on an even keel. This was their first separation since their marriage, and he hoped it would be their last. If Jane were here, he would not have over-indulged in spirits, of that he was certain. He feared that in some odd way, he was drinking to compensate for her absence. He startled even himself with that revelation, as Charles Bingley, in general, was not prone to self analysis!

He would speak to Darcy tomorrow about taking an early leave for Hertfordshire. He vowed to himself that he would not touch another drop of wine until he returned home, to Netherfield, and to Jane.

Now that he was decided, he felt more at ease, but still sleep did not find him. There was a watchfulness in his demeanour that kept him awake and alert.

He heard voices in the corridor and left his bed to investigate. He opened the door and discovered Darcy and Alex Clifton there, deep in conversation.

Clifton whirled around to look at him, a stricken expression on his face. Bingley did not know what to make of it. Clifton was silent, and Bingley looked at Darcy, who finally spoke.

"One of my hounds was yelping, Bingley, and awakened us." He looked at Clifton as he spoke. Clifton stared at Charles, seemed to want to say something, but finally looked away.

"I want to return to Hertfordshire as soon as possible, Darcy, the day after tomorrow at the latest," Bingley blurted out. "I find I miss my wife and child most keenly."

Darcy nodded.
"As you wish, Charles."

Bingley appeared relieved.

"Thank you, Darcy. Good night."

He returned to his bedchamber, closed the door and turned to get into bed. But before he did, on instinct, he locked the door.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Clifton," Darcy said. "May I count on your discretion? I realize Caroline is your intended bride, but it is best she not be told of my situation."

"Go to your wife, Darcy," Clifton answered. "I shall not breathe a word of this to anyone."

"You have my gratitude," Darcy said. He reached out and put his hand on Clifton's arm.

"Courage, my friend."

Clifton shook his head despairingly.

"Courage! You do not understand..."

"I believe I do. We all have our crosses to bear, and you will bear yours as best you can, I am certain."

Clifton shook his head again.

"I shall never have the same feelings for Caroline as do you for your Elizabeth, Darcy."

"I know that, and I believe Caroline knows that as well and accepts it. Be that as it may, I believe that each of you will take what you need from your union. She will gain the status she desires, and you, hopefully, will have an heir. Not just an heir, Clifton, but a child of your own flesh. Someone to love. Something to give you purpose. And who knows, perhaps you and Caroline will come to some understanding because of it."

Clifton appeared thoughtful.

"You are right, of course. I must carry on."

Darcy smiled.

"I will take your advice now and go to my wife. Sleep well, my friend."

"I cannot thank you enough, Darcy," Clifton said.

With one last, fleeting glance at Bingley's closed door, he squared his shoulders and returned to his room.

Darcy sighed. He needed Elizabeth's comfort now more than ever.

She was half asleep when he crept into bed beside her. She opened one eye and demanded, "Where have you been? I feared you had been intercepted and obliged to produce a marriage certificate!"
"Nothing so dire as that, Mrs. Darcy. Hold me, Lizzy. I need you," he said simply.

Elizabeth sensed that something was troubling her husband and she questioned him about it.

"I find myself more and more unwilling to conceal our marriage, Lizzy. I want to sleep in your arms without a care as to what will happen in the morning."

"Is that all, William? You seem so pensive." His head was resting on her chest, and she stroked his hair.

"I am the most fortunate of men," he said softly. He raised himself up to kiss her.

Their lovemaking was quite different than the previous night. Darcy was undemanding, gentle, worshipful. He told Elizabeth nothing of what had transpired between himself and Alex Clifton, but it was in his thoughts. His own good fortune contrasted so sharply with Alex Clifton's plight.

"Do you know how much I adore you, Lizzy?" he asked as he moved inside her.

The physical sensations of lovemaking, exquisite as they were, paled in comparison to the pleasure her answering words imparted.

"No more than I adore you, William."

Chapter 26

It was Darcy's turn the next morning to dress quickly. Georgiana had been made aware the previous evening that her brother and sister-in-law would be sleeping in Elizabeth's room, and she dutifully knocked at their door after the others had gone down to breakfast. She waited until William acknowledged her signal, then went down to breakfast herself.

"I find this arrangement preferable, William," Elizabeth said smoothly. She reclined in bed, still naked under the coverlet, watching him as he dressed.

"In fact, I think I shall want it thus for the remainder of our stay at Pemberley. It would be most unchivalrous of you to have me prowl the corridors at night and be obliged to leave a warm bed before you do in the morning!"

At her mention of the "warm bed," Darcy was sorely tempted to discard his clothing once again and join her there. Instead, he advanced upon the bed, pulled the bedclothes back and smiled.

"And it was most imprudent of you, my dear, to remind me of the comfort of your situation relative to my own!"

"William!" she scolded.

He leaned over to kiss her and she pulled him toward her by grabbing hold of his half-knotted cravat.

"Mrs. Darcy! Are you trying to strangle me?"
Elizabeth was determined now to have her way with him, and she began to pull at his half-fastened clothing. Darcy protested most feebly, but in the end offered no resistance as her aggressive behaviour was proving to be most arousing.

After Elizabeth undressed him, he rolled over onto his back and waited. She allowed her eyes to roam suggestively down the length of his body.

"It seems you are interested, William," she said with a teasing smile.

"Proceed with some alacrity, Mrs. Darcy, as we are expected downstairs. Bathing and dressing will have to be a hurried affair."

"Oh!" Elizabeth exclaimed in mock horror. "I would not want to be responsible for hurrying your preparations, Sir. Perhaps we should dispense with..."

"Ohhhh no," he responded, reaching up to stroke her breasts. "I assure you, Lizzy, that satisfaction and speed are compatible in this instance. Take me inside you, my love."

Straddling his hips, Elizabeth lowered herself atop her husband until he was buried deep inside her. He groaned and closed his eyes as she lifted herself, then came down slowly once again.

"Yes, Lizzy, just like that. I am yours," he said.

"Yes," she said, breathing more quickly. "All mine."

With each downward movement, Elizabeth closed her eyes and let out a little moan. Each time she moved upward, she opened her eyes to assess the effect her attentions were having on her husband. Darcy was transfixed, unable to take his eyes off her face.

She wanted him, and she was taking him. She was a conquering goddess, her face flushed with arousal and triumph, and he was her prize. Even before he had fallen in love with her, he had sensed she was that rare woman who would match his passion. The first time he had asked for her hand in marriage, he had not been able to stop himself, he had wanted her so badly.

And now? She completed him. His wife, his soulmate, his friend, his lover. Always his lover.

Just two days, and he belonged to her, utterly and irrevocably.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Darcy had been right. Dressing became, of necessity, a hasty endeavour, but neither of them regretted their decision to languish in bed. It did, however, make it all the more difficult to separate and proceed downstairs, where they would once again be obliged to take up the charade of being still unmarried.

It happened that each of them exited their respective rooms at almost the same moment. Darcy beckoned to Elizabeth.

"Just a word before we leave, Lizzy. Last night I encountered Alex Clifton in the corridor as I was entering your room. I was obliged to tell him of our marriage."

"How was it that he came to be awakened?"
"He could not sleep. I am sure his upcoming marriage weighs on his mind." A true enough statement, Darcy thought.

"What was his reaction?"

"He was most understanding, and has given his word he will honour my request for secrecy."

Elizabeth nodded, relief evident on her face.

"Tell me, William. It is evident there is no passion between Mr. Clifton and Caroline. Do you believe him to be in love with someone else?"

"He confided no such thing to me," Darcy answered truthfully.

"There were times when we were at Netherfield when I suspected he had tender feelings for my sister."

"Upon what do you base your suspicions, Elizabeth?"

"He stares at her when she is with Charles, as though he longs for such loving closeness. And yet, he has settled for a loveless marriage with Caroline! I cannot make him out."

"Lizzy, I will only say that I am convinced that Mr. Clifton is not in love with Jane. Perhaps he does covet her closeness with Charles, but not for the reason you suppose. Charles, I know, misses your sister keenly and has indicated to me that he wishes to depart for Hertfordshire sooner than planned. Tomorrow, to be more specific. Is that agreeable to you?"

"I would prefer to remain at Pemberley as planned, William."

"For what reason?"

She blushed. "You will no doubt stay at Netherfield and I at Longbourn until the wedding."

Darcy looked puzzled.

"I must admit," Elizabeth continued, "that I have grown rather accustomed to having you in my bed, William. It will be most difficult to maintain a suitable distance from you."

Darcy's first impulse was to reply in a teasing manner, but her expression was so desolate, and it touched him.

"Lizzy, bless you for saying that. My feelings are identical, of course. Would you rather I tell Charles we cannot leave until Saturday as we planned?"

She sighed. "No...no. I see quite well how much he misses his family, and there are but ten days remaining until our wedding ceremony."

"We might just tell everyone of our marriage, Lizzy, and be done with it!"

For the first time, Lizzy wavered.

"Perhaps we might consider it. When we arrive at Longbourn, I will be in a better position to decide. Is that acceptable to you, William?"
He smiled, convinced that her decision would be a favourable one.

"Most acceptable. And in any event, we still have tonight."

She nodded happily.

"I am famished! Let us have our breakfast now. But William...kiss me first!"

"Will I be quite safe kissing a famished woman, Lizzy? I fear being devoured!"

"I promise to be gentle," she said with a smile. Darcy leaned down to kiss her, but he dared not embrace her tightly as he feared that once he took hold of her, he would be unable to let her go.

"Come, my love, let us go satisfy our hunger together."

"Yes," she replied. "The usual kind of hunger, that can be satisfied in the presence of others!"

If anyone's suspicions were awakened by the sight of Elizabeth and Darcy coming to breakfast arm in arm, no one voiced them. Caroline did, however, remark on the lateness of the hour, but the couple ignored her and helped themselves at the sideboard. They were both ravenous due to the morning's exertions and ate heartily.

Elizabeth gazed at her husband lovingly. This is where I shall have my breakfast with him every morning. I shall never grow tired of seeing his face across the table.

They exchanged a brief smile, and he impulsively reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. Caroline's eyes followed the gesture, and in doing so, she noticed the gleam of the gold band on Elizabeth's ring finger. Elizabeth immediately curled her fingers, hiding them under Darcy's hand, but it was too late. In her haste to dress this morning, she had forgotten to remove her wedding ring.

"Is that a wedding ring you are wearing, Miss Eliza? Or should I say, Mrs. Darcy?" Caroline asked.

It was Georgiana who thought most quickly.

"Oh, it is Mother's ring, is it not, Fitzwilliam? Does it fit, Elizabeth? My brother was quite concerned about it with the wedding so soon," she said by way of explanation.

"It fits perfectly," Elizabeth said. Taking a deep breath, she looked at her husband and continued.

"And I am glad of it, as Mr. Darcy and I were married two days ago at Kympton and I shall never remove this ring again."

"You eloped?" Caroline exclaimed. "Mr. Darcy, how could you allow yourself to be coerced to behave so scandalously?"

"I rather think Mr. Darcy was a willing participant, scandalous or not. And I would hardly call this an elopement, Caroline, as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy immediately returned to their own home after the ceremony!" Mr. Clifton said mildly. "May I be the first to offer my congratulations?"

"Thank you, Alex. And you are correct, if anyone was coerced, it was my wife. I kidnapped her in the middle of the night and spirited her away to Kympton."
His eyes were dancing. He was taking particular pleasure in vexing Miss Bingley.

To say that Charles Bingley was surprised was a gross understatement. Gradually it dawned upon him the significance of his meeting Mr. Darcy in the corridor the previous evening, and while he briefly felt resentful at having been misled so easily, he soon offered his congratulations as well. He was somewhat relieved, having felt uneasy at the evidence of Darcy and Elizabeth's simmering passions. His self-assumed responsibility to protect his sister-in-law's virtue had become burdensome.

Caroline, after considering the matter, found the situation to her satisfaction. Elizabeth Bennet's upcoming "wedding" was now rendered meaningless, as she saw it, and her own wedding would consequently be elevated in importance.

"Bingley, I have spoken to Elizabeth and we are agreeable to leaving for Hertfordshire tomorrow. In view of the circumstances, it is desirable that her family know of our marriage so that they can best decide how our upcoming celebration might be altered." Darcy reached for his wife's hand. "As modest or as grand as you desire, Mrs. Darcy."

"And what of your desires, William?"

He smiled, his love shining in his eyes. "I have everything I desire already, Elizabeth."

"Scandalous," Caroline Bingley muttered. "Sneaking about the house and remaining upstairs in the morning so indecently!" And the two of them looking so pleased with themselves!

Bingley glared at his sister and let out an exasperated sigh.

"Thank you, Darcy. I will prepare to leave tomorrow. I should like to leave as early as possible so that we need not stop for the night. Will you be staying at Netherfield?"

"I will be staying with my wife, it matters not where."

"Speaking of which, William," Elizabeth said softly, "you have not yet shown me the new draperies in our apartments."

He leaned towards her to whisper in her ear, "And are you prepared to accept the consequences of such a request?"

"I am, indeed," she answered.

They hastily finished their breakfast and went upstairs together hand in hand.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were neither seen nor heard again until dinner.