Chapter 13: kiss me beneath the milky twilight

"O, here

Will I set up my everlasting rest,

And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars

From this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last!

Arms, take your last embrace! and, lips, O you

The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss

A dateless bargain to engrossing death!" -Shakespeare

Six days later, Elizabeth spent most of her time with the colonel, due to Darcy's urgent departure; he had gone to London for business that could not be delayed. So, he left the colonel to keep company to the ladies. Well, actually he did not want to, he was still afraid of Elizabeth's attachment with him, but he was well aware that his cousin had given up the idea of proposing to her, he could at least breath easily. Yes, indeed. Richard confessed to him a night before his departure -upon Darcy's insistence of course, that even thought he still fancied her, he would not make her an offer. He was supposed to marry for money and that was what he intended to do. His company was always pleasant and desired by Elizabeth; he was a great fellow to talk to, even in times of uneasiness. In fact, he was the only one, who Elizabeth could talk to this month, because Georgiana was occupied with her dear friend. It was one afternoon, when they were left alone, because the other ladies were on the drawing room, practicing their duet.

"It would be great, if you would accompany us to London," Richard finally said.

"You know that this is not possible," she smiled a little.

"But, I know that you do not intend to stay long there, do you?"

"No, indeed." he replied. "I am accompanying my cousin and maybe I would pay a visit to my family."

"Georgiana would Miss Penelope's company. But, I suppose Darcy as well."

The colonel laughed. "Darcy?"

"Yes," she simply replied.

"Oh, I see. Georgiana has already told you about their previous attachment."

Elizabeth nodded. "Miss Brown is a very respectable, accomplished lady. It would make a perfect match for him, I believe"

It took him some minutes to respond. "You are not wrong, but I guess we would never really understand when Darcy is in love. He behaves exactly as he does now."

Elizabeth smiled. "It is very hard," she paused "to hide your feelings, especially when they are so strong."

"You speak as though you have a personal experience. Could that be so?"

"Maybe," she smiled a little. "But, really you do not expect me to reveal him to you."

The next morning, Penelope Brown and Colonel Fitzwilliam departed. At last, Elizabeth could breathe; for she felt immediately a weight leaving. Maybe she was thinking selfishly, but she wanted the Darcys all by herself. Yes, even the master, especially him. She wanted Mr. Darcy's company, even more than Georgiana's, which was unusual if you though that she almost hated him some months ago. But no, those feelings had gone. She felt different things for him; pleasant things. Kind of things that made her blush. She even dreamt about him at nights. It was a great astonishment to her, when she saw him this very afternoon. He said that he had taken care of his business and that he wanted to return home soon as possible. The three of them, after dinner, sat on the drawing room and Darcy delighted them with some stories of his early years. But, when it was getting dark, Georgiana claimed that she was tired and desired to sleep. She was indeed exhausted, for she had slept only few hours yesterday. So, Elizabeth was left alone with Darcy. They both looked for a while at each other, without saying anything, but not baring it any longer, she finally decided to speak.

"Tell me, was your trip exciting?"

It took him a minute to respond and with coldness he replied, "Nothing unusual happened. Business you see, are not always pleasant."

She nodded. "You must miss your guests company," she claimed

"No, not at all. On the contrary, I am very pleased that I can enjoy myself at last. They occupied much of my time." Elizabeth looked down to her lap and opened her mouth to reply, but actually she did not. Instead, she decided that it was for the best to stay silent. Darcy, who saw her discomfort, spoke "What did you do while I was gone?"

She looked up and met his eyes "Nothing interesting, really."

He immediately stood up and said, "I would be back shortly. Excuse me." He bowed and left. But, it took him a minute to return and when he did, he was holding something. He approached her and handed her the package. Elizabeth took it on her hands and waited for his allowance to open it.

"It is for you," he said and smiled a little. Elizabeth gave him an enchanted smile and without hesitating any longer, she opened it.

"It is a dress," she replied cheerfully. It was a white dress with a light pink ribbon. She immediately looked at him and he smiled.

"I hope it is in your liking. I do not claim that I am aware of women's fashion, but I chose it on my own, hoping that you will approve it."

Elizabeth could not feel her legs. Her heart was beating so fast and her hands were trembling. "I do approve it. I love it."

"I am glad," he smiled a little and took a step closer to her.

"But, I do not deserve it. I do not deserve such kindness from you."

"I am sure you do," he paused and took another step closer, so that he could feel her breathing "I know that tomorrow you will be able to wear any dress you choose, that you will get rid of black, so I wanted this to be the first one of the beginning."

"I do not know how to thank you," she replied seriously, with her eyes sparkling. "Mr. Darcy..."

"You really do not have to." he said and took some deep breaths. "You must know, surely you must know..." He paused again to breath "but perhaps you do not." He opened his mouth to speak sometimes, but in vain, he could not manage a word. Instead, with his palm, he touched her cheek and looking her eyes the whole time, he closed the distance between them. As his lips touched hers, he felt warmth inside him. A fulfilling emotion that he had never felt before. He was kissing her as he had never kissed anyone like this before and it was blissful oblivion; for she was the only real thing in the world. As he was kissing her the heat of his body increased, and it exhaled a wild, untamed fragrance.

Suddenly, he stopped and opened his eyes to meet hers. But, without saying much, he crashed his lips into hers again. It was at first almost as if he hadn't wanted to kiss her. His mouth was hard on hers, unyielding; then he put both arms around her and pulled her against him. His lips softened. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart, taste the sweetness of apples still on his mouth. She wound her hands into his hair, as she'd wanted to do since the first time she'd seen him. His hair curled around her fingers, silky and fine. Her heart was hammering, and there was a rushing sound in her ears, like beating wings. It seared her senses; it made her feel alive, even as it sucked that life away - and she kept coming back to it, again and again. Waves of sensation pulled her under - drowning her. But he made drowning feel like the loveliest thing. Like she was losing her breath, but she didn't need it, didn't want it, only wanted him.

When they parted again, neither of them spoke. Elizabeth tried to say something, but she could not. In fact, he was supposed to do that, but he did not. She could not bear to look at him just now. If she did, she might well slap him. Or cry. Or kiss him. And never know which was right and which was wrong and which was madness. She preferred to leave. So, she did.

Sorry to leave it there, but I was really confused what to write next, so I prefered to continue in another chapter. I have already written the next one, but it is short as well. i am trying to make it longer and I do not know how much this would take. Anyway...Tell me, did you expect that? I would love to hear your opinions.