The Master of Pemberley, Fitzwilliam Darcy leant back against the lip of his bathtub trying to soothe the ache in his neck and shoulders. It was an ache caused from hunching over his study desk in the many sleepless nights since his return from Kent. His moods switched rapidly from the depths of despair to frustrating anger since the love of his life refused his suit. Desperate for a little time alone and to prevent his younger sister from suffering his bad temper, he had left Georgiana and the rest of the party in Matlock and rode on ahead a few days early.
Sighing heavily, Darcy rose from his cooling bath water and stood dripping on the wooden floor. He picked up a soft, fluffy towel from the rail and absentmindedly ran it over his body and leaving the towel slung over his shoulder strode naked into his adjoining bedchamber. He stood for a while gazing out of the windows into the formal gardens at the front of the house, thinking over his actions of the last few months and wondering what it would take to get his mind back on track. A drip of cold water falling onto his chest brought him to the present and he rubbed the towel over his head and down to his shoulders. As he ran the soft towel over the soft curling hair on his chest his breath started to deepen. Thoughts of Elizabeth flitted through his mind and as his hand moved the towel down lower, he could feel his unmistakable reaction to the very thought of her. Why her, God? What is it about her that makes me act the way I do?
Breathing harshly, Darcy tried to calm himself down, he bowed his head and taking a deep breath; fought for composure. Straightening up he threw back his broad shoulders and leant across to the heavy wooden bureau containing clean undergarments. Rummaging around Darcy located a soft undershirt but when he brought it out into the open he saw that it was in fact a ladies handkerchief with a delicately embroidered hem. He rubbed his finger over the tiny embroidered 'E' in the corner and remembered collecting the handkerchief from where it had fallen to the floor after their one and only dance together at the Lucas house party. He had intended on returning the item straight away but had been distracted by the odious Mr. Collins instead and had tucked the handkerchief in his waistcoat pocket. His valet, Saunders, must have found it there and laundered the item. Still rubbing his finger restlessly over the initial, Darcy's head jerked up as a familiar scent hit his nostrils; the faint fragrance of night scented jasmine filled his room and bringing the handkerchief up to his nose he struggled to detect even the faintest hint remaining on the delicate cloth. Still his eyes darted around, convinced that Elizabeth was near. Great, now you're hallucinating too!
The first night that he had spent back at Pemberley after returning from Rosings, Darcy had drowned his sorrows in port and had stumbled drunkenly out onto the balcony outside of the master suite. He had been trying to drink Elizabeth out of his memory but the blossoming Jasmine reminded him of her fragrance and he had nearly fallen over the balustrade trying to pull them all out. He sniffed the air again, and there was no mistaking that fragrance. His nether regions stirred to attention and began to rise up. Not again, please. He started to wrap the towel tighter around his waist but just the merest touch of his hand made him stiffen even further. Darcy sighed, knowing that there was only one course of action to take. He hated doing this, it felt dirty and obscene, almost as if he was brutalizing the memory of his beloved. Just do it, Darcy. It's not going to go away until you do, get it over with. It's not as if you've never done it before… God, Elizabeth…
As her name entered his thoughts again, he started to throb almost uncontrollably. Darcy placed the towel down on the window ledge and raised one foot up against the ledge, he reached down with one hand to take himself firmly in grip, determined to get it over with as quickly as possible, placing his other hand flat against the bedroom wall to support his weight. His fist tightened, gliding over the smooth taut flesh. He slid his hand from base to the mushroom like bulb at the tip and captured the drop that appeared from the small slip, he brought his hand back down again, sliding his foreskin back as he did so. He tightened his grip as he pumped up and down, slowly at first and then more rapidly, pushing his hips forward at the same time. His back arched at the pleasure as he felt the moisture pooling, he knew that it would be over in a matter of seconds and bend down to pick up the towelling ready to capture his sticky offerings. One more pump and he felt the bittersweet pleasure rising and rising, his heart beating hard and fast and buttocks clenching as he let the pleasure overtake him to expel warm jets of warm liquid into the waiting towel. "Aah, God…Libby!" Darcy felt his manhood still twitching and producing rapid spurts, a shocked gasp from the doorway had him twirling around in horror. To his dismay he realized that whilst he had been engaged in pleasuring himself the door had not been completely closed, someone must tried to enter the room to make up the bed and caught him instead! He quickly wiped his rapidly deflating manhood down and threw on his robe. Now you've done it, you randy old goat. You've probably scared some poor young housemaid for life! When will you learn to keep it in your trousers?
Darcy reached the doorway and threw it open only to see the back of someone looking very familiar escaping down the corridor towards the staircase. "Elizabeth…" Darcy softly whispered to himself and looking down at his jerking erection peeking out through the front of his robe. "Stop it! She's really here…but why? Darcy, stop talking to yourself and get dressed so that you can go and find her!" Darcy raced back into his bedroom and frantically started pulling on clothes as fast as he could. He would not let her get away from him this time!
Elizabeth raced down the hallway on shaking legs, as fast as she could; panting harshly. She reached the top of the staircase and had to give way to her trembling limbs to collapse onto the top step. She raised a shaking hand to cover her flushed cheeks and closed her eyes in mortification. Her whole body felt warm and tingly with an ache that settled deep within her stomach. The sight of the taut naked buttocks of Darcy from behind raced through her mind and Elizabeth found herself trembling in reaction. God, what on earth is happening to me? She brought her hand down to her lips and found them slightly open, feeling her panting breath warm against her fingers. She slid her fingers down the side of her neck and shivered in reaction, she paused for a moment to take stock of her racing pulse. Hmmm, I feel warm to touch and I have an elevated pulse, maybe I have a fever? Her other hand seemed to move of its own volition and hovered over her heaving bosoms. As one finger brushed against a swollen nipple, Elizabeth gasped in amazement, she looked down at her chest and was dismayed to find both areolas clearly trying to push through the thin muslin of her bodice. She reached up to try and deflate them and the pleasure was so intense that it made her bottom rise up from the cold marble in reaction. She tore her hands away and clasped firmly together to stop any further incidents. She sat down firmly again on the step and drew in a sharp breath when her swollen private parts made contact with the marble. It was almost as though the muslin of her skirts weren't even there. It's definitely a fever then, I must have perspired greatly and not even realized it. How strange it is that my bodice isn't damp, just my skirts. As she was thinking this, Elizabeth was unconsciously caressing her private areas above her skirt; it was only when she started to pant harder that she stopped her actions in horror. My God, what am I doing? This is so wrong, young ladies are never supposed to touch down there – only through a washcloth whilst bathing. She sat up straighter on the steps and took a peek around to make sure that she hadn't been observed breaking from propriety. She relaxed slightly when she realized that no-one had observed her indiscretion, or so she thought…
Darcy had dressed quickly, intent on catching up with Elizabeth. He was just about to announce his presence when she first sat down at the top of the staircase. Darcy noticed her hunch over and was just about to offer her some words of apology when he noticed that far from being distraught, it looked as if Elizabeth herself was caught up in her own arousal. His mouth dried up as he watched her trailing a hand over her mouth and when she paused at the side of her neck, he wished it was he placing a wet kiss there. Darcy thought that she would stop there but found himself mesmerized by her touching her own body, and from the looks of things for the very first time. He wished it was his fingers tweaking her swollen nipples, pushing her bountiful breasts together and pulling her bodice down to get a closer look. He groaned silently in reaction when he realized that her arousal had caused her dewy essence to seep from her swollen folds and had made a small patch at the back of her dress almost see through. When she rose from the staircase he could see the clear outline of her firm buttocks through the soaked material and half collapsed against the shadows of the wall; his arousal pressing insistently against the front of his now too tight breeches. His hips jerked slightly when Elizabeth started to touch herself through the front of her dress, he focused on those slim fingers brushing softly but insistently along the soft folds and could only imagine how wet and swollen they would be beneath the skirt. He groaned under his breath when Elizabeth stopped her movements and looked up in dismay. The expression on her face just moments before had been soft and very relaxed, her eyes hazy with passion and her mouth, parted slightly with wondrous desire. The expression now held almost horrified disbelief.
She hadn't realized what she had been doing! God, if that is what she looks like when she is not paying attention, I can only imagine what she is like when she really puts her mind to the task… Darcy found himself almost losing total control at the thought and then stood completely upright when Elizabeth sat upright on the stair and looked around to see whether she had been observed. Did she see me watching her as she did me? Darcy found the thought oddly arousing and then immediately wondered what her reaction would be. He sighed a little in relief when it appeared that Elizabeth had not noticed him in the shadows. He caught his breath when the sight of Elizabeth straightening up and throwing her shoulders back, made her aroused nipples stand out in proud relief. She brushed the front of her dress down and prepared to stand. Oh my, Miss Bennet you have been a naughty girl haven't you? Darcy whistled silently beneath his breath as the view of her form in silhouette was revealed, her tight buttocks were clearly visible from the rear and he knew that if she turned around he would nearly explode in his breeches at the sight of her swollen nipples trusting proudly against the bodice of her dress. He didn't want her embarrassed in front of any of his staff and knew that one look at her would reveal exactly what she had been up to. He had to stop her from going downstairs until she was looking more like herself and her body had settled down. Darcy had to try and keep her occupied but didn't want her to know that a ) he knew that she had watched him pleasuring himself and b) he obviously didn't want her to know that he had returned the favour, so to speak. He took a few deep breaths to compose himself and then stepped out into the corridor just as Elizabeth was preparing to step down onto the stairs. Elizabeth stopped as she heard his voice from behind her,
"Miss Darcy? This is a surprise, but what on earth are you doing here?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Darcy felt that they had come out all wrong and tried to backtrack. "What I meant to say was, this is an unexpected pleasure...I thought that you were touring the Lake District?" Smooth, Darcy very smooth, now she will think that you don't want her hear at all…
"Mr. Darcy? I thought that you were….We were informed that the family were all from home…I didn't mean to intrude…" Elizabeth started to stutter out an explanation but seeing him dressed before her only brought the image of his smooth and muscular naked back even clearer to her mind. Well done, Lizzie now he definitely knows that you were watching him. What on earth will he do? Elizabeth sneaked a peek up to his face and noticed a faint flush appear along his cheeks and he shifted slightly to widen his stance.
"Well….I…err…there is no intrusion… I returned a few days early, I had business to discuss with my steward." No intrusion at all, you can watch me at any time…as long as I can return the favour. Stop it right now Darcy! Get those thoughts out of your head this instance!
"Oh…I am in Derbyshire with my aunt and uncle, business commitments made us cut short our plans and as my aunt was raised near here…"
"And are you having a pleasant trip?" Darcy enquired, more relaxed now his arousal had subsided slightly.
"Yes, thank you very pleasant, tomorrow we journey onto Matlock." Elizabeth managed to reply sensibly, wondering why he had suddenly become so civilised.
"Tomorrow?" Darcy said in dismay, to have her here in his house only to lose her again so soon. Really, Miss Bennet we shall have to see about that won't we? Elizabeth was starting to feel slightly better about the whole situation as the conversation wore on, she was almost certain that Darcy had not realized that she had been spying on him and was absolutely confident that no one had been around to watch her own indiscretion. However, the current look on Darcy's face at this present moment was beginning to make her feel a little warm inside again. He was looking at her most intently with an almost seductive gleam in his eye. Really Elizabeth, and just how might you recognize seduction? Hmm. Elizabeth hushed the silent voice in her head and continued to gaze up at Darcy, waiting for him to continue.
"Tomorrow," he repeated again and looked deep into her eyes for a moment, lost in their sparking depths. He coughed slightly and looked away, "And, are you staying in Lambton?" Darcy strove for what he thought was a more normal tone and waited for her response. Elizabeth was confused at first, for a moment she was sure that…she shook her head to clear it.
"Yes, at the Rose Inn." Elizabeth was beginning to tire of all of these questions, surely her aunt and uncle would be missing her by now. She needed to get away from Darcy's suddenly overwhelming presence and tried to make her apologies again in order to escape. "I'm so sorry to intrude, they said that the house was open to visitors – we had no idea… Mrs. Reynolds said that it was fine to come up here and that you wouldn't be returning from Town for another few days…." Elizabeth was now babbling in embarrassment, Darcy took a step forward and placed a finger across her lips to silence her. It was the first time that he had touched her whilst they were alone and just the touch of one finger on her slightly trembling mouth was enough to send both of the pulses zinging in excitement.
"Hush, really it's quite alright. As you are up here anyway, would you like to see the portrait gallery? It's just through those doors over there." Darcy took his finger away and pointed Elizabeth in the direction of the closed doors opposite. Ah, so it was the doors to the right and not the left! She nodded silently and he gestured with his other hand for her to precede him across the hallway. As soon as her back was turned Darcy whipped the finger that he had pressed against her lips to his mouth and gently sucked. He could taste the mint from her tea and there was a slight lingering fragrance that was pure Elizabeth from where she had caressed herself through her gown. He ran his tongue over his finger and almost moaned aloud at the taste. He craved more but had to be patient… Elizabeth reached the handle of the door and turned it to open, it only opened partway before it got stuck. Darcy hadn't been paying attention and careened straight into the back of Elizabeth who was still trying to get the door to open.
"Oomph…" they both muttered as they realized that his front was plastered to her back and neither was able to move forward. For a split second both relished the feel of planed hardness against soft curves, before Darcy reached a hand around Elizabeth and gave the door a slight push.
"Sorry, sometimes the doors get a little warped in the change of temperature and you just have to give a little…oh!" The door crashed open suddenly and they found themselves abruptly catapulted through. Elizabeth thought she would fall flat onto the hard floor but a quick move from Darcy had her plastered firmly in his secure grip. "Not to worry, I've got you." Once again they found themselves plastered together but somehow this time Darcy had managed to spin Elizabeth around to face him. She fought hard to compose herself, telling herself it was the shock of nearly falling when in reality it was the very nearness of the man holding her so close that she could feel every part of his body pressed against her own.
Darcy realized that his body was betraying him yet again, but Elizabeth didn't appear to be bothered about it in the slightest. Maybe she doesn't even realize what it is – or what it does. The thought of being the one to introduce that part of himself to Elizabeth made Darcy grow even further and he tried to shift his hips away slightly to bring a little space in between them. For a moment Elizabeth instinctively tried to follow him and pressed her own hips against his, she felt him jerk and this was enough to bring them both to attention and they separated. Darcy steadied Elizabeth with a hand on her shoulder as she spun around to face the gallery. Wait a minute! Did I just feel his hand on my…? Elizabeth turned around to face Darcy again only to find that he was facing the opposite direction waiting to point out a portrait of one of the first Darcy's. She opened her mouth to sputter out an angry retort and then realized that it must have been a draught coming through the open doors. Darcy was watching her expression in a small side mirror just out of her view and breathed a sigh of relief when it appeared that she had nothing to say. Darcy turned now to face Elizabeth and raised an eyebrow in enquiry at her silence, she shrugged slightly and looked out at the window where she could see her aunt and uncle approaching the house.
"I really should be getting back to my aunt and uncle, they must be wondering where I am." Elizabeth was strangely sad at the thought of re-joining her relatives in the garden. It had truly been a remarkable morning and there were so many emotions spinning her mind in every direction that she needed time to process them all.
"Oh, yes of course. I quite understand, perhaps another time then?" Darcy held out his arm and Elizabeth stepped forward to take it, did his words mean that he expected her to visit again, or was he merely being polite? It was all so confusing! Darcy could see Elizabeth struggling with her thoughts and he decided to give her a little space to compose herself. He led her back out into the hall and as they approached the staircase their footsteps drew to a halt.
"Well, goodbye Mr. Darcy. It was lovely seeing you." Elizabeth bobbed a brief curtsey and prepared to make her leave, she found her hand caught in a firm yet gentle grip.
"No, Elizabeth. We should never say goodbye, not between us. Let us just say 'Until we meet again'." Darcy bowed his head over their joined hands and thought for a moment about pressing a kiss to the back of hers and then decided against it. "Until we meet again, Elizabeth."
"Until we meet again, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth tore her hand from his grip and raced down the staircase, aware that his dark gaze followed her every step. Darcy waited until she was out of sight and then raced back into his bedroom to put on more formal attire. He checked out of his bedroom window to make sure that the party was still in the formal gardens and then made his way slightly more sedately down the staircase. He met Mrs. Reynolds at the foot of the staircase who had her mouth hanging open in shock. Darcy cheekily reached out and pressed a finger on her chin to close it.
"Trying to catch flies, Dottie?" Mrs. Reynolds held back a choked tear, it had been years since Mr. Darcy had called her by his pet name for her, she looked up at him misty eyed and realized that he looked far more relaxed than she had ever seen him, and the way he practically raced down the staircase. Darcy patted his old Nanny on the shoulder and was once again reminded how fortunate he was that she decided to stay on as his housekeeper once his father had passed away. "Now Dottie, there were some people viewing the house earlier…"
"Oh Mr. Darcy, I am so sorry. It's just that I didn't realize you had arrived so early…" Mrs. Reynolds was fully expecting a firm scolding, Darcy was a very private person and preferred that house tours only took place whenever he was in Town or out on the Estate on business.
"Oh, hush now Dottie, I'm not angry – far from it as a matter of fact. I didn't tell anyone I was arriving early, so how could you have known. Now dry those eyes and let me know what you think." Darcy pressed his handkerchief to her palm and when Mrs. Reynolds started to cry again he sighed and dried her tears himself. "Dottie, I love you, you know I do but I'm running out of time here, I don't want them to leave until I know a few things."
"Well, they've asked for the extended tour of the lakes and streams as the gentlemen is a keen fisherman…" Mrs. Reynolds let out a small squeak as a very excited Darcy picked her up to whirl her around.
"Well, Mr. Darcy!" Mrs. Reynolds muttered in shock and scolded him gently, delight shining from her eyes, her little Darcy was back and this time she hoped for good. Darcy coughed a little in embarrassment and glanced around to see whether any of the other staff had caught him acting like a schoolboy. Only the old footman, Henry was around and he gave the younger man a wink of encouragement which Darcy returned with a shrug. Out of the entire staff, only Henry and Dottie had been around his entire life and he felt like they were his family as much as his sister, Georgiana was. Darcy inclined his head towards his study and Mrs. Reynolds and Henry followed close behind. Darcy sat perched on the edge of a leather footstool with Mrs. Reynolds and Henry taking their usual seats on the Chesterfield sofa.
"Right, Dottie you first. What do you think?"
"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner…" Dottie started only to be interrupted with Darcy's grunt of disbelief and Henry's chuckle.
"Dottie, you'd better leave this one to me." Henry leant over and clapped a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Darcy, my boy…I don't think you could find anyone more suitable if you tried. When I compare her to the likes of that haughty Caroline Bingley…"
"Oh, Darcy not Caroline Bingley!" Dottie exclaimed in horror, Henry just chuckled and patted her knee.
"I knew you weren't really listening, you daft old bat! Darcy has his eye on the young miss that you sent upstairs earlier. Isn't that right, my lad?"
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Darcy almost sighed her name reverently, he still couldn't quite believe that she was actually here on his estate. The fact that Dottie herself had sent Elizabeth upstairs, had not escaped his attention, but he was thankful enough to let the matter pass.
"Oh, Miss Bennet. Yes, she's a lovely lass indeed. A little shy perhaps…" Dottie stopped her musings at Darcy's soft chuckle of amusement and looked up curiously at her master. Henry caught Darcy's eye and winked again, Darcy knew in that moment that their interlude in the gallery had been witnessed by none other than Henry himself. It was Henry that had explained facts about becoming a man and what that actually meant to a growing boy. Although Darcy had loved his father dearly, the elder Mr. Darcy was a very private man and found it hard to discuss such things with a young man with hormones in tumult. Henry explained everything that Darcy needed to know, about releasing the tension that gripped his body and how to prevent any unfortunate results of coupling with willing females. Darcy had not needed to put the latter into practice as he had found that his own hand performed the necessary release quite well. In fact after he had reached maturity he had not needed to perform that task for a number of years until a visit to Hertfordshire and an encounter with a most desirable brunette who had eyes the colour of melted chocolate…
"Darcy, are you still with us lad?" Henry prodded Darcy on the shoulder to bring him back into the discussion.
"Right, that's settled. Now what do you want us to do?" Mrs. Reynolds looked up at Darcy expectantly, quite satisfied with his choice and would support him in every effort to woo her.
"Firstly, can we arrange for luncheon to be served out of the summerhouse for one o'clock?"
"For just the two of you?" Henry winked salaciously and nudged Darcy again. He knew that Darcy would never go against his principles and compromise the girl but still...
"I wish…" Darcy realized what he had just said and rubbed a hand over his eyes. "God, what am I saying? No, of course not! Luncheon for four in the summerhouse, please Mrs. Reynolds. And perhaps dinner too, if I…we can persuade them to stay, if not we can have dinner together in here, like we used to when I was a boy…" Darcy looked over at Mrs. Reynolds writing furiously in her notebook and muttering under her breath. When he reached the part about the three of them dining together she looked up teary eyed and he gently kissed her cheek. "Now then, where was I? Oh yes, Georgiana, Mr. Bingley and his sister's will be arriving tomorrow and I would like to give a small party for them and please also include…"
"The Gardiner's and Miss Bennet? Anyone else?"
"No, I don't want to overwhelm her…after all she's already refused me once…" Darcy stood up and paced the length of the study deep in thought. Mrs. Reynolds and Henry shared a look of disbelief, Darcy to be refused by the girl and yet still wanting to court her? It was inconceivable, it was well known around Derbyshire that once you had been on the bad side of a Darcy it was unlikely you would ever be seen on the other side again.
"May I ask what happened, sir?" Mrs. Reynolds enquired softly. Darcy looked over and smiled tiredly.
"Same old thing, Dottie dearest. I was my usual arrogant self, and could only think of my feelings. I could hardly believe I was hearing her refuse me and yet refuse me she did. Had I acted in a more gentleman like manner…Those words shall surely haunt me until I die. So, I decided there and then that I would do all that I could to make amends…unfortunately she left the next day and I was called to business in Town, I did sent her a letter but I'm not sure that she even read it….and yet she is here, in my house and ever in my heart." Darcy looked over and found Henry discreetly wiping his nose and sniffing.
"Well laddie, what you need is Lady Anne's touch."
"Oh Henry, what a good idea!" Mrs. Reynolds clapped her hands in delight. Darcy looked on in confusion, his mother had died giving birth to his sister when he was fourteen years old. He really had no idea what Henry was talking about.
"Every year at the end of August your Mother would have a summer Fayre here at the house, she would invite the local gentry and such but it was really for the tenant farmers and the servants of the house. All of the regular staff were given the day off and temporaries were brought in from the other estates…"
"There would be picnics and bonfires, competitions for the children as well as the grown-ups; it really was a most splendid party." Mrs. Reynolds finished by clapping her hands together with delight.
"They are supposed to be going on to Matlock tomorrow and will only be in Derbyshire for a few more days. I can't have an end of Summer Fayre two weeks early. What should I do?"
"Ask her to stay, lad, ask her to stay."
"I can't ask her to do that, it wouldn't be at all acceptable."
"I know that lad, what I mean is, why not ask if the aunt could stay with her? They could stay here at the house so that they wouldn't have to pay for lodgings, Dottie here can get everyone involved in making the lass feel welcome."
"It would be like she was learning the ropes of running the household…"
"But without the hassle of having me as a husband…and with no expectations. Henry, Dottie you are both brilliant! But, I have an idea that is even better! Dottie, please prepare an extra six bedrooms – along with the usual for the Bingley's…oh and Dottie please make sure that Miss Bennet's room is in the family part of the house, perhaps the blue room next to Georgiana's?"
"What about Miss Bingley – she's always made it clear that she would like to become part of the family?" Mrs. Reynolds said with a sideways wink at Henry.
"Decidedly NOT in the family wing, I would like a room for Miss Bennet prepared in our wing. I would like rooms prepared for Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, Mrs. Gardiner and two others in the guest quarters – please put Miss Bingley as far away from me as you can get." Darcy shuddered at the thought and glanced at the clock. "Right, twelve o'clock now, I'll go and see whether I can catch up with them down by the lake and will leave everything in your capable hands." He bounded to his feet and checked that every article of clothing was in its proper place. He stopped by the small mirror and tried to smooth his unruly curls that persisted in drooping over his forehead. He looked back over his shoulder and gave them a wink, "Wish me luck."
Mrs. Reynolds watched him leave and sighed heavily, Henry rose to his feet and offered her a hand up.
"What is it Dottie?" the footman asked, concern for the housekeeper colouring his tone.
"It's so lovely to see him so enthused again, I thought I would never see him happy. But what if she says no again? I don't think I would be able to bear it." Mrs. Reynolds sniffled a little and Henry patted her on the shoulder.
"Well then, Dottie my girl. Raise the troops and let's spread the word. We'll make her feel so welcome that she won't be able to say no. Oh, and Dottie let's offer them every opportunity to be alone together…let's just let nature take its course.
"Henry, no the poor girl!" Mrs. Reynolds was scandalized at the very thought, to have them caught in a compromising position and then be forced into marriage was not something that she was willing to be part of. Henry knew that expression all too well, and offered an explanation.
"Now I didn't say anything about letting them get caught, did I? I'm just saying that I want everyone to practice getting scarce whenever they see them together; I want everyone to suddenly become deaf, blind and dumb. I assure you, my dear, that if you had seen what I saw on the staircase this morning, we won't have too long to wait for our next Mrs. Darcy." Henry winked at Mrs. Reynolds as he left the study leaving her puzzling his remarks.
"Wait Henry, whatever do you mean? Stop! You can't just leave it like that!"
"Well, I'm not one to gossip but…." Henry made sure no one could over hear and bent low to whisper into her ear.
"Really? My goodness…oh my!" Mrs. Reynolds heard that Henry had been passing the upstairs hallway when he first noticed Miss Bennet standing outside of Darcy's room that morning. He was just about to offer her his assistance when he heard the unmistakable sound of Darcy's pleasure through the doorway. He had quickly moved down the back staircase and made sure that the two staircases and hallways were to be kept completely cleared until he authorized otherwise. Henry himself had kept out of sight until he heard them approaching the portrait gallery, it was only then that he allowed staff into the lower hallway and kept watch on the upper staircase himself.
"Staff meeting in the kitchen then Henry. Gather the troops, NOW HENRY!" Mrs. Reynolds issued the order and the main household upper staff gathered around the table. There was a moment of hushed astonishment at the bravery of the master and then everyone agreed to help. It was almost like a military campaign, the upper staff were to brief the other members of their teams right down to the scullery maids. Everyone were issued with their assignments which ranged from finding out which bath salts and flowers Miss Bennet preferred to whether she preferred meat or fish for her main course. Mrs. Reynolds had noted in conversations held with her aunt and uncle that Miss Bennet appeared to come from a simple country background and decided that the meals presented throughout her stay would be simple and elegant with no more than five courses. Discrete enquiries would be made on a daily basis with everyone paying close attention to whenever a particular favourite was mentioned. There would be a reward offered of a shilling apiece for whatever snippet of information to be gathered. Indeed the whole staff was in a tizzy at the thought.
"The master's never paid this much attention to a guest before, cook's always prepared his favourite dishes regardless of whoever is staying. I remember when cottage pie was served and that horrible Miss Bingley refused to eat any…Oh, Mr. Henry, I didn't see you there." A young housemaid who had been gossiping to a parlour maid was crimson in horror, convinced that she would be served her dismissal.
"Not to worry, Nancy. Just be a little more careful from now on, and don't forget to keep your ear to the ground." Henry scolded her gently and then patted her head in encouragement. "There's a good girl, now be off with you, you too Daisy." He sent both girls off and went back into the kitchen, satisfied that everything was going according to plan, Henry sat down at the head of the table and accepted a stout mug of tea.
"All set? Right, let battle commence." He looked around at his team and they all raised their mugs in tribute.