"Aunt Lucy, now that the gentlemen have all wandered off, perhaps you would like to take this opportunity to rest a little before dinner?" Georgiana rose gracefully to her feet and entered into quiet conference Nancy who advised her which room had been prepared for Lucy to stay in. Georgiana was a little surprised, but took care not to show any change of expression, when Nancy also volunteered the information that Darcy had issued instructions that Elizabeth was to be placed in a room within the family wing during her stay. It pleased Georgiana greatly that Darcy already considered Elizabeth to be part of the family and smiled at the thought of Caroline's nose being placed firmly out of joint when she discovered the Elizabeth's presence at Pemberley.
"What has caused you to smile like that, Miss Georgiana? You look almost wicked!" Lucy asked as they started to ascend the staircase. Georgiana took Lucy's arm and leant in a little closer to be sure of not being overheard.
"I was just thinking of how I will enjoy the look on Caroline Bingley's face when she realizes that Elizabeth is firmly back in favour to becoming the next Mrs. Darcy…"
"I've not had the pleasure of meeting Miss Bingley. What kind of a woman is she?" Lucy questioned.
"The kind of a woman who simply cannot fathom why Fitz has not fallen at her feet in worship!"
"Oh, I see…" Lucy fell silent for a moment and then continued on thoughtfully, "Is she likely to cause trouble, do you think?"
"Oh no doubt she will try. However, I've heard from Charles that Elizabeth is certainly not afraid of speaking her mind and so Caroline will probably regret even trying to make any mischief. I am glad that you will be here to help me though. I'm afraid that when it comes to facing up to Caroline, I am like a child frightened to say 'boo' to a goose. You will see what I mean when you come to meet her, there is just something about her that immediately puts me on defence." Georgiana shivered a little at the thought of being left without Lucy and Darcy to provide support when they travelled back to Hampshire in just a few days.
They reached the top of the staircase and slowed as the hallway divided into two.
"On the left is the family wing where mine and Darcy's suites are located and here on the right are the guest quarters."
"And where might my niece's room be located?" asked Lucy with a smile, already quite certain in her mind as to where Darcy would have requested her presence.
"Darcy has asked that Elizabeth be placed in the family wing, the room next to mine."
"And Darcy's room?" Lucy asked.
"A little further down the corridor, I did check with Nancy that Fitz hadn't overstepped the bounds of propriety quite completely. I had visions of him firmly entrenching her in our Mother's suite, lovely as though it is…"
"…Connects to the Master suite, perhaps?"
"Quite so, Aunt Lucy." Georgiana giggled a little and then sobered up. "I wouldn't put it past Caroline to relish the thought of spreading such salacious rumours, so I am pleased that Fitz had enough of his wits about him to prevent that from happening. At least for appearances sake, anyway!" Georgiana led Lucy into the room that had been swiftly prepared and then leant back against the doorframe and sighed heavily. Lucy looked up from where she had been checking her appearance in the mirror hanging above the dresser. She crossed over to perch on the edge of the lovely four poster and patted the bed next to her in invitation.
"Come, Miss Georgiana. Sit beside me and tell me what is bothering you. Are you having doubts about the Summer Fayre?" Georgiana sighed again and crossed to sit on the bed, shoulders slumping slightly.
"Not just the Fayre, Aunt Lucy. I'm worried that as soon as you go back to Lambton I will slip back into myself again. The evenings, I find are always the hardest. No matter how much I try to prevent it, Caroline always seems to enjoy playing 'lady of the manor' just a little too much at dinner. Ordering the servants about and demanding everyone's attention…" Georgiana gave a little sob and collapsed onto Lucy's shoulder. She was terrified at the thought of Caroline's return in the morning, knowing that as soon as the Gardiner's and Elizabeth returned back to the Inn, that Caroline wouldn't hesitate in turning her full spite against Georgiana in retaliation. Lucy sighed heavily and patted the younger girls head in comfort, stroking her hair gently to try and calm her. She looked up at the sound of soft footsteps and noticed that Elizabeth had returned from her walk and was watching them from the doorway. Georgiana had not noticed her return and was lost in distress. Lucy and Elizabeth exchanged a silent look, each realizing that Georgiana would require a constant supply of reassurance in order to get past her crippling shyness. It was true that she had made great strides that afternoon, but it was clear now how much of an effort it had taken for the young girl to join in. Elizabeth took a seat on the floor and reached to take a hold of the pale, slim hand that was twisting a delicate handkerchief into knots in her lap.
"Georgie?" she called softly, "Georgie, I'm afraid that I've gotten myself terribly confused and I need you to help me out. Nancy gave me directions to find my room, but I think there must have been some mistake as I found myself in the family wing just outside of Darcy's room. Perhaps you could help me out?" Elizabeth coaxed gently, hoping that Georgiana would feel better about feeling needed.
"How did you know it was Fitz's room?" Georgiana questioned, surely he wouldn't have compromised Elizabeth already? Elizabeth cursed inwardly at the slip, trying to think of a reason as to why she would clearly recognize Darcy's bedchamber if this was the first time she had been above stairs.
"Umm…I…" No, nothing was coming to her, so she decided to press on. "Never mind, it's not important. Anyway, I was wondering whether you could point me in the right direction so that I may freshen up before dinner."
"My brother has decided that you are to stay in the family wing. It's clear to me that he already considers you to be part of Pemberley, all you have to do is say 'yes'." Georgiana wiped her eyes and looked down at an astonished Elizabeth; who was clearly shocked at the blatant statement. "My brother has become an altogether far more likeable person ever since he has made your acquaintance, and I have to say, I heartily agree with the change that has come over him. Why he would never have entertained such a notion before you arrived and know he has ordered that the staff should cater to your every whim…" Georgiana impishly informed Elizabeth who merely sat with her jaw dropped open in astonishment. This was the prideful and standoffish Mr. Darcy? It didn't even seem possible…
"Close your mouth, dear. It's most unbecoming to gape like a fish." Lucy tapped Elizabeth's chin softly to close it and she shut her jaws with a snap. "Tell me, Elizabeth. What is your opinion of Miss Bingley?" Lucy asked of her niece.
"Well, I was often told as a child that if I had nothing pleasant to say, I was better off remaining silent. So in this instance, I think I will remember that childhood teaching." Elizabeth grinned up at her aunt and pantomimed a zipper over her mouth. Georgiana finally broke into a tremulous smile and squeezed her new friend's hand.
"So, if I were to ask your opinion of letting Miss Georgiana face this terrible young woman's spite over being cast aside by Mr. Darcy on a nightly basis, you would…?"
Elizabeth sputtered a little at the assumption that Darcy had even spared a thought as having entertained the idea at Caroline becoming Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and then caught the sideways glance that Lucy gave Georgiana, who was again twisting her handkerchief in distress.
"Oh, Aunt Lucy…I was going to ask whether you and Uncle Edward would mind terribly if we cut our stay short in Lambton. I found the most marvellous walks this afternoon and would dearly love to share them with you and Uncle Edward before you return home. If we are to be spending all of our time with Georgiana in the daytime that would only leave a short time in the evenings that we could explore…" Elizabeth sent a sly wink in Lucy's direction hoping that Georgiana would take the bait.
"Elizabeth, Aunt Lucy! I've just had the most marvellous idea! Why don't you cancel the rest of your stay at the Inn and come and spent what remaining time you have here?" Georgiana was nearly bouncing off the edge of the bed in excitement, all thoughts of her earlier distress wiped from her mind.
"Oh, no…it would be such an imposition. After all, the children and I will be returning anyway next week and I wouldn't want to be a bother…" Lucy made a token protest for appearances sake but was already plotting on how to inform her husband of the change in their plans.
"Excellent, shall I have a footman send over to the Inn for your things?" Georgiana sprang from the bed ready to send someone over to Lambton that very instant.
"Patience, my dear. Of course, I would need to seek agreement from Edward and he may take a little persuading. Let me discuss it with him once we return to the Inn tonight, if he is in agreement; I see no reason why we should not be able to move our things over tomorrow morning." Lucy suggested as alternative. Georgiana nodded her agreement but still looked a little disappointed. Elizabeth rose to her feet and faked a yawn.
"Aunt Lucy, would you mind terribly if I didn't return to the Inn with you this evening? I fear that all of the excitement this afternoon has left me a little weary that is if Georgie will agree to lend me a few items such as a nightdress and such?" Elizabeth had barely finished posing the question before Georgiana bounced off the bed to envelop her in an enthusiastic hug.
"Oh, Elizabeth, would you really stay tonight? I can't begin to tell you how much that would help to ease my distress!"
"Georgie! Aunt Lucy will need to agree to pack my belongings for me first, and we really ought to seek agreement from your brother first." Elizabeth said with a laugh and found Georgiana tugging on her arm. "What is it, now?"
"Come on! I need to show you your bedchamber and then you can take a look over my wardrobe and decide what you would like to borrow." As Georgiana continued to tug Elizabeth out of the door, Lucy gave them a little wave of dismissal and sank back onto the bed. I really must write to Jane and ask her to warn her father that he is in great danger of having to fund a lavish society wedding… Those were the last thoughts that passed through her mind as she drifted off to sleep, smiling a little as the sound of Georgiana's excited chatter still echoed through the hallways.
"I have a lovely yellow eyelet gown that would suit you perfectly, it has a matching peignoir and…" Georgiana had listed practically every nightgown she possessed as she led Elizabeth over to the family wing and towards their rooms.
"Georgiana, don't you think that you ought to ask Darcy first?" Elizabeth protested as the thought occurred to her that Darcy might not welcome this sudden intrusion into his family home quite without warning.
"Pish posh! This is as much my home as it is Fitz's and anyway I am certain that he would say yes…" Georgiana waved Elizabeth's protestations away as if they were of no concern at all.
"And what is it exactly, that I should say yes to?" Darcy suddenly appeared at the door to the wing, having returned from his walk and leaving Charles to see Edward to Lucy's room to refresh before dinner. "More ribbons and fripperies, or perhaps the latest pianoforte?" He leant against the doorframe and wrapped one of Georgiana's golden curls around his index finger.
"Nothing as insignificant as that, brother dearest." Georgiana removed the finger from her hair and captured his hand in both of her own. "I was merely reassuring Elizabeth that you would be delighted that I have extended an invitation for the Gardiner's to give up their rooms at the Inn and spend the rest of the week here, as our guests." She looked up into her brother's eyes and was gratified to see pleasure warming his gaze. "Lizzie was feeling a little tired this evening and so I have persuaded her to start her stay this very evening, we were just discussing what nightgown she should borrow as you walked in…" Darcy straightened up in the doorway at this news and Elizabeth felt strangely flustered at the light that suddenly burned in his eyes, making them shine bright with passion. Unconsciously he went to take a step towards Elizabeth when a slight cough from his sister, made him realize that they were in fact, not alone.
"Well, I guess that answers that particular question. Lizzie, are you perfectly satisfied now that Darcy is all in favour my suggestion?" Georgiana looked over to her friend, noticing that her eyes were still firmly affixed upon her brother. She gave herself an inward nod of approval for her brilliance and then sighed a little when the other two people in the room gave no outward signs of breaking eye contact. "Oh dear!" she muttered in false distress. "I must have spilled a little tea on my skirt and must arrange for it to be placed into soak to prevent it staining." Georgiana placed a hand over the so called stain to prevent anyone from looking too closely. "Fitz, would you mind showing Elizabeth to her room whilst I change? Elizabeth, I will freshen up and then bring you through a selection of toiletries and a nightgown shortly." Georgiana not so subtly urged them out of the bedchamber and nodded her head slightly in Elizabeth's direction when she caught her brother's eye. Darcy smiled gratefully, aware that Georgiana was offering them a small moment of privacy. "I shall not be long, Elizabeth and then we can walk down to the dining room together." Darcy held up a hand in farewell acknowledging the warning that as soon as Georgiana had finished changing she would be at Elizabeth's door. This would give him enough time to press a kiss or maybe two, but nothing more.
Darcy led Elizabeth down the corridor a short way and then halted just outside the door to the room that he had requested for her. He looked down at Elizabeth who would not raise her gaze to meet his eyes.
"What concerns you, Lizzie?" Darcy asked gently. Elizabeth raised her eyes, feeling a warmth pool deep within her belly upon hearing her pet name fall so naturally from his lips. She gasped softly when a long tanned finger gently caressed the small from worrying her brow. "Tell me, so that I can make it better." Darcy traced a path with his finger, lightly grazing her cheek and trailing down the side of her neck. Elizabeth's neck fell to the side, allowing that lone finger easy access to her pulse point. She had quite forgotten the question until Darcy repeated it in a soft lazy drawl.
"I was just a little concerned that you would feel pressured into falling into Georgiana's demands and I didn't want to be the cause of any discontent between the two of you." Elizabeth finally replied and felt instantly bereft when Darcy stopped his heated caress. He chuckled low as her head started to leaning further in hopes that his finger would keep that soft trace. It made him stir excitedly in his breeches and he pressed one hand against the doorframe and leant in a little, but not as close as his body was urging to do. Even through the layers of restrictive clothing they both wore, each could feel the feverish heat rising between them. If he dared to step any closer, Elizabeth would surely feel the pressure of his excited member throbbing against her lower belly. Darcy reached out a single finger and with the lightest of touches traced a path across the ribbon holding the bodice of her dress barely closed, he felt Elizabeth shiver in reaction and moved his finger to her chin, forcing her gaze to meet his own.
"My dearest Elizabeth…" He whispered in a voice husky with desire. "It is the fulfilment of many a night's dream to have you finally in my home and can only urge you to stay for as long as you wish. You must know by now that I do not ever wish to leave but you have urged me repeatedly not to voice that wish… There are only two things that could give me more pleasure and one is them is that you will allow me to voice that most fervent desire….the other is…well I think that you could guess what that would be," Darcy reluctantly moved away from his lady and ran his hand through his curls impatiently. He had to stop for a moment and have firm words to his excited member to prevent himself from reaching out and dragging Elizabeth into the bedchamber that was so temptingly just a few steps away.
"God, Libby. Please just go into your room for me please, don't keep looking at me like that or I will never be able to walk away." Darcy pleaded with her to end his torment, he needed a few moments to calm himself, and he couldn't do that with Elizabeth standing in front of him looking so delicious. He placed his hands on her arms to gently push her into the bedchamber and but found himself pulling her against his chest again. Elizabeth let herself be pulled closer and felt no urge at all to free herself. Mesmerised by the look of hot desire in his eyes, Elizabeth felt her eyes close as she felt her breasts brush against his firm chest once and then again. She heard Darcy's sharp intake of breath and then a mutter of something under his breath before his lips came crashing down hard against hers. Her lips parted in surprise and Darcy took that instant to dart his tongue into her mouth in a hot and urgent kiss. He swept his tongue around her teeth and worked it in and out of her mouth like his arousal wanted to plunge in and out of her warm depths. Elizabeth felt her hands clutching helplessly at his waist and Darcy silently begged for to touch him further. He slipped one hand behind them and let it drift down her back towards her curved bottom where it came to a rest gently caressing in a circular motion. Elizabeth's hand tightened on Darcy's waist as the feelings inside her rose in intensity her legs parted slightly and Darcy inserted one firm knee in between her slim thighs and she unconsciously started to rub herself against it rhythmically. Elizabeth felt that warmth gathering in the depth of her stomach as his tongue continued to thrust and parry against her own in the warm depths of her mouth and her hips helplessly rode his knee in an attempt to seek some sort of release. Darcy groaned deeply and held her hips in a firm, bruising grips to still her movements, he felt a warning tingle in the base of his spine and knew that he was moments away from pulling her skirts up and thrusting himself firmly into her honeyed depths. Elizabeth found herself clutching at air as Darcy suddenly ripped himself from her grasp.
"God, Libby what you do to me! Make your mind up soon, I beg you. I'm not sure how much more of this delicious torment I can take." Darcy gave her one more long desirous look, sweeping eyes heavy lidded with desire right down her body and lingered on her nipples painfully thrusting against her bodice. She felt his hot, burning gaze and it made her pant harshly, gasping for breath. Elizabeth's tongue slipped out to moisten suddenly dry lips, Darcy groaned and tried to straighten his painfully aroused body. He couldn't take her nearness any longer and turned to run down the hallway to disappear from sight.
Elizabeth partially collapsed against the door and felt herself slip down to rest on the floor as her knees turned to jelly and refused to support her weight. Panting for breath, she leant her head in her hands and wondered whether she could survive being married to a man who could start a blaze deep within her. She had though that the flame had burnt out after their dip in the stream earlier that day, but it seemed that Darcy merely had to look in her direction and the embers would turn into a fire with just one spark. Ah, but what a delicious way to expire, came that sneaky voice from within her. Wouldn't you want to see what would happen if Will were to ever really let go? Elizabeth felt herself grow moist at the thought of Darcy abandoning all hint of pride and propriety and dragging of to his bedchamber. The thought of seeing that proud, pulsing erection, glistening with moisture up close made her groan in reaction and she pressed herself back against the door as the ache in her womb grew deeper. Elizabeth made herself rise to her feet and she started to turn to follow in Darcy's footsteps when she heard Georgiana call out to her.
"Lizzie, I've found the perfect nightgown for you to wear. Are you quite alright, Lizzie, you look a little flushed?" Georgiana pressed one hand against Elizabeth's flushed cheek and peered into her eyes with concern, hoping that Darcy hadn't once again caused her new friend any anguish.
"No, no I'm quite alright really. Merely a little warm, and hungry." Elizabeth patted her hair back into place and went to make a movement in the direction of the staircase.
"Umm, Lizzie you may want to take a moment first." Georgiana motioned Lizzie toward the borrowed bedchamber and muttered under her breath when her entreaty seemed to fall on deaf ears. "Well, don't; say I didn't try to warn you." Georgiana quickly placed the borrowed articles of clothing and toiletries into Elizabeth's room and hurried to catch up with her. She found Elizabeth near the top of the stairs about to descend and reached out a hand to halt her progress. "Lizzie, you may want to take a look at yourself in the mirror before you go any further. You may wish to return to your bedchamber for a few moments?" Georgiana forcefully turned Elizabeth around to look into the large mirror at the very top of the stairs. Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest before she leant in closer to examine the person reflected in the mirror. She almost didn't recognize the person gazing back at her and stepped back in aghast.
"Oh my gosh! I look thoroughly…" She watched in the mirror as a slim and slightly tanned finger pressed lightly against lips swollen from pressure and saw that same finger sweep across cheeks still slightly flushed with desire. She patted ineffectually at hair that had escaped its usual smooth swept back style and tried to recall how exactly how that had happened.
"Kissed, I would imagine." Came a droll voice from behind them. Elizabeth spun around to find Edward and Lucy standing behind them on the stairs. Elizabeth stuttered and kept patting at her hair wondering how she became so thoroughly dishevelled and finally Lucy took pity on her woebegone niece and led her back towards Georgiana's room.
"Come along, my dears. We'll have you looking like new in no time. Edward, go on down to the dining room and explain that we'll be along shortly. Georgiana, perhaps a cool washcloth and a fresh dress?" Lucy led the younger women back along the corridor, leaving Edward muttering under his breath about young men losing all sense when it came to young women. He smiled inwardly at the thought of how his brother in law would take to having Darcy steal his beloved Lizzie away from the family, and rubbed his hands together in glee at the prospect of being the one to set off the ensuing fireworks when he returned back to Longbourn not only without Mr. Bennet's favourite daughter but also spirit Jane away too.