Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (91 page)

~~~*~~~

Westcott Manor
One week later

The morning had dawned clear and beautiful, the rain from the last few days disappearing as swiftly as the butterflies that flit about the flowers in the gardens. It was almost as though God was determined to show the newlyweds that He approved of their union. At least, that was what the new Countess of Westcott, Lady Audrey Landingham, chose to believe. After all, last night there had been no reason to hope their wedding day would be any different than the previous three. Nevertheless, as Marshall led her across the rain-washed brick terrace, she peered up through a canopy of oak trees at a brilliant blue sky —proof enough that God answers prayers.

As she was contemplating divine intervention, Marshall suddenly stopped walking and turned to pull her into his embrace. He kissed her tenderly before whispering, “You are the most beautiful woman in the world, Audrey.”

She smiled a bit teasingly. “You may be in need of spectacles, but I shall not be the one to point it out! Instead, I shall just accept that you are blinded by love and refuse to disagree.”

“I mean it, my love. Each time I look at you, you take my breath away.”

Instantly she was being kissed! A kiss entirely unlike any she had shared with Marshall in the past and clearly meant to demonstrate the depth of his desire. For a moment, she pondered just who might see them via the floor-to-ceiling windows or the French doors that spanned the length of the terrace, for if ever a kiss was not suitable for witnesses, it was this one. Even so, mesmerized by her husband and losing all ability to think, the passionate embrace continued for some time, in full view of any guest who might look.

Suddenly, the orchestra began to play a German
28
waltz, and the music wafted through the open doors. Audrey looked up at Marshall, surprise written across her face. The rift created when the waltz was introduced at Almacks was a frequent subject of some of their closest acquaintances.

“Is that a waltz?”

“Yes, it is. I gave the conductor a little something extra to play it.”

She chuckled. “I cannot wait to hear what the
ton
will say when news reaches London.”

“Frankly, I do not care, love. I happened to be at
Almacks
29
when Countess Lieven danced a waltz with Palmerston. I was captivated by the gracefulness of the movements. I confess to asking a good friend to show me the steps in hopes of waltzing with you,” Marshall declared, kissing the tip of her nose. “Now, what say you? Shall we waltz?”

She laughed. “I have no idea how it is done.”

“It is a very simple step. Just follow me!”

Pulling her tight against his body, in no time at all they were floating around the terrace as though they had been waltzing all their lives.

~~~*~~~

When the waltz began, William was waiting for Richard to return from a private conversation with his father. The few couples brave enough to venture onto the ballroom floor to perform were being watched by the majority. Several ladies nearby remarked loudly that they would love to waltz, but had no partner. Having no intention of accommodating them, most certainly not during a waltz, William concluded he should forget Richard and find Elizabeth. Spying his wife standing with the Countess of Matlock and Alicia near the French doors, he quickly fled into the hallway, only to re-enter a doorway closer to Elizabeth. As he moved towards her, he was pleased when she spied him and smiled lovingly.

Nearing the women, he bowed slightly, “Ladies.” Then he turned to Elizabeth, devouring her with his eyes as he kissed her hand. “My love.”

“Fitzwilliam, where have you been? It is not like you to leave your lovely bride alone,” his aunt teased, winking at Alicia.

Without being distracted, he replied, “I have been trying to find my bride since the music began, in case she wished to dance. I would never allow her to waltz with anyone save me.”

Evelyn Fitzwilliam teased her niece. “A very wise man, your husband.”

Elizabeth beamed. “I think so.” Then she assured William, “I would never waltz with anyone but you, and since I do not know how to waltz, you have no worries that I shall require you to do so.”

The last word was barely out of her mouth before she paled and reached out to William as though to steady herself. Naturally, William panicked, pulling her into his embrace.

“Elizabeth?”

Recovering just a bit, she began to reassure him. “I am well, Fitzwilliam, but a little fresh air and something to drink would be welcome.”

As he led her out the door, he beseeched Alicia, “Please—a glass of punch.” His cousin rushed to do as he asked, while his aunt followed them onto the terrace.

Seeing them enter, Audrey’s attention was instantly drawn to her niece. Quitting the waltz with Marshall, she rushed to join the countess at Elizabeth’s side.
“What has happened?”

“I… I felt faint, that is all. I am almost recovered already.”

“Send for Mr. Basset immediately!” William ordered, knowing the local physician would move heaven and earth to help. After all, the Darcys had constructed his clinic in Lambton in order to help him serve the community.

“I do not think that is necessary.” Lady Landingham countered, giving her niece a look that asked if she had told William her suspicions.

In answer to her aunt’s unspoken enquiry, Elizabeth barely shook her head no.

Lady Matlock happily declared with great confidence, “Most likely you have an heir on the way! I remember feeling faint for the first weeks with all my children.” Then seeing the perplexed look on her nephew’s face and the guilt on Elizabeth’s, she apologised, “Oh dear! I fear I should not have voiced my opinion without thinking. I am sorry if I have invaded your privacy.”

Elizabeth reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “All is well.” Then she turned to William. “I was not certain, so I did not say anything. I was being overly cautious, I fear, because all the signs indicate that we are to be blessed with a child.”

William picked her up and twirled her in a circle before setting her down.  Immediately he declared, “Forgive me! You are faint, and I have likely made it worse. It is just that I am so thrilled with the news!”

Elizabeth smoothed a curl from his face. “I knew you would be.”

And then, in front of his family and all the guests who had come to see what was occurring on the terrace, he kissed Elizabeth so fiercely that the hum of the resulting chatter rivaled the volume of the music. 

Amused, Marshall whispered in Audrey’s ear. “I do not think we need worry about the
ton’s
reaction to the waltz, my dear. Once again our nephew has managed to divert attention from anyone save himself!” 

~~~*~~~

London
Darcy House
Three months later

Now that November was nearing an end, the weather had turned cold and bitter with intermittent snow and ice. For this reason, Elizabeth had been housebound since she and William had journeyed to Town a week before. If truth be told, she had been indoors on most days, since William insisted she not walk out unless he was available to go with her.

Today was sunny and the paths were clear, and she dearly wished to enjoy Hyde Park. Even the knowledge that her most beloved sister was in Town and could arrive at any minute did little to temper the disappointment she felt of not taking a walk because Fitzwilliam had to meet with his steward.

I am pregnant, not an invalid! A footman would do just as well, if he is not available. Fitzwilliam is simply too cautious.

She had had only two fainting spells in the first weeks of her pregnancy, but she well knew that William would not be dissuaded in his precautions. Thus, growing tired of staring at the park through the tall windows of the library, she sighed and went to her sitting room in defeat. Once inside the light green and lavender sanctuary, she went directly to the window seat and sat down, pushing aside the curtains.

I can at least see the garden from here
.

As she watched with increasing melancholy, she absently fingered a new ring that adorned her right hand. It was an exact replica of Fitzwilliam’s signet that he had secretly commissioned just before they wed. Stopping to peer at it anew, her temper began to wane as she thought of how often her husband had lamented the fact that he felt responsible for leaving her unprotected in the park that fateful day. Her hand stroked the slight roundness of her belly, and she smiled to think of the child within.

I suppose I cannot expect him to be any less vigilant with you on the way.

A knock on the door brought her thoughts back to the present, and her heart began to beat faster. Was Jane downstairs? Standing, she called, “Come.”

The door slowly opened but instead of a servant, Jane peeked inside the room. Seeing that Elizabeth was alone, she pushed the door back and rushed into her sister’s arms.

“Oh, Lizzy, I have missed you so much!”

They hugged back and forth, in their usual joyous manner. 

“And I you,” Elizabeth replied, “but why did you not just come right in? I told Mrs. Barnes that you were expected and did not have to be announced.”

“I shall never again rush into a room after what happened at Netherfield.” Jane’s hands flew to her face. “I do not think the colour in my cheeks has returned to normal ever since.”

Elizabeth’s own face flushed at the remembrance of what happened the day before the Bingleys’ wedding, though she tried not to show her discomfiture. “I told you that you were not interrupting! Fitzwilliam was merely…” Her voice trailed off and she looked away, trying to think of a good explanation.

Jane smiled at her inability to continue. “Merely?” She smirked.

Elizabeth slapped her sister’s hand teasingly. “You know I cannot think of what to say.”

Her sister laughed and Elizabeth could only do likewise. The memory of Jane rushing into her dressing room to find William quickly turning to straighten his breeches while she slid from her perch on the edge of the dresser, madly pulling down her skirts, was still vivid.  

“Let us just say that I learned my lesson!” Jane said impertinently. Then changing the subject, she added, “Where is Georgiana? From your last letter, I expected she would be here.”

“She decided to stay with Fitzwilliam’s aunt and uncle last night. She was most upset at not being granted permission to attend the ball, but Fitzwilliam and Lord Landingham both think her too young. Besides, she was allowed to attend the dinner party for Richard’s engagement.”

“I think it is a blessing that she has so many family members who love her and wish to spend time with her.”

“It has worked out well for everyone concerned. Is Charles downstairs?”

“Yes. Fitzwilliam was just coming out of his study when we arrived, and they were speaking when I left.” Jane indicated that Elizabeth should sit back down, and when she did, Jane joined her on the window seat. “Now, I need your advice.  I need your help to decide what to wear to the earl’s ball tomorrow. I have no wish to embarrass you in front of your relations.”

“You could never be an embarrassment, Jane. Think of what Mama said when I was in Meryton for your wedding,” Elizabeth teased. “If I remember correctly, her exact words were: ‘You have always been an embarrassment to me and to this family, whereas Jane has always shown exemplary behaviour.’”

“Oh, Lizzy, that was my fault! If I had not been so careless, she never would have learned that you and Fitzwilliam were going to arrive two days before the wedding. Then she would not have hastily arranged that dinner party in order to show off for our neighbours. Why she would want to pretend that you and she are close, I cannot begin to know.”

“It is not your fault. The news would have reached her the minute after our coach rolled through Meryton. After all, Aunt Phillips would have known and hastened to inform her. Looking back on it, I suppose I should have convinced Fitzwilliam to dine at Longbourn in order to appease her.”

“I do not think you would have been successful.  I cannot see Fitzwilliam feigning good relations with Mama. He is very protective of you, and does not take kindly to our mother’s manipulations.”

“He is very protective,” Elizabeth said with a slight lift of the corners of her mouth. “But by him not accommodating Mama, she almost ruined your wedding. I thought she was going to stand up and denounce Fitzwilliam and me just before the ceremony began. If not for Papa—”

“Yes, fortunately he was able to curb her tongue,” Jane interjected. “Though I only imagine she had plenty to say on the way back to Longbourn after the ceremony.”

“I still regret that we could not stay for the breakfast.”

“Think nothing of it. We shall have ample opportunity to share each other’s company in the future. After all, we are to be at Pemberley for Christmas.”

“Yes. Sharing the holiday with you and Charles will be a blessing. And I am so happy that you were invited to Richard’s engagement ball.” 

“I was surprised by the invitation. I suppose we were invited because of my connection to you.”

“Your Mr. Bingley has always been a favourite of my husband and a good friend to Colonel Fitzwilliam. So, I can safely say that you and Charles would have been invited no matter who Fitzwilliam Darcy had married.”

“That is kind of you to say, but I am of a different opinion. In any event, I am glad that it was YOU who married Fitzwilliam Darcy!”

From the doorway a deep voice broke in. “I am profoundly glad as well!”

Immediately Elizabeth was on her feet, hurrying to her husband to receive a hug. With her in his embrace, William smiled at Jane over his wife’s head. He had learned of the Bingley’s arrival the minute he dismissed his steward and opened his study door. After installing Charles in the billiards room, he had excused himself in order to speak to his wife.

“Elizabeth has been ecstatic since learning that you were going to be in London to attend Richard’s engagement ball.”