Page 2 of Desired By Mr Darcy
“What time is it?!”
“Eight o’clock. I thought I would be early, but I did not expect to be so early I would find you…”
His eyes drifted lower, and she could not help but search for approval in his eyes. Such vanity was quicky replaced with humility.
“I apologise. I am glad to see you; we have scarcely had a moment to ourselves since the engagement was announced.”
“We have no chaperone.”
“I do not think my mother would expect a visitor at such an early hour. A moment more, please? I cannot let you go so soon! I know a place where we shall not be seen.”
“If we were to be found…” he said, turning his gaze towards the house.
“Please, my mother and father are snoring so heavily the very foundations of the house are rocking!”
She took his hand, pulling him through the garden and to the small gazebo that had been installed two summers ago. Her mother had insisted upon its instillation, stating that it was the very height of fashion, though in reality it was rarely used. Lizzy now found the small slip of privacy it provided entirely invaluable, and silently thanked her mother for her follies.
Without hesitation, Elizabeth slipped her arms around his waist, her head leaning against the cool material of his coat. Fitzwilliam remained as frigid as a statue, her embrace unreturned. She flinched, pulling away from him hurriedly.
“Forgive me, I should not have…”
“I have wanted to embrace you for as long as I can remember,” he interrupted. “I fear I am inexperienced with expressions of affection.”
“Then I shall endeavour to be your tutor,” she teased.
He blinked, and she realised he had misunderstood. She clapped her hand to her mouth, her cheeks hot even in the frigid air.
“No! No! Please do not mistake me, I have never…I am as inexperienced as you, more so I am sure! I merely meant…”
“I took no offense. You are talented in showing affection to your relations and friends. One is never in doubt when they are admired by you. My own ability is sorely lacking.”
“And how is it, sir, that you feel about me?” she whispered, looking up at him. “You said, when you asked me to marry you, that you love me. Is it true?”
“Of course.”
“Have I told you?” Lizzy whispered. “Do you know my own heart?”
“I would hear it as often as you would tell me,” he said, so softly she could scarcely make out the words. “Please.”
“I love you,” she whispered, her arms once more threading around his waist as she gazed up at him. “I love you, and always shall.”
His arms raised from his side, and her eyes fluttered closed as he pulled her into him, his palms splayed at the small of her back. She prised her eyes open, utterly breathless at their proximity. They stared at one another, and she could not help but rise to her tiptoes, closing the space between them. Their lips were only the barest of breaths apart, and he whispered softly,
“I…”
His words were lost as the loud, unwelcome crow of their cockerel broke the blissful peace of the morning. They jumped apart, and Fitzwilliam had almost thrown himself to the side of the gazebo in his haste to create distance between them.
“He is late today!” Lizzy cursed. “He normally crows as soon as the sun begins to rise, not at eight o’clock! Oh, you must go! The whole house will awake with such a racket, and it is about time! Here, out of the back gate. Follow the path and it will take you back the way you came.”
“I will linger with my horse and wait until I see life about the house to escort you to church; your family will be late if they do not rise soon. It would not do to miss the banns, Elizabeth.”
“Very well – you must pretend you have not seen me today! Go, Fitzwilliam!”
She led him to the side gate. She lingered as he disappeared down the path, her gaze following his retreating figure until he was lost from sight. Her heart thundered in her chest, and her lips still tingled with the memory of his touch, an ache that refused to fade. Every part of her felt as though a spark had ignited within her, setting her entire being aflame.
Oh, if this was a fraction of what it was to be married, then the time could not pass quickly enough!
Chapter Two
