Page 6 of Desired By Mr Darcy
“I would so love to swim in the sea there.” she said wistfully, her eyes shining. “I cannot imagine the clarity of the water. I have read that it sparkles like diamonds. Do you like to swim?”
“Yes.”
His mind was at once consumed with a picture of Elizabeth, his Elizabeth, floating happily in crystal blue waters. Her curls flowed wildly around her, the very image of a Greek goddess – Aphrodite, tempting him. This dream-Elizabeth wore nothing, her body lush and tempting as the water glittered around her. No, it was not true to say that she wore nothing – as she drew her hand to her face, the gold of the wedding band that lay in his safe gleamed in the sun.
“Fitzwilliam?” her voice interrupted his sinful daydream.
He cleared his throat, blinking quickly to bring himself back to reality.
“Excuse me.”
He watched as Elizabeth glanced discreetly over her shoulder, her head turning this way and that to ensure they were alone, before her hand slipped into his with quiet confidence. With a contented sigh, she rested her head against his shoulder, their steps slowing in a shared moment of intimacy as they walked, cocooned in their own world.
“I am very much looking forward to our marriage,” she said, squeezing his hand in hers. “I hope you do not think me forward to say so.”
“Not at all. I, too, am greatly anticipating the date. I am glad we are marrying before Christmas, so that we might spend the season with my sister at Pemberley.”
“Your sister is to join us on our honeymoon?” she teased. “Forgive me, I know little of married life, but is that not a little unusual?”
He did not know what to say, though he felt his cheeks heat at her unknowing implication. She drove him mad, unaware of the double meaning of so many of her words. No, not unaware – he was the one who interpreted her innocence wrongly. He was the one who sullied her with his own lust.
“Oh, I have embarrassed you. I was only teasing, Fitzwilliam. I am very much looking forward to welcoming dear Georgiana as my own sister.”
“She is very pleased with the prospect. Each letter she sends me speaks most highly of you.”
“I am very glad she approves. I could not bear it if she did not. Oh, look, we are here!”
She dashed behind him, taking hold of each of his arms. She turned him herself, and he stumbled in the direction she had pointed him in. He blinked in surprise as her arms wrapped around his waist, her warm body pressing against his back. The caress was a mere moment before she had returned to stand in front of him. He longed to mirror her embrace, to hold her just as she had held him for that sweet moment, but he found his arms unwilling to move from his side.
“Isn’t that lovely?” she asked breathlessly. “I know there must be far grander views in the Peak District, and I know now that you are a well-travelled man, but…”
“I think it perfectly lovely, as you said.”
“I shall miss Hertfordshire greatly. I have never been away for long. I always knew that I would return but, now, I shall have a new home – a new life. A new name. Everything will be different.”
“We may return as often as you desire.”
“Thank you. Well, I suppose we must get back.”
“When we are wed, I will take you everywhere. I do not wish to spend a moment without your company.”
“And I would happily be by your side every moment. Will you dine with us tonight?”
“Yes. Though – and I curse this – I must return to London tomorrow.”
“I thought you could not spend a moment without my company!” Lizzy laughed.
“I have been trying to avoid it, but it is no good. If it is not too much to ask, I would ask that you join me for a few days. It would be an opportunity to see our home in London, and to familiarise yourself with our staff.”
“That would be very pleasant indeed. I will stay with my Aunt and Uncle of course.”
“I see no need. We have plenty of room, for you and whoever may chaperone you.”
“It will be my mother, I am certain. She could not bear to be left out.”
“Very well. I am sure Mr Bingley would welcome Miss Bennet joining you in residence at my home. He is not far away. Perhaps while you are in London, you could see to your trousseau.”
“Does Georgiana have a favourite modiste? She is a very elegant young lady, and I would be happy to take her advice. Do Ihave your consent to write to her? You have told her of the engagement?”
