Page 38 of Desired By Mr Darcy
“We did not.”
“Then what had you both acting so strangely?”
“It is our business. Our paths crossed in the library last night, that is all. We were alone for a time, reading.”
“Reading,” Fitzwilliam repeated. “At night. In the dark.”
“Candles are a marvellous invention, you ought to try them.”
Fitzwilliam raised an eyebrow.
“My, my, Darcy, was that sarcasm? I never thought I’d see the day. I will drop the matter, but I advise you to control yourself. You will be married in a matter of days, no need to put the cart before the horse.”
“However will I manage without your advice?”
“Sarcasm twice in one minute! You truly have been changed by Miss Elizabeth. I am not sure I like it, you know. I speak sincerely, cousin; do not seek her out tonight. For all of my bravado, I must advise caution.”
“I had no intention of seeking her out.”
“Good. I never thought I would have to say this to you, but you must control yourself. I trust the book has been instructional?”
“It has,” Darcy said begrudgingly.
“Good, good. This time next year, I am sure we will have a little Master or Miss Darcy running around.”
“They would be but an infant. They do not run.”
Fitzwilliam chuckled, patting Darcy on the back. Darcy shrugged him away, and Fitzwilliam merely continued his inane laughter.
“Quite right. Well, I’m off out for the day. Things to do, people to see. A good day to you, Darcy.”
He was left alone, and stayed in his solitude until the light began to fade and the day turned to evening. He startled at a knock at the door. Elizabeth entered.
“Good evening, sir,” she greeted him with a teasing smile. “I came to check that you yet live. Nobody has seen you since breakfast.”
“I apologise. Have you had a pleasant day?”
“Yes, it was spent at the milliners. I am sure I do not need so many bonnets or fripperies, but your sister is quite the magpie. I am sure when she is out in society, our modiste bills will be considerable.”
Darcy offered her a half smile, but he could not find the will to laugh.
“Something troubles you, my love. What is it?”
“You must not search for me tonight.”
“I was not searching for you,” Elizabeth protested. “I was looking for the library, and you happened to be in it. Is that what you think of me?”
“No, no. Forgive me. I mean only that we must stay in our own quarters tonight. I meant no offence.”
“You can be assured I will stay where I ought. I did not realise last night was so dreadful.”
“My cousin heard us. I told him nothing occurred, but men…men know what goes on in darkened rooms. I trust in his discretion, but we cannot risk a discovery by anyone else, not now. I allowed my heart – perhaps not my heart – to control my mind, and I put you in danger. The next time we are alone like that, you will be my wife, and we need never be parted.”
Elizabeth’s eyes darkened, her lip catching between her teeth. He watched her, helpless, as he itched to touch her. She stepped forward, reaching up to him and whispering in his ear.
“When we are wed, Fitzwilliam, I would welcome your attention every minute of every day. I will touch you as you touched me,I will taste you as you tasted me. I am yours, and you are mine. You bid me to stay away, and I will listen. Know only that I will think of you in my dreams. I love you.”
He inhaled sharply. She was a wicked temptress, smiling at him innocently as she pulled away and left his study with a curtsey. He was left with a need that would go unmet until she touched him once more, and a heart that loved her desperately.
