“‘Tis a lovely thought.”
Her smile was alluring, and William impulsively pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her without reserve. He murmured endearments into her hair and apologised again for their poor beginning as man and wife.
“William,” she breathlessly said. “Please, please do not regret what cannot be. Know that I love you so very much, and for the present all we can do is weather this storm. Once our sister is safe, we shall begin anew.”
“Yes, we shall. Come; let us sit for a few minutes, dear heart.” Handing Elizabeth her present, he continued, “Even though we will not have time to peruse the library before we leave, I hope this humble gift from my private collection will suffice.”
Elizabeth smiled, reverently running her fingers over the leather-bound spines of the two volumes before untying the ribbon. “William, I could not be more pleased. Having sung so many of Thomas Moore’s verses, this first book is perfect. And as for the other, why, I never dreamed I would have a first edition copy ofLyrical Ballads.Looking at the bookplate, she saw that he had added her name to his. Touching his fine script she said, “I love that you want to share these treasures with me.”
“Yes, my love,” he said caressing her cheek, “these and so many more. Every book in our libraries now belongs to you.”
“My William.” She turned her lips into his hand and lovingly kissed it before smiling and reaching for his accompanying letter. Carefully unfolding the missive she began to read.
My darling wife,
May you find as much pleasure as I have had within the pages of these favoured books. Knowing how you love the written word, I chose them with great care. If you like, perhaps we might read and discuss the books together at our leisure. Although you will find our collections extensive, being the work of manygenerations, the offerings within our libraries are meaningless without someone to share them with. Dearest Elizabeth, I am pleased beyond measure that I will be able to share these treasures with you, my heart.
All of my love,
William
“William,” she sighed, pressing into his embrace. With tears of joy slipping down her cheeks she continued, “Your gift is perfect, and it will be my privilege to share every word with you, ‘my heart’.”
“Elizabeth….” Again they kissed.
Shortly after breaking the kiss, she said, “Papa and I often read together, nearly every night. And when you return with our sister and all is well, I shall gladly test your metal with my astute opinions and preferences as we read through these lovely books and many, many more.”
He chuckled. “I have no doubt of that.”
She squeezed his hand. “Now, let me show you what I found at one of my favourite shops in Meryton.”
Curiously tipping the box from side to side, the corners of his mouth turned up when he heard the wooden pieces thump together. “Ah, let me see,” he said, opening the lid. Taking out one of the chess pieces and examining the craftsmanship of the maple wood carving, he remarked, “The Queen is exquisite, as are the others. The man who crafted this set was very talented, and it is evident he took great pride in his work.”
“Mr. Dobbs is a kindly gentleman, and I hope to introduce the two of you when we return to Meryton.”
“I should be happy to make his acquaintance.”
“I have known Mr. Dobbs and his wife ever since I was a small child and have accumulated many keepsakes from his shop over the years. I also purchased a small wooden cat forAnna and a music box for Georgiana. I have them in a small chest in my bedroom which we can easily take in the carriage. If you like, I could show them to you on our way to Rosings Park.”
“I would like that very much and shall have a footman retrieve it and place it in the carriage before we depart.”
Motioning to the chess set, Elizabeth continued, “I thought this would make a good traveling set for us. We have yet to play, and you may as well know I took note of your strategies when you and Papa went at it.” Her smile was smug. “I hope you are not offended, husband, for I intend to win our first match without so much as a by your leave.”
He smiled broadly, saying, “A daunting prospect, my love. I, too, enjoy a good match and shall have no trouble doubling my efforts if needs be.” They both chuckled. Leaning in to kiss her sweet lips, he whispered, “I do have one more gift, if I may.”
Elizabeth nodded, and William removed a small box from his pocket. He had decided to save the more formal necklace he had purchased from his jeweller for later. At present, the emerald cross fashioned from five small stones and suspended by a gold chain seemed more appropriate. “I purchased this from the jeweller who sized your rings. I have become very fond of emeralds, since they remind me of your lovely eyes.”
She blushed at his compliment, taking the necklace in hand. “William, the emeralds are so rich, yet the setting is simple. I shall treasure wearing it. I have a small garnet cross which I wore for many years when I was a child. It was given to me when I was five years of age by my Grandmamma Elizabeth The stones have since become loose and the chain broken. I set it aside in my room and thought to have it repaired for Anna if you do not mind. When I was younger, it gave me great pleasure, and I would dearly like to give our daughter something special from her new mama.”
“Elizabeth, any kindness you might show to Anna pleases me beyond measure. Never doubt my approval of anything you choose to do for her. Since Anne’s death, I have given Anna various items which belonged to her mother, but she has no true recollection of her. Anna is an affectionate child and very easy to please. I know she will love all of your gifts, and I look forward to having the two of you meet. I shall gladly see to your garnet cross and would be happy to have it sent over to the jeweller for repair while we are gone.”
“Thank you; I would like that.”
“It will only take me a few minutes to make the arrangements.”
Smiling, Elizabeth turned her head to the side and brushed a few curls out of the way. Handing him the pendant, she said, “Please, if you would.”
“With pleasure,” he responded, his voice suddenly dropping with a hint of desire. Taking advantage of the moment, he bestowed many soft kisses on her alabaster flesh before deftly removing his mother’s pearls and placing the emerald cross about her neck. “There now; let me see.”
