In awe of her father’s grand gesture, Anna bashfully curtseyed and replied, “Thank you, Papa.”
Picking up his daughter, William twirled her around, causing her to giggle. Setting her down in front of him and leaning forward, he took her hands and they began to do the steps as William gently guided her which way to turn and move. After a time, he picked up his daughter again and swayed in place allowing her to rest her head against his chest. She could not help but yawn, for the hour was growing late and she was beginning to tire. By the time Elizabeth finished playing the song, his little one had fallen asleep.
“Come, Elizabeth, let us take her to her room. I doubt she will awaken even when Hannah readies her for bed.”
“Yes, I agree, and after a day filled with so many happy events, I trust she will sleep far better tonight.”
“I hope so too. And you, my lovely wife, how shall you sleep?” He reached over and tenderly stroked his fingers along the side of her face. “It troubles me that we have spoken so little of what you endured. If it would help, you may unburden your thoughts before we retire.”
“Ah, husband,” she teased, arching a mischievous brow, “You are kind to offer; nevertheless, that discussion can wait. You must never underestimate the comfort and safety that being held in your loving arms provides me. Tonight my greatest need is to spend time with you, alone.”
“Elizabeth, my heart, I am yours to command.”
Standing on her tiptoes, Elizabeth kissed his cheek and whispered, “I love you, William.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart, so very, very much.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
SETTLING IN
Darcy House
Tuesday, The Next Day
The Study
William sat at his desk, having just read an update on the rebuilding of the barn at Rosings Park. Another report sat on the side of the desk detailing a dispute between two tenants at Pemberley. He knew he needed to be prompt in answering both, but all he could think of was his wife and the intimate night they had enjoyed.
“Elizabeth,” he murmured. The corners of his mouth gave way to a slight smile as he envisioned her loveliness.
After changing for bed, William had quietly entered the open door to her room where he casually leaned against the door frame and watched as she completed her nightly preparations sitting at her vanity.
Seeing him in the mirror, she turned on her seat and greeted him with a look full of mischief. “I have been waiting for you, Mr. Darcy,” she enticingly said. Extending her arm with her brush and comb in hand she continued, “I fear it will be anarduous undertaking for one who is not experienced with hair such as mine. As you can see, after removing the hairpins, it is quite unruly, yet I do recall you saying it is a task which you would gladly undertake.”
“Indeed, I did,” he said, walking to where she sat. Slowly lifting a lock of hair, he twisted it around his finger while inhaling the scent. “Your hair is lovely, Elizabeth. But first, if you do not mind….” Pulling her from the stool and into his embrace, he kissed her without reserve. “My darling wife, I love you so,” he murmured. “Whatever did I do to deserve such happiness?”
“We have been blessed, my husband, and I love you with each and every breath of my being, as you well know.” With that, brushing Elizabeth’s hair was easily forgotten. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her through the adjoining room and to his bed. It was a wondrous night where passions quickly ignited, overtaking their sensibilities. Afterwards, he pulled her soft and supple body into his embrace and the two of them fell asleep until morning came and they eagerly repeated their lovemaking. Before leaving the bed, Elizabeth kissed him one last time, then put on her robe and went to her room. Mere seconds later, William heard Elizabeth let out a squeal of horror followed by a sudden burst of laughter.
Quickly grabbing his robe, he strode to her room where she sat at the vanity gazing intently into the mirror. “Elizabeth, is something amiss?”
Facing him, she emphatically said, “You, Mr. Darcy, could have easily told me what was amiss before I came in here and was shocked by my own reflection. Just look at my hair!”
“Elizabeth, I love your hair and see nothing wrong.” Moving closer, he tried not to smirk as he twisted her curly locks behind her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “I supposed it is a little dishevelled, but that is to be expected after….”
She rose and, pointing her finger at his chest, playfully stated, “Indeed! I knew it would be bad since you did not fulfil your duty in brushing it last night. Now, however, I look more like something out of a Greek drama.”
“A Greek drama?” He asked, pretending not to understand.
“Yes, I believe her name was Medusa, was it not?”
Note:In Greek mythology, Medusa is generally described as a woman with living snakes in her hair; her appearance was so hideous that anyone who looked upon her was turned to stone.
“Elizabeth, I would never associate you with such an unsightly creature.”
“I should hope not!” she playfully interjected, handing him the brush and comb. Sitting once again, she smiled, saying, “Now, if you do not wish to be turned to stone, it would be best to start at the bottom. When you get to the difficult tangles, you will need to go tress by tress using the lavender oil and the comb if you are to have any success.”
“With pleasure, my love,” he gleefully said, proceeding as she directed.
