“The Gardiners are pleasant, fashionable people. I would not mind furthering the acquaintance.”
Elizabeth flushed but then remembered her aunt and her husband sharing reminiscences about the delights of Lambton, whilst her uncle had engaged him in speaking about various enterprises.
#
It was the last day of their honeymoon. Tomorrow they would travel to their London home to partake in the rest of the Season before they moved to Pemberley at the height of summer.
If Elizabeth were apprehensive about the coming months, Mr Darcy’s resemblance to a Greek God chiselled in Bianco Carrara marble did much to appease her anxiety. With the confidence of Zeus, he strutted about the room in his birthday suit. To study him was an occupation Elizabeth would not mind making permanent.
“Are you ogling me?”
How did he know? He had his back turned, and what a marvellous behind it was. The muscles played a symphony beneath his skin when he walked, but when he was at ease, dimples appeared.
“Yes.”
He turned and smirked. Elizabeth wiped her chin in case she had drooled. It was dry, but she did not know where to rest her eyes. She settled on his face, even if his expression was too smug for comfort. A pang settled in her heart, knowing they would soon depart this sanctuary of wedded bliss.
“I dread leaving this place where we have spent the happiest four weeks of my life.”
“We shall be equally happy in London, with its diversions, and happier still when we travel to Pemberley. The house is well kept and comfortable, but I suppose you will adore the grounds even more. It is backed by a ridge of woody hills, and in front, a trout stream swells into a charming lake.”
Elizabeth sighed in contentment at the happy portrait Mr Darcy painted of her future home.
Chapter 7 To be Run over Roughshod
London, April 15th
“But—where isyourbedchamber?”
They had just arrived at Darcy House after their bridal trip. Darcy escorted Elizabeth to her suite of rooms himself. She walked through the connecting door from her bedchamber to the adjacent sitting room, but there were no other doors than the one leading into the passage.
“It is at the opposite end of the house. The tradition of having the master’s and mistress’s chambers as far apart as possible began with royalty and has become all the rage amongst the upper classes. Allow me to show you,” Darcy offered and escorted her out of the room. “Georgiana’s quarters are next to yours,” he said, pointing at the following door. “The next one was mine until my father died and I moved into the master’s chamber. The middle room is a guest room. This one is reserved for closest family—Colonel Fitzwilliam stays in this room when he spends the night. And this is mine.” Darcy pointed at the last door in the passage.
Elizabeth entered, curious about her husband’s taste. The room was dark but comfortable, painted in a dark green colour with walnut furnishings. It was neither ostentatious nor plain.
“My parents share one room,” she mused, uneasy with this turn of events. “You are situated so far away from me.”
Darcy enveloped her in his strong masculine arms and chuckled into her hair. “Do not despair, my love. I do not intend to use this for any purpose other than changing my attire, unless you kick me out of yours.”
Elizabeth sighed in relief and allowed herself to be seduced.
#
“When is Mary to join us?”
Seeing Darcy furrow his brows, she wondered whether he had forgotten his promise to her sister.
“I had intended for both our sisters to join us as soon as may be, but on second thoughts, I suggest we wait a fortnight before entertaining even our closest family. You have yet to familiarise yourself with the house and the servants.”
Darcy did not need to convince Elizabeth that solitude was a most delightful prospect.
“Your consideration is much appreciated,” Elizabeth agreed, fighting a smirk. “I shall write to Mary and excuse the delay. Will you notify your sister or shall I?”
“No,” Darcy replied bluntly. “I shall send her a note.”
“Excellent.”
Breakfast was almost finished when Mr Gilbert, the butler, delivered Elizabeth a missive on a silver salver.
