Darcy was relieved to be home. Even a short morning away from his wife had proved to be too long, and he could not wait to see her. Especially carrying the gift he eagerly anticipated seeing her wear. White’s had been a disappointment. It was not a boast to think he was sought after amongst the gentlemen, even those of elevated rank, and he was usually invited to join a debate or two, but not today. Everyone was either nose deep in a newspaper or engaged in engrossing conversation. Those who did approach him made sport of his marriage, so he had thought it better use of his time to visit a jewellery shop.
“Elizabeth!” He stooped to shouting the minute he entered the house and was delighted to see her emerge from the library. She was slightly out of breath, which in turn made her bosom heave in a most delightful manner.
“I have a present, but I suggest we adjourn to the mistress’s chamber for the unwrapping.”
Elizabeth’s mouth curved into a smile. “You should not have.”
“Yes, I should!”
“Then what are we waiting for?” She clapped her hands, spun round, and rushed up the stairs.
Darcy followed, taking two steps at a time.
“Turn around,” he demanded.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened for a brief moment before they took a sultry turn that stirred his blood. Then she turned her back to him, as ordered.
“Close your eyes.”
“How mysterious you are today, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth teased but obeyed.
“Keep your eyes closed. No cheating until I tell you to open them.”
“I am your humble servant, sir.”
Darcy barked a laugh and untied the ribbon about the box. “There is nothing humble about you, dearest, but I am pleased that you are, at least, cooperating. I am certain it is most contrary to your nature.”
He walked two circuits round her before fastening the necklace, densely set with faceted almandine garnets, around Elizabeth’s long and elegant neck.
Elizabeth gasped as the cold metal touched her skin and raised her hand to adjust the pendeloque drop. Mr Darcy swatted her fingers away before she reached it. With a firm grip on her shoulders, he turned her towards the room’s largest mirror and bent to whisper in her ear.
“Open your eyes.”
The sizeable necklace complemented Elizabeth’s lovely neck, and the red gems glittered in stark contrast to her pale skin.
“I am flabbergasted,” Elizabeth whispered. “It is exquisite!”
Her back straightened and her chin rose even higher as she turned her head from side to side to admire herself in the mirror. Darcy lowered his hands to rest upon her slim waist.
“Thank you!” she breathed. “If you continue to provide me with lovely gifts, I shall become terribly spoilt ere long.”
“You deserve it for being so winsome and bewitching.”
Elizabeth turned in his arms and rose on her toes to kiss him.
Chapter 9 At Loggerheads
“Elizabeth!” her husband called.
What did he want now? She was already late to dress for dinner and on her way to find the housekeeper. She would like to know where the Meissenchinoiseriewas stored.
She popped her head inside the door and hoped the matter could be resolved with a simple yes or no.
“You called, dearest.”
“Yes, did you replace the Shangguifor the Zhou in the library?”
“I did.”
