Page 115 of Bitterness of Spirit

Their bodies learned to discover and become accustomed to each other, eagerly awaiting the completion of their union on their wedding night.

Darcy knew that Elizabeth would not oppose anticipating their vows. He could feel her love become restrained passion; he could sense her body yearning for his as much as he craved hers. She was ready and willing to offer herself to him in every way.

But he preferred to wait. He planned for everything to be perfect, just as their union was. To him, Elizabeth was like the most exquisite book. He found great enjoyment in slowly discovering her, page by page, until the climactic ending—which would be the start of a new and lengthy book that they would write together in the years to come.

Therefore, he was with her every night, teaching her about passion and desire then resting in each other’s arms for a few hours while she slept peacefully. He stayed awake, however, to watch her beautiful face glowing with happiness and to carefully retire to his room before dawn so nobody would discover their secret encounters. It was a torture to him in every sense that he gladly suffered as he counted the days until their wedding.

***

Ten days after Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, while they all relaxed inside at noon with some refreshment and drinks, a visit interrupted them: Lord and Lady Matlock were announced.

Darcy and the colonel hurried to greet them, but when they entered, the large gathering obviously surprised them. Lady Matlock quickly recovered, greeted everybody, embraced Anne and Georgiana, then congratulated Jane and Bingley as well as Elizabeth and Darcy.

“Mr. Wilson! What a pleasant surprise to see you here,” Lady Matlock said.

Wilson bowed to her. “I am honoured to see you again, your ladyship.”

“This is a good opportunity to apologize for leaving the ball in such haste and to thank you for the invitation to a very pleasant event.”

“Your ladyship is too kind. It is I who must thank you.”

The colonel helped his mother sit, but the earl remained standing. He appeared uneasy and disturbed, undecided whether he should stay or leave.

“I am…it is…Mr. Wilson, I would like a private word with you, if I may. There are things that need to be discussed,” the earl eventually uttered.

Elizabeth and Darcy startled; Wilson glanced at him with unconcealed surprise.

“Of course,” he responded after a short pause.

“I believe the library would be private,” Darcy offered. “Let me show you there.”

Except for Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner, the others ignored the exchange; they were accustomed to gentlemen speaking privately, so no one remarked on it. Darcy turned and looked at his betrothed for a moment, reassuring her that he would take care of the matter. She replied with a smile of gratitude.

***

The library door closed heavily.

“I would like to stay,” Darcy declared with a tone that allowed no opposition. “Regardless of what you have to say, I shall be involved in a certain way. My future is forever bonded to Miss Bennet and her family, and I must know how to properly handle the conflict between my uncle and hers.”

Wilson shrugged, nodding his agreement.

“You may stay,” the earl reluctantly agreed. “The worst has been said anyway.”

Without asking, Darcy poured each a glass of wine. His companions took it in silence.

“I did not come here to crawl and beg your forgiveness; none of your threats frighten me,” the earl uttered.

“I imagined as much,” Wilson replied.

“And I shall certainly not discuss my private life; it is no one’s business what I do within the privacy of my residence. You must be aware, however, that such rumours spread in Town would hurt Lady Matlock most undeservedly.”

Wilson glared at him. “Just as you should be aware that I would do nothing to harm Lady Matlock or any innocent person. I only mentioned your mistresses so you would know I have followed you closely; I know every detail about you. The way you conduct your life and undeservedly betray your wife is between you and your conscience.”

“I am no better and no worse than other men of my situation,” the earl attempted to defend himself.

“True. With the exception of George Darcy—and his son.”

“That I shall not even debate,” Lord Matlock agreed. He paused, swallowed some wine, and continued. “I admit that I was among the duke’s critics. I disputed his controversial decisions while he led His Majesty’s army, but I always did it openly. There was no conspiracy, and I stand by my opinions. I never concealed or hid my intention; my fights are always in the open.”