Page 202 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I rarely disagree with Lady Kendal, and this is surely not such a case. I am happy you are here…and that we may finally talk,” she dared to admit.

“As am I. Happier than I can say. You must know that I have thought only of your comfort, not mine.”

She nodded. He hesitated a moment, then moved forward and took her hands. Her fingers remained unmoving for a little while, then gently brushed over his. Slowly, his fingers entwined with hers, caressing each other.

“You told me not to wait for you, but I would have waited for you forever.”

“You were never far from my thoughts. I felt you with me all the time,” Elizabeth whispered.

“I was with you, every day, every moment. I thought only of you.”

“I know you did. And I thought only of you, even when I felt guilty for my thoughts.”

“I have so many things to tell you, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth. How should I start?”

“However you wish. Words mean little now that you are here.”

Their hands were still entwined and each moved closer, until their nearness burned them. She lifted her head, looking at him. Her eyes glimmered with tears and mirth. Her lips were dry and she licked them, drawing his gaze upon them. His eyes never abandoning hers, he took both her hands in his left palm. His right hand rose to her face, caressing her softly.

“I missed you so,” he said hoarsely. “I cannot think of words…”

“No words are needed. I already know.”

“Last evening, at the theatre, I felt you did. When your fingers touched mine, I wished for nothing but to take you in my arms. My only concern was that, at times, I could still see the sadness in your eyes. So, I had to be careful and to wonder what you truly wished.”

“You are what I wished. For you to take me in your arms,” she confessed softly.

“I cannot imagine how I had the strength to allow you to leave my arms. You belong here, Elizabeth, near my heart,” he whispered, his thumb brushing over the corner of her mouth.

She turned her head, and her lips touched his palm. Closing her eyes, she rejoiced in the pleasure of the gentle touch.

“My heart broke when I left you, and pieces of it have remained with you all this time, Fitzwilliam. Near your heart. In your arms.”

“Elizabeth… May I call you Elizabeth? Only when we are alone, at least for now.”

“You may call me anything you wish,” she answered with a teasing smile.

“Then I shall call you ‘my love.’” He leant closer to her, and his mouth finally claimed hers. Tentative, tender, adoring. She sighed, and her lips parted for him, then moved shyly within the kiss that grew more passionate. Feelings long forbidden were freed.

She put her arms around his neck, and his embrace closed around her, pulling her against him so tightly that neither could breathe. But neither needed air. Only each other. For a lifetime.

It took a long while until they found the strength to separate from the embrace. Swollen lips, bright eyes, and the happiness blooming on their faces spoke of their reconciliation more eloquently than any statement—and they did not even consider concealing it.

When they remembered Lady Kendal was awaiting them, Darcy offered his arm and Elizabeth took it with confidence. Stepping out into the hall he leant down to kiss her brow. It was the first time they were free to show their love and to take the first steps together towards the future.

Chapter 27

Mr Darcy remained for breakfast and several more hours after, as there were still many things to be discussed and established. Besides, the exhilaration of their long-awaited reunion was too strong for them to separate again. It was still awkward between them, they were still embarrassed by their passion that had been unleashed during their brief encounter in the library, and they could not believe that their secret had finally been revealed without causing any damage. Two letters were sent to Mr Bennet the same day—one from Elizabeth, the other from Darcy.

In the afternoon, Darcy left and returned for dinner with Georgiana—the girl being the first one to share their happiness. The next to be informed were Jane and Bingley, and the Gardiners.

As soon as Mr Bennet’s reply arrived—containing his astonishment, disbelief, teasing, and finally his blessing—the extraordinary news of Lady Alveston’s engagement to Mr Darcy was told to their other family members and then spread across London, as well as Meryton. It caused a storm of feelings amongst their acquaintances, from astonishment, disbelief, anger, and resentment, to joy, support, and warm regards.

Elizabeth and Darcy decided that, out of consideration and respect for Philip’s memory and to avoid any rumours that might affect their families, they would wed only after Elizabeth’s mourning period had ended.

However, gossip was spreading anyway, as the general interest in such an unexpected report was very high. But Lady Kendal’s constant presence around the betrothed couple and her publicly declared approval and support defended the ill-intended rumours.

For Elizabeth and Darcy, the opinions of others did not matter, as they entered a sweet, tender relationship that fulfilled their most dear wishes.