Pirates and Prejudice (28 page)

Elizabeth
laughed. “On the contrary. I have desired your kisses since…”

Darcy leaned in
towards her. “Since when?”

“Since you held
me on the merchant ship as we prepared to swing across to your ship.” She
tossed her head casually. “As improper as that would have been.”

Darcy’s eyes
widened. “You wished to be kissed then?”

Elizabeth nodded
and watched him take a step closer.

“Does this mean
you desired Captain Smith to kiss you?” His eyes held incredulity. “How do I
know you have not fallen in love with him, instead of me?”

Elizabeth’s
mouth opened, and she covered it with her hand. “Oh, my! This is wretched,
indeed! I had not thought of that!”

Darcy folded one
arm across his chest and rested the elbow of his other arm on top of it. He
brought his fisted hand up to his chin and tapped it a few times. “This is
grave. What am I to think?”

Elizabeth looked
up with mock despair and just a little bit of teasing. “Perhaps you can help me
forget my little infatuation with the captain.”

He took another
step closer. “And how am I to do that?”

“Well,” she said
as she stepped towards him, closing the distance, “you may begin by putting
your arms about me, much like he did.” She helped him along.

Darcy smiled.
“Now what?”

“Well, I believe
I had to put my arms about your neck, much like this.” She stood on her toes
and brought her arms about him. They stood staring into each other’s faces.
Elizabeth could feel his breath upon her and again felt that she might collapse
if he loosened his grip.

“Now?”

“Heavens, no. We
were then tied together.”

Darcy shook his
head. “We have no rope.”

“That is true.
We shall have to pretend, then.”

Darcy tightened
his grip and pulled her even closer. He leaned down and asked huskily, “Is this
pretend enough?” His breath brushed her hair by her ear, sending shivers
through her.

“Yes, I believe
so,” she whispered trembling, looking up at him with wide, expectant eyes.

Their gaze
remained locked for some time, and Darcy lowered his head. Just before his lips
touched hers, he suddenly stopped. “You are not afraid?”

“On the
contrary, I believe I shall enjoy this immensely.”

Darcy tilted his
head. “I believe the word was immeasurably.”

“Oh, yes. I
believe I shall enjoy this immeasurably.”

He took in a
deep breath and let it out slowly. “I believe I shall, as well.” 

He drew back and
looked at her. He drew a strand of hair away from her face. “I have a question
I must ask you, Elizabeth. Have you ever done this before?”

Elizabeth felt a
sense of light-headedness at his question. “Never!” she said, and his lips came
down to meet hers.

If Elizabeth had
believed she had felt everything a woman could feel in the arms of a man she
loved, she was wrong. She felt as if she were swinging across the sea again,
flying, soaring to new heights and new depths. Her heart pounded from her head
to her toes as his lips moved from her mouth to her cheeks, up to her ears, and
down her neck. With each kiss, a new sensation revealed itself and rendered
Elizabeth breathless.

She clung to him
as if her life depended on it as he sought her lips again, this time with more
fervency. She felt as if she would collapse into a puddle if either let go.
When he finally lifted his head, he asked hoarsely, “Did that work?”

Elizabeth was
somewhat confused. “Did what work?” she asked meekly.

“Did that erase
any feelings you might still harbour for Captain Smith?”

Elizabeth smiled
and leaned her head against his chest. She could both feel and hear the
pounding of his heart. She nodded her head but then looked up. Her brows
furrowed. “I think I can readily recall – with a great deal of fondness – the
curls that peeked out of his tri-corn hat and trailed down his neck.” Her
fingers lightly played around his neck.

Darcy gave her a
cautioning look before coming down and claiming her lips again. Then without
warning, he suddenly picked her up.

“What are you
doing, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked, feeling both anticipation and just a little
uncertainty.

“I am going to
make certain you forget about Captain Smith.” He sat down on the bench and
cradled Elizabeth on his lap. Wrapping his arms about her he said, “I daresay you
never sat on the captain’s lap, did you?”

Elizabeth bit
her lip and shook her head, speechless. She could not prevent a smile from
appearing.

“Good.” He
looked at her with deep longing in his eyes as he drew close to her, kissing
her with a passion that stirred them both.

She leaned her
head against him as he stroked her back. She felt his kisses on the top of her
head.

He finally
pulled away. “Now, Elizabeth, I must know. Have I removed every ounce of
feeling for Captain Smith?”

Elizabeth swallowed,
her mouth suddenly very dry. She allowed a smile and said, “There is one more
thing, I am certain, that will take away all memory of him.”

“What is that?”
he asked with feigned distress.

She reached up
and stroked his clean-shaven face with her fingertips. She felt breathless as
she met his intense gaze. “I doubt that his face was as smooth as yours.”

Darcy shook his
head and captured her hand in his, pressing it against his cheek. “I can assure
you, it was not!” He closed his fingers around hers and then brought them to
his lips, kissing the tips of each.

After a moment,
he continued, “Can I now be assured that Captain Smith is completely out of
your heart and mind?”

Elizabeth slowly
nodded. Her face felt flushed and a wave of emotions swelled through her.
“Utterly and completely,” she replied weakly.

*~*~*

They lost all
track of time as they remained in their secluded hideaway, laughing, holding
each other, and kissing. At length, Darcy slid her off his lap and onto the
bench. He stood up and sent her a meaningful look.

“Come,
Elizabeth. If you are to remain virtuous until our wedding night, I suggest we
leave now. We have moved from the dangerous waters into the fire, and I, for
one, do not think I can control my behaviour if we do not cease now. In
addition, the longer we remain here, the greater chance there is that someone
might come upon us.”

Elizabeth tilted
her head at him. “But we still have so much to discuss!”

“Ha!” he
exclaimed. “We have been here for quite some time, and very little discussion
has taken place!”

“You are
correct,” she said with resignation. She began to stand and was grateful for
Darcy’s hand. Every nerve within her trembled.

He leaned over
and gave her a very chaste kiss when she was on her feet. “There is something I
need to ask you, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth looked
up at him. “Yes?”

“I should like
to marry as soon as possible. Do you think your sister would mind if we made it
a double wedding?”

Elizabeth
rewarded him with a wide smile. “I think Jane would be delighted to share her
wedding day with me.”

Chapter 28

While Elizabeth folded the coverlet, Darcy placed the
glasses and remaining items into the basket. They then set them behind a nearby
bush, making sure they were well hidden, so he could retrieve the items on his
return to Netherfield.

As they made the
short descent down Oakham Mount, Elizabeth tucked her hand through the crook of
Darcy’s arm. She was content to walk quietly, but she needed some answers, so
she decided she would begin with one easy question to see if he seemed inclined
to talk.

“Tell me,
Fitzwilliam, what will Georgiana think of me as a sister?”

He turned and
tapped Elizabeth on the nose. “I believe she will like it very much. She told
me she was very fond of you, and I told you last evening that she looks forward
to furthering your acquaintance.”

Elizabeth
smiled. “I am glad. I found her delightful.” She stole a glance at Darcy, who
had turned to look ahead. He did not seem inclined to add anything, so she
allowed him a little silence.

After a short
while, Elizabeth took in a quick breath and held it briefly. She knew asking
the next question – the one she really needed an answer to – might prove
problematic. She looked up at Darcy and smiled, receiving one in return.

“And what of
your aunt?” she asked with a light tone. “What will she think?”

Darcy’s brow
lowered, but he continued to look straight ahead. “My aunt?”

“Yes, Lady
Catherine.” Elizabeth looked down and then back up. She stopped walking and turned
to him. “I understand… I heard that there were certain expectations about you
marrying Anne.”

Darcy rubbed his
jaw and then clasped his hand over Elizabeth’s, where it still rested on his
arm. “What you heard is correct, but…”

Suddenly he
released her hand and began feeling around in his coat for something. He
reached into a pocket and pulled out a letter. He gave her a pointed look as he
opened it. “This is from my aunt. I received it just before I left London. I
will not bore you with everything she writes, but I shall read one part. I will
summarize what she said, however, by telling you that somehow she heard about
my little pirate adventure, about my appearance, my speech, and a few more
things that somehow had been added or grossly exaggerated.”

He moved his
finger down the letter. “Here, this part might be of interest to you.”

You can be at no
loss, my nephew, to understand my reason for writing. Your own heart, your own
conscience, must tell you why. But I shall account for it anyway. This alarming
report about your pirating activities, your manner of dress and talk that I
understand was utterly despicable, makes me wonder if you have forgotten what
you owe yourself and all your family. I believe your mother would be deeply
grieved, as am I, as this cannot turn out good for my Anne. Even though your
mother and I wished for your engagement and marriage from the start, I must now
declare that this marriage would be impossible to take place! Honour, decorum,
and prudence forbid it! Pray, Nephew! Tell me this has all been a scandalous
mistake, that the rumours circulating are untrue! Otherwise, I shall have no
other alternative but to remove my consent.

Darcy lifted his
eyes to her over the top of the letter. “There is much more, but I do believe that
she has released me from her expectations. I daresay, my mother released me
even before she died.”

“I imagine she
still will not be pleased.”

Darcy let out a
huff. “I can assure you she will not. There is very little that pleases her. I
would not be concerned.”

“How do you
suppose she found out?”

Darcy
deliberated for a moment. “Any number of ways. Perhaps Georgiana told someone
in our family, and they told her.”

Elizabeth bit
her lip. “Or I suppose my mother could have told Mrs. Lucas, who then told her
daughter…”

“Who told her
husband, who then told my aunt.”

Elizabeth
laughed and took Darcy’s arm again, giving it a squeeze. “I would imagine if
that were the case, each one likely added their own little element to the
story, making it quite a tale by the time it reached your aunt.”

Darcy nodded
with a smile. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Who told you about the
expected engagement between Anne and myself?”

Elizabeth felt
her cheeks warm and a sense of discomposure flooded her. She said, almost in a
whisper, “It was Mr. Wickham.”

Darcy frowned.
“I thought as much.”

Elizabeth
realized this was the perfect time to ask her next question, although she knew
it would upset him. Speaking as carefree as she could, she said, “Speaking of
Mr. Wickham,” she paused as Darcy’s head jerked towards her, “what is to become
of him for his part in the attempted escape?” She patted his arm. “I only wish
to know so we can determine whether Lydia is in any danger of encountering him
again.”

Darcy raked his
fingers through his hair and the crease on his forehead deepened. “You will
likely not see him for five to ten years.”

Elizabeth’s eyes
widened. “Oh!”

“He has yet to
stand trial, but Foster told me he would likely receive a sentence of that
approximate duration. He is fortunate in that he will not hang. Lockerly and
the others certainly will.”

Elizabeth mutely
nodded, and they continued in silence.

Darcy stopped
and turned to her. “I suppose you have an unrelenting curiosity about why I was
in such a destitute state when I was mistaken for Lockerly.”

Elizabeth looked
at him with a sheepish grin. “I suppose I did wonder that.”

“Can you
conjecture why?”

Elizabeth shook
her head. “I would not wish to.”

Darcy licked his
lips. “Well, you are most likely correct.” He paused and looked away. After a
few moments he returned his gaze to Elizabeth. “It was because of you.”

Elizabeth felt a
surge of regret and knew her face reflected how she felt. “I am so sorry. I had
no idea…”

“That I would take
it so hard?” After Elizabeth silently nodded, tears pooling in her eyes, Darcy
continued. “I came to you expecting a favourable reply because I had a very
elevated opinion of myself, erroneously so. What you said and did – as painful
as it was – helped me see the person I truly was – as others saw me – rather
than who I thought I was when I looked at myself.”

“I truly
believed you would readily forget me and, of course, would want nothing to do
with me ever again.”

He touched a
finger to her face, catching a tear that fell. “I was angry, of course, at
first, and I had hoped to put you out of my head and my heart. When our paths
crossed again on the island, I knew I could not, but did not know if you would
ever return my affections.” He glanced down at her. “Especially when I saw you
with Mr. Adams.”

“Oh, yes…”
Elizabeth said, “Mr. Adams. I believe it has turned out quite providentially in
his favour for him to return to St. Mary’s. I do hope he is able to secure
Melanie’s love.”

Darcy laughed.
“I do, as well! I would not want him returning to claim your love!”

Elizabeth smiled
and looked down, taking his hand in hers. “He knew I loved you.”

Darcy tilted his
head as he looked down. “Did he?”

She nodded,
adding, “And he claimed that you loved me, as well.”

“Bright, young
man! Always liked the fellow!”

Elizabeth shook
her head. “But I did not believe him. How could I expect you to still feel the
same way after what I said to you that evening in Kent?”

Darcy lifted his
head up to the heavens. “I think the bigger question is why did our paths cross
again in such an extraordinary way? What would have happened if life had just
gone on as usual for us? Would we have had this second chance?”

Elizabeth
shuddered. “I would hope so, but I have no idea how it would have occurred.”

Darcy shook his
head. “Neither do I.” He clasped his hand over Elizabeth’s, again, and they
walked, all conversation for the moment ceased.

After walking
quietly for some time, Elizabeth determined that Darcy must have had enough of
her questions. They were almost to the base of the hill, where they would make
the turn to set out for Longbourn, when she felt him squeeze her hand. He
looked down at her, a look of concern in his eyes.

“What is it?”
Elizabeth asked.

Darcy’s brows
drew together. “I have a confession to make.”

“You make it
sound serious.”

Darcy slowly
nodded his head. “There was another reason I did not tell you who I was.”

Elizabeth bit
her lip and tilted her head. “What was that?”

Darcy drew in a
breath. “I rather enjoyed how you treated me as Captain Smith. I felt if you
knew who I was, that would change.”

Elizabeth raised
her brows. “I do not know how I would have acted or felt if you had told me.”
She squeezed his arm. “But I assure you, I had already begun to rethink my
opinion of you.”

Darcy smiled.
“What shall you think of being Mistress of Pemberley?”

Elizabeth leaned
her head against him as they continued to walk. “Since I have never seen it,
can you tell me what it is like?” She looked up with a teasing smile. “Is it
much like Rosings, would you say?”

Darcy laughed
heartily. “It is nothing at all like Rosings!” He grew serious. “It is a
wonderful home. It is larger than Rosings, but not as ornate. I think you will
be pleased. There is a lake on one side, gardens on the other, a ridge behind
the house, and acres of woods surrounding it. You shall never lack for a new
path to explore.”

“It sounds
lovely.” Elizabeth let out a long, soft sigh. “I think I shall love it as much
as I can see you do.”

“I believe, my dearest
Elizabeth, that you shall.”

 She stood
up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek, but at the last moment he turned, so
her lips met his. She was somewhat startled, but relaxed in his arms as he drew
her into an embrace.

*~*~*

When they
reached Longbourn, Elizabeth directed Darcy to her father’s library, and she
scurried up the stairs to Jane’s room. She tapped on the door, and Jane
welcomed her in.

Jane was sitting
in a plush chair, still dressed in her night clothes and robe. Her slippered feet
were propped up on an ottoman, and she was gazing out the window.

“Good morning,
Jane.” Elizabeth walked over to a mirror that hung on the wall. She placed her
fingers on her cheeks, noticing their flush, but knew there was nothing she
could do about it now. She fiddled with her hair, attempting to tidy it. “How
are you this morning?”

“I am well, but
a little confused.”

“Why?”

Jane motioned
for Elizabeth to sit down on the bed. “I just saw you walk to the house with
Mr. Darcy.”

Elizabeth looked
down at her fingers, which she was nervously knitting together. She bit her lip
and nodded her head. “Yes. That is why I have come to you. He is presently with
Father.”

“Why is he with
Father?”

Elizabeth
laughed and threw back her head. “Why would a gentleman go to see a young
lady’s father?”

Jane shook her
head. “Well, I can only think of one reason, and I doubt that…” Jane suddenly
gasped and clasped her hands over her mouth. Her eyes widened. When she lowered
her hands, she said, “Did he?” She rushed over to the bed and grabbed her
sister’s hand. “Lizzy! Did he ask for your hand in marriage again?”

When Elizabeth
nodded, Jane let out a squeal and wrapped her arms about Elizabeth. “Oh! I am
so happy! I do not know what to say, but I had hoped this would happen! I had
hoped so much!”

Elizabeth
returned her sister’s hug, and Jane joined her on the bed, making it bounce as
she plopped down. “Tell me all about it, dearest Lizzy!”

After Elizabeth
had finished telling her about their morning – leaving out certain details –
Elizabeth grew solemn. “Jane, there is something I must ask.”

Jane’s eyes grew
wide. “What?”

“Would you mind
terribly… what would you think… if we had a double wedding ceremony? If Mr.
Darcy… Fitzwilliam… and I, were to get married at the same time as you and Mr.
Bingley?”

“Oh, Lizzy!”
Jane cried as she wrapped her in an embrace again. “I would like it very much,
very much indeed!”

*~*~*

Mr. Darcy chose
to slip out quietly after speaking with Mr. Bennet and getting his consent. Mr.
Bennet called Elizabeth down once he had left, informing her that he was
pleased beyond measure with the man who would marry his favourite daughter.

He gave her a
hug, kissed her on the top of her head, and then told her, “Now, go tell your
mother. I shall take a stroll outside and return in about fifteen minutes. That
shall be enough time for her to get her flutterings all over with, do you not
think?”