Regina Jeffers - Christmas at Pemberley

“Well, I never!” Lady Catherine sputtered.

The Earl shoved to his feet. “Never what, Catherine?” he accused. “Never considered anyone else’s opinions? Never showed true compassion? Never offered your genuine condolences? Never expressed love? There are so many things that you’ve never done, that I’m at a loss as to which one you mean!” He strode from the room without looking back.

“We had planned to wait for Mr. and Mrs. Darcy’s return,” Charles Bingley announced to those gathered in Pemberley’s small dining room, “but I cannot keep a secret.” Bingley lovingly reached for his wife’s hand. “In June, Mrs. Bingley and I will welcome a new addition to our family.”

The Bennets immediately congratulated their eldest, but Georgiana withheld her felicitations. She recognized how this news would “kill” Elizabeth, especially if her brother’s wife failed in her own delivery; and even though she desperately wished for her brother and sister’s speedy return, Georgiana was happy that Elizabeth didn’t have to witness this display.

“Oh, Jane, how smart you are,” Mrs. Bennet declared. “You’ve already given Mr. Bingley an heir and a daughter. “Another child. Another son. I just know it shall be another son.”

“I note your lack of enthusiasm,” Caroline Bingley whispered conspiratorially.“I thoroughly understand your disdain. My brother has aligned our family with an inferior bloodline, and, unfortunately, so has yours.”

Irritated that Miss Bingley had thought her so base as to wish Elizabeth’s sister not to know happiness, Georgiana warned, “Be careful, Miss Bingley. Your speech smacks of disappointment.” As soon as the words escaped her lips, Georgiana would’ve taken them back. They were uncharacteristic.

“My,” Miss Bingley began, “I see Mrs. Darcy’s lack of decorum has permeated your normally amiable nature, Georgiana.”

Georgiana stiffened. “If I could have even half of Elizabeth’s courage or her intelligence, I’d consider myself a fortunate being.” She shot a glance at Mrs. Annesley, who nodded her approval. Needing to escape an embarrassing situation, Georgiana stood. “If the ladies will join me in the music room, the gentlemen may see to their cigars. Miss Bennet has agreed to entertain us this evening. Mr. Grange, I shall charge you with seeing that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bennet do not tarry.”

Her notice brought embarrassment. “Of course, Miss Darcy.”

“Ladies,” she intoned and led the way from the room.

“If you gentlemen will excuse me,” Elizabeth said as she stood. The small inn possessed only six rooms to let, and different gentlemen, each driven to seek shelter from the elements, occupied four of them. Two farmers, Mr. Betts and Mr. Dylan — strangers before the storm — had agreed to share the last available room, meaning she remained the single female. Feeling quite conspicuous, Elizabeth had chosen to withdraw to allow the men some freedom. There was no private room where they might take up their cards, cigars, and drink. Instead, the eclectic group shared the common room.

Darcy reached for her hand. “I will accompany you, Mrs. Darcy.”

Elizabeth smiled at him. She knew he worried for her health, and she fooled no one regarding her condition, but it was important to her to take control of this pregnancy. She had to deliver on her own terms. Her husband meant well, and she counted herself a lucky woman. What female would deny the company of a highly intelligent and caring man? Besides, Elizabeth considered her husband more than just a bit attractive: Fitzwilliam Darcy was a fine specimen, and she often found herself with unladylike wanton thoughts. In fact, she considered him roguishly beautiful and heart-stoppingly seductive, and even after two years, Darcy’s charms — the same charms that she had once adamantly denied — made her vulnerable. “You may, most assuredly, escort me, but I would encourage you to join the gentlemen in cards or talk of sport.”

“I will consider it, Mrs. Darcy.”

Elizabeth simply nodded her understanding. They had traveled together because Darcy had refused to permit her being out of his care. Her husband had portrayed his business trip as an opportunity for Elizabeth to see a part of England she had never experienced, as well as a means to purchase unique Christmas gifts. He even subtly suggested that she might visit with her sister Lydia when they stayed in Newcastle. And although she appreciated her husband’s attentiveness, she wouldn’t believe that Darcy was unaware of the fact that Lydia and Mr. Wickham had left Newcastle for Carlisle some three months prior. More than likely, her husband had had a hand in Mr.Wickham’s transfer. Darcy had seen to Lydia’s marriage when no one else could assist the Bennets in locating Mr. Wickham. Unabashedly aware of her sister Lydia’s propensity for profligacy, Elizabeth did what she could to keep her youngest sister from the poorhouse. The Wickhams were extravagant in their wants and heedless of the future. They were always spending more than they ought. By practicing what might be called economy in her own private expenses, Elizabeth had frequently sent her sister additional funds, but it was not enough to prevent the Wickhams from moving from place to place in quest of a cheaper situation.

Darcy stepped into the room with her before gathering Elizabeth into his embrace. Without prelude, he kissed her thoroughly. “I’ve been wanting to do that for the last two hours.” He trailed a line of wet kisses down her neck. “I never tire of touching you,” he rasped.

Quickly enticed by his heat, Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered closed as she whispered huskily, “For too long, I tried to keep my heart safe.”

He teased, “You could not. Not even when you were wretchedly blind to my finer qualities?”

Elizabeth chuckled ironically and pressed herself to him. “I did once gratify my vanity in useless mistrust. I’ve courted prepossession and ignorance, and I once drove reason away.” She felt her husband’s deep steadying breath and his instant hardness along her thigh. I wish I’d known before how gullible men are to words of loyalty , she thought. “In essentials, my love, you are very much what you ever were.”

“And you love me that way?” he rasped as his mouth slid along her collarbone.

“I love you in every way possible, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth snaked her arms about his neck.

Darcy kissed her deeply before reluctantly releasing her. “I shan’t tarry long.” He straightened his coat’s lines. “I was never a card player.” He glanced about the room to see that the maid had stoked the fire as he had instructed. “Keep the door locked. I’ll knock upon my return. One never knows how a man will act when he has nothing to do but to drink.”

“Do you expect trouble?” she asked with a touch of concern.

Darcy shook his head in the negative. “Just trying to anticipate the possibilities,” he mumbled. “Trying to protect my wife.”

“You have my permission, Mr. Darcy, to cater to my needs as often as you please.” Elizabeth went on tiptoes to kiss his chin while a slight smile crossed his face.

“Thank you,” Kitty whispered as Georgiana passed her in the drawing room.

Georgiana’s eyes scanned the room, making sure her brother’s guests found adequate refreshments. “I gladly accept your gratitude, Miss Kitty,” she mumbled. “But I’m at a loss as to what I’ve done to earn it.”