Darcy's Temptation Read online

  Kitty Bennet’s attendance at the dinner proved to be an unexpected pleasure for Ashford. Her hand in his during the dance set gave Ashford his first sense of endearing contentment. He did not know what true effect her presence had on him for he had not acknowledged those thoughts of her yet; however, their relationship invited further possibilities.

  The object of his attention now filled her plate while distractedly looking for Mr. Ashford to enter the room.When he appeared, a singular thrill shot through her as he wished the room a “Happy New Year,” but kept his eyes on Kitty’s face to judge her reaction. She offered him a simple “good morning” and a nearly invisible nod to the vacant chair beside her own, in hopes Ashford would join her.

  Georgiana Darcy, on the other hand, knew this day would bring her a deprivation of Chadwick Harrison’s attention; therefore, she did not anticipate the day, as did Kitty. Mr. Harrison took an interest in Miss Darcy, but he promised Elizabeth he would not declare his intentions until after Georgiana’s next birthday.As Mr. Darcy’s only sister, Georgiana held high expectations of a good match, and Mr. Harrison must prove himself to her brother before asking for her hand in marriage. Harrison’s presence at Pemberley this last month allowed Georgiana to get to know him, and her regard for this stranger grew quickly.Today, he planned to return to Hines Park, his estate; it would be some time before they would see each other again.

  When Mr. Harrison entered the breakfast room, Georgiana (unlike Kitty, who readily met Mr. Ashford’s eyes) dropped her glance, fearing she might betray her feelings for the man, not only to him, but also to herself.Therefore, Harrison chose the seat next to Mr. Bingley and across from Georgiana rather than the empty one next to her. Although he promised Elizabeth Darcy he would not approach Georgiana at this time, Harrison would not miss the opportunity to talk to her and savor the last of their interactions.

  “Good morning, Miss Darcy,” he said with more interest than necessary. Harrison did not know whether Georgiana was aware of his arrangement with her sister, but he wanted her to know his interest did not wane.

  “Mr. Harrison—I hope you slept well.” Georgiana allowed her eyes to rise to meet his briefly.

  He leaned forward to speak to her alone.“I did; thank you, Miss Darcy. It was certainly a momentous evening, was it not?”

  Georgiana let her smile rest on her brother and Elizabeth.“I am so happy for Fitzwilliam. He deserves such elation in his life; my brother put his world on hold to run this estate and serve as my guardian. I could wish him such pleasure for the rest of his days.” Georgiana’s voice held the pride of and respect for her brother.

  “I hope to replicate his accomplishments,” Harrison offered. “Hines Park is not as large as Pemberley, but soon I hope it reflects some of the lessons I learned here, and then I, too, may think of starting a family of my own.” Harrison’s words bordered on impropriety, but he felt a need to let Georgiana know his dreams could be found in her.

  She offered him a hint of a smile, which was more than he could expect to receive under the constraints placed on him by the Darcys. Yet, it held possibilities; he could set his dreams based on the softness of Georgiana’s countenance.

  Knowing when her birthday fell, he emphasized, “I would hope to have everything in place by late summer.”

  “You will be missed, Mr. Harrison.” Kitty said the words Georgiana could not, and Georgiana shot her new friend a “Thank you” when no one looked at them.

  Darcy called from across the table, “When will you depart, Mr. Harrison?”

  “I planned to do so early this afternoon, Sir. Hines Park is only a little over a two hours’ journey.”

  “I am sure you are anxious to see your home again,” Jane Bingley added.

  “I am, Mrs. Bingley; yet, I will miss the new friendships I formed at Pemberley.” Again, he hoped Georgiana would understand his double meaning.

  “I wonder where Anne and Edward could be,” Elizabeth expressed her thoughts out loud.“You do not suppose Anne is feeling poorly again.”

  Georgiana assured her, “I saw her this morning; she and Edward were going to take a short walk through the gardens before they joined us. I am sure they will be here soon.”

  Almost as if on cue, Edward and Anne entered the room. “Edward, we began to worry,” Darcy called out to his cousin.

  “Anne wanted some fresh air before breakfast.” Edward led Anne to a seat next to Mrs. Gardiner and leaned down to speak to Anne privately.“I will fix you something.”

  Anne barely whispered,“Just some toast and some tea.”

  Edward spoke to Anne as one might coax an obstinate child.“Will you not try something a bit more than that? Please do it for me.”

  “For you,” she agreed and then caressed his cheek.

  Darcy joined his cousin at the side bar table. “How is Anne really doing, Edward?” Darcy whispered as he shot a quick glance at Anne de Bourgh.

  “She was under our aunt’s scrutiny so long Anne sometimes must be coaxed into vibrancy.” Edward’s face showed his love for the adolescent-like woman.

  “I would never, I fear, think of Anne as vibrant.” Darcy’s words held regret he had for never helping Anne escape Lady Catherine’s control. “However, Edward, I am sure with your love she will be just that.”

  “Thank you, Darcy.”

  “For what?”

  “For understanding I truly love Anne.” Edward’s words sounded as if he had not been able to convince others of his regard for his cousin.

  “We always were more than cousins, Edward. I sincerely pray for your happiness.” Edward gave Darcy a grateful nod and returned to the table to join Anne.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.” Clayton Ashford stood to take his leave. “I am afraid I must depart. I thank you for sharing your evening and your home with me.”

  “We were pleased you could be here,” Elizabeth offered. “You must come again soon. Would you be free tomorrow evening for dinner?”

  “I would, Mrs. Darcy. I thank you for the invitation. May I also ask your permission to announce your good tidings of an heir for Pemberley at this week’s services? I know the community will rejoice with the news and offer their prayers.”

  “I have no objections, Mr.Ashford. Do you, Fitzwilliam?”

  “You are welcome to be our town crier, Mr.Ashford.”

  “Mr. Ashford, I will walk out with you.” Elizabeth stood. “I think I must inform key staff members at Pemberley before they hear our news from a tradesman in Lambton.”

  “Mr. Ashford, may I have the coach brought around to return you to town?” Elizabeth and Mr. Ashford stood in the main entryway.

  “No, thank you, Mrs. Darcy. I prefer to walk. I bid you farewell until tomorrow evening.”With that said, he pulled on his coat and departed down the lane toward Lambton.

  Elizabeth worked her way to the study. She stopped before entering the room to ask one of the maids to have Mrs. Reynolds and Hannah come to her.

  “Enter,” Elizabeth called at the light knock on the study door.

  “Mrs. Darcy, did you wish to see us?” Mrs. Reynolds felt some agitation at being summoned to the study.

  Elizabeth came from behind her husband’s desk to greet them. “Yes, Mrs. Reynolds, please will the two of you come to join me?” Elizabeth gestured to the chairs.

  Both ladies took the seats she offered, but the unusual situation bothered them.“Mrs. Darcy, have we done something wrong?”

  “Oh, Mrs. Reynolds, is that what you thought? I apologize for giving you the wrong impression. On the contrary—because Mr. Darcy and I value your service to me and to the estate, we felt it appropriate to tell you something before the news spreads through the community via Mr. Ashford.” Both women took on the look all women have when their suspicions are about to be confirmed. “Mr. Darcy and I hope to welcome our first child in late July.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Darcy,” Hannah squealed.“I am so happy to hear this. I suspected as much by the way you picked at your food latel
y.This is great news.”

  As tears welled in her eyes, Mrs. Reynolds could barely contain herself. “Mrs. Darcy, you are to let me take on things; you are not to let Pemberley be a concern.The Master must be beside himself with happiness.”

  “He does seem quite content with the prospect, Mrs. Reynolds. I wanted you two to be aware. Hannah, I will obviously depend on you in a personal manner. I will need additional clothing and some personal care in choices of food. Mrs. Reynolds, we must prepare a nursery.Yet, all these little things were never my concern in bringing you here.You are a part of the Pemberley family, and you have an interest in what happens within our lives. Mrs. Reynolds, you may tell other staff members as you see fit.”

  “This will be great news; the staff and the tenants waited for a long time. It has been over seventeen years since Pemberley knew such happiness. Master Fitzwilliam will have an heir for the estate. Pemberley will survive.” Mrs. Reynolds’s eyes misted again with tears. She and Hannah stood to take their leave. “Bless you, Mrs. Darcy. Everything will finally be happiness at Pemberley.”

  Elizabeth felt a bit overwhelmed with Mrs. Reynolds’s reaction. She knew how important giving Darcy an heir must be, but she never suspected her time would bring forth such emotions. Recently, she came to understand the great responsibility her husband assumed when he took over Pemberley after his father’s death. Elizabeth also now possessed a better idea of how many people depended on Darcy and the estate for their subsistence, yet sometimes she still could not conceive how she fit into the picture. Carrying Darcy’s child gave Elizabeth a new acceptance of what all he and this estate meant to hundreds of people at Pemberley, but also to those in Lambton and at Kensington Place. She married into responsibility. Immersed deep in these thoughts, Elizabeth seated herself behind Darcy’s desk to pen a letter to her parents.

  1 January

  Papa and Mama,

  It is New Year’s Day at Pemberley.We had a glorious celebration last evening with a few close friends.Although our party was small, our joy at being in our own home could not be expressed. Mr. Darcy gave up celebrating the Festive Season at Pemberley after the deaths of his parents. Opening up the estate once again told him this was a beginning; his previous sadness could be no more.You will be happy to know Jane and Mr. Bingley, along with Kitty, arrived safely. Having my dearest sisters with me renewed my energies.

  Mr. Harrison will end his stay with us today and return to Hines Park; his astute insights will be greatly missed. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne de Bourgh are with us for a few days before they travel on to his father’s estate.They will officially announce their engagement at his parents’ anniversary party.We will all travel to Matlock to join in their celebration. Uncle and Aunt Gardiner and their children are happy to visit her family and friends in Lambton, as well as spend time with us. Mr. Darcy enjoys Uncle Gardiner’s company; I believe my dear Fitzwilliam misses his father’s counsel, and my uncle serves that purpose of a more mature voice in his life.

  Georgiana and I successfully orchestrated the tenant celebration at Pemberley.The steward, Mr. Howard, claims we created goodwill between the tenants and the Darcy family. My regard for Mr. Darcy’s caring nature grew during this celebration. Hearing his tenants tell of the many ways he served them gave me great pride in having married such a man. It is amazing to me he knows all their names and all their histories; he treats them exceptionally well. It bothers me I ever so misjudged him. Georgiana continues to open herself up to new possibilities; I hope she and Kitty will become good friends.

  When Jane and Mr. Bingley return to Netherfield, I request Kitty be allowed to stay with me here at Pemberley. I am in need of my sister’s help because Mr. Darcy and I shall become parents in late summer; having Kitty with me would give me great pleasure during this time. Fitzwilliam plans to secure tutors for Kitty while she is with us. Of course, Mama, having Kitty here will expose her to eligible young men. In fact, our new vicar already shows an interest in her.

  I must close now as our guests await my return. I miss all my dear family and pray to see you soon.

  Your loving daughter,

  E. D.

  Elizabeth also wrote to Charlotte.

  1 January

  My dearest Charlotte,

  I will write more at a later date, but I must tell you my happy news. Mr. Darcy and I expect our first child in late July. Because I know Lady Catherine will likely be displeased when she learns of this, I wanted you and Mr. Collins to know before she did. She is likely to learn soon for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss de Bourgh are guests in our home. I am sure Anne will write to her mother. I realize you rejoice in my happiness even if Mr. Collins’s position prevents your saying so.You are as always in my thoughts.

  Elizabeth Darcy

  She closed both letters with wax and pressed the Darcy seal in each before writing the directions on the outside. Elizabeth moved from behind the desk to stand by the glass doors leading to the gardens; she stood there for several minutes before Darcy found her. He watched her before approaching; if she ever realized how many times per day he took pleasure in just looking at her, Elizabeth might become uncomfortable around him. Darcy could give himself no greater satisfaction than to memorize her form.“There you are, my Love,” he said as he came up behind her and encircled her waist with his arms.

  Elizabeth leaned back to feel the warmth of his body. He heard her emit a light moan as he kissed the side of her neck.“I was just enjoying the view.”

  “Pemberley in the spring and early summer must resemble Heaven because I know of no place more beautiful. I cannot wait for you to see it; you will love it as I do.”

  “I already love it, Fitzwilliam.” She turned to face him directly.“I was just thinking about how much a part of my life you and Pemberley have become. I wrote my parents about our unexpected gift and asked for Kitty to stay with us; as I did so, I felt guilty for not being homesick for Longbourn. How is it I lived at Longbourn for over twenty years and at Pemberley for less than two months, but it is Pemberley of which I think when someone says home?”

  “I do not know how to explain it because I feel as such, too. When my mother died, so did life at Pemberley. Now, with you here, it lives again. It is no longer just a fine house—it is my home.We, obviously, belong together—our fatum.”

  “I do so love you, Fitzwilliam.” Her arms snaked around his neck, and Elizabeth leaned in to rest her head on his chest. For some time, Darcy held her there, stroking her hair and feeling how she melded into him. Finally, she agreed they must rejoin their guests. “Fitzwilliam, before we go, may I ask you a couple of things?”

  “Of course, Elizabeth.”

  “First, I would like to employ tutors for Kitty while she is with us. She is not as shallow as is Lydia, and Jane and I wish to help her become less provocative.”

  “I have no problem with the idea. I realize making a good match may depend on such training for your sister. It is our duty to help her find an appropriate mate.”

  Elizabeth smiled at him.“Thank you, my Love. Secondly, I have been thinking about your teaching me about Pemberley. Should not Georgiana also be made aware of how to run the estate?”

  “I am not sure what you mean, Elizabeth.”

  “I realize with the jointure Pemberley is mine until my death if something happens to you, but I would want it to also belong to Georgiana—at least, as long as she wants to be here. I would feel uncomfortable if I made decisions for her family’s estate without her input. Plus, do you not think it would be to her advantage if she knew about estate business, in general? When she chooses to marry, no man would be able to fool her into believing his worth is more than it actually is. Some men would object to her knowing their business, but a man who respects our sister for herself rather than her thirty thousand pounds would not.”

  “I see. So you believe I should approach my sister on this idea?” Deep in thought, Darcy finally released her and took a few steps toward the window.

  �
�I wish you would, Sir, if you believe it has any merit.” As Darcy always saw Georgiana as needing protection, Elizabeth seemed tentative about how he would react to such a proposal for his sister.

  “Let me think about how it might be handled. Georgiana’s natural instinct is not as adventurous as is yours, my Love; she may not see such knowledge as being part of her realm.”

  “Georgiana simply wants your respect for her worth. I believe she would welcome an opportunity to learn about Pemberley.”

  “Mr. Harrison said a few days ago I was blessed to have two progressive-thinking women in my household,” Darcy added as he turned back to embrace his wife once more.

  “Did he now?” Elizabeth teased, knowing she was serious with him too long. “What did he mean by progressive, do you suppose?” She went up on her tiptoes to brush Darcy’s lips with hers.

  Darcy’s passion quickly rose just being near his wife. “I hope my sister is not progressive in the same way as you right now, my Love.”

  “Oh, do you believe, Sir, there is more than one meaning for the word?”

  “Certainly.” His hands began to caress Elizabeth’s back as he kissed her neck. “Progressive may mean ‘improving,’ which seems appropriate for my sister. She improves each day under your influence, Elizabeth.”