“Georgiana informs me that your uncle and aunt will be celebrating here as well?”
“That is correct. They will arrive three days hence. Also, a gentleman friend of William’s from Leicester, a Mr. Lathrop and his wife, are expected the same day. The poor man lost his father this past year, and my husband extended an invitation as a way of cheering him. Plus, I do not think they have visited together for well over a year.”
“I do believe I met Mr. Lathrop a time or two, several years ago. He was at Cambridge with William, correct?”
“Yes. They met there.”
“Ah, yes, I do recall. He sojourned at Darcy House one summer while the two men were off term. Agreeable young man, I seem to remember, serious and reserved yet generous and polite.” Lady Matlock laughed softly. “Quite like William, in point of fact! I contemplated at the time whether the two of them ever actually conversed with each other, both being so taciturn.” She glanced pointedly toward the man in question, who was smiling, effulgent, and laughed loudly at some anecdote of his cousin’s. “How changed he is now. Perhaps Mr. Lathrop has found the same fount of joy in his marriage as my nephew has.”
Lizzy blushed prettily. Darcy sensed the scrutiny upon him and turned his radiant face, eyes immediately alighting on Elizabeth. For a moment only their gazes locked, yet that moment spoke volumes of the love and devotion the two shared and it was nakedly visible to all in the room.
Lady Matlock smiled and Georgiana positively glowed.
Dinner was a lively affair. Even the generally shy Georgiana was gregarious. Darcy said little, preferring to observe his family and to bask in the joy of the occasion. It had been more years than he cared to recollect since Pemberley had hosted such a gay party, and it would be even more festive with the arrivals of the Gardiners and the Lathrops.
Richard and his parents resumed their journey to Rivallain shortly after dinner. The Colonel planned to return in two days and would stay at Pemberley for a week during the holiday before he was expected to return to his regiment in London. This left Georgiana alone with Lizzy and Darcy, a pleasing prospect as they all desired to enjoy this brief episode of intimate family time.
For the first evening since Elizabeth had arrived at Pemberley, they lounged in the parlor. Georgiana eagerly seated herself at her new pianoforte and graced her brother and his wife with her marvelous playing. Lizzy accompanied Georgiana by raising her voice in song for three tunes while turning the pages. She had a lovely voice, a sweet lilting alto. Darcy sipped his brandy and contentedly smiled at his wife and sister, feeling a profound sensation of fulfillment wash through him.
Georgiana’s yawns signified time for retiring. Together they walked along the lengthy corridor to her second-floor chambers where Darcy kissed his sister tenderly. “Sleep well, Georgie.”
Lizzy accompanied Georgiana into her room, telling Darcy she would be up shortly. However, shortly ended up being nearly two hours as the two young women gratified a mutual craving for the type of conversation that only females appreciate. Lizzy entered their bedchamber with a big smile on her face, missing her husband yet oddly serene in the happiness and completeness that had permeated her life and soul. Darcy had fallen asleep propped up on several pillows, hand with book atop lax where it had fallen by his leg.
He is so beautiful, she thought, standing beside him and tenderly caressing his hair. She put the forgotten book on the bed stand and crawled cautiously under the covers. He was covered to his waist but unclothed and, with a start and pang of guilt, she felt the cool skin of his shoulders. She gently touched his cheek and said his name. He sighed but did not waken initially, so she was forced to speak louder and tug on the pillows and his body to facilitate repositioning him supine and under the blankets. Darcy was a tall man; broad shouldered with not an ounce of unnecessary fat and heavily muscled. Additionally, she had discovered that her husband slept deeply, practically comatose in his slumber. Luckily for Lizzy, he stirred groggily but enough for her to communicate his need to lie down, which he did, naturally gathering her into his arms and nestling close. For the first time it was Lizzy’s warmth seeping into her husband’s body and in short order they were soundly asleep.
The next two days passed in a whirlwind of activity, affording the lovers scant time together, and they were both exhausted by nighttime. Darcy was on horseback from sunrise to after sunset, traveling from north to south over Pemberley lands and attending to numerous affairs that had been neglected. For this separation Lizzy could honestly declare she was too busy to miss her husband… not greatly anyway.
The entire first morning after Georgiana’s return was spent abetting and directing the final garnishing of the house. There was such a profusion of greenery scattered about the manor that it resembled a forest that had sprouted over night. Small candles were tactically nestled amongst the branches to be lit at night, representing the twinkling stars of the heavens. The dozens of mistletoe ornaments that the maids had so delightfully created were strategically suspended over doorways and alcoves. The Darcy kissing bough, a century old heirloom constructed of silver and finely polished china painted with Christmas scenes, had been meticulously cleaned and restored to pristine condition with fresh, aromatic greenery and ribbons hanging from the bottom. It was hung reverently in its traditional place over the fork of the grand staircase.
Another heirloom of the Darcy family had taken Elizabeth’s breath away. It was a nearly life-sized crèche carved from wood and intricately detailed. The set was complete, including the traditional stable animals and the Wise Men. As per custom, the crèche was situated in one corner of the dining room. The entire chamber had been elaborately decorated with a fine gold tablecloth, ivy, autumn leaves, Christmas candles, and more. Tableware of fine Chinese porcelain was brought forth, five different patterns with a holiday motif. These, along with freshly polished utensils and sparkling crystal glasses, were a crowning touch to the already dazzling room.
That afternoon and all the next day, Elizabeth and Georgiana visited the tenants and delivered the holiday gift boxes. Georgiana agreed to go, reluctantly. Her shyness was acute and Lizzy felt guilty for coercing her into it, but Darcy had insisted and Georgiana would not dream of disobeying her brother. Thankfully, by the end of the first day Georgiana was relaxed, touched by the gratitude from the families they met and amazed by the realities of the world around her, the world that made her life possible. She took a huge leap forward in maturity by viewing the lives of these simple folk closely for the first time.
For Lizzy it was as if she had returned to Hertfordshire. These unpretentious, pragmatic, and earthy people were not far removed from the society she had grown up in. She had studied the information on each family and greeted them as old friends. It would not be the slightest understatement to declare that, by the end of her visits, Elizabeth Darcy was almost universally adored throughout Pemberley, and the news of her kindness, generosity, humor, and genuine solicitude had spread like wildfire throughout all of Derbyshire.
December the twenty-third saw the arrival of the Gardiners, the Lathrops, and Col. Fitzwilliam, all within a few hours of each other.
Richard arrived early in the morning and he and Darcy promptly disappeared for a ride and some shooting, a favorite pastime that Darcy had not indulged in since his marriage. By luncheon they were home, the kitchen newly supplied with several pheasants, a turkey, and two grouse that were not needed but accepted graciously. After lunch Darcy arose purposefully and, implacably grasping his wife’s hand and placing it in the crook of his arm, announced bluntly that he had “private estate business to discuss with his wife.”
Darcy strode unwaveringly toward the staircase leading to their apartments. Lizzy smiled and teasingly proclaimed, “Estate business, Mr. Darcy? Should we not be en route to your study?”
Darcy paused and studied his wife seriously. “I was envisioning our discussion transpiring in our bedchamber, Mrs. Darcy; however, if you prefer my study for the resolution of our
estate affairs, I am amenable to oblige your desires.” He grinned.
Lizzy considered, for several minutes actually, and then tossed her head flippantly and propelled her husband toward the stairs. “I shall concede to your inclination at this time. The study shall remain undisturbed, for the present.”
“Is that a promise or an allusion that there shall be an occasion where my study may be disturbed, my love?”
“You do spend large quantities of time there working so diligently, slavishly attending to odious tasks, and are thus in need of relief and diversion. As your wife, Mr. Darcy, it is my solemn duty to ease your suffering in any manner feasible, even if said remedy is impetuous or unsought.”
They had reached the second-floor staircase, when Darcy halted abruptly and pulled his wife into his arms, kissing her ardently. “Elizabeth!” he growled, “no further teasing. I am desperate for you. Two days without loving you, without giving you pleasure, without your warmth surrounding me. Oh God, I must have you now, my love! Please… come with me.”
He grabbed her hand and stumbled through the first available door, thankfully an empty guest chamber. Darcy scarcely had the presence of mind to lock the door before he was gathering her into his arms. Lizzy, only marginally less aroused than he, withdrew a pace to peer about the unfamiliar room. She clutched his hand and hurriedly crossed to the sofa, commanding him to sit, which he speedily did.
They loved each other fully until spent utterly, bodies melting together and breathing heavily. They stared, imprisoned in the other’s gaze for long moments as they embraced and caressed.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy, would that I could convey how miraculously exquisite you are when aroused and when we…” she closed her eyes and kissed him tenderly. “I do not have the words,” she whispered. “My heart is bursting with love for you my husband… my darling… my lover and my soul.”
He smiled, fingers caressing her lovely face. “My wife… my precious wife. Shall I chronicle how resplendent your face is in your rapture? You are luminous: your eyes shining with devotion and excitement, your lips swollen and ruddy from my kisses, a light sheen of perspiration gracing your perfect brow, your cheeks sanguine with desire. Always you are beautiful, my Lizzy, but never more so than when you give yourself to me intimately.”
They kissed, tenderly and languidly, not wishing to part until finally Lizzy spoke softly, “William, my legs are numb.”
He chuckled, taking his kisses to her throat and ear. “Then I shall carry you to our bed, dearest, where I intend to undress you gradually as you undress me, after which I intend to kiss and caress and nibble,” accenting his proclamations with demonstrations, “every inch of you until you are aroused anew and begging me for the satisfaction only I can offer.” He lifted her easily with his strong hands, readjusted his clothing and hers, checked the corridor, and then swept her into his powerful arms.
For over an hour they loved, Darcy fulfilling his promise and wholly gratifying his wife, and himself.
The Gardiners arrived around three in the afternoon. Lizzy and Darcy, refreshed and glowing, welcomed them to Pemberley. Despite the difference in their ages, Darcy got on famously with Lizzy’s uncle and was genuinely glad to see him. The Gardiners had become acquainted with the Colonel in London and at the wedding, and Richard’s sunny disposition was such that Lizzy could not imagine anyone disliking him. After a brief respite in the main parlor, the gentlemen retired to the billiard room, Darcy with a lingering caress and kiss to Lizzy’s hand.
Lizzy accompanied her aunt to the suite set aside for them; Georgiana left to practice carols on her pianoforte. Her aunt wasted no time in commenting on Lizzy’s obvious felicity.
“Oh, Aunt Violet, I cannot express in mere words how happy I am! Marriage is vastly superior to anything I could have envisioned.”
“Well, my dear, at least marriage to the right man is!” They both laughed. “How are you finding Pemberley? Overwhelming?”
“Yes, a little. William has been patient and attentive, escorting me everywhere, hardly leaving my side. Mrs. Reynolds, in truth all the staff, have been enormously supportive and kind. I do have so very much to learn, though.”
“Is Mr. Darcy pressuring you in any way?”
“Oh no! Quite the opposite. He is immeasurably patient and actually seems nonchalant regarding the subject. He dotes on me profoundly. I fear I shall quickly become horribly spoilt if he does not desist.”
Her aunt laughed. “I doubt this, Lizzy. It is not in your nature to be unappreciative or influenced by luxury. Embrace his love and allow him to express it. I believe it is good for both of you. Mr. Darcy is altogether more buoyant and amiable, and you have a steadiness and peace hovering about you. It is refreshing to see you both so well matched. I reckon I need not ask how the physical aspect of your relationship fares,” she continued in that forthright manner of hers, “as it is clearly written upon both your countenances and obvious in your demeanor.”
Lizzy unwittingly assumed a dreamy expression. “Aunt, it is everything you told me and more. William is… amazing, wonderful, gentle, and passionate. I am so very blessed and satisfied.” She blushed then but her aunt chuckled.
The Lathrops arrived around six. Mr. Lathrop was much shorter than Darcy, about the same height as Lizzy, stocky with a ruddy complexion, blond hair, and hazel eyes. His wife Amelia was the same height as her husband, full figured, plump, with green eyes, fiery red hair, and a profusion of freckles. Darcy greeted his friend with delight, ushering them inside the manor rapidly as snow was beginning to fall. Introductions were made in haste as all parties, especially the Lathrops who were fatigued from their extended journey, needed time to freshen up before dinner.
Lizzy counted this meal the first official feast of the season and had planned accordingly. There were ham, turkey, and pheasant, an abundant variety of vegetables and breads, pastries and pies and puddings. The large table was laden to capacity, the guests animated, and the atmosphere celebratory.
Lizzy sat Mrs. Lathrop to her right. It was apparent that the young woman was weary, yet still she was talkative and pleasant. Her lovely Scottish lilt was musical and husky. Conversation flowed and Lizzy was drawn to her outgoing, candid nature. She was quick witted, spirited, and occasionally verged on crudeness, but Lizzy liked her.
Per protocol, the ladies and gentlemen separated after dinner for a spell, Lizzy hosting her guests in her newly redecorated parlor. Between the irrepressible Amelia Lathrop, the unpretentious Violet Gardiner, and the clever Elizabeth Darcy, the naïve and shy Georgiana received a lesson in humor and scintillating repartee!
The party gathered together again in the music room where Col. Fitzwilliam was induced to accompany Georgiana with the cello. Darcy stood behind the seated Lizzy with his fingers lightly resting on her neck, unaware that Mr. Lathrop stood behind his wife in the identical inadvertent pose.
“Col. Fitzwilliam,” Lizzy declared, “you play beautifully! I am tremendously impressed.”
The Colonel bowed. “Thank you, Mrs. Darcy; you are very kind. I fear I am rather out of practice. The only opportunity I have to indulge my meager musical talent is here at Pemberley.”
“My husband claims to be as poor a proficient on the violin, yet now I begin to speculate he may not have been totally forthright. How would you evaluate his skills, Colonel, as one artist assessing the other?”
Richard smugly appraised his faintly frowning cousin. “Ah, Mrs. Darcy, you place before me an interesting dilemma. If I judge his talents paltry, then we shall all take pity and not wish to embarrass him by prevailing upon him to play, thus depriving us entertainment, but he shall thank me and be in my debt. If, however, I laud his gift, extolling the unsurpassed skill he wields, then all shall beseech him to grace us with a tune to our delight but I shall likely be soundly pummeled once alone.”
They all laughed. Mr. Lathrop chimed in with his soft voice, “I shall save you, Colonel. Darcy has not seen me for many months so would not likely h
orsewhip me.”
“Do not be too confident, Lathrop,” Darcy interrupted with a growl.
Undeterred, Mr. Lathrop continued with a grin, “Darcy often played at Cambridge and is quite good, although he abhors performing for crowds. Except for that one time, remember, Darcy?”
All eyes were on Darcy, brows raised in question. Richard stifled a chuckle and Mr. Lathrop was grinning broadly. “This is blackmail, old friend.” Darcy said, trying not to smile.
Mr. Lathrop spread his hands innocently, “Simply a reminder of what is possible with the appropriate… influences.”
“What manner of influences, Mr. Darcy, pray tell?” asked Mrs. Lathrop with a dimpled smile. All were staring at Darcy with varying degrees of humor with the exception of Georgiana who was frankly baffled.
Darcy cleared his throat. “Very well. Georgiana, play ‘Largo’ by Handel and then ‘Minuet in G’ by Bach.” Darcy took a moment to tune his instrument, refusing to make eye contact with anyone, and then indicated to his sister that he was prepared.
Lizzy waited with bated breath, anxious to hear her husband, yet feeling tremendous remorse that her thoughtless teasing may have led him to humiliate himself. She acutely recalled her own chagrin at having been coerced by Lady Catherine to display her weak pianoforte abilities. Darcy, however, was reticent by nature and therefore more apt to embarrass.
Upon the first strains, she knew her fears were groundless. Darcy was no virtuoso but he was talented, far surpassing what she had imagined based on his assertions. He and his sister played beautifully together and the entire room was spellbound.
The applause was sincere and lengthy. Darcy bowed and then turned to his cousin. “Richard, one more with your assistance.” Colonel Fitzwilliam took his place at the cello and smiled at the sheets placed before him by Darcy. Georgiana indicated she was ready and they launched into a sterling rendition of “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven, eminently apropos for the season.