Darcy's Temptation (13 page)

Darcy sat for several minutes contemplating the innuendos associated with Harrison's information.“I appreciate your offer to withdraw from my family; however, I doubt my sister would tolerate such actions, but I will ask you to curtail meeting with Georgiana or others within my household until I have in place protection for them and adequate information.”

“I will do as you ask, Mr. Darcy.” Harrison accepted the terms willingly. “Now, we should rejoin the others before they suspect something to be wrong.”

Consumed by his thoughts, Darcy rose. “I assume you are right, Sir. I thank you for your counsel, Mr. Harrison.”

 

After dinner, when the gentlemen rejoined the ladies, Georgiana stirred when Chadwick Harrison reentered the room. Almost invisibly, her eyes suggested he join her on the settee. Looking casual, the man did just that as he turned his attention first to Elizabeth, ignoring Georgiana.

“Mrs. Darcy, I hope Hines Park meets with your approval.”

“It does, Sir; it reminds me of Netherfield Park in size and style, does it not, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth sensed Harrison and Darcy had a new understanding, and she hoped to determine what it could be.

Darcy added without much enthusiasm,“They are comparable.”

Kitty joined them. “Mr. Bingley and my sister let Netherfield in our home county of Hertfordshire.”

“I found Netherfield to be a fine estate for Mr. and Mrs. Bingley,” Georgiana joined the conversation. “As a young couple, the estate could grow with their family.” Georgiana chose her words wisely; Harrison understood her sentiment perfectly well.

“Of course, nothing can live up to Pemberley or to Rosings Park,” Harrison added thoughtfully.

“Mr. Harrison,” Edward asked, “I notice a framed letter from Olaudah Equiano and a copy of his book predominantly displayed in your study. Did you know him, Sir?”

“I met the man only once; I was barely ten at the time. It was shortly before Equiano's death, and I was on a trip with my mother's brother to the Peak District. Equiano gave a reading from his book, convincing my uncle and many other listeners to purchase it. That is the copy you see in my study. Equiano not only wrote the book, he also published it himself by subscription, getting people to advance the money up-front. Later, when I realized the atrocities of the slave trade, I framed my uncle's letter and took steps to preserve the book as a reminder of the social injustices it represents.”

Anne joined Edward on his settee. “You seem quite vocal about your beliefs, Sir.”

“I do not mean to offend, Miss de Bourgh,” Harrison sounded apologetic, “but it is a topic about which I feel passionately. The thoughts of nearly five hundred Africans crammed below deck and living in squalor, chained together as animals, plays heavy on my senses.” Harrison heard Kitty Bennet gasp, but he noted an acknowledgment of his views by Georgiana Darcy's shifting of her weight toward him as if in alignment with his words.

“Then Mr.Wilberforce's Abolition Act has made an impact on slavery?” Edward wanted to clarify his point.

“The law for which Mr. Wilberforce fought eliminated slavery on
British
ships; it has not affected the slave trade on
foreign
ships or in the British colonies.” Harrison tried to mute his feelings and to answer responsibly. “Of late, there has been little political movement for emancipation, and even Mr. Wilberforce is feeling the frustration of the situation. It is my understanding the man intends to resign his Parliamentary seat ofYorkshire for the borough of Bramber.”

“Then even Wilberforce believes it to be a fruitless cause?” Edward's intense interest in politics controlled the conversation.

“William Wilberforce's health has been less than perfect for some time, and being in his fifties, the man needs to refocus his energies, but he has not abandoned the fight. He will introduce a Slave Registration Bill soon. By registering the slaves, he hopes to prove whether the African slavers are still bringing in workers in the colonies.” Harrison knew the conversation made Darcy and several of the women uncomfortable. “However, I monopolized the conversation too long. Let us speak of something more pleasant, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Please tell me about your wedding plans.”

“We originally planned a wedding in late June, but my commission is not complete until that time so I am afraid we will settle for mid-July.” The colonel's voice faded. Harrison cared little for wedding plans, but after his earlier conversation with Darcy, he knew he must avoid the concept of slavery.

The evening ended on a pleasant note with Georgiana and Elizabeth combining their talents for several songs. His wife's voice always brought Darcy contentment, and he smiled at Elizabeth as she sang.

“You are beautiful tonight,” Darcy whispered to her when Elizabeth returned to sit beside him.

“You always say as such, Sir.” Elizabeth squeezed Darcy's hand.

“Your face has been all I have seen since those early days in Meryton. It is what I see in my dreams each night.” Darcy brought Elizabeth's hand to his mouth to kiss the back of it.“I love you, Elizabeth.”

His unexpected words of devotion took her by surprise, and Darcy watched as her eyes welled with tears. “I do not deserve you, my Husband,” she said under her breath,“but I am thankful each day you never gave up on us.” Her eyes rose to meet his in a loving gaze of pure devotion.

 

In their room that evening, Darcy took Elizabeth in his arms. The fire burned down, and they sat quietly staring into the
dying embers. Elizabeth traced his jaw line with her fingertips. Without warning, Darcy took her hand and kissed her palm and the inside of her wrist.

“You seem troubled, my Love.”

“I had an unusual conversation with Mr. Harrison.” Darcy and Elizabeth shared everything; trying to hide thoughts rarely worked so he easily confided in her.

“Mr. Harrison's after-dinner discussion with Edward took on a unique focus,” Elizabeth admitted.

Darcy shifted his weight so he could speak to his wife directly. “Mr. Harrison is concerned for Georgiana's safety due to his interest in her. He feels Captain Rutherford could be a problem; Rutherford opposes all Mr. Harrison believes. The captain has on several occasions questioned Georgiana about Mr. Harrison's beliefs.”

“Is that what played out on the dance floor the other evening?” Elizabeth recognized the exchange as being similar to the one she and Darcy had over George Wickham.

“Evidently. Mr. Harrison offered to withdraw his attentions from Georgiana until I confirm whether the captain should be allowed to be in her company.”

“Mr. Harrison's integrity continues to impress me,” she added absent-mindedly.

“How so?”

“Just as you once considered helping me find an appropriate match so I might be happy, so does Mr. Harrison offer to withdraw from Georgiana. Do you not see why I view the man as having integrity?” Elizabeth stroked Darcy's face once again.

“How did you know I considered finding you another mate?” Darcy asked in disbelief.

“Your sister likes to relate our courtship to Kitty,” Elizabeth teased.

“I must speak to Georgiana.” Darcy pretended to be upset, but his smile told Elizabeth his love for her never stopped.“But
what should we do about Captain Rutherford?” He brought the conversation back to the issue at hand.

“Of course, we must learn more of the captain. Is it possible he simply opposes Mr. Harrison's views without a strong compunction to cause harm?”

“I suppose it to be so,” Darcy mused. “Yet, if the captain's allies are more aggressive, we need to know that also.”

“Certainly, Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth snuggled into Darcy's shoulder once again.“We will protect Georgiana together.”

“You said earlier you did not deserve me; it is I who has grown from knowing you, my dearest Elizabeth.” Darcy kissed her forehead and pulled his wife even closer.

“I will be happy to return to Pemberley,” Elizabeth said dreamily.“I miss our home.”

“Do you consider Pemberley your home?” Darcy asked, stroking her arm and listening to the regularity of Elizabeth's breathing.

“Wherever you are is my home. Elizabeth traced Darcy's lips with her fingertips. “But I admit to no longer thinking of Longbourn as my home; I belong to you and to Pemberley.”

Darcy tilted Elizabeth's chin to seek her mouth with his. The depth of the kiss increased as Elizabeth edged even closer to him. “You are stunning.” Darcy's breath came out in short bursts.

“My love for you cannot be expressed in words, Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth kissed him again as her hands interlocked behind his head, pulling him down to her.

 

In the middle of the night, Darcy felt Elizabeth touch his face. “Fitzwilliam.” She whispered close to his ear. “Fitzwilliam, wake up.”

Darcy rolled toward her but fought to stay asleep. “What is it, my Love?” Darcy slurred the words.

“The baby,” she said to his face, “it moved.The quickening began.” Elizabeth's words held her delight.

Darcy's eyes shot open as what she said zigzagged through his subconscious. “Lizzy? When?” He reached out to touch Elizabeth's abdomen.

“Just now,” she giggled.

Darcy kissed Elizabeth deeply. “You are my one true love,” he whispered.

“Feel, Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth took his hand and pressed it to her lower stomach.

The fascination went across Darcy's face.“What an extraordinary sensation!” he teased.“To think that is our child.” Darcy's eyes encompassed Elizabeth as he bent to kiss her once again.

“Our child likes the feel of your hand, Sir,” Elizabeth clasped his hand to her as the child moved sporadically,“as do I.”

Darcy laughed. “It is so soon,” he thought out loud. “I did not think the quickening would begin for another few weeks. At least, that is what Mrs. Reynolds told me.”

“So our child has a mind of his own.” Elizabeth snaked her arms around Darcy's neck and pressed herself to him.

“
His
own?” Darcy taunted.“Do you believe it to be a boy?”

“I cannot know,” Elizabeth said, kissing Darcy's neck, “but the child will be loved.That is of importance.”

“Conceived in love to live with love.” Darcy deepened the kiss he planted on her mouth, needing to feel Elizabeth's desires. “I love you, my Lizzy.” His mouth captured hers again and again, wrapping her in his love and satisfying a hunger he knew only when in Elizabeth's presence.

 

The Darcy party prepared for the departure from Hines Park. Hannah and Henry supervised the placement of the luggage for Darcy's coach. Anne and Edward, with Mrs. Jenkinson, left earlier.

“Miss Bennet and Miss Darcy.” Mr. Harrison stood and made a bow. “May I have the pleasure of showing you the gardens before you depart?”

Kitty did not particularly want to see the gardens; she thought only of returning to Pemberley and seeing Clayton Ashford again, but she saw Georgiana give her a fleeting glance so Kitty knew her response.“That would be most pleasant, Mr. Harrison,” she said, and smiled at the man. “You will join us, will you not, Georgiana?”

Georgiana dropped her eyes, unable to look at Harrison without betraying her thoughts.“I would enjoy it,” she said softly.

Harrison led both girls through the maze of hedgerows and beech trees to the garden's center fountain. Kitty graciously pretended to admire some plantings far enough away from Harrison and Georgiana to allow them to speak freely but close enough to maintain propriety.

“Miss Darcy,” Harrison spoke anxiously, “please forgive my rashness, but I fear we have only a few moments.” He looked about nervously.

“Speak what you will, Sir.” Georgiana swallowed hard as she lowered her voice.

“I spoke to your brother about Captain Rutherford.” Harrison saw confusion come into her eyes. “I cannot explain now—the captain is dangerous. Please trust me, Miss Darcy. That is all I can tell you at this time.”

“You spoke to Fitzwilliam?” Georgiana's eyes darted to where Kitty stood.

“I wanted to be sure you are safe.” Harrison's urgency enveloped Georgiana. “I
must
know no harm comes your way because of me.”

“I do not understand, Sir.”

“It is complicated; just do not believe the captain, please, Miss Darcy,” Harrison pleaded with her. “You must trust me on this.”

Georgiana's response came at last; her eyes rose and looked deeply into the man's. “I trust you, Mr. Harrison,” she whispered. “I trust you with my life.”

The intensity between them stood thick among the overhanging branches. Their eyes never left each other. Georgiana knew what Harrison thought at that moment; the desire streamed from him; she felt he undressed her with his eyes. “Georgiana,” his voice caressed her as if his hands actually touched her face.

“Chadwick,” Georgiana returned his familiarity as a hint of a smile turned up the corners of her mouth. Again, no words came, but meaning and understanding held them together.

Suddenly aware of the change in their situation, Kitty Bennet loudly cleared her voice. “Please, Georgiana,” Kitty coaxed as softly as she could,“your brother is coming this way.”

The words reached Georgiana's senses; bewildered, she turned to Kitty.

“Mr. Darcy walks this way,” Kitty cautioned Georgiana.

Georgiana thanked Kitty with a nearly imperceptible nod and then let out a soft laugh before saying to Mr. Harrison, “Did you learn of the local well dressings, then, Mr. Harrison?”