The Road to Pemberley Read Free

and Elizabeth might as well have been alone.
    Darcy was not sure whether she had meant for him to overhear her muttering. With a deep sigh, Elizabeth turned to him. “It is abhorrent of me to complain after all your ministrations on my sister’s behalf. Forgive me, Mr. Darcy.”
    Darcy watched carefully, expecting Elizabeth to turn her moment of envy into another disparagement of her own failings, but she did no such thing. Evidently, this was a private moment: Elizabeth would show him a face that spoke the truth: Her mother’s preference bruised his future wife’s feelings. “I would forgive you
anything, Elizabeth, if we could move beyond your calling me Mr. Darcy. Could you not call me by my given name?”
    She smiled broadly. “You wish for me to call you Fitzwilliam? I would enjoy that, sir.”
    â€œThen say it, Elizabeth,” he whispered hoarsely—his breathing suddenly constricted. Her eyes mesmerized him. The effect she had on him always took Darcy by surprise.
    Elizabeth leaned in closer, unaware of what she did to his composure. “Fitzwilliam, have I told you how happy I am to become your wife?” she murmured softly.
    Desire shot through Darcy. He had planned to kiss her this evening—had actually dreamed how it would be. His finger now traced a line from her temple to her chin. “You, my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, do not know how long I have waited for you to say so.”
    Realizing their impropriety, Elizabeth blushed and leaned away from him. “May we speak of the wedding, sir?”
    Darcy sighed but he said evenly, “Of course, Miss Elizabeth. What do you wish to settle?”
    Elizabeth turned to him again. “We must agree on the ceremony’s date. Do you favor a long engagement?”
    Darcy straightened his shoulders, a posture he automatically adopted when completing business transactions; and, after all, among his society, marriage was a business. “I have waited to claim you for a year. I must admit that I am of the persuasion to finalize that claim as soon as possible, but I am not insensitive to the fact that this is a greater change for you. You must leave your home and family behind to start a new life with me. And although I wish to have you on Pemberley’s staircase when I return from my trips, I will understand if you insist on a longer waiting period.”
    Elizabeth blushed again. “You have thought of me with you at Pemberley, Fitzwilliam?” she asked sweetly.

    Darcy smiled. “You would be shocked, Elizabeth, at how often each day you enter my mind.”
    â€œHow often?” she prompted.
    â€œToo often,” he growled quietly. “And in too many ways.” Then he was silent, willing away his arousal with a mental recitation of multiplication tables.
    â€œOh!” she said and gasped. A long pause followed. Elizabeth glanced at Kitty, who was sketching a fashionable dress pattern. “Except for my father, I do not believe anyone here will realize I am gone,” she murmured. Her face was sad for a moment, and then she turned to Darcy with a smile. “A shorter engagement seems advisable,” she said with more confidence. “Mr. Bingley tells me that the North Road can be hazardous in winter. If we are to Derbyshire, it would be judicious to do so sooner rather than later.”
    â€œMr. Bingley is correct. Derbyshire winters can be cruel. Plus, I would wish to celebrate the holidays at Pemberley. Georgiana and I have spent the past few Christmases in London. It is my dream to take you to my home and for you to share it with my sister. With your acceptance, I will instruct Mrs. Reynolds to open up the house for a winter ball. We have not held one at Pemberley for more than a decade. I can introduce my new wife—the estate’s new mistress—to my close family and friends.”
    Darcy saw Elizabeth’s look of apprehension, although she tried to hide it.