The Road to Pemberley Read Free Page A

“Then after the calling of the banns…how much longer after that?” she thought aloud.
    Darcy’s lips curved upward. “If it were my choice, the very next day after the third calling.”
    â€œMy sister and Mr. Bingley have chosen the Monday after our third Sunday for their date. Do you wish for a double wedding, Mr. Darcy?”

    He frowned. “I had not considered a double wedding, nor had I foreseen our final banns would be called so close to Miss Bennet’s chosen day.” His voice took on an encouraging tone. “Despite my close association with Bingley, I would not be pleased to share the day of our joining with his and Miss Bennet’s. I would rather have you, not your sister, be the center of attention in your first hours as my wife.”
    Elizabeth expelled a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam,” she whispered, “for understanding. I love Jane, but the day I become Mrs. Darcy is not a day I would want to share with another.”
    â€œThen a week after the final calling,” he declared. “That is a month from this Sunday. Is that sufficient time, Elizabeth?”
    â€œIt is perfect, Fitzwilliam. The first week of November,” she said wistfully.

    â€œYour hat, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said teasingly as she clung to his arm.
    â€œWalk me out,” he said softly. He caught her hand and tugged Elizabeth along behind him. As soon as they were away from the lights of Longbourn’s windows, Darcy pulled her into his embrace.
    â€œFitzwilliam,” she said and giggled. But she willingly leaned against him, resting her head on Darcy’s chest. He wrapped his greatcoat about her, both to keep her warm and to keep her in his embrace.
    He bent his head to speak into her ear. “Elizabeth,” he rasped, “it is my intention to kiss you.” He felt her stiffen. “If you do not want this, then you should return to the house immediately.” Darcy waited for her decision. When she remained in his arms, he felt exhilaration. Elizabeth would accept his kiss. He lifted her chin and lowered his mouth to hers.

    He kept one arm about her to steady her. With his other hand, Darcy cupped her chin, tilting her head gently upward. Elizabeth was an innocent and he took his time. He brushed his lips across hers before adding some pressure. He skimmed his tongue along her lip’s line, and she opened for him. Even then, Darcy did not deepen the kiss—just enjoyed the possibility. After a few moments, he reluctantly removed his lips from hers. “You are delicious,” he whispered.
    Elizabeth clung to his coat’s lapels, but she breathed the words, “So are you.”
    Darcy recognized her blush’s heat as he bent to kiss the tip of her nose. “We will take my curricle and see some of the countryside tomorrow,” he declared.
    â€œOrders, Mr. Darcy?” she taunted as she released her hold and prepared to move away.
    He slid his hands down Elizabeth’s arms, capturing her hands in his. Darcy chuckled. “My dear, our relationship is new. Of course, you will not object if I issue orders. It is only after we marry that you will voice your opposition.”
    Elizabeth stepped back. “Have you learned nothing of my nature, Mr. Darcy? There is a stubbornness about me that the will of others cannot quash. With every attempt to intimidate me, my courage always rises.”
    Darcy laughed warmly. “Now there is the Elizabeth Bennet who has plagued my every waking moment for a year.” He caught her hand again and led Elizabeth to where his horse stood waiting. “I will call for you at ten.”
    â€œYes, Fitzwilliam,” she said a little too sweetly to be sincere. “I shall be anticipating it.”
    Darcy kissed her forehead. “Good evening, Elizabeth. I, too, will anticipate the day and hour.”

    She sat quietly beside him as Darcy deftly worked the reins to turn the