Page 41 of Midnight at Pemberley

“Come, Lizzy.” Mrs. Bennet stood suddenly. “Let us see to your packing.”

Darcy reached for Elizabeth’s hand. “If you would hold no objections, Mrs. Bennet, might I ask for a moment of privacy with Elizabeth? Perhaps in the garden?”

“Certainly, Mr. Darcy.”

Once outside, their pretense of an engagement ended. “Elizabeth, what have you done?”

“I committed myself to you. Would you have me do otherwise?” Suddenly, his hesitation angered her.

“What if I cannot protect you from Wickham?” He voiced his worries.

“Perhaps you are correct. I am safer without you! How could I have thought you cared? Consider the matter at an end, Mr. Darcy!” She meant to jerk her hand free of his, but Darcy would have none of it.

“Elizabeth, please listen. You are a beautiful woman, and any man would thank the gods to have you. You looked into my soul and accepted what I showed no other. I question your choice—not mine. We can never consummate our marriage. I will not chance bringing a son into this world. My opinion on that matter has not altered. Are you willing to accept never knowing a child of your own?”

“We could adopt, William.” Her voice was a mix of innocence and determination.

Darcy dabbed her tears away. “Could you live such a life, Elizabeth, never knowing the passion of the wedding bed? I cannot share you with someone else. I care too much for you. I will not spread my seed elsewhere, nor can I tolerate your giving yourself to another.”

Elizabeth confirmed, “I will be satisfied with what we have, William. Having only part of you would be superior to knowing anyone else fully.”

Darcy studied her closely. His lovely Elizabeth was so full of goodness. “You will want for nothing, Elizabeth. I promise you. We can travel—see all the places of which you have dreamed. Anything you want.”

“I want to be with you, William—then I will be happy.”

He brought the back of her hand to his lips. “Then you will be my Vixen forever.”

Impulsively, Elizabeth took his hand in both of hers. “Keep this kiss,” She brushed her lips over his palm. “For when you miss me the most.”

“You are a tease!” He traced her mouth with his fingertips.

“Which you more than appreciate, Sir.”

He laughed that deep rolling laugh he shared only with her. “You make me feel alive.”

“Wickham said something similar.” She spoke the creature’s name with distaste.

Darcy’s attention was suddenly on alert. “Of what do you speak?”

Elizabeth directed him towards the nearest bench. “Mr. Wickham claimed your powers are stronger since we met. He said such was the reason to eliminate me.”

“I never explored the depth of my legacy until there was you.” In distraction, his fingers massaged the back of her wrist.

“To rid ourselves of Mr. Wickham, we must explore all possibilities. Evidently, he fears these newfound powers of yours.”

Darcy looked about to assure their privacy. “I thought I killed him today.”

“I saw,” Elizabeth said solemnly.

Darcy spoke in shared astonishment. “I thought … I know this sounds impossible … I thought the silver of the sword would kill him.”

Elizabeth challenged him. “Who says it did not?”

“He disappeared as he always does, so I must assume he still exists. I aimed for his heart. I do not understand how I failed.”

“Wickham has no heart. No wonder you missed it.”

Darcy snorted. “Maybe the sword was not real silver.”