Page 50 of Midnight at Pemberley

“I apologize.” She backed out of the room, embarrassed at having intruded on his privacy.

“No,” he called, moving quickly to prevent her retreat. “Please do not leave.” He caught her wrist and held Elizabeth in place.

“I should not have come.” She flushed with color.

He gave her hand a tug in his direction. “You are my wife. You need never apologize for entering this room.” He loosened his grip, but he did not release her hand. “Come join me.”

He reclined upon a chaise, before settling her between his outstretched legs. Elizabeth leaned against his bare chest, sighing as his arms encircled her. “This is comfortable, Sir,” she murmured, snuggling into him. He kissed the top of her head and gently rubbed her shoulders. “I came to thank you.” She kissed his chest and heard Darcy’s breath catch in his throat.

“I do not believe I deserve thanks.” His voice sounded strained.

Elizabeth turned in his arms so she might face him. “Oh, but you do. My wardrobe is filled with new gowns and finery such as I could never imagine. I do not merit such extravagance.”

“Then Madame Lucinda finished her work? I hoped as such.” Darcy kissed the tip of her nose.

“It is not just gowns. It is these!” She reached into a pocket of her wrapper and pulled out a pair of silk stockings. “Feel how fine these are.” She handed them to Darcy.

Darcy chuckled lightly. “I think I would prefer them on your legs when I touch them. When I purchased them, it was with such a thought.”

“Mr. Darcy, you are a cad!” Elizabeth swatted at his chest.

Darcy leaned forward to kiss her tenderly. “Am I not to appreciate the beauty of my wife?” He pulled her closer. “You should know when a man desires something as I do you, he will do what he must to possess it.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, overcome by the scent of his maleness. “I will wear them especially for you.” His arms tightened about her. They remained as such until she sat up with a start. “Oh, I forgot.” She was filled with excitement. “Wait here. I have something for you.”

She scrambled from the chaise before Darcy could stop her. “Elizabeth,” he called out, “this is not necessary.”

Within seconds, she reappeared in the doorway of his dressing room. Her hands were clasped behind her as she approached. “This is not as sensual as a pair of silk stockings,” she began.

“Three pairs,” her husband corrected.

“Yes, three pairs,” she said and laughed. “But I hope my small gesture will please you. It is a token of my regard.”

Darcy sat up to accept the package. He unwrapped the string and brown paper. Elizabeth watched as he lightly touched the raised letters on the front of the book. “You remembered our first conversation in the Netherfield library,” he said.

“There is little about you I forget.”

When he opened the book to read the inscription, suddenly shy, Elizabeth looked away. Yet, she had nothing of which to worry. He took her in his arms. “Oh, my love.” He lowered his head to kiss her in earnest.

Elizabeth had no idea what her heartfelt present would do to her husband’s composure. He deepened the kiss and clasped her harder to him. Their mouths angled. For a few minutes, they were both lost until Darcy’s reason resurfaced. “Elizabeth,” he moaned as he broke the kiss.

“I must purchase a library full of books if this is my reward.”

Darcy released her and backed away. He raked his fingers through his hair. “I cannot do this, Elizabeth.”

She stood there, stunned.

“I cannot succumb to your charms! I cannot ruin your life by touching you the way I wish to touch you!”

“William,” she whispered softly.

“I made you my wife to protect you from Wickham. I will not allow my passion to rule me,” he declared.

“William, when I am with you, I am happier than I have ever been.”

“I feel the same.” His words soothed her disappointment. “But I must control my urges,” he continued, causing her fresh pain. “As husband and wife, we will spend time together during the day, but at night, I will sleep in my chambers, and you will sleep in yours. Lock your door, Elizabeth. My resolve is strong now, but it could weaken.”

“We will not act as you describe, Mr. Darcy,” she countered in defiant tones. “Ours is considered a love match. Your staff will say you married me because you compromised me. They will criticize your bringing your sister into the house with a woman of loose morals.”