Page 77 of Midnight at Pemberley

He tossed the paper on the desk with disgust. The information brought his reprieve to a close. He had enjoyed being the master of Pemberley, overseeing his properties, scouring the newspapers for political pieces that would affect his tenants or his business holdings, treating Georgiana in an attentive way, and stealing romantic moments with his wife. This could be his life if not for an ancient hex. “We have news from one of Bramwell’s agents. He has located Wickham’s home.”

Elizabeth moved quickly to grab the letter. “Where?” Her eyes searched the words for the answer.

“Near Chillingham.” Darcy crossed the room, putting space between him and the damnable missive. Hands resting on the sill, he took up a sentry position at the window overlooking the south lawn, where he had wrestled in the snow with Elizabeth only a week prior.

From behind, she encircled his waist with her arms and rested her head against his back. “What causes your grief? Did not Bramwell’s men do a thorough job?”

Darcy sighed. “On the contrary. They were very professional.”

“Then I do not understand. Are you not happy to know where we might find Wickham?”

Darcy clasped her hands tightly. He did not answer for several moments, choosing instead to keep up his vigil and to enjoy the warmth of Elizabeth’s body along his back. “I cannot in all honesty say I find the report fortuitous.”

Elizabeth released her hold and came to stand before him. “Will you not search Wickham out?”

“For what purpose? The chance to die or have you die?” He looked away, not wishing to see the censure in her eyes. “I will not put you in danger again, Elizabeth. I will not risk it. You are too precious to me.”

Elizabeth’s hands balled into fists at her sides, her frustration evident. “But we must stop him!”

He frowned. “Why is it my duty to protect everyone from Wickham?” Darcy, at a loss to explain why things had changed, stalked away from her, horribly and disturbingly uncomfortable. “I willingly accept the obligation of safeguarding my family and my tenants. I would even defend the village. But who named me the caretaker of all of England?”

Elizabeth stormed after him. “You sound like those weak-willed members of Parliament who are eager to forgive the French just for the sake of peace!”

“Even England cannot protect the world, Elizabeth. It can only effectively protect its own borders. That is what I want. I want to preserve what we have. Do you not understand? Am I not defeating Wickham simply by doing that very thing? By not permitting his evil to overtake me?”

“We have devoted ourselves to learning more of the curse simply to permit Wickham his freedom?” she demanded before bursting into sobs.

Seeing her so distraught, Darcy scooped her into his arms. “Have not the past days been glorious? Just you and I and the hope springing from every wall of Pemberley? We can have that every day, Elizabeth. Wickham cannot reach us here.”

“He brought his destruction to the neighborhood before. Why would he not come again?” she countered.

“Because he came prior only to test me.” Darcy lifted her chin with his fingers. “I have learned my lessons. I am an opponent he does not wish to face. He will not come again.”

Elizabeth’s bottom lip trembled. “Then we just … go on with our lives?”

Darcy traced her lips with his fingertips. “Do you not wish for a family, Elizabeth? I have thought of little else for days. We could adopt, just as you said. We could make everyone think you are carrying my child. Then off we go to one of the hundreds of foundling homes spread throughout the land. It will be our secret.”

“What of my maid? Would she not know?” Elizabeth inquired skeptically.

He reasoned, “I will become your handmaid for several months. Our servants would view me as an eccentric, doting husband and father. After all, I have been observed upon numerous occasions kissing my wife. As your time for delivery draws near, we will be called away on a family emergency, and you will deliver before we return.” His excitement grew. “Choose a son or a daughter. I do not care. We can repeat the process again in a year or two. How many children do you desire? I considered two, but a half dozen would make me even happier.”

“You wish me to miraculously have six children?” Elizabeth wondered aloud.

“We must take creative measures.”

“Georgiana’s children would be denied their birthright with such a ruse.”

“My sister has a large dowry. She will marry well and her family will not suffer. I can bequeath them an inheritance. Think upon it. We end the curse with my passing, and our children will keep Pemberley and my family’s legacy great. We have the resources to raise a large family.”

“What if I wish for my own children?”

Darcy assumed a serious mien. “Then I will swallow my pride and permit you a discreet assignation.”

“I wish only to know you, William.” Her voice was small.

He lowered his voice to share a delicate secret. “I have been thinking. There are means, Elizabeth, … ways I could pleasure you without … without our being … together.”

“I said I wished to lie with my husband,” she asserted.