Darcy and Fitzwilliam: A Tale of a Gentleman and an Officer

Caroline was in love with Darcy. Oh! Good heavens, Elizabeth. Only took you a year and a half to figure this one out—so much for your quick mind. I must ask him about this. I wonder if he knew how much Caroline may have loved him. Lizzy wrinkled up her nose in revulsion while a surprisingly belligerent-looking female stared back at her from the mirror. One eyebrow arched. Upon further reflection, perhaps it would be unwise to remind him. If he did know, it would only bring back those memories. If he did not know, it could cause him to think of what might have been. No, no, no, that’s ridiculous. I’m surely more secure than that.

***

She entered their bedroom to see her husband at the windows, staring pensively out over one of Pemberley’s beautiful small lakes, brooding thoughts apparently taking him a dozen miles away. There was a troubled look on his face that cleared immediately upon seeing her. “There you are, little one. Did you know I was watching you brush your hair for quite a while? You were so lost in your thoughts you braided and unbraided your hair twice.” Wearily, he rubbed his hand across his eyes as he walked toward her. “Have a care, Lizzy, you’ll be bald within the year, brushing with that much ferocity.”

He came to a stop before her, a contented smile on his face as his eyes swept lovingly over her. It was a pleasant surprise to him how her young woman’s body was already changing subtly with her expectancy—her delicate breasts beginning to swell, her slim hips becoming rounder. “How are we feeling? Has the child moved yet?” He pulled her into his arms, wrapping them protectively about her as he hugged her close.

She nuzzled into his chest. “Heavens no, we’re not even two months into this. I shouldn’t even have begun to show yet—or have I?” Like a purring cat, she rubbed her cheek against the exposed part of his open shirt and kissed his skin, the smell and warmth of it always arousing. “Do I look heavier?” Although she was laughing, she appeared nervous, vulnerable.

“No, of course not. You look beautiful, incandescent. You are Mother Earth.” He gave her bottom an affectionate pat as they walked toward the bed. Lizzy’s side had already been turned down, the counterpane folded neatly across the foot. She climbed in, and he tenderly covered her, then he blew out the candle on her nightstand.

“William…” she began as she held up his side of the comforter, smiling sweetly at him as he climbed in.

“Yeeessss, Mrs. Darcy…” He drew her body to him, kissing her soft, white neck, his hand moving sensuously down her side and around to cup that darling little bottom he loved so. Deeply inhaling the sweet powder scent at the swell of her breasts, he tugged the tiny bow of her nightgown open with his teeth.

“I have a rather delicate question to put to you.”

He groaned and chuckled. “Can’t it wait, Lizzy?” he murmured into her cleavage and then licked her there delicately. “I am otherwise occupied at the moment. Just getting to the good part, if you catch what I mean.”

He felt her body stiffen in his arms. “No, William, it cannot wait. Not if you want my full participation.” He stopped at once. It was very quiet as he lifted his head up to rest on his hand.

“Well, this sounds a trifle ominous. Very good, Mrs. Darcy, I am at your service. Ask away.”

In the darkness he felt more than saw Lizzy lean back onto her pillow, uncharacteristically hesitant and unsure of herself. It had been difficult for him to put brakes to his lust, but he sensed that something was bothering her this evening. Suddenly he became fearful about the pregnancy and braced himself up onto his elbow, trying to make out the look in her eyes. His hand brushed hair from her face then covered her stomach. “What is it, dearest? Is it the babe?”

“Did you ever have the feeling that Caroline Bingley was in love with you?” She blurted the question out before she could think twice.

He was startled, but initial relief quickly rushed through him, an amused grin teasing the corners of his mouth. “From where, in heaven’s name, is this question coming?”

She let out the breath she had been holding. “Nowhere, really. My mind just wandered as I brushed, grown weary, I suppose, of being concerned with nursemaids and new clothes for after the confinement. I believe it is a fairly straightforward question, however. Was she in love with you?”

“Caroline Bingley was involved with several men, Elizabeth.”

A premonition, only a slight quiver, touched at Lizzy’s heart.