Page 74 of Through the Eyes of Love

“Of course, my love. It is all I can think about. Why do you doubt me?”

She tried to speak through her tears. “I never slept with my husband. After. . . well, you know, he left me to sleep in his chambers.”

Richard rose and locked the door. “I meant what I wrote with a full heart. No matter what, I shall always hold you in my arms at night, and that is where you will find yourself when we wake in the morning. Do you believe me?”

“I love you so much, Richard.” He took her in his arms and brushed her lips gently. She could not help herself and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. They soon lost themselves in expressing their love for each other.

* * *

Elizabeth was grinningas she greeted Jane when she came to visit the next day. She was probably going to ask too many questions! “How are you today, my dearest sister?” asked her host.

“I am ecstatic. After what happened with Bingley, I never dreamt I could be so overcome with joy. Here we are—both happily in love!”

“I am so relieved to hear it. Darcy and I were anxious that you accepted Richard because you did not wish to be alone.”

“Did Mr. Bingley hurt me? Yes, but I realize now that my heart was never truly engaged. Richard wrote me the most beautiful love letter and I slept with it clutched to my heart. I feelsafe and protected with him and I can assure you that I love him and trust he will be true to me. He is the best of men and I wish we were married already!”

“Sister dear,” Elizabeth teased, “whatever do you mean by that?”

“Yesterday, he came to Stockton Hall, and we were alone in the drawing room and. . .” After watching her sister’s face, she continued. “You need not look at me like that—we have not consummated our love, but I must confess, I look forward to it. I have been embarrassed to tell you that Henry and I never slept together. If he came to me at night—well, he left me and slept in his room. When I was in Richard’s arms and we were. . .you know, for the first time in my life I enjoyed the physical aspects of love—more than I can say. I need not remind you I have never felt that way before.”

“I could not be more pleased to hear it.”

“Hear what?” Darcy asked as he entered the room.

The two women tittered, and Elizabeth told her husband, “It is a private matter which will remain between sisters.”

“Very well, I shall not press you for more information. Jane, I have been thinking about your wedding and would like to suggest you and Richard marry here at the Pemberley Chapel or at the church in Kympton. Your sister is not able to travel, and I am certain you will want her there. We can discuss a date when we are all together. Unless you plan to run off to Gretna Green, we would be delighted to host the celebratory breakfast at the manor house.”

“Thank you for your offer. I cannot imagine marrying without Lizzy there. I am sure Richard will agree to marry here but I must speak to my betrothed before anything is decided.” Jane smiled and added, “I never grow tired of saying that.”

CHAPTER 17

Aloud commotion in the entryway startled Elizabeth as she sat peacefully near the fire and embroidered a baby blanket. Before she discovered the source of the noise, an older woman shoved her way past a footman and scowled as she perused the drawing room until their eyes met. The lady poked her cane towards her and snarled, “You, I presume, are Elizabeth Bennet—the conniving snake who stole my daughter’s betrothed. You willleavehere at once and crawl back into whatever hole you slithered out of.”

Who was this rude, condescending woman? Why did she think she had the right to barge into her home, and what was she ranting about? Elizabeth took a deep breath, stood, and calmly responded. “Madam, I am ElizabethDarcy. May I know to whom Iam speaking?” The woman who stood before her was dressed in thick layers of black silk and lace, and on her head sat a large black bonnet adorned with enormous black feathers. Was she in mourning? In any case, she had no right to speak to her that way.I should have used my face cream today—this ill-mannered woman was bound to mention my birthmark.

“You claim to have no idea whose noble personage has demeaned herself to enter this shack? You will show me thedeference due to a person of my rank. How dare you wear my dear sister’s jewels! You are a disgrace to her name! I should rip them from your miserable neck!” The older woman moved towards her. Her sister’s jewels? Was this Fitzwilliam’s aunt?

“That is quite enough, madam!” Fitzwilliam’s pronouncement boomed from behind her, and the old woman stopped at the sound. “She is mywifeand if you take another step towards her, I shall have the footmen pick you up and carry you from our home.”

Elizabeth had held her breath and cringed when the harridan spoke, but now that Fitzwilliam was here, she exhaled, her relief palpable.

“Why are you here, Lady Catherine? Where is Anne?”

“Nowyou pretend to care about the woman to whom you have been betrothed since you were in your cradles—it was the dearest wish of your beloved mother that our children marry. I told you in my letter that I would have this sham of a marriage annulled, and I meant it.”

Elizabeth covered her mouth as she gasped and tension enveloped her body. Could Lady Catherine possibly have their marriage dissolved? She and Fitzwilliam had been married in church, and everything was done according to the law. She wished to believe the older woman was only blustering, yet Elizabeth was afraid for herself and her unborn child. What would happen to her and her baby if this old crone had her way?

Lady Catherine’s nostrils flared as she addressed Fitzwilliam. “I have already written to the archbishop to see what can be done.Myrequest is respected by the highest authorities—we must maintain the high standards of our family! That fool Collins was correct when he told me her face bears the mark of the devil. She must have used her evil powers to lure you into a marriage you would never have considered if you were in your right mind. Darcy, you are such a fool—just because this. . .thisseductress was kind to you after the fire was no reason to marry her. I see she has already fallen with child, but it is of no significance—these situations are easily dealt with. A sufficient monetary settlement is all it takes.” Lady Catherine made a dismissive sweeping motion in the air. This was unacceptable, but what could she do? Her ladyship was a powerful woman.

“Stop! That is enough of your nonsense.” Her husband spoke through gritted teeth. He must have lost his patience with his aunt. “My father told me that my mother’s dying wish was for her children to find happiness in their lives, and that is what I have done. For the last time, Anne and I wereneverbetrothed, and I was released from my agreement to wed Lady Beatrice more than a year ago. The only personI haveaskedto marry me is now my wife. Your ridiculous notion that Anne and I wed is only in your imagination.” Fitzwilliam moved to stand beside Elizabeth. “As for your remarks regarding my wife’s beautiful face, it is all rubbish, and you willneverspeak of it again. Elizabeth and I are married. We shall remain married, and you can to nothing about the situation. Again, I ask, where is Anne? Did you leave her alone at Rosings?” What a speech! His fervour reminded her that she was blessed to have a husband who supported her and showed concern about his cousin as well.

“She is in the carriage.”

“What? You left her outside on a cold, windy day so you could enter my home, insult my wife, and spew your venom?” Fitzwilliam marched out of the room and moments later returned with a frail, ashen-faced woman in his arms. “Anne, I am going to set you down on the chaise near the fire,” he spoke quietly. “You will get better—Elizabeth and I shall see to it.”

“Thank you, Darcy. I knew I could count on you to provide me with the care my mother has seen fit to withhold.” Her voice was quiet, but her eyes shot daggers at her mother.