Free The Darcys of Pemberley by Shannon Winslow

the
presence of Mrs. Bennet at the ball being one calamity for which
Elizabeth felt her strength of fortitude totally unequal.
    The week prior to the event, the rarified
tranquility of the house necessarily yielded to an atmosphere of
industrious activity. Everywhere servants bustled to ready
accommodations for overnight guests, to lay in stores of food and
other supplies, and to polish bright each surface of every room.
Out of doors, the grounds were carefully groomed and the stables
prepared for the extra horses and carriages expected. By the day of
the ball, Pemberley stood ready to receive and delight her
guests.
    Upstairs that evening, equal pains were taken
to ensure that the principal parties would also display to best
advantage. Mr. Darcy, with his excellent tall person and noble
bearing, needed little assistance to look the dignified host; a new
suit of clothes in impeccable taste sufficed. The ladies naturally
required more exertion on their behalf. Maids worked to style and
ornament their hair, to powder and perfume their skin, and to dress
them in all their finery.
    To Mr. Darcy went the privilege of first
viewing the outcome of these efforts. When he finally gained
admittance to his wife’s dressing room, he stopping short at the
sight of her. Elizabeth watched his countenance carefully, anxious
for a clear sign of approval. She was left in suspense for some
time as his eyes traveled silently up and down, savoring as they
went.
    At length, Darcy recovered his voice. “You
take my breath away, Elizabeth.”
    A wave of delicious relief flooded through
her. Her eyes shone as she closed the space between them, threw her
arms about her husband’s neck, and impetuously kissed him, long and
with enthusiasm.
    At his first opportunity, Darcy interrupted
her. “Although this is … exceedingly agreeable, Lizzy, I
must recommend that you disengage yourself … while you still can.
The careful arrangement of your hair and attire are every moment in
more serious jeopardy. If you persist in tempting me, I shall not
be answerable for my actions.”
    Elizabeth laughed and released him. “Were it
not for the dozens of guests about to arrive on our doorstep, you
would never escape so easily, sir.”
    “Nor would you, madam, I assure you,” Darcy
murmured. “Now, I have something for you.” Reaching into his
pocket, he brought out a small lacquered box and opened it.
    “Oh, Darcy, how exquisite!” Elizabeth gasped,
astonished by the sight of the magnificent amethyst and diamond
pendant within.
    He took the jewel-encrusted ornament and
fastened it about her neck, where it settled just below the hollow
of her ivory throat. “It was my mother’s, a present from my father.
I have been waiting for the right time to give it to you. I thought
you should have it tonight, my love,” he said as he stepped back to
admire the competed picture. “Yes, that is its rightful place.”
    “It is simply stunning, darling. Thank you,”
Elizabeth said gazing in the mirror. Then a shadow crossed her
face. “But Georgiana; should this not go to her? It was her mother’s and this is her birthday.”
    “You are good to think of her, but there is
no need. Georgiana inherited the rest of my mother’s jewels. This
piece was left specifically to me, the intent being that I should
bestow it on my wife, and that it would eventually pass to our
son’s wife, staying in the Darcy line,” he explained.”
    “Well, that is fortunate indeed,” Elizabeth
said lightheartedly, “for I have already grown quite attached to
it. I would not have given it up cheerfully, despite what I said.
Now I shall wear it without the least pang of conscience.”
    Elizabeth’s scruples thus swept away, the
pair proceeded down the corridor to collect Georgiana. She emerged
from her room flushed and in fine form, her elegant figure set off
by the blue silk gown specially made for the occasion. Darcy
experienced a revelation at the vision before him.