Mrs Collins' Lover Page 16

  “I had not considered it was Holy Week,” she whispered into his shoulder as he kissed her hair.

  Her chest constricted with guilt and she buried her face in his neck.

  “Hush,” he whispered. His hands moved over her back, reassuring and comforting. “I had not thought of it either. My mind was solely upon you.” He hesitated. “Shall I notify Mrs. Abernathy we are unable to attend her to-morrow?”

  “No!” Elizabeth pulled back. “I mean, oh dear, I … William?” She looked at him beseechingly. “To-night is Maundy Thursday service. The church will be prepared for Good Friday to-morrow, so there will be nothing for me to do in the morning, but I will be unable to … visit Widow Abernathy so shortly before service.”

  A small smile tugged at his lips and she knew he understood her. “Sunrise would not be an appropriate time to wait upon the lady, I am sure.”

  She felt a laugh bubble in her throat. “No, I do not believe she would welcome us then.”

  Darcy tightened his arms about her waist and lowered his head until his nose was buried in her hair. “Saturday morning? Have you any commitments?”

  Her heart leapt. He would not allow her to be visited by Mr. Collins again without knowing what love should be. “I believe Mr. Collins is to meet with Lady Catherine that morning as he will be unable to do so to-morrow.”

  She felt his kisses upon her hair. “Then we will meet here Saturday morning. I will notify Genie.”

  All of the tension which had filled her since the previous evening when she realized their plans were impossible seemed to slip away. Her head rested upon his chest, just over his heart. The steadiness of its beat lulled her into a sense of peace she had not felt since before her father had fallen ill the previous summer.

  “Elizabeth,” he whispered. “I fear we must part. The sun is up.”

  Reluctantly, she pulled away from him. He kissed her tenderly, then placed her hand upon his arm and walked her toward the parsonage. When they had reached the point of separation, he kissed her hand once more and sent her on her way. She looked back over her shoulder several times, and each time he was still there, watching over her. A great sadness filled her when she looked back once more and realized he was no longer in sight. She entered the parsonage and removed her outerwear before Mr. Collins descended the stairs.

  “My dear, you look tired.” He brushed a kiss on her cheek and took her arm to lead her to the dining room.

  “I slept ill last night,” she said in a soft voice.

  “You must be concerned for the services. Though this is our first Easter at Hunsford, I am certain all will be well. Lady Catherine has assured me that we are incapable of error as the services do not change. ‘Mr. Collins,’ she said, ‘I have the greatest faith that you have participated in too many Holy Week services not to have learned what is to occur and when.’” He frowned. “Though I must speak to her on Saturday in regard to Sunday’s sermon.”

  Elizabeth remained silent, allowing the man to think aloud as he drew out her chair for her. Once she was in place, he rang for Sarah and took his seat, still mumbling over this or that thing which her ladyship had said.

  The maid entered with their breakfast and he fell silent as they ate. When Mr. Collins pushed his plate away, Elizabeth fixed his tea, received her peck on the cheek, and watched him leave. She refused to acknowledge the niggling doubts which were assailing her and went instead to her sitting room to work on a dress for the innkeeper’s babe which was expected in the next month or so.

  On Wednesday, Elizabeth had done as she said she would and began visiting others in Hunsford. She now regretted not doing so sooner. She had lingered in her self-pity, determined to find nothing of interest in this place, and it had only hurt her further. Thus, she was pleased when Sarah knocked just before noon and announced a few of the women from the village had come to call. She ordered tea and allowed herself to enjoy the visit.

  Mr. Collins entered the room some time later to remind everyone of service that evening, and the ladies quickly departed. Elizabeth joined him and Sarah as they walked the short distance to the church and prepared it for Maundy Thursday service. When all was done, Sarah left. Mr. Collins smoothed a wrinkle from the cloth on the altar then turned toward Elizabeth.

  “Shall we go?”

  “May I remain behind, sir?” Elizabeth asked with her head bowed.

  “Cook will have dinner waiting.”

  “Forgive me, Mr. Collins, but it has been my habit for many years to skip dinner on this day and spend the time in prayer.”

  His brow drew together. “Yet you allowed Cook to exert herself over your meal.”

  “No, sir. I told her I did not anticipate eating this evening but encouraged her to cook for you as she did prior to our marriage.” She kept her eyes on the floor at his feet and hoped he would allow her to remain behind.

  With a resigned humph, he agreed. “I wish you had mentioned this before, Elizabeth. Are you purposefully trying to make yourself appear more pious than me?”

  Surprised that he would suggest such a thing, her head sprung up. “No! My faith is my own, sir, and I do not hold it higher than anyone else’s. Nor do I demand everyone follow my example.”

  His mouth turned downward, and his brow furrowed. “You are still impudent. What must I do to break this spirit in you?” He glanced about the church as though looking for something which would bend Elizabeth to his will. “Fine! Remain behind, on your knees, begging God for his mercy. May he show you the error of your ways so that you might, finally, be a proper wife to me.”

  He stormed from the church, leaving Elizabeth standing with her mouth agape. His words were like a knife to her heart and she slowly lowered herself to her knees in front of the pews.

  “Father God, what have I done?” she whispered. Her heart cried out for forgiveness, but she could not speak the words knowing she had every intention of going to Darcy on Saturday morning. How could she beg to be pardoned for a sin she anticipated with joy committing again? Her words to Darcy on Tuesday morning repeated in her mind. “I am half the woman I was. I have found my heart but lost my soul.” She crumpled to the ground and cried until she felt hollow inside.

  When she raised her head, she noticed there was less light coming through the windows and realized it was past time for her to return to the parsonage to change. She rose slowly and stared at the cross in the front of the church. “Forgive me …” She turned and looked at the pews. “I want to be an example as I once was, but I feel broken inside. If I turn from him, there will be nothing left of me.”

  She looked down at her hands. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. I know I am unworthy of a place at your table, Lord, but I must partake of your supper tonight or displease Mr. Collins.” Elizabeth shook her head. “It cannot be helped. I only pray that someday I might find forgiveness in your eyes, though I am undeserving and unrepentant now.”

  Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and left the church.

  ***********

  Widow Abernathy’s head lulled to the side and a soft snore escaped her. Elizabeth looked expectantly at Darcy as they rose and followed Genie from the room. She led them to the same room they had shared on Tuesday, but this time she did not enter. The door closed with a soft click, shutting them into their own private world for however brief a time.

  Darcy’s hand lingered upon her back as he watched her, and she realized he waited for her to move first. Tentatively, she lifted her hand and traced her fingers along his jaw. As she reached his chin, he grasped her hand and placed a kiss in her palm. Elizabeth closed her eyes and thought only of the feel of his lips against her skin. He pulled her closer and claimed her lips, gentle and caressing. As his kisses deepened, she felt her hair begin to fall and realized he was removing the pins.

  He stepped back and smiled, then ran a hand through her curls. Holding up the other hand, filled with hair pins, before stepping away and laying them on the dressing table. “I
will not be searching for these to-day.”

  Elizabeth felt nearly giddy and giggled as she moved toward the bed. Darcy was once more by her side. He pushed her hair to the side and kissed her shoulder as he tugged at her lacings and slid her dress down her arms. When it pooled at her feet, he lifted her onto the bed and kicked the dress out of the way. Timidly, Elizabeth ran her fingers along the edge of his cravat until she found the ends and attempted to remove it. Darcy pulled back, his eyes dancing with amusement and untied it.

  “Neck cloths are tricky things, my love. Tugged the wrong way, you could easily choke a man.”

  “Forgive me,” she whispered as her cheeks warmed.

  His arms encircled her. “For what?”

  Finding her arms trapped against his chest, she began opening the buttons on his waist coat. “For choking you.”

  He released her long enough to remove his coat and waistcoat. “But you did not. I stopped you in time.”

  Elizabeth ran her hands over his chest, and he pressed a kiss to her forehead. Opening his shirt, she brushed light kisses over his throat and into the hollow between his collarbones until he moaned softly, and his fingers entwined with her hair. She pushed the collar open further and trailed kisses along his shoulder as far as she was able.

  “Are you healed?” His hoarse whisper caused her to pause.

  “I believe so. I have not had any pain.”

  Darcy captured her lips, while he tugged at the ties on her stays. A soft curse escaped him when they did not fall open immediately.

  “William, I fear you might knot them.”

  Elizabeth pulled away from him and turned so he could see what he was doing. In a minute, the stays joined her dress and he pressed her back onto the bed. With gentle caresses and lingering kisses, he explored her neck and décolletage. When he had covered every inch of her exposed skin, he lifted her shift over her head and tossed it aside. Applying the same technique, he explored every inch of her until she was moaning in ecstasy. Even then, he seemed reluctant to actually enter her, crouching instead between her legs until she clamped them shut and pulled upon his shirt.

  “Please,” she begged as she reached for the fall of his trousers.

  Darcy slid from the bed and removed his clothing but stared at her before joining her again. His eyes caressed her as much as his lips had moments before and she shivered. That seemed to release him from whatever spell held him and he pulled the covers over them as he joined her again on the bed.

  “No.” Elizabeth pushed the blanket away and wrapped her arms about his shoulders. “I wish you to warm me.”

  A soft groan escaped his lips as he moved to cover her body with his own. His member, pressed against her stomach, left a sticky substance on her skin. Unsure of herself, she slipped her hand down his side until it rested on his hip. Feeling a bit bolder, she continued on and cupped his buttocks, pulling him closer as she lifted her hips toward him. Darcy moaned again.

  “Elizabeth.” He rolled to his side, keeping his arms about her so she remained pressed against him. “Forgive me, my love, but I must tell you something.”

  The euphoric haze parted slightly, and she stared at him, wondering why he had stopped. “What?”

  “I overheard my aunt’s conversation … the day you were at Rosings.”

  She was unable to hold his gaze and pressed her head to his shoulder.

  “In many circumstances such as ours, women attempt to … they do not wish to risk bearing another man’s child …”

  Her head snapped up. “I would rather my child be yours than his, William.”

  His features relaxed and he leaned forward once more to claim her lips. This time when he pressed her back against the mattress and insinuated himself between her legs, she felt his member brushing her lips and she opened her legs further. His fingers sought out that spot she had known nothing of before his ministrations and the waves of desire washed over her once more. He nudged her lips aside and pressed the head of his manhood between them. She was so slick with desire that he entered her easily. The tugging, tearing, and intense pain she felt with Mr. Collins was non-existent.

  Darcy pressed deeper into her, stretching her in ways she had never been stretched before. He was longer and wider, but she easily accommodated him. Her legs spread further as the base of his member brushed her sensitive node. He pulled back, rubbing against her and bringing new shivers. The hair on her arms and legs seemed to stand on end as he once more drove into her. Never in the months of her marriage had she felt anything nearing this and her hips rose to meet him of their own harmony.

  His pace increased and soon their bodies were clapping together as she matched his every move. She closed her eyes, unable to focus as waves of release washed over her and her insides clenched about him. He continued the rhythm until he finally drove even deeper, moaned her name, and was still. The weight of him was comforting and she wrapped her legs about his, hoping to hold him their forever.

  “I am crushing you,” he said much too soon as he rolled to his side and pulled her with him.

  His member slipped from inside her and she felt his seed run down her leg and onto him. Elizabeth thought to move away, but her limbs refused to obey, so she buried her nose against his neck and sighed.

  “Did I hurt you?” he whispered.

  “No.” She kissed his chest, continuing a trail up his neck, stretching to reach his earlobe.

  Darcy grabbed the cover once more and wrapped it around them. His fingers ran mindlessly over her hair and they gradually drifted off to sleep.

  ***********

  “Darcy. Lizzy.”

  A hand tried to shake her awake, but Elizabeth snuggled closer to the warm body pressed to hers.

  “Come now,” Genie said a bit louder. “I will take the cover away.”

  Darcy grasped the blanket and pulled it tighter about them as Elizabeth giggled.

  “Mother will wonder what has become of you.”

  This caused Elizabeth to open her eyes. “What time is it?”

  “Do not worry, you have time to dress, but you must get up.” Genie turned to leave but stopped at the doorway. “Do not go back to sleep.”

  “She would have made an excellent officer,” Darcy muttered as he rolled toward Elizabeth and pulled her against his chest. “How are you, my love?”

  “I do not wish to leave here.” She snuggled against him, feeling his chest hairs tickle her nose. She slipped her arm between them and ran a finger over his chest to smooth down the few wisps. A sigh escaped her.

  “I agree.” He kissed her hair as his hand moved from her back to cup her neck. He tipped her head up to his and claimed her lips. The kiss began slow and languorous, but when his tongue dipped between her lips, she felt his member twitch against her stomach. Instantly, her lower lips became slick and she pressed her hips against him. He moaned as he pulled away from her. “Elizabeth, we do not have time.”

  She nibbled her way along his chin and down onto his neck. “Please …”

  Darcy rolled on top of her and spread her legs, entering her swiftly and burying himself within her. Their mating this time was frenzied but their climaxes no less powerful than before. When he tried to pull away, she wrapped her legs tighter about him and held him to her. All those years of walking had made her legs much stronger than normal and he did not fight her. Instead, he covered her face with feathery kisses until she slowly relaxed. Even then, he remained inside her.

  Finally, as her legs slid down to rest on either side of him, he looked deeply into her eyes. “If only …”

  She pressed a finger to his lips. “I am yours. I only wish I had not been blind to you before.” She shook her head. “But we cannot think on what might have been.”

  Darcy nodded and kissed her again. “Will you meet me Tuesday?”

  Her lips pulled upward as she lifted her brow. “Have you taken up permanent residence at Rosings, sir? Will your aunt not become suspicious if you do not flee to London?”
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br />   He lifted himself on his elbow and kissed her eyebrow. “I have sufficient work to keep me here one week more.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “One week.”

  “Tuesday and Friday.” His eyes widened with hope, but Elizabeth shook her head. “No, I suppose it would be best that we not press beyond that.” He kissed her once more and sat up.

  A wash basin and jug were sitting near the fire and Darcy crossed to them. He poured out the water, dipped a cloth into it, and proceeded to wipe himself clean. Elizabeth remained in the bed, watching his movements and how his muscles rippled as he moved. She had never seen a live naked man. Mr. Collins came to her at night with only the fireplace as light, and she was certain he looked nothing like the specimen before her.

  Darcy turned, obviously catching her watching him. He smirked as he carried the freshly rinsed cloth back toward the bed, then reverently washed her private areas, placing kisses here and there upon her person as he did so. When he was finished, she wished they had more time together.

  He helped her into her clothing then dressed while she did her hair. Genie had just knocked on the door as Elizabeth placed the last hairpin. The three of them walked toward the front of the house.

  “Do you need more oil?” Genie asked.

  “I do not believe so. I might when we return on Tuesday.” She blushed at her impertinence.

  “Of course. It will be waiting for you in the room.” Her friend patted her arm. “Darcy, you will be returning to London soon?”

  “Saturday a week, I believe.” He hesitated before the Widow Abernathy’s door. “I was wondering, Genie. London is a short distance, half a day’s ride …”

  “You are always welcome here.” Genie patted Elizabeth’s arm again. “Both of you. And I hope, Lizzy, you will continue to visit when this one is away.”

  “How could I not?” Elizabeth smiled. “Shall I continue to come on Tuesdays and Fridays?”

  “Yes, I believe we would quite enjoy that.” Genie’s smile turned mischievous, reminiscent of her mother’s. “Does Lady Catherine not have anything to say of your visits?”