Page 37 of Roses from Pemberley
Now she laughed. “Perhaps you had better pick me up first…”
Without any further thought, he swept her up and stood there with Elizabeth in his arms. She felt even lighter than she did the night he had lowered her into the bath.
“You are not heavy at all,” he said, becoming slightly mesmerised by her dark eyes.
“I am glad,” she answered softly, “for I would not wish to incommode you.”
“I could carry you all day and everyday,” he said impulsively.
CHAPTER 17 In the Garden
“I could carry you all day and everyday,” said Darcy.
She was surprised by his honesty and felt herself blushing. Elizabeth also felt somewhat awkward, as her hands were now clasped together in front of her and she did not quite know what to do with them.
“I believe it would be easier,” he suggested mildly, “if you put your arm around my neck.”
“Oh! Yes, of course.”
She put her left arm around his neck.
“Do not worry, Miss Elizabeth, for you are very light.”
She nodded absently, not really worried at all about falling, but noticing that her hand was now gripping his shoulder and that his face was mere inches away. She never noticed before how beautiful his eyes were - rather deep set, with long eyelashes, with a lock of his hair falling casually over his brows. She was mesmerised by it and was tempted to reach out and put her fingertips against it. To find out if it was as soft as it looked. She also noticed how very solid he felt, and she was again reminded of her dream - of being ensconced in his arms. And the sensation of being loved…and protected.
He began to walk down the stairs and she felt herself leaning slightly more towards him. It was a little frightening, though, going down Charlotte’s steep and narrow staircase. Her right hand went around his neck, as if of its own volition, meeting her left one at his far shoulder. Now her head was leaning on him, tucked into the curve of his neck. Fortunately, he did not seem to mind. Elizabeth closed her eyes, and noticed the scent of him - pine, lemon and sandalwood.
She felt each step as he made his way downwards. Neither spoke. At length, she found herself in the small vestibule, still in his arms.
“We’re here,” she said breathlessly.
“Of course we are,” he said with a smile.
He looks terribly handsome today,she thought to herself, feeling her face turn even redder than before. She also felt dizzy and wondered if it was from his proximity or her recent illness. She hoped she would not swoon like some feeble ninny.
He stepped out of the house and into the bright, still day. “Perhaps you might like to sit in the garden?” he asked. “I believe there is a bench by the side of the house.”
“That would be lovely.”
She turned her face towards the sun, thankful to finally be outside.
“Happy, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked.
“I am,” she said, smiling into his face.I am close enough to kiss him,she thought to herself, unable to stop herself from sighing a little.
He walked to a bench not far from a bed of wildflowers and put her down. For a while neither spoke, both enjoying the moment.
Eventually, she said, “So what have you been doing lately, Mr. Darcy?”
He chuckled. “Well, I was in the garden yesterday morning - picking flowers.”
Elizabeth smiled. She could just imagine it - Darcy walking between the rows of Lady Catherine’s roses and clipping the ones he liked. “Will you tell me more about it, Mr. Darcy?”
“You are not teasing me, are you, Miss Elizabeth?”
“No, not at all! You seem to forget that I have been indoors for over a week. And I do hate to be cooped up. And the thought of you - in that garden…I just wish to know more about it.”
“Well then, I shall tell you. But first, have you ever been to Lady Catherine’s rose garden?”
