Page 47 of Through the Eyes of Love

“What a fine idea,” his wife murmured. He could not help himself and smothered her lips with a loving kiss.

* * *

Later that day

Elizabeth was wrapped in Darcy’s arms as they took a rest from celebrating their love. “What are you thinking about? You have the strangest expression on your face.”

“You are looking at a man who never dreamt love could feel like this. There are no words to describe how you have changed me. I have lived my life in strict regulation and adherence to family traditions. From the first time I met Lady Beatrice, I knew she was not someone I could ever love. I reconciled myself to the idea that she and I would have a disappointing marriage of convenience and that I would live a lonely life. Last year, if I had been told I would be married to a woman I love with all my heart, a woman not of theton, I would have laughed at the absurdity. I have always enjoyed the material things my wealth brought me, but your heart, your mind, and your love are the greatest gifts I could ever ask for.”

“Your gift to me is the same if being married to me makes you happy.”

Darcy turned to face his wife. “You have no idea how much I love—” His words were stopped by the presence of her lips on his.

Time passed, and he eventually took a reprieve from their kisses. “I almost lost you because I was so determined to fight what was in my heart. The day you came to the cottage in your new gown, you looked so beautiful. I wished to compliment your loveliness, but the words were stuck in my throat, so I left the room. Since our first talk about books, I have dreamt about your lavender scent every night. We have been married for one day and I know I can never spend another moment without you beside me. You are as much a part of me as my own heart.”

“No more regrets, my love. Last night our two hearts became one and nothing can ever change that.”

* * *

The room was litby the low light of the fire. “Fitzwilliam?”

“Mm.” Darcy was gently running his fingers up and down his wife’s unclothed back.

“Fitzwilliam, I want to talk to you, and you are distracting me.”

“That, my dear, is my intention.”

She rolled away and persisted. “I have never been anywhere except Hertfordshire and London. Since I arrived in Derbyshire, I have only seen Lambton and Pemberley.” She paused before she asked, “Will you show me the Peak and take me to the Lake District? I have also dreamt of seeing some of the great houses I have read so much about. Oh, and I should like to see the sea one day; may we go?”

Giving her what she wished for was going to be easy for him. He raised himself on one elbow. “My dear wife, have you not yet realized I would do everything in my power to make all yourdreams come true? We can visit all the places you mentioned, and when it is safe to travel to the continent again, I shall take you to Europe. I was unable to go on a Grand Tour because of my father’s death and I shall enjoy it all the more with you beside me.”

“You give me so much, and I can only give you my heart.” Her voice trembled ever so slightly.

“You cannot believe that! Elizabeth, you have given me the greatest gifts of life—love and joy and a kindness I could never have imagined. Now come over here so I can continue what I started.”

“Really, sir, you are so demanding.” Her voice was teasing, and as she turned towards him, her eyes sparkled.

“Madam, there can never be too much of a good thing.”

* * *

The brideand groom spent a week occupied in their chambers. Darcy could not be more elated. Everyone should enjoy this joy! One morning, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy walked down the stairs arm in arm to the dining room. Mrs. Reynolds and one of the maids served them breakfast before leaving the room.

Elizabeth leaned towards him. “I believe Mrs. Reynolds is aware of our change. She is not looking at us, but I believe she knows about the difference in our appearance. I hardly know what to think. Perhaps it is only you and I who see each other as we do. I am so afraid something will cause the enchantment to end.”

Darcy reached out and took his wife’s hand. “My love, we must not be afraid of an event we cannot control. Now that we have opened our hearts to each other; naught can ever change our love.”

“Yes, that is how we shall look at our future.”

Their curiosity got the best of them and later that day, the Darcys asked Mrs. Reynolds to join them in the drawing room.

“You have seen me every day since the fire. Do you see any change in my appearance?”

“Do you and Mrs. Darcy see each other as unmarked?” They both nodded. “You love each other, and people in love are granted a special sight that others do not have. You no longer see each other with your eyes but with your hearts; that is the miracle of your love. For those who are lucky, their love leads to an enchantment; that is what makes the cottage so special. Keep loving each other the way you do now, and your love will continue your special sight.”

“Is that all there is to it?”

“Yes, that is the secret this cottage holds, and it is of your own making. Continue looking at each other through the eyes of love. Ignore the prying eyes of the outside world and always cherish each other as you do now.”