Darcy & Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship (Darcy Saga Prequel Duo) Read Online Free PDF Page B

while he watched her in perplexity.
    Gradually, his lips lifted in
amusement. “You are laughing at me again.”
    “On the contrary, I am laughing at
us. Mr. Darcy, let me see if I understand this. You are apologizing for
enjoying kissing me, your betrothed, while I am apologizing for responding to
said kisses?” He nodded, flushing brighter. “Therefore, in effect, we are
apologizing for being in love?”
    He opened his mouth and then
snapped it closed, glancing away from her teasing face. “It does seem rather
ludicrous when you state it thusly.” His countenance turned serious. Clasping
her hands, he spoke in a calm, reasonable tone. “Elizabeth, you surely
understand that it is not merely the enjoyment of our love that concerns me but
the appropriateness of it’s expression before we are wed. It is shockingly
improper for us to even discuss these matters, let alone experience them!”
    “William, I appreciate your
concern, although I submit that little about our relationship has been proper
or appropriate, and yet here we are. You are correct, of course, in maintaining
decorum until we are married.”
    “Elizabeth, please, I—”
    “Mr. Darcy, I will not apologize
for communicating openly with you! Nor will I hide my love for you. We have
done far too much of both, nearly losing each other in our stupidity,
misconceptions, and pride.”
    He stared at her silently as an
expression of stunned happiness washed over his face. “You are amazing,
Elizabeth, and I love you ardently. It remains a welcome shock that you love me
at all, let alone feel the same… passion…” He sighed and ran one hand over his
face. “It will take some getting used to, I suppose.”
    Before she could respond, he
embraced her comfortingly and kissed her lips lightly. After another tender
kiss, Darcy pulled away. “I shall leave you now, dearest Elizabeth. Extend my
apologies to your mother, but I am not presentable, and frankly, my heightened
emotions render me unfit for polite company. I will return this evening with
Mr. Bingley.”
    He took a step to leave, but Lizzy
gripped his hand to halt him. In a burst of enthusiasm, she wrapped her free
hand around his neck, pulled him toward her as she lifted on her tiptoes, and
kissed him soundly.
    “From here on, I promise to behave
as I should and not tempt fate. So, remember these kisses, Fitzwilliam Darcy,
and do not doubt my love for you.”
    He nodded, his grin wide and eyes
smoldering. Intent on holding to her promise, she propelled him out of the
garden. They parted with formal salutations and proper hand kisses, Lizzy
watching until he passed through the gate and turned for a breezy wave. She
waved in return, laughed giddily, and performed a twirling dance of glee before
skipping up the steps to the door.
     
     

Chapter Two
Love Flurries and Fogs

     
    At the last second, Lizzy grasped
the handle and closed the door quietly behind her. Briefly she leaned against
the wood to catch her breath and still the fluttering of her heart—only a
moment’s respite, however, before she twisted about to look out the window.
    There he was. His tall, sturdy
frame was easily visible on the open pathway ascending the gradual slope. His
coattails billowed with each stride, his long legs swallowing the yards. Lizzy
leaned her forehead against the cool glass, eyes steady on the retreating
figure of the man she loved. Suddenly he paused and glanced over his shoulder
toward the house. Impulsively she jerked and pulled back from the window.
    I am his betrothed and can stare
at him as long as I want!
    Chuckling at her folly, she stepped
forward until pressed into the transparent surface. Unfortunately, he was too
far away to see her through the glass, a fact she realized when unable to
clearly decipher the expression on his face. She did not doubt his countenance
was as sunny as hers, especially when he resumed walking. It took her a few
moments to solve what it was that struck her as odd. After all,