Read Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World for Free Online Page B

free hand, he turned her face into his shoulder and held
her while she wept.
    When
her sobs finally faded into exhausted despair, he cupped her face with his hand
and dried her eyes tenderly with his handkerchief. "There, my love, it is
not so bad, is it?" He leaned forward to kiss her gently.
    He
was being considerate and thoughtful, and the least she could do was to try to
please him. She put her arms around his neck in the way he liked, and let him
kiss her. If she did not look forward to his kisses, at least they no longer
troubled her, and it was comforting to have some human contact, even if it was
with Mr. Darcy. Her husband. She wondered how long it would take her to become
accustomed to that idea.
    She
was startled when Darcy's hand moved to cup her breast. No one had ever touched
her there before, and the sensation was disturbing. She forced herself to
imagine she was in London, in the busy sitting room of her uncle's house, while
her aunt read poetry aloud. She could almost feel the heat of the fire burning
on the hearth and hear the children at play. She concentrated on the picture
she had created, and allowed her husband to do as he pleased.
    Mr.
Darcy took pains to remain at Elizabeth's disposal on her first full day at
Pemberley. She was quieter than was her wont, and he feared she might be
overwhelmed by her new home. Knowing her fondness for long walks, he showed her
some of his favourite parts of the grounds, but although she admired them, he
still suspected she was out of spirits. So he stayed near her constantly,
holding her hand when he could, and reassuring her of his devotion.
    The
following day he had no choice but to spend at least a short while attending to
business matters. He wished there were someone to whom he could entrust
Elizabeth during the time, but she knew no one but him.
    Still,
Elizabeth's strength of character had been one of her attractions for him, and
he was certain that even if her sensibilities were still affected, she would be
well enough until he returned. Still, he couched his words with care. "I
am sorry to leave you to your own devices so soon, Elizabeth, but I must meet
with my steward this afternoon to discuss what has happened in my absence. With
luck, it will not take long, and I will be back by your side soon."
    "Pray
do not concern yourself on my behalf, sir. I am well able to entertain myself,
and I would not wish to interfere with your business." An afternoon to
herself sounded heavenly to Elizabeth.
    "Is
there anything I can arrange for your comfort? There is music for the
piano-forte somewhere, and of course the library is at your complete
disposal."
    "Thank
you, but I believe I will use the time to attend to my correspondence. I have
several letters to write."
    "To
your family?"
    "Yes,
to let them know we are safely arrived. I am sure my mother is anxious to hear
about Pemberley."
    He
frowned, but said, "Very well."
    "Is
there a problem I should be aware of?" She could not deny he had been
everything that was generous and gracious to her since their arrival, and she
was resolved to do her best to meet his requirements in return.
    "Not
at all. It is considerate of you to inform them of our safe arrival, though
afterwards I see no reason to encourage your family to be overly
familiar."
    Was
he saying what she thought he was? Did he wish her to have no contact with her
family? With the caution now habitual in her interactions with him, she said,
"Would you prefer, then, in general that I not write to my family?"
    "I
would prefer to minimize our connections with them."
    He
had never made a secret of his disdain for her family, but she was surprised
even he would go to such an extent. Her anger rose. So he expected her to deny
her family now she was his wife? She bit her tongue on a sharp retort,
remembering Charlotte's words regarding the importance of not provoking her
husband at this early stage, although as she spent time with him, she was
beginning to doubt the