Darcy's Temptation by Regina Jeffers

accepted as part of his family.At the top of the stairs, she turned to him one last time.“May I be allowed one last question?”
    Darcy’s smile showed no annoyance with Kitty’s entreaties. “Certainly.”
    â€œWhen you first kissed Elizabeth, what was it like?”
    The laughter came easily this time, and Darcy half teased her when he said,“Of course, your sister had no beard, and she did not smell of cigars or port, so my experience was more pleasurable than the one you described.”
    A pout took Kitty’s lips. “Do not tease me, Mr. Darcy. I really want to know.”
    â€œVery well, Miss Bennet.” He started by looking away and visualizing the moment.“Your sister just agreed to be my wife. Elizabeth tilted her head to look up at me, and I knew I could do nothing else. It was exciting, breathless, and exhilarating—all the things one would expect when two people are in love, but it was more than that; it was as if I was coming home—it was where I belonged. I guess it was very much like those novels of which you are so fond.”
    â€œI knew it had to be better than Mr. Denney. Mary said all kisses are purely to lead to sins against God’s will.” Kitty’s astonishment showed with the enthusiasm in her tone.
    â€œYour sister Mary is more devout than most of us, but I will
share one more insight. If there is a Heaven on earth, mine lies in your sister Elizabeth. Now, we spoke beyond what a married man should say to his wife’s sister; I will see you in the morning, Kitty.”
    Kitty dropped him a curtsy before giving Darcy a large smile and heading to her room. Darcy chuckled in watching her go. I hope my child is a son, he thought. Another female in my household may be more than I can handle.
    With that, he returned to his rooms. Georgiana left when she saw him come in. “I gave her some chamomile tea to help her rest. Elizabeth says she waits for you to join her before she sleeps.”
    The description he just offered Kitty of their first kiss came back quickly to his mind’s eye.“I will go to her soon.”
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    Once alone, Darcy stayed in the sitting room, exhausted by the pretense he played. He did not know how long he sat there staring at the dying embers in the fireplace.
    â€œWill you not come to bed, my Husband?” Lost in his own thoughts, Darcy jumped at the sound of Elizabeth’s voice.
    â€œHow can you still want me there after the public humiliation my family caused you tonight?” Darcy could not take his eyes from the woman he loved.
    Elizabeth, likewise, sought assurances from him once again. “How can you still want to be there after the mortifications my family cost you?”
    In a second, Darcy crossed the room and violently pulled her to him, grasping her so tightly Elizabeth could hardly breathe.“My Love, do not leave me.”
    â€œI can go nowhere—you are my everything, Fitzwilliam. My life lacks purpose without you there.”
    Darcy kissed her, demanding Elizabeth’s love, branding her as his; he never felt such need to possess her. Once he thought he might never know her love, but now he fully understood
the depth with which Elizabeth loved him. He could not lose her; Elizabeth must continue to love him.
    â€œLet us go to bed. I need you where nothing comes between us.”
    Darcy picked her up; Elizabeth snuggled into his chest.“My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth,” he spoke softly into her hair,“with you, I am finally home.”
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    Chadwick Harrison, like many of the Matlocks’ neighbors, arrived at the estate in the late afternoon. Nearly a month had passed since he last saw Georgiana Darcy, and the man missed the sweetness of the woman, but when he found her, a naval officer kept her company.
    â€œMr. Harrison,” Georgiana said, looking up from the pianoforte when he entered the music room, “it is pleasant to see you