NEW IMPRESSIONS 2
Part 2
NEW IMPRESSIONS

Elizabeth and Darcy where to spend their first two weeks as newly weds in London.

Darcy's townhouse was a beautiful buildning overlooking St James's Park. Elizabeth had married into one of the richest families in England, and this was indeed reflected in their homes. This was a classical building, commissioned by Darcy's grandfather and designed by Robert Adams in the 1750's when business had demanded Mr Darcy's increasing presence in town. Thirty years later, when his son married Lady Anne, they established themselves in town during the first years of their marriage, and it was in this house Elizabeth's husband was born. After the death of his father some years ago, Darcy and his sister Georgiana had made some modernisations, but Elizabeth noticed that the rooms still bore the mark of the famous architect's elegant, restrained style and soft pastel colours.

Elizabeth followed Darcy to the drawing room. All they wanted now was a warm drink and some time to recover from the long journey. Darcy handed her a hot toddy, saluted her and said with a radiant smile:

- Welcome home, Elizabeth!

She smiled and turned towards the fireplace.

- Mrs Darcy, she heard him say behind her, you are - I must confess - truly handsome enough to tempt me!

There was jest in his voice and she looked at him somewhat puzzled. As she reached out towards the blazing fire, he continued with a worried tone in his voice:

- Are you very cold?

- It is of little consequence, and nothing a hot bath cannot cure, I am sure!

- Perhaps I can I be of service, Madame?

- Shall we? He took her by the hand and guided her upstairs to her chambers and her waiting maid Anne.

- Enjoy your bath, I'll be with you presently, he said and placed an light kiss on her hand and left her standing on the threshold.

Within minutes Elizabeth lay soaking in the steeming hot and sweetly scented bathwater. Eyes closed. All she was aware of was the busy sounds of the city outside, and Anne's movements as she tended to Elizabeth's luggage in the adjacent room. Slowly she felt her usual high spirits return, and she dressed and sat down by the dressing table. Married life becomes you, she thought as she saw her face in the mirror. Her slight laughter made Anne turn and give her a quick look. - Let's leave the rest until tomorrow, Anne, and please help me with my hair instead. I fear it is all wet in the back.

They were still busy arranging Elizabeth's hair when Darcy knocked and entered. She met his eyes in the mirror, and with a curtsy Anne left the room.

- I hope I am not deterring you from any business of importance, she said teasingly.

He did not answer, just walked up and stood behind her, touching her wet curls and looking at her in the mirror. He was still holding her hair when she rose.

The Chinese clock on the mantelpiece stroke eight. Elizabeth's right arm was beginning to go numb, but she would not move and disturb Darcy's peaceful rest. Not just yet. His hair was in disorder and his closed eyes and relaxed face made him look different, more like an young boy than the proud Mr Darcy most people knew. She reached out and touched his face.

- I'm sorry, I must be heavy, he said and moved. He looked at her with that expression in his eyes which previously had embarrassed and confused her. Not any longer. Now she knew. She met his eyes without hesitation.

When the clock stroke nine, Elizabeth stretched and yawned :

- Fitzwilliam Darcy, I'm starving! Whatever happened to supper?

Within minutes they were dressed and Elizabeth's hair tied back witha yellow ribbon.

- After you, he said with an elegant gesture.

As she passed, he pulled her ribbon and again her long hair flowed freely around her face. With a broad smile he followed her downstairs to the dining-room, where Mr Adams served the happy couple a feisty meal.

Afterwards they withdrew to the drawing-room. They sat in silence, very close, very still until the fire was almost out. Then they returned upstairs and it was not until late the following morning that the maid and groom were called for.

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