Only when she shook her head did his breathing return to normal. “No. Warfare has broken out with my cousin. We cannot return to mere covert animosity.”
That she could find humor even in such a situation… My God, how I love this woman. He kissed the back of her hand fervently. “I will dedicate the rest of my life to ensuring you do not regret this moment.”
A smile spread slowly across her lips. “I do not regret it for myself, for I know I will be most happy. However, I must have faith that everything will be to Longbourn’s advantage as well. Your plan may yet work.”
Darcy did not mention what they both knew: the plan had an equal chance of failing.
“If you see no reason for delay, then I would wed as soon as possible,” he said.
“Yes. My cousin has written to Lady Catherine.”
“Of course he has,” Darcy sighed. “I thought I might encounter her here. She must believe that there is time to convince me to reconsider, so she remained in London to enjoy the latest ball. But she will arrive eventually. She cannot stop us, of course, but it would be very unpleasant if she appears. If we wed quickly, it will be a fait accompli. I would prefer to be berated than importuned.
“Then, by all means, let us marry quickly,” Elizabeth said.
The eagerness in her eyes was mirrored in his heart. “I will speak with the rector today.”
Her gaze did not waver from his face. “William…” His name was a gentle sigh on her lips. “This is really happening…”
He took her other hand over the top of the fence. “It is. I will not allow you to slip through my grasp now. I have waited
too long.”
Elizabeth did not step into forbidden territory, but she leaned forward so he could embrace her over the fence. The top railing dug into his chest, and Elizabeth stood at a very awkward angle. This would not do.
Darcy released her hands and quickly climbed over the fence. He would not permit Collins’s silly restrictions to interfere with his opportunity to kiss Elizabeth.
Their lips met with searing urgency. With the way his body reacted, it might have been a year since he last kissed her—rather than a day. When his tongue pushed between her lips to stroke her mouth, Elizabeth made a low moan of pleasure. Soon her tongue intertwined with his.
The rest of his body reacted as well. He pulled her more firmly against him as his hand explored the smooth expanse of her back. It was not nearly enough. He wanted to touch every inch of her body.
But now was not the time. Reluctantly, he released her and stepped away, taking deep breaths to calm himself. “I must stop now while I may still call myself a gentleman.”
Elizabeth’s eyes were dazed, and she was panting. She gave a weak laugh. “I believe we are now violating the letter of the law as well.”
Her lips were still tantalizingly pink. Tendrils of hair had fallen around her face, and he longed to caress them. With an effort, he focused his mind on the conversation. “Were you not the one who told me ‘an unjust law is no law at all’?”
“How very wise of me.” The look in her eyes suggested she would be amenable to breaking more rules with him. How gratifying that I am not the only one overwhelmed by this passion.
“Will you name a wedding day?” he asked.
With evident reluctance, Elizabeth took a step away from him, lowering her head. “I would be wed as soon as possible! Although I do wish I could have a proper gown.”
“I took the liberty of ordering one in London. It will arrive tomorrow.”
Elizabeth gasped.
He shrugged. “I do have your measurements. I hope the style is to your liking; I endeavored to select a style that emulated your other gowns.”
“I am sure it will be perfect,” she said faintly. “Truly I am the most fortunate woman in England to be marrying a man who appreciates women’s fashions. I cannot wait to see it.” She bounced on her feet, betraying her eagerness. “Then let us be wed the day after tomorrow. Once it is accomplished, Collins can no longer keep us separated.”
“Very well. I will speak to the rector.”
“And the rest of your scheme?” she asked, biting her lip.
“It proceeds apace,” he said. “If everything goes according to plan, Collins will decide to quit Longbourn soon after we are wed.”
Elizabeth pressed a hand to her mouth. “If everything goes according to plan…”