Enchanted by Darcy: Enlightened by Darcy

By Grace Reeve

 Following their wedding, Darcy continues Elizabeth's education into all things intimate that a husband and a wife do together, and then some.

 

Beginning the week before and stretching until after their wedding night, Elizabeth discovers just how patient a teacher her husband truly is. She's very grateful for each and every single one of his lessons.

 

But when he begins to expect her own patience, will she be up to the challenge? Or does Elizabeth's willpower need a bit of stern guidance?

 

This is the second in a new series by Grace Reeve. It's a novella-length work. A steamy, sensual read that's sure to have you fanning yourself in no time.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Reeve
• Release date: Feb 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201329983

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Often, the best-laid plans are the ones of least interest.

At least, that’s what Elizabeth Bennet was slowly realizing the longer she sat with her mother in the drawing-room, talking about dresses, flowers, lace, and menus for the wedding breakfast that would follow the church service.

She really didn’t think it would matter in the slightest whether they were able to procure enough bacon for everyone, or if they simply split the difference and serve some sausage and others bacon.

Even Jane’s eyes appeared to glaze over whenever Mrs. Bennet began to speak.

This was telling, given her sister was far more patient with their mother than was Lizzy. Jane would even defend their matron in her eccentricities, sometimes. 

She wasn’t able to plan Lydia’s wedding, Lizzy, Jane had pointed out demurely.  Ours is the first one, and you know how she delights in having two daughters set to wed.

Lizzy didn’t mind sharing her wedding day with Jane and Bingley; in fact, it would make for jovial celebrations in the future. However, ever since Mother had found out that they’d be taking their vows on the same day, in the same country chapel where they practiced their worship every week, well… She’d been nigh on impossible to withstand.

Papa had taken to his study in the aftermath, even going so far as to take his meals within. Lizzy absolutely begrudged him the freedom. She couldn’t find respite from the woman and her endless planning.

She’d tried answering her mother in the positive to every question, as well as in the negative, if only to satisfy her mother long enough to get a break. Nothing seemed to deter her, however. It was almost as if Lizzy’s presence was not necessary, given her mother seemed to have made up her mind already, and yet she would not let Lizzy quit her presence as such.

After the noon meal, Lizzy found her window for escape. She nearly missed it by pausing to wonder if she should tell Jane of her plans to find respite, only to have her sister push her out into the hall and close the door to the drawing-room, apparently aware and encouraging of Lizzy’s need for freedom. Even if only for a bit.

For truly, her mother had been so intense with her planning that Lizzy hadn’t even had time to relish her engagement, short though it was to be.

It wasn’t a hardship, bearing a short engagement, not when she knew that at the end of it she’d be married to her Mr. Darcy. To a man so dear, and at the same time, so utterly beguiling that she oftentimes found herself flustered in the middle of the day and making excuses to her mother as to why her face was so flushed and she’d begun to fan herself so intensely.

Not that Mother cared one way or the other as to the cause. Lizzy could be on her deathbed and it would not matter in the slightest  so long as she still got up and went to the church to marry Fitzwilliam Darcy. 

Oh, but she knew she was being unfair. Her mother of course loved her. But she also loved that two daughters had made excellent matches and were the talk of the ton, and she also loved planning parties. And this would be as big a party as Longbourn had ever seen. 

The time was quickly approaching for the nuptials to take place.  Why, there were only three more sleeps, by her count, until the big day. She never counted the night before the wedding in her tally, for she knew that she and Jane would be up all night, giggling and talking about their husbands-to-very-shortly-be.

That evening in particular was important, seeing as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were calling for supper. Mama would be out of her mind looking for Lizzy and would waste no time dragging her back inside if she found out she’d gone. She was not supposed to be privy to that information, but Lizzy knew from context that they were expecting visitors that evening. And who else could it be but Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley?

As the sun shone on her face, Lizzy blinked, allowing her eyes to adjust before she stepped out onto the walkway. She quickened her step, for her mother would surely notice her absence soon and likely send someone out to fetch her. She didn’t much feel like being dragged back inside for more wedding talk, so she hastened to the lane in front of Longbourn, deciding to take a walk. To where, she cared not.

There was a spring in her step as she went, realizing belatedly that she’d ventured out without her bonnet. This narrowed down the possible places she could walk by quite a bit, considering she’d have to find some shade now. That left the tree-lined side of the lane, which was just as well. Irwas more hidden from view of the house, and therefore the likelihood of her being discovered was practically null.

She strode off the path and into the thicker grass, able to open her eyes wider now that she was in the shade. A few birds twittered above her and she couldn’t stop the grin from forming on her face. She began to walk a bit more quickly.

She then gave up all pretense of walking and broke into a sprint, only to slow down after only a few seconds, laughing as she played a game she and Jane had played together so long ago. Usually, there was another person to play said game with, but it was just as fun alone when the alternative was Mrs. Bennet’s endless wedding chatter.

Lizzy soon reached the fence that signified the end of their property, as beyond belonged to Netherfield, and she stopped to lean against it to gaze out over the fields. The expanse of green was quite vast, but she felt closer to Will here. Even if it would be inappropriate to call upon him in her state of undress.

Well, relative undress.

But as far as she could see, there wasn’t anyone to be found strolling the grounds of Netherfield. It was a lovely day, there was the distinct possibility that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were out on horseback, enjoying the sun and the slow pace of the day.

Mr. Bingley hadn't brought his sisters along with him this time, but she had to assume they’d arrive shortly to attend the wedding. 

Be that as it may, it didn’t appear there was anyone out and about at Netherfield.  And it did have a lovely shaded park. She could take a quick turn in the park and