Darcy's Obsession

By Emma East

Darcy knows one thing: he'll have Elizabeth Bennet. He'll have all her firsts.

He knew he shouldn't pay her so much attention. He knew following her upstairs away from the crowds of the Netherfield ball was an unwise decision. He did it anyway, because when it comes to the impertinent Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy has no control over himself. After all, what kind of man plans to steal a kiss from a gentleman's daughter?

But when Darcy learns he's stolen Elizabeth's first kiss, he cannot stop there. He'll have her, no matter if her father despises him. No matter if she does. He'll have all her firsts.

Darcy's Obsession is a variation upon our dear couple's love story, brought to us by Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. If you have your smelling salts ready, take a seat and be ready to fall into this steamy variation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emma East
• Release date: Mar 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215387795

Emma East

Emma East loves three things: Darcy, Darcy, and Darcy. Writing since her teenage years, she delights in putting characters into steamy situations, creating a need for smelling salts for unwary readers.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Darcy held a dark hatred for the rain pattering on the rooftop of Bingley’s coach. He hated the rain. He especially hated the rain in Hertfordshire. The lack of maintenance on the local roads meant Bingley’s coach had become stuck in the mud, and the wheel had broken when the driver had attempted to free it. An unfortunate, yet predictable outcome of what he’d hoped would be a quick trip to Meryton and back. 

But Hertfordshire had a habit of disappointing Darcy.

He’d already released his driver to return to Netherfield on horseback to beg Bingley to send another coach. Darcy checked his pocket watch. Only a quarter of an hour had passed. There seemed to be no end to the downpour, and Darcy did not feel the desire to ride in the rain, but he was beginning to regret that decision now. His fingers felt stiff and numb from the chill that crept through his damp clothing. As he shifted in his seat, a shiver coursed through his body, making him regret his decision even more.

Darcy peered out of the window of his stalled carriage, swiping at the condensation which had formed since the last time he looked outside. As soon as he had a clear view of the road, his breath caught in his throat. There, walking along the road with a determined stride, was a familiar woman.

She was completely drenched, and her dress clung to her body like a second skin, outlining every curve and contour. Her wet hair was a wild mane, cascading down her back in a way that made Darcy’s fingers twitch. He could imagine how it would feel to run his fingers through those wet curls. She was as irresistible as a siren, and Darcy swallowed against his suddenly dry mouth and fumbled for the latch.

Immediately, all other thoughts were cast aside as the cold rain greeted him. He cursed himself for not bringing an umbrella as he stepped out of his coach, feeling the water immediately soak through his clothing. He tried to shake off the rain as he made his way over to Elizabeth.

Miss Elizabeth! he called over the rumbling thunder. Elizabeth halted in the middle of the lane and gawked at him for a moment before shaking herself. Darcy bowed slightly and extended his arm to her. Please allow me to offer you sanctuary, Darcy said, trying to avoid the urge to gawk at the full figure and voluptuous curves displayed by the dress clinging to her skin. His cheeks burned.

Elizabeth hesitated, eyeing Darcy skeptically before looking past him longingly, as if wishing Longbourn was closer than the mile and a half walk ahead of her. While you are very kind, that isn’t necessary, Mr. Darcy. I can manage on my own.

I insist! Darcy replied, his voice rising as he fought to be heard over the thunder. He cast an impatient glance at the grey sky. It is not safe for you to be out in this weather. Please, allow me to offer my assistance.

Elizabeth bit her lip, clearly torn. Darcy shifted from foot to foot, knowing if his boots were covered in mud that her walking boots would no doubt be soaked through. Still, she hesitated, to his consternation and surprise, but a flash of lightning streaked across the sky, and though it disappeared in seconds, she sighed and relented. Very well. I accept your offer. But I assure you I will not tolerate any inappropriate behavior on your part.

Darcy inclined his head. He deserved that.

The small coach was stuffy and close, and the mere inches that separated Darcy from Elizabeth seemed to amplify the tension. Darcy could feel the tension between them like a third figure trapped inside the coach. Darcy cleared his throat and offered her a slight smile.

So, how are you enjoying the weather?

Elizabeth gave him a skeptical look. I’m not enjoying it at all. I’m soaked through to the bone, and I just want to go home.

Darcy couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. He had offered her a ride home, but he knew she didn’t really want to be stuck in a carriage with him, and his poor humor wasn’t helping the situation.

I’m sorry, Miss Bennet, Darcy said, feeling self-conscious. I didn’t mean to make your day worse. I seem to be uncommonly good at that.

Elizabeth’s expression sharpened in surprise, and she released a small laugh that appeared to be entirely against her will. She chewed on the inside of her lip, looking at him like a stranger for a second, before she finally let her shoulders relax and said, It is I who should apologize. I know you meant well. And to be fair, you can’t control the weather.

The rain outside steadily thrummed on the roof. In the far-off distance, thunder grumbled its disapproval. The carriage was redolent in the pungent odor of wet, sodden wool. Elizabeth rubbed her hands together and blew on them. She swallowed hard, and Darcy noted the way her chin wobbled, as if she was swallowing her body’s instinctive urge to chatter her teeth.

You’re cold, Darcy stated, noting the telltale bumps of gooseflesh that had risen on her arms. What a poor day to walk with only a light shawl! He began to shrug out of his coat.

Elizabeth stared up at him, her eyes round. What are you doing?

Darcy’s outstretched arm offered her a long, woolen coat of deep navy, the ends of its sleeves grazing the carriage floor. I’m giving you my coat, Darcy said, holding it out to her. You need it more than I do.

Elizabeth hesitated, eyeing Darcy’s coat skeptically. I couldn’t possibly take your coat. You’ll freeze.

Darcy tried to contain his annoyance, but it escaped as an impatient sigh. "You are the one soaked through," he said, nodding to her attire. He regretted it an instantly later as she looked down in horrified realization.

Elizabeth’s dress had become sheer from the rain, revealing her figure beneath; and as soon as he pointed it out, Elizabeth gasped and clutched