Not Quite Darcy by Terri Meeker

Author:Terri Meeker
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Time-travel;Victorian;Historical;Comedy
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Published: 2015-01-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Eliza was just leaving Mrs. Brown’s bedroom the next day when she saw William walking up the hallway. He was distracted again and fiddling with several slim paper-covered parcels.

She stepped out in the center of the hallway, so that he’d have no choice but to stop. “I seem to often find you in this hallway with mysterious packages wrapped in brown paper, William.”

Though she’d clearly startled him, he wasn’t flustered this time, nor did he blush, but met her eyes with a shy grin. “Eliza, I find my acquaintance with you inspires a great deal of purchasing of unusual items.”

“May I see?” She stepped toward him.

“If I don’t show them to you, I suppose you would have no choice but to search my room again.” He laughed and pulled the paper from his purchases, revealing two books: Fanny Hill by John Cleland and a book on human anatomy. Placed on top of the anatomy book and bound with bright red ribbon were a small collection of French postcards featuring nudes in tastefully erotic poses.

William had purchased these?

“I thought a proper education about these matters might be in order,” he said matter-of-factly.

“You certainly seem to be covering all your bases here. I’m proud of you. After all, a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

“Eliza, I’m afraid the Society for the Suppression of Vice would be quite put out with these purchases. Could you manage to consider this another secret between us?”

“I won’t tell a soul,” she whispered conspiratorially. It was astounding to see these changes in him. The way he boldly met her gaze, instead of shyly glancing away. The way he strode up the hall replacing his former faltering gait.

“I have another secret for you as well. No, not a secret, a surprise. It’s to be on Saturday. I shall not confess what it is, however.” He grinned widely at her, eyes sparkling with suppressed anticipation.

How charmingly Williamesque this was, to tell her to prepare for a surprise. She suspected that surprises were quite new to him and the idea that when one announced it, the “surprise” aspect pretty much went out the window.

“I look forward to it. Perhaps the surprise will be something pleasant for you as well?” His new purchases had turned her mind toward several more sensual possibilities.

“Yes, it shall be. I’m quite looking forward to it. I’ve made arrangements for you to be free of your usual duties on Saturday afternoon and evening.”

Oh, this was sounding better and better. Whatever erotic adventure he was taking her on was going to last for most of the day? Her mind flashed back to that moment of watching him the other night, bare-chested and stroking himself by the moonlight.

Continuing down the hallway, he called over his shoulder, “Please inform Dora that she should prepare for a surprise as well.”

Wait. What?

For the rest of the week, Mrs. Brown’s health dictated the activities of the household. Her days were relatively normal, but by the time the evening fog rolled in she dissolved into coughing spells which lasted for hours.

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