LOVE KNOWS NO REASON ... CHAPTER ONE

Fitzwilliam Darcy paced his room at Rosings restlessly. The last couple of days had been tormenting indeed. After his disastrous proposal to Miss Bennet at the Hunsford Parsonage the day before last, he had wanted nothing more than to quit Rosings for London and put Miss Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind for good.

Damn his Aunt! He felt sure her insistence that he remain at Rosings to consult with her and Rosing's lawyers was orchestrated merely in an attempt to prolong his attendance on his cousin, Anne.

Each year when he visited his aunt the subject of his engagement to Anne would arise - again. He could not countenance Lady Catherine's assertion that his mother and she had betrothed the toddler Fitzwilliam to his cousin at the time of Anne's birth. The thought that his mother, God rest her soul, would arrange his engagement in his infancy was ludicrous. His parents had married for love, and he felt quite sure she would have intended the same for him. The love of his parents had been so profound, that after his mother's untimely passing, his father had simply pined away - utterly bereft - until he made his departure from this world.

There was no contradicting his aunt though - the woman simply would not be dissuaded. Anne was no doubt a sweet girl - although she said so little and spent so much time in her room indisposed, it was somewhat difficult to tell - but he certainly had no intention of marrying her!

No, he thought firmly, I will marry for love or I will not marry at all. He had said as much to his cousin, Richard, who chided him for holding such romantic notions. Darcy preferred to think it 'honest' rather than 'romantic'. The mode of society to marry for position and influence filled him with disgust. And the predilection of some gentlemen of his class to take mistresses was appalling.

Surely if they married the right woman in the first instance there would be no need, he thought. I would rather remain a bachelor than be confined to a loveless match, devoid of mutual respect and the most ardent affection.

At this, his thoughts wandered, once again filled with a pair of sparkling, laughing eyes in a beautiful face framed by rich chocolate curls. Elizabeth. More and more these days, he would conjure up her image in his mind. He longed to caress her face, whilst the memory of her laughter would tinkle like the sweetest music through his mind. But her laughter and beauty would lighten him no more …

He burned with humiliation on remembrance of his proposal and Elizabeth's unequivocal refusal …

"You are mistaken, Mr Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner."

He recoiled from the memory of her words, still vivid in his mind.

"You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it."

Her words had cut through him as sharply as a finely honed blade. He had never, until that moment, realized just how devastating an emotion love could be.

"… your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings for others …"

"…I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry."

He paced his room like a caged animal, running his fingers through his hair in utter frustration. You, Darcy, have been a fool, he thought to himself for the umpteenth time. The woman has refused you, for heavens sake - let it go! But how, he thought, could I have been so horribly mistaken?

Certainly they had talked little, but their conversations had been lively even if somewhat awkward. Reflecting back to their exchanges when she had stayed with her sister Jane at Netherfield, he smiled briefly at the memory of her impertinent, but clever rejoinders to him in company. There was a fire and a challenge in her eyes he found stimulating as well as engaging. So different from the women he was used to associating with - Bingley's sister, Caroline, for example. Miss Bennet had a way of singling him out in her conversation that he had interpreted as some small regard for him - enough certainly to build on, he had thought. But obviously not. The strength and ardency of his feelings for her, as well as his evident arrogance and conceit had overcome his inherent caution and blinded him to the reality of her regard.

Still, it was no wonder she refused me, he thought. I managed to insult her and her relatives so completely that it is hardly surprising she felt free to censure me so strongly.

Grabbing his coat and hat, he blindly fled the house, attempting to escape memories still too raw to cope with, and nearly knocked down his Aunt in the process. Deaf to her repeated calls to him, he strode quickly towards the sanctuary the Park offered.

Following his proposal, Darcy had seen Miss Bennet only once. Waiting in the grove for her to appear the following morning he had handed her a letter that attempted to address some of the issues she had raised during their tempestuous meeting. Whilst he had carefully considered her accusations, there was one point on which he knew he could defend himself - Wickham! That man was like a constant burr in his side - he somehow managed to infect and threaten every area of his life. Damn him!

He had anticipated leaving directly for London after delivery of the letter - indeed he would have preferred it, if not for his Aunt. So, being unsure as to how the letter was received and anxious to avoid putting either of them in a situation where they would be obliged to respond, he decided to walk a different path, away from the area of the Park in which he knew Miss Bennet had indicated a preference. And she would definitely be walking - he knew enough of her habits to know that the ground being a little damp underfoot would be no impediment to her desire for the outdoors.

Lizzy had awoken that same morning with a compelling need to taste the freedom of walking in the Park. After the interminable rain of the previous day, she had endured quite enough of the company of Mr Collins; despite the fact that he was her cousin, he really was the most odious man. Regardless, she really needed space and time to clear her head - the revelations enclosed in Mr Darcy's letter had given her much to think on, and the rain had given her ample leisure to do so.

Charlotte, recognising the determined look on her friend's face as she came down the stairs, smiled to herself.

"Would you like some breakfast, Lizzy?" asked Charlotte.

"No, thank you. I think I shall go for a walk instead. I have spent too long cooped up indoors. Some fresh air will do me the world of good."

The only sounds coming from the direction of Mr Collins were indistinguishable grunts, but a quick glance at his plate confirmed why. It was as full with breakfast foods as his mouth. How he managed to regularly consume such huge amounts of food in one sitting and was still able to walk never ceased to amaze Lizzy. My single consolation, she thought dryly, is that his mouth is too full to insist I stay. Anxious to leave, she muttered her apologies to Charlotte and Mr Collins and hastened through the front door. Deciding on a different path from the familiar one she usually travelled, she set off at a brisk pace, thinking all the while.

Mr Darcy's unexpected proposal and then the contents of his letter had forced her to seriously reconsider her opinion of the man. Although still smarting over the mode of his declaration, she wondered, after reading his missive if she could have possibly misjudged him. All her previous dealings with him had only served to strengthen her initial, unfavourable opinion of him. His comments in her presence still rankled.

"Insufferable man!" she thought.

Still she did not understand the confusion of her feelings towards him. Try as she would to ignore him, she could not. It was undeniable that he caused extremes of all types in her emotions, and it was from this acknowledgement that her confusion stemmed. "Why am I so ambivalent? And why," she wondered, "can I not just forget him?"

On the matter of Mr Wickham, she acknowledged that she had been most seriously misled. Whatever ill thoughts she may have had of Mr Darcy, she believed yet that he was not the sort of man who would attempt to right himself at the cost of besmirching his sister's name unless it was the truth. And Mr Wickham's dealings with that young lady were utterly reprehensible - he was a fortune hunter of the worst kind - praying on and playing on the feelings of an innocent young woman for the purpose of separating her from her inheritance under the guise of matrimony - and particularly on one for whom he had professed a sisterly love. That Mr Darcy trusted her with this knowledge had disposed her to feel more understanding towards him. He was a proud man; she knew what the declaration must have cost him. She shivered with disgust to think that she had been flattered by Mr Wickham's addresses.

On the subject of dear Jane and Mr Bingley and his earlier efforts to separate them, she was surprised that Mr Darcy had seriously considered her objections to his interference. Due to her disclosure of Jane's affections he had also sent a missive to Mr Bingley notifying him of Jane's presence in London. The rest, as he said, was up to them.

In spite of the way their last meeting had concluded, but in light of the new information she now possessed, she would have liked to speak with him but she had learned through Charlotte that he was gone to London with Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Still, she was grateful for this private moment. Breathing deeply, she inhaled the sweet scent of the rain-freshened earth and marveled at how green and clean everything looked after yesterday's downpour. That her boots were becoming quite muddied mattered not a jot. It was a small price to pay to enjoy the freedom the Park represented.

Darcy, realizing that he had reached the boundary of the estate, decided to turn back. Head down, lost in thought, he failed to notice the similarly occupied person approaching from the opposite direction. A crunch of twigs underfoot alerted each to the presence of the other.

"Miss Bennet!"

"Mr Darcy!"

Darcy was taken aback. That the focus of his musings should appear in front of him at that precise moment seemed an improbably ironic twist of fate.

"Please excuse me, Miss Bennet. I am afraid my mind was on other things and I was unaware of your presence. I beg your pardon."

In an effort to spare them both discomfort, Darcy tilted his hat and bowed, making to leave as expeditiously as possible. As Lizzy overcame her initial surprise and remembered herself, she called out …

"Please, Mr Darcy. Stop. I wish to speak with you, if I may." She wondered briefly why he was not in London. Sensing he still wanted to make good his escape from her presence, she said the one thing she knew would halt his progress. "I read your letter, Sir, many times."

Darcy pulled up abruptly. "Please madam, you need say nothing more," he said, turning to face her. "I understand your feelings perfectly. You were quite right in your opinions of me. Indeed, I have acted in a most ungentlemanlike manner, and can hardly think on my recent performance in your company without abhorrence."

"No, Mr Darcy, you do not understand - whilst I have been most free in telling you of your faults and deficiencies, your letter has forced me to contemplate a few failings which must be laid at my own door.

"But Miss Bennet, I assure you, that was not my intention…"

"I am aware of that, sir. However it would not be very fair, would it, if you were left to think I am a creature without fault when I have listed your failings so completely. None of us is perfect. I do, however, pride myself on being a keen observer of the human condition, and it would seem I have allowed myself to be most easily misled. I have been entirely too quick to form opinions on people of my acquaintance." The meaning of her last statement hung heavily between them. "The lesson I have learned from this has been a difficult one, but also, I believe, a necessary one."

Darcy looked on thoughtfully, unsure of her direction.

"We need to talk, Mr Darcy. I can think of no better time than now."

Curious, Darcy nodded. They resumed walking, this time as companions, albeit uneasy ones. To Darcy's relief, Elizabeth took the initiative and attempted to explain the reflections his letter had induced in her.

"I will not deny that I was extremely angry with you and that my initial reaction was to disbelieve everything you had to relate. However your recounting of Mr Wickham's dealings with your family, and specifically your sister, finally made me open my eyes. I am mortified that I have been so easily deceived into forming a favourable opinion of that … man, while making little effort to fully illustrate his character. I believed his lies with regards to yourself easily enough as they fitted the disposition I had assigned to you. This vexes me greatly. I am appalled with my behaviour."

"However, I understand and respect your reasons for your not unmasking him, Mr Darcy. Indeed I am surprised that you feel confident enough of me to entrust me with such delicate information. You may be assured of my utmost discretion regarding this matter."

"Thank you, madam. Believe me, he is a dangerous fellow, but is a master at presenting a pleasing persona to those of his acquaintance. He has ease around strangers, you see, that I do not possess and he uses it very well to his advantage. I understand that all of Meryton regards him as an agreeable gentleman, when in fact he is nothing of the sort and abuses that title most ill."

The conversation lapsed momentarily, as Lizzy pondered how to ask the question most on her mind. "You mentioned that you had also written to Mr Bingley," she said. "I must wonder why, if you perceived myself and my relatives to be such an unsuitable alliance, you changed your mind and would now potentially inflict a similar fate on your friend?"

"Love knows no reason, …" he said quietly, almost to himself. But then in a clearer voice added, "You made me realise, Miss Bennet, that it was not my place to approve or disapprove of Bingley's choice. Indeed, I would not have tolerated such interference myself," said Darcy, glancing sideways and looking at her intently.

She nodded. This willingness to concede another's opinion was a new aspect to Mr Darcy she had hitherto been unaware of, and had been instrumental in her change of regard for him.

They walked for some time in this fashion, talking quietly, each attempting, finally, to understand the other. Certainly, it was the longest period they had spent in each other's company without sharp words coming between them. As they ambled along, an acute awareness of Elizabeth's nearness threatened to overwhelm Darcy. The soft scent of lavender intoxicated his senses so that thoughts of holding her in his arms were never far from his mind.

Lizzy too, was unsettled. She was acutely of Darcy's closeness - the heat from their bodies mingled as they rambled along the path. Due to the soggy condition of the lane, Darcy was obliged to take her gloved hand frequently to assist her, though he always retained her hand a little longer than was necessary or proper. As she looked up to utter her thanks, she momentarily caught an unguarded expression in his eyes - an expression of such longing as to make her pulse race.

Distracted by the look in Mr Darcy's eyes and the unfamiliar feelings she was experiencing, Lizzy failed to notice the patch of moss, made wet and slippery by yesterday's rain, lying in her path. Too late! With a terrible lurch, Lizzy slipped and twisted on the wet ground, coming down with a thump.

Mr Darcy was at her side in an instant.

"Miss Bennet! Are you hurt? Can you stand?"

Lizzy attempted to stand, but collapsed with a stifled scream.

"Please," Darcy asked quietly, "let me look at your ankle."

Lizzy blushed a deep scarlet as he lifted her foot, gently removed her boot, and with the utmost care attempted to ascertain the damage. His tender touch could not fail to notice the swelling and bruising already appearing. His suspicions were confirmed.

"I am afraid you have twisted your ankle. You cannot possibly walk on it."

"But how am I to return to Hunsford?"

"If you will allow me, Miss Bennet, I will carry you. Please be reasonable - you must know you are in no condition to walk."

"But it would not be proper, Mr Darcy, for me to arrive at The Parsonage in your arms!" She stopped abruptly, realising what she had said. "I mean, that I would … err, you would …"

"I understand what you wished to say, Miss Bennet." Darcy smiled at her faux pas. "But I cannot leave you here alone and incapacitated for the amount of time it would take me to fetch help and return." Darcy stood firm and waited.

Aware of her dilemma, but seeing no other solution for it apart from Mr Darcy's kind offer, she reluctantly consented. "As you wish, Mr Darcy. I am sorry for putting you to this inconvenience."

Inconvenience? thought Darcy. In no way would I call this an inconvenience, he smiled to himself. And he bent to easily lift Miss Bennet into his arms.

Both parties made halting attempts at conversation in an effort to avoid the nervousness that the nearness of the other was having. Darcy was having trouble concentrating on where they were going - so many nights he had lain awake wishing Elizabeth were in his arms, envisioning himself carrying her up the staircase at Pemberley to the bedroom they shared … now the scent and the feel of her so close were almost more than he could bear.

"It would appear I can add clumsiness to my other failings," she said impulsively, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Darcy actually laughed, easing the tension, and for Lizzy it was as if the sun had come out on a dark, dreary day. As she had never actually seen Mr Darcy laugh, she was surprised at the change to his normally sober visage. She realized for the first time what a devastatingly handsome man he was.

"I would not have it any other way, Miss Bennet," he grinned.

With her arms around Darcy's neck, feeling safe and secure in the firmness of his hold and with little else to distract her, Lizzy inhaled his strong male scent. With the exception of her father, she had never been this close to a man before, and wondered whether this quickening of her heartbeat and breath were normal. What was happening to her? From her vantage point in his arms, she discreetly stole a glance at his profile as he walked, looking straight ahead. A proud face, she thought, dark brown eyes with surprisingly long lashes, straight nose, a hint of dimples, full lips … full lips? And at this thought, his tongue wetted his lips as she watched and inhaled sharply.

He looked at her searchingly. "Are you comfortable, Miss Bennet? I am not holding you too firmly?"

Lizzy blushed as some decidedly unladylike thoughts rushed through her head. "I am quite comfortable, thank you sir," she replied as she returned his intent gaze.

So absorbed were they in each other, they failed to notice the rain clouds gathering until the first drops started to fall. Darcy looked at the threatening thunderheads above, and, quickly looking around for cover, noticed a huge tree a reasonably short distance away which he felt would afford them some protection from the imminent downpour. As hastily as possible considering his burden, he made his way to the relative shelter of the spreading boughs. It was for naught, as the heavens opened with a loud crash and they arrived drenched, hair dripping and clothes damp. Elizabeth's situation was the more serious as she had only dressed in a light muslin frock with a thin bolero offering minimal protection from the elements. Darcy sat under the protection afforded by the tree with Elizabeth still firmly ensconced in his lap.

"Please, Mr Darcy. You may release me until the storm has abated," said Lizzy, feeling flustered now that they were no longer moving.

"I think not, Miss Bennet - you are quite soaked through and will catch your death. My coat is large enough to cover us both, I think."

And as if to demonstrate, he shrugged off his great coat and wrapped it around them both, neatly keeping her well within the circle of his arms. Patting and tucking, he fussed to make sure they were both well covered before he risked a shy glance at Elizabeth to see if she was comfortable. He was surprised to see her looking at him very attentively. Unable to read her expression, he returned her gaze, looking for signs of …of …of what? A change of heart? A softening of her regard? That would be impossible - Elizabeth disliked him. Unless … perhaps …

Lizzy, for her part, felt like she was truly seeing Mr Darcy for the first time. No longer did he seem the proud and disagreeable man of her initial acquaintance; she had been allowed a glimpse of a gentle and extremely shy man. Where had the arrogance and haughtiness gone? While the manner of his proposal still rankled somewhat, she wondered if there was perhaps some reason behind his choice of words. He didn't need a wife, and he certainly didn't need one who was so far below him from society's perspective - so why had he approached her? Did he really feel so ardently for her? As he had said, disguise of any sort was abhorrent to him.

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then his eyes - bottomless deep, dark pools, were drawing her in, allowing her a view of a beleaguered soul; but there was something else … Behind the pain and remorse she saw the stirrings of an emotion she vaguely recognised as being a reflection of her own.

She felt herself being drawn inexorably towards him. Time seemed to slow and reality fade as he gently reached up to caress a few stray, damp tendrils away from her face, the touch of his hand sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. Innocently, she stayed his hand against her cheek and without thinking, softly kissed his palm.

Elizabeth's touch surprised Darcy. Intently, he searched her eyes; prepared for fear or rejection - he found none. And finding none, he was unable to stop himself. Slowly closing the gap between them, he leaned down to savor the sweetness of her lips. Gradually, breath mingling, their lips met. Tentative at first, he was surprised to feel her shy, but encouraging response - a slight pressure returned, a hand moving up his wet shirt to softly tangle in his damp, dark curls. With great tenderness he tasted her, deepening his kisses in answer to her own. An awareness of the warmth emanating from the heat of their embrace served only to ignite his thinly veiled desire for her; and intensifying his hunger with each taste, he drank in her response, unable to pull away.

Still holding her firmly to him, he interrupted his sweet torment of her mouth to gaze at her intensely - eyes heavy-lidded with passion, looking for, but not seeing, a sign from his beloved to stop - before reclaiming her lips once again. Heady with the torrent of emotions he had unleashed, her hand instinctively snaked around his neck and pulled him closer. Incapable of coherent thought, she luxuriated in and returned his need and desire - eliciting a moan from Darcy who felt powerless to pull away from the temptation, as the Lizzy in his arms fused with the Lizzy of his dreams.

Drowning in feelings he had repressed for so many months, he trailed his hand up her curves to cup the fullness of her full breast through the thin, soaked muslin of her dress. She moved restlessly in his lap arching towards his gentle caress as a whimper escaped her lips as his touch brushed her hardened nipple. With that small sound, the floodgates of reality crashed open.

"Oh my god!" said Darcy, pulling his hand away from her breast as though burned.

"Eliz …Miss Bennet!" said Darcy as reality savagely intruded into his consciousness. "What have I done? How can you ever forgive me?"

Lizzy shook her head, bewildered. As sense and comprehension returned to her she blushed madly, shocked at suddenly being made aware of just how compromising a situation she had allowed herself to get into. Lizzy went still. What have I done? What must he think of me? Behaving so. Stupid, stupid girl! Mortified with her behavior, Lizzy attempted to regain some modicum of decorum.

"Please Mr Darcy. An apology would achieve little. I am afraid I am as much to blame as you. Perhaps we should continue on our way to The Parsonage. I do not wish to detain you from your responsibilities any longer and I know Mrs Collins will be concerned knowing I have been out in this storm which has apparently passed." Embarrassed and humiliated, Lizzy retreated behind an impassive façade of cool politeness, the warmth and passion of the previous minutes snuffed out.

As an uncomfortable silence descended between them, Darcy, with a heavy heart, lifted Elizabeth into his arms once more and began the long trek back to the Parsonage.

Elizabeth Bennet had been decidedly out of sorts ever since her return from Kent. None of the inhabitants of Longbourn had the perception to notice - with the possible exception of Mr Bennet who, happily ensconced in his library, was unaware that his favourite daughter was feeling and behaving less than her usual spirited self. Preferring to keep her own counsel, Lizzy felt relieved at not having to provide her family with an explanation for her moodiness.

At this point though, she had little tolerance-for her mothers 'nerves', Mary's sermonizing, and Kitty and Lydia's silliness. If only Jane were here to talk to, she thought. She wandered towards the garden, lost in contemplation. She was still acutely upset and confused over Mr Darcy and the events that had transpired in Kent prior to his removal to London and her return home.

The encounter in the Park at Rosings had an unreal quality to it now that she was home, and she was inclined to believe it so … indeed she wished it so, with the exception of the indisputable proof of the letter. Lizzy was not one given to romantic contemplation, but at rare moments in the solitude of her own company, she subconsciously surrendered to the countless memories of that day and found herself back in the warmth of his embrace. She remembered his touch, his lips as they grazed over her face and lips, her body molding into his … and then the familiar flutter in her stomach as she remembered his hand moving up to cup and fondle her breasts … What was she doing! She reefed her thoughts back into the present.Why does every thought of Mr Darcy always return to that moment? She frowned in frustration.

Lizzy's distress over that particular moment was great. Her mortification stemmed from the fact that she blamed herself for what had transpired. She knew very well the ardency of Mr Darcy's feelings - much better it would appear than she knew her own. That she had encouraged him she did not doubt - having allowed him to continue was sufficient demonstration of that. But, she realized, she had been quite powerless to stop him, and was at a loss to understand why. Oh, what must he think of her? She was not Lydia, a silly girl with more charms than brains. And Mr Darcy! She had always supposed him to be aloof and undemonstrative … why, even his proposal at Hunsford, though ardent, had been presented more in the form of a business proposition. Instead she had found him to be shy, gentle and most surprisingly, extremely passionate.

Alone with her troubled thoughts, she ambled through the garden, picking the odd bloom here and there until it was almost time for tea. She made her way back to the house, ostensibly seeking relief from her thoughts - at this point, even the conversation of her mother and younger sisters would surely provide some distraction.

"The post has come, Miss," said Hill, handing Lizzy a missive as she entered the house.

She thanked Hill, and expecting it to be a letter from Jane notifying of her departure date from London, excitedly snapped the seal on the letter as she made her way to the parlor. The missive was not from Jane however, and she emitted a short gasp as she recognized the handwriting of the sender. She possessed another letter written by the same author secreted away upstairs in her room.

"What on earth is the matter, Lizzy?" enquired Mr Bennet, coming upon her on his way through from the library to tea. "You appear quite distracted."

"Oh, it is nothing Father," she said, quickly hiding the letter in the pocket of her dress. "I am just a little out of sorts … probably the weather," Lizzy dissembled, realising the impropriety of receiving a letter from this gentleman.

She quietly sat down. She attempted to eat, but discovered, not surprisingly, that her appetite had quite disappeared, and she was having trouble applying herself to the conversation at table.

"… yes, but I need more bonnets, Papa," pleaded Lydia.

"I fail to see why, my child. You only have one head to wear them on. Surely one bonnet is enough?" asked Mr Bennet.

"But she takes all of mine, Papa, and she won't give them back!" whined Kitty.

"Yes, but they look better on me than you," snapped Lydia.

"Girls, girls," sighed Mrs Bennet. "Have some consideration for my nerves. All of this fighting is doing nothing for my digestion."

With the letter burning a hole in her pocket, Elizabeth excused herself and escaped to her room as soon as she was able pleading a headache. It was the only excuse she could think of that would allow her to remain undisturbed.

Closing the door and dropping onto the bed, she paused for a moment before she unfolded the letter and with trembling hands began to read:

Dear Miss Bennet,

I write without any intention of paining you, or humbling myself, by dwelling on wishes, which for the happiness of us both, cannot be too soon forgotten. My reasons for writing to you however, are twofold.

Firstly, please accept my deepest apologies for what occurred in the Park at Rosings. I am most seriously aggrieved by my ungentlemanly behaviour. I have no reasonable excuse to offer you for my conduct; indeed none would be satisfactory.

Secondly, I have heard from Bingley that he will be returning to the estate at Netherfield. We shall both be quitting London for Hertfordshire soon and as there will no doubt be occasions in the future where we will be forced into the same company, I write to assure you that I will not be renewing those offers made at Hunsford which were so disgusting to you.

Please accept my best wishes for your health and happiness.

Your humble servant

Fitzwilliam Darcy.

In astonishment, Lizzy let the letter drop to the floor. She sat looking dazedly out the window, trying to make sense of what she had just read. Comprehension dawned on her and tears, unbidden and unnoticed, began to run down her cheeks. Now she understood. Mr Darcy was informing her, in no uncertain terms, that he regretted declaring himself. Her behavior, so unladylike and unbecoming, was no better than that of her relatives whom he had so derided in his proposal. How relieved he must be at his escape!

Outside night fell, but she remained oblivious. Numb, tired and sad, she sat in her darkened room feeling completely drained, with neither the energy nor the inclination to light the candles.

Finally falling asleep late into the night, Lizzy woke the next day with a new resolve. She had bemoaned, mooned, reflected and worried as much as she was going to over Mr Darcy. She would not sit here for one more day like some lovesick sap! Mr Darcy was getting on with his life, and so, she had decided, would she.

Some three weeks later the sound of horses and carriage crunching on the driveway at Longbourn heralded the arrival of Jane and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner from London. Lizzy, overjoyed with the return of her sister, rushed out to the carriage before it had even stopped. She embraced her Aunt and Uncle affectionately, but Jane had barely time to alight before being enveloped most warmly.

Surprised by the fervency of the reception from her, Jane asked, "Is aught the matter, Lizzy? I have only been in London these past two months. Even from you, that is the warmest welcome I have ever received."

Lizzy just grasped Jane's arm, and laughing for the first time in weeks said, "Nothing is the matter, dear Jane. I am just so thrilled to have you back. It has been a very long two months, for me at least!"

Later they wandered out to the garden to pick some lavender for drying. As they chattered and laughed over the flowerbed, Lizzy couldn't help but notice the glow in Jane's cheeks and the marked improvement of her disposition since her departure from Longbourn two months previously. It struck Lizzy that something had certainly transpired in London, as Jane, whose expression was normally very even, could not help breaking out into the most beautiful smiles.

Lizzy teased lightly, "I realize you are happy to see me, Jane, but there must be more reason than that for the way you keep beaming at nothing and no one in particular."

Jane laughed easily, "If you promise not to tell, Lizzy, I will let you in on a secret."

"Yes?" said Lizzy expectantly.

"Mr Bingley and I renewed our acquaintance whilst I was in London; how he found out I was there I do not know, but he has asked me to be his wife, and Lizzy, I have accepted! Can you understand now why I am so happy? Oh! Why is not everybody as happy?"

"But what of Father, Jane? Does he know yet?"

"No Lizzy. I promised Mr Bingley I would say nothing to anyone but you until he arrives in two days, and then he shall ask Father for my hand."

"I am so very, very happy for you" beamed Lizzy, squeezing her sister in an affectionate hug.

"But what of you, Lizzy? Did you enjoy Kent?"

"Yes, Kent is lovely, and … and Charlotte looks quite content in her marriage.

"And our cousin, Mr Collins? He is well?"

"Mr Collins will always be well, Jane, as long as he is so closely situated with Lady Catherine de Bourgh." Lizzy rolled her eyes at her last comment.

"And Lady Catherine - what is she like, Lizzy?"

"Much like her home: pompous, overbearing and inclined to be intimidating."

"Oh Lizzy, you are too cruel," Jane laughed. "So Rosings is as our dear cousin described?"

"Rosings is very impressive, and the Park within that estate is …it is … it has very interesting walks through it."

"Come Lizzy, I know there is more. What are you not telling me?"

Unable to keep it to herself any longer, Lizzy decided to tell Jane what had happened - the proposal, the letter, the walk in the Park with Mr Darcy…

"But Lizzy, I thought you didn't like Mr Darcy? Indeed you have been quite abrupt with him. What happened to change your opinion of him?"

"I really am not sure, Jane. I suspect I have been shown a side to Mr Darcy that few people have been privy to."

"And has he proposed again to you, Lizzy? Surely after what transpired in the Park, he must have declared his intentions?"

"His intentions? Unfortunately yes, Jane. I received a letter from him a few weeks ago informing me that he would be returning to Netherfield with Mr Bingley."

"He sent you a letter? That is highly improper Lizzy. But why 'unfortunately'?" She paused a moment before continuing - a thought creeping into her mind. "Do you love him, Lizzy?"

Choosing to ignore Jane's question, she reached into her pocket and pulled out Mr Darcy's letter. "Let me show you." And she handed Jane Mr Darcy's letter to read.

"But I don't understand? What does he mean by 'I write to assure you that I will not be renewing those offers made at Hunsford which were so disgusting to you…'? You must have been terribly harsh with him. Is it possible he simply fears rejection again, Lizzy?"

"No Jane. I am afraid that now that he has come to know me more 'intimately', he has realised that I would not be a suitable wife. I have behaved most wantonly - not at all appropriate for the Mistress of Pemberley."

"You cannot be sure of this, Lizzy. Please promise me you will give him a chance … please? His feelings may yet be as keen as they were previously."

"Do not worry Jane, I shall not be rude. But there is no hope for Mr Darcy and me. You shall see. It is over before it has really begun," she said morosely. Feeling herself slipping into her previous despondency, Lizzy shook herself. "But it will all be for the best, you shall see. At least this will give Miss Bingley free rein to work her feminine wiles on Mr Darcy, although I suspect he will not be quite so pleased," she chuckled.

"Lizzy, you did not answer my question. Do you love Mr Darcy?"

Lizzy turned serious and biting her lip, struggled to find an answer. "I do not know, Jane. There was neither enough time nor opportunity to find out."

The next few days passed in a blur of activity. Mr Bingley arrived back at Netherfield and immediately visited Longbourn to obtain the consent of Mr Bennet for his marriage to Jane. Mrs Bennet's indiscreet raptures at the thought of Ł5,000 per year were in extremely poor taste, although not totally unexpected, and Lizzy blushed on remembrance of Mr Darcy's comments regarding the wont of propriety of certain of her relatives, and understood his remarks most keenly.

What was unanticipated however, was the addition of that particular gentleman on Mr Bingley's next visit.

They arrived on horseback early the next day. Following their announcement by Hill, Mrs Bennet, whilst reserving an embarrassingly effusive greeting for Mr Bingley, was still convinced as to his friend's disagreeableness and acted in a less than courteous manner, much to the embarrassment of all except the lady herself. Thus, Mr Bingley, in an effort to escape the overly enthusiastic ministrations of Mrs Bennet, suggested a walk. Eager to provide Jane and Bingley with the opportunity to spend time together without having to entertain the disagreeable Mr Darcy, Mrs Bennet suggested that Lizzy accompany them and walk out with Mr Darcy. Lizzy, for Jane's sake, swallowed her misgivings and with head down, quietly consented. Darcy, looking out the window as was his wont, swung around to face her as he heard her soft consent, and gazed at her in guarded surprise. The two couples set out for Oakham Mount. Jane and Bingley, in their own private world and with eyes only for each other, wandered ahead leaving Lizzy and Darcy to make awkward conversation with one another.

"You have been well, Miss Bennet?" enquired Darcy, glancing quickly at Elizabeth.

"Why yes, I thank you," replied Lizzy quietly.

She doesn't look well, thought Darcy. In fact, she looks decidedly unwell. He wondered what could be ailing her as he struggled to think of what to say next …

"It is lovely weather we are having, is it not?"

"Yes, summer is tending to linger this year."

"It has been pleasant in Hertfordshire, I presume…"

"Yes sir, most pleasing," said Lizzy. It would appear Mr Darcy is as uncomfortable about this situation as I am, she thought.

"In as much as I do not wish to refer to our previous meeting Miss Bennet, I hope you will forgive my coming to Longbourn with Bingley. He knows nothing of what transpired between us, and rather insisted that I accompany him."

"I understand completely, Mr Darcy. We must keep up appearances, must we not?"

Darcy looked curiously at Lizzy before he offered, "It would appear that Bingley and your sister are very well suited. You must be very happy for your sister regarding her engagement. He, certainly, is a very lucky man in his choice of wife."

Lizzy looked surprised. "Indeed, sir. I believe they are extremely well matched, not only in affection but also temperament. You …" Elizabeth started to say more but stopped herself, looking away quickly. "I must thank you for the letter you sent to Mr Bingley. Without the information you provided regarding Jane's presence in London, I doubt they would have reached this happy conclusion."

"I believe I was thinking only of you, Miss Bennet. I could see the wisdom of your reproof, and whilst I wished to give my friend every chance at happiness, I was selfish enough to hope that it might improve my standing in your eyes."

Elizabeth was very quiet at this, and Darcy glanced at her trying to gauge what she was thinking. She appeared deep in contemplation, but slowly lifted her gaze until she was looking directly back at him. Lizzy's eyes, at once bright and expressive, held Darcy's intently. Their gazes locked, searching …

Darcy, unsure how to respond, was saved the trouble by Lizzy, who, tired of the verbal sidestepping and suddenly emboldened, decided to take the bull by the horns and discuss what was foremost in her mind.

"I must thank you for your letter, sir. It certainly allayed any concerns I may have had regarding the renewing of our acquaintance. Your message was quite clear. However, you must allow me to apologise for my behaviour in the Park at Rosings. I realize that your opinion of me must be much changed, but I find I cannot bear to have you think ill of me."

Darcy paused briefly, and, taking one of Lizzy's hands in his, kissed it ever so gently. Softly, earnestly he said, "I could never think ill of you, Miss Bennet. I am afraid it is no longer in my power to do so."

"But your letter? You said…"

"I know what I said, Miss Bennet. But I was trying to reassure you, to make you feel more at ease about us meeting again. I did not want you to think that I would be importuning you once more, as it was so distasteful to you last time."

"Oh …"

"My feelings are unchanged, Miss Bennet - they are now as they ever were."

Their eyes met and held. They stood this way for many minutes, each quietly drinking in the sight of the other - until at last Darcy placed her still captive hand on his arm, and they continued their walk.

Distressed over the outcome of events that had occurred in the Park at Rosings and the manner of their parting, Darcy had thought he had lost Elizabeth forever, and the pain of his despair had been devastating. Now, after the look he had seen in Elizabeth's eyes, he felt the first glimmerings of hope.

With Jane and Bingley nowhere in sight, Lizzy finally realised just how far they had lagged behind them, and suggested a shorter route through two fields that would allow them to catch up more quickly. However, they came to a small stile buttressed by high hedges between the fields that created a dilemma. Normally Lizzy would have hitched up her skirts as she was wont to do and clambered over, but for the sake of respectability in this instance, thought it best not to. As she looked around for a more ladylike path around the obstacle, Mr Darcy offered a more immediate solution.

"I take it the point of this particular 'shortcut' is to catch up to your sister and Mr Bingley?" he smiled tentatively down at her, waiting for her nod. "Very well, I realize this is highly irregular, but if you will allow me Miss Bennet, I will lift you over and we can utilise this 'shortcut' for it's intended purpose."

"Irregularity seems to be a recurring theme in our relationship, Mr Darcy - but yes, I agree. We are losing valuable time."

So, with as much decorum as possible whilst bracing herself on Mr Darcy's shoulders, she climbed to the second top rung of the stile. As he grasped her firmly around the waist, Lizzy flushed at the familiar, warm feeling of his hands on her. Though he easily lifted her clear of the stile, her descent was much slower as he lowered her in his arms until her face was level with his, their eyes never leaving each other. Slowly, and with great deliberation, he brought Lizzy closer until their breath mingled and their lips touched. Softly at first, they shyly explored each other's lips. Lizzy's arms moved from his shoulders to wrap around his neck. Pulling her closer to him, he all but expelled the air from her lungs with the firmness of his hold. Lizzy moaned as he devoured her mouth.

Eventually, it was the need for oxygen that drove them apart, chests heaving and gasping for breath. They looked at each other in surprise, each shaken by the suddenness of their emotions. Realising the compromising nature of their situation, Lizzy felt her embarrassment growing.

"Mr Darcy, you have good reason to disbelieve me, but I would not have you think I make a habit of this type of behaviour."

Reluctantly, he lowered her to the ground and cradled her face tenderly in his hands. "Please, my dearest Elizabeth, do not make yourself uneasy. The fault is all mine, but I find that when I am near you I am unable to control myself. I would wish for nothing more than to remain this way for the rest of our lives."

She blushed at the intimacy if his address; his words echoing in her mind "… to remain this way for the rest of our lives." Would that it were possible… she thought.

After the rashness of their embrace, Lizzy's bonnet was askew, curls tumbling about her face. Mr Darcy's attempts to adjust her bonnet ultimately caused more destruction until Lizzy took control.

"I fear, Mr Darcy, that your talents lie in areas other than fixing young ladies appearance," she said cheekily. "Perhaps I should reserve your assistance for when I need something to be carried or lifted?"

Darcy, realizing he was being teased, smiled as he watched Lizzy making the necessary adjustments.

"I am at your service, madam," he grinned. "Perhaps I may offer to carry you the rest of the way? I have discovered it to be a particularly exhilarating pastime of late," he teased in return.

"I think not, Mr Darcy," she responded. "In as much as it is a most … enjoyable means of transportation, recent experience has proven the progress to be a little slow."

He laughed at this, pleased that her impertinent wit that had so captivated him had returned. Both presentable once more, they carried on - her hand on his arm. With more than one 'obstacle' out of the way, they hastened to catch up to Jane and Bingley in companionable silence - words no longer necessary for the growing understanding between them.

Two days later, the residents of Longbourn were surprised by the mid-morning arrival of a rather illustrious personage in the form of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mrs Bennet, to her credit, coped with the unexpected arrival of Lady Catherine at Longbourn reasonably well. If she had been thinking that Lady Catherine had called upon the family at Longbourn as a mark of respect due to their familial association with her clergyman Mr Collins, she was disabused of this notion almost instantly. With very little civility as was her manner; her ladyship requested the presence of Miss Elizabeth Bennet only in the small garden off to the side of the drive.

They had barely arrived when Lady Catherine, all fury and condemnation, began haranguing Elizabeth in a most undignified fashion.

"What is the meaning of this Miss Bennet? I have received reports of an extremely alarming nature, and I will tell you now, I will not have it! Do not think you can work your wiles and artifice on my nephew for the sake of procuring a proposal. You are the most reckless creature it has been my misfortune to meet, and I will not be gainsaid. You will not marry my nephew."

Lizzy, shocked at the vehemence of Lady Catherine's display, and unsure as to what she was referring said as much. "I beg your pardon, Lady Catherine, but I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Do not play your games with me, young lady! I know all about what happened between you and my nephew at Rosings - did you think you were unobserved? Now, what have you to say for yourself?"

Bristling with indignation at being so verbally abused, Lizzy answered sharply "Whatever happened between your nephew and myself is our business, Lady Catherine, and belongs to no one else."

"Let me be rightly understood, Miss Bennet. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. Never. You will promise me never to enter into an engagement with my nephew."

"You presume too much, Lady Catherine. I am only resolved to act in that manner which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me. And I am determined to marry for love - whether he be a pauper or the richest man in England - it matters little to me."

"Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! To think that my nephew could be taken in by one such as yourself! Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?"

"Lady Catherine!" roared a strong, male voice. "You will desist this minute from abusing Miss Bennet in this fashion!"

Darcy, with a darkly glowering visage, had opportunely arrived at Longbourn and was bearing down on them at great speed. He pulled up quickly in front of her ladyship, and endeavouring to pull himself under control, spoke softly, but very clearly. "If you must know, Lady Catherine, no engagement has been made or set between myself and Miss Bennet."

Lady Catherine sighed with relief. "Oh! Thank heavens. I …"

"I have not yet finished, Aunt," said Darcy, simmering dangerously close to a full boil.

"However, if I should propose to Miss Bennet, it would be of absolutely no concern to you, nor does it require any approval on your part. I am determined only to marry a woman I can be totally devoted to, and who, in my mind, will participate in the marriage equally, in terms of affection, spirit and intelligence. Miss Bennet, quite apart from being the most beautiful woman of my acquaintance, is the only woman I can ever envisage myself loving and marrying, and I am quite prepared to resign myself to a long bachelorhood if she sees fit to refuse me once again."

"Again?" spat Lady Catherine.

"Yes, again Madam. Although it is no business of yours, she has refused me once already. She prefers, as she has told you, to marry only for love, and I intend to work to ensure that the lucky recipient of that love is me. Now if you would be so kind as to leave, Aunt, I believe I have a question to ask Miss Bennet …"

Spluttering in indignation, she snapped, "You shall have cause to rue this course of action, Darcy. I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. You deserve no such compliment."

Lady Catherine stormed off, most seriously displeased.

Darcy turned to Elizabeth, who was looking at him warmly.

"Whilst I am quite capable of taking care of myself, Mr Darcy, I must admit I am becoming quite accustomed to you coming to my rescue."

"Miss Bennet, Elizabeth, please … I …" Darcy stammered and stopped completely. Bewitched by the loving look in Lizzy's eyes, but completely unsure what to say next, he just stared at her, lost in her eyes.

"I do believe there was something you were going to ask, Mr Darcy?" prodded Lizzy with a twinkle in her eye.

Swallowing deeply, Darcy took her hands in his and said "I love you, my dearest Elizabeth - you must know by now that this will never change. I would ask you once again to do me the greatest honour, and consent to be my wife?"

As a single, happy tear rolled down her cheek, Lizzy reached up to tenderly caress Darcy's face and whispered, "Yes."

Wrapping Lizzy in his arms, Darcy quietly held her against him, hesitant to speak in case the dream was shattered. After some moments, a small voice peeped out from within his folded arms:

"I fear we shall never make it to the church, my love, if you do not allow me to breathe."

Easing his grip, Darcy looked down at the vision he was cradling, as he struggled to put voice to his emotions. "Please, my darling Lizzy, say it again, for truly I have long thought this day would never come."

Smiling to herself at the intimacy of his address, she gazed into his eyes, reading in them a vulnerability that he would only ever allow her to see.

"Yes, my dearest Fitzwilliam, I will marry you."

Overcome, he crushed Lizzy to him once again. "You have no idea how happy you have made me, my darling Lizzy. I love you …"

He lifted her chin slowly and kissed her with exquisite tenderness, his lips barely touching hers. "Please call me Will," he whispered against her mouth. "It is what you call me in my dreams, my love, and I ache to hear you say it."

"Will," she breathed into his ear, sending shivers through his body. He tensed - the feel of Lizzy so close was intoxicating.

My Lizzy … my Lizzy, he thought in amazement. She will finally be mine.

His tongue whisped gently across Lizzy's lips; moaning softly, she leaned into him, aching for more. It was almost too much for William - he felt the restraints on his resolve begin to fray. He must be the one to pull away. Reluctantly he eased his hold on her and slowly, unwillingly, they drew apart.

Still holding Lizzy, but now in the loose circle of his arms, he made a request: "Would you give me leave to speak with your father? I cannot wait a moment longer," he urged, gifting her with a winning smile.

"It would please me greatly, Will. And it would be best if I go and speak with Mama. I am sure she will be confused as to Lady Catherine's departure.

At the mention of that harridan's name, Darcy scowled for a moment, but resolved to put it out of his mind. He would allow nothing to overshadow the exquisite happiness he was feeling on this day. Discreetly holding hands, they began to walk back to the house.

Darcy knocked at the door of the library, and a voice from within bade him enter.

"Why, Mr Darcy," exclaimed Mr Bennet, "this is a surprise. I was not aware that you had come to visit. Did you accompany Mr Bingley?"

"Er, no, Mr Bennet. Mr Bingley will no doubt arrive within the hour. I left Netherfield ahead of him. I … er … have come to speak with you myself, Sir, on a matter of some importance."

"Well, well, two gentlemen within the same week. I must say that I am delighted to have had the pleasure of so much male conversation of late," he said dryly. "As you can imagine, with a house full of females, I don't often have the opportunity. So, what was it that you particularly wished to discuss, Mr Darcy? I await your leave, sir."

"It concerns your daughter, Mr Bennet."

"My daughter, hmmm? I'm afraid you will need to be a little more explicit, Mr Darcy. I am sure you can appreciate my need for clarification," he hinted, smiling.

Damn! thought Darcy. The heat in this room is stifling. He hooked his finger around the neck of his cravat, attempting to loosen it slightly.

"I would like to marry your daughter, Mr Bennet."

"Really, Mr Darcy? Well, well. This is most hopeful. I still have four who are unpromised - did you have a particular one in mind, or would you like me to choose for you?" asked Mr Bennet, endeavoring to stifle a chuckle at the younger man's uneasiness.

Not ignorant to the fact that Elizabeth's father was teasing with him, he came straight to the point, perhaps a little sooner that he otherwise might. "You may not be aware, Mr Bennet, but I have been endeavoring for some time to garner the affections of your daughter, Elizabeth."

"You are correct, Mr Darcy," he said with wicked amusement. "I was not aware. But then the last I heard she was not handsome enough to tempt you. I take it you have had a change of heart, then?"

Darcy colored. "Er, yes. My apologies for that remark, sir. I am afraid I am not comfortable in society, and have spent the last many years avoiding maneuvers by ambitious mothers attempting to match me up with their 'desirable' daughters. I made that thoughtless remark before I had the opportunity to become properly acquainted with your daughter. I can assure you that I have had occasion to earnestly regret that comment; I have come to feel for Lizzy …, I beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth, the most ardent of affections and I have asked her to be my wife."

"Well, well, that is quite a change of heart, Mr Darcy. Ardent affections, aye? Well, I'm not sure that is quite enough. Still, Lizzy has obviously consented. Hmmm, I am surprised Lizzy told me nothing of this, but then, she is a very independent young woman, as I am certain you have come to realize. I am acquainted with my Lizzy's thoughts on marriage, Sir, so you won't mind I am sure, if I ask Lizzy to join us in this conversation?"

"By all means, Mr Bennet."

"Just one more thing …"

Darcy waited patiently.

"Do you love my daughter, Mr Darcy - to distraction?"

Darcy smiled. "I believe that is a very accurate description, Mr Bennet. I have been able to think of little else since she first captivated me."

"Good, good. Ardency is not enough, you know - fades with the flush of youth and the onset of children. And does she love you, Sir?"

"I believe she feels … that she has strong … She has led me to believe …"

"So she hasn't told you as such yet, hmmm? Well, we shall see …" Mr Bennet then excused himself to call Lizzy, who was more than happy to escape the verbal barrage she was suffering at the hands of her mother.

In the library, Lizzy looked quizzically at Mr Darcy, but he just smiled cryptically at her in response.

"I have had a rather curious request from Mr Darcy, Lizzy. It would appear that I am to lose not one daughter, but two. You have apparently been conducting a clandestine courtship under our very noses. So, what do you have to say for yourself, young lady?"

"Mr Darcy has asked me to marry him, Papa, and I have accepted."

"So it would seem, my dear, for I hardly think he would have come to me without some sort of tacit approval on your behalf. I need to know though, that you are consenting to marry Mr Darcy for the right reasons. And be truthful with me Lizzy, for I shall know if you are not."

Unable to conceal her feelings, happiness suffused her expression. "He is truly the best man I have ever known, Papa." She turned to Darcy, capturing him with her gaze. "And I have come to love him … very deeply."

Darcy stood rooted to the spot. Whilst he had been thrilled beyond measure to have captured her hand, that he had also captured her heart was a heavenly joy he had not dared contemplate. Feeling her love wash over him, he looked at her with an intensity of emotion that spoke volumes of his attachment.

Mr Bennet - like his favorite daughter, a keen observer of human nature - gazed with affection and not a little regret at the couple in front of him. A blind man could see the depth of emotion between the two. It would appear another man would be his Lizzy's favored companion from this day on.

He coughed discreetly to break the moment, bringing Lizzy and Darcy back to the subject at hand.

"Very well, Lizzy, you have convinced me, my dear. You have my consent, Mr Darcy, as well as the answer to my other question," smiled Mr Bennet, shaking his future son-in-law's hand. "My Lizzy is a bright and intelligent young lady, spirited and independent, quite unlike others of her gender - you would do well to remember that. Now Lizzy … when would you like us to announce this engagement to your mother? I fear she may go distracted at the thought of not one, but two weddings," he said with a smile on his face.

"Papa, with Mr Darcy's permission I would like to wait until Jane and Mr Bingley's announcement has been made. I would not wish to detract from the happiness of their occasion."

Darcy nodded. Elizabeth would be his wife. It was more than he had dared hope for these past desperate months.

Mr Bennet turned at the sound of Bingley arriving and thought the moment propitious to join the others. They left the library in time to meet Bingley in the foyer. Mrs Bennet, who knew nothing still of Mr Darcy's earlier arrival, was left to presume he had arrived with Mr Bingley.

Later that night at Netherfield, the house was quiet as everyone else had retired to bed. Darcy and Bingley were having a companionable glass of port in the library prior to turning in.

"I must admit, Darcy, I was a little surprised to find you at Longbourn ahead of me today - and I confess I am a little curious as to why. You had business with Mr Bennet perhaps?

"Bingley, I have something of great import I wish to tell you, but I must insist that it go no further than this room at this time."

"Good god, Darcy! What is it, man? Has something happened?"

"No, no, Bingley. It is nothing bad, I assure you. Quite the contrary." A smile creased his features. "I have just this day become engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and I am so delighted I wish to share it with you."

"Why, Darcy! You sly devil, I had no idea. You really do play your cards awfully close to your chest, don't you? Naturally, I congratulate you," he said as he pumped Darcy's hand, smiling widely. "I am sure you will be as happy with Elizabeth as I with my beautiful Jane. But if you don't mind me asking, why do you wish to keep this a secret? There isn't something else I should know is there? You must have a good reason for wanting to keep it quiet."

"Don't jump to conclusions, Bingley. Elizabeth requested that we keep the engagement private for now so as not to detract from the occasion of your engagement to Jane, and I agreed. In fact no one knows except you and Mr Bennet. I must insist you keep it that way for now, if you will."

"Certainly, Darcy. You have my word on it. But once again, my heartiest congratulations," he said smiling.

Darcy's eyes crinkled in amusement as he said, "Then I have your blessing, Bingley?"

"Do you need it?" Bingley laughed. "I am holding a ball at Netherfield on Saturday to announce mine and Jane's engagement, so you shan't have to wait too long at least."

Keenly anticipating their happy futures, the gentlemen finished their ports and retired to their rooms for the night. For the first time in many months, Darcy slept soundly, no longer haunted by dreams of the unattainable.

Caroline Bingley, concerned over Darcy's frequent excursions to Longbourn with her brother, suspected that his attendance on that family may have been due to the enticement of a certain pair of 'fine eyes' … Ever alert to the threat of competition for Mr Darcy's affections, she determined to escalate her long and calculated campaign to become the Mistress of Pemberley.

In her effort to lure Mr Darcy into an appropriate disposition to propose, Caroline Bingley had thus far used almost every tactic a lady could employ to entice him: intelligent conversation (showing the benefits of a well-rounded education); a display of good breeding and manners (as would be required of the Mistress of Pemberley); a constant solicitousness regarding his person (to indicate a kind and caring nature); and an affinity with all his opinions (to indicate a compliance with his thoughts). And whilst he always treated her politely and with respect, she was beginning to suspect that it was due more to her being Charles' sister, than for any other reason. Trouble was brewing on the horizon - of that she was sure. And that was trouble with a capital 'E'! That a country upstart, with few of the qualities that she herself possessed, should usurp her, was insupportable! It was time now to fight fire with fire. Miss Eliza Bennet would not waltz in and snatch the prize she had labored so long to win! She went to find her maid; there were preparations to be made and no time to lose.

Caroline waited patiently throughout dinner and an obligatory evening at cards for the right time to put her scheming into motion. Eventually, most of the family retired to bed. Caroline lingered in the drawing room, knowing Mr Darcy to be having a quiet nightcap in the library. She sent the footman, Johnson, to ask Mr Darcy if he would be so kind as to attend her. Darcy groaned inwardly upon receiving the request, but being unable to invent a reasonable reason not to comply, strode off to the drawing room, annoyed and not a little suspicious as to what Caroline may be up to. Her frequent jibes about Elizabeth lately had been enough to set his teeth on edge.

"Please be seated, Mr Darcy," smiled Caroline, leading him to the nearest settee. She commenced pacing leisurely in front of him. "I have a matter of some importance to discuss which directly involves you."

Wondering what on earth Caroline could possibly have to say that could remotely be of any importance or interest to him, he gritted his teeth saying, "As you will, Miss Bingley," grudgingly giving her leave to continue.

"I am excessively concerned about dear Georgiana," she pronounced as she continued her pacing in front of Darcy.

"How so?" He had received a post from his sister only yesterday, and she had seemed to be in good health and fine spirits at Pemberley.

"It is high time she was presented to society, Mr Darcy. Have you not thought on this?"

With his betrothal to Elizabeth now confirmed, Darcy had thought on this indeed. Elizabeth, with her lively manner and ease in social situations, would be the perfect person to help Georgiana overcome her natural reticence in public. Still unsure where this line of questioning was heading, he waited not so patiently for Caroline to continue, twisting the ring on his little finger in a mild display of exasperation. He was therefore completely confounded by Caroline's next statement.

"You know how fond I am of dear, sweet Georgiana, and I would be more than happy to assume the duties of her chaperone myself in this regard. Mrs Annesley is a suitable companion, I suppose, but she has none of the qualities required to prepare Georgiana for her entrée into society."

"Such as you 'possess'."

"Exactly," smiled Caroline.

Darcy by this time, was starting to feel a little claustrophobic for Caroline's pacing was now being conducted a mere foot in front of him, leaving him little room for escape.

Endeavoring to be diplomatic, Darcy restrained himself from his initial response that he would prefer Caroline and her 'qualities' to stay as far away from his sister as possible - lest she scare every last eligible young man away from his sister as she had done for herself. Her lack of success in her own case spoke volumes to Darcy about how ill-equipped she was for the job.

Attempting to contain a grimace, he said, "I appreciate the kind offer, and I agree she will need the guidance of someone with more experience in these matters than her companion. I can assure you, however, that Georgiana is not yet ready to come out."

Misinterpreting his grimace for a smile, Caroline smiled inwardly, mistakenly feeling she had achieved a small victory. "I am so happy that we are of like minds in this, Mr Darcy. We share a compatibility of thoughts on this, as on many other things."

Good grief - she couldn't be further from the truth! Rising to his feet in front of her, Darcy made to move around her, saying, "If that is all, Miss Bingley?"

At that moment Caroline 'appeared' to trip slightly on the rug and 'fell' into Mr Darcy's arms, the momentum driving them both back onto the settee in a melee of arms and legs.

"Oh! Mr Darcy!" With the element of surprise on her side, Caroline managed to securely trap Darcy on the settee. A minor struggle ensued, from which Darcy was unable, by the sheer weight of Caroline's presence, to escape. Caroline smiled silkily to herself. Things were going very well indeed. "Why, I had no idea you felt this way…" she gushed, wrapping her arms even more firmly around Mr Darcy and planting a kiss on his mouth. "Oh, my dearest Fitzwilliam!" she cried, before once again trapping his face as securely as she had the rest of his body.

Wrenching his face free and resisting the overwhelming urge to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand, he exclaimed, "Miss Bingley!" Darcy was beginning to feel ill and looked up at Caroline in shock, wondering if she had lost what little was left of her mind.

Charles, who curiously had been fetched by Caroline's maid, chose that particular moment to enter the room. Upon seeing Darcy and Caroline stretched out in such a compromising position on the settee, he was temporarily at a loss for words.

"Darcy!"…. "Caroline! What the …?"

"Oh, Charles," gushed Caroline, noticing her brother, "you will never guess! Mr Darcy has quite literally swept me off my feet! I have suspected for some time that he was developing feelings for me."

Using Caroline's momentary distraction brought on by the entrance of her brother, Darcy was finally able to effect his escape from the dead weight tethering him to the settee and stood abruptly, causing Caroline to slide off his lap and land with a thud on the floor.

"I assure you, Charles, I did no such thing!" he seethed.

"Come now Mr Darcy, or should I say, Fitzwilliam…" cooed Caroline, standing a little unsteadily after her dumping and grasping his arm for effect. "I am afraid we have been discovered," she said, motioning to Charles, "in a most compromising position. Don't be shy now, Sir. I can assure you my answer is yes."

"Your answer? Your answer to what?" spluttered Darcy. He was beginning to feel a sense of unreality about the whole episode.

"You can't mean what I think you're meaning, Caroline?" said Charles in shock.

"Why it is quite proper, Charles. Mr Darcy, by his rather novel way of declaring his intentions, is formally seeking my affections. Naturally a gentleman would not declare himself thus unless he had matrimony in mind. So, yes Mr Darcy, I shall marry you."

"But it was an accident Caroline," growled Darcy "and besides, I am already promised to another."

"Promised? To whom? " After a small moment of panic, realization dawned. "Your cousin, Miss De Bourgh? Oh, Mr Darcy. I know you never had any intention of agreeing to your Aunt's demands in that area. Why I overheard you telling Charles just that only last week. Your cousin, poor frail creature that she is, wouldn't marry you as she could never cope with the demands of running Pemberley, as I am sure she realizes. So, you see you shall be able to marry me after all." And with that, she swept smiling and satisfied from the room.

Darcy and Charles stared after her, both dumbfounded.

Darcy spent a fitful night, sleeping little. Nightmares of Caroline Bingley in full bridal regalia chasing him through Netherfield screaming, "I do! I do!" woke him in a cold sweat. Ugh! He shivered in revulsion at the thought.

He had known for some time of Caroline's designs on Pemberley but never had he believed she would employ such desperate measures to achieve her aims. Dreading the prospect of facing her, he bathed and dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. As he approached the parlor he overheard, much to his horror, Caroline enthusiastically relating the situation of their 'betrothal' to her sister, Louisa, and Louisa's husband, Mr Hurst. The ladies tittered excitedly, much to Charles' consternation.

"You are not engaged to Darcy, Caroline. What occurred was an accident. You are presuming too much, and looking quite foolish into the bargain. You must desist with these wild delusions."

"Charles, you saw with your very own eyes what occurred. I admit, I had perceived Mr Darcy's growing feelings for me for some time, but it is understandable that you, as a man, would have been insensible to it."

Charles sighed deeply and shook his head, at a loss as to how to handle a situation that was rapidly escalating out of control. Darcy, unable to deal with Caroline after the disturbing visions that had plagued his sleep, used the advantage of having not been observed to flee the house to walk the grounds, in an attempt to think of some way to deal with Caroline's pronouncement before serious damage could be done.

In deep contemplation of the situation in which he was immersed, he wandered aimlessly until he became aware his feet were leading him along the road to Longbourn. He stepped up his pace. He must speak to Lizzy and inform her of what had transpired before she found out from someone else.

He was fortunate to encounter Mr Bennet upon his arrival at Longbourn.

"Hello, Mr Darcy," called Mr Bennet. "I take it you have come to visit Lizzy - I would not be so naďve as to think that you would walk all the way from Netherfield for more of my stimulating company."

"Good morning, Mr Bennet," said Darcy to the man he hoped would still become his father-in-law. "Yes, I was hoping for a few moments with Elizabeth. Is she at home?"

"I'm afraid I must disappoint you, Sir, for she has gone to Meryton with her sister Jane. I believe they will be calling at Netherfield on their way home, at Mr Bingley's invitation."

"I had best return quickly as I would not wish to miss them. Good day, Sir," said Darcy, quickly preparing to take his leave.

"Have no fear, Mr Darcy." Mr Bennet called to the retreating figure. "They are shopping. You would likely be able to ride to London and back and still arrive before them," he laughed.

Darcy arrived back at Netherfield some time later, hot and dusty from his brisk walk, and rushed to the library to find Charles.

"Have they arrived yet, Bingley?"

"I take it you are referring to the two elder Bennet sisters, Darce?"

"Naturally."

"No, they have not arrived yet. Where have you been? You look like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards?"

"Not literally perhaps," said Darcy, "but I must admit to feeling like I have been hit by a runaway carriage. I suppose it would be too much to hope that your sister, Caroline, is not at home?"

"I'm afraid so. She has been asking for you …"

Darcy ran his fingers through his hair. "Damn! I must find some way to speak to Elizabeth before Caroline sees her." He paused a moment in indecision. "But I can't greet Elizabeth looking like this. I will be back directly, Bingley. If Elizabeth should arrive whilst I am upstairs, please try and keep Caroline away from her …"

Darcy bounded up the stairs to his room and with great haste, washed and changed. He located Bingley just in time to hear a carriage pull up at the front of Netherfield. Knowing who their guests would be, the gentlemen - one full of joy, the other full of trepidation - walked outside to greet the ladies.

Bingley, beaming as ever, greeted Jane with a kiss on the hand, and assisted her to alight. As they moved off, Darcy moved forward to assist Elizabeth.

"Good morning, my love," she said quietly, smiling into the eyes of the man she loved so well as he took her hand.

"Good morning, my heart," he whispered in reply. "Lizzy, I must speak with you before we go in - would you permit me the pleasure of your company for a brief walk in the garden?"

"Certainly, Will. Is there something the matter? You do not look at all yourself."

"I will tell you directly …"

They had hardly taken half a dozen steps in the direction of the garden, before what was left of Darcy's good humor clouded over.

"Miss Eliza! How wonderful to see you again."

Darcy groaned audibly as Lizzy looked quickly at him in confusion.

"Miss Bingley, how fortunate to find you at home - a visit to Netherfield would be … lacking something … without your charming hospitality," said Lizzy, turning back. Poor Jane, she thought, to have to suffer that harpy as a sister-in-law.

"You must come inside. We really should celebrate, shouldn't we, Mr Darcy …"

Darcy went rigid, leaving Lizzy even more confused as to what was happening. She looked to him questioningly, unsure of the undercurrents flowing around them. Receiving no direction from her intended except a hardening of his jaw, she looked to Bingley, who looked away quickly, too embarrassed to meet her eyes.

Caroline called for tea to be brought to the parlor, and stood in front of them expectantly, waiting as they settled. Lizzy, aware that Darcy would not sit next to her on the settee as their engagement had not yet been announced, watched him walk to the other side of the room and take up his usual position gazing out the window. She knew him well enough by now to know that he assumed that position when he was either uncomfortable in company, or deep in thought. She could tell he was distracted by the way he kept glancing at her and frowning, but was unable to decide which affliction ailed him at this moment, and who or what was the cause of it.

She was about to go to Mr Darcy and discreetly speak with him to attempt to ascertain the source of his discomfort, but Caroline inconveniently chose that moment to speak.

"Wonderful! Now that we are all settled, I wish to extend my congratulations to you, Jane - I may call you that I hope, as we are almost sisters. You have made a most fortunate alliance, and I am convinced you and my brother are very well suited and you shall be most happy, I am sure. Welcome to our family."

Jane, taken aback by Miss Bingley's tactless comment, was no longer naďve enough to think that Caroline honestly welcomed the match between herself and her brother, but thanked her nonetheless for the welcome, aware that this was simply a formality which, for the sake of good manners, needed to be said.

"Good, if that is all, Miss Bingley," cut in Darcy quickly, "I promised to show Miss Elizabeth the garden and …"

"Oh, Mr Darcy, you do take delight in teasing me," said Caroline smiling.

"Surely, you would not let Miss Eliza go without informing her of the other announcement?"

Lizzy could feel the strain that had filled the air, and watched Darcy go pale at Caroline's words. Confused now beyond belief, she wished that someone would just tell her what on earth was going on! Caroline looked decidedly smug, Darcy looked ill, and Bingley looked away at his feet.

"Oh come now, Mr Darcy - we are amongst friends." Seeing his reticence and unable to control herself, she jumped in. "Jane, Miss Eliza," Caroline commenced, "Mr Darcy and I are engaged to be married!" Caroline looked smugly to Elizabeth, and was very happy to see a look of surprise cross her face.

Lizzy sat in stunned disbelief, and looked to Darcy, eyebrow raised. "Why, Mr Darcy, I had no idea that you and Miss Bingley were so … close."

Darcy looked back at Elizabeth, his eyes pleading with her for understanding. Not sure what the look meant, but a bit taken aback by Caroline's announcement, she remembered her manners and offered her 'congratulations' to the happy couple, although one member of that party looked decidedly unhappy. In fact, from the set of his jaw and the rigidity of his stance, he looked furious.

"What wonderful news, Miss Bingley. Mr Darcy has certainly been a busy man." Caroline was about to ask what she meant, but was forestalled by Lizzy's next question. "And tell us, when did you and Mr Darcy become affianced? inquired Lizzy.

"Why, just last evening. Mr Darcy's proposal was a little unusual, but then …"

"Last night you say?" asked Lizzy.

"Yes, I did say …"

"Yes, but then, Mr Darcy is a very 'unusual' man … aren't you, Mr Darcy?" she said, looking directly at him. "I have heard from very reliable sources that you are inclined to act a little impulsively, given certain provocation," said Lizzy, her eyes beginning to glint, although whether this was in anger or humor, he was not quite certain at this point. "It would appear your cousin, the Colonel, is not the only man of action bearing the Fitzwilliam name," said Lizzy dryly.

What on earth happened last night? Elizabeth wondered. Obviously something was not quite right here, so she opted to hold her tongue for the time being, aware all the time of Mr Darcy's eyes on her, even when she was not looking at him directly.

"So Miss Eliza, you must visit us at Pemberley after our wedding. Mr Darcy and I will be most happy to receive you after we return from our honeymoon," gloated Caroline.

Elizabeth couldn't resist peeking at Mr Darcy at this latest comment. She caught the quick roll of his eyes, and the distasteful expression that passed across his face. To her credit, she resolved to wait until she had spoken with her fiancé (if indeed he still was) privately.

Before long, it was time for the Misses Bennet to depart. Unable to speak with Elizabeth privately before they left, Darcy barely waited till they had acquired the main road before he requested his horse brought around.

Halfway home, a rider flashed past the carriage, obviously in great haste.

"Lizzy, that looked like Mr Darcy, did you not think so?"

"I believe it was, Jane."

"Where can he be going to in such a hurry do you think …"

"Why Jane, I'm sure I have no idea. He is an exceedingly difficult man to fathom," Lizzy said.

"I must admit I am a little surprised that he and Caroline have become engaged. I was under the impression that the only feelings he felt for her were disdain."

"For myself Jane, I shall only believe it when I see them standing at the altar together."

The remainder of the trip to Longbourn was passed in companionable silence, each sister lost in her own thoughts. Lizzy knew quite well where Mr Darcy had been going at such speed, and just as well, she thought to herself. He has some serious explaining to do.

As expected, Mr Darcy was waiting for them at Longbourn, and requested Lizzy walk with him briefly.

"Perhaps you would like to take a turn around the garden, Mr Darcy, as our previous one at Netherfield was interrupted for so important an announcement as your 'engagement'."

Lizzy looked at Darcy, and was surprised to see him looking back at her wretchedly.

"Do not tease me, Lizzy. Please, you must give me leave to explain."

"Certainly, Mr Darcy. Do not let me stop you. I am most interested to hear how a man who has successfully avoided matrimony all these years can suddenly find himself engaged to not one, but two women within the space of twenty-four hours."

"I tried to tell you earlier, but … we … "

"Yes, I remember. Miss Bingley expressed a desire to celebrate the rash of engagements of late in Hertfordshire."

Darcy risked rejection, and grasped Lizzy's hands in his. Haltingly, his explanation of the events of last evening unfolded. Lizzy was at first incredulous, then angry, and finally amused. To Darcy's surprise, she actually laughed!

"I fail to see the humor in the situation, Elizabeth. The woman is clearly deranged! What, pray tell, do you find so amusing?"

"I have been aware of Caroline Bingley's designs on you from almost the first moment of our acquaintance, Will. I am a little amazed that she has felt the need to take such desperate steps, but not surprised really. Anyone who knows you well though, would find it a little hard to put credence to her claims. You are not the type of man who goes around throwing women on settees and ravishing them. Although, I must admit, I would not be averse to that myself," she laughed, eyes twinkling.

"Really, madam. I am glad you find this situation so amusing. Perhaps I should show you just what I am capable of?" he enquired with an arched eyebrow.

"You will recall I have experienced quite a few of your 'capabilities' myself, Mr Darcy - perhaps our betrothal would have not been quite so long in coming if I had taken similar liberties myself?" said Lizzy teasingly.

"You may take all the liberties with me you wish, Lizzy," he said huskily. "If we were fully alone, I would not be above taking a few myself. But then," he said, looking around and dragging her in the direction of a particularly dense hedge, "we do appear to be all alone, do we not?" Darcy moved quickly to embrace Lizzy, but she squealed and quickly ducked out of his reach.

"Oh no, Mr Darcy, you shall not have your way with me so easily. I believe I am engaged to be married."

"Yes, to me, Elizabeth, and no other," he said firmly as he caught his elusive fiancée and took her into his arms.

Breathless and laughing, they felt tension of the afternoon fade. The sight of Darcy, smiling widely, took Lizzy's breath away. Impulsively she grabbed his face between her hands and kissed him soundly. Using his momentary surprise, she extracted herself and skipped away, her laughter trailing behind her in the breeze. A playful growl was all the warning she had before she felt herself grabbed from behind and trapped in his arms.

"You had better run a lot faster than that my love, if you expect to get away with that again," he chuckled into her ear.

"Perhaps I did not wish to get away," she said, and twisting in his grip, was caught by the salacious expression in his dark eyes. Rapidly, the mood changed from teasing to provocative, and Will pulled Lizzy hard against him, growling deep in his throat.

"Do not tease me so, my love. There may be no settee available, but I can assure you I have a most inventive mind," he reassured her, eyebrow raised rakishly.

"Why Will … tease you? I would never do such a thing." And smiling, she reached up to kiss him, his hold growing instantly firmer, blocking any chance of her escape.

Under Lizzy's lighthearted banter, Darcy's good humor returned full force. They determined to confront Miss Bingley after the ball - to do so prior would mean announcing their engagement, and their wishes regarding Jane and Bingley held. And after discussing how best to deal with her ridiculous claims, Darcy returned to Netherfield, a much happier man than he had been all day.

Back at Netherfield, Bingley, who was becoming increasingly embarrassed by Caroline's attempts to convince everyone that she and Darcy had come to an 'arrangement', felt it was time to confront his sister and attempt to make her see reason. To this end, he called her into his study and nervously asked her to sit. He paced tensely, hesitant to broach the subject that he knew would raise his determined and obstinate sister's ire.

"Caroline, I must insist that you listen to me! Your attempts to entrap Darcy into marriage will not work! And it is exceedingly unbecoming watching you flounce around the house putting yourself in his way at every opportunity. And that announcement today … you and Mr Darcy are not engaged! He has not declared himself - it was merely a ruse on your part to ambush him into an arrangement. He doesn't love you Caroline, can't you see that?"

"Oh, Charles, do not worry so. I know that Mr Darcy does not love me, but love is not necessary in marriage. A fondness and a mutual regard will suffice. I know he was temporarily infatuated with Miss Eliza Bennet," she spat, "but he will come to realize that I will make the ideal mistress for Pemberley. I am merely helping him along. All will be well, you shall see."

"But Caroline, he is already affianced. He has tried to tell you that."

"To Miss De Bourgh? Oh Charles - that is of no consideration," she dismissed. "He has never made any secret of the fact that he has no intention of marrying her."

"And he has no intention of marrying you either, Caroline. You don't understand …."

"No Charles, it is you who doesn't understand! I simply will not stand for any more of this conversation. Mr Darcy and I shall be married, and I shall be Mistress of Pemberley. Enough! I will hear no more on it."

Caroline flounced from the room in a huff. Charles really is becoming most tiresome - but everything is going according to plan. It won't be long now. And smiling to herself, Caroline went off in search of the housekeeper to see how preparations were coming along for the ball.

It was Saturday evening and the ball was in full swing. As the company was mostly seated and availing themselves of refreshments, Bingley decided the time was right for his announcement. Standing with Jane at his side and beaming with pride, he attempted to garner the attention of those present. He cleared his throat, endeavoring to be heard above the noise of those dining and talking. "Excuse me, everyone. May I have your attention please?"

The noise and chatter in the room gradually quieted and they all looked at Bingley and Jane expectantly. Those who knew the announcement to come smiled to themselves.

"If I may have your attention for just a moment please, I have something of great delight I wish to share with you tonight. As most of you are aware, I have been courting Miss Jane Bennet for some months now, and much to my great joy, she has consented to become my wife. I would like you all to drink to my future happiness with my beautiful Jane."

As everyone raised their glasses and toasted the happy couple, Jane, slightly embarrassed by the attention, looked up at Bingley with a look of quiet adoration. Lizzy watched her elder sister, beaming with happiness next to her Mr Bingley, and thought of her own happy situation. She caught Mr Darcy's eye, and a look of silent understanding passed between them. Their day would soon come.

Caroline watched her brother and his betrothed with a small show of distaste. All that gushy affection - gah! she thought. However, what a perfect opportunity they have presented … She decided to take advantage of everyone's attention to make an announcement of her own -

"Please friends, just one more moment if you please. I can see how happy you all are on the betrothal of my brother and his lovely bride-to-be, so you will be thrilled I'm sure, at the second announcement we have to make."

Guests looked at each other in confusion, but Darcy, standing just to the side of Bingley, looked quickly at Caroline and went pale. No! She wouldn't! he thought. Seething inside, he unobtrusively made his way close to where Caroline was standing.

Caroline looked over at where Lizzy was standing next to Jane and her brother and smiled smugly. Completely oblivious to Darcy's progress in her direction, she continued,

"It would appear that this is a night for announcements, and this one too, is very close to home." She quietly chuckled to herself. "I know you will all be as overjoyed as I am to know that Mr Darcy …."

She stopped suddenly as she felt someone's hand on her shoulder and turned slightly to see Mr Darcy right behind her. He smiled down at her, and putting his finger to his lips said, "If you will allow me, Caroline?"

Excited at his use of her name in such company, and thrilled beyond words that he was now ready to make the announcement she had been itching to make herself, she smiled at him playfully and gave him leave to continue.

Yes! she thought to herself. Now, Miss Eliza Bennet, you shall see that a fine pair of eyes is not enough to tempt a man of Mr Darcy's discernment.

Beneath his smiling visage, Darcy was furious! How dare she! Stupid woman! That she would think she could entrap me in this fashion! Well, Caroline, I shall certainly give them an announcement!He glanced across at Lizzy, catching her eye and winking discreetly. As Lizzy caught on, she discreetly nodded her head in silent consent.

"My friends, I realize that many of you have come here tonight hoping, or expecting, to hear an engagement announcement. I offer my heartiest congratulations to my friend, Mr Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet. I sincerely wish them every happiness and joy in their years together. There is, however, another engagement that I was reluctant to mention so as not to detract from the occasion of Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet's engagement. It would seem though, that Miss Bingley, understandably excited by the news, has decided to pre-empt the official announcement by informing you here tonight of another joyous event which has been set.

Caroline, doing a most amazing impression of the cat that has just swallowed the canary, glanced over at Elizabeth and smiled smugly.

Darcy continued. "I have long considered Mr Bingley as the brother I never had, and it would appear that he is finally to become my brother in reality. It is my great honor and pleasure to announce that Miss Elizabeth Bennet has consented to be my wife - we will be married at the end of autumn, and that will not be a moment too soon," he said, smiling across at Lizzy.

The sound of nervous laughs and gasps went up around the room, most notably from Mrs Bennet, who was forcibly restrained by her husband from further, more vocal exclamations.

Caroline, forgotten in the excited buzz surrounding the announcement, was still smiling stupidly when she finally comprehended what Darcy had said and immediately felt dizzy and decidedly ill. Miss Elizabeth Bennet? But he … I … she …? Charles words came back to her, "But Caroline, he is already affianced …" and as comprehension finally dawned, she fainted and began a most graceful, unhindered slide to the floor, where she lay in a crumpled heap. "Oh dear," said Bingley, standing over the undignified pile of taffeta and feathers his sister had become on the floor. "It would appear that the excitement has been too much for my sister after all. Could someone please assist me to remove her to the library where she may recover in private?"

Under Bingley's instruction, Caroline was gently carried from the room and placed on a settee in the library. Quietly, with a silent chuckle to himself, he closed the door and returned to the ball, leaving Caroline alone to recover at her leisure.

Jane? Hill? Oh Hiiill!" screamed Mrs Bennet.

The calm of Longbourn was shattered by the distressed wailing of the mother-of-the-bride. Standing in the doorway of Lizzy's room holding a twisted handkerchief to her mouth, she prepared to raise the alarm again. However, the sound of quick footfalls on the stairs forestalled a re-occurrence of that alarming event.

"Yes, Mama," gasped Jane, slightly out of breath. "What is wrong?"

Hill, used to these frequent outbursts and resigned to the fit of nerves which were already affecting her mistress (and likely would until the bride was fully wed), arrived a little after Jane. I know the house is not on fire, and all the preparations are in hand, so whatever has happened is likely to be a minor problem, she thought. Still, the mistress is extremely proficient at making mountains out of molehills, she thought dourly. Rolling her eyes, she joined the group gathered in Lizzy's bedroom - which was surprisingly empty, despite the early hour.

"You called, Ma'am?"

"Of course I called, Hill. Are you deaf? Lizzy is gone! Where can she be? She is to be wed today - she can't have forgotten? She does this deliberately to vex me - she has no consideration for my poor nerves," she wailed. "What will Mr Darcy think if he has no bride to wed?"

"Mama, everything is fine. Lizzy has just gone for a walk. She will return soon, I am sure."

"A walk! A walk? Good heavens, she is to be married in two hours! Two hours, Jane. Brides do not go for walks on the morning of their wedding. Oh, my nerves …"

"Yes, Mama, but I believe it was her own nerves she was attempting to calm. She will return shortly. Wait, I believe that is her now …"

All three listened and watched as Lizzy came up the stairs, humming and swinging her bonnet, her eyes bright. She stopped short at the sight of three pairs of eyes observing her in varying stages of expectation: Jane smiled nervously, Hill stood behind waiting patiently, and Mrs Bennet sighed and fainted.

Lizzy sat quietly as her hair was curled and pinned by her maid; Jane watching silently. When the maid had completed her work, Lizzy sat looking at her reflection in the mirror, a slight smile tugging the corners of her mouth.

"You seem very calm, Lizzy."

"I am, Jane. I see no reason not to be. I am going to marry the man I love," she smiled.

"I hope I shall be as composed as you when my own wedding day arrives. I must confess I am a little concerned about one thing."

"And what would that be, dearest Jane? Surely you can have no doubts as to Bingley's affections for you?"

"Goodness, no. But tell me, Lizzy. Did our mother speak with you of your, er, marital 'obligations'?"

Lizzy stifled a smile at her sister's awkwardness. "Yes, Jane, she did."

"And, Lizzy? Was what Mama had to say very disconcerting?"

"Disconcerting would not be the word I would necessarily use. But if you do as I did, and ignore all that she said, I am sure you will be fine."

"Lizzy! You cannot be serious!"

"I most assuredly can. Jane, my darling sister, if one were seeking advice on the most sure path to marital felicity, would not one seek information from a source which had proven success in that area?"

"Why yes, I can see what you mean. So if not Mama, then whom?"

"Aunt Gardiner," she winked.

Jane smiled in understanding. "And her advice?"

"Quite simple. Trust your husband and his love and the rest will follow." Lizzy stood and grasped her sister in a warm hug. "Now come. Jane; it will soon be time. We had best go downstairs before Mama starts calling for us." They both rolled their eyes at the thought and smiled.

Even before they reached the drawing room though, they could hear the exasperated wails of their mother. With a shared look of reluctance, they walked into the room together.

"Ah, there you are, Lizzy," said Mrs Bennet. She bustled around Lizzy, checking her dress and hair. "It is almost time - we must leave for the chapel soon."

"But Mama! There is one hour yet until the ceremony. Is it not the fashion for the bride to arrive after the groom? I would look a little eager, would I not, if I were to be waiting at the church ahead of the guests and groom?"

"Yes, but Lizzy, you don't want to keep Mr Darcy waiting. He may change his mind."

"Mr Darcy will not change his mind, Mama. Of that, I am quite certain."

"Mr Darcy will have to wait, nonetheless," said Mr Bennet, coming into the room, "for I wish to speak with my daughter before her wedding, as I will surely have no chance after."

Lizzy followed her father into the library, relieved to be away from her mother's nervousness, which was showing signs of becoming contagious.

"Sit my child. I have but a few words to offer you regarding your married life - I feel quite sure you have had a surfeit of 'advice' from other parties. Although if I can give you this one small instruction to carry with you from this day forward, it would be to stay as you are, Lizzy. I have watched you and your Mr Darcy, and I am quite convinced that the qualities that you possess that I have so come to value and cherish, are the same ones that he also admires. Too many women change on entering the married state, so that before long the husband no longer recognizes the woman he lives with as being the same one he married. Do not fall into the trap of being a traditional wife, Lizzy. I fear Mr Darcy would be most disappointed," he smiled. "Now come here, my child, and give your father a hug, for I fear they shall be in short supply around here once you are gone."

Darcy paced in the library at Netherfield as Bingley watched on in silent amusement, hiding a smile behind a strategically placed cup of tea.

"Come sit, man," he said. "You will not be wed any faster for wearing out my rug."

"Is it not yet time to leave, Bingley? Surely it is."

"It is ten minutes later than the last time you asked, Darce. Is it nerves you are suffering from? You have nothing to be nervous of. Elizabeth loves you deeply - any fool can see that."

"I am not nervous, Charles, not at all. Anxious would be more the word. I have wanted to be wed to Elizabeth for so long, that now that the time is so near, I need it to be complete. I wish her to be my wife now - this waiting is more than I can bear."

"Well, it shan't be long. I shall have the carriage brought around and then we shall leave."

Bingley left the library to attend to the carriages, but Darcy was unable to enjoy his brief moment of solitude. A gaudy apparition in the form of Caroline Bingley soon replaced her brother. Darcy felt greatly annoyed by her presence, knowing she would attempt once more to change his mind; she had been discreet, but relentless of late in that regard. Still, nothing he said seemed to have any effect. He looked at her pointedly, making no attempt to hide his irritation.

"If you have come to attempt to dissuade me from my marriage once again, Miss Bingley, you may save your breath. I believe I have been quite explicit in my resolve on each previous occasion."

"But surely you realize what damage this match will do to your standing, Mr Darcy. Indeed, consider the reflection it will have on dear Georgiana and her place in society. You cannot possibly be serious!"

"I am perfectly serious, Miss Bingley. For quite apart from the fact that I love my fiancée exceedingly, Elizabeth, with her ease and manners in society, will be a perfect role model for my sister. For Elizabeth was also born a gentleman's daughter, and as such, she deserves greater attention and respect than other ladies who may have acquired their social standing through more commercial means."

Caroline, who could not fail to understand his meaning, swept from the room in humiliation, almost knocking over her brother on his return.

Fully aware of what had transpired in his absence, Charles shook his head in resignation. "I am terribly sorry, Darce. I have tried to speak to Caroline, but she refuses to heed me on this subject."

"Do not concern yourself, Charles. After today, she will have no further argument. For Lizzy and I will be married, and as I will no doubt be considered 'undesirable' due to my unfortunate 'alliance', we shall be left in peace to enjoy our marriage," he grinned to his friend. "A situation I am anticipating most pleasurably. And as you will no doubt also be considered to be entrapped into a similar alliance, we may be ensured an abundance of relief from those of the ton."

Bingley laughed in response, shaking his head. "It is time to leave. Are you ready, Darce?"

"I have been ready for months, Charles. Let us go."

The change in music alerted Darcy to the arrival of Elizabeth, and he turned eagerly to see her walk down the aisle towards him. As her eyes caught his, a look of utter happiness suffused her expression on seeing her beloved. For Darcy, her smile was a ray of sunshine into his previously bleak existence, and he loved her dearly for the light she had brought into his life.

As Elizabeth took her place beside him, he glanced at her, needing to reassure himself that this was reality and not a dream. The ceremony was brief, fortunately, as Darcy was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate on the vicar's words with Lizzy so close. So consumed was he with her presence, he had to consciously listen for that part of the ceremony that would require his participation. Thankful when they were finally pronounced man and wife, he bent to chastely kiss his wife. As they moved arm-in arm up the aisle, he whispered softly, for her ears alone, "At last, my darling Lizzy, you are mine."

Elizabeth was becoming exceedingly impatient with her new husband. Far from being unpopular with the residents of Hertfordshire, it appeared he was now overwhelmed with people eager to make his acquaintance. Having waited half an hour for the opportunity to speak with him privately, Lizzy decided it was time to enlist more drastic measures. "Excuse me, Mr Darcy," she said, attempting to smile while unobtrusively dragging her husband away from some guests to the relative privacy of the library, which for once was unpopulated. "Whilst I am much pleased to see the improvements you are making in conversing with strangers, I would very much prefer it if we could take our leave sooner rather than later?"

"But Lizzy, the wedding breakfast is not yet finished. We have not yet partaken of dessert," Will smilingly protested, wrapping his arms around her.

"Surely we have partaken of sufficient food at this point - perhaps we should leave dessert for later?"

Will's eyes opened wide. Was his lovely wife flirting with him? He quickly glanced at Lizzy and almost missed what he could have sworn was a mischievous smile. Lizzy reached up to kiss her new husband lightly, before whispering to him quietly, "Are you still hungry, Sir?"

If some of the guests were a little surprised at the alacrity with which the coach was ordered and the bride and groom departed, they put it down to the distance to be travelled before nightfall.

After the unusually balmy late autumn warmth of the past weeks, the weather had turned distinctly cool, a sign of the oncoming winter. For this reason, Darcy elected to use the closed coach. Even so, he and Lizzy were rugged up under blankets to ward off the penetrating chill. Lizzy became so cozy in fact, that she felt her eyelids becoming decidedly heavy, and fight it as she might, sleep eventually overcame her and she began to nod uncomfortably in her seat. Slowly, so as not to wake her, Will eased her head down onto his shoulder, cushioning her from the rocking and lurching of the coach. Stroking her hair away from her face, he reflected on the deep love he felt for the woman now comfortably ensconced on his lap.

Vaguely aware that this was the first time he had seen his wife asleep, it struck him how very young she looked without the sassy, impertinent expression she so often wore when awake. He smiled as he drank in every precious feature - the long lashes, the pert nose, the attractive blush on her cheeks, the full, ruby lips. As he contemplated those lips, he recalled the kiss in the library. Absentmindedly he licked his lips and realized he could still taste her. Thoughts of their 'dessert' caused him to groan slightly and he attempted to ease the growing fullness in his breeches, squirming a little in his seat. Damn! Can't this coach go any faster? Sighing to himself, he tried to settle more comfortably, attempting to think of something, anything - but dessert. The coach rumbled on into the late afternoon, the rocking eventually causing even Darcy to nod off into an uneasy slumber. Sometime later, the momentum of the coach eased, and Darcy roused, amused to find his arm still firmly grasping Elizabeth … even in sleep he could not let her go.

With the slowing of the coach, Lizzy's eyes opened and she was momentarily but sweetly surprised to find her head on her husbands shoulder. She sat up, still feeling a little sleepy and disoriented. Rubbing her eyes, she peeked out the window of the coach for her first view of the London townhouse. Instead she viewed a quaint little cottage, complete with thatched roof and rough stonework, peeking out from amidst abundant and verdant greenery. Dusk was falling, but the cottage was glowing merrily in the half-light. Smoke curled lazily up from the chimney and floated off in the gentle breeze. "Will? I thought we were traveling to London tonight … where are we?"

"London is for tomorrow, my darling Lizzy. Tonight is for us, alone."

"But where are we? This isn't a carriage stop - it looks like somebody's home."

"It is ours, Lizzy; our own private little hideaway."

Lizzy looked quizzically at Will, her arch smile encouraging him to continue.

"Actually my father bought it for himself and my mother as a home to rest in during their frequent trips to London. The couple that look after the place, Mr and Mrs Samuels, informed me that my parents used to stay here for a week at a time on occasion - time alone for just the two of them. I had no knowledge of this until after my father died. It was one of the many properties we own which were in his Will, you see. Mrs Samuels apprised me of the details. Apparently my parents, for all the years of their marriage, lightheartedly referred to it as their 'honeymoon' cottage. I'd like to think we could continue that tradition, Lizzy."

As he handed her down from the carriage, she squeezed his hand and reached up to lightly kiss his cheek - a silent acceptance, her meaning implicit.

The cottage, though very modest by Pemberley standards, was nonetheless quite roomy, and opened from the small foyer into a cosy parlor. Contrary to the rough exterior, the interior of the cottage had obviously been remodeled and refurbished to reflect a refined, relaxed ambiance with soft, dusky velvets and plush, deep pile rugs of an oriental design. As Lizzy entered the room, she gasped at the sight that greeted her. Everywhere, on every cupboard, table, above the fireplace - were candles, blinking and glowing. Like a thousand little fireflies, they lit up the room with a twinkling glow. Lizzy turned to her husband and he glanced back at her sheepishly.

"I hope you like it. I want this to be a night we will never forget."

"I am quite sure we will remember this day for the rest of our lives, my husband, with the sweetest of memories."

He hugged his wife tightly to him and then taking Lizzy's arm in his, began an unhurried tour of the cottage. Whilst from without it had appeared deceptively small, the interior was, in fact, quite spacious and consisted of a warm, inviting lounge room, comfortably furnished with velvet covered wingbacks and plush settees situated in front of a blazing fire; a small, intimate dining room; and four very roomy bedrooms. It was this area of the house that stunned Lizzy the most. The main bedroom, obviously the subject of her husband's particular instructions, was not only lit by a multitude of candles but also bedecked with flowers - fragrant, colorful and abundant. Apart from the huge bed that dominated the center of the room, Lizzy spied a delightful sitting area in front of a comforting fire. One thing puzzled her, however, and she turned to her husband a little perplexed.

"Is it not customary for a sitting area to have chairs, Will - hence the name?"

For neither a chair nor settee was to be seen. In their place were a soft rug and many cushions, scattered with apparent abandon.

"Trust me, Lizzy. I believe you will find the furnishings very much to your liking."

"Truly?" Lizzy enquired with a raised eyebrow.

"Definitely," stated Will confidently. And with more pleasant thoughts in mind, Will endeavored to forestall any further enquiries on the furnishings and attempted to turn Lizzy's mind to other things.

"Perhaps you would like to freshen up after our journey, my love. I asked Mrs Samuels to have a bath drawn for you, and then I have a surprise for you upon your return."

"Indeed, Mr Darcy? A surprise?" she answered somewhat cheekily, he thought.

"Lizzy! Perhaps I should have said gift … now quickly before your bath goes cold. Oh, and one more thing. My apologies, my darling Lizzy, but unfortunately there is no maid to attend you. I shall be waiting here in case you have need of my assistance." Two could play that game, he thought.

Lizzy sighed contentedly at the thought of sinking into a warm, relaxing bath. In her dressing room she found a huge bathtub, full nearly to the brim, steam rising from the water and a proliferation of bubbles threatening to cascade over the sides. Her toiletries and gown were laid out for her, apparently by Mrs Samuels, as she had seen no other person in the house save her husband. Luxuriating in the warmth of the huge bath, Lizzy noted that even in here the room was lit with candles, and a softly blazing fire suffused the room with a hazy glow. Tilting her head back against the top of the tub, she allowed her mind to wander, until her thoughts pleasantly settled on her husband. Lizzy knew that he was a passionate man beneath that cool exterior. What surprised her though, was the romantic side that she had hitherto been unaware of. She knew that the candles and flowers were his idea, but what touched her deeply was his desire to begin their married life here, in this beautiful home, which had obviously held much happy significance for his parents.

Darcy, now dressed only in shirt and breeches, sat on the thick, soft rug and leaned back against the cushions, gazing unseeing into the fire, wrapped in thought - and all his thoughts centered on the woman in the next room. His wife. The woman he loved more than life. And fully love her he would, starting tonight. Unlike most men of his age, Will's intimate experiences with women were limited, and this had concerned him. He wanted, no, he needed, to do everything in his power to guarantee Lizzy's pleasure, and had often wondered in the nights leading up to this one, if his experience would be adequate. Lizzy stirred feelings in him, feelings of such desire and shamelessness, that made him want to explore areas of her that he never had with another woman. He loved the look, the smell, and the feel of her - and to his embarrassment the all too familiar throbbing began anew.

He threw his head back in frustration and closed his eyes, attempting to regain his customary control, breathing deeply. He was concerned; he wanted this night to be perfect, and yet just thinking of Lizzy was enough to drive his body to its limits.

His head popped up as he heard the door open. Will turned to look at his bride and caught his breath. He attempted to swallow past the lump in his suddenly parched throat, unable to speak the words he longed to say. Like a vision from one of his dreams, Lizzy stood in the doorway, haloed in the candlelight. Her gown, draped softly, hugged her curves and wrapped around, held together by a loosely tied belt. Long, chestnut curls, freed at last, tumbled over her shoulders and back, starkly contrasting against the white silk covering her alluring body. She stood on the threshold, stilled by the look in his eyes. Hunger? Passion? Need? Love? Whatever it was, it excited her.

As Lizzy slowly moved towards the fire, the silk swished and slinked against her skin. Every womanly curve, valley and peak was accentuated. She smiled shyly at her husband and leaned down to run her hand over his cheek and lightly down his neck.

"I believe you promised me dessert, Will?" she whispered into his ear.

Will swallowed hard. His dreams had never done justice to this reality. Wordlessly, he captured Lizzy's hand and gently eased her down beside him on the rug. Reaching beside him, he picked up two fluted glasses of fine Austrian crystal filled with a pale amber liquid, the tiny bubbles within rising to the surface. Lizzy sipped the sparkling champagne, wrinkling her nose as the bubbles tickled her. Darcy looked on in wonder at the paradox that was his wife - the sultry seductress in white satin wrinkling her nose with child-like wonder at the tickle of the champagne. He sighed as he sipped and a feeling of contentment, long forgotten, washed over him.

He stroked her cheek softly. "You have never looked more beautiful to me than you do at this moment, Lizzy. I would easily stay here like this with you forever."

She kissed her husband lightly in response. Unsure of what to do, she waited patiently, remembering her aunt's words, and allowed her husband to take the lead.

Reaching under a cushion, he said, "Close your eyes, my love, and don't open them until I tell you."

He brought out a red velvet box and opened it slowly. Inside, puddled on a bed of satin, was a pendant on a chain of the finest gold links. Lifting it, he placed it around Lizzy's neck as she moved her hair aside, clasping it at the back. Will looked at the picture his wife presented - eyes closed and arms raised to hold her chestnut curls up, rosy nipples peaking through the revealing satin of her gown, and the pendant settled just short of the deep cleavage of her full breasts. His eyes hungrily devoured the sight of her.

His voice croaked slightly. "You may open your eyes now, Lizzy."

Lizzy looked down at the pendant and smiled at her husband. Two delicate, filigreed, gold hearts were entwined, and a precious stone was set in the middle of each. One was diamond, the other ruby.

"The hearts represent you and me, eternally linked. The diamond and the ruby symbolize my promise to you, that I will be faithful to you, honor, love and cherish you, passionately, with every fibre of my being … forever."

Touched by his words, Lizzy reached for him. "I believe there was something I left unfinished today in the library, Will." And she leaned in to her husband, kissing him softly, tentatively, slowly opening her lips to his, tasting and teasing him with her tongue.

Will, his arms rigid at his sides, groaned and pleaded huskily against her mouth, "Please Lizzy, don't tease me." His dark eyes held a need akin to a kind of pain. That look sparked something in Lizzy, and they came together, mouths meeting, searching, taking. Holding her to him, Will grazed his mouth and tongue over her lips and neck, sighing into her hair and inhaling her sweet, intoxicating scent. The touch of her fingers moving inside his shirt to wind around his neck sent shivers of pleasure shooting through his body.

A log crackled and fell heavily in the hearth, breaking the silence. Breathlessly they pulled apart, each stunned at the heat of sensation passing between them.

Oh my god, Lizzy! Do you have any idea what you do to me? thought Will. Feebly attempting to regain some control, he cuddled Lizzy to him and they each took a moment, gazing into the fire, allowing their racing pulses to quiet. For Lizzy, any unease a new bride should have felt was replaced with a feeling of absolute trust in her husband. As she had handed her future to him this day, so too would she give her body. She remembered the innocent longing she had felt for this night over the last months, and now that the moment was here, she felt almost light-headed with relief. She yielded completely to her husband, determined to follow his lead wherever it would take them.

Will had trouble believing the vision in his arms was real. With trembling hands, his fingers slipped over the satin of her gown. The silky feel of the satin against the warmth of her skin was erotic and arousing and part of him (a large part of him, if truth be told) longed to rip the gown off to reveal the treasure beneath. Instead of acting on this impulse, he curbed his raging desires and treasured the richness of this moment, acknowledging the voyage of discovery they were both to take. Burying his head in her abundant curls, he inhaled the scent of her - a fragrance of which he would never have enough.

Will trailed feather light kisses along the silky soft skin of Lizzy's cheeks and brow, until he once again reached her luscious lips. With her head tilted back and eyes closed, the invitation she presented was unmistakable. He watched, mesmerized, as a wet, pink tongue peeked out to moisten her lips, causing a jolt of desire to course the entire length of his body.

As he leaned forward to kiss her softly, her eyes half-opened lazily, and the look Will saw there rendered him mute. Physical need and a passionate hunger stared back at him, and what should have been a tender touch, a tentative sharing for each - flared into a blaze. The tenuous restraint that had tethered their emotions through the weeks preceding their nuptials snapped. The last vestiges of their control were abandoned and Lizzy's arms wrapped around Will's neck, pulling him to her. Not stopping to question, but glorying in the wantonness of her response, Will's hands roamed freely over her silky body, sliding sensuously over the satin gown she wore. As his hand grazed her breast, Lizzy quivered in response. Since that day in the park at Rosings, she had hungered for and dreamt of his touch. Teasing her nipple through the satin, he cupped and fondled her breasts as Lizzy moaned and arched in response, offering her body to his sensual touch. Breaking their kiss, he slowly eased the satin away from her upper body, revealing two perfect orbs with tight rosy nipples. He dipped his head to better savor the feast before his eyes, much more satisfying than any food. Capturing each tight bud in turn, he suckled gently, his tongue tracing a trail of fire and ice over her skin. Leaning into his touch, she shivered with delight, her breath quickening.

He paused for a moment, her shift in posture hinting to him of the tension building within. She looked at him questioningly and holding her gaze, Will slowly loosened the belt and tugging on the two ends, pulled her against him, holding her captive against his hardness. In the stillness and intensity of their gaze, he let the belt drop, her gown slipping down to puddle on the cushions. Her nakedness revealed, Darcy's eyes grazed her body, his breath quickening. In the flickering firelight, her skin seemed alive, glowing and pulsing in time with the thudding beat of his heart.

"Do I please you, my husband?" she whispered huskily.

Only one thought ran through his mind as he drank in the splendor before him, "You, my darling, are more perfect than I ever imagined."

Any hesitation and doubt left him in the wake of his excitement. Lifting his bride easily in his arms, he carried her to the bed, laying her back against the pillows. Moving to lie beside her, he licked, kissed and nibbled from her torso to her toes, tracing his tongue and lips over every inch of her, tasting and teasing her until she could stand no more. She whimpered softly, her pleasure evident in her subtle movements as she eagerly presented herself to him for more. Will watched her, her eyes shut against the ripples of pleasure coursing through her body and he knew then he needed to be closer to her.

She sighed as he moved away from her to stand up, her eyes opening to seek out the cause of her loss. With his eyes fixed on Lizzy, Will slowly pulled his shirt from his breeches and raised it over his head, tossing it over a nearby chair. The muscles on his chest and arms rippled in the firelight. Her eyes followed his hands as they travelled down, and Lizzy's lips parted, as one by one, he slowly undid the buttons on his straining breeches. Finally, their tightness released, they dropped to the floor, and he absently kicked them to the side. The sight of her husband, standing before her, his desire evident, quickened Lizzy's breath. She felt she should look away but she was unable and remained transfixed. He was truly magnificent! His broad chest, lightly covered with tight, downy curls, rose and fell in time with his ragged breaths. Lizzy licked lips that had suddenly gone dry as Will's hungry eyes raked over her body.

Misinterpreting her look, he became concerned. "Do not be scared, Lizzy - I would never hurt you."

"Scared, Will? No. I am yours, my husband. Teach me, show me how to love you."

With sinuous grace he slowly knelt above her, feathering his fingers lightly - over arms, breasts, stomach and legs. He bent to suckle at her breasts again while his fingers danced up her inner thigh. She moaned as she felt his finger gently stroke the area of her pleasure and Will marveled at the wetness he found there. Lizzy was lost to the sensations coursing through her body; she was completely unaware of the soft moans and low words of pleading she uttered. Recognizing her muted cries of pleasure as those akin to what he was feeling, Will felt his control slipping away in the face of her desire.

She was so beautiful in her excitement, he was overwhelmed by the need to possess her. Whilst he still retained a modicum of control, he breathed deeply and, settling himself between her thighs, gently began to ease his firm length into her moist folds, grunting softly as her tightness closed around him, resisting the urge to thrust deeply and bury himself in her hot depths. Lizzy gasped at the welcome invasion, as she sought release from the incredible tension that had claimed her body.

Every nerve ending in her body was electrified. Will moved slowly within her until he felt an obstacle, the final obstacle he would breach before he would make her his completely. Leaning down, he whispered to her, "This will hurt, but only for a moment, my love." He parted her lips with his tongue, and kissing her passionately, he thrust through the barrier and buried himself fully within her. A small cry escaped from Lizzy at the brief, sharp pain, but seconds later, she felt a fullness, a completeness, within her. Fully sheathed in her molten depths, instincts took over and they thrust and moved together. Will felt himself drowning in her, his pleasure intensifying as he sensed her growing need for release. With each stroke, Lizzy felt the pressure within building. Starting as a small tremor, it travelled through her shaking body, gathering momentum and intensity as it went. Aware of the peaking of her excitement, Will, panting, lent down and took a hard nipple in his mouth. Tremors started to shudder through Lizzy, escalating her pleasure to a higher plane than she would ever have believed possible.

"Wiiilll!" she cried out as her muscles tightened and contracted around his shaft, her climax shuddering through her body.

The sound of Lizzy crying out his name and the feel of her tightening and throbbing around him were too much for Will. His control in tatters, he felt the rumblings of his orgasm building to an explosive peak. Crying out in sheer exultation of this moment, and with a final shuddering thrust, he spilled his release, filling Lizzy with his love.

Arms shaking from the exertion, Will lowered himself lightly onto Lizzy. Both physically and emotionally spent, they lay there - breathless and panting, stunned at the intensity of the experience.

"Will?" Lizzy asked softly. He lifted his head and looked deeply into her eyes, shining now as tears of joy traced damp paths down her cheeks. "I could not possibly love you more than I do at this moment," she wept happily.

He held her to him, her words more dear to him than he could ever say. Suddenly he felt warm lips on his neck, trailing down to his nipple and nipping and suckling it lightly. His sharp intake of breath indicated his surprise.

"And what do you think you are doing, my beautiful wife?" he beamed at her.

"I asked you to teach me, Will. Now I wish to test what I have learned."

Smiling widely, he rolled Lizzy onto her back. "Later, my love. I believe I am not quite finished in your instruction yet."

His expression grew intense. So much so, that Lizzy was prompted to question him. "Is there something wrong, Will? You seem distracted."

"Only by you, Lizzy. Of all the images I hold of you in my mind, this one shall always remain my favourite. You, naked, wearing nothing but a pendant and the tousled effect of our love."

The two lovers lay entwined, Lizzy's head resting on the pillow of Will's chest, his arm cradling her, fingers still tangled in her hair and a quilt dragged over their exhausted, sated bodies, as they contentedly slept at last.

Many hours later, Lizzy awoke to the feeling of fingers running through her hair.

"I didn't wish to wake you my love, but I needed to see your beautiful eyes once again. It is through the expression in them, that I know that I am truly loved. Can you forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive, Will," she smiled up at him. "But perhaps I can show you in other ways that you are truly my beloved."

And she reached for him once again.

FINIS

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