Chapter 1

Posted on Thursday, 27-Aug-98

n one particularly bright and important December day, Elizabeth Bennet rushed through the door of Longbourn Estate with a vengeance. Elizabeth Bennet was mad. She gazed at her surroundings while tears were forming in her eyes, determined to wet her cheeks at any moment.

"I need some distance" she thought as the wind whipped her cloak. The sunshine had deceived her into believing that it was a warm day. As she felt the chill running up the length of her arm she looked down to noticed that in her haste, she had forgotten her gloves. Shelter was now of the utmost importance and the stable was the nearest refuge. On turned heal, she start toward the building, knowing full well that no one would be there. All of the hands at the estate were busy elsewhere, preparing for the double wedding tomorrow.

The stable was a welcome site compared to the house she had just left. She had never in her life been as humiliated and embarrassed as she was right now and the perpetrator was someone who should of had the common sense to check their self. Of course, they didn't and now she could only hope for a place to compose herself and collect her thoughts.

The first sensation she felt as she entered the stable was relief. It was warm and peaceful, smelling of clean hay and contented horses. The sounds was calming also, only the occasional snort from a horse would break the silence. She searched for an empty stable and when found, sat on a bail of hay and rested her back against the wall. Here she was free to let out her emotions and they flowed like a river. Elizabeth proceeded to sob like a baby.

After fifteen minutes of self indulgence that ranged from anger to pity, she heard the heavy stable door creak open and then close softly. Footsteps were nearing her sanctuary. She placed her hand over her mouth to conceal her whereabouts. But it was the next sound that caused her to let out another sob.

The voice was soft and concerned, barely above a whisper.

"Elizabeth."

She knew and loved the voice, it was her William's. Confused between not wanting him to see her in such a state and wanting to run into his arm, she opted to remain still. Pride motivated her to wipe the tears away, as if she could conceal her pain. He slowly approached the stall, being lead to it by the cry she had let out when he called her name. As he peered into the area where she was, he found her sitting straight backed against the wall with her hands in her lap. She did not try to smile but looked at the floor in front of him.

"Mr. Darcy, I did not expect you until this evening" she said with a shaking voice. She would not look at him, she vowed, she needed to keep her composure.

He assessed the situation for a moment, allowing silence to pass between them. She was terrible shaken and had been crying, that much was obvious. He wanted to know who did this to her, what happened to upset her so. His chest tightened at the sight of her. To see her in such a state was unimaginable to him because he had never witnessed it before. " Have I done something to offend her" he questioned himself "have I neglected her in some way?" He thought back to the past several days, nothing came to mind. Last night when they parted, they were both in such high spirits. "No" he concluded "I do not believe that I am to blame." He slowly approached her and took her hand in his as he sat next to her .

"What is troubling you dearest?" he asked gently.

She turned her head away as the tears started to fall again. She paused for what seemed a lifetime until she was able to speak. William kept his eyes on her, waiting patiently for her to converse.

"Please," she begged "please, I don't want you to see me like this. " She paused, searching for a reason as to why she was in her current state.

"I just needed…I was just overwhelmed…" she started to shake and could no longer hold the pain back. She was racked with sobs and dearly needed him. She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his chest, burying her face into his lapels.

"Oh William" she choked out.

His heart was breaking as he held her tight. "How could someone so full of life become so hurt?" he wondered. He could hardly bare to see her this way. He wanted to take the hurt away but didn't know how. Until she opened up to him, there was nothing he could do but hold her.

They continued for several minutes this way. She was allowing herself to be comforted, he was allowing her the time that she needed. Slowly she began to regain her composure and her breathing became regular. He rubbed her back as kissed the top of her head. Although he fully understood that their actions were against propriety, he didn't care. She needed him and nothing would stand in his way of being there for her, as she had been for him so many times in these past two months.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, not moving from her location. It felt so good to be in his arms, to feel his hands touching her back. "I'm afraid that I have not behaved as future Mrs. Darcy ought to of. I wish I could of contained my emotions but …"

He pulled her away from him so he could see her face. It was red and swollen, but as beautiful as ever. She once again turned away, not wanting him to look at her. He placed his hand on her chin, turning her so he could look into her eyes. "Never, Never apologize for crying again, I cannot stand the thought of you thinking that you are expected to be anything but yourself. Please Elizabeth."

She reached up and placed her hand on the side of his face. He was the most precious man that she had ever known and she loved him with all of her heart.

"I truly adore you Fitzwilliam Darcy, I have been rewarded beyond reason" she confessed. Her eyes spoke even more than her words, he could see genuine love in them. There had been many times in their courtship when he witnessed the intensity of her ardor for him in those exquisite eyes and they always had the same effect on him. All of his years of training were put to the test when such a situation occurred. He wanted to show her how much he loved her. He wanted to clutch her in his arms and…love her with his entire being. But he never acted on that impulse. He respected her and wanted her to respect him back. He didn't desire to frighten her and in turn make her think ill of him, so he would always hold back to a certain degree. They had exchanged several passionate kisses and embraces lately but he would only allow himself to partake in small doses, never near as long as he wanted. This was one of those times when he longed for a another small dose, just to get him through until tomorrow.

"I love you," he whispered hoarsely as he lowered his lips to hers. The feeling was heavenly. The softness of her lips against his sent a shiver up his spine. He decided to linger a little while longer and then she did that thing that nearly always sent him over the edge. She wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through the back of his hair. He loved the sensations this one small act had upon his body and mind. It blurred his senses and made him feel alive as his whole being tingled He pressed his lips tighter to hers and she returned his kisses with her own. She always received the same reaction when she caressed the back of his head. He kissed her with more passion than usual and that caused so many feelings to arise in her. She wanted him to kiss her like that, and as improper as it might be, she didn't want it to stop. It was one of her dearest hopes that many years from now, he would still feel the desire for her what she knew he did now.

He slowly moved his lips away from hers and traveled down to her neck, planting kisses all the way. She murmured an affirmative to this action, it felt heavenly. He kissed her in the tiny area behind her ear, her most favorite spot . She responded in turn by drawing herself closer to him, allowing her hands to stroke his strong back. They remained in this position for quite some time, both allowing themselves the pleasure of having each other so near.

William was the first to notice the lack of restraint in their circumstance If he didn't say something now it would be too late. He knew their exchange was intensifying .

"Elizabeth" he moaned "you cannot imagine what you are doing to me." He was finding it difficult to catch his breath. His wishes at this time were of the most eager, but his principal wouldn't allow him to indulge any further then he already had.

"I believe I can William, I feel it too." Her heart was pounding , her breath shallow as she closed her eyes and drank in the fervor that they were sharing.

"We really must stop before I loose my control" he whispered in her ear 'I cannot go on much longer like this, it's getting too difficult to hold back."

"Just two more minutes and we will, I promise" she shocked herself with her own words. "Did I really say that aloud" she wondered. The pleasure she was receiving from the exchange she they were having was too intense to neglect. He felt wonderful, he smelled wonderful, he tasted wonderful. She wanted only a little more.

His lips returned to her neck as she leaned against the stall corner, pulling him with her. He used one of his hands to brace himself and the other to hold the back of her neck. He opened his eyes to look at her , she had tilted her face up to his, her eyes were closed. It was the most intoxicating sight he had ever beheld. "She wants me as much as I want her," he thought. It left a most comforting impression to be able to acknowledge this fact, even though at the time it only added to his suffering in realizing that they were in dangerous water.

"Two more minutes" he agreed as he closed his eyes again and found her lips. The hand that was holding her neck slipped away and found itself under her clock. He slowly traveled up and down her back, finding a resting spot at the base of her spine. She found herself trembling at his delightful touch and responded accordingly.

After the two minuet agreed upon time, which in actuality was closer to five, he gradually withdrew from the embrace. He kept his arm out stretched against the wall but pulled away his other hand and mouth.

"Don't move," he warned, his eyes still closed tightly, "I need a moment to cool off."

Elizabeth looked at him with a slightly confused expression. She was still pinned against the corner.

"Tomorrow night, my love.." he started. His face was inches away from hers as he felt the warmth of her breath on his cheek. He open his eyes to find her looking directly into them.

"I know" she sighed as she gave him an understanding smile. "I wish we could of been as fool hardy as Lydia and eloped months ago." She paused and her eyes lit up. "Oh, " she stated as she felt herself getting embarrassed by her own forthrightness " that didn't sound proper."

He smiled at her "I concur with the sentiment my dear." They stood there in the same position for several minuets while he "cooled down" but her nearness was not helping the cause.

"Tell me something tedious and dull " he asked, and then with a mischievous grin and a wink added "tell me about your Aunt Phillips."

Elizabeth burst out laughing while trying to maintain a look of being offended.

"Shame on you Mr. Darcy," she chided "and to think that I believed her to be your favorite!"

"Oh no my love, I believe we both know who is my favorite." She understood who he was indicating. Being exposed to "her" these past two months been a rather frustrating experience but he had handled it quite well.

Her thoughts turned to her Mother and her face clouded over.

"If you don't mind, I'd rather not speak of "her" right now. " Elizabeth stated abruptly as she looked away. "It has been a most trying morning, like you cannot believe."

William became concerned. The only information that Jane had given him when he arrived today was that Elizabeth was in the stables and a little out of sorts.

"What has your Mother done this time?" he asked.

Chapter 2

Posted on Friday, 28-Aug-98

"William," she warned, "exactly which part of 'I would rather not speak of her right now' did you not comprehend? I am really not sure if I have the bravery needed to relate the story to you." The hurt she had experienced from her mother was still too fresh. Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head. "It was awful, so awful."

William slowly sat back down, drawing her near him. She found a comfortable spot against his chest and nestled in. They sat quietly for some time, each lost in their own thoughts. He was thinking about how much this one woman had changed his life. The empty void he carried around, located just under his heart, was now filled. For so many years he had cut himself off from living, never really understanding exactly how other people could smile so freely and laugh so unhindered. He never dreamed that someday he would join their ranks again. No one person had ever touched him the way Lizzy did, not even his most precious family members. He had been lonesome for so long and there was a very good chance he may have been for the rest of his life if it had not been for her. She had freed him from his own destruction. William had never verbalized his thoughts to her on this subject but maybe today, on the eve of their wedding, he had found the perfect time. He reached down and took her hand. It was so small compared to his own, so slender. He intertwined their fingers together and rested her hand against his lips.

"Elizabeth, there are many things I have wanted to tell you for so long. I would like to do so now. I only ask that you let me finish my deliberation before you say anything, if indeed you do have anything to say. Will you allow me to do so?"

"Of course William, pray continue for I will not stop you."

"Thank you dearest' he smiled as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. For a moment he was silent, collecting his thoughts - but this would not do. He knew he needed to speak from the heart, not the mind. The message he wanted to relate was of an intimate sort, always present in his thoughts. With this conclusion, he knew how to proceed. He closed his eyes, leaned his head back against the wall and allowed his mind to still, then he began.

"At Rosings - from almost the very beginning of our association I found myself bewitched by you. I never expected it. I had never been in love. How could I? My heart was stone cold. Ever since my 18th birthday, I realized myself to be viewed by society as a worthwhile "catch". Most people knew so little of me, yet they still held me in high favor only because of my connections and name, not for my character. I could behave as rudely as I wanted, and women still sought my attention. Of course, it wasn't my attention that was their final goal; it was my family fortune. London is full of women like Caroline Bingley, and I found their attitude and pursuits as demeaning and distasteful. It became almost impossible to find an honest and pure soul, partially because I was always on my guard. During this period of time, censure from others was a rare occurrence, although Bingley did at times check me. I was allowed to carry on with this selfish behavior for far too many years. As time went by, I could no longer change back to the man I once was, before I became known merely as a 10,000 pounds a year catch. I had lost the most basic of human emotions…compassion. Every day I became more hardened to those who were not connected to me. I had lost touch with my fellow man."

He drew a deep breath and continued. "Upon reflection I can now understand how the whole process took shape. I have always been a reserved man and to be thrust into a society where the feelings of others demanded so little attention was a cruel experience. If I had the chance to live those years over, I wouldn't. They are now too painful to look back on."

William paused here and pulled her a little closer to him. He felt tears welling up as he thought back on the loneliness. Fitzwilliam Darcy was not a man to give in to what he considered a weak emotion. He had shed tears only three times since his childhood - the death of his mother, the death of his father and the day Elizabeth Bennet refused him in Kent. It was difficult for him to talk about the past, but he was determined to continue and bear all to her.

"How can I ever thank you for coming into my life? I know not how. I cannot remember the last time I have felt this happy and content. Until only yesterday, in my nightly prayers, I was still asking God to not let you change your mind. I believe that I felt vulnerable because," William struggled to say the words out loud, "I really do not think I could live if you were to turn your back on me. You have saved my life and I have no doubt that I will love you forever. My opinion of your good will never falter. You need not be embarrassed to tell me anything, ever! I only ask that you remember that I am new to sharing my life. I know I must find my own way. There will be times when I may act differently then you would prefer, but please be patient. I know that together, we can overcome any obstacle. I love you Elizabeth Bennet," then softly he added, "Elizabeth Darcy, from the depth of my soul I do."

Elizabeth had been watching his face as he spoke and she was speechless. She alone had been witness to one of the most beautiful proclamations of love she had ever heard. He still hadn't opened his eyes. She rose and stood in front of him. "He is so beautiful; inside and out," she realized. She bent down and started to kiss his tears away. There had only been a few but each one had brought her heart even closer to him. She loved this man so much, how could she ever let him know that he had actually saved her!

She leaned over to whisper in his ear. "Every night in my prayers, since the day you returned from London, I have been thanking God that you came back to me. I love you more than life Fitzwilliam Darcy".

Chills ran through him with each word she said - she was healing him with her voice. With every kiss she placed on his face, the pain he had lived with for so long melted away. All of the years of heartache were meaningless compared to what he felt now. He soaked in the sensations of her body brushing against his as she leaned over him. He could smell her perfume and feel the warmth coming from her. It invigorated him. He knew he had to tread lightly, he could feel his heart beating wildly in his chest. He had to warn her.

"Elizabeth.."

She reached down and pulled his lips to hers and kissed them with more enthusiasm than she had thought possible. She also knew they were once again going too far, but she had a need to kiss him. She almost felt powerless in her display, he moved her in ways she had never encountered before. Without realizing it, he had just answered many of the questions she had in her mind and his words had given her relief. He had taken the hurt out of the exchange she had had with her mother that morning. She was euphoric. "You are so wonderful," she mumbled, "so wonderful." She began to increase the fervor in which her lips met his.

He couldn't fight his feelings any longer. He simply gave in, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. She deliberately placed her arms around his shoulders and moved her mouth down to his neck. She slowly inched toward the area she was looking for, just behind and below the ear. She wanted him to experience how it felt.

A soft "Oh G—" was his reaction, and she understood the sentiment. He was totally out of control as he devoured all the pleasure that a well placed pair of lips could afford.

"Elizabeth," he stated barely audible, "Elizabeth, you have to stop us this time, I no longer can." His limit had been reached. Purposely he moved his head to catch her lips and get her away from that spot. He had to; he could barely catch his breath. Her lips tasted warm and salty from being on his skin and he did not think he could get enough.

"Two more… minutes… again?" she asked between kisses.

William sighed and shook his head. "I'm not going to make it for two more minutes. I wish I could," he said under his breath. Elizabeth gradually put space between their faces, only twice going back for another exchange. She brought her hand around and touched his lips with her fingers.

"You are right and I am sorry." She pulled away, blushing a deeper shade of red than her face already was. He noticed this and put her mind to rest.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, trust me. This is going to prove to be the longest day of my life," he exclaimed with a wry smile.

Elizabeth had a mischievous look on her face and for a short period of time William was worried. What did she have planned now? His alarm was unfounded though.

"I really should remove myself from your lap Mr. Darcy" she replied with a grin.

"No, sit here for a moment. I will behave." he laughed.

Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder. "His coat is so soft," she thought as she let out a comfortable sigh.

"Maybe she should get up," he mused "this could be torture."

Desperate for a diversion he questioned her, "I don't suppose you have one of those tedious and dull stories that I asked you for earlier?"

She thought for a moment. Yes, she did have a story to share with him but it wasn't tedious. After the way he opened his heart to her earlier, she knew she could trust him with the details of what happened in the morning. It would be difficult, but possible to do.

"William, I want to tell you why I was so upset today. Why I am angry with Mother."

Chapter 3

Posted on Sunday, 30-Aug-98

Elizabeth prepared to relate her morning happenings to her fiancé. Realizing she was precariously situated on his lap, she rose to look for a better position to address him from. Finding no such locale, she chose to pace the stall they had inhabited for the prior hour.

William was curious as he watched her - her hands linked behind her back, lost in concentration as she paced. It reminded him very much of…himself! She would indeed make a very good Darcy; she had the most basic mannerism mastered.

She cleared her throat and began. "William, I am going to ask you for the same consideration you requested from me. Please allow me to complete my thoughts before you reply. When I am finished, I am going to ask you for a favor, one you may find difficult to comply with. Will you agree?" With her gaze aimed directly into his eyes, she awaited his answer.

"I will," he agreed. His trust in her made any other reply impossible. He was secure in the knowledge that she would never ask more of him than he could comply with. With his affirmative, she proceeded.

"Very well, I will begin. Mother," she rolled her eyes, "awoke in a very agitated state today. Not a surprise to her family, we are all well aquatinted with her 'afflictions' whenever she becomes excited. The roles we are to assume during periods such as theses have been played out for many years. Jane comforts, Kitty listens, Mary reads, and I ignore. We have never had a reason to divert from the plan, usually it has a calming effect on her, and we are allowed to return to normal life in short order. Today, despite all of our efforts or lack thereof, we were unable to achieve our objective. Mother was not responding as she should, and time was of the essence. Lady Lucas, Charlotte, and Maria were to call this morning and precious little remained for us to prepare Mother. Suddenly, while in the depths of despair, Mother announced herself "cured" and went about readying for the remainder of the day." Elizabeth stopped her pacing and looked at William. His eyes were intently on her. She responded with a wry smile, hoping to convey that the worst was yet to come.

"Jane was rather relieved at the sudden change of events, but I was not convinced. My instincts told me to be alert. I have not lived in this household for 21 years to become suddenly naive.

"Our guests arrived at their appointed time and joined us in the parlor. I was so happy to see Charlotte again - I feared Lady Catherine's wrath would make it impossible for Charlotte and me to maintain our acquaintance. Charlotte absolutely glowed and Jane and I settled in near her. Maria, Kitty, and Mary were on the opposite side of the room, huddled together discussing something of great importance to themselves.

"Charlotte had just begun telling Jane and me of her condition when mother spoke. 'Charlotte, do not bother telling Lizzy about a wife's duty, she will brook no such discussion. Just yesterday I was telling her about what was expected of her from her husband. She would have none of it. None! A man in Mr. Darcy's' position has a right to expect his wife to obey his wishes. She just cannot go about thinking that she has any say in the matter. After she produces him an heir, then she can relax. Until then, she is to do as she is told!'" Elizabeth did not look up to view William's reaction. If she had, she would have seen him tense at the mention of 'producing a heir.'

"Mother then turned to Lady Lucas and continued. 'I have given Jane the same advice. Just because Mr. Bingley has a smaller fortune, that does not change the situation. I told her to follow Charlotte's example. Of course, Mrs. Collins' worth is nothing compared to what my girls' will have, still Charlotte has done what God commanded her to do. If she is blessed with a son, she will simply need to lock her bedroom door to ward off any more encounters from her husband. This is how it is done! I do believe my Jane will have no problems turning away Mr. Bingley, he is such a gentleman, it is concern for Lizzy that troubles me. Mr. Darcy may be more demanding and may expect her to continue accepting his advances. She will have to learn to fend for herself, I will be unable to aid her.'

"William, I do not recall who blushed more; Charlotte, Jane, or me. Lady Lucas sat there with her mouth open, unable to say a word. For my part I was completely mortified. My mother had brought up a most sensitive subject and in a manner to frighten the strongest of constitutions. As no response was possible, I turned my attention to see if the girls had heard the conversation. Much to my disappointment, they had. Maria Lucas had a look of utter fear on her face and Kitty was pale. Only Mary seemed unaffected by Mother's revelation, in fact she was nodding her head in agreement."

William sat there shocked. He wanted to defend himself and reassure her that her mother had been incorrect in her assumptions, but her continence told him she was not yet finished.

"The scene I am going to describe next is very, very difficult for me. Mother's actions to this point were nothing in comparison to what she would say next. I want to warn you; the subject I am about to broach is in nature one that…"

Elizabeth dropped her head and exhaled. A part of her desired to surrender the subject and end her torment. If she proceeded, the experience of pain and humiliation would be made fresh again. If she did not continue, she may never have an answer to her question. After a moment of silent debate in her mind, she reached resolution. Curiosity won out over degradation.

Her voice trembled as she continued. "I decided to focus on Charlotte and Jane, hoping to smooth over Mother's remarks. I was alarmed to see Jane lost in thought, but knowing Jane as I do, I was certain she would listen to her own reason and forgo the remarks made. Charlotte managed to regain control quickly, giving a compassionate smile. Hope came to me that we could put this behind us for the remainder of the visit, but it was not to be. Mother leaned toward Lady Lucas, and in an attempt to lower her voice, continued. 'Lizzy's saving grace will be the day he takes a mistress. We all know it is just of matter of time. Men with the means of Mr. Darcy realize the value of not having their wives indisposed of. How can she attend to matters of running a household if she is continually confined? I have not the heart to tell her this; she will have to learn about it on her own. A mother can only do so much when a child will not listen! If the truth were known, he has most likely settled this matter. I can not imagine that he has not already…'"

"NO, NO, NO!" William exploded, jumping to his feet. "My G--, no. Your mother is pure evil! How can she assume, let alone publish, such an undignified, improper, erroneous, malicious piece of falsehood! I refuse to believe that anyone with any sense could even voice such an opinion, let alone out loud! I will not stand for this…pack your things! We will retire to Netherfield this very moment. I do not care about propriety, I will not have you subjected to this villainy any longer." He grabbed her arm and attempted to pull her from the stall, but Elizabeth stood frozen. She had never witnessed him this angry.

"William, you must calm down, your fury will not serve you well," she told him delicately.

"I am calm," he shouted, "I am perfectly well aware of what I am doing!"

"Then why are you hurting my arm?" she returned.

The spell was broken and William released her. Guilt crept across his face.

"I only want what is best for you Elizabeth, can you not see this?" he asked pleadingly.

"Yes, but running away will not change what has been said. I am fine. Mother's words only sting me now. I assure you they will be forgotten before long," she lied, "Could we please sit down?"

She was suddenly exhausted and needed a rest. William, perceiving he was not going to convince her to leave, accepted defeat with as much dignity as he could muster. They both took their places side by side on the hay. Tension was thick, neither wanting to provoke the other. After a time, Elizabeth was the first to speak.

"May I ask you a question?" She did not wait for a response. "Is it true? Is it common for men to do that? I need to know."

He was amazed at her innocence. He had lived in the world so long, he assumed she shared his knowledge. Time and time again, he observed marriages that had failed to fulfill expectations. These unions were sad states indeed, the Hurts' being a prime example. He knew Henry Hurst briefly before his marriage to Louisa Bingley. He was a man of kind consideration and understanding. Hurst had a love of life that rivaled Charles Bingley's, but with one significant difference. Hurst took life, and all of its tragedies, more seriously. How Louisa ever convinced him she would make a good partner, Fitzwilliam often wondered? Now the man was broken. Hurst had lost all enthusiasm. He drank too much, became bored too easily. Henry Hurst was a shell of the man he once was. Fitzwilliam knew that he could not place all of the blame for Hurst's demise on his wife, Hurst allowed it to happen. Now they were joined together for the rest of their lives, destined to be miserable. The Hurst situation had strengthened Fitzwilliam's resolve, he would never marry until he found something more substantial, an affection that would last. Alas, the pain he felt, when hope abandoned him, the first time he proposed to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

"Elizabeth, I cannot speak entirely for my own sex, but I will share what I have observed. I have many acquaintances in London, few I would call good friends but, people I have met through connections in society. In most cases, their matrimony seems to be steady-not happy but not unhappy either. I think 'indifferent' would be a good word to describe it. I would say I personally know of ten instances where one, or both, of the partners have strayed from their vows. Usually the cause for this action is selfishness. Maybe they are unwilling to address their problems. I once heard a man at my club attempt to justify his taking a mistress by stating that his wife no longer enticed him. He claimed his children were taking all of her time away from him. It was a sickening display. I wanted to ask him what he did to alleviate his wife's burdens, but did not. I know the lady he married, a sweet woman. It is a shame her husband pitied himself so much that he needed to find comfort elsewhere."

She listened intently as he continued. "Also, far too many people marry for the wrong reasons; most often money and position. Money can not bring happiness, only temporary diversion. I can attest to that. A fine carriage or a handsome townhouse cannot make you feel the complete joy an embrace from someone you cherish can. Love can not be traded like a commodity, or substituted for material goods."

William reached over and took both of her hands in his. As his eyes rested on them, he spoke. "I am an obstinate man. Once I set my principals and ideals, I am loyal to them. I decided long before I had met you, if I were to ever marry, I would be devoted to the union, in every way, till the day I died. Do you understand what I am saying? My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth."

"I do," she whispered, "you know me so well. Thank you William, from the bottom of my heart."

Author's Note: …And so goes our story.

Elizabeth did ask her William for a favor that day; he kept his word and complied. For the next 24 hours, Mrs. Bennet did not know he had been apprised of her actions.

Our lovers were forced from their retreat a short time later, when Jane and Mr. Bingley discovered them. (It seems as if they were looking for some private time themselves!)

For her part, Mrs. Bennet did feel a little bad, but it was nothing a long nap couldn't cure. She had always said that Elizabeth was too high strung anyway!

All was well in the world the day Elizabeth Bennet married Fitzwilliam Darcy…all was well.

The End