A Double Wedding

Chapter Eleven

Jane stepped outside just in time to see Darcy's horse kick up a cloud of dust and gravel as he urged him down the path away from Longbourn, and just in time to see Lizzy run past her into the house. At sight of her sister's expression, she attempted to stop her.

"Lizzy, what is it? Where is Mr. Darcy going?"

"I do not know!" Lizzy muttered, wiping the tears from her face with the back of her hand as she grabbed her bonnet, which hung just inside the door. "And what is more, I do not care!"

"Lizzy! I pray you, stop and tell me what has happened." Jane grabbed her arm, but Lizzy broke free.

"Not now, Jane. Let me go. I must get away and think."

"All alone?"

"Yes," Lizzy cried, "please, Jane, do not speak of this to anyone. I shall not be gone long, but I must be by myself for awhile."

She could feel tears filling her eyes once more and as she sought to hide the depth of her distress from Jane, she ducked her head and ran from the house. In truth, she was not even aware of the direction she took for anger consumed her thoughts. How could Darcy be so unfeeling, so utterly devoid of her sensibilities, so maddeningly male? Did he think she lived only for him, that she had no responsibilities toward her family, no empathy for the sentiments of her sister? And how dare he complain about time spent with her family when his aunt had behaved so abominably toward her - would it not be a natural apprehension for her to fear similar treatment from his other titled relatives?

Hurrying down the lane, she saw a carriage approaching in the distance, and fearing that it might contain someone familiar, possibly even her father, she quickly left the road and climbed over the stile leading into the woods nearby. From there she plunged into a thick copse of trees, incognizant of any destination, hoping only that the dense woodland might conceal her from public view.

Back and forth her mind reeled with doubts and fears. Could her father have been correct all along in his assessment of Darcy's nature?

" . . . the man is stubborn and willful, determined to have his way in every endeavour."

Had he prevailed as master of all he surveyed far too long to change his manners for a woman? Did he expect to order her as he did his servants and could he truly believe that she would submit to his demands on every occasion? Or, perhaps, he considered her too far beneath him on the social scale to even be given the deference she deemed necessary. Did he envision their marriage as that of gross unequals? My original impression of him may have been reliable, after all, she thought, but how did I come to love such a man?

The reality of a stream directly in front of her shocked Elizabeth back to the present. She had no memory of how she had reached Skyler's crossing. She had not meant to walk so far, but the thought of returning home and disguising her feelings in the presence of her family was too difficult to even contemplate just yet. She stepped across the stones and in so doing, she remembered how Darcy had played with her in the water but two days earlier; her heart ached when she recalled their picnic under the comforting chestnut tree. The tenderness of his kisses suddenly swept over her and she found it hard to breathe as she felt her heart breaking. But then the recent image of his angry countenance clashed with such happier evocations, and she began to sob uncontrollably, rushing from the scene that had elicited such feelings. Oblivious to direction, she ran between the densely packed trees and wandered farther and farther from familiar surroundings. And all the while her thoughts raced round and round, her anger at Darcy waging a furious battle against her love for him.

~ * ~

At Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet and three of her daughters walked out to welcome Mr. Bennet from his trip. Kitty had stood watch at the window and alerted the others when she saw the carriage approach their drive. He kissed each of their cheeks and replied in the affirmative that the trip had been successful as to his business matters, and that, yes, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were in perfect health, along with all the little Gardiners.

"And when shall they arrive for the wedding, Mr. Bennet?" his wife questioned him.

When he replied that he had not thought to inquire as to the exact hour they were to be expected, she began to chastise him for failing to ask. "Do you not even know which day? How shall I know when to have their rooms ready if you could not even remember to ask them when they are coming? Really, Mr. Bennet, that is the only thing I required that you ascertain and here you are returned with no answer!"

"I beg your pardon, my dear, but you gave me a long list of questions to ask and if I have failed to remember only one, I believe I have done extremely well," he replied.

"Truly, Mr. Bennet, you can be so vexing at times. I do not know how my poor nerves are going to survive until this wedding is over!"

"I am sorry, my dear. Shall I give Bingley the go ahead to elope with Jane tonight and thus relieve the cause of your anxiety?"

"Elope! Mr. Bennet, how can you even suggest such a thing? No, no, no! I beg you not to speak to Mr. Bingley at all if such a subject is on your mind!" Mrs. Bennet threw up her hands and rushed into the parlour, calling for Hill to bring her salts, all the while continuing to upbraid her husband. Mary and Kitty followed her, but Jane lingered outside, scanning the landscape for sight of Lizzy.

Mr. Bennet called to her from just inside the house. "Jane, are you coming in or are you awaiting your Mr. Bingley? And where is Elizabeth? Why is she not here to greet me?"

Jane quickly joined him. "I am here, Papa, but Lizzy has gone . . . for a walk."

"Alone," he asked, "or is Mr. Darcy with her?"

"Oh no, she is quite alone. I believe she desired some time to herself."

Hearing the din from the parlour, Mr. Bennet sympathized, "Yes, well, solitude is a rare treat in this house, would you not agree?" Jane smiled and took his hat and cane, as he opened the door to his library.

"When Lizzy returns, though, tell her to come and see me. I would speak to her."

~ * ~

Jane was relieved to see Mr. Bingley arrive early that afternoon and when they obtained a few moments alone, he asked her what was troubling her as he had immediately sensed that she was not her normally cheerful self. She explained how Lizzy had left the house hours ago, obviously upset, and that Mr. Darcy had taken his leave quite unexpectedly at the same time, but in an opposite direction. She worried that possibly they had quarreled and she questioned Bingley as to whether Darcy had related any of this to him.

Bingley knew of no disagreement and replied that he had seen Darcy only briefly, but that after exchanging only a few words, his friend had rushed upstairs to see that his things were packed for the trip to London. He then told Jane of the Matlocks' invitation for the weekend and that it included Elizabeth.

News of the ball surprised Jane. "Lizzy failed to tell me any of this. When did you say they were leaving?"

"Louisa said Darcy wanted to set out by late afternoon at the latest. She and Mr. Hurst will accompany them."

Now Jane looked even more puzzled. "If that is so, why has Lizzy not returned to see that her bags are prepared? Oh, Charles, I am feeling somewhat alarmed about all of this."

Bingley did his best to comfort and reassure her, but Jane's intuition failed to allow her to be at peace. For his sake, she smiled and tried to agree with him, but she could not keep herself from wandering to the window or door, hoping to see her sister return. By mid-afternoon, Jane and Bingley had walked through the garden several times and he, too, grew concerned at the length of time Lizzy remained away from home.

A strong wind had arisen and Jane began to shiver as the temperature dropped. She had just agreed with Bingley that they should return to the house when they saw Darcy arrive on horseback. He was already suitably attired for the change in weather, having donned his long coat. Before entering the house and in answer to his request to see Elizabeth, Jane told him of her absence since early morning and she could not help but add her concern over her sister's long walk. Darcy did not even release his horse to the servant, but immediately remounted.

"Do you know the direction she walked?" was his only reply to Jane's news. When she answered in the negative, he turned his horse quickly and galloped away.

~ * ~

Darcy rode first to the hill overlooking Netherfield where he had first kissed Elizabeth. She was not there. He then urged his horse toward Oakham Mount, picking up the pace as the wind began to blow in earnest and heavy clouds darkened the sky. When he failed to find her there, he turned back and searched every remembered haunt which they had visited during their courtship, but to no avail. Where could she be?

As darkness fell and hoping she had returned home by this time, Darcy returned to Longbourn. It had been raining steadily for at least two hours and the wind now had a definite bite to it, but still Elizabeth had not returned. Bingley had assured Jane that Darcy would find her sister, but when the rain began and they saw no sign of either of them, Jane woke her father from a long nap and informed him of the situation. He, of course, grew quite concerned as the weather worsened. At first, Mrs. Bennet had dismissed the idea of Lizzy being in any danger, saying that it was just like her to take off on one of her solitary jaunts; however, after watching the rain for an hour and having to order more and more wood added to the fire in the parlour, she, too, began to grow anxious about her daughter's absence. When Darcy walked in without her, Mrs. Bennet called for her salts.

Seeing that Elizabeth had not returned, he immediately headed for the door to continue his search. Bingley physically stopped him from leaving.

"You must change from that coat, Darcy. It is completely soaked!"

"I have no time for such things, Bingley. Let me go."

"Mr. Darcy, please," Mr. Bennet interrupted. "Here, take one of mine, and tell us where you have searched."

"Yes, Darce," Bingley added. "Mr. Bennet's steward is gathering the men from the village."

As he exchanged his coat, Darcy quickly listed the places he had looked, but when he saw the servant assisting Mr. Bennet into his coat and hat, he said, "Mr. Bennet, I would urge you to remain here. I mean no disrespect, sir, but the weather is fierce and not fit for even younger men."

Bingley agreed and, along with Jane, urged similar precautions.

"She is my daughter," Mr. Bennet said, the fear evident in his eyes. "I cannot rest while she is in such danger."

"I shall find her, sir," Darcy said, "I promise you." A look passed between the two men that united them in their passionate concern. When Mr. Bennet finally nodded his assent, Darcy strode through the door, shouting for the servant to stable his horse.

"You are going on foot, man?" Bingley asked, following close behind.

"The only place I have not looked, Bingley, is Skyler's Crossing. The path through the woods is too close for a horse; I shall have to walk. You organize the men into search parties and scour the surrounding countryside. Retrace my steps, for perhaps it was a matter of timing. Elizabeth . . . " here his voice broke at the sound of her name and he looked away for a moment. "I may have just missed her, Bingley."

By the time Darcy reached the tiny path through the woods, the heavy rain was now blowing in sheets. Fortunately, the dense foliage provided a slight respite from its ferocity, but Mr. Bennet's borrowed coat soon hung heavy with water. Darcy felt no awareness of it, for he was far too occupied, searching the darkness for some sign of Elizabeth, his distress growing with each step. For hours now he had been castigating himself with the thought that he had caused this. His anger now spent, he could only berate himself for provoking her into such a foolish situation.

When he had ridden away from her earlier in the day, he had been far too angry and hurt to think clearly. He had pushed his horse hard for several hours, going over and over the scene in the garden at Longbourn. How could Elizabeth be so unreasonable, so impertinent as to be offended by an invitation from his relatives? And to accuse him of bullying her? That was simply too much to bear. The word stung him so, that his only civil response was to depart without delay. His Aunt Catherine, he knew, had treated her in an atrocious manner, and although she had held her own in the face of such rudeness, Darcy had hoped to erase that memory and replace it with the respect and good manners of the Matlocks. Elizabeth's response to their invitation had shocked him and seemed to be a particular attack on him and his family, and he could not fathom why; after all, they were soon to be her relations as well. Her family's eccentricities and at times outlandish behaviour he had borne with extreme forbearance, he believed. Why could she not do the same for his?

At length, Darcy had come to no conclusion other than the fact that he certainly would not attend the ball in London without Elizabeth. He had ridden back to Netherfield and, after briefly meeting Bingley who was just leaving, had hurried above stairs and written a short note to his uncle, expressing his regret that he and Miss Bennet would have to forego the invitation this time, but hoped to have the pleasure of calling in the near future. After writing two more letters, one to Georgiana, and the other to Colonel Fitzwilliam, requesting him to escort his sister to Netherfield for Bingley's wedding, he had met with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and asked that they deliver the mail personally when they arrived in town, giving only the briefest explanation as to his change in plans and with, of course, no hint of his quarrel with Elizabeth. Their only clue that anything could be amiss was the darkness of his countenance and his short answer when Caroline had remarked that this was the first day she had seen him return from the Bennets before nightfall.

"What?" he had barked and then, with an abrupt nod, had excused himself from the room. He had walked the grounds for some time, his mind in turmoil, until finally he mounted his horse. He would face Elizabeth and have this out. They would talk until the problem was resolved. Causing her to see his side of the argument had been his only concern until he reached Longbourn.

Now, however, as he plowed through the storm, Darcy no longer even remembered their disagreement. He was desperate to find her. Before he even reached Skyler's Crossing, he could hear that the gentle brook was no longer tame. It churned and rumbled with a growing intensity and it was impossible to see the rocks that had served as a bridge, for they were completely covered. Perhaps Elizabeth is trapped on the other side! With little or no thought for his own safety, he plunged into the roiling water and was relieved to see that it reached only his knees as he waded across. He knew, though, that if the storm continued, the depth of the water would soon be much deeper.

"Elizabeth!" he called over and over into the darkness, but there was no answering reply.

Skyler's cottage - surely she has taken refuge there! With this thought giving him new hope, he ran through the clearing, around the grapevine thicket, searching for a welcoming candle shining through the window of the tiny building, but no such light appeared, although flashes of lightning illuminated the outline of the roof. He pounded on the door, but when there was no answer, he turned the doorknob and burst inside. The room was dark and empty.

Darcy now experienced a greater fear than he had ever known. Elizabeth, please, let me know where to find you! He wiped the rain from his eyes and scanned every direction from the cabin door. At last, he selected one and walked out again into the storm, all the while trying to swallow the knot of despair choking his heart.

~ * ~

Earlier in the afternoon, Lizzy had alternately walked and run through the woods. She had sobbed and stormed until her anger had abated, leaving her completely spent and wishing only to escape from the torment of her thoughts. She had no idea how far she had walked, but at last simply collapsed at the base of a huge oak. There, her exhaustion gave way to sleep and there she lay for several hours. The forest was so deep at this point that it provided a canopy of shade and dim light; in truth, the sky could not even be seen in such a haven. The sensation of being both wet and cold awakened her and, at first, she could not remember her whereabouts or why she was there. Even though the temperature had dropped drastically and it had been raining for some time, the protective foliage had protected her from that knowledge. When she awakened, she discovered that not only was it raining and cold, but it had also grown quite dark inside the deep woods.

Her first thought was to return home as quickly as possible, but in the darkness she could not determine which way led back to Skyler's Crossing. Shivering in the cold wind and realizing that her clothing would soon be soaked, she struck out blindly in hopes of finding the correct path, but alas, she chose falsely. Over and over she searched for a way out of the maze of trees and bushes, thorns and vines, but the deeper she pushed, the more lost she became. Back and forth, round and round she walked, turning from one direction to another. Her light clothing was soon wet through; a low tangle of briars tore her bonnet from her head and the wind blew it away before she could catch it; thorns and brush scratched her hands and face as she fought her way through the forest.

How long Lizzy walked, she knew not, but the storm had only grown in its intensity during those hours of her wandering. Although she was a strong, active young woman, she knew with a certainty that she might not survive this night. Fear gave way to panic as she faced this actuality and the only thought that caused her to continue to place one foot before the other was Darcy. She could see his face before her, his dark eyes searching hers, and the pain she had caused by her foolish words so evident in the grim set of his mouth. I must see him again. Dear Lord, do not let me die without seeing his face again. At last Lizzy heard the welcome sound of a body of water. At once she surmised that she had found Skyler's Crossing, but this water sounded like no simple brook she had crossed much earlier in the day. A strong roar now assaulted her ears, and although she could not see it, she knew the creek must have risen rapidly. She remembered how her father had often come and led old Skyler from his cottage to the safety of Longbourn at the first possibility of threatening weather causing a flash flood and marooning the old man, leaving him no way to cross. Lizzy was certain that she was now in the same situation, but if she could see her way to the clearing, she knew she could at least find shelter in Skyler's house.

With renewed hope, she pushed on, drawing closer and closer to the water's roar. She knew that if she could follow the bank of the creek, she would soon find the clearing. As she emerged from the thick copse, she felt a renewed courage. I am almost there, she thought, although she could see nothing but intense darkness and blinding rain. The water lashed her gown to her body, while the wind whipped her hair across her eyes; she attempted to push it from her face and made a conscious effort to still her chattering teeth. I must walk as close to the water as possible so that I can follow its sound, she thought.

That was Lizzy's last thought as she took another step and fell into the rising water.

The river pulled her under and as it covered her head, she instinctively began to kick and flail, struggling to reach the surface. Once there, she managed to scream before the water once more closed over her. Not only was it pulling her under, but also the force of the flood propelled her downstream. She fought with every ounce of strength she had left to reach the top again and when successful, she screamed anew. Rocks and debris brushed against her right side and she hoped that meant she was not far from the bank, but it was all happening with such ferocious speed that she was not sure of anything other than she was very near drowning. Again she kicked her way to the surface and managed another scream, although much weaker. She knew that she did not have the strength to do it again.

Feeling the water's force pulling her down and down, Lizzy was conscious of nothing but blackness, when suddenly two strong hands grabbed her arms and pulled her to the water's edge. There, she was gathered into the arms of the one man she had prayed to see one last time.

Chapter Twelve

At Longbourn, all the family had retired except for Mr. Bennet, Jane, and Bingley. At Mr. Bennet's request, Hill had administered a sleeping draught to Mrs. Bennet to calm her hysteria when the search for Lizzy was called off sometime after midnight. Her husband had tried to explain that the men could not continue, for the blowing rain was now blinding and with the temperature steadily dropping, they would have to give it up until first light, but by that time she was beyond comprehension. Mr. Bennet was highly sympathetic to her feelings, for his despair well matched hers.

Bingley had just returned, soaked through while leading the search, and had been given a change of clothing from Mr. Bennet's wardrobe. A room had been prepared for him to spend the night and he was now sitting near the fire in the parlour, drinking a cup of hot tea laced with a fortifier. Jane sat beside him, attempting to stem her tears, but without success.

"But did you search everywhere Mr. Darcy told you, Charles? Oakham Mount?"

He nodded with a heavy sigh.

"What about Skyler's Crossing? I know Mr. Darcy said he would search there, but we have seen nothing of him since early evening. Should you not try to look there?"

Bingley took her hand in his. "We went there, Jane. The brook was . . . well, it was impassable."

"Then Lizzy could possibly be on the other side," Jane cried. "She may be trapped there!"

"And Mr. Darcy, as well," Mr. Bennet added.

"Only if he crossed the water before it flooded, sir," Bingley said, "and from the looks of that creek, I seriously doubt that he reached it early enough. We will begin the search again at first light."

"We must take boats," Mr. Bennet instructed. "That stream will remain a river for some days with this much rain."

As Jane began to sob quietly, Bingley put down his drink and took both her hands in his, and Mr. Bennet, upon seeing their obvious need to comfort each other, left the room for his library where he spent the remainder of the night sitting near the window, looking for a miracle.

~ * ~

On the banks of Skyler's Crossing, Darcy held Elizabeth in his arms while she vomited the water from her lungs. When her violent actions finally ceased, he lifted her limp body and urged her to cling to his neck while he carried her through the storm to old Skyler's cottage. Over and over he called her name, begging her to remain conscious.

"Just a few more steps, Elizabeth. Stay with me, my love. Please, Elizabeth, do not leave me."

At last he kicked open the door to the stone hut and carried her into the shelter. Flashes of lightning provided the only source of light as he searched the darkness for some furniture on which to place her, finally bumping into a small wooden table where he placed her.

"Stay there, my darling," he said, pushing her wet curls away from her face. "Can you hear me, Elizabeth?" When she moaned in response, he said, "Do not move or you will fall. Remain still while I find a candle."

She nodded and he released her, feeling his way around the small room until he found a cabinet. Inside he soon discovered candles and matches and, although the water dripping from his hair snuffed the flame twice, at length he did succeed in lighting it. He was grateful to find that not only were there candles, but a small amount of kindling and one large log lay neatly stacked near the fireplace.

"Aha! Elizabeth, there is wood for a fire."

When she attempted to sit up, he rushed back to the table and restrained her.

"William," she said weakly, "I . . ."

"Do not move yet. Do not even talk. Wait there while I build a fire."

She lay back and watched him as he went about his task, and silently she sent up words of thanksgiving for granting her prayer. She had seen his face again, his beautiful, wonderful face.

The wood soon caught, as it was old and dry, and the light from the blaze illuminated the small room. A small, threadbare rug lay before the fireplace; a single wooden straight chair sat next to the table on which Lizzy lay; and a small iron bed was situated across the room on the opposite wall. Below the cabinet where he had found the candle was a small washstand with a bowl and inside the cabinet Darcy found not only some thin towels, but also a bottle of peach brandy. He grabbed both the towels and brandy and returned to Lizzy.

"Here, my love," he said, uncorking the bottle. "Drink some of this. It will warm you."

He lifted her to a sitting position and she held onto him as he raised the bottle to her lips. The warm liquid was more welcome than anything she had ever swallowed and when she had finished, she put the bottle to Darcy's lips. He also drank and then lifted her from the table and carried her to the fireplace, sitting her on the rug and kneeling beside her. She was shaking badly and her hands were as ice. He began to rub her cold fingers between his hands and then took a towel and attempted to dry her face and hair, but the thin cloth was soon soaked through.

He looked at the rug and saw that she was sitting in a puddle of water and that his long coat was not helping things. He pulled it off, realizing that it was quite soggy. His boots were saturated, as well as his socks and pants up to his knees, but Lizzy did not have a dry spot on her body.

"Elizabeth, you must get out of those wet clothes."

"William," she protested weakly.

"You must. You will not survive the night if you cannot get warm and dry." At the look of alarm on her face, he searched the room for answers. "Here!" he cried, pulling a thin quilt back from the bed. "The bed is made up with sheets and a pillow. We can wrap you in this sheet and you can use the quilt for warmth."

Lizzy's eyes grew quite large. "You cannot wrap me in anything, sir."

Darcy looked away to keep her from seeing his smile. Yes! She is coming back, he thought. The spark is still there!

"And I cannot remove my clothing."

Darcy turned and looked her right in the eye. "If you do not, my love, then I shall."

"Mr. Darcy!"

"Elizabeth, this is no time to be proper. You are chilled to the bone, wet through and through, and if you survive this without catching your death, it will be a miracle. But you must take off your clothing. I insist upon it."

Lizzy could see that he was deadly serious and she knew he had spoken the truth, but still how could she undress in front of him?

"I shall go outside and wait," Darcy said.

"No!" she cried. "You cannot go back into that storm!"

"Then we have only one alternative, my love," he said, holding out his hands in a shrugging motion and raising one eyebrow. When she made no move to comply, he continued, "I will turn my back, Elizabeth."

"You will not look?"

"I shall not." As much as I would love to, he thought.

"Do you promise?"

"I promise," he smiled. "In fact, while you undress, I shall remove my jacket and neck cloth, for they are soaked, plus my wet boots and stockings. Will that make you feel any better?"

She just sighed and said, "Turn around and do not turn back until I say so."

Darcy did as he was told and hopped first on one foot and then the other while tugging at his water-laden boots. He heard her giggle at his antics and he threatened to look if she did not cease to laugh at his expense.

"You may look, sir," she replied and he did, catching his breath at the sight. She had wrapped the sheet around her body, across her bosom and under her arms, securing it by tucking it inside itself and thus fashioning a strapless gown. The sheet was quite thin and the contours of her lovely body, though covered, remained notably visible. I owe you one, old Skyler, Darcy thought, for washing that sheet over and over! Lizzy blushed at his look and turned her head away from him. Darcy took a towel and began to dry her hair.

"I must look a fright. My hair . . ."

"You have never been more beautiful, Elizabeth," Darcy said, his voice deep and ragged, "and your curls delight me." He dropped the towel and ran both hands through her hair, one on either side of her head, and then lifted her face to his and bent down to kiss her, softly caressing her lips until her arms stretched up around his neck. His mouth parted as did hers, and he gathered her into his arms, covering her with his embrace.

"I have come home," Lizzy whispered.

"As have I," Darcy answered, kissing her again and again, while he stroked her back, her bare shoulders and arms. His kisses intensified as he tasted her sweet mouth over and over and he felt his pent up desire begin to build.

At last, Lizzy pulled back from him. "Sir, I . . ." she whispered, desire and caution mixed in her soft voice.

"I know," Darcy groaned, releasing her as he turned to the burning log. "We are in a dangerous situation, Elizabeth."

"Yes," she murmured, "so perhaps, we should find distractions?" She looked up to see the torment in his eyes. "It is not what I desire, William, but is it not the wisest course?"

When he nodded, she picked up the small heap of wet clothes and began to wring the water from them. Darcy attempted to do the same with her father's long coat.

"Spread your clothing on the table here," he said, moving it closer to the fireplace, "so that it may dry."

Lizzy was embarrassed to parade her under things, but having no other choice, she swallowed her pride and did so. She took his stockings and stretched them out alongside her petticoat.

"Shall we have another drink," Darcy asked, as he offered her the bottle. They shared the brandy back and forth and he pulled the straight chair close to the fire and indicated that she should sit.

"But where will you sit?"

"The rug will do for me," he replied, promptly placing himself at her feet.

"No, I shall not have you at my feet, William," she smiled, moving the chair back and sitting beside him on the rug.

He took her hand in his. "That is where I should be, Elizabeth - at your feet begging your forgiveness."

"My forgiveness?"

"Yes, my rash anger almost took your life." His voice broke then and he turned his face from her.

She reached out and touched his cheek. "No more yours than my own, sir. If anyone is to blame, it is I. I ran off, heedless of the direction or time. My anger raged so out of control that its consequence could have caused both our deaths."

He then asked where she had gone, and she spent no little time telling him of her wanderings, how she had fallen asleep, and then awakened to the storm and darkness; how she had become completely disoriented and lost and if he had not found her, she knew she would have drowned. This discussion, of course, eventually led to talk of what had originally caused their argument and the couple began to sort things out, confessing their hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

"I had no conception that you would be insulted by Lord Matlock's invitation."

Lizzy sighed. "I was not insulted, William. I believe I acted thus because underneath it all and ever since our engagement began, I have felt such strain when we are in the midst of my family. I do not think I ever forgot your criticism of them at Hunsford. My mother's embarrassing actions and Papa's censure and disapproval of you, coupled with your obvious displeasure so often exhibited in my family's presence - my worry over all of this just seemed to burst forth in my reaction today. I know that my parents and sisters, with the exception of Jane, will never equal the poise and elegance of your relations and I fear that you will one day regret entering into an alliance with such a family. I am afraid that you will regret marrying me."

"Do not say that again, Elizabeth. Not ever."

"My family will humiliate you, though. You know it as well as I do, and yet I love them, William. At times my mother appears to have the decorum of a goose, but I know that in her heart she is a kind and loving woman who wants only the best for her children. My father has behaved strangely since our betrothal, but he is a good man and very dear to me."

"I believe you speak the truth," Darcy replied, "and when we are married, your parents will be mine, as well, and I shall regard them as such. But Elizabeth, you must realize that my relations will become your family, as well. Can you accept that?"

"Of course. I already love Georgiana; I think highly of Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I look forward to knowing your aunt and uncle."

"Then what were we arguing about?"

"It was the timing of the invitation, William. I had made a promise to Jane that I would not leave her until she was married, that we would spend as much time together as possible. Marriage will separate us and, as much as we look forward to these unions, she and I shall truly miss each other."

"Why did you not tell me that this morning?"

"Why did I not?" Lizzy murmured. "That is the question."

"It would have prevented a great amount of distress and danger."

"Yes," Lizzy agreed, "but perchance I would have, if you had stayed long enough to provide the opportunity to do so."

"What do you mean?" Darcy bristled.

"Why must you run off, sir, whenever things do not go your way?"

"Run off? When have I run off?"

"Every single time!" Lizzy said, her voice rising. "Since the day of our betrothal, I have watched the back of your head departing in a huff more times than I care to remember, the latest of which occurred this very morning."

"I do believe this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black, for you, Madam, ran the farthest today!"

"Only because I learned how from you!" Lizzy attempted to stand so that she might turn her back on him, but ended up stepping on the bottom of the sheet she wore, as it was far too long, and she fell down, landing in Darcy's lap. They both began to laugh then and when she attempted to rise, he held onto her.

"Stay," he whispered in her ear, kissing it at the same time.

"Why should I?" she said, pursing her mouth into a mock pout.

"Because I said so," he replied, continuing to nibble at her ear with quick, short kisses.

"And is that the way it is going to be from now on - I must do everything as you order?"

"When you are in my lap, yes," he growled, beginning to kiss her neck.

"Sir, I do believe we should discuss this further," she said, finding it difficult to breathe.

"Later," he replied, working his way towards her lips with tantalizing light touches, and then upon finding her mouth, he settled into the business of serious kissing. Lizzy said no more for it was quite impossible to do so, and she reasoned that such discussion could surely wait until later, much later.

But later arrived sooner than either wanted in the form of an unexpected blast of wind and rain from outside the house. Darcy had failed to bar the door and the ferocity of the storm blew it open, dousing the candle's light and causing the fire to blaze up and throw off sparks. Lizzy cried out, but Darcy jumped up and quickly shut the door, this time securing the cross bar. He then relit the candle and, taking it, searched the room for any remaining draughts that could admit the deadly storm.

"William, how are we ever to get home?"

"That is not a question I can answer tonight. It is evident we shall not leave this cottage before morning." He then returned to the fire and after stoking it, continued to hold the candle up and look around the room.

"What are you looking for?"

"Anything we can burn. This log will not last the night." He then took the single wooden chair and slammed it against the table, splitting its seat and legs. "These will do for a while; we may have to burn the table, also, but drat it, there is no axe with which to break it."

Still sitting on the floor, Lizzy trembled, remembering how cold she had been out in the storm and suddenly aware of just how precarious her situation had been. Her action did not escape Darcy, and he grabbed the quilt from the bed and placed it around her shoulders, while kneeling beside her.

"There, my dearest. I do not know what I was thinking, not covering you earlier."

"Your arms covered me, William. I had no need of anything more." She met his eyes with a steadfast gaze that spoke more than any words. He began to kiss her forehead, her cheeks and her chin, but with a sigh he stopped before reaching her lips. Instead, he pulled her close with one arm while with his other hand he placed her head against his heart. He laid his cheek upon her head and kissed her hair from time to time. The quilt fell away, but Lizzy was not cold. They sat thus for some time, Darcy staring into the fire, content to simply hold her, thinking of how much she meant to him.

At length, he lifted Lizzy's face and smiled to see the sleepy look on it. "I must put you in bed, my love."

Her eyes flew open at his words! "Bed?"

Darcy smiled, as he released her and rose. "Perhaps I should have stated that in a somewhat different manner. You must go to bed, Miss Bennet. Is that better?" With that, he walked to the small bed on the other side of the room and shoved and pulled it until he had placed it squarely in front of the fireplace. "There. Shall I assist you in standing, Miss Elizabeth?"

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," she smiled, accepting his hand, but then she began to chew her lip. "But where will you sleep?"

He looked at the bed for several moments, and then with another sigh, he slowly faced Elizabeth; she trembled again, not at the cold this time, but rather at the evident desire she could see darkening his eyes.

"I shall sleep beside you . . ." he answered, "on the floor."

"The floor! It is hard and cold. Could you not lie on the table?"

"My dear, look at the size of that table. I believe it would hold about half of me."

"Then you must at least take the quilt, sir. I insist. This rug is far too worn; in essence, you will be lying on a stone floor and you cannot escape that draught blowing through the crack at the bottom of the door."

He would not have it, though; instead, he led her to the side of the bed and made her lie down, covering her with the thin quilt and tucking it around her as he would a child. Her arguments were futile. He then added the remainder of the broken chair to the fire and lay down on the rug.

Lizzy rose on one elbow, sighed, and shook her head at him. She then threw the single pillow at him. "You will at least take the pillow, sir," she demanded.

Darcy laughed, "Go to sleep, Elizabeth." He lay there watching her, wishing desperately that they were married. Surely, no man has ever been so tempted, he thought.

Lizzy turned first one way and then the other. The bed was hard and she was still cold; she could imagine how Darcy must be feeling. After half an hour had passed and she still remained awake, she turned toward him.

"William," she whispered, "are you asleep?"

"No."

"I cannot go to sleep, either."

Neither of them then said anything for some time, each one wondering at the other's thoughts.

Lizzy finally spoke, "I cannot rest, knowing you are lying on that cold floor."

"There is no other place, Elizabeth. Do not worry about me."

"I cannot keep from doing so and besides that, I am still cold."

Darcy sat up then and checked the fire. "The blaze is still alive."

"Yes, but what will we do when it goes out?"

When Darcy made no answer, Lizzy spoke again. "William, will you not come and share this bed with me? The two of us together will provide warmth to each other." When he still said nothing and would not even turn to face her, Lizzy sighed. "I am not inviting you to make love to me. I am simply asking for your presence next to me. It would . . . that is . . . I would be comforted by it."

"Elizabeth . . . I," he broke off, unable to continue.

"Believe me, I am well aware it is not proper, sir, but nothing about this night is proper. The fact that we are forced to spend the entire evening together alone is about as improper as improper can be! Tomorrow we will have to face the consequences of my stupid, stupid mistake, and to prepare ourselves for such a feat . . . I . . . suggest that we need our rest. I cannot do so knowing you are on that cold floor."

Darcy at last turned and looked at her, but took no step toward her, remaining beside the fire. "And do you think that if I crawl into that bed with you, I shall be able to sleep?"

Lizzy smiled and looked away. "Yes, I do." She found it hard to breathe then, as he slowly walked toward her.

"It is a very narrow bed," he observed.

"Yes," she murmured, "but William, you are an honourable man. I trust you."

"I am not sure that you should," he muttered, but when she pulled the quilt back, he walked around the bed and sat down beside her.

"There, you may sleep on the coldest side next to the door. Does that not make you feel a bit more noble?"

Darcy sighed as he swung his legs onto the bed and pulled the quilt over him. "At the moment noble is not the word I would use to describe how I feel."

Lizzy giggled and cuddled close to his side, glorying in the warmth of his body. "Oh, William, I do love you."

"Elizabeth, I love you, but let us speak no more of love."

"Very well," she murmured, somewhat taken aback.

"And Elizabeth?"

"Yes?"

Darcy's voice had now lowered several octaves. "You must not move like that."

"I must not move like what?"

"You must not wriggle around. Lie still, or I will not be able to remain in this bed."

"I do not understand."

"I am not strong enough to bear this; in truth, no man would be. Knowing you are lying next to me, smelling you, feeling you move against me - it is too much!" Darcy threw back the quilt and sat up, preparing to rise, but Lizzy sat up, too, and placed her hand upon his arm.

"Pray, William, stay. I shall help you. Look, I shall turn my back to you and sleep facing the fire. Will that not make it easier?"

"I very much doubt it," he replied, but he did lie down once more.

"And I shall scoot as close to the edge as possible. Does that help?"

"Do not do that, for you may fall. Just go to sleep," he sighed.

They lay in silence for a few moments and then Lizzy spoke one last time. "William, will you not kiss me goodnight?"

"I would love to, Elizabeth, but I cannot, for if I do a fire will blaze in this room the likes of which no storm could ever put out! Now, go to sleep."

"Yes, sir," she whispered, but she could not keep herself from smiling.

Darcy, however, did not smile. If I make it through this night, he thought, I should apply for sainthood!

Chapter Thirteen

It was the silence that woke Darcy the next morning. The absence of rain and wind proved deafening in its solitude. Dawn was breaking and the early rays had just begun to shed light into the room and upon the woman in his arms.

For in his arms is where Elizabeth lay, curled up like a kitten, still facing the fireplace, which contained only remnants of the earlier flame, now disintegrated into glowing coals. Darcy, however, no longer lay on his back, the location in which he had begun when he first lay beside her; in the night he had unconsciously turned toward her, and they now lay in a perfect spooning position, her head resting upon his left arm and her dark curls tickling his chin. His lips were but half an inch from her lovely neck and she smelled deliciously. As he slowly awakened and grew conscious of their embrace, he realized that his right arm lay across her body and in his right hand rested the warmest, softest object he had ever held. Seeing that she was still sleeping, he very slowly raised his head to see if it was what he suspected, and almost groaned aloud when he saw that his suspicions were correct. In the night, Elizabeth's makeshift gown had slipped lower and lower, and one exquisitely beautiful breast was now fully exposed and resting in his hand.

At that moment, he believed with certainty that he might very possibly die from the pain of wanting her. To Darcy, her beauty surpassed any he had known; her dark eyelashes resting against her ivory skin, her straight little nose, the blush of her cheek smoother than velvet, and that mouth, oh that mouth. How can I not make love to her? She is too beautiful!

As he wrestled with his dilemma, Elizabeth stirred, moaned softly and turned, first onto her back, and then toward him. She opened her eyes with her face next to his, and smiled sleepily.

"Good morning, William."

He made no response; the struggle to simply inhale and exhale taking all of his concentration. She opened her eyes again and, eventually coming more awake, realized the intertwining of their bodies and recognized the passion consuming Darcy's countenance. She wondered if perhaps she was mistaken; perchance, she was still sleeping and this was a dream and, if so, she had no wish to awaken.

"Elizabeth . . ." he groaned, his voice as rough as his unshaven beard, and then it was impossible not to kiss her, and so he did, his hunger insatiable. She responded as well - in truth, she could do nothing else - the both of them lost in the expression of their love for one another. Now, dear reader, whether they would have been able to deny their desire from progressing further will never be known, for at that very moment they were spared the agony of making that decision.

A loud knock at the door and the sound of men's voices jerked them back to reality with harsh severity. Darcy leaped from the bed as though he had been shot and, his guilt rendering him temporarily dazed, he ran to unbar the door without thinking. Lizzy sat up and clutched the quilt to her neck, realizing for the first time that her makeshift gown had come undone and her consequent display. Her eyes rounded in astonishment to see her father walk through the doorway. Bingley and Mr. Philips followed behind him and she could see two other men from the village in back of them.

"Papa!" she cried, her eyes filling with tears of joy at seeing him again, but then realizing her appearance to be in dishabille and seeing the shock displayed on the men's faces, she drew back in embarrassment at being thus exposed.

Darcy stood speechless, well aware that the men could not mistake his rumpled appearance or the evidence that the indentation his body had left on the bed beside Elizabeth. Bingley immediately blocked the other men from entering and pulled Mr. Philips outside the building, firmly closing the door and leaving his friends to face Mr. Bennet.

"Sir, I . . ." Darcy began, but the older man rushed past him, barely acknowledging his presence.

"Elizabeth!" he cried, taking her hand. "Thank God you are alive!" He clasped her in a close embrace and kissed her, fully unable to let her go for some time. "Are you unharmed, my child? Are you well?"

"I am well, Father," she murmured, kissing his cheek.

"There are scratches on your face and neck."

"They are of little consequence, Papa. I am not hurt."

He continued to gaze at her dearest face as though he would never tear his eyes from this welcome sight. At last, he turned away. "And you, Mr. Darcy? I trust that you were not hurt in the storm."

"No . . ." Darcy's voice erupted in far too high an octave, "sir," he finished lamely, feeling as though he were a boy of thirteen once again.

Mr. Bennet went on to ask what had happened, desirous of all the details as to how and why Lizzy had been caught in the storm. She explained the situation as much as possible, trying to avoid telling him of the quarrel she and Darcy had experienced which had caused the entire event. She told of how she had walked too far, had fallen asleep, and then had become lost and disoriented in the darkness, and at last, of falling into the stream which had turned into a river.

"Mr. Darcy saved my life, Father," she said. "Truly, if he had not found me, I would not be here today."

Mr. Bennet struggled to control his emotions at the thought of coming so close to losing his daughter. He offered his hand to Darcy and clasped it with both of his, as he spoke. "Thank you, my son. I do not think I could have lived if I had lost Elizabeth."

"Nor could I, sir," Darcy answered simply, while Lizzy allowed herself the faint beginnings of hope at seeing at last such evidence of a shared bond between them. Darcy, however, was very aware that Mr. Bennet as yet had said nothing of the present scene in which they had been found.

The older man walked to the fireplace and stirred the dying coals with the poker. He sighed audibly and then turned back to the couple. "I know that it was impossible for you to return home last night. The creek is still impassable except by boat. I am thankful that you found sanctuary in Skyler's cabin." He said nothing more for a few moments.

"Unfortunately," he then continued, "my old steward lived alone and, thus, had only one bed. That must have placed you in somewhat of a pickle, Mr. Darcy, did it not?"

Darcy looked away, opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it, remaining silent. He suddenly realized how ridiculous he must look, clad in only his pants and shirt, his waistcoat open and wrinkled, his feet bare, and his hair definitely tousled.

"Father," Lizzy began, "I can explain."

Darcy, however, interrupted her. "You are correct, sir. It did place me in a pickle, as you say."

"Father, nothing happened. I have not been compromised by Mr. Darcy, I promise you."

Mr. Bennet endeavoured to affect a serious tone when he spoke. "Am I wrong in my belief that you shared my daughter's bed, sir?"

"You are not wrong."

"But Papa, we used the bed only for sleeping and to . . . protect us from the cold. There was only one quilt. Truly, I am still as I ever was."

Mr. Bennet raised his head to meet Mr. Darcy's eyes. "I confess, I find that quite surprising. Are you ill, Mr. Darcy?"

"No, sir," Darcy answered, meeting his gaze. "I am quite well." No one spoke for several moments. Darcy looked at Lizzy for some direction as to what else he should say, but she could only offer him an equally bewildered look. He cleared his throat and finally said, "Mr. Bennet, any form of deception is abhorrent to me . . ."

Oh no, William, Lizzy thought, closing her eyes in dismay, this is not the time for your absolute dedication to honesty! But he continued, ". . . and so I must admit, sir, that if you had not arrived when you did, I do not know what might have happened. I fear . . ."

"Yes, well," Mr. Bennet interrupted. "Let us leave your fears alone and just be thankful that I did arrive with such promptness, shall we? Now, as to whether Lizzy has been compromised, that is another matter in the eyes of our witnesses outside the door."

"But Father, I tell you, it did not happen."

"Yes, yes, I understand that, my dear, but as I am sure Mr. Darcy is well aware, spending the night together whether anything happened or not causes you to be compromised, would you not agree, sir?"

"It does," Darcy nodded, running his hand through his hair, while Lizzy lowered her eyes, suddenly realizing the gravity of the situation.

"What shall we do?" she asked quietly.

"At present, I believe the prudent course of action would be for you two to dress and return home with me. You both are in need of dry clothing and a hot meal and your mother and sisters, as well as your Aunt Philips, are beside themselves with worry and I would hasten to relieve them. As to what we shall do about the situation at hand, let us discuss it in the comfort of my library. It is quite cold in this little cottage. Mr. Darcy, do you require my assistance in tying your cravat?"

"Thank you, but I can do it, sir. If you will wait for me, however, I shall join you outside and grant Elizabeth the privacy she needs."

"I will be glad to," Mr. Bennet replied. Lizzy watched in amazement as her father handed Darcy his boots and even found his stockings, acquiring a bemused look when he discovered them stretched out beside his daughter's petticoat. She could not fathom a reason for the extreme change in his attitude toward her fiancé, especially in light of the circumstances in which he had discovered them.

"Can you manage alone, Lizzy?" her father asked.

"Yes, Papa, although I fear I have no way of putting up my hair. I lost my hairpins in the flood and I do not know what happened to my bonnet."

"Do not worry yourself about that, my dear. You look quite lovely to me, would you not agree, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy smiled, "She does, sir. Indeed, she does."

As they started for the door, Mr. Bennet turned back to Lizzy one last time. "Elizabeth, I would make one further request of you. When you emerge from this cottage, I want to see you walk out holding your head up high. Will you do that for me?"

"If you wish, Papa," she said hesitantly.

"I do," he replied. "Well, then, shall we go, sir?"

Mr. Darcy nodded and followed behind him, glancing back at Lizzy and sharing her puzzled look. Was this man truly her father?

~ * ~

At Longbourn, amid sounds of the bell in the church steeple ringing to alert the villagers of their safe return, Lizzy and Darcy were welcomed with open arms. After Lizzy had been kissed and hugged by her family, she was bundled upstairs for a hot bath and attention to the cuts and scratches caused by her scramble through the woods. Bingley and Darcy set out for Netherfield so that they could refresh themselves, but not without promising to return that evening. Indeed, nothing could keep Darcy away, as Mr. Bennet had expressly asked that he return so that they might discuss a possible remedy to the unfortunate gossip that had by that time already begun.

While Lizzy bathed, Mrs. Bennet had to be told that her daughter and Mr. Darcy had spent the night together alone. At no surprise to anyone, she swooned and cried and threatened to pass out until Kitty and Mary quickly helped her to a chair; however, when her voice reached its higher decibels and she began to moan and wail of their family being "ruined," Mr. Bennet spoke quite sharply.

"No one has been ruined, Mrs. Bennet, and I forbid you to use that word again."

"But the situation," Mrs. Philips interjected, taking her sister's side. "Surely you cannot condone such behaviour."

"What would you have them do, my good woman, spend the night outside in that storm and let us find their bodies today, frozen stiff but yet scrupulously proper? Upon my word, does not a shred of common sense abide within either of you?"

Neither lady could make any response to such an outburst; in fact, they found it quite difficult to do anything other than to blink quickly several times and to allow each of their mouths to drop open. Never had either of them heard Mr. Bennet speak with such force and authority! Soon thereafter, Mr. and Mrs. Philips took their leave, while Mrs. Bennet simply nodded in farewell and then repaired to her bed and remained there for quite some time.

~ * ~

Mary walked into Lizzy's room with a tray of hot food and steaming tea. Jane had just finished applying a light salve to the cuts on Lizzy's face and hands and she instructed Mary to bring the tray to her sister's bedside.

"Truly, Jane, I am well enough to get up. I do not need to eat breakfast in bed."

"No, Lizzy. Papa ordered that you are to rest and Kitty and Mary and I are here to see that you do so." She then began to spread the napkin across her lap, as Mary poured the tea.

Lizzy smiled and murmured her thanks, as she tasted the warm, soothing liquid. She struggled to keep from becoming tearful at the care and solicitude of her sisters, especially when she remembered how close she had come to never seeing any of them again. When Jane saw her obvious discomfort, she sent the younger girls from the room and offered to leave herself, but Lizzy called her back.

"No, Jane, stay with me, I pray you."

"Of course, Lizzy, but only if you promise to tell me when you are ready to rest."

Lizzy agreed and then began to tell her of all that had happened the day and night before. Jane became quite agitated when she learned how near to death her sister had been. The thought of Lizzy drowning was more than she could bear, and she burst into tears once again.

"It is all right, Jane," Lizzy comforted her, holding her hand. "Mr. Darcy found me in time and pulled me from the river. I suffer no illness from it."

"Can you be sure? Might you not even yet come down with pneumonia or some other deadly disease?"

"If I am to have pneumonia, I do believe I would be showing some signs of it by now. I have neither a cough nor a fever, Jane."

"I am so thankful for that," Jane responded. "And I hope you are correct that you will suffer no lasting effects."

Lizzy looked away then, pursing her lips and rolling the tip of her braided hair between her fingers. "I fear that I may, indeed, suffer some lasting effects although they will have absolutely nothing to do with illness."

~ * ~

At lunchtime, only Jane, Mary and Kitty joined Mr. Bennet, as Mrs. Bennet refused to leave her room, protesting that her nerves were far too inflamed to allow her such liberty; Elizabeth, at last, had fallen asleep and Jane felt it best not to disturb her. The meal progressed with little said until Kitty offered the subject of that evening's invitation. Mr. Bennet had quite forgotten that they had all been invited to the Longs' house for supper and cards. Mary immediately informed them that their mother had already voiced her refusal to show herself in society at this unfortunate time, and Mary felt it best to remain at home, also.

Mr. Bennet looked over his glasses at Mary, as he cut his pork. "And to just what unfortunate time might you be referring?"

Mary lifted her chin as she chewed her food and acquired that supercilious look she had lately perfected; then, placing her fork on her plate, she said, "The fact that Lizzy and Mr. Darcy were discovered in flagrante delicto this morning and that gossip has now spread throughout the village is to what I refer."

"Mary!" Jane cried.

"What does in fragrant . . . whatever mean?" Kitty asked.

Mr. Bennet sat back in his chair. "Perhaps you would like to inform Kitty as to exactly what you mean," he said.

"Well . . . I . . . am not sure of the exact meaning," Mary began, looking less superior than she had a moment ago, "but it has something to do with Lizzy being alone with Mr. Darcy all night and it behooves us all to learn from this experience. As I have said before, we cannot be too careful in our behaviour toward members of the opposite . . ."

"Yes," her father interrupted, "well, I have no fears about that with regards to you, my dear. I would caution you, though, to spend less time studying Fordyce's Sermons on the subject of chastity and perhaps give some attention to his writings on judgment of others."

Mary looked confused at her father's admonition, but he did not elaborate, leaving that subject to return to the evening's invitation. "I believe it best that all three of you girls attend the Longs this evening. Is not Mr. Bingley invited, also, Jane?"

"Yes, sir, as well as Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy."

"Mr. Darcy and I will be engaged otherwise this evening, but I want you three to go with the Bingleys. Lizzy, I am sure, needs to remain in and rest tonight, as well as your mother, it would seem."

"Father," Jane said, "I would much rather stay here with Lizzy."

"I know you would, my dear, but I feel that it is important for you to go. Will you do that for me?"

"If you wish," Jane answered with an uneasy expression, "of course, I will."

~ * ~

At Netherfield, Darcy had also bathed, eaten and rested, attempting to recover from the previous long day and night. He slept little, however, as his thoughts would not cease long enough to grant him that comfort. Over and over he replayed the previous night in his mind, remembering how Elizabeth looked wrapped only in a sheet, how it felt to lie beside her on that narrow bed, and especially how close he had come to taking advantage of her early this morning. When he closed his eyes he could still smell her hair and feel the softness of her bare flesh. The thought of how easily his lovemaking had almost progressed too far still shocked him. He was a gentleman. She was a gentleman's daughter. Even more important, she was his intended bride. How could he have come so close to compromising her? What could he have been thinking? That is the problem, he thought, thinking had nothing to do with it.

But now his thoughts consumed him; he knew that Lizzy's reputation had been placed in dire jeopardy and that he had been the means of its cause. He fully expected to experience the full brunt of Mr. Bennet's wrath this evening. Why it had not erupted this morning in Skyler's cabin still bewildered him. His only explanation for the man's unusually mild reaction had to be his relief in finding his daughter alive and unharmed. Now that Mr. Bennet had sufficient time in which to review the matter, Darcy felt sure that things would be exceedingly more explosive the next time they met.

Bingley had spent much of the day trying to avoid Caroline and her persistent questions regarding the previous night's occurrences. He had met with little success and at length, sat down with her and told her the bare outline of all that had happened. He, naturally, omitted the fact that the rescuers had discovered Lizzy in bed wearing only a sheet, and that it was quite evident that Darcy had also occupied that same bed. Caroline, however, was not satisfied. She pushed and prodded for more details until her brother finally fled the room, pleading the first excuse he could conjecture, something about needing to meet with his valet concerning what he would wear that evening to the Longs' card party. This did not fool Caroline, however, as she knew Bingley rarely cared what he wore and depended entirely upon his manservant for guidance in the clothing department. She was quite sure he was not telling her all that had happened. Immediately, she applied to the servants, methodically working her way through each of them until she found one whose sister was married to one of the inhabitants from Longbourn village. She knew the inner gossip about all that had happened to Darcy and Eliza Bennet when they were caught in the storm and with Miss Bingley's incentive, she was more than happy to share it.

Darcy kept to his room for most of the day, but finally emerged to join the Bingleys for afternoon tea. Caroline had already dressed for the evening's social, appearing quite gussied up and coifed in her orange silk and feathers. She noted Darcy's lack of evening clothes, and after pouring him a cup of tea, proceeded to quiz him as to the reason. Darcy replied that he would not be attending the Longs' party that evening and asked Bingley to convey his regrets to Mrs. Long.

"I am surprised that you will not accompany us, Mr. Darcy," Caroline purred. "Do you think it prudent to subject your fiancée to society's attention without your companionship?"

"Elizabeth is perfectly at ease in society and certainly does not need my support," he replied.

"Even now?" she smiled, raising her eyebrows.

Darcy frowned and paused before answering. "I have no idea to what you refer, Miss Bingley, but your question is irrelevant. Miss Bennet will not be attending tonight's event." He then put down his cup and saucer and with a quick bow, left the room, but not without noticing the smug expression on Caroline's face. It has begun, he thought. The gossip has already spread this far.

During the carriage ride that evening to pick up Jane and her sisters and before reaching Longbourn, Caroline once again queried her brother as to particulars of what he had observed when he had found Darcy and Miss Eliza.

"I have said all that I am going to say, Caroline," Bingley replied, a definite tone of irritation colouring his remark.

"You know that the servants are gossiping about her, do you not?" she remarked.

"How would you know of what the servants repeat?"

Caroline tossed her head. "It is impossible not to hear them. The house is positively alive with talk. They say that Eliza Bennet slept with Darcy!" When Bingley said nothing, she continued. "Well, it does not surprise me. I have never thought her worthy of him. To think of the likes of that woman presiding over Pemberley is insupportable. I can only assume that Darcy will have the good sense to extricate himself from such an entanglement!"

Bingley was incredulous. "What can you possibly mean by that statement?"

"It is perfectly clear. Now that he has had his way with her, he has no need to marry her! I knew from the very beginning that she was out to snare him with her flirting eyes and impertinent remarks. He may have been taken in for awhile, but now that he can see that her behaviour is as wanton as that of her younger sister, surely he will renounce her."

"You cannot be serious!"

"I most certainly am, and you, dear brother, should reconsider your own alliance with such a family. Can you possibly see all of us - you, Louisa and I - aligned with the likes of a fallen woman?"

The colour drained from Bingley's face. "Caroline, if you say one more word about Miss Elizabeth, you shall become the latest fallen woman in this county!"

"Charles! What are you saying?"

"I am saying that if you malign my future sister-in-law any further, I will push you out of this carriage and when you have fallen, which you certainly shall, there will be no one around to assist you in standing. Do I make myself clear?"

Caroline's face turned as bright orange as her dress and she turned her back on her brother, preferring to stare out into the darkness rather than look at him. The remainder of the ride was spent in silence; indeed, Caroline had little to say even when Jane, Mary and Kitty joined them. At the Longs, however, she distanced herself from her brother and the Bennets and took every opportunity to encourage those who were disposed to gossip to do so in her presence. Unfortunately, there were many present that evening that did indulge in such talk, taking care to temper their remarks only when Jane, Mary, or Kitty drew near. Neither Mary nor Kitty noticed such sudden pauses in conversation, but Jane could not fail to do so. By the end of the evening, she was quite miserable and not even Bingley's unfailing cheerfulness could produce much of a smile to grace her beautiful face.

Chapter Fourteen

Darcy arrived at Longbourn not long after Bingley had picked up the Bennet sisters to escort them to the Longs' party. He had purposefully delayed his coming in order to avoid any further contact with Caroline and her distasteful remarks. He realized his action seemed somewhat cowardly, but his prevailing motive did not stem from cowardice. If Caroline had spoken another disparaging word about Elizabeth, Darcy knew that he would not be able to contain his temper, and for Bingley's sake, he wished to avoid such unpleasantness although he, personally, would derive no little enjoyment from putting Miss Bingley squarely in her place.

Mr. Bennet sat alone in the parlour when Hill announced Darcy, and after offering him a cup of tea which Darcy refused, he asked that he join him in his library and there he poured a somewhat stronger libation for both of them. Darcy was grateful for the fortification found in the drink, for in spite of the fact that he was a man of substance and strength and had never backed down from any man, he anticipated this meeting with Elizabeth's father with some degree of apprehension. The man had every right in the world to denounce him; in truth, he would almost welcome such action as it might alleviate some of his guilt. Mr. Bennet, however, said nothing and simply positioned himself in the chair behind his desk and peered over his glasses at Darcy, while sipping his drink. The effect on the young man was disconcerting, to say the least. He could remain silent no longer.

"Mr. Bennet, I must speak." "You must?" the older man replied. "Then, by all means, do so."

Darcy opened his mouth and then shut it; he walked to the window and looked as though he would utter something, but instead he returned to the center of the room. He started to sit in one of the chairs facing the desk, but then turned away, proceeding to the opposite window.

"Mr. Darcy, I do not believe you will find much of a view this late in the evening. From what I can observe, it has grown quite dark outside."

"Yes," Darcy muttered, looking down at his drink. He then turned to face Mr. Bennet. "Sir, I know you have every reason to think ill of me. Indeed, I find it hard to think otherwise, myself. I can plead no excuse for my behaviour with your daughter. It was not that of a gentleman."

Mr. Bennet said nothing for a few moments and Darcy grew more anxious as the silence wore on. He searched the man's face for some sign of his thinking, but Mr. Bennet revealed nothing until he finally answered. "I beg to differ with you on that fact, Mr. Darcy. I would say you are a gentleman of rare quality. It would seem that I owe you a great debt, for you have now saved not one, but two of my daughters from certain peril."

Darcy frowned, unable to follow the man's reasoning, but Mr. Bennet continued. "I have learned of your role in Lydia's marriage." Upon seeing that this statement did not set well with Darcy, he spoke again. "Mr. Gardiner informed me of the situation, but only because I compelled him to do so by my misjudgment of you. Do not hold him in disrepute for revealing a confidence. This was a fact I needed to know."

Darcy turned away. "I would not have you feel any indebtedness to me in that regard, Mr. Bennet. The fault was mine and so the remedy needed to be."

"I believe, as Mr. Gardiner agreed with me, that you took too much upon yourself, but I will not belabour that point now. What is done is done and I shall always be grateful."

"My actions in that regard, however, have nothing to do with my treatment of Elizabeth."

"Oh, I cannot agree with you on that point, either," Mr. Bennet interrupted. "I believe your handling of the whole Wickham affair had everything to do with Elizabeth. I think you not only did what you did for her sister because you somehow felt responsible, but also because you truly do love my daughter."

"I do," Darcy agreed. "Utterly and completely."

"I believe that, sir, and because of that I see your actions of yesterday and . . . last night and . . . early this morning . . ." Here he stopped and peered over his glasses at the young man and watched his complexion turn from normal to maximum colour in a matter of moments. "As I was saying . . . I see your actions as a result of your love for Lizzy. You will not find any further censure coming from me, Mr. Darcy, and I regret my previous error in judgment. I shall be proud to call you my son-in-law, not because I feel that I owe you monetarily, but because I am convinced that you are a worthy man." He held out his hand to Darcy, who was so stunned by these words he simply stood there, appearing to have been struck deaf and dumb in one instant.

"Will you not shake my hand, sir?" Mr. Bennet asked with a twinkle in his eye, and Darcy immediately stepped forward and took it, their handshake sealing this new understanding between them.

"Unfortunately," Mr. Bennet went on, "peace between us will not silence the gossiping tongues that I am sure will soon sweep our community."

Darcy frowned, "You are correct, sir; in fact, such talk has already begun."

"Then you must marry as soon as possible," Mr. Bennet responded, not failing to notice the sudden light appearing in Darcy's eyes.

"Of course," he said, "at once, sir."

They began to talk of obtaining a special licence and the necessity of time that would require when a soft knock was heard at the library door. Mr. Bennet frowned at the interruption, but nodded his assent for Darcy to open it. They were both surprised to see Lizzy standing there.

"May I come in?" she asked.

"Of course, Lizzy," her father called and she walked in, smiling somewhat shyly at the man holding the door. "Mr. Darcy," she murmured, bowing slightly.

"Miss Bennet," he responded as he took her hand and kissed it, "you are looking well. I hope you are feeling the same."

"I am, thank you." She did look well. Colour had returned to her cheeks and her countenance appeared fresh and pleasing. Except for the small scratches, which were already fading, one could not tell that she had ever experienced the trauma of the preceding day.

Mr. Bennet held out his arm to her and Lizzy quickly moved to his embrace and his corresponding kiss on her brow. "Did you sleep, my child?"

"Yes, far too long. I probably shall not be able to rest tonight, for I feel as though it is morning instead of evening. My days and nights may be completely switched." She sat in one of the chairs facing the desk and Darcy moved to sit beside her. "I hope that I have not interrupted . . . no, that is not true. I did hope to interrupt the two of you, for I could not sit alone in the parlor, wondering what was transpiring behind these walls. I know that you are discussing what is to be done about our situation and, although it may not be proper for me to intrude, being proper has not lately been the uppermost thought in my head. Pray, let me have a part in this."

She looked from one man to the next as she spoke, searching for some sign of their thoughts, hoping against hope that they had not been arguing once again.

"You are welcome, Lizzy, if Mr. Darcy has no objection."

"None whatsoever," Darcy said quickly.

"We have discussed moving up your wedding date," Mr. Bennet continued. "We think it would be best that you marry as soon as possible."

"Do you have any objection, Elizabeth?" Darcy asked.

"No, of course not," Lizzy murmured, lowering her head and staring at the floor. "I only regret that my foolish behaviour has led to such consequence."

"The fault is mine!" Darcy said immediately. "You cannot blame yourself for this, Elizabeth. I take full responsibility."

"Yes, you would," she replied, "for you are an honourable man, but let us be honest and admit that if I had never wandered so far . . . if I had not overreacted to our disagreement, none of this would have happened."

Mr. Bennet inclined his ear, for this was the first he had heard of a disagreement between the young lovers.

Darcy, though, refused to let Lizzy accept the blame. "If I had not bolted off on my horse, you would not have run so far. You said last night that I have been committing the same such offense ever since we have become engaged. Would that not place the cause where it belongs - precisely upon my shoulders?"

When Lizzy opened her mouth to argue the point once more, Mr. Bennet quickly spoke up. "I was unaware of any disagreement between the two of you, and, indeed, I have no desire to know of such and unless it is a material point - meaning you no longer love each other nor wish to continue with this alliance - I fail to see any conceivable justification for further argument over who is to blame."

Both Lizzy and Darcy could not help but smile at the sanity of Mr. Bennet's conclusion.

"Is the disagreement a material point, Lizzy? Have your affections and wishes changed toward this man?"

"No, Father, they have not."

"Well, then, as Mr. Darcy has already reiterated to me quite positively that he loves you and wishes to marry, I see no reason not to proceed with the practicality of arranging the occasion." They all three smiled then and began to discuss the length of time required before the wedding could take place and the necessary arrangements. Lizzy was amazed at her father's calm demeanor and obvious change of attitude toward Darcy, but she naturally was not about to mention it, choosing instead to silently thank heaven above for this unexpected blessing. They continued to talk until the sound of voices could be heard on the other side of the door.

Bingley's carriage had returned from the party at the Longs somewhat earlier than expected; indeed, Kitty had pouted much of the way home because she had been snatched from Denny's company far too soon in her opinion. Jane, however, could not wait to leave the embarrassing looks and whispers she had endured and Bingley was all too ready to quit the house, also. Mary had not wanted to go in the first place, so she was content to leave and Caroline felt that she had accomplished what she wished for the evening, so she did not disagree to the time of their leave-taking, either. She did not get out at Longbourn, though, preferring to remain in the carriage while Bingley escorted the Miss Bennets inside.

Mr. Bennet rose and went to greet his daughters and Mr. Bingley. As soon as he had left the room, Darcy took advantage of the situation for a brief moment alone with Elizabeth. He closed the door behind Mr. Bennet and, taking her hand, he kissed it once again.

"Now, my love, tell me truly how you are." Genuine concern appeared in his look as he searched her face with his dark eyes.

"I am well, William, just as I said. You need not worry about me."

"I cannot keep from it. I regret . . ." he broke off and walked back to the window, remaining silent for some moments. Elizabeth followed him and placed her hand on his arm. He looked down at her upturned face and touched her cheek. "My love, I regret so much placing you in this position. You deserve so much better."

"Better than what? I do not understand what you are talking about."

"Elizabeth, you should be married in a large, beautiful wedding, not in a hurried-up, hushed-up ceremony! If I had remained on the floor last night instead of . . ."

"That would make no difference, sir, and you know it. Whether you slept in my bed or not, people will say you did, and as for the wedding, I care not the size nor place of the ceremony. I care only that you will be the man standing beside me."

"I do not deserve you, my love," he whispered, taking her into his arms, "but oh, how I want you." He then began to kiss her very, very gently, but also very, very thoroughly.

~ * ~

In the parlour, Mr. Bennet attempted to question Jane and Bingley about their reception at the Longs. Kitty, however, insisted on complaining that they had to return far too early and that she was sure Maria Lucas would have the advantage over her with Captain Denny because of it. Mary also interrupted, wishing to describe Sir William's praise of her efforts at the pianoforte, and consequently got into a squabble with Kitty over who should talk. Mr. Bennet at last sent them above stairs to enlighten their mother on the evening's events so that he could have a quiet moment with his eldest daughter.

"Now, Jane, tell me how it went. Was there much talk about Lizzy?"

Huge tears began to fill Jane's lovely eyes. "Oh, Father, it was awful!"

"As bad as all that? They gossiped in front of you?"

"We did not actually hear anything they said. It was the sudden silences whenever Mr. Bingley and I drew too near . . . and the whisperings . . . and their looks. Papa, how can our friends and neighbours talk so about Lizzy?"

"And you saw and heard the same, Mr. Bingley?" Mr. Bennet asked, turning to him. When he nodded, looking extremely uncomfortable, the older man asked nothing further but walked to the fireplace and placing one hand on the mantle, stood staring at the flame for some time.

Jane continued to cry softly and Bingley longed to take her in his arms and comfort her so much so that he summoned all of his courage and spoke to Mr. Bennet. "Sir, might I impose upon you and ask for a brief time alone with Jane in your library?"

Mr. Bennet did not even look surprised at the request - he had quite given up on being surprised by his daughters and the men who loved them - but he patted Jane on the shoulder and led the couple to his library. There he opened the door upon Darcy and Lizzy in a close embrace.

"Well, well, it would seem I have need of creating a sign to hang on this door."

Lizzy immediately stepped out of Darcy's arms. "A sign, Papa?"

"Yes, one that reads 'OCCUPIED' on one side and 'VACANT' on the other." His eyes twinkled as Lizzy blushed and she and Darcy immediately moved to vacate the room. "And now, Mr. Bingley, I believe it is Jane's and your turn to enjoy some privacy."

As Bingley led Jane into the room, she brushed against Lizzy who detected the tears that her sister endeavoured to conceal. "Why, Jane, what is wrong?" she cried, but Jane only turned her face away and could not answer. Lizzy then turned to Bingley. "Will you not tell me why my sister is crying?"

Bingley's face turned quite red and he stuttered and muttered something less than intelligible until Darcy frowned and admonished him. "Come, Bingley, you can speak more clearly than that. We cannot understand a word you are saying."

Jane then spoke, rushing to Bingley's defense. "Do not blame Charles, Mr. Darcy. He is attempting to keep from embarrassing Lizzy."

"Embarrass her?" Mr. Darcy was incredulous. Lizzy, however, immediately understood Jane's meaning, and she suddenly felt quite weak and quickly sank down on the chaise.

"Jane," she said, her voice quite soft, "please sit beside me and tell me what has happened."

"Do not ask me to do that, Lizzy, I beg of you." Jane's tears began to flow in earnest now.

"It has to do with talk about me at the party, does it not?"

When Jane closed her eyes and looked at the floor, Darcy found it hard to breathe. His anger began to accelerate and he knew within a very short time that he would find it quite difficult to control. He clenched and unclenched his fists and then began to pace, finding it impossible to remain still. Bingley led Jane to the chaise and she sat beside her sister and took her hand in hers.

"Oh, Lizzy, I am so sorry. I did not want you to know."

"What did you hear at the Longs' party tonight? Jane, you must tell me for I shall find out eventually and most probably not from anyone so kind as you, but from someone who would take great delight in telling me."

Jane, however, could say nothing because of her emotions, so Bingley explained that no one had actually said anything to them, but it was plain to see that the party teemed with gossip from the whispers and looks and sudden silences whenever Jane or her sisters drew near. As he finished speaking, he apologized for having to relate such news.

"It is nothing more than what I expected," Lizzy said quietly, "nor what I deserve."

"It is not what you deserve!" Darcy's voice resounded in volume. "If anyone should be talked about, it should be me and me alone! They may say what they please about me, for I care not one whit what the so-called good people of Hertfordshire think. But I'll be damned if I shall permit your good name to be blackened! Bingley, tell me the names of every person present tonight. I want a list. I shall visit every single one of them this very night. No, wait - I shall ride to the Longs right now, for it is early and that tiresome party is probably still intact. I shall make it absolutely clear that Elizabeth has done nothing wrong, that the fault is entirely mine. And any person who says otherwise will answer to me and me alone!"

Bingley and Lizzy immediately protested this action and tried to dissuade Darcy from its undertaking, but his anger burned and he was determined to leave the house until Mr. Bennet, who had been observing all of this from the doorway, spoke.

"Mr. Darcy, I can admire your passion and the intensity of your feeling, but I would caution you to show some restraint and think this plan through before 'bolting off on your horse' once again."

"Of what is there to think?" Darcy replied. "People are spreading lies about Elizabeth and I mean to stop them!"

"I would refer you to the old adage of he who protests too much. It can often cause the protestor to appear even guiltier. I would advise you to let tonight's gossip be."

"Let it be?" Darcy cried. "You, sir, would sanction doing nothing in the face of these blatant mistruths?"

"For tonight, yes. Tomorrow is another day and once we have all had a good night's sleep, I believe the morning will bring us a more rational solution. I, for one, am ready to retire, as it has been a very long day."

Darcy failed to agree with Mr. Bennet's more levelheaded response, but after Lizzy, Bingley and Jane all encouraged him to follow such advice, he relented. It did not keep him from glowering, however, and even though Lizzy endeavoured as best she could to provoke a softening of his countenance, it did not happen. He was provoked further by the sudden appearance of Caroline Bingley.

"Charles!" she hissed. "Do you realize how long I have been subjected to waiting in the cold for you? How long can it take to simply say goodnight?" She lifted her chin in righteous indignation and failed to even acknowledge there were others in the room until she saw Darcy holding Lizzy's hand. "Ah, Mr. Darcy. Will you be returning to Netherfield with us or will you spend yet another night elsewhere?"

With a quick bow to Mr. Bennet and Jane, Bingley took Caroline by the elbow and steered her out the door, which was a prudent and timely proceeding for if the look on Darcy's face had materialized into action, Caroline might have gone home minus some of her feathers.

Sometime after Darcy and the Bingleys had left and the household had retired for the night, Lizzy heard a soft knock at the door and Jane slipped into her sister's room and joined her on the bed.

"I had begun to think you were not coming, which I would certainly understand, as you have been through quite enough for one night. Oh, Jane, how I wish you had not gone to that party! I cannot understand why Father insisted on it."

"Nor can I, but he was quite adamant that we do so."

"Since he returned from London, he has acted so strangely."

"How do you mean, Lizzy? I have failed to notice anything odd in his behaviour."

"His attitude toward Mr. Darcy is greatly altered. Jane, when he found us at old Skyler's cabin, he had every reason to be furious."

"But why, Lizzy? He found you and Mr. Darcy unharmed. How could he have any reason for anger?"

Lizzy averted her eyes and looked down, tracing the same pattern in the quilt over and over with her finger. "I . . . I have not told you everything."

"You do not have to tell me," Jane murmured.

"I feel that I must. Jane, I was wearing nothing but a sheet and I was in bed."

"You said you had fallen in the creek; it would be essential for you to remove your wet clothes or else you might have become quite ill. No one could fault you for that."

"That is what William said. In fact, he insisted upon it."

Jane smiled slightly and turned somewhat pink. "It must have been embarrassing for you, Lizzy, undressing with Mr. Darcy in the same room."

"It was," Lizzy smiled, rolling her eyes, "but he was very much the gentleman and turned his back while I did so. But, oh, Jane, my fingers shook so that I could hardly undo my buttons and it was not just from the cold. The intimacy of our situation showed me what marriage will be like."

"And how do you think you shall like being married?"

Lizzy closed her eyes and sighed. "Very much, Jane. I shall like it very much."

"Was that all that you wanted to tell me?"

Now Lizzy sighed even more so. "That is all that I want to tell you, but I must tell you the rest of it."

"Truly, Lizzy, you need not do so."

"If you are to defend me, Jane, and I know that you will, you must know what people are talking about. When Mr. Darcy opened the door to our father and Uncle Philips, Mr. Bingley and the men from the village, he had just arisen from sharing my bed and the scene was evident to everyone."

Jane gasped before she could stop herself and she quickly put her hand to her mouth.

"Now you know the depth of my humiliation and you may think twice before you jump to my defense."

Jane grabbed Lizzy's hand again. "Never, Lizzy! No matter what happened or how things looked, you are my dearest sister and I know you did nothing that would violate your conscience."

Lizzy went on to explain that there had been insufficient firewood, only one thin quilt, and, of course, only one bed; that she had insisted Darcy share the bed simply to keep warm through the night, and that nothing had happened. Jane immediately said she had never feared that anything had occurred which should not have, and that she could see the wisdom of their actions; after all, their survival was the important thing. Then she turned pink once again as she looked away and grew silent.

Lizzy could see that she wished to ask more, but was trying not to. "What is it, Jane? I know there is something else on your mind."

"It's just that . . . I wondered . . ."

"What? What do you wonder?"

"What does it feel like to sleep next to a man?"

Lizzy smiled then, relieved that her sister proffered no disapproval or rebuke, but only wished to satisfy her curiosity. "I cannot find the words to describe it, Jane. On the one hand, the sheer excitement of feeling him next to me caused my heart to race so that I was afraid my breathing would turn into panting, and I know my temperature increased to such a dramatic high that I understand Mama's complaints of hot flashes; but on the other hand, it was like heaven. I have never felt so warm, so safe, so perfectly at peace as I did while falling asleep next to William." She was silent then, her remembrance stirring up a faint semblance of those sensations from the previous night. Suddenly aware that her words might not have caused a like response in her sister, she murmured, "Have I shocked you, Jane?"

Jane closed her eyes and smiled, shaking her head. "No, Lizzy, you have only made me long for such an experience." And then her eyes opened wide and round. "Just think, Lizzy, in only a few more days you and I will both spend the remainder of our nights as you have described."

"Yes," Lizzy agreed, "but getting through these next days will take all the courage I can summon."

Jane stood up and hugged her sister. "You know that I shall be with you every step of the way. Do not be afraid, Lizzy. Hold your head up and refuse to be ashamed. You have done nothing to merit any disapproval."

Lizzy sighed, "Now you sound like Father." She kissed Jane's cheek and her sister hugged her in return before retiring for the night.

~ * ~

Early the next morning, which was Saturday, Jane woke and dressed quickly and then ran downstairs searching for her father. She was relieved to find him sitting alone at the breakfast table, sipping from his cup of coffee. After kissing his cheek, she sat down beside him.

"Father, may I speak to you about Lizzy?"

"Yes, my dear, is she not well?"

"She is perfectly well, but late last night we talked for some time and I now know the cause for the gossip." Jane turned slightly pink at discussing such a subject with her father, but she continued on. "Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are to marry right away, are they not?"

When Mr. Bennet nodded, Jane smiled. "Then why can they not join Charles and I on next Saturday morning? Would not a double wedding be the perfect solution?"

"Tis' a generous offer, Jane, to share your wedding day, and it does not surprise me in the least that you would suggest it."

"Then you approve, Papa?"

Mr. Bennet smiled. "I have no objection, but have you discussed this with Mr. Bingley?"

"No, but I am certain he will agree to it. Mr. Darcy is his closest friend and he wishes to see an end to this muddle as much as I do."

"And his family? What do you think Miss Bingley's reaction might be?"

"Oh, hang Caroline Bingley! I could care less what she thinks!" Jane declared and then she immediately covered her mouth with both hands, absolutely shocked at her words.

Mr. Bennet could not believe his ears! Had those words come from his eldest daughter? He burst out laughing and she did the same. "Jane, I declare that is the most appropriate response I have ever heard you utter!"

Chapter Fifteen

On Saturday afternoon, Darcy and Bingley arrived together just as Mr. Bennet was leaving. He spoke to them and then hurried away, saying only that he had a call to make and would visit with them that evening. Jane and Lizzy welcomed them and soon broached the subject of a double wedding, to which they readily agreed. Kitty became quite excited at the thought and reminded them more than once that the idea had originated with her some time ago. Mary took the news above stairs to her mother and all those below could hear her subsequent shrieks. Lizzy rolled her eyes and Jane began to look anxious, while Darcy simply grimaced and Bingley shrugged his shoulders. Jane proceeded upstairs and endeavoured as best she could to calm her mother, but she soon returned, acknowledging with a sigh that Mrs. Bennet simply would not have Jane's wedding day ruined by scandal.

"Perhaps I should go and talk to her," Lizzy said somewhat reluctantly.

"In her present mood, I doubt that it would have the desired effect," Jane replied.

"Then I shall go!" Darcy announced.

"You?" Lizzy cried, as Jane's mouth flew open and Bingley immediately rebuffed the idea.

"Darce, that would prove awkward for both you and Mrs. Bennet! Propriety dictates that gentlemen do not visit a woman's bedchamber unless they are family."

"By next week we will be family!" Darcy responded. "And as for propriety, I am beginning to believe it has been far too elevated for the good of mankind. It was designed in the first place to promote civility, but I see nothing civil in the manners it has provoked in this circumstance." He was all too ready to bolt up the stairs, but Lizzy, Jane and Bingley finally succeeded in convincing him otherwise.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent in attempts to divert themselves from the problem at hand. After Jane and Lizzy bundled up in warm wraps, both couples ventured outside for a turn about the garden. The ice had melted some, and when a light snow soon began to freshen the landscape with its gentle, white flakes, they all felt their moods begin to lift. Lizzy, Jane and Bingley, possessing normally sanguine personalities, soon felt quite light-hearted as they welcomed the lacy gift from above. Darcy's mood remained somewhat somber, but he could not keep from smiling as Lizzy stuck out her tongue, attempting to catch a taste of the snow. He loved to see her like this, free and child-like in her enjoyment of nature.

Mr. Bennet stayed gone all afternoon, returning just in time to sit down to supper. He joined all of his family (with the exception of Mrs. Bennet), as well as Bingley and Darcy, at the table, and during the course of the meal never mentioned where he had visited. He added little to the conversation until toward the end of the meal, he turned to Darcy.

"When do you plan to leave for town to secure the special licence to marry?"

"Tomorrow, sir."

"Could I ask you to delay your leave taking until tomorrow afternoon, Mr. Darcy?"

"Of course. I have no need to reach London early. I cannot seek the licence until Monday morning."

"Good, good," Mr. Bennet responded, nodding his head. "And will you then join us at church services in the morning?"

Darcy looked puzzled at the man's request, as did Lizzy. "I had not . . . that is . . . I did not plan on attending tomorrow, sir."

"Are we attending worship, Father?" Lizzy ventured.

"As is our normal practice," he replied.

"I confess I had thought that . . . under the present circumstances . . . we might forego tomorrow's service."

"I see no reason to do that, Lizzy," Mr. Bennet stated matter-of-factly, "and I would ask both of you gentlemen to sit with us in our pew tomorrow. You were planning on attending, were you not, Mr. Bingley?"

Bingley looked somewhat flustered, but stammered his answer in the affirmative.

"Capital," Mr. Bennet said, "I look forward to our entire family presenting a united front at tomorrow's service."

"What about Mama?" Kitty said. "She has not left her room for two days."

Mr. Bennet frowned, but then rose from the table. "Yes, well, I believe it is time for me to visit with your mother. If you will excuse me, I shall bid you goodnight." Leaving his children and guests somewhat perplexed as to the conversation they had just heard, he proceeded to his study, downed a glass of brandy, and then started for the stairs. There he stopped halfway in his climb, returned to the library and grabbed the bottle of spirits, two glasses, and once more made his ascent.

In her bedchamber, Mrs. Bennet had just finished devouring her evening meal, even though she had protested with mournful wails that she had no appetite, none whatsoever, when Hill had placed the tray of food in front of her. Mr. Bennet walked in just as the servant departed the room with the empty dishes.

"Well, my dear," Mr. Bennet began, "how are your nerves tonight? Better, I hope."

Mrs. Bennet shook her head and waved her handkerchief at him. "You don't know how I suffer!" "I am sure that I do not, but look what I have brought. A glass of brandy may be just the thing to bring you some relief."

Mrs. Bennet squinted at the bottle. "You know that I rarely partake of strong drink. What are you thinking of, Mr. B?"

"Only of you," he smiled, pouring her a generous glass and placing it in her hand. "There now, at least sip it. This may be exactly what you need."

"Brandy is not what I need, but rather relief from the scandal Lizzy has brought upon this family!" she protested, although she did engage in a liberal swallow of the liquid. "How can I ever show my face again among our friends? Oh, it is too much! I tell you, it is simply too much! I cannot bear it."

Mr. Bennet pulled a chair close to the chaise on which she reclined and seated himself, leaning forward and taking her hand. "Calm yourself, my dear, I beg of you. Let us speak reasonably about this."

"Reasonably? How can I even contemplate reason when I have such flutterings and beatings in my heart and such pains in my side and such an ache in my head? And to think of this occurring right in the middle of Jane's wedding plans - how could Lizzy do this to me? How could she?"

Mr. Bennet sighed and took another swallow himself. "Fanny, listen to me. Our Lizzy did not get lost in the storm just to provoke you."

"Lost in the storm is not to what I refer, Mr. Bennet, and you know it. How could she spend the night alone with Mr. Darcy? Does she have so little regard for me and her sisters? Does she never think of anyone but herself?"

The question is, do you? Mr. Bennet longed to assault his wife with that question, but he bit his tongue and refrained.

"And now the idea of a double wedding! I will not have it, I tell you, I absolutely will not! It will be difficult enough for me to recover in time to leave my bed by next Saturday for Jane's wedding, much less endure the gossip a double wedding would provoke."

"But Lizzy and Mr. Darcy are to marry right away," Mr. Bennet responded. "He travels to London tomorrow to obtain the licence. Why not allow both girls to marry on the same day? It seems a perfect solution to me."

"Mr. Bennet! I tell you, it will not do! Let Lizzy and Mr. Darcy marry quietly and as soon as possible, although I am exceedingly vexed that she has forfeited my right to rejoice in another large wedding - for it could have been such a gala affair, what with his fortune and all - but they shall not interfere with Jane's and Mr. Bingley's day. I am quite insistent on this." She swallowed the remainder of her drink, but did not protest as her husband filled her glass once more. "It is all Lizzy's fault, and if you cannot see the truth, it is because you are blind where she is concerned. She has always been your favourite. If she had not traipsed off into the woods when it was plain to see that a storm was coming, none of this would ever have transpired. The very thought of it makes me go all distracted!" She then downed the contents of her glass and covered her mouth with her handkerchief as she shocked herself with a hiccup.

Mr. Bennet took the glass from her and placed it on the table nearby. He then took both her hands in his and smiled as he said, "Fanny, I seem to remember another young girl who found herself caught in a storm."

"I have no idea to whom you refer. Do not bother me with such nonsense."

"She had just turned 18 and she had the prettiest auburn curls I had ever seen and have yet to see to this very day. When she smiled at me, it brightened my entire world, and I would have done anything just to hear her laugh, for it was of the most infectious nature I have ever known."

Mrs. Bennet said nothing, but she lowered her eyes and her husband could see the faint beginnings of a smile playing about her mouth. Observing that the brandy had begun to have its effect, he poured her another drink and then continued. "If my memory does not fail me, I believe she and I both got stranded in that rain storm and we took shelter in her father's barn."

"It was a stable."

"I stand corrected. It was a stable, for I recall the horses neighing when we climbed the ladder to the hayloft."

"That was a long time ago, Thomas. Why are you bringing this up now?"

"Because that day was very special to me. It shall live in my memory forever. Do you not remember what happened in that hayloft, Fanny?"

She sipped her drink and looked up, a far away look in her eyes. "Of course, I remember. That was where you first kissed me."

He now leaned very close to his wife and taking her glass once more, he placed it on the table. "That kiss sealed my fate, for I knew I wanted you for the rest of my life." He looked deep into her eyes then and she did not object as he kissed her tenderly. In truth, she did not object to the rest of his attentions for the remainder of the evening and by morning, Mrs. Bennet was reconciled to the idea of both her daughters marrying on the following Saturday.

~ * ~

Sunday morning dawned bright and clear although the temperature remained quite cold. Caroline Bingley was eager to attend church services at Longbourn when she learned from her brother that the Bennets would be there. She found herself quite put out, however, when both Charles and Darcy joined the Bennets and sat beside their fiancées in the family pew. She made sure that she sat across the sanctuary, distancing herself as much as possible, but at the same time insuring that she had a clear view of Eliza Bennet.

Lizzy and Jane had tried to control their emotions and, consequently, their colour as they entered the building and were much relieved when Darcy and Bingley stepped forward to escort them to their seats. They were fully conscious of the stares and whispers as they walked up the aisle; Darcy glared at each and every person, while Bingley simply smiled nervously. Mr. Bennet took his place at the end of the pew and he was glad to see that the space proved ample enough to seat his entire future family. He smiled and nodded at each of his friends and neighbours as though this Sunday were just like any other. Mrs. Bennet did the same and when she felt her nerves begin to flutter, she tucked her hand inside her husband's arm and felt the comfort of his hand closing over hers. As the organ swelled with the first notes of praise, both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet lifted their voices in song.

By the time the vicar stepped into the pulpit to offer his sermon, Lizzy had begun to relax a little, but when he announced his topic, "The Woman Taken in Adultery," her heart sank and she wished desperately to shrink in size until she was small enough to utterly disappear into Jane's reticule.

She glanced briefly at Darcy and could see the grim set to his mouth and the fire beginning to blaze in his eyes. She felt as though a flame actually burned her cheeks. How could her father have subjected them to this public mortification and shame?

The vicar continued, "Our lesson this morning begins with the eighth chapter of St. John:

'And early in the morning Jesus came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him.'"

Caroline almost snorted out loud. She could not believe her good fortune. The vicar had chosen the very text she would have preached, had she been born a man! She craned her long neck, hoping to see Eliza Bennet squirm and - oh yes, how lovely - she was turning a brilliant shade of scarlet. With that certain air she was so very proud of possessing, Caroline turned her attention back to the clergyman.

"From this holy scripture, many of you may have envisioned that my subject today will be that of adultery, for this is certainly the story of a woman who has loved much and, it seems, one who has loved unwisely. I would, however, direct your attention to the latter part of the text. It reads:

'But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her . . . And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last, and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.'

"My topic today is not adultery, but judgment, and, in particular, judgment of our neighbours."

From there he directed the congregation's attention to further scriptures, all of which warned against judging one another. Beginning with Jesus' teachings in the seventh chapter of St. Matthew on "judging not that ye be not judged, for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again," to removing the mote from another's eye only to discover a beam residing in one's own, the minister then progressed to the definition of hypocrisy and delivered a blistering sermon on the damage of gossip. He concluded his oration with a verse from the 14th chapter of Romans:

"'So then every one of shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more.'"

By the end of the sermon, there were many downcast faces among the congregants and some of the women even dabbed handkerchiefs to their eyes. Caroline Bingley, however, was livid. How dare that vicar accuse her of hypocrisy and vindicate Eliza Bennet! Even though he had not mentioned any names, it was quite evident to everyone of whom the minister spoke. If it had been possible for Caroline to leave the assembly without calling attention to herself, she would have done so at once. However, she found herself wedged in the middle of a pew, surrounded by Sir William Lucas and his brood of Lucases.

After one last song and before the benediction, the vicar said he wished to make a special announcement.How much longer can this go on, Caroline thought. I cannot wait to get out of here!

"My friends, I would remind you that I shall preside over a very joyous occasion on Saturday next when Miss Jane Bennet will be wed in this church to Mr. Charles Bingley. It is my great pleasure to announce that another happy event shall occur at the same ceremony when Miss Elizabeth Bennet will marry Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy."

A collective intake of breath could be heard over the face of the congregation. The vicar continued with his announcement. "Mr. and Mrs. Bennet wish me to invite each of you to join them in witnessing this blessed event. Shall we pray."

With the final amen, Lizzy exhaled with a deep sigh, suddenly aware that she had been holding her breath for some time. She glanced at Darcy and he met her look with a brilliant smile, one so open that even his teeth appeared. He caught her hand and squeezed it, as he led her into the aisle. The company of people was surprisingly quiet, and the absence of conversation that usually followed the end of a church service was quite evident. The silence was broken, however, when Sir William rushed toward Darcy and Lizzy and offered his hand to Darcy.

"Let me be the first to offer my best wishes and glad tidings, Mr. Darcy and Miss Eliza. A double wedding will give us twice the reason to celebrate!" The two men shook hands and Lizzy smiled. Sir William's example opened the floodgates of well-wishers and the couple was inundated by friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Bennet beamed and announced that she had always wanted Jane and Lizzy to be married at the same time and that she could not be happier. Jane and Bingley were all smiles and Mr. Bennet's eyes twinkled as the vicar shook his hand.

"Well done, sir, well done," he commended the preacher. "I do believe that is one of your finest sermons." When the vicar began to credit him with the idea because of their visit the previous day, Mr. Bennet shushed him with a wink and quickly changed the subject.

On the far side of the sanctuary, Caroline slunk out the side door and ran for refuge in her carriage. She silently vowed that she had a good mind to become an agnostic and never attend church again!

~ * ~

Six days later Bingley and Jane and Darcy and Elizabeth were wed in Longbourn church in the presence of their family and friends. Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted both Caroline and Georgiana; Mrs. Hurst smiled while Mr. Hurst did his best to remain awake; Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner beamed with delight throughout the entire ceremony; Kitty and Mary had donned their new frocks, but, alas, Mary's did little to erase her dour look; both Kitty and Maria Lucas flirted with Captain Denny so handsome in his regimentals; Mr. and Mrs. Philips, along with Sir William and Mrs. Lucas nodded in approval; and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet stood close to each other as they witnessed the solemn vows of their two oldest daughters and their chosen husbands.

A snow-covered landscape provided a clean, white palette for the happy party; the flakes had stopped falling just before the ceremony, but it was still frosty enough for Mrs. Bennet to remain comfortable in her fur-lined frock and Jane did look truly beautiful in her velvet cape and hood. Bingley grinned so much that his jaws began to ache, but he was oblivious to the pain. As for Darcy and Lizzy, this day proved to be a perfect ending to more than a yearlong odyssey of pain and frustration, misunderstandings and corrections, shame and redemption, and love and desire. As they followed Jane and Bingley through the wedding arch and climbed into their carriage to the cheers and good wishes of their friends and family, their faces were wreathed in smiles and laughter.

Mrs. Bennet ran from bride to bride, bidding her farewells and fighting her tears of joy. Mr. Bennet had kissed each of his daughters good-bye, but he could not resist pressing their hands one last time. When the drivers flicked their whips at the horses and the carriages pulled away from Longbourn, Jane and Lizzy's last view was that of their parents standing side by side, their mother waving her handkerchief and their father his hat.

"Three daughters married!" Mrs. Bennet said. "Oh, Mr. Bennet, God has been very good to us!"

Mr. Bennet blinked the mist from his eyes and endeavoured as best he could to keep the quaver from his voice. "Yes," he agreed, "so it would seem."

When they reached the road, Bingley and Jane's carriage departed for Netherfield while the other carriage drove in the opposite direction to London. Neither Darcy nor Lizzy had spoken since they had waved their final farewells. They were both so full of emotion that no words would suffice, nor were they needed. The very deepest kind of love for each other, the happily ever after kind, shone from their eyes as they slowly, oh so slowly, came together in their very first kiss as man and wife. Darcy would have me bid you make no mistake, though - it would certainly not be the last.

Epilogue

Not long after the happy couple had departed Longbourn, it began to snow in earnest once again, so much so that the carriage had to be stopped and the hood closed. This proved to be an unexpected boon to Darcy, as it provided much more privacy in which to cuddle Lizzy. He covered both of them with a fur-lined rug and pulled her as close to his body as he could.

"Are you warm enough, my darling?" he asked.

"M-m-m, yes, perfectly so," she smiled up at him. The light in her fine eyes provoked more kisses between the couple, soft and light at first, and then growing in intensity until Darcy at last drew back, realizing that it would be some time before they reached the sanctuary of his townhouse. He released her for only a short while, however, as his desire for her mouth could not be contained for long when they resided in such tantalizing close proximity. So the majority of the first half of the journey resulted in somewhat bruised lips, but for the good, as the young lovers did generate enough heat that they failed to even notice when the rug slipped to the floor.

Unfortunately, this idyll came to a sudden stop when the carriage did the same. They had just reached the outskirts of ___shire, a small hamlet still some distance from London, when a rear wheel lost a bolt and consequently broke its axle. The driver attempted his best to steady the coach, but it still fell to one side with such force that it threw Lizzy onto the floor and Darcy landed on top of her. With great good luck, it was determined that no one was hurt and the couple soon extricated themselves from the damaged vehicle.

The small town had neither coach nor carriage to hire and there was no one skilled enough to repair the wheel. At length, Darcy determined to send his driver on to London by horseback to secure a new wheel. Knowing it would be impossible for him to return before the morrow and seeing that they would have to spend the night, he was relieved to find that the village did contain a small inn, but he was bitterly disappointed to subject Elizabeth to her first night of marriage in less than sumptuous surroundings.

As the innkeeper showed them to their room, Darcy asked if this was the very best room available and when told that it was, his countenance darkened. There was no separate sitting room, only a small sofa centered in front of the fireplace, and itself not far from the double bed, which sat squarely in the middle of the small room. A large armoire, two small tables, and a meager vanity and mirror completed the furnishings. After informing the couple that supper would be served downstairs in about an hour, the servant left them alone. Darcy stalked around the room, running his finger across the mantel checking for dust; then opening the drapes that covered the single window, he silently willed the snow to cease. He clenched his hands into fists, put his hand to his mouth in that movement indicating anger that Lizzy knew only too well, and let out an audible sigh.

"Of all the luck! I cannot believe such misfortune should befall us on our wedding day!"

Lizzy removed her bonnet and walked across the room, joining him at the window. "Is it so terrible? The room appears to be clean and adequate."

"Elizabeth, I wanted more than 'clean and adequate' for you," Darcy frowned. "This will be our first night together. I wanted the very best for you."

Lizzy slipped her arm inside his and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I am content, for I have 'the very best' standing right beside me."

This remark lightened his frown somewhat and he turned to her, stroking her cheek, and looking into her eyes. She turned her face and kissed the palm of his hand and he pulled her close to him. "Besides," she whispered, her lips almost upon his, "this is not the first night we have spent together." He kissed her then, gently but thoroughly.

"Yes, but it will be the first night we . . . you know . . ."

"Sleep together?" she teased. "I think not."

"Mrs. Darcy," he growled, "you are willfully misunderstanding me. You know full well of what I am speaking."

Lizzy laughed and moved out of his embrace, but held onto his hand as he followed her to the fireplace. She held out her other hand to feel the warmth it emitted while Darcy stirred the fire. When finished, he looked around at the room once again and frowned anew. "Truly, this room is not far from the size of old Skyler's cottage."

"Yes, but so much warmer," Lizzy agreed. "It reminds me of the inn at Lambton where I stayed with the Gardiners."

Those words caused a further softening in Darcy's expression. "I remember how eagerly I raced to that inn the last morning you were there. Did you know that I intended to renew my attentions to you that very day?"

Lizzy was quite surprised at this news. "The morning you found me in tears after reading Jane's letters?"

"Yes," he said, "but, of course, that changed everything. It took every ounce of strength I possessed to keep from taking you into my arms when I witnessed your distress. More than anything, I wanted to comfort you."

"I had not the slightest idea at the time that you possessed such emotions," Lizzy murmured.

He pulled her close to him once again and lifted her face to his. "My dear, I do not believe you know even yet the depth of my feelings for you." She slipped her arms around his neck and it took very little urging for his lips to meet hers.

Not long after this tender exchange they descended the stairs and partook of the supper prepared by the innkeeper's wife. It was simple food, but well cooked and quite nourishing; still, Darcy regretted that it was not the lavish feast he had instructed his staff to have waiting for them at his townhouse in London. When he began to complain once again, Lizzy rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Mr. Darcy, do you think I must have the best of everything or else I shall become petulant and missish? For if you do, let me enlighten you at once. I am not used to fine trappings and without such, I have not felt deprived in the least."

"Of course, I think no such thing," Darcy declared. "It is just that I want to give you everything, Elizabeth. I want you to have the very best, for no woman ever deserved it more than you."

She smiled then and reached for his hand below the table. "As I told you before, I have the very best right here, holding my hand. I need nothing else. I did not marry you for your money, sir."

"That I acknowledge or surely you would have accepted my first proposal and not caused me such agony for so many months." He sipped his wine, becoming somewhat thoughtful, and then turned to her again. "Why did you marry me, Elizabeth?"

"Not for your fortune nor your dark eyes nor your handsome face nor even your strong arms," she teased, but then began to grow quite serious. "I married you because you are the man that you are. Your integrity, your character, your goodness - all of those things mean more to me, William, than any physical attribute or possession."

Lizzy's depth of feeling provoked Darcy's need to touch her and, as they had finished the meal by this time, he did not delay in escorting her from the table and back to their room. As they climbed the stairs, Lizzy, in turn, asked her husband exactly why he had married her. He said nothing at first until they entered the privacy of their small room where he took advantage of it to take her into his arms.

"I would be less than honest if I said I did not marry you for your fine eyes or your soft skin, your beautiful curls or your delicious mouth, or your very pleasing figure, for they have enticed me since the first night I met you."

"What? You married me for my looks and yet you deemed me simply 'tolerable' on the night you refused to dance with me?" In mock anger, she squirmed against his grasp and tried to disentangle herself from his arms, but he would not release her.

"I was a fool then and you know it, but because of your wit and intelligence, your courage and honesty, I have seen the folly of my ways. And those are the true attributes that attracted me and for which I have married you, Mrs. Darcy." He held her very close, his lips next to her ear. "But my abhorrence of deceit of any kind will not allow me to say that I disregard your beauty, my love, for we both well know how it affects me."

She began to kiss him then, first lightly upon his mouth, and then upon his cheek and below on his neck. He responded in kind and the room eventually began to grow quite warm.

At last, he released her and said, "You may say this room is adequate, but I can think of one thing that is sorely lacking."

"What?"

"A separate dressing room, my dear. I shall return below stairs and fetch the serving girl to help you undress, and I will wait down there until she returns and tells me you are . . . ready."

She glanced at the bed then and blushed slightly at his obvious reference, but before Darcy reached for the door handle, she stopped him. "I have no need for a servant, William. I can manage alone and . . . I do not wish you to leave."

He looked at her quickly, unable to believe what he had heard. "You would have me remain while you change?"

Unable to meet his eyes, Lizzy looked at the floor as she began to speak, "I would ask that you grant me a bit of privacy. If you might turn your back . . . I believe I could accomplish the task somewhat easier." With these last words, she turned her face to the side and gave him one of her archest looks, the faintest smile playing about her mouth.

Although amazed at this bold, flirtatious action, Darcy was thrilled at her invitation. "And do you honestly believe I can keep my back turned while I know you are undressing, Elizabeth?"

"Utterly and completely," she answered. "I know for a fact that you have done so before and, after all, you are a gentleman. I have absolute faith in you, and besides, you will be busy undressing yourself."

Darcy groaned, "My darling wife, why do you persist in having such faith in me? Do you delight in tormenting me?"

Lizzy smiled as she turned him around. "I know that you can do it. It will not take me long." She opened her valise, as he took off his jacket and began to unbutton his waistcoat. Hopping first on one foot and then the other as he removed his shoes and stockings, he heard her giggle.

"Elizabeth! I warned you before. Either stop laughing, or I will look!"

He caught his breath when he heard her reply softly, "You may look, sir."

As he turned, his eyes widened, his mouth fell open, and then a smile covered his face, for there she stood wrapped in that same transparent sheet from Skyler's cabin. Darcy stood perfectly still, examining her beautiful form from head to toe, this time taking his time to thoroughly enjoy the view. Finally, Lizzy began to blush as the look in his eyes made his fervent desire quite evident. At last, he walked toward her and when he did so, she began to tremble.

"You are breathtaking, my love, even more beautiful than you were then. There is only one thing lacking." He raised his hands to her hair and gently releasing the pins from it, he slowly ran his fingers through her dark curls as they cascaded down her back. He kissed her hair, breathing deeply of its lovely scent, then her cheeks, the lobe of her ear, and the spot just below, causing her to gasp. From there his lips moved down her neck to her lovely bare shoulder and then to the hollow of her neck and below . . . before he gathered her into his strong arms and met her panting mouth with his own.

Eventually, he picked her up and carried her to the bed. This time when Darcy lay down beside her, he had no objection to Lizzy's movements or wriggling. In truth, he encouraged and provoked them by movements of his own. The night was spent in the type of bliss that only lovers who have long repressed their desires could experience as they explored the ecstasy found in the freedom of expressing their love.

As Darcy awoke the next morning, he found himself in the same position he and Lizzy had experienced that fateful dawn in Skyler's cottage, his body curved around that of his wife. Once again, Lizzy lay asleep on his arm, her beautiful curls spread across his shoulder, his lips this time against her sweet neck. This time, though, old Skyler's sheet was nowhere to be found, for it had been discarded hours ago. The couple never saw that sheet again; if truth be told, they forgot to even search for it.

Upon doing the wash the next day after the Darcys had long departed the inn, the innkeeper's wife, however, severely berated the serving girl when she discovered that old sheet tangled up among the linens. What embarrassment that such a worn sheet had been placed on the finest bed in their establishment! How dare that girl use such a threadbare, obviously thin sheet! Of what use could such a rag ever be to anyone?

Of what use, indeed!

Finis

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