Title: A New Life

Title: A New Life

Author: Lorraine Seton

Summary: Can Mrs. Darcy get used to the married life?

Rating: T (Rating will change with chapters)

Chapter: 1

A/N: This is a continuation to Pride and Prejudice. This is the author's opinion, not fact.

Chapter One:

"Good morning, ma'am. What would you like to wear this morning? Remember you are receiving."

"Good morning, Betsy." Elizabeth smiled, a bit sleepily. Darcy had just left their bed and the memories of the previous night drifted through her mind, making her smile. But, she must move on with all the things she now had to do as mistress of Pemberly. "Thank you for reminding me. I think I will wear my green striped morning gown."

Betsy moved about in a flurry of activity. Elizabeth was still trying to get used to people doting on her all day. At Longbourn, she and her sisters all shared a ladies maid. She never had one of her very own to take care of her at all hours. She would go out for a stroll and come back to find Betsy sitting around in their room doing something with her wardrobe or setting out an outfit for dinner, sometimes even resetting bonnets.

Ten minutes later, Elizabeth was dressed and ready to go into breakfast. She walked into the parlor and immediately setting eyes on her new husband. My, he was handsome. Elizabeth still could not believe her luck of falling in love with the most handsome man in all of England. She sat down in the seat on his right as the footman brought her a plate of eggs, ham, and toast.

Eating daintily, Elizabeth focused on her food, trying not to get distracted by her husband, or they would end up in their room all day. She was then startled when he asked her of her plans for the day.

Covering her lapse, Elizabeth answered, "I am receiving callers this morning. Then I need to go over this week's menu with Cook. After that, I have a free afternoon."

Darcy nodded and remained silent, so Elizabeth felt compelled to break the silence, "What of you?"

He looked up, a bit surprised someone would ask him of his plans, but he answered all the same, "I need to go riding and check with some of the tenants. The storm that blew in this weekend seemed to have damaged some of the houses. I then need to go into town to take care of a few business items. After that, I will be free."

Elizabeth smiled one of her special smiles, "So we shall both have a free afternoon? Interesting."

Darcy caught her sly, seductive smile and grinned mischievously, "Indeed. It appears that we will both have the afternoon free of any other people. Any ideas how we could use that time?"

Elizabeth's smile became more seductive, if that was even possible, when she responed, "Oh, I have a few ideas. Meet me at the stables after luncheon and I will see if our ideas match."

Darcy almost choked on his coffee. His wife one day would give him heart failure. She was so passionate, in and out of the bedroom. His skin tingled with the idea that they would be together in more than just presence this afternoon. Finishing his cup of coffee, he rose, "Well, Mrs. Darcy, I must go. Enjoy your morning."

She smiled at her husband, "Oh, indeed I shall."