Chapter 1

Darcy gave a brief nod to the housekeeper and walked briskly out of the nondescript townhouse in a respectable but unfashionable neighborhood of London. He boarded an unmarked carriage guarded by two armed, burley footmen and traveled without incident to Darcy House in exclusive Grosvenor Square. After gaining admittance and discarding his outerwear, he walked straight into his study with a grunt of acknowledgement to his waiting staff.

Darcy sat scowling into the fire drinking his third glass of brandy. He thought about how in spite of visiting his mistress every night this week and playing out scene after scene where he had total dominance and control over her form and actions, it still left him frustrated and out of control.

This past summer's near elopement of Georgiana with Wickham at Ramsgate, drove home the fact that he had no real control over his life or of those he loved. He blamed himself for allowing his stepmother to take Georgiana to Ramsgate in the first place. He shared guardianship of his sister with his cousin Richard but it was his decision to let Georgiana go on holiday with the only mother she had ever known. He thought little of the second Mrs. Darcy but she had always been kind and receptive to Georgiana. He erringly thought his sister safe from the older woman's machinations because she was only fifteen and not yet out. He should've known that both Sophia Darcy and George Wickham would stop at nothing to get ahold of additional funds and besmirch the Darcy name. Thank God he was able to visit Ramsgate earlier than he expected and came upon the illicit couple before things got out of hand. The only good to come out of the debacle was that Georgiana's eyes were opened to the duplicity and low moral characters of both the formerly trusted figures.

Darcy believed that her trust in him was also shattered as she painfully withdrew from him too. After three months of unspoken apologies and awkward silences, Georgiana asked if she could accompany their uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, when they left to return to their country estate. She couldn't even make eye contact when she made the request and not knowing how to comfort his once bright-eyed and cheerful sister, he acquiesced.

He missed his sister already. Georgiana was the only one after his mother died whose touch didn't cause him pain and discomfort. Of course the last time they had any physical contact was in June right after he drove away Wickham. The cad made sure they both knew that he was only after her for her money although her thirty thousand pounds would barely have compensated him for shackling himself to such a boring, mealy-mouthed girl. She was inconsolable after he left and had clung to Darcy, crying until she fell asleep. After returning to London, Georgiana wouldn't even look at him, let alone return a hug or acknowledge his chaste tokens of brotherly fondness.

Darcy reflected on the irony of having scheduled frequent assignations with his mistress to counteract the loneliness of his sister leaving for Matlock, but the contact or lack thereof, had left him feeling more empty and cold. The current convenient was the seventh exclusive contract from a brothel that catered to more deviant carnal tastes. As part of the compensation, she moved into his little townhouse off Bond Street with a generous allowance for household and shopping expenses. In return, she was at his beck and call. A note from him and at the time of his choosing, she would be awaiting him on her knees just inside his specially equipped boudoir, clad only in a chemise.

Tonight was the last night of the contract. Darcy agreed to accompany his friend, Charles Bingley, to help educate him on estate management during the first months of his leased tenure in Hertfordshire at an estate called Netherfield. This was Bingley's first step at realizing his father's dream of becoming a landed gentleman. His wealth had come from trade and Bingley needed extensive guidance so it was serendipitous that he invited Darcy for an extended stay just as he was looking to leave the loneliness of London.

Darcy knew there was no way to explore his sexual proclivities discreetly in such a small community as Meryton so he planned his last few scenes with care. His latest diversion was just of age, pale skinned and Parisian. She had high stamina and was well trained. Her youth belied her experience by proving herself a professional time and again. She took direction minutely and without comment and in return, Darcy treated her body like a fine instrument, playing with precision and with great energy. She willingly submitted to the prolonged assault of her body but after the third round, she lost consciousness and Darcy had to untie her and carry her to the bedroom. He left behind a short note thanking her for her services but reminded her their three-month contract was now over and she needed to vacate the townhouse within 30 days. Under the note, he laid a copy of their contract and a bank note.

He knew he should have at least taken his leave in person but he didn't want to deal with the mess of emotions. He noticed over the last few weeks that she would refer to him more with endearments rather than the requisite sir or master. He had no feelings for her; their relationship was strictly to fulfill his bodily needs without the fear of touch to certain portions of his body. He very rarely saw any of his mistresses outside of the boudoir and he experienced no regret at the conclusion of their contracted period. His capable staff would ensure that she moved out in a timely basis and close the house until further notice.

Darcy finished his drink and retired upstairs hoping this evening's strenuous exertions and extended nightcap would prevent the recurring nightmares.