Hello everyone! I am so sorry that this took so long - I had a very time-consuming English assignment that needed to be finished. Anyway, thank you again and again for all your lovely reviews; please keep them coming! I love hearing your ideas and what you think of my story.

For those of you who wanted to see Elizabeth tell Darcy that they are going to have a baby (there were a few!), do not worry! I definitely will write that chapter, but that will come later. First they have to adjust to life as newlyweds!

Spirits of the neighbourhood were at an all-time high when the new Mrs Bingley and the new Mrs Darcy entered the beautifully decorated phaetons outside Longbourn House with their husbands. To the good wishes and joyful cries of all in attendance, the phaetons drove off towards Netherfield, where Jane and Bingley were to spend their first night as husband and wife. Elizabeth and Darcy were to change to Darcy's Barouche, in which they were to travel to Darcy House in Town. All of Darcy's clothes and Elizabeth's trousseau, for which Mr Bennet had insisted on paying much more that Elizabeth thought necessary, had already been taken to Town, and arranged in the rooms.

It was at Netherfield that the sisters and friends were to say their goodbyes.

Darcy and Bingley handed their respective wives out of the phaetons, both sisters removing their bonnets, and Elizabeth saw the Barouche, ornamented on the side with the Darcy crest. It suddenly hit her with more force than ever: she was Mrs Darcy now. She was the wife of the man that she loved beyond her own life, and would have an entire lifetime to know him and share with him, and raise a family. Looking over at Jane, though, the sadness came. She would have to say goodbye to Jane, and leave behind their closeness. They would always be intimate, but gone were the late-night conversations and the level of confidence they had previously shared. Elizabeth looked at her sister, and saw the same understanding reflected in Jane's eyes. Never did either sister feel that they loved the other more than in that moment, and without thinking Elizabeth ran into Jane's arms.

The two sisters embraced each other so tightly that both thought the other might break. Elizabeth took Jane's face in her hands and kissed her once on each cheek, and then rested her head on Jane's shoulder as she had when they were younger. Jane clutched her sister, stroking her hair, and gave a soft, gentle kiss to the top of her head. Jane brought Elizabeth's face off her shoulder and lovingly put her hand on the side of her cheek, and Elizabeth leaned into it. Jane had silent tears had running down her cheek, and Elizabeth wiped them away, before wiping away her own.

Bingley tried to go over to comfort them, but Darcy put a hand on his arm. "Leave them, Bingley, let them be." Bingley looked at them sadly.

"I do not wish to separate them," he said. "Look at them."

Darcy nodded, and said, "Nor do I. Thankfully, though, they will not be separated long. You are to come to Pemberley for Christmas. And you know, of course, you are always, always welcome at Pemberley, and in Town, whenever it is convenient for you."

Bingley smiled. "Thank you, Darcy, the same applies."

The two men turned to each other and shook hands, before, surprising Bingley, Darcy pulled him into a hug. Bingley returned it with all his strength, touched at the gesture.

"Thank you, Bingley," Darcy said softly.

"For what, man?"

"For ever taking a house in Hertfordshire," Darcy replied, smiling. It was the most grateful smile Bingley had ever seen.

Elizabeth finally pulled away from Jane, and took her hands. "I love you, dearest Jane," she said, smiling.

"I love you too, Lizzy," she replied, and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. "Go now," she then said. "Go with your husband. Be happy, Lizzy, for you are very lucky."

Elizabeth looked over at Darcy, and new no greater truth had ever been spoken. "I shall," she said, smiling. "You are very lucky as well, dearest, dearest Jane. And so is Bingley."

Jane smiled, and looked over at Bingley. Elizabeth then went over to him, and said, "Goodbye, sir. I know you shall be very happy."

"I shall, Lizzy. My angel is with me now!"

"Take good care of her," Elizabeth whispered, and kissed his cheek.

While this adieu was taking place Jane had made her way over to Darcy, and had taken his hand.

"I just wanted to say thank you, sir," she said.

"Why Jane, whatever for?"

"I have never seen my sister half as happy, and I know it is all because of you. She loves you so very much, so much, I – thank you for loving her too, as much as you do."

Jane smiled at him, tears in her eyes. Darcy took her other hand.

"It is my privilege to love Elizabeth."

Jane smiled, and squeezed his hands. "Thank you, Mr Darcy, for my sister's happiness."

"Fitzwilliam; please. We are brother and sister, you know."

"Fitzwilliam." Jane smiled. "I wish you every happiness, although I know it to be unnecessary."

Darcy smiled. "Thank you, dear Jane. I too, wish you every happiness."

Jane kissed his cheek, and walked over to Bingley, Elizabeth following suit and walking over to Darcy. Darcy looked down at her with so much love she thought her heart would burst, and he said, "Are you ready to leave?"

Elizabeth took his hand. "Yes, Fitzwilliam," she replied. "I am."

They walked together over to the carriage, and Darcy handed Elizabeth in, before getting in himself. As it pulled out of the gates both couples waved to each other, before Bingley took Jane's hand, and they walked inside to spend their first day together as husband and wife.

In the carriage, Darcy said, "You shall see your sister again soon, Elizabeth, I promise. Both she and Bingley may visit whenever they please; they know that. And of course we may visit them too."

Elizabeth took his hand, and said, "Thank you." There was a pause, and then she added, "but I must say I very much like being alone with you."

It then dawned on the both of them that this was the first time they had ever been truly alone together. No chaperones to watch for, no feeling like a culprit after sharing an embrace. They were husband and wife. They could do as they pleased, and nobody was going to stop them.

Elizabeth and Darcy looked at each other, and then Elizabeth kissed him. His arms were immediately around her and he pulled her onto his lap. She wound her arms around his neck as the kiss deepened.

When, out of breath they pulled away, Elizabeth laid her head on Darcy's shoulder and wound her arms around his middle. Darcy held her in his lap, his arms around her shoulders and waist, and rested his cheek on her head. Elizabeth gradually fell asleep to the rocking of the carriage, Darcy soon after following suit.

When they awoke, the light had changed, and Elizabeth moved off Darcy's lap to stretch.

"Goodness," she said. "There is so much room in here! I can stretch my legs straight out."

"I am never more comfortable travelling than I am in the Barouche. It is very easy to sleep in, if sleeping in a carriage is required."

"I found it so," Elizabeth grinned, raising one eyebrow at her husband. "How long have we been traveling?"

"About three hours," Darcy replied. "We shall stop at an inn for luncheon, if it pleases you."

"Oh, yes please," Elizabeth answered, laughing. "I did not eat much at the Wedding Breakfast."

"Nor did I. I enviously watched everyone else eat, though, while I was told some ridiculous things."

"Oh?" Elizabeth said. "Do tell."

"Sir William Lucas congratulated me on carrying away the 'finest jewel in the country'," Darcy said, in quite a good imitation. Elizabeth laughed heartily.

"Mr Collins also talked to me; for twenty minutes, I think it was."

"I am sorry," Elizabeth laughed. "Well, you are not the only one that suffered, I assure you. Mrs Phillips and Mama would not stop giving me advice on how to be a meek and docile wife."

"Meek and docile? You? Never!" Exclaimed Darcy, grinning at her. They both laughed again.

"You would not wish me so, Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth said, raising an eyebrow.

"No, I would not. I would not change a thing about you."

Elizabeth kissed him again, and all thoughts of the Wedding Breakfast abandoned the couple.

At around two o clock in the afternoon they stopped at the inn, one Darcy regularly stayed at when on that particular road, and ate a lot, before continuing on the second half of their journey. They slept, talked, laughed, and held hands. By the time they reached Darcy house, it was almost eight-thirty at night.

Elizabeth looked out of the window of the carriage and saw an enormous town house, immaculately kept. One of the footmen dismounted the back of the carriage and promptly went inside. It was some minutes before he came back, and when he did the other footman dismounted and opened the door. Darcy exited first, and then handed Elizabeth out.

"Welcome back, sir," said the footman who had just opened the door.

"Thank you, Jameson," answered Darcy. He offered his arm to Elizabeth, who was still looking up at the townhouse. "Welcome to Darcy House, Elizabeth," Darcy said softly. "Home away from home," was quietly added with a smile.

They ascended the steps and went into the entrance hall, where a line of six very sharply dressed servants stood in a row.

"Welcome back, Master," said the oldest, a woman in her mid-forties.

"Thank you, Mrs Bowers."

He then addressed the group as a whole, and said, "I present to you Mrs Elizabeth Darcy."

All the servants either bowed or curtsied, not one of them missing the change in the Master's voice when he said the name of the Mistress.

"Elizabeth," Darcy then said, turning to her. "These are the principle staff of Darcy House. This is Mrs Bowers, the housekeeper."

Mrs Bowers curtsied, and said, "Welcome to Darcy House, Mistress."

Darcy continued. He introduced the remaining as Mr Hale, the butler, Mr Gordon, the steward, Madame Reldiér, the head chef, and Mr Kenbridge, Darcy's personal valet. They all welcomed and wished her happiness. The last person he introduced was a woman who could not have been more than eighteen.

"This is Mademoiselle Dupris, your personal ladies' maid."

Mademoiselle Dupris curtsied, and said in a very French accent. "It is an honour to be serving you, Madame Darcy. My Aunt was used to be waiting on Lady Anne, and it is happy for me to be continuing the tradition of service to this family."

"Thank you, Mademoiselle Dupris. Your loyalty is much appreciated," Elizabeth smiled at her.

Darcy looked at her with happiness. He saw how overwhelmed she was when they first entered the house, but she was handling herself excellently, and Darcy was very proud of her.

"I shall give Mrs Darcy a tour of the house, if that does not interfere with dinner."

"Not at all, sir," answered Mrs Bowers. "Shall an hour be sufficient?"

"More than, Mrs Bowers. Thank you," replied Darcy.

"I shall ring when I need you, Mademoiselle Dupris?" Elizabeth asked, smiling at her.

"Please, Madame. Also, if it pleases you to call me Dupris. Tis much short and easier for you."

"Thank you, Dupris," replied Elizabeth. She quite liked Dupris. The girl had a spark in her eye and was self-assured. It was obvious that her English was not her French, but Elizabeth didn't mind a bit.

As Darcy led her away, she said, "I like Dupris."

"I thought you might," he replied, smiling. "She came from her training very highly recommended, and when I interviewed her she was very confident."

They continued to walk along the main corridor, Darcy pointing out what was in each room. He showed her everything, from both of their studies, the different parlours, the library, and the guestrooms, to the doors to the servants' quarters and the kitchens. There was even a ballroom. Darcy had refurbished Elizabeth's private parlour, and she was delighted with his taste, as she was in all the other aspects of the house. It was obvious that everything was very expensive, but rather than being gaudy or ostentatious, it was elegant instead.

Finally, they came to the last room, which was the master suite. Set into the end of a large corridor on the third floor, two large, matching doors were set. Darcy opened the one on the right, and Elizabeth stepped into a large room. It had its entrance on the left side, a fireplace set into one wall, and a very large, four-poster bed at the end, set partly into the wall. There were two bed-side tables, and two shelves set into each wall either side of the bed. There was a very large chest at the end of the bed, and across from it there was a plush sofa, an armchair, two other chairs, and a table. There was also a writing desk with a chair, and Elizabeth saw that her letter box and other stationery items had already been set up on it. There were also vases of white flowers, and they smelled divine. Elizabeth loved the colours of the room. The wood was a beautiful oak, and the bedcoverings, curtains and other material were a mix of different shades of gold, different shades of turquoise, and white. On one side of the room was an oak sliding door, and on the opposite side a set of double doors, which Darcy told her over to.

"I believed a refurbishment was in order, considering the room had not been used in a long time. Please feel free to change anything that you do not like," he said, gently. "The Master Suite at Pemberley is almost exactly the same. Your changes can be implemented there before we arrive."

Elizabeth looked at him, a little overwhelmed. She was standing in her new bedroom, with her new husband. Darcy was aware of her feelings, and slowly took her hand. Elizabeth grasped his back and said, "I would not change anything. It is a beautiful room, Fitzwilliam. Your taste is impeccable." She looked around again, and smiled. "I really like the colours."

Darcy then led her over to the double doors, and opened them.

"This door leads to your wardrobes and your bathroom. It can be locked from the inside."

Elizabeth opened the door to her wardrobe and was shocked at the size. The doors opened out to reveal shelves and racks brimming with finery. Off to one side was another door that led to the bathroom. "It is enormous!" She breathed. She saw now why Darcy had insisted on such a number of clothes. How else was this space to be filled? Elizabeth saw that all of the items in her trousseau were already put away, gowns hanging and shoes in neat little rows on shelves. There was a very large dressing table, and laid out on it were hairbrushes, combs and pins, and other small items. There was a large set of drawers Elizabeth assumed held underwear, and a shelf of stacked hatboxes. Darcy then led her over to a large chest sitting atop a shelf. He opened it, and Elizabeth gasped. Inside was the most exquisite jewellery she had ever seen.

"These are the Darcy family jewels," Darcy said quietly. "Some of them are centuries old. Others much newer; this one was my mother's." Darcy fingered a delicate emerald encased in gold filigree.

"I wish I could have known her," Elizabeth said softly.

"So do I," whispered Darcy, and suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and buried his face in her shoulder. Elizabeth turned around so she could embrace him properly, and they held each other for what seemed like a long while. Darcy finally released her, and said, "The jewels are yours to wear as you wish. You may add any of your jewels to the collection, of course. Most of my mother's is in this chest, but some of her favourite items she left to Georgiana."

"I am very excited to get to know Georgiana better, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy beamed. "Good," he said. Darcy then showed Elizabeth out of the wardrobe and to the sliding door on the other side of the room.

"This is my chamber," he said, and easily pushed the door open.

They walked into a room that Elizabeth thought was perfectly suited to its inhabitant. The coverings and curtains were extremely plush, and the colours were a strong gold, burgundy, and deep forest green. The layout of Darcy's chamber basically mirrored Elizabeth's, with the wardrobe and the furniture in the same places. There was a painting above the mantelpiece, in a mahogany frame. It depicted a forest, complete with babbling brooks and wild deer.

"I like your room, Fitzwilliam." Elizabeth said, smiling at him. "It suits you."

Darcy smiled back.

Elizabeth left Darcy to change, and called Dupris up to help her out of her dress. Elizabeth chose to wear her favourite dress of the trousseau. A dark teal with gold trims and a plunging neckline, it suited Elizabeth perfectly. She found, amidst the jewels, a gold necklace and earing set, and wore those as well. Darcy met her outside both of their chambers, dressed for dinner. He looked dreadfully handsome, and Elizabeth told him so. Darcy blushed a little, which surprised Elizabeth.

"Why do you blush, Fitzwilliam?" She said, smiling. "Surely you know how handsome you are?"

Darcy blushed even more, and said, "You must remember, vanity is a failing indeed."

"Oh yes," said Elizabeth, laughing and winding her arm through his. "But was it not you yourself that said; when a real superiority of mind, or in this case appearance, pride must always be under good regulation?"

"Why, you little tease!" Darcy said laughingly, pulling her closer as they descended the stairs.

"You knew that before you married me, William."

"I did, and I love you for it," he said, smiling at her. He then stopped smiling, but his eyes were as expressive as ever as he looked at her. Elizabeth understood his feelings, and it made her heartbeat quicken. She so wanted to be his wife, in every way, but she was still tentative about that which she did not know.

Dinner was served, and it was wonderful. Selections of roast meats and vegetables, jellies and soups added life to the table, and everything tasted exquisite. They talked, but it was clear neither was focusing on the conversation. When they had finished eating, they could think of nothing but the night ahead of them.

Elizabeth decided that she would be the one to rise first, and putting her napkin on the table after the conclusion of the meal, rose.

"I am ready to retire, now," she said softly, smiling at him. He rose as well, and instead of offering his arm, as was customary, offered his hand.

Elizabeth looked at it and was immediately moved, as she understood what the gesture meant. He had offered her his hand, and in doing so offered her equality in this night in which would truly begin their marriage. They would ascend the stairs equally, instead of one leaning on the other. She was touched beyond words, and put her hand into his, strengthening her grip as they looked into each other's eyes. Elizabeth brought his hand up to her lips and kissed it, and Darcy felt his heartrate quicken. Together they walked up the grand staircase to the hallway at the end of which the master chambers were situated. When they reached the doors, Elizabeth turned to Darcy and said,

"Twenty minutes?"

Darcy nodded and smiled, before pressing a kiss to her hand. They both went inside their respective doors, then, and Elizabeth called for Dupris. Dressing in a nightgown that her Aunt Gardiner had deemed very pretty and she had deemed very inappropriate, she let her hair fall loosely over her shoulders and sat on one of the armchairs to wait.

"Thank you, Dupris," she said, smiling at the girl. "You may go now."

"You are not in needing of anything else, Madame?"

"No, thank you. Also tomorrow, I shall call you when I need you; there is no need to come before that."

Dupris smiled and said, "Of course, Madame."

Dupris stoked the fire a little, and bustled out of the room. A few minutes passed before Elizabeth heard a knock on the sliding door. She took a breath, stood up, and said,

"Come in."

Darcy walked into the room, and Elizabeth felt a pull in her breast. Her husband stood before her in his nightclothes, and she thought he was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. She felt herself shamelessly looking at him; and even though a small part of her was remembering twenty years of maidenly modesty, being here with him, in these private garments, in their private rooms, felt so right.

When Darcy walked into the room and saw Elizabeth, he was dangerously close to tears at the picture she made. She was here, in his – no, their home, and she was standing before him in their private chambers, with her hair, her beautiful curly hair cascading down her shoulders and her back. His eyes went dark as he took her in, and he felt his heartrate quicken.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered.

"So are you," she answered softly, before walking up to him and running her hand slowly through his hair. His breath caught, and he held her hand at his cheek, leaning into it. Darcy then pressed a long kiss to her palm, and Elizabeth felt her heartrate quicken. She felt his hot breath on her hand, and the feeling it gave her, oh! She feverishly wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. He responded immediately, and pulled her body to his, running his hands down her arms, down her back, pushing the sleeves of her nightgown off her shoulders. Elizabeth gasped, exhilarated by Darcy's attentions, and without thinking pushed his robe of his shoulders. Darcy moaned, feeling her hands on his bare skin. They stopped for breath, and Darcy, breathing heavily, slowly pulled the cord of Elizabeth's nightgown. She gasped again as the whole thing came down, and Darcy looked at her, his eyes wide with desire. He looked up and met her eyes, and they held each other's gaze for what seemed like a long while before Darcy pulled her to him again and kissed her passionately. They felt, in in more ways than one, and lost themselves in the joy of finally being able to express what they had dampened during their engagement. The kisses deepened, and the haze thickened, and suddenly Elizabeth felt Darcy frantically pull away, his eyes asking the unspoken question. In answer, she pressed herself against him and kissed him again, and she suddenly felt herself being lifted up into Darcy's arms, and heard his laugh in between kisses. Elizabeth said one thing.

"Fitzwilliam, take me to bed."

Elizabeth woke to the gentle rising and falling of her husband's chest. Darcy was still asleep, and Elizabeth marvelled at how his countenance changed in slumber. He seemed his age for once; the burdens of the world erased from his face, and an almost boyish look gracing his features. Elizabeth was surprised to find herself with an arm flung across her husband's chest, and a leg wrapped around his. She was extremely comfortable, but still blushed despite herself. One of his arms was securely around her, holding her to him, and his other hand was atop her own, resting on his chest. Elizabeth wrapped herself a little more tightly around Darcy and closed her eyes again. Their wedding night was everything that she could have hoped for. She had never felt, in her heart, closer to another person, and it made the already overwhelming love she felt for Darcy increase, and solidify. He was beautiful, and he made her feel beautiful, and together they had shared something wonderful.

Elizabeth felt Darcy's arm tighten around her, and then his lips pressing a kiss to her forehead. She opened her eyes and looked up at her husband. She found him looking at her with the most tender expression she had ever witnessed.

"Good morning, Elizabeth," he said softly, never taking his eyes from hers.

"It is a wonderful morning," she replied, smiling, and in response Darcy kissed her. Elizabeth was delighted, and readily reciprocated, and both lost themselves in passion once again.