Once Lady Matlock had left Elizabeth went in search of her sister, Jane, who had not returned to the parlour since Caroline Bingley had called. But as she was walking past his study Darcy popped his head out.

"Elizabeth" her name was enough to stop her. She turned and smiled

"You can stop hiding now my love. The visitors are gone!"

He smiled and pulled his wife in to the study shutting and locking the door

"I am very pleased to hear that" he said "I believe you are aware of my thoughts on sharing!"

He grinned a boyish grin and then lent in to kiss her. The passionate kiss lasted a few minutes before they both came up for air. He then made her shriek by picking her up and setting her upon his desk. Placing himself between her legs her pulled her body tight against his and kissed her again.

"I missed you" he said huskily as he moved away from her mouth and started kissing down her neck. She groaned in appreciation of the sensations he was creating.

"I think it was better you were not there, especially if this is my welcome after"

He smiled again. "I cannot consent to that my dear. But I am willing to claim some recompense for letting you spend time elsewhere"

"Mr Darcy I am shocked" came the reply

"I can shock you more" he grinned wickedly and started rolling up her skirts to gain access to the treasures hidden. He kissed her again before laying her back on the desk.

If the servants heard the desk rattling they wisely chose not to investigate the source of the noise. It was awhile later and a slightly flushed Elizabeth that found Jane in the sitting room. Caroline had gone but Jane was in raptures about the plans for her engagement party.

"Oh Elizabeth she seems to be completely lovely again, she reminded me to check that you and Mr Darcy would be attending. She was most adamant."

"Of course Jane dear. I wouldn't miss it" Elizabeth still wasn't sure about Caroline's new found acceptance of Jane and herself but she was not one to hold a grudge. Elizabeth was then presented with the day's letters.

"Oh Jane, one from mama. Have you heard from her yet?"

"No Lizzy, but I saw her just before leaving Hertfordshire. She uh...visited the day after the wedding!"

"She did not!" Exclaimed Elizabeth

Jane smiled her calm smile. "She was obviously just anxious for me in my new home. It was very kind to check on my well being"

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow "I am grateful that we do not live within calling distance, I cannot imagine what Mr Darcy would have had to say to someone calling the morning after our wedding!"

Jane looked at Elizabeth in shock for a moment, then recovered her composure "she can be trying at times but she means well"

Elizabeth decided not to answer and opened her letter. There was a sheet to Jane enclosed, which she dutifully passed over.

My Dear Mrs Darcy

How well that sounds. How cleaver you were to catch such a rich husband. I have already visited all of our neighbours and they are all most insistent on asking after you. I find it most vexing that you have yet to write about all the people that you have met and new dresses you have purchased.

I do miss my daughters when they have gone. I am prodigiously proud of all my married girls. Now if only you could persuade Lydia to come home. I am sure Manchester cannot be a good place for her. She is so lively, the wilds of the North are sure to dampen her spirits and then where would we be. She was such a favourite with the officers here and they are to Brighton soon. Could you not bring her home before they go?

I am vexed that you would chose to bring Charlotte Lucas to Pemberley before bringing your sister. Lady Lucas was here telling me all about how Charlotte would be travelling with you. Poor Kitty was beside herself. Your father still insists on Kitty spending time at her pursuits before going out visiting and I find it most hard to sit alone in the parlour while she scratches away. Her pencils have no compassion on my poor nerves.

I will expect you to take me visiting when you are to stay at Netherfield. Your father insists the carriage cannot be had and my knees are bothering me. If you should think to bring your carriage to we could take that to Haye park and the great house at Stoke? Does the Darcy carriage bear the crest?

Your loving mother

Lizzy sighed at the inconsistencies of her mother. Too quiet, too noisy. Wanting her children at home and wanting Lizzie to take Kitty to Pemberley. She would have been worried about the comment about Kitty being upset had she not received a letter from her sister on the previous day which was fairly bursting with excitement about travelling with their Aunt and Uncle. They were a great favourite but it had been Jane and Elizabeth that had most often accompanied them in their travels in the past.

Elizabeth related the gist of the letter to Jane. Hers was of a similar caliber, but generally less accusatory. It was usually Elizabeth's fault if things didn't go right.