A/N: See, I promised this would be quick. I have updated the rating, so that they can enjoy themselves on their wedding night. I know I usually alternate POV's, and it's Darcy's turn, but I really want this experience to be from Lizzy's. I have also decided to add a few more chapters to tie up all those loose ends I left hanging, so expect four or five more chapters ... but they will stretch over a longer time period.

The abrupt cessation of movement woke her from a very good nap and she glanced over to see that William had fallen asleep as well, his face relaxed and a small smile gracing his handsome features. She hated to wake him, but sensed the footman's slight impatience to assist them from the carriage, just as she was anxious to freshen up after the long and dusty ride.

"William," she shook his shoulder gently and he startled awake, looking around in evident surprise at their arrival.

"I think we're here," she looked out of the carriage window at the imposing four story building, "although, as I've never seen your home, I am merely making an educated guess … under the assumption that the driver knows where you do, in fact, live," she gave him a mischievous smile and he responded in kind.

"Your impertinence Mrs. Darcy," he replied teasingly, as he nibbled softly on her ear, "may very well get you into trouble, now let us alight and I will show you our home."

He stepped out of the carriage and reached in to assist her, retaining his hold on her hand as he led her into the house. The servants must have been alerted to their arrival as they were lined up in the entrance hall, all neatly pressed uniforms and nervous smiles.

She suspected her answering smile was just as nervous, and made an attempt to add as much warmth to her greeting as possible, while gripping William's hand tightly.

A middle aged woman with slightly graying hair approached them with a smile, "Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, welcome. I trust the trip wasn't too taxing."

"No. Thank you," William responded before turning and introducing her, "Elizabeth, this is my housekeeper, Mrs. Hamstead. Mrs. Hamstead, I'd like you to meet my wife, Mrs. Darcy," the pride in his voice as he called her his wife touched her heart and she gave him a large smile before greeting the housekeeper.

Mrs. Hamstead reminded her a little of Hill, she had that same warm motherly feel to her, and she suspected they would get along just fine.

Mrs. Hamstead then introduced the rest of the servants, although she knew she would need to work on remembering all their names. Longbourn had only a housekeeper, a cook, a scullery maid, a ladies maid that all the girls shared, and a stable hand. Darcy House alone had more than double that amount and she hated to think how many more there would be at Pemberley.

She greeted each person in what she hoped was a friendly voice, but while a few offered her a small smile, and all were very respectful, most seemed tentative around her, and she found herself wondering if they had imagined that William would be bringing home a wife similar to Caroline Bingley … some snooty, society miss that would be demanding and churlish.

She promised herself she would make every effort to learn everyone's name, she knew Caroline had a habit of calling the servants of Netherfield whatever she felt like because she couldn't be bothered to learn their actual names and she had not been well liked as a result. She wanted William to be proud of her; she intended to be the best Mistress she could possibly be.

She waited as Mrs Hamstead paused at the last young woman in line. She was very tall and thin with tightly coiled black hair and she was introduced as Monique, her new abigail. Monique smiled shyly at her before curtseying deeply.

"There is a bath ready for each of you and dinner is prepared and will be served at your leisure," Mrs. Hamstead said in her efficient Hill voice before giving them another warm smile.

She felt herself relaxing.

"Very good Mrs. Hamstead, thank you," William responded quickly, after dismissing the rest of the staff. "We would like dinner set out in my sitting room in one hour please."

Her heart began to beat faster as she realized that they would be alone together … in his bed chamber … in one hour.

"Is that alright my love," he kissed her hand and waited for her response.

"Yes … yes, of course … that's … that would be fine," she replied nervously, his answering smile was reassuring and understanding, and he kissed her hand once more before escorting her up the stairs to her rooms … which were conveniently connected to his.

"I had the room redecorated and I hope you like it. My mother's taste ran more to dark burgundy's and deep purples, and I thought you'd appreciate something lighter and brighter," his voice sounded unsure and she could tell he was eager for her to like the changes he had made for her.

The room, or rooms, as there was a bedroom, a sitting room and a separate area for bathing … were more luxurious than she had ever encountered before., and it was bit intimidating, although the daily bath, she suspected, she could get used to quite easily.

Her mother had considered it wasteful to bathe more than once a week, and she knew many others who felt even that was too often. No longer would she have to take turns sharing a bath with five sisters once a week, while trying to wash daily with a basin full of tepid water … she supposed money did have some privileges.

She looked around and found herself quite pleased with what he had done, the rooms were decorated in varying shades of blue, green and cream, and the end result was airy, light and pleasing … exactly what she would have chosen, and she was touched by his thoughtfulness.

"It is perfect William, I love it," she exclaimed happily as she kissed his cheek.

He seemed relieved at her evident approval, and after another minute of awkward silence, he excused himself and entered his own rooms, throwing her a last shy smile before closing the door.

She inspected the room, partly in curiosity, and partly out of nervousness while Monique readied her bath, and found a large cupboard filled with the creations Mrs. Fontaine had created for her, more gowns than she had ever had in her life … more gowns that she and all her sisters had together. She also found rows of boots and slippers, drawers filled with gloves and delicate silk stockings, and many many nightgowns, one of which, a lovely confection of silk so fine it was nearly transparent, was lying across her bed, presumably for her to put on after her bath.

Her stomach took a nose dive and she found her hands shaking at the thought of what tonight would entail. She knew it was simply the fear of the unknown that was affecting her nerves; William had never hurt her, and had always been more than gentle … and he had proven that intimacies between a man and a woman could be pleasurable … very, very pleasurable … so she needed to just relax and trust that despite what she had heard, tonight would be the same.

Besides, she might finally get to see him … in the nude … and wasn't that something worth being pleased about?

Yes … yes … yes!

"Madame Darcy," a soft voice interrupted her pleasant imaginings, "your bath is ready."

She didn't know why, but with a name like Monique, she had expected the girl to be French, instead she spoke with a soft English accent.

"Thank you Monique," she smiled and was relieved to receive an answering smile in return.

She had always been on good terms with Sally, their abigail from Longbourn, and had enjoyed their many enlightening talks while getting her hair done … she hoped that she and Monique would eventually have the same closeness.

She was no Caroline Bingley!

The bathwater was steaming and softly scented with jasmine and roses, and she allowed the heat to soothe away any residual stiffness from the carriage ride, and relax away her trepidation concerning what the night held in store. In fact, the heat had the added benefit of warming her body in much the same way William did when he looked at her … and kissed her … and touched her.

She refrained from washing her hair as she had done it just that morning, and her thick curls took forever to dry, but she washed her body very thoroughly with the softest soap she had ever used, and after a final rinse with clean water, she was enveloped in a thick towel and dried thoroughly … which she had only allowed after Monique insisted that Mr. Darcy had wanted her pampered on her wedding night.

She made sure Monique knew that tonight was special, and that she didn't expect nor desire to be pampered so every night, she was quite used to being self sufficient and could dress herself and even do her own hair, albeit only in simple styles.

She allowed Monique to rub a light and softly scented oil into her skin, especially her hands and feet, which bore the marks of her adventurous nature. She relaxed and enjoyed the sensation as Monique brushed out her hair and braided it into a loose plait, before sliding the nightgown over her head.

Lying innocuously on the bed, the gown had seemed almost transparent, once on however, it was revealed to be even more so, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. She quickly donned the matching dressing gown, which thankfully covered her completely while still managing to hint at the curves underneath.

She dismissed Monique, and nervously made her way to the connecting door to William's bedchamber and hesitated.

Was the hour up already?

Was she supposed to wait for him to come and get her or was she to go to him?

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she nervously gripped the door handle and entered his room. The first thing she saw … and how could she miss it as it dominated the entire room … was an enormous four poster bed, bigger than any bed she had ever seen before.

Good Lord, you could sleep a family of five in that bed, she thought in amazement, before her eyes latched onto the only other thing of interest in the room … William.

He must have just finished his bath, because he stood before her in only a towel and she was struck by his unassailable masculine beauty. His hair had been roughly dried, but her astonished eyes followed the single droplet of water that fell from his hair down the smooth lines of his chest; her pulse hammering at the sight of his broad chest partially covered in dark curling hair.

She watched in rapt fascination, her body and mind frozen in place, as the drop of water continued along the hard planes of his abdomen following the line of hair that led to parts unknown, currently covered by the low slung cloth. His heavily muscled thighs were covered with the same dark hair and his skin looked slightly pink from the heat of the water.

She had never seen so much skin before … ever … and she blushed heavily, both in embarrassment at having caught him in such a state, and for the havoc the sight of him unclothed and wet was having on her composure.

She refused to meet his eyes and lowered her head quickly. Had he seen the way she ogled him like some loose woman with no decorum or morals? Was he horrified at her lack of propriety yet again?

"I … I'm sorry, forgive me … I wasn't sure … I thought … ," she gave up trying to speak and simply fled back into her room, her heart racing and her knees weak.

Good Lord, he was gorgeous!

She sat on the bed in an attempt to calm her nerves, taking deep breaths and willing her blazing cheeks to cool, when she heard the door opening and William, clad now in a dark blue dressing gown, entered her room looking concerned and upset.

"Oh Elizabeth, I'm so sorry, I was running late as I needed to go over a few things with Mrs Hamstead and Stephens, my valet, I didn't mean for you to be kept waiting … or to shock you with the sight of me undressed before you were ready," he took her hands gently in his own and kissed then softly.

"You look beautiful though."

His words relaxed her finally and she realized how silly she had acted by upsetting him, "NO, I'm sorry … I was just … startled to see you … so … so much more of you than I have ever seen," she took a deep breath and garnered her courage.

"But … you are beautiful too … all of you," she blushed again, looking at their joined hands, "well … what I saw anyway."

He disengaged their hands and placing his hand under her chin, he gently forced her to look at him. She lost herself then, sinking deep into the dark pools of his eyes which were shining with such intensity she imagined she could feel it all the way to her soul.

"Please don't ever be embarrassed. I am honored and deeply touched that you like my body … I very much hope you will like all of it, as much as I love yours. I want you to eventually feel comfortable with me because I don't want to have to hide behind layers when we are alone together. I want to be close to you," he whispered softly as his finger softly trailed down her

neck and along her shoulder before slowly coming to rest just below her collarbone … hesitating before following the seam of her dressing gown to where it met just scant inches above her breasts.

She had goosebumps along her entire body at his touch and her insides were quivering in anticipation and she raised her face for a kiss … to find him suddenly standing, one hand held out to her.

"Come then," his voice sounded as shaky as she felt, "let us go and eat, you must be starved."

She found herself suddenly miffed, how could he turn her into a melting puddle of goo and then simply stop … to eat? She was preparing to say something along those lines when she noticed … quite hard to miss actually as it was at eye level … that he had quite a prominent protuberance under the front of his dressing gown.

She knew what it was from the few times they had been intimate, but it had always been contained in his breeches, it had never quite … stuck out … like that before, and she realized three things: he was just as affected by the contact as she had been, he was quite a bit larger than she had imagined … and against all her rigorous chastisements about ladylike behavior and propriety and decorum … she wanted to touch it.

Would he want her to? Would he object?

Would he let her see it?

"Elizabeth," he said warily, "I don't like the look in your eye … what are you … aahhh," he jumped back from her as if burned after she had decided to simply grab the bull by the horns … so to speak … and touch him.

"What … what … ," he seemed at a complete loss for word as he faced away from her and seemed to be struggling to control his breathing.

"I was just curious, I'm sorry if I offended you," she said quietly, suddenly realizing that touching him was obviously not proper or ladylike … but he had said … it mattered not, she would follow his lead and make sure she didn't do it again.

"Oh my sweet Elizabeth," he said, half in exasperation, half in affection as he turned back around to face her, his manhood not as obviously prominent as before.

"Do you know what a lucky man I am to have a woman such as you? I love that you are curious and passionate and eager," he had returned to her side and grabbed her hands once more, "I want you to touch me … wherever and whenever you desire," he hesitated to make sure she understood what he was saying, and she felt relief wash through her at his words … he wasn't upset or appalled.

"I am just having a very difficult time trying to … trying to keep in mind that this is your first time. I don't want to frighten you, but the sight of you … you are so very beautiful, and you smell so wonderful … and when I touch you … and when you touched me, I almost … well … it was almost too much. "

His continued somewhat sheepishly, "I am afraid I won't be able to control myself, and I will either expel all over myself like before or will let my passions get the best of me and I don't want to frighten you, I want to make this a pleasurable experience for you as well … do you understand now?"

He seemed so sincere and earnest that she felt herself relaxing. "So its okay if I touch you? You aren't mad?" she asked.

He groaned before offering a small chuckle, "I am not sure I am up to handling you, my little tigress. Yes, you may touch me if that is what you wish … in fact, I would love it, more than I can tell you, but," he looked at her with a mock stern gaze.

"But … not until after we eat," he leaned in and grazed her neck with his moist lips before whispering in her ear, "and not before I get to touch you."

He stood abruptly, throwing her off balance once again, and led her, knees still shaking, towards his sitting room where a light meal had been laid out for their enjoyment. He sat her on the settee and proceeded to pour her a glass of wine and fill a plate with a little bit of everything and handing it to her. He did the same for himself and then joined her, but made sure he wasn't sitting too close.

They finished the meal quickly and without much conversation, but with many, many looks passing between them. She had no idea what she ate … or even if she ate, she only knew that the wine seemed to be helping her relax as she observed the way the firelight highlighted the strong planes of William's face, and emphasized the breadth of his shoulders and the width of his chest.

She also realized that he had nothing on underneath the dressing gown he was wearing, because when he leaned forward to pour more wine it separated just enough for her to catch a glimpse of a corded thigh … and she almost choked on her wine.

As if sensing where her thoughts were straying, William slowly moved closer to her and began to softly kiss her cheek as he gently unbraided her hair, running his hands through the silky curls and slowly kissing his way towards her ear, which he nipped softly before whispering to her, "Are you finished eating my love?"

She was unable to reply as he continued to place hot kisses along the sensitive column of her neck, and she nodded mutely. She felt him lift her up and knew he was carrying her towards the bed, but as his lips had not stopped their heady progress, she had no time to be nervous.

He stood her on her feet next to the bed and slowly began to untie the ribbons holding her dressing gown closed, the back of his hands just grazing her breasts and causing a responding tightening of her nipples at the contact.

She noticed that his hands were unsteady and his breathing grew increasingly more ragged as he slid the dressing gown off her shoulders to reveal the nightgown beneath.

"So very beautiful," he murmured as he continued to place increasingly hotter kisses on her exposed shoulder and across her collarbone, " you are so very soft, and so very, very beautiful, my Elizabeth," he whispered as his hands removed the final impediment to her nakedness.

Before she knew how it had happened, she was suddenly completely unclothed and despite her innocence, she stood before him, awaiting his reaction. He simply stared at her, his breathing rapid and heavy and she could feel the heat of his gaze as he devoured every inch of her with his eyes.

"You are stunning," he cried hoarsely before enfolding her in his arms and kissing her with a passion that instantly ignited the fire that had been building inside her into a roaring blaze. His tongue parried with hers, both taking all she had to offer and giving all that he was while his hands caressed every inch of her body that was within his reach, as if attempting to brand her with their heat … or stake his claim.

She was desperate to feel his skin against hers and struggled with the tie at his waist, almost shouting in triumph as it finally gave way to her determined hands. She pushed the material from his shoulders and they both gasped as the heat of their bare skin touched for the first time.

Her fingers danced across the swells of his back and shoulders, savoring the feel of his skin, soft yet hard at the same time, enjoying the way his chest hair brushed against her sensitive nipples and the taste of his tongue as it melded with hers.

He continued to devour her, driving any hesitation or nervousness from her mind, as his hands continued their sensuous exploration of her every curve, bump and crevice, but it wasn't until he discovered the plump curves of her bottom and molded her against his hardness that they broke apart … both groaning in pleasure at the incredible sensation.

He stepped away and quickly pulled back the covers and she got a very nice glimpse of his sculpted bottom before he turned and lifted her into his arms and settled her down on the soft mattress. He took a minute to simply look at her again before joining her on the bed, his lips fastening onto one puckered nipple while his hand gently plucked and teased the other into a hard bud.

She could feel her insides turning to liquid as his tongue laved and suckled the hardened peak, her cries sounding overly loud in the stillness of the room, and her hips undulating to a rhythm of their own.

"So soft … so beautiful … ," William whispered hoarsely as he switched breasts, eager to ensure they both received the same amount of attention … and she was in no mind to complain.

His kissed his way back up her neck and his lips found hers once more in a searing kiss that left her breathless and gasping, while his hand made its way across her abdomen and down over her mound before gently dipping into her moist heat. First one finger, then two slowly moved in and out caressing her inner walls and making her body arch up wanting more, her stomach clenched tightly as waves of pleasure rippled through her at the contact.

She nearly wept when his thumb found the nub nestled among her inner lips and stroked it, the waves building into an avalanche of feeling, her breathing rough and uneven, as her insides coiled in preparation of that climb she had made only once before.

Her hands, restless to feel more of him, searched out the hardness of his manhood that was poking insistently into her hip. Tentatively at first, savoring the feel of its silky hardness, and then more boldly as she felt William spasm and groan into her open mouth as she touched him. Unsure exactly how to please him, she was grateful when his hand covered hers and he showed her exactly what he liked, and even though she couldn't quite fit her hand all the way around him, she thrilled at his loud groan as she stroked the length of him.

She suddenly felt her hands being held over her head as William's body partially covered hers and he buried his face into her neck panting heavily. She wondered again if she had done something wrong, but she didn't want him to stop and she squirmed restlessly beneath him, eager for his hands and lips on her again … she was so close to reaching that peak.

"Elizabeth," he groaned, "Please … just, give me a minute," he lifted his head and looked at her, his dark eyes dilated as the full force of his desire hit her. "I am trying to be gentle with you, and if you keep touching me," he shuddered again, "I'm afraid I will take you like a rutting bull."

The idea sounded quite good to her at the moment as her breasts were tight and aching and she could feel the wetness of her arousal pooling between her thighs making them slick with desire. She lifted her hips and tried to make contact with his harness, but he had very inconsiderately made sure it was not touching her, and she groaned in frustration.

"William, I have almost reached that peak you took me to before, and I am aching with need for you to continue touching me, so if you are willing, then so am I," she saw his startled expression at her bold words, "so please … please make me your wife," she begged.

Never a man to want to disappoint his lady love, he gave up the fight and kissed her again not bothering to hide his urgency or his passion as he covered her body completely, and she felt the length of his male organ rubbing gently against her inner lips and caressing her sensitive nub. She arched up against him wanting to increase the delicious contact and groaned in frustration as he continued his slow torture.

Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she reached around and grabbed his buttocks and pulled him closer, almost screaming in triumph when he rubbed her in just the right spot. After a few more seconds of stimulation she felt herself spinning towards the peak again, but William once more stopped, but instead of pulling away he parted her thighs and gently began to enter her.

She felt him begin to fill her heat as he slowly thrust in and out, going deeper on every thrust until she felt him pause and realized he was straining to hold himself in check. His muscles were tense and his face held a fine sheen of sweat.

"This … ," he said tightly, his jaw clenched as if in pain. "this may hurt a bit … I'm sorry," he moaned before he thrust into her fully and she felt a searing pain which caused her to cry out.

He remained still as she grew more accustomed to his size; the pain slowly began to ebb away and she realized she felt quite full … and she felt very, very close to him.

It was an exhilarating feeling.

She noticed that William was panting heavily while still holding himself still, and could have sworn she heard him mutter something about Caroline Bingley … but she knew that couldn't be right.

"Its okay William, it doesn't hurt anymore … it feels very good," she breathed into his ear.

That was all the confirmation he needed, and he began to slowly move in and out once again, and the feeling she had thought merely good escalated into a feeling so intense she wrapped her legs around his back and lifted her hips up to meet his. This encouraged him to pump into her harder and deeper and she could hear him muttering, "So tight and hot … so wet … so good … Oh Elizabeth … my love."

The increased friction created an avalanche of sensations deep inside and she could feel her abdomen tightening as she climbed higher and higher … their hips slapping together noisily as he continued to thrust into her in an even more frenzied pace.

"Oh … Elizabeth … ELIZABETH!" he cried out roughly, his hand sliding between then to stroke the small nub of her womanhood … once … twice … and she was over the top. Her body exploded in a rush of sound and light as warmth filled her and she screamed out his name.

She could feel her insides spasm with the intensity of her release and she felt him thrust into her one final time before shuddering violently and collapsing on top of her, both of them struggling to catch their breath.

He lifted himself up onto his elbows to relieve her of his weight, and she immediately missed the contact. She was enjoying the feel of the warm aftershocks still coursing through her body with him still buried deeply inside of her … she felt connected to him in the most visceral yet deeply spiritual way, and was loathe to relinquish her hold on him.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly after they had both begun to breathe easier. He looked down at her and softly brushed a lock of hair off her face before gently kissing her swollen lips.

"I am quite well actually," she responded dreamily as she kissed him back, still wallowing in the afterglow of such intense pleasure.

"That was … incandescently perfect," she murmured as she kissed him again, using his immobility to her advantage as she rained small kisses along his chin and jawline, slowly working her way up to his neck before sucking on his earlobe … where, she quickly discovered, he was highly sensitive.

She could feel him growing harder inside of her and she gently thrust her hips to show she had noticed, enjoying his groan of pleasure at the movement.

"Woman … are you trying to kill me?" he asked rhetorically before he captured her mouth in a deep kiss.