Hi, readers sorry it's been awhile, I hurt my wrist so I couldn't write for a little while. Also, my beta reader hasn't gotten back to me since chapter 23 (It's a crazy time for everyone, I know, I just hope she's ok) so please be understanding of any editting/grammar issues. Thank you and I hope that you like it!

.

.

.

.

Chapter 27

Jane was a vision, a glimpse of heaven to tease earth's inhabitants. Elizabeth felt her throat tighten and her eyes threaten to overflow as she watched her sister walk up the aisle with their father. Jane was beautifully but simply dressed as the serious occasion dictated. Her dress was a perfect blue that matched her eyes exactly. Her golden hair shone and her smile lit the entire church.

Elizabeth tore her eyes away from her sister and glanced up the aisle to where Charles awaited his bride. That man's expression of love was perfectly satisfactory and with a smile Elizabeth glanced across the aisle and saw that Mr. Darcy was watching neither of the honored couple but watching her instead. Elizabeth blushed and glanced down then caught herself and boldly smiled back. The two shared an intimate smile before Jane's steps brought her between them and they turned their attention back to the ceremony.

Mr. Bennet set Jane's hand into Mr. Bingley's. The two turned to the clergymen and the ceremony began with the reading from the Common Book of Prayer.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained…"

Elizabeth had heard the Solemnization of Matrimony many times and while friendly, Mr. Kinsley's dry, aging voice did not inspire close attention. She soon found herself struggling to pay attention and not sneak glances across the aisle at Mr. Darcy. She knew she ought not and that this was a special moment for Jane but she found her eyes quite unreasonable to these considerations. It did not help that when they strayed they often found connection in the eyes of Mr. Darcy.

The night before, Charles and Mr. Darcy had come for dinner. It had been terribly difficult to hide her joy at her engagement but she had persevered. And then, when she had walked him out after dinner, he had whispered for her to meet him at 'their' fence.

In her excitement she had almost as much trouble as Jane getting to sleep. They drank a little wine together and talked late into the night. It was a delightful memory of their last night together. But despite being tired, she had still woken with the dawn, gotten dressed and rushed to 'their' fence.

Now, in the brightly lit, reverent church Elizabeth was embarrassed that she could not stop remembering their time together that morning.

She had arrived first and after a few minutes spent leaning against the fence had decided to sit on the top of it to get a better view and a place to sit. It was not ladylike by any means but it would not be the first time Mr. Darcy had caught her in a less than ladylike behavior. It was a little chilly in the early morning breeze but she hardly noticed, especially when she finally caught sight of him riding up.

It was all Elizabeth could do to remain where she was and not run to him, for even the few seconds between them felt too long. Finally he drew near and swung down effortlessly from Maximus's back.

"Elizabeth, darling, why are you up there in the wind? Are you not cold?"

"I am not. Good morning, sir," she returned with a smile. She suddenly realized that she was eye-to-eye with him, perhaps even just a little bit higher; a new position to be sure.

He stepped closer to the fence and held out his hands. "Allow me to help you from your perch, lovely bird."

Elizabeth felt a little mischievous and shook her head. "No, indeed. This seems like something a hunter would say."

His answering smile was everything Elizabeth wanted to see and her heart leapt. He took another step forward and set his hands on the fence on either side of her.

"Oh, but little bird, you can trust me," he said in a low voice that, to Elizabeth, felt particularly untrustworthy.

Elizabeth smiled down at him without answering, drawn to him and delighting in sharing this perfect moment. Then before she knew it, she had leaned down and kissed his lips. She was surprised at her own boldness but his enthusiastic response was all the encouragement she needed. She was unsure at first, as always before it had been him kissing her. But soon her cautious pecks became longer presses, caresses and then she risked a little lick to his bottom lip.

She heard him groan against her lips but rather than pulling away, she felt herself caught up in his arms. She was still sitting on the fence but he held her tightly against him and she felt as if her entire world had become him. Somehow her hands ended up on his shoulders, one of them threaded into his hair at his nape. She felt his hands on her back, sometimes stroking, sometimes holding her tight. His lips were insistent on hers, kissing with almost bruising intensity. Elizabeth gasped for breath and he left her mouth to kiss down her neck. The feeling of that caused her to shudder, but in a pleasant way she had never felt before. He kissed all the way to the neckline of her dress then stopped and returned to her lips.

He tilted his head and kissed her deeper than before. Her mouth opened automatically and suddenly she felt his tongue brush hers. She stilled in confusion as he began to kiss her in an entirely new way. He felt her stillness and, after a few more seconds, pulled back, kissing her more softly. His kisses became pecks, then he lifted her carefully from the fence, setting her down on the ground and hugging her tight. caress

She heard him sigh and then murmur an apology for getting carried away. Elizabeth could not quite vocalize her perfect satisfaction with his scandalous behavior but shook her head.

"You are not offended?" he had whispered.

She shook her head again. And he had squeezed her even tighter.

Now sitting the church she had been raised in, next to her parents, before Mr. Kinsley, Elizabeth knew that she was blushing each time she caught Mr. Darcy's eyes.

She had not regretted it at the time but now wished she could think of something else!

"...Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: and walk in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be. Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine: upon the walls of thine house. Thy children like the olive-branches: round about thy table. Lo, thus shall the man be blessed: that feareth the Lord. The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee: that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.." entoned Mr. Kinsley as Elizabeth struggled to listen to him.

The psalm ended and Jane and Charles knelt before the altar for their prayer.

Elizabeth could feel Mr. Darcy's eyes on her again but clenched her hands together tightly and kept her attention on each and every word that Mr. Kinsley said, carefully considering them and allowing for no other thoughts to intrude.

With careful attention to the solemn words from the Book of Prayer, Elizabeth was able to sit still and composed for the rest of the ceremony without embarrassing herself. The marriage itself ended and Jane and Charles took communion together, then wrote their names in the wedding registry.

All of the Bennets, Hursts, Darcys, Philips, Gardeners and Miss Bingley arose as well and filed past the registry, adding their names as witnesses to the marriage. Jane and Charles were both smiling but remained composed as they calmly thanked Mr. Kinsley for his service.

Then the couple exited the church with the rest of the party following after. The moment the church doors opened there were shouts and cheers from those gathered in front. Jane and Charles paused at the top of the stairs and waved to the crowd, smiling and laughing together. Nearly everyone they knew, and many they didn't, had gathered outside the church. The Longs, the Collinses, the Moores, many of the town merchants, Longbourn tenants and anyone else who had nothing better to do on a Wednesday morning.

Bingley caught Jane's hand and pulled her into the crowd. Elizabeth laughed to see Jane holding on to her circlet of flowers and running alongside Mr. Bingley while their friends and neighbors threw rice and seeds to rain down upon them. As they reached the end of the walkway, the downpour ended and they slowed. Soon the new Bingleys were surrounded by friends and family and led the way down the road between the church and Longbourn.

Everyone was laughing and calling out to each other, cheering and congratulating both families. There were children laughing and running around, then someone began to sing.

Elizabeth glanced back and saw Mr. Darcy walking with Georgiana a few feet behind the Bennets. She hesitated for a moment, worried that she shouldn't leave her family so publicly or that she might be flustered to be near him. But both fears were overwhelmed by her desire to share this wonderful moment with him. She stopped and turned, forcing the Darcys to stop as well. Then she smiled and stepped between them, entwining her arm with Georgiana and taking Mr. Darcy's arm.

"Oh, Elizabeth! Are they not the loveliest pair you have ever seen?" Georgiana exclaimed.

"Indeed they are! Jane is always beautiful, but even I, who should be used to it by now, nearly had my breath taken away when she entered the church."

"I know that it is Jane's wedding day, but may I add that you, Miss Elizabeth, look very lovely today as well," added Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth glanced up at him and then immediately away, blushing and looking down at her skirt. It was the mauve one that she had ordered with her aunt's help. It did indeed, she thought, look well on her. But she could not withstand a compliment from Mr. Darcy in any seriousness right now or she would wilt with embarrassment.

Elizabeth laughed with apparent ease. "Thank you, good sir, but I believe as much could be said for all of us. It is a wedding after all; one must dress nicely!"

Georgiana giggled and said, "True. I had this dress specially made. What do you think?"

It was a very gentle color of lavender, beautifully made but still of an almost childish cast that reflected that she was not yet out. It was elegant without even trying, and Elizabeth said so to Georgiana's pleasure.

"Perhaps in the future we can plan our dresses together," Georgiana said with a knowing tone.

Elizabeth was a little confused and glanced between the siblings. Mr. Darcy looked a little chagrined and leaned down close to her ear and whispered, "I could not keep our good news from my sister. Pray do not be upset."

Elizabeth was surprised but realized she should not be. She could never have kept the news from Jane had it not been the night before her wedding. Elizabeth gave Mr. Darcy a reassuring smile, then leaned her head close to her future sister. "Of course we will. I cannot wait to be your sister and do all types of fun sisterly things with you!"

Georgiana all but skipped and she was smiling so wide that Elizabeth could not mistake her joy. "I have always longed for a sister, but I never could have imagined a better one. Though I should have known that my brother would choose no one but the best."

Elizabeth laughed, but she wondered if perhaps Georgiana's complete faith and admiration for Mr. Darcy was how he had expected Elizabeth to behave. As this was his most significant female relationship, Elizabeth could imagine why she had surprised him so much by asking to be part of her own decisions. Shrugging off the thought Elizabeth and the Darcys chatted and laughed together all the way back to Longbourn.

At Longbourn, the large parlor had been completely emptied of furniture and strung with flowers. The adjacent dining room had also been filled with flowers and decorations but had kept the furniture. It was their formal dining room and was large enough to be easily capable of all their guests. Mrs. Bennet herded everyone to breakfast right away. She had wanted it to be a formal breakfast to show off her status and fashion, but Jane, in a rare show of stubborness, had insisted on keeping it a casual, country breakfast. Thus everyone sat where they wished and when the food was brought out, everyone ate freely and joyfully.

It was an impressive meal indeed. There was every special dish and treat one could think of, both domestic and exotic: hot rolls and ham, strawberries with cream, eggs and puddings, bath cakes, two pyramids of hot-house nectarines, plum cake and honey cake, cheese and cold cuts and even more. And to drink there was tea and coffee, wine and ale and fragrant drinking chocolate.

Even Caroline seemed impressed and everyone set upon the scrupulous meal with vigor. As the meal began to wane, Mary and the two hired girls from town went to the parlor to play music. Mary played the piano and there was a fiddler and a singer as well. Jane and Charles were delightful to watch as they laughed and smiled at everyone but especially at each other. Charles made sure that Jane wanted for nothing and constantly asked if there was anything she wished. Jane could think of nothing she wished for while he was next to her. Neither person seemed to mind the chorus of laughs and groans that followed any of these statements.

Elizabeth had sat herself near Jane and joined in the laughs and groans alike. Mr. Darcy had sat a little ways down but close enough they could still share smiles often. Mrs. Bennet had drunk a little too much but was being tended to by her sister Mrs. Philips. Mr. Bennet just looked tired. The chaos, ceremony and 'loss' of his daughter all seemed to weigh on him. Added to all this was the resentfulness he seemed to feel, judging by the glances that he often sent towards Mr. Darcy. Despite their agreement to keep the engagement quiet, Mr. Darcy had, of course, informed Mr. Bennet the night before. Mr. Bennet could not but agree and yet Elizabeth knew that he was not eager for her to leave.

Soon playful dancing broke out in the parlor and Elizabeth caught an alarmed Georgiana's hand and pulled her into the jig. Georgiana knew the steps but seemed amazed to be doing them. They danced and laughed, the participants growing from just an energetic few to most of the younger set, even Charlotte and Mr. Collins and Jane and Charles joined in.

When Elizabeth took a small break to rest her feet, she found Mr. Darcy uncomfortably surrounded by men from the town, alternating between invasive questions and praise for his help in the town. Elizabeth slipped up casually beside him by bringing him a cup of tea, and then easily redirected the conversation to easier things. She stayed near him for almost a half hour, fielding appropriate questions and playfully redirecting personal ones.

Then there were toasts made to the happy couple and a long, awkwardly solemn speech by Mr. Collins. After that there was dessert served on a side table. Most people sat down to partake but many continued about the room, talking and celebrating.

After a while Jane approached Elizabeth and asked her to help her freshen up and pack the last of her things as Mr. Bingley was about ready to leave.

As the sister went upstairs, Elizabeth realized she might not see Jane for a few days and knew that she didn't want Jane to be the last to know of the engagement, nor to hear of it through gossip. As soon as they reached their room Elizabeth let Jane know the exciting news.

"Truly? Oh, Lizzy, I thought for sure I could not be any happier but now, to learn of your joy as well! Oh Lizzy, I am so happy for you!" Jane hugged her tightly, tears of joy threatening her perfect complection. "When did this happen? Just now or on the way back from the church?"

"No, and I am glad of that. Either of those scenarios would have been awkward indeed. No, it was yesterday morning."

Jane pulled back and stared at Elizabeth, her surprise quickly shifting to hurt. "Why did you not tell me?"

Elizabeth suddenly realized how it might feel for Jane that she had kept it from her. She had gotten so used to hiding the state of her relationship with Mr. Darcy that it hadn't felt of much consequence to hide the engagement. "Please do not be hurt, Jane dearest! I wasn't keeping it from you but rather, I did not wish to distract you from your wedding."

"Why would you feel that way? Why would you think that I cared more about my wedding than I do about you? Thank you for trying to consider my wishes, but truly, I would not wish my wedding to overshadow your news. I am so happy for you and you mustn't wait another minute to announce it!"

"Oh, no, I certainly cannot. I just wanted you to know because we will probably announce it soon and I did not wish for you to hear it from anyone but me!"

"Thank you again for trying to consider me but I would not have you announce it without me! My wedding is important to me but it would sadden me to not be there with you for such an important moment in your life."

Elizabeth looked into Jane's earnest expression. "Are you sure? Truly, truly sure? I feel no desire to do it today. I am completely satisfied with my own happiness."

"You are satisfied to not share it with me?"

"N-no…" Elizabeth answered, realizing that Jane was right and she would like to share that moment with her.

"Then I will finish packing myself and you go arrange this," Jane said.

Elizabeth hugged her again quickly and hurried down to the party. She approached Mr. Darcy, who was surrounded uncomfortably again, and gently pulled him away. She caught her father as well and explained Jane's wishes.

Jane's wish was easily agreed to and so when she rejoined the party a few moments later, Mr. Bennet called for a toast. Charles and Jane were standing with him and Elizabeth was on his other side. Mr. Darcy stood only a few steps away, waiting patiently. Elizabeth was struck by the expression in his eyes. His face was still serious as it usually was in public but his eyes were soft and happy. A slight smile touched his mouth as he watched her attentively.

"Friends, neighbors, family… It seems I am beset by rogues of late. And worst yet, my daughters are determined to have them as well! So not only do I have to say goodbye to my Jane, but I must prepare to do that same for another."

The crowd held its reaction for another breath as Mr. Bennet enjoyed his moment to tease them by taking a sip of his wine. Then he said with a smile, "Well, of course I have given him my consent. He is the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything. So what can I do but announce the engagement of my daughter Elizabeth with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy?"

Mrs. Bennet's shriek of delight was nearly drowned out by the general applause and well wishes. Mr. Darcy stepped up close to Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet took Elizabeth's hand and placed it in Mr. Darcy's.

He was only able to hold it for one tender, special moment and then they were surrounded by well-wishers. Jane was crying happy tears and Mrs. Bennet was just crying in general. Mr. Darcy and Charles shook hands, Charles enthusing over and over about finally being brothers in law as well as spirit.

Elizabeth saw that Mr. Darcy was a little awkward as everyone clapped him on the back and shook his hand. But when she caught his eye, he smiled a full-dimpled smile and she knew that they were together in the joy they were feeling. For several moments there was chaos as everyone in the room individually wished them joy, then there was suddenly a shout from the entrance way as one observant guest caught Charles and Jane trying to slip away unnoticed.

The crowd immediately abandoned them to give chase to the departing couple, shouting encouragement, bawdy advice and cheers. Elizabeth started to follow after and felt her hand caught. When she looked up it was into the smiling face of her fiancé. My fiancé! How well that sounds!

Together they followed the rest of the party, waving, throwing rice and shoes at the departing Bingley carriage. Just before they were out of sight, Elizabeth was embarrassed to see Charles lean over and kiss his new bride.

After the carriage was out of sight, the party slowly trickled back into Longbourn. Most guests would stay quite a bit longer, eating, drinking and celebrating. Elizabeth stood for a few minutes looking at the empty road. She knew that Jane was only three miles away but it suddenly felt very far away indeed.

At first Mr. Darcy stood with her, then with a murmur that he would return momentarily, he left. Elizabeth knew she should return to the party but felt exhausted and a little emotional so she slowly walked around the small front gardens to refresh herself.

As she neared the end of her circle, Mr. Darcy returned. She saw him exit Longbourn, look around for her and stride over, his steps quick and his smile warm. As he neared, Elizabeth held her hand out to him, not caring if anyone saw now that they were engaged. He caught her hand and gave her knuckles a quick kiss.

"I have arranged for Georgiana to return to Netherfield with Mrs. Bingley in my carriage."

"What about you? How will you get back?"

"It is a quick trip. The driver will return for me in about an hour, if that is acceptable to you. I was hoping to have some private conversation with you before I go, for, as I told you, I intend to leave for London tomorrow."

Elizabeth had also been hoping for an opportunity to speak with him but worried that she would be missed by her parents and so hesitated looking back toward Longbourn.

"I already informed your mother that we were both wishing for a little fresh air and would walk around a little and then return," he assured her.

Elizabeth smiled up at him. She liked how he knew what he wanted, made a plan for it and then resolved any barriers to it. She loved the determination, responsibility and precision that was Mr. Darcy's usual behavior. It made her feel safe in a way that she had never enjoyed with any other. "Come then, Mr. Darcy, perhaps you would enjoy a view of the south fields?"

He laughed and it filled her with satisfaction. For a few minutes they walked in silence, gaining distance from the house and the party and taking easy comfort in the presence of the other. As they entered a more sheltered path, Mr. Darcy said, "I do not know how long I will be gone, but I hope- It is my wish that when I return, I do not have to wait long to marry you."

Elizabeth could not help the rush of joy, embarrassment and excitement that followed his words and kept her eyes trained on the path so that he would not see her blush.

"To that end, I hope you will forgive my selfishness. I would ask that you begin the preparations without me. I spoke to your father about this briefly last night and, with your permission, will also consult with your mother on our return."

"I have no objections," Elizabeth said.

"In my stead, I hope that you will allow Georgiana help you make our plans. She very much hopes to help you and would probably be more useful in these sorts of things than me in any case."

"Mr. Darcy, I hope you will not mistake me for having no trust in you… but I must say, this sudden need to go to London for an uncertain amount of time does seem to align rather fortunately with a lot of social obligations and wedding planning," said a teasing Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth!" Mr. Darcy said, with feigned horror. "It is my solemn duty and heavy responsibility to assist in the search for Wi- for that man. It pains me that I cannot spend the next fortnight in days of serious contemplation on the merits of laces and flowers with your mother. Truly, it pains me!"

Elizabeth laughed, delighted at his return of her tease. "I am sure. You poor man."

His teasing expression faded and he said more earnestly, "Though I joke - and am certain that some aspects would be difficult for me - I am very saddened to be parted from you. I wish nothing more than to be able to see you every day and plan our future together."

"I know."

"And what I can do, I will. I intend to send out the announcement to the London paper immediately after I arrive, so it should be published Friday or perhaps Saturday. I shall have my lawyer draw up the marriage papers and write my home parish to call the banns for us. Also, now that we are engaged, we can write to each other freely. If there is anything you wish for my input on, you need only write me and I will answer as quickly as I am able."

"You will have him immediately start the calling of the banns? If he starts this Sunday then we could be married as early as the fifteenth, and June is a wonderful month to have a wedding, but do you believe that all your business will be done by then?"

"I do indeed. It is my hope that it will not take half as much time."

"And will we be married from Longbourn?"

At Mr. Darcy's assent, Elizabeth continued, saying, "Then, yes, I think between my mother, your sister and myself, we can manage the planning. After all, no matter how necessary, most of the other details are cosmetic."

"And I shall wear whatever I am told to wear."

"Truly, whatever you are told to wear?" replied Elizabeth with a mischievous smile.

Mr. Darcy shook his head in affected exasperation. "What ever shall I do with you?"

"What do you wish to do to me?" Elizabeth meant to tease but instantly realized the flirtatious challenge in her words. Her first impulse was to withdraw her statement but a new, excited side of her quelled that thought and she was silent.

He halted his steps and turned to face her. His expression was serious rather than flirtatious. "Were it the sixteenth of June, I would show you."

Elizabeth was surprised and took a step back. But rather than allowing the distance between them to grow, Mr. Darcy shadowed her step. Elizabeth felt her heartbeat pick up with both trepidation and excitement. Unconsciously, she took another step back. Mr. Darcy took three quick steps and caught her with one hand on the small of her back.

He smiled down at her. "Are you so easily frightened of me?"

Elizabeth knew he was goading her but still felt her courage rise at his challenge and shook her head. "Not a bit, Mr. Darcy. I was only worried for your reputation."

They both looked back up the path despite knowing it was empty, out of sight and far from the party. The glance confirmed this though and Mr. Darcy gave her a playful glare. "That is a weak excuse, dearest, and didn't we already decide not to be so formal in private?"

As he spoke he leaned in just a little, and Elizabeth felt her stomach tighten with anticipation. She remembered their conversation but still hesitated. It had been hard enough to learn to call Charles by his first name and her whole family had been doing it. Mr. Darcy was still an intimidating person in her mind and calling him by his first name felt both too flippant and too intimate. But he was waiting, expectantly, for her to reply.

Elizabeth quickly glanced back up and down the sheltered path and, finding it empty, said, "Indeed we did, Fitzwilliam, and no, I am not the least bit afraid."

His lips were on hers immediately, forcefully and passionately kissing her with an intensity that took her by surprise. He had been so restrained just seconds ago. She took a few steps back without thinking but he followed her and then wrapped his arms around her. His arms around her were warm and strong but not forceful and his kiss gentled as well. Elizabeth slipped her hands up to his shoulders and forgot all else. She closed her eyes and savored the feel of his lips on hers. They were warm and loving, pressing and caressing her lips. His hand went up to cradle the back of her head and he deepened the kiss. His tongue slipped in to brush hers but this time she was prepared for it and tried to copy his movements. The intensity grew again and now Eliabeth was an active participant and matched him kiss for kiss, touch for touch.

She was suddenly aware that she had leaned her body against his completely and could feel her breasts pressed against him. Even their legs were touching and, embarrassed, she stumbled back.

"Elizabeth!" he gasped and caught her just as she felt something brush the back of her dress. Before she could react he had turned them both around she could see that she had almost backed into a tree. The tree was large and even the lowest branches were higher than Mr. Darcy's head. Elizabeth realized that they had somehow left the path and were now mostly surrounded by trees. She looked back at Mr. Darcy, her breath coming in quick gasps from both the kissing and surprise.

His eyes had not lost their fierce expression and without a word he leaned his back against the tree trunk and gave her hand a little tug. Smiling, Elizabeth stepped back into his arms. With one arm he held her close and with the other hand he undid her bonnet and let it drop to the ground. Then he was kissing her again, not one bit of the passion lost from a moment ago. The hand on the back of her head slid down to join the other around her waist and he tucked her closer to his body. His physical response to the mood was obvious and she gasped. But he did not let up on his kisses, merely moved from her lips to her neck.

He had kissed her neck last time but it hadn't felt like this before. Without even realizing it, she arched against him. Suddenly one of his hands came up and pulled her wrap from around her shoulders, baring more of her neck and chest. Elizabeth did not even think to object but then one of his hands held her breast and it felt- it felt incredible. Elizabeth froze for a moment and then kissed his jaw. His lips came back up and captured hers again in enthusiastic response.

Elizabeth's head spun. She had never felt like this, she- she needed more, more kisses, more touches. One of his arms was still anchoring her to him while the other seemed to be exploring her. It gently massaged her breast and then smoothed down her side, brushed her hip and slid down to her rear. Elizabeth jumped when he surprised her by tightly squeezing her bottom.

She didn't pull away but his hand retreated to the safe position at small of her back and he broke the kiss to look down at her. Both of them were panting and Elizabeth was mesmerized by the expression of warmth and passion in Mr. Darcy's eyes.

She lifted up on her toes just a little and closed the distance between them to continue to kiss him. He kissed her back but there was a feeling of restraint there hadn't been before. She pulled back a little and looked up at him, wondering at his reaction. But as she pulled away she was suddenly aware of her surroundings again, that she was in her best dress, in the forest, where anyone could suddenly come upon them, her outerwear stripped off and kissing a man.

She jumped away from him and turned to grab her wrap that had fallen to the forest floor, and then her bonnet that had rolled a few feet away. She pulled both of them on and looked at Mr. Darcy. He had his back to her and didn't turn when quietly called out his name. For a silent moment Elizabeth was embarrassed and confused but then he turned around and smiled tenderly at her. He came closer, stroked her arms and kissed her forehead.

"I will no longer apologize for getting carried away. You will soon be my wife and, of course, I desire you. But I do apologize for the location, pulling you into a forest like this is against my dignity and yours. At least take comfort in knowing that I will be punished every night in my dreams by these memories of you while I am away."