Darcy heard a light rap on his door. Setting his book down, he crossed the room to open it. On the other side stood his wife, wearing only her night clothes and a nervous expression. Her feet were bare and her dark brown hair fell about her shoulders. Her impromptu appearance could only mean one thing.
"Good evening," Darcy murmured. "Would you like to come inside? It must be cold in the hallway."
Elizabeth stepped carefully into his room. He led her to his chair by the fireplace. Silence passed between them for a few moments. Since their return home from Longbourn, there had been an unspoken understanding between them. Darcy knew his wife wanted more from their relationship. He had bid his time until she let him know for sure. Her coming to him tonight let him know that the long wait was finally over.
Elizabeth moved to the edge of her seat. Moistening her lips, she began, "I want..."
"I know," Darcy replied. Not wishing to wait a moment longer, he bent down and claimed her lips with his own. Helping her to her feet, he guided her towards the bed. Her dressing gown and his own were removed by the time her back hit the bed. Hovering above her, he stopped to stare into the sparkling eyes that had made him fall so deeply in love. He gently swept the hair from her brow. "I love you," he whispered.
She gifted him with a smile that made his heart skip a beat and then lifted her face to kiss him sweetly. "Much to my chagrin, I find that I love you too."
"Must you always have a clever retort?" he teased.
"Why yes. That is one reason why you love me, is it not?"
He grinned back at her. "Yes, but at this moment I have another occupation for your mouth that is infinitely preferable."
Leaning back down, he captured her mouth once more and even if Elizabeth had wanted, she was incapable of articulating a witty response for quite a long time.
Elizabeth snuggled into the warmth of her husband's chest. How odd and strangely delightful the physical side of marriage was. It had been slightly painful and uncomfortable as her mother had warned, but it was not nearly so awful as her mother had depicted.
Although the act itself was awkward, the actions leading up to it were most pleasant. She smiled, remembering her husband's exploratory fingers and mouth. He had touched her in places and ways that made her blush.
Now, as she lay curled into his side, she wondered how often they would engage in such activity.
"I am sorry that I could not spare you the pain. I have been told a woman's first time can be painful."
"Do you think we made a baby?" she asked. The possibility pleased her to no end. She had never really given much thought to being a mother, but found the thought of having a child with her husband a happy thought indeed.
"Maybe, but it is doubtful. The timing has to be just right. It can take some couples many months to conceive. We will have to work at it again and again." Kissing her neck, he said, "Thank you for tonight. You were...delightful. You gave me such pleasure," he groaned. "I promise that next time I will make you feel the same as well."
Elizabeth's hand rubbed a slow circle on her husband's chest. "It was not... That is to say... It was uncomfortable, but it was not awful. There were some parts that were quite pleasant."
Darcy nuzzled his wife's ear, gently nipping it. "Is that so?" he asked.
"Yes," Elizabeth blushed, thankful for the cover of darkness. "I am quite tired. I believe we must go to sleep."
A chuckle broke through the night air. "Yes, you must be quite tired."
Elizabeth started to rise from the bed, but a strong hand grasped her arm. "Where are you going, Mrs. Darcy?"
"Back to my own room, of course."
Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her back to bed. "I am afraid I can not allow that, my dear wife. I find that now that I have had you in my arms it simply will not do for you to be anywhere else."
"My maid will be worried when she comes to help me in the morning," she protested. "How will she know where to find me?"
"I am certain she will figure it out or my manservant will inform her of your whereabouts. Now, my Lizzy, I am quite exhausted from our earlier exertions. Might we try for a few hours sleep before we must rise?"
Elizabeth nodded and slowly scooted back to his side.
Minutes later when he had succumbed to sleep, she whispered, "I do so love you."