Thursday May 26, 1813 – Darcy House

It had taken Elizabeth but a few days to realize that she could take as much pleasure from their intimacies as her husband. That he was pleased when the initiative came from her had been particularly gratifying and their days in London had quickly fallen into a pattern which pleased them both. After breakfasting together they would venture out, if the weather permitted, for a long walk or a tour of the city. When it did not, they were quite content to read together in the library.

They could not divorce themselves from the world outside completely. Nor did they want to do so. William's business affairs would intrude and some transactions of an urgent nature had to be addressed but he was resolute in limiting himself only to such. When he was so engaged, she met with Mrs. Hodgkins to review the household accounts and begin her role as Mistress. She was aware of a growing pile of invitations but they had agreed to limit themselves to the ball and dinners with the Matlocks and the Gardiners. The knocker on their door would not go up until the day following the ball and they planned to depart for Pemberley a day later.

One morning after breakfast Darcy had to attend to some urgent business in his study. Elizabeth had been pleased to sit and read in the room with him but, after an hour had passed and it looked like he would be engaged for some time more, she had left the room. After another hour had passed, he signed the final letter and, after consigning his correspondence to the post, went in search of his wife. When the library and music room failed to disclose her, he inquired of Mr. Reynolds where she might be found. On being told that Mrs. Darcy was last seen entering the billiard room, he made haste in that direction.

The muffled clack of billiard balls being struck could be heard through the closed door. With a grin on his face, he eased the door open to be greeted by a sight which froze him completely. Elizabeth was bent over the billiard table, lining up to strike the cue ball, her bottom - delectably clothed in a light green morning dress – was presented to his eyes. Unable to breathe, he watched her strike the cue ball. "Nice shot but I think she hit it too hard." And so it was. The ball that was struck did indeed end in the pocket but the cue ball was struck too hard and came to rest in a poor position for the next shot. "I don't think she can hit the cue ball – she is too short."

"Merde"

The soft explicative from Elizabeth caught Darcy by surprise. He had just learned something new. He silently closed the door and then watched with some amazement as Elizabeth hitched her dress up slightly and perched her bottom on the edge of the table in order to lean forward and make the next shot. By this time Darcy's eyebrows had virtually disappeared into his hair line. It was all he could do not to walk up behind her and plant a kiss on the back of her neck while his hands became occupied with those parts of her body that currently had attracted his attention.

After Elizabeth had taken her shot, unsuccessfully he noted, she hopped down off the edge of the table turning as she did so which brought her face-to-face with Darcy who had taken several quiet steps into the room. A deep blush overtook her countenance as she recognized the desire in her husband's eyes. She skittered away from him and began to walk around the table. He followed.

"Where did you learn to play, Lizzy?"

Not looking at him, she answered, "I have watched you play on several occasions when you did not realize I was present."

"I believe you missed your last shot, did you not? That would make it my turn." With which his hand slid gently down her arm to grasp her hand holding the cue stick. Taking it from her, his other hand brushed across her bottom before he moved away to take his turn. Upon being successful he glanced at Elizabeth, on whose mien had appeared a most determined look and a small smile as she looked at him. As he moved to position himself for his next shot he felt her presence behind him and, as he lined up the cue stick, suddenly felt her hand upon his own bottom. As he tried to concentrate on striking the cue ball her slid down to the inside of his thigh and then moved upwards. Unable to stop the motion of his arm, the cue ball went he knew not where.

"I believe, Mr. Darcy, that it is now my turn."

"Minx!"

A gurgle from Elizabeth as she relieved him of the cue stick was his only consolation. She strolled around to the other side of the table and leaned forward to take her shot. He could not be sure but it did appear that she was deliberately prolonging the time that she did so. For a very obvious reason, he knew. Her dress was quite modest but the neckline did expose the upper part of her bosom and was sufficiently loose that it fell open as she leaned forward. That she was not wearing stays became immediately obvious and his breath caught in his throat once more.

Taking her shot – successfully – and acting quite oblivious to her husband - she moved to position herself for another. As she did so, Darcy found that indeed his limbs could function and almost without realizing he had done so, found himself standing behind his wife bent over the table, her bottom once more most advantageously positioned. He stepped so close that they almost touched. That she was aware of his presence he knew – he could hear her breathing quicken. His hands slid over her bottom, hips and upwards – stroking and caressing as they moved. He leaned forward to nibble on her neck, murmuring, "I believe that…."

Before he could finish, she had dropped the cue stick and turned in his arms forcing him to stand straight. Her hands came around his neck and her lips sought his. He grasped her waist in his hands and lifted her to settle on the edge of the table. Nudging her legs apart he positioned himself between them as their kiss deepened. He was about to raise her skirts when her hands grasped his hair and pulled his head firmly back to remove his lips.

Panting she gasped, "Not here….not like this."

Realizing the impropriety, the risks attached to the position that he had placed them in, he lifted her down from the table and taking a firm hold of her hand practically ran towards their bedchambers dragging a laughing Elizabeth behind. Within minutes they were joined on his bed, still clothed. The ferocity of their lovemaking surprising them both. Afterwards, Darcy collapsed by her side and buried his face in the bed sheets. They spoke not for several minutes before Darcy could find the words he sought, "You must forgive me. I was a savage….tell me I did not hurt you."

Elizabeth did not respond for several moments as she considered her response, "I am not hurt at all. I quite enjoyed it, you know. Could you not tell? If you are a…a savage, then so must I be." She paused briefly before continuing, "I would not wish this every time but I quite enjoyed seeing you become so undone." She stroked his head and forced him to look at her. Kissing him, she repeated her words, "I quite enjoyed it. You must have seen that?"

She levered herself out of his arms and swung her legs to the floor, "I think I must get out of these clothes." Saying which she proceed to divest herself of her clothes and slid back under the bed coverings. Darcy was not slow to follow her example and joined her there.

"Lizzy, I do have one question."

"Hmmmm?"

"Where did you learn the word 'merde'?"

A deep chortle came from Elizabeth, "You can place the blame directly on John Goulding."

"How so?"

"Well, John was a playmate when I was much younger. He learned it from his father and told me what it meant." She laughed softly, "He also learned, and told me, about when not to speak it. He used the word in the presence of his mother and sisters. Unfortunately for John, his mother knew what it meant and informed his father. As John explained it, he caught a double punishment. One for using the word and a second for doing so in front of his sisters. John told me he had to sleep on his stomach for two nights. Needless to say, I only use it when I think I am alone."

Darcy chuckled and propping himself up on his elbow looked down at his wife. "I suggest that is a good idea. Of course, you can use it with me. I am not likely to be too offended." As he spoke his hand began to stroke and caress her. It was not long before they were both fully absorbed in their lovemaking and the result was as much unlike the earlier effort as was possible, being a long, slow and gentle loving.

William fulfilled his promise to instruct her in how to play billiards; unfortunately for her mastery of that game, those sessions always seemed to be concluded in his bed. She was sure that they had yet to complete a game but, as his Aunt Catherine frequently stated, with sufficient practice she was sure she could be truly proficient although, with a suppressed giggle, she thought perhaps the proficiency might not involve billiards.

Their most public outing had been to attend church on Sunday morning. St. Alban's was a smallish local church attended by a variety of local families of disparate stations. It was not frequented by many of the ton and hence provided no opportunity to see and be seen which may be the primary reason to attend religious services by that section of society. For the Darcys, the absence of such society enhanced the pleasure that they found in attending the service. Indeed, St. Alban's most noteworthy feature was the presence of a vigorous and able rector who delivered moving and thoughtful sermons. That day's lesson had been on charity and the need to consider that charity encompassed more than the simple giving of money to the poor but also included active involvement of oneself in helping others. What captured Elizabeth's attention in particular, were his thoughts on being charitable in how one dealt with others on a daily basis. She could think of times when she had exercised her wit, albeit not with the intent to hurt but may have done so nevertheless.

Both Darcy and Elizabeth enjoyed the service and participated with enthusiasm in singing the hymns. Once the service was complete, they were welcomed by the rector and were greeted quietly and with surprising restraint by many of the congregation who had learned of their wedding. The Darcy family had attended St. Alban's for several generations and, if not frequently in attendance because of their residence at Pemberley, they were well recognized and acknowledged as supporters of the church.

Their evenings, apart from the dinners with the Matlocks and Gardiners, were spent ensconced in William's room and frequently in his bed. The staff at Darcy House had become quite used to seeing the Master and Mistress hurrying to his bed chamber and on one or two occasions had encountered Darcy carrying her up the stairs. Their delight in each other was obvious to all and their happiness permeated the house.

Tuesday June 1, 1813 - London

As these things must, the day of the ball hosted by the Duke and Duchess of _ finally arrived. The dinner with the Matlocks had taken place several days previous and had proven helpful to Elizabeth in two ways. She still found it difficult to be at ease in Lord Matlock's presence. Publicly, he had clearly welcomed her into the family but, in private, his reserve was proving harder to overcome. Some of his attitudes she found to be reminiscent of those she had at one time ascribed to her husband. There was a certain distain for those not of his station although, in general, he appeared to be willing to ignore that difference for certain individuals. She had not been in his company enough, however, to sketch his character thoroughly. For the nonce she intended to be civil and pleasant to avoid taking or giving offence. During the dinner she had been seated at his right hand and, after several attempts, had finally succeeded in engaging him in conversation about his duties and interests in the House of Lords. It became obvious from the conversation that he took these responsibilities seriously and had developed a particular interest in military issues – perhaps prompted by his son's career. Their discussion on the role of the army had interested them both and the earl's surprise at her understanding of the campaigns and issues was clear.

Elizabeth had admitted that her father had encouraged he to read the newspapers – particularly Wellington's military dispatches from the Peninsular War and gazetted naval dispatches - and had discussed their content with her. He had even gone so far, she confessed, to buying her a few books written on the history of the war. She was able with a few well directed questions to get the earl to expound on the government's perspective and, if she found herself in silent disagreement on some points, she confined herself to asking probing questions to elicit more information on the reasons for the position adopted.

Later as they sipped tea, she and the countess discussed the ball. Lady Eleanor disclosed that their Graces usually limited the number of invitations to about fifty or sixty couples most of whom would be amongst the most prominent members of the ton. The countess invited Elizabeth to tea the next day to discuss the possible guest list and what she might expect. As the countess expressed it, "You will be scrutined with a critical eye! Expect that, but let us prepare for it also. I will be there to assist you and tomorrow I can impart to you something about most of those that you will encounter." Their subsequent meeting had been of appreciable value and, if she could not remember all that she had been told, enough had been gleaned she thought to allow her to appear comfortable.

Elizabeth could not but be gratified by the willingness of the countess to mentor her in the ways of society. She and her husband had indeed attended the ball and, when Darcy and Elizabeth arrived, had casually but carefully between dance sets, introduced them to various notables. Elizabeth had found the experience both exhilarating and terrifying. All to whom she was introduced were civil and pleasant. Some were inclined to ask rather impertinent questions but she had learned long ago how to deal with such. Of particular importance was the introduction to Lady Jersey, she who was one of the rulers of Almacks, the most prestigious portion of the marriage mart to which Georgiana's access would be most advantageous. Lady Jersey had seemed inclined to be civil and, if the conversation was, for the most part, inconsequential, Lady Matlock appeared satisfied with the encounter when discussing it later.

When she and Darcy had walked on the floor for the first dance, she had been conscious of the many eyes assessing her gown, jewels and her countenance. Her confidence in the first two was essential to the comfort and confidence she displayed. Fortunately, she also had been able to capture Darcy's attention when they first lined up and keeping her eyes focussed on him, induced a small smile and a relaxation of his demeanour and the occasional small smile as they danced. As they wended their way through the various movements of the dance, it became clear to the very least observant of those attending that the Darcys were very much in love with each other.

Since she could dance but three dances with her husband, she had been required to be partnered by other gentlemen. Most were curious as to her background and some were mildly flirtatious, neither of which caused her any particular concern. One of her partners, unfortunately, made a slightly improper suggestion. Her quelling glare seemed to have been sufficient since he disappeared rather rapidly after returning her to Darcy. She returned her husband's quizzical look with the barest shrug of a shoulder. Darcy himself had danced with several ladies, one of whom was the granddaughter of their hosts.

Overall the ball appeared to have been a success for the Darcys. Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of _ had been most welcoming and, according to Lady Matlock, who spoke long and forcibly on the matter the next day, they had been most complimentary when speaking of Elizabeth and Darcy to their guests. Not only had their Graces been complimentary but the morning society page had featured them as well, with much approbation.

Lady Matlock revealed that the main reason for her presence that afternoon was to assist in the calls that they could expect to receive that day. In the hour before callers could be expected to arrive, she and Darcy reviewed most of the cards that had been left and recommended which callers should be admitted.

Later, as the last caller was shown out the door, Elizabeth leaned back in her chair and emitted a huge sigh of relief which as greeted by a laugh from Darcy and an understanding smile from the countess. "Elizabeth, you have done quite well," she opined, "I thought you handled the most difficult ladies as well as could be expected, Lady Sophie was determined to find fault and would not be discouraged. Fortunately she could not be overtly rude. You treated her quite civilly and gave her no grounds for further disparagement." She turned to Darcy, "I did not recognize many of the callers, particularly the gentlemen."

Darcy nodded, "You would not, I dare say. Most were friends from Cambridge with their wives and several were men I have met in my business dealings."

The countess looked a little askance, "You meet your business associates socially?"

"Indeed I do, aunt. I count some of them amongst my closest friends."

The countess appeared a little disconcerted at this news. Elizabeth looked at Darcy and then at his aunt, "Aunt Eleanor, I do not know if you are aware but my closest and favourite aunt and uncle are in trade. They are estimable and genteel people of taste and discernment and will be frequent guests here and at Pemberley. You have met my Aunt Madeline. Her husband, my Uncle Edward, is her equal in every respect." She watched the countess carefully since this aspect of her connections had not been raised before and she had not discussed with her aunt whether the latter had disclosed this fact to Lady Eleanor whose reaction, when it came, was cautious, "I found Mrs. Gardiner to be quite ladylike and would be interested to meet Mr. Gardiner."

With this Elizabeth was willing to be satisfied and before long the countess called for her carriage and departed. Once she had done so, Elizabeth grinned and looking up at her husband, murmured, "I find myself slightly fatigued. Could I convince my tall, handsome husband to accompany me upstairs to our rooms and comfort me?" They were not seen downstairs again until they broke their fast the next morning.