A/N This is an *interlude* piece that fits in between chapters 7 & 8 of 'Two Sides of the Same Coin'. However, you are more than welcome to read this and treat it as a PWP *g*. Reviews for this piece alone and for 'Two Sides' are all welcome, flamers included. Enjoy!

Chapter 7 and a half - Skin Deep

7.1

Oh, good *god*, here he is, in my chambers, *half-dressed*! Thank goodness I hadn't taken my shirt off yet. I must concentrate so as not to make a complete fool of myself. I will cordially welcome him, engage in some light conversation and then gently but firmly reject him before he embarks on *that* business. Oh, damnation, I am stuttering; can I not even welcome an old friend into my rooms without behaving like a 16-year-old debutante conversing with her first admirer? I am Henry Fitzwilliam Darcy, for god's sake! I have never been nervous in company before, a little retiring perhaps, but why must I begin this attack of anxiety at this very moment?

His shirt is open, I swear he did that with a design to make me forget my resolve. His hair looks rather unkempt; dear me, did he not even wait for his valet to freshen him up first? Ugh, he's wearing too much of that blasted cheap cologne. But, his chest is just...