Elizabeth stood still and looked down at the rug in her guest bedroom as the maid fastened her dress. She tried to keep her breathing steady and hoped no one could ascertain what she had done with Mr. Darcy that afternoon. Especially her sister Jane, who knew her best out of anyone. But since she was recently married to Mr. Bingley, perhaps she will not notice Elizabeth's blushes and odd behavior. For she knew, after such a shocking revelation by Mr. Darcy and their intriguing yet unanticipated activities, that she could not hide her feelings.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. How would Jane react to her betrothal to Mr. Darcy? Her family? How would he ask Mr. Bennet for permission? With a man of his wealth and holdings, he probably did not have to seek approval for anything.

When the maid finished dressing her, she sat in front of the mirror to have her hair styled supper. She was uncertain and anxious about her future with him, but especially about the knowledge of what she had enjoyed in his arms. Never had she heard the maids discuss anything like what she had experienced with Mr. Darcy, and she had listened to the servants speak of many things. And why did he have a secret room for having relations?

Elizabeth stood, her hair curled with a few flower pins, and departed her bedroom. She paused outside her door and glanced at the other wing, where Mr. Darcy's bedroom was located. Would he speak of their engagement? She had never been as unsure of herself as she was now. As she looked again he strolled towards her, dressed in an impeccably tailored black jacket and breeches with white stockings.

She drew in a sharp breath and felt her cheeks grow hot. He smiled at her as he walked nearer.

"You look ravishing, Elizabeth." Mr. Darcy said as he approached.

She blushed and turned her face away from him, looking for anyone watching. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "I assume you have been resting from all the exercise I put you through."

Elizabeth coughed and glanced around for anyone watching.

He chuckled. "Come, let us go down to supper."

She placed her hand on his arm. They walked to the staircase, stepping down. "Will you announce our betrothal?"

Mr. Darcy held her gaze. Desire for him flooded her entire body. She had never been so aroused by this man looking at her. "I need to hear from your father first. I wrote asking for permission directly after our lovemaking."

"Lovemaking?" Elizabeth asked as her cheeks grew rosy.

He smiled as they reached the bottom of the staircase. "Yes."

Their shoes clacked against the marble floor of the foyer. "I thought lovemaking differed from that?"

Mr. Darcy stopped walking and turned to look at her. "Define what you mean by different."

She blushed and shook her head. "My maids always spoke of ... touching and then the man's rod inside them. I have never heard of what you did to me."

"I enjoy ... extra enhancement of the senses when I have relations. But that does not exclude what your maids have mentioned. Tonight, I would like to experience that with you. Would that be acceptable?"

The thought of him doing these things to her caused her body to tingle with desire. "Yes."

He smiled and escorted her to the other guests already gathered outside the dining room. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth led the procession, seating her next to him. She hoped her feelings were not apparent, that she was not blushing but with all eyes directed their way, glancing between them. It was difficult to stay calm and pretend nothing monumental had occurred earlier that day.

"Did you enjoy your tour?" Mr. Bingley asked. "Is Pemberley not the most beautiful house you have ever seen? I hope to find one just as lovely, but I am not sure that is feasible."

"I have told you before, Charles, that is not possible. No other estate could come close to the splendor of Pemberley. It is unparalleled." Miss Bingley sat straight upright in her chair, staring at Mr. Darcy with a smile.

Elizabeth lowered her head and dabbed at her mouth to hide her grin. She felt unkind at her amusement with Miss Bingley's attempt to flatter Mr. Darcy. That tactic would work on Mr. Collins, but not the master of Pemberley.

After dinner, the men joined the ladies in the drawing room. Elizabeth sat alone on a settee until Mr. Darcy came and perched next to her. She could feel heat pooling in her belly and spreading through her body.

His eyes bore into hers and he whispered in her ear, "You look flushed."

She tried not to let his breath on her neck cause her to tremble. "It is rather warm in here." Her face felt hot, her cheeks burned, her heart pounded in her chest. "I was just thinking of earlier."

He squeezed her hand.

As the evening progressed, Elizabeth grew anxious. Miss Bingley's gaze rarely was not on her or Mr. Darcy. There was nothing for eldest unmarried Bennet daughter to fear though. From what she had observed of the jealous woman, Miss Bingley would not cause a scene as long as Mr. Darcy was not married, for she would not want to ruin her chances with such an eligible bachelor. And since it would be several days before Mr. Bennet's reply would arrive at Pemberley, it would curtail her behavior.

###

Elizabeth, dressed in her nightgown, excused her maid, then turned towards the tapping at her bedroom door.

"Lizzy?" Jane was on the other side, still dressed for supper.

"Jane, come in."

Elizabeth motioned to the chairs in front of the fireplace. "Is anything the matter?"

Jane's gaze was steady upon her. "I noticed how attentive Mr. Darcy was to you this evening."

"He was? I thought he was an amiable host." Elizabeth looked away and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from blushing.

"Is something amiss, Lizzy?"

"Why do you ask? You know we share confidences."

"But you used to avoid Mr. Darcy and dislike him greatly, and now he is whispering to you. I cannot think what has changed."

"Everything is fine." Elizabeth drew in a breath and tried not to panic. Could her sister tell that Mr. Darcy had touched her? Had brought her immeasurable pleasure earlier that day?

Jane stood and walked to the door, turning the knob. "I just wanted to see if you were well. I will say good night now."

"Good night, Jane." Elizabeth leaned against the door, pulling in a deep breath. She wished she could tell her sister the truth, but she would say nothing, not until Mr. Darcy had received her father's permission.

Elizabeth walked to the fire and sat on the settee, bringing her knees to her chest. She was betrothed to Mr. Darcy. They had had relations. She had seen and touched his rod, and she already knew she wanted more. She needed him inside her, to have him pleasure her as he had done earlier.

Tapping echoed through the chamber. Elizabeth turned towards the entry. Perhaps Jane had returned? "Come in."

Mr. Darcy entered wearing a nightgown and robe. His eyes were dark with desire as he closed the door behind him.

"Mr. Darcy!" She stood with an arm across her stomach. "You cannot… I thought that… no one must see you entering my room!"

He pulled her hand away from her waist and held it. "Do not worry, I waited until it was safe." His thumb rubbed circles on her palm. "I wanted our time together tonight to be in a bed and it would not hurt your reputation for me to be seen wandering the hall."

He took a step forward and placed his free hand on her hip. The other moved to her cheek, caressing it. "We will soon be married if that is your worry." He leaned in and kissed her, his lips soft and warm.

Elizabeth moaned and leaned into him. His tongue traced the outline of her mouth, and she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss. His other hand moved over her breast, her nipple became hard and sensitive to his touch. She moaned deeply. He tugged her closer, she could feel his arousal against her hip.

The tip of his tongue swept across her bottom lip, she opened her mouth, allowing him entrance. He kissed her as his hands wandered over her body. She felt his fingers trace the outline of her breast, linger on her taut nipple before moving downward. As he neared the apex of her thighs, she pushed her hips toward his hand.

His mouth broke free of hers, he pecked her cheek then moved to her neck, nipping, then sucking the sensitive flesh. Elizabeth moaned. His lips trailed down her collarbone to her breasts. Mr. Darcy took her nipple between his teeth, licking it with his tongue, then suckling it. She moaned, her head fell back on her shoulders.

He leaned away, pulled open her nightgown, then cupped her breasts. She arched her back to let her nightdress fall to the floor. He bent his head to take her nipple in his mouth again, suckling it while his hand moved to her thigh. Leaving a trail of heat, his fingers trailed up to the apex of her thighs, then her mound. She clenched his shoulders, trembling as she rubbed her in slow circles, then dipped his finger in her opening.

"Mr. Darcy!"

"Call me Fitzwilliam. I long to hear my name on your lips." He kissed her, his tongue sweeping across her mouth.

"Fitzwilliam," she whispered.

He chuckled and pushed his hand between her thighs. Mr. Darcy thrust his finger inside her while his thumb pressed down on her bud. Elizabeth panted and leaned her head back as pleasure flooded through her while he circled his thumb.

"Oh, Fitzwilliam." Her voice was breathless.

She moved her hips in rhythm with his hand, her body tensing again. Her breathing became labored and Elizabeth felt herself building toward the height of desire. His thumb twisted, and she shook and cried out as waves of pleasure washed over her.

Her knees gave out and Mr. Darcy swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He tore off his robe, unbuttoned his nightshirt, and let it fall to the floor.