*THIS STORY IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

For those who have been asking... This story is not yet completed which is why it is taking a little longer for each chapter now. I am still working through what happens next and have the next five chapters 'sketched' that need polishing before I will upload them. But the developments in my opinion are worth the wait.

I know this story has many themes which are hard for some readers, the Adultery aspect being the main one I receive comments regarding. Please do not continue to read if this makes you uncomfortable - I admit that though, it is not something I would ever condone in real life, this is fiction and a version of ODC where this happens. I know it is wrong but on occasion I do enjoy fics with these themes... but not exclusively. (Perhaps that is one of those things I should not admit...).

Dear Readers: This novel does contain references to rape and abuse. I understand that these are sensitive topics, and I would not wish for any reader to suffer as a result of coming across these references without warning.

Be advised, this story is rated M

Please do leave a review and any thoughts you have; I adore them, and I am always excited when I see the notification in my inbox. xox.


Chapter 21

Look at them all twirling about the room… Jane clinging onto that fap Bingley. Ugh! Though Lydia as she sat on the parameter looking in at the gaiety the festivities induced. Just then she caught Bingley's eye during a turn in the Waltz and raised her glass in mock solute. His expression instantly took on a thunderous look, Aha! Not so unflappable as you pretend, are we?

Snickering Lydia moved her glass to her lips and gulped, frowning when she only received a drop of the wine she had been imbibing all day. With huff she requested the footman to fill her glass, and noticed her father giving her a stern look.

I shall have to have a word with Mama about him, if he wished to avoid a scandal, he should be more circumspect in his looks. He knows better than to scold me, when I can rain such a scandal down upon the Bennet household even the Hill would flee! Well, I suppose I should not be so hard on him. Afterall, he did shun the apple of his eye, his dear Elizabeth…

Just then laughter filled the room, distracting Lydia from her thoughts. Her gaze immediately captured by another twirling duo… Mr Darcy and Lizzy.

I thought they hated each other…

Looking to her father, Lydia intent on sharing a satirical look only to be piqued at her father smiling indulgently at the pair. He was quick to check his unguarded cheer upon seeing Lydia's censure.

Well, this is unexpected. I shall have to put a stop to this. I am the head of this family now, and when Wickham comes back to me, we shall be bolder in our blackmail. We will claim our son and take Longbourn for our own! Perhaps we might do as Mama suggests… if we are clever, we can take Netherfield too, and leave Longbourn to Mama and Papa. Afterall, when Papa is gone Lizzy and her parson will take it from us.

Smirking she allowed her gaze to travel back to Elizabeth and Darcy as the dance came to a close.

Oh, silly Lizzy, do not count your hens just yet. I must say I never thought her the type to court an affair, I am impressed. But, alas, no man can resist my charms. This time there will be no need to pretend for the sake of my belly increasing. She thought draining her glass once more. I will prove myself superior to you once more sister, just as I took George Wickham from you, I will take the indomitable Darcy from you.

"Lydia, do you not think you have had enough to drink?"

"Always spoiling my fun, Papa! It is Christmas, leave me be." She huffed.

"Why don't we sample some of the cheeses and fruits that have just arrived?" tried Mr Bennet.

"I know what you are about, Papa. Do not forget what is at stake!" Warned Lydia.

"How could I forget!" came his sarcastic retort. He did not relinquish her arm however and moved her towards the sideboard and made sure she filled her plate.

Once seated Lydia's annoyance was piqued further, as her mother swapped her wine with lemonade after a conspiratorial look with her husband.

The cheek of them! Seeking to control me! It is because of me that they have the extra coin in their purses. Some of it from Mr Bingley and the rest from my stumbling across Sir William Lucas, in a compromising position with a gentleman. The recipient of his amorous attentions was in fact, the Parson Steven Harris from the neighbouring village. Both men close friends with Papa himself. Papa knows that if it were to become known, it would be an easy jump to think he were so inclined to such tastes, a rumour she had left him with no doubt she would endorse and encourage. He would be a veritable pariah all those who know him, his respectability and intellect would be called into question!

Lydia snorted at her ponderings, earning her a sharp look from Jane. Rolling her eyes, she stood to go in search of a stronger beverage, when a movement caught her eye as Mr Darcy left the room. Lydia quickly followed, swiping someone's drink as she went and draining the glass in a single gulp.

Emerging from the withdrawing room, she went in the direction of the retirement cloakrooms, assuming he wanted to relieve himself. As drew further down the hall she strained for any evidence of his progression but could hear none...

My, he is light on his feet for such a tall fellow… Lydia mused, when in the distance she heard male voices.

Continuing in their direction she rounded a corner, and spied Darcy talking to his valet. Ducking into an alcove so that she was not discovered, she watched as Darcy dismissed his manservant; he does have a fine figure, I shall be intrigued to see whether he has good reason to be so proud once I have made my inspection of him!

Lydia brought a hand up to stifle her giggles at her salacious thoughts and calming her excitement stepped free from the alcove she was hidden.

"Mr Darcy, where are you sneaking off to?" she queried playfully.

Turning to look at her, she stood tall as he attempted to determine what she was about with an intimidatingly foreboding look. Always of a silly disposition, anytime she felt that anticipation and reckless energy would assemble to make Lydia more daring and wilder. The thrill of creating chaos and relishing in watching and revelling in the fallout that ensued following. She never could resist pushing boundaries to breaking their point.

"Well?" Lydia said, sashaying towards him.

Still Darcy did not speak. He gave her nothing with which she could read into nor react to.

"Come now Darcy, if you speak to me, you will find a lively conversationalist, among other things…" she giggled.

"Indeed, what is there to say?"

After looking down and giving him a coquettish look from beneath her lashes, she replied.

"I understand you perfectly, sir. If you are not a fan of conversation, we need not bother with it."

He cocked his head to one side, his expression she could not make out… Why does he toy with me, is this how the rich treat their lovers? It is impossible to tell how he is looking at me, although he has not left… He is most certainly tempted by me. Darcy must be the type to want the lady to make the first move. My George likes to play games too.

"No?" he questioned; his brow creased a little.

Lydia licked her lips as he held her gaze, watching as she stepped closer to him.

Oh, but he is very handsome. He could no doubt take me against the wall and have me begging for completion in no time.

"No. I can do whatever you like…" Lydia said as she trailed a forefinger up the length of his sleeve, "Though I can promise I will not converse, I cannot promise I will be silent." She continued, pressing herself closer to his person and bringing her to rest on his shoulder.

He is very muscular, thought she, as she gave his shoulder a squeeze. Moving her hand to the nape of his neck she made pull him to her, but he swerved her advance, pushing her hand and moved from her grasp.

"Do you wish for me to beg?" she teased dipping into a low curtsey and revealing more of her generous bosom to his gaze.

"I thank you, but no I do not wish for you to beg. I do not wish for you to do anything." He said with obvious concern and a look which could be interpreted as pity, which only worked to confuse her further.

Lydia laughed, a sudden wicked gleam entering her gaze.

"You are very tense Mr Darcy. Let me enlighten you in the ways in which a woman can help a man to… relax," she whispered licking her lips again. She felt a stab of insecurity when he sighed and flicked his gaze away. An obvious sign he was unmoved and worse, he gave off the appearance of boredom. Oddly, it made her wish to have him all the more, she had never had a man so obviously show his disinterest in her.

"You are very singular to not wish to bed a willing woman." she pressed with a snarl, before softening her expression, "I did not miss your smiles and looks of appreciation at my sister. We are not so dissimilar in looks..."

He laughed and shook his head. With a shrug he looked at her in that way that he had always looked at people. She felt with a sudden disconcerting wave as though he could read her like a book…

"Why do you look at me so?" she huffed.

"I look at you, and I am sad for you. In your youth, I had thought your coarse and unrefined behaviours were due to your immaturity. But I now see that, sadly, that was not the case."

Her chin wobbled and she turned away from him.

"Miss Lydia, can you at least tell me why you have behaved in such a disgraceful way? Why do you seek to destroy the happiness of your sisters?" he asked, softly.

"You have been very unkind to me, Mr Darcy." She sobbed.

Darcy looking at her, was uncertain of what to make of this change in behaviours. Yes, he had spoken harshly towards her, but this felt a little hysterical without being hysterical.

"Miss Lydia, you may confide in me. There is still time to atone for what you have done… or are you simply your mother's pawn? You would not be the first daughter of my acquaintance to do their mothers bidding to secure an advantage, I assure you."

"You would help me?" she said, turning quickly gazing up at him and biting her lower lip.

When had she gotten so close? Thought Darcy distractedly.

Before he knew what she was about, she had her lips at his jaw and her hands at the front of his breeches trying to work the buttons free at their fall.

"Enough!" he demanded, capturing both Lydia's hands in one of his and holding her at arm's length. "What is the matter with you? Get a hold of yourself and stop this vulgar display!"

"Do you like to treat me thus, will this add to your enjoyment, sir?" she responded with a wink. "You like to play and tease, don't you Mr Darcy?"

Recoiling, Darcy stepped backwards as he let go of her hands, looking at her in dismay.

"Why have just one sister…" she demurred pulling her sleeves down her shoulders.

"Miss Lydia, you will stop that this instant! Do not think I am naïve to what you have done to my friends' marriage. Be warned the truth will be unearthed, it is the way of things! And trust that I have the means and influence to expose you for what you really are." He said menacingly.

"And what is that?" she spat feeling unnerved once more.

"You are an abomination, and I am embarrassed for you." Standing tall, Darcy walked past her dismissively.

"What a joke you are, Darcy. You shall regret passing up such a good time." She taunted to his retreating form.

"And yet, I shall get over it instantaneously for my part." Came his gentle reply.

Walking back towards the rest of the party, he was startled out of his irritation by Elizabeth approaching him.

"There you are, the carriage has been called to take…" Elizabeth trailed off as a movement caught her eye over his shoulder.

Turning, he saw Lydia smirking as she adjusted the sleeve of her gown suggestively, before stalking past them to join her parents who were filtering out into the hall and saying their goodbyes.

"Goodnight Mr Darcy," she spoke in clipped tones, and bobbed a shallow curtsey.

"Elizabeth-" he tried, but she was already walking away.

Following after her, he was limited to what he could do by the presence of the footmen and only quickened his pace when they reached the top of the stairs and were passing the guest rooms. He was puzzled when she passed his and Anne's rooms and then her own and continued to the end of the corridor and entered into an unused room.

Entering after her, he paused just inside the doorway.

"Close the door." she spoke without looking at him.

When he failed to move, she repeated herself adding, "I am of a mind to speak to you but cannot do so where we might be overheard."

Doing as she instructed, he closed the door.

Silence was all that greeted him for several minutes.

"Elizabeth?" he tried, but still not moving from his place near the door.

"What did I just witness?" she whispered.

"It does not signify. You know that I would not… that we did not…"

Elizabeth turned to face him, searching him carefully and could see he was in earnest. Nodding gently, she moved to sit upon the edge of the bed in the room.

"Can I not have one thing? Or simply a day without distress?" she muttered wearily staring at the floor, when Mr Darcy's feet entered her vision.

Looking up at him, he gazed upon her kindly, "You do not believe me?" he asked cupping her face.

"I do," she sighed placing her hands over his. "I am just sad that after such a wonderful Christmas day, this is how it ended."

"It is not over yet," he said his thumb caressing her cheek.

Elizabeth shivered, and he straightened abruptly looking about the room. He moved to establish a fire in the grate before she could tell him that she had not shivered because she was cold, but now she could feel the heat from the flames steadily burning they were more than welcome.

"William." she breathed when he stood once more before her. "I am scared."

Taking a deep breath through his nose he lowered himself to his knees before her.

"Will you tell me what frightens you?" he asked.

Oh William, how I want to. But I would not have this night be about him! She thought bravely.

"No," she said shaking her head. "I want this evening to be about us."

"Elizabeth, whatever happens this evening, I will always treasure you. You hold the power here. I am more than content to simply hold you while we sleep." He said reverently.

"Will you think less of me if I told you, I would not be content with such an arrangement?" she asked flustered.

Chuckling gently, he replied, "It pleases me that you desire me as I do you. But I would not have you do this because it is what you think I expect or demand." He said searching her appearance.

"How many times would you have me say that I desire you?" she huffed as heat spread across her cheeks.

"Just the once more." He teased, "You should know there is nothing you could ever say that would make me think or feel any less toward you. I am your servant." He vowed placing one of her hands over his heart.

"Truly?" she arched a brow.

"I am your disposal for any endeavour or whim that takes your fancy, Elizabeth." He pledged with a warm smile.

Elizabeth looked at the handsome man before her. Her William Darcy, trying in every way to appear less intimidating and assure her, he was hers to bid.

"William," she breathed once more, leaning in and inviting him to kiss her.

"Elizabeth?"

Frustrating man. Why won't he do anything?! I do not know how to do this; I am so out of my depth and he seems to be content to kneel on the floor! She thought and huffed with exasperation.

"Speak to me," he probed.

"Why are your intent on simply sitting there?" Elizabeth asked.

"Honestly Lizzy, I am not sure how best to proceed." He admitted humbling Elizabeth with his honesty.

"I am sorry I do not comprehend; I thought you had done this before?" she blushed.

Taking her hands in his, "Yes, I have; however, it is not that simple. I know you are reluctant to speak of these things with me… but I am aware that whatever your relationship with your husband is, it is not pleasant. This is painfully awkward to discuss, I am not sure what it is that you expect of me." he explained colour staining his cheeks faintly.

As much as he loathed to mention another man in the midst of being with Elizabeth, he knew Mr Collins had his own way with words and he was certain he would not have been very kind to her during their marital relations. He did not wish to upset her or make her uncomfortable in a way her husband had insulted her.

"William, I would rather you… that is, can I not just follow your guidance." Elizabeth said in a small voice.

"Very well, but you will tell me instantly if anything displeases you or you wish to stop at any point." He gave her a searching look.

She nodded, but he could see she was getting nervous.

"Elizabeth, you understand you can tell me to stop at any time and I will stop," he repeated.

"I trust you." She said bringing her hands to either side of his face. "I give myself to you, William."

He rose up on his knees, and painfully slowly descended to claim her mouth. After a few moments of the kisses she was used to, he began to test her, growing more amorous in his attentions. He tasted of spices and mint, his lips still soft and warm but this time insistent. One of his hands moved to rest on her thigh, making her jump a fraction as his other went to the nape of her neck. Her lack of experience had her hands gripping his shoulders as he steered her and deepened their kiss. He drove his tongue into her mouth, nipping and sucking at her bottom lip.

He had dreamed of this moment for so long but had always denied himself for the sake of duty and what was expected of him. It remained unspoken between them but knew they both knew that they might only ever have this one night together. If that were so, then he would make this such a night that she would never forget. He would have to temper himself so that he did not frighten her.

Darcy could not resist however freeing her hair from its pins and pulling back he watched admiringly as it tumbled down in luxurious waves and fell around her shoulders and down to her waist. It was soft as silk. It's scent intoxicated him, and his body felt as if it were on fire as he buried his face in her neck and triumphed at the whimpers of pleasure that escaped her lips.

"William," his name passing from her lips had him smiling against her skin as he glided his mouth down her throat.

Elizabeth jolted in shock at the sensations he was causing, she had never expected she could feel like this. He shrugged out of his jacket, displacing her grip on his shoulders. He brought his hands down to graze her stocking clad ankles making her jolt again and slowly traced his way up her shapely calves. Pulling back he watched for any signs that she might want him to stop but when her breath grew harsher as she watched him, watching as his caresses revealed her legs to him he relaxed and looked to where his hands were nearing her thighs. When his tongue peaked out to wet his lips, slightly swollen from their kisses her hands found the edges of his waistcoat and her fingers clenched tightly at them.

Looking up at her, he gave her a small nod, his eyes darkened by his desire. She nodded back, unsure of what she was allowing, but trusting him none the less. He pulled her legs apart and moved between them. She held her breath, is he going to do the thing that will inevitably hurt her now?

To her surprise he did not. He began to kiss her anew, his hands moving down her legs to wrap them about his waist in a scandalous fashion.

"Touch me Lizzy," he gasped against her mouth.

"How?" she asked pulling back.

"However you wish to..."

Giggling she pulled at his ear playfully.

"Minx," he growled eliciting another giggle from her. "Put your arms about me and do not let go. Yes?"

She nodded and held on as he began to move to standing, in an effortless transition. She gasped as she felt the muscles in his chest and abdomen flex as he moved to settle them further onto the bed the sheets cooling her heated skin through her dress. One hand settled on her bottom holding her against him and the other cradling her head as he settled it onto the pillows.

"My legs were starting to fall asleep," he supplied rolling slightly onto his side making Elizabeth giggle. "Are you well?"

"I am well, William. Please do not stop." she said pulling her to him, growing a little bolder and summoning the courage to finally run her fingers through his glorious tangle of curls.

He groaned and gave into her desires. His lips claimed hers again, demandingly, seductively and reverently. The heat of his hand burning through the fabric of her dress as it pressed at the small of her back to bring her flush against him. Without thinking she sucked on his tongue, the small, heated touches he bestowed on her made the insides of her body tighten.

Elizabeth found that she had been manoeuvred to lay flat on her back as William began to pull at the sleeves of her gown.

When had he undone the buttons at the back? She wondered distractedly her heart rate picking up as she tensed.

Sensing her alarm, he pulled back and sitting on his hunches, he removed his waistcoat and pulled his shirt free of his breeches and then over his head. All logical thought disappeared as she drank him in. His physique appeared even more defined, the flickering firelight casting shadows along his sharp muscular torso. His chest expanding with each breath.

"May I?" he said, trailing a hand over her collar to rest on the bodice of her dress.

"Yes," she gulped.

His hard body lowered over hers as his hands went to work removing her clothing, until she was left clad on in her shift and stockings. Warmth blossomed everywhere his fingers went. She groaned as his mouth followed and his lips conquered where his hands had been. Her body bowing off the bed, feeling the weight of his hard body, as his warm mouth closed over her nipple and suckled and nipped. His tongue soothing the playful bites he bestowed there.

With his mouth occupied at her breasts, his hands were free to continue exploring as he pulled her leg to rest over his hip and ground her against the bulge in his breeches, creating a delicious friction.

"William!" she gasped.

He grit his teeth as she repeated the action herself and she watched him in fascination as his pupils dilated even further and another flutter of pleasure ran through her belly. His grip tightened on her bottom angling himself so that pressure at her core made her feet feel hollow from the sensations running through her.

"Make love to me William." She whispered. "I am ready."

He shed them of the rest of their garments. His eyes travelled from her plump lips, to her pert little nose and her eyes large and expressive, her nervousness unmistakable as her eyes travelled down and focused on his evident arousal.

"Lizzy, we do not need to rush this or even-"

"No, I beg you. Please I want this. I just lack the courage to do what is needed to accomplish the task." She interrupted him, "M-My husband is a man of... ah smaller parts and sir I am shocked to say I did not know that, that part of the male anatomy differed depending on the man! I am now not certain... that is… you are quite l-large…"

How are we to accomplish this with his equipage being such a size!

Biting his cheeks so as not to upset her with his laughter, he managed to keep his reply even. "Then pray do nothing and allow me to take care of the task. All you shall have to do is tell me if I do anything which displeases you or if you wish for me to desist altogether."

Nodding Elizabeth pressed at his shoulders moving him gently away from her. His expression became slightly confused but she pushed on, taking a steading breath she rolled onto her front and placed her face in her hands as she closed her eyes taking deep calming breaths.

"Elizabeth, why have you turned away from me," came Williams concerned voice as he touched her shoulder startling her. "Do you wish to stop?"

Lifting her face, a frown creasing her brow she looked to him puzzled. "I am ready for you to take me, William." She clarified.

"Forgive me, that does not explain why you have turned away from me…" he said softly before his expression softened in understanding. Cradling her face, he kissed her fiercely before resting his forehead upon hers and whispering comforting words to her, though she could barely make sense of them feeling so overwhelmed by emotion as her vision blurred with tears.

"Let us try this again, if you still wish to?" He asked and she nodded her agreement. "I will show you how a man should make love to a woman." He whispered turning her to lay on her back once more.

He moved over her, settling between her thighs and resting his weight on his forearms.

"Close your eyes, Lizzy." He whispered against her forehead.

Licking her lips nervously she complied. Feeling his weight shift, she peaked to find him near her feet.

"Keep them closed!" he scolded affectionately.

She huffed but did as she was told, her heart fluttering in nervous anticipation as she felt his lips start a slow progression from the tips of her toes, her calves, her knees and over her thighs. She tensed and attempted to clamp her legs together, but his body prevented her.

"Trust me," he whispered, his breath fanning her most intimate place.

Gasping in shock she moved to stop him, as his tongue drew up the crease of her flesh.

"William!" she cried in disbelief.

Reaching for him, she had every intention of pushing him away when his mouth latched on to that part of her that had been pulsing incessantly throughout this entire encounter. He moved his arms under her legs and rested his hands on either thigh, holding her open and bared to him as his togue caressed and his lips sucked deep pulls at that spot that radiated undiluted pleasure. She arched into him crying out his name, over and over as she felt herself climbing higher and higher. The pressure impossible until finally she felt her entire being solely focused on that one sensation as her world shattered around her. Sobbing his name, she clutched at his hair and shoulders, trying to pull back at her lost equilibrium.

"William!" she gulped her body convulsing as he refused to relent his caresses, until finally she felt her limbs grow limp and heavy into the mattress as the room came back into focus.

Elizabeth lay there in stunned disbelief and unable to speak. The sound of her breathing harsh, her body still pulsing and for some reason she felt embarrassed more by her laboured breaths than what William had just done to her. Covering her eyes with one of her hands, she tried to focus on calming laboured breathing.

"Elizabeth, will you look at me?" moving her hand she saw William's handsome face a few inches above her.

"I am well. I did not know…" she gasped as she threw her arms around him.

Their embrace brought her awareness back to him and his insistent arousal on her thigh. His biceps flexed as he held himself above her, keeping his full weight from her. How was it possible such a large powerful man could be capable of such gentleness?

"I want you William, you are the husband of my heart and I want you to make me yours." She punctuated this by wrapping her legs about his hips and pulling him to her, so that he was nudging at her entrance.

"You are certain?" he asked, even as he could not resist rocking his body against her gently.

"Certain," she affirmed.

"My brave Elizabeth." He revered in softly spoken tones.

He slowly entered her, her warm heat gripping him like a silken glove.

"Oh God," he groaned.

She screwed her eyes closed and cried out, tensing in anticipation of the pain she normally felt, but to her surprise it did not come. She was wrong, there was no pain at all. She marvelled as he took such care and time, each shallow thrust taking him a little deeper until at long last he was settled within her to the hilt. Pelvis to pelvis. It felt so wonderful, so right. Never before had she felt so full, as though they fit perfectly together, made only for each other. It was beautiful.

He began to withdraw slowly, before once more claiming her body in slow strokes allowing her to adapt to him. Turning her face and searching for his lips, they kissed as he continued his unhurried claim of her body. He was magnificent in the way he claimed her mind, body and soul.

Breaking the kiss with a guttural gasp, he rested his forehead against her shoulder as though in pain, and she realised he was struggling to hold back. His reverence shook her, and she began to kiss every part of his exposed skin and neck tenderly as she felt his pace quicken and the stirrings of pleasure begin to build once more.

"William, please," she sobbed.

"Elizabeth, am I hurting you?" He stilled instantly pulling back and gazing down at her. His jaw clenched at the effort.

"You could never hurt me," she assured him, her heart expanding at his endearment. "I need you. I -I need you to…"

Her words died on her lips as he understood and began his movements, but this time with more urgency. He thrust deeper and faster until bliss rippled through her, curling her toes as she called his name, loosing herself completely in him. The final explosion of her ecstasy spasmed through her and only then did William finally find his pleasure, as he groaned, chanting her name. He pulled back to break the connection but Elizabeth did not understand and pulled him in, locking him against her until he was seated as deeply as he could go, and he could not prevent the hot release of his seed within her. She held him to her with keening crys and he gave a few more shallow thrusts he half collapsed over her spent and sated.

Eventually William's harsh, ragged breaths began to calm, and he pulled away glancing down at her, his heavy-lidded gaze full of concern, but when she smiled, he smiled warmly and seemed to relax as he rolled from above her. In the back of his mind he knew he should worry that he had released his seed inside her but he was too happy to give proper weight to those concerns.

Suddenly uncertain of what should happen next, Elizabeth stayed as she was somewhat awkwardly, her body still positioned as he had left her. She felt instantly relieved when he moved to pull the counterpane over her. However, she tensed when he did not leave as she had expected, but instead pulled her across the mattress to him. Turning her and curling his muscular body around her softer one and holding her against him as he spoke softly.

"Sleep my Elizabeth, I will wake us when we need to go back to our own rooms," he assured her.

Feeling safe and cherished, she drifted to sleep in his arms, the steady sound of his heartbeat a comforting rhythm. Elizabeth was his. She always had been and always would be.