*This story is copyright protected

Uploading Weekly / Fortnightly.

Please enjoy!

V x

ANOTHER CHAPTER!

Thank you for all the comments that you left - I have been bitten by a spell of inspiration and hopefully will be giving you another update soon! But for now please enjoy :):):):)

You are all the best and I love being able to share this with you - and my apologies for any grammatical errors and/or spelling mistakes xxx

Please leave a comment, if you feel so inclined - I would like to say a special thanks to all those who are reading and following this story. Especially for all those who have left comments! I am so touched by your kind words and thank you for keeping me motivated and inspired to write more chapters !

Chapter 20

The next morning Elizabeth awoke to a light knock at her door. It took a moment for her to register why someone might be knocking at her door and that she was not in her bedroom at Longbourn. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes she pushed herself to sit up in the bed.

"You may come in." She called peering through the curtains of her four-poster bed to see her maid enter.

"Good morning, Mrs Darcy," bobbed Matilda, "I have had the bathtub in your washroom filled for you."

"That is wonderful Matilda, thank you." Elizabeth answered appreciatively. "Is Mr Darcy awake?"

"Yes ma'am. His valet informed me that he will be in the breakfast room when you are ready." Came her maid's reply as she went through to the washroom. Elizabeth was grateful for the privacy it afforded her.

Moving to the edge of the bed Elizabeth felt a heavy ache in her muscles and felt her heart at the memory of her husband between her legs. His weight pressing her into the mattress and the smell of his skin. She shifted, trying to ease the stiffness of her limbs, in particular her inner thighs. Checking she was alone, Elizabeth lifted her nightdress to check there were no bruises on them, her eyes widened to see that there were no marks to her skin. Prodding at the flesh she grimaced at their tenderness.

Entering the room which housed her own bathing tub, Elizabeth took in the decadence of her new role. The room itself bright and airy with floors or white and gold veined marble. The copper bathtub stood central to the room and there was gold gilded looking glasses along the walls with a dresser with an abundance of towelling cloth and bath robes and another adjacent filled with perfumed oils and soaps.

Stripping from her nightdress and lowering herself into the heated rose scented water, Elizabeth felt the sting to her femininity and but the inside of her cheeks to fight the urge to hiss at the sensation. Matilda bent to retrieve her discarded nightgown and disappeared back to Elizabeth's bedchamber and Elizabeth felt her cheeks grow hot at the thought that her maid was undoubtedly stripping her sheets which bore the signs that she was no longer an innocent.

Sooner than she was prepared Elizabeth was seated beside her husband at the breakfast table. Dutifully he had stood when she entered and pulled her chair out for her and watching her closely as she had lowered herself to sit.

Watching him rise to his feet had made her pulse quicken, his lean height complementing the impressive width of his shoulders and the narrowness of his hips. Dressed immaculately in his usual tasteful, understated elegance. All of this now more impressive as she had felt the feel of his nakedness and knew the feel of his intimate touch of his scent.

"You slept well, I hope, Mrs Darcy?" he said smiling gently.

"I did, thank you." she replied as a footman poured her some tea.

"That will be all," spoke Mr Darcy, dismissing the two footmen. "I did not know what your preference is for your breakfast meal." he added with a gesture at the abundance of fruits, cheeses, meats, and bread on the sideboard.

"Gosh, I am spoilt for choice!" she said with a slight laugh. "I am quite content with some toast or porridge in the mornings."

"Ah, well I am partial to a hearty breakfast." He said as he stood and moved to fill a plate with sausages, coddled eggs, sliced pork, and savoury scones. "Are you sure I cannot tempt you to join me?" he asked.

Elizabeth's refusal had been upon her lips when her stomach chose that particular moment to grumble its hunger causing Mr Darcy's eyes to crinkle from the warm smile, he gave her.

"Very well, the eggs and aroma from the pork have persuaded me."

"Allow me." He said serving a generous helping of eggs and pork.

"You overestimate the size of my stomach, Mr Darcy." Elizabeth said laughing as he walked to place the plate piled high with food.

Her gaze caught on the movements of his strong hands, and she felt her self-consciousness keenly. How was she supposed to maintain her composure now that they had been intimate? His body had joined with hers. Her thighs, even after bathing, still held the slight bruising to them from each time his thrust had connected with them. He had used his long fingers to check her readiness. She still did not know what that meant entirely, though, she had not even touched him and yet his hand had touched the secret place between her legs in a shockingly intimate caress that she could not help but shudder and crave the same touch once more. She trembled drawing his gaze and blushing she looked down.

Knowing that she was the focus of his deep brown eyes on her sent shivers up and down her spine. Was he looking at her now with only salacious thoughts? Chancing a quick glance across at him, her husband's eyes seemed to pierce her, seeing more of her emotions than she wished. His eyes flickering between silken chocolate and glittering amber when caught by the morning light coming in from the large windows. Looking back at her plate, she reached for the toast and churned butter which were laid on the table before them and then moved to stir the lemon in her tea and spilling a little onto the saucer in her awkwardness.

Darcy watched Elizabeth fuss with her food while eating very little of what was on her plate. Her clear, intelligent eyes when she smiled at him had him thinking all sorts of things that he'd promised himself he wouldn't think again. Not after the way she responded to him last night. It would not do to offend his Elizabeth by pushing her to share his bed too soon. Most married couples shared sedate intimacy in their bedchambers for the sake of continuing their bloodlines. It did not mean that they did not have plenty of affection and adoration for one another in the remaining aspects of their companionship and he would be content with that. Hopefully, soon, she would come back to her feistier self, until then he would be patient and allow her this period of adjustment.

"I understand that this morning you will be taking a tour of the house?" he asked by way of distraction.

"Yes, Mrs Gregory and I will make a start after breakfast. Will you be joining us?" Elizabeth asked.

"Unfortunately, I have a meeting with my steward. I apologise that I must do so the morning after we married, but if the weather holds then we can go for a walk this afternoon if you are amenable?" he offered.

"I should like to go for a walk very much."

"Until this afternoon, Mrs Darcy." Said Mr Darcy, dabbing his mouth with his napkin and standing.

He thought it best to leave Elizabeth to her breakfast, as she appeared to be nervous with him being so close to her. Hopefully with time they could be easier in one another's company.

"I am looking forward to it, husband." She said with a teasing smile, and he could not help but smile back at the glimpse of sparkle he saw in her.

And he continued smiling all the way to his study.

The townhouse was impressive in its size and Elizabeth was surprised to find many hidden treasure's where one would least expect to find them. Mrs Gregory informed her that it was a Darcy tradition that each member of the ancestry left behind their mark after their passing. A piece of tailoring or favourite bonnet from each departed member was used to adorn a bust, statue or suit of armour – a most unexpected eccentricity that Elizabeth found quite endearing.

Naturally, the library was one of her favourite rooms in the property. Knowing Mr Darcy was as fond of literature as she was, she knew it would not disappoint. The high shelves were filled with such a variety of volumes. Mrs Gregory had proudly informed Elizabeth that it was not as impressive as the library at Pemberley, but Mr Darcy was diligent in maintaining all of his libraries as were his predecessors.

"My old master, rest his soul, was very close to Mr Darcy. He took great care to spend a lot of time with his son teaching him the management of the estates and the importance of his role as future master. They were always off riding and teasing one another. There was never a day without music and laughter in the house. Sadly, the departure of his parents had a great impact on Mr Darcy."

"How old was Mr Darcy, when his parent's passed?" she asked softly.

"I believe he was sixteen when his mother died, and just turned twenty when his father succumbed to his illness. I was not there as the family were at Pemberley then, but it was a sock when I next encountered the Master. He was all of a sudden a grown man in full with a serious mein, when before he has always been quick to smile and make others laugh."

Elizabeth's eyes widened at hearing the housekeeper's description of her husband in his youth.

"It was a terrible time with the late Mr Darcy's quick decline before his passing, though I know in my heart he is looking down at smiling at the greatness his son has achieved. Most would have gone a little wild at having such greatness and responsibility thrust upon them, but not my master. If I may be so bold, we are all happy to have you as our mistress and to see the master smiling again."

"Mrs Gregory, I am so pleased with the efficiency with which you run this household. The staff are a credit to you, and I would be more than content to work together and with your guidance in running a household as large as this one."

The housekeeper visibly relaxed, her smile radiating her pleasure at the proposed arrangement as she fussed with her apron.

"I should like that very much, Mrs Darcy."

"And if I may be so bold, Mrs Gregory… I am happy to be here too." Elizabeth confessed and froze slightly in realising that it was the truth.

Mrs Gregory's smile broke into a beaming grin, her eyes watering in her happiness.

"Oh, goodness, the time has run away from us. The master informs me you are a fond reader. Would you like me to leave you in here to explore, or would you like to tour the rooms used for entertaining guests?" the asked waiting expectantly for Elizabeth's answer.

"I confess, now I am here I am in no hurry to leave this haven. This is a room which I know I can easily pass a great many hours in contentment."

"Yes, Mrs Darcy. Please ring for the bell and one of the maids will come to you directly. If you have need of me, you only need to ask."

"Thank you, Mrs Gregory."

"I should mention, the master's study is next door to the right." The housekeeper said before leaving Elizabeth a moment of reprieve to take in all the information she had learned of the house and of her husband.

Elizabeth wondered between the shelves, her fingers skimming the spines absent minded and suddenly she felt impatient to see her husband. And so, collecting her courage she strode from the library to the right just as Mrs Gregory had instructed and stood before the door. It was ajar and silent within.

Why was the door open? Had he seen her? Was he even within?

Elizabeth thought all of these questions as her courage dissipated upon the realisation he was meeting with his steward. Though, she could hear no voices within, she feared he would now think her trying to snoop into his private dealing over the estate. Rolling her eye at her silly behaviour she took a deep breath and knocked on the heavy oak door.

"Enter." Her husband called.

Pushing the door wider, she was greeted by a large room panelled in dark wood on the lower half of the wall and earth green above. The room was warm from a fire burning in an immense fireplace built into the centre of the wall to the right.

Shelves heavily laden with books lined the opposite wall, while thick woollen Turkish carpets covered the floor, bathing the space in a cascade of reds and whites. A branch of lighted candles stood on the corner of a massive mahogany desk at the far end of the room; watery winter sunlight making an ineffectual attempt to shine through the pair of tall, double-hung windows beyond.

Finally Elizabeth's eyes settled upon her husband. Mr Darcy sat behind a large imposing oak desk at the opposite end of the masculine study, his head bent in concentration over a pile of papers before him. The sight of him drove the air from her lungs. Rugged and very nearly beautiful, he possessed an aura of pure masculine power sitting as he was his hair ruffled as though he has been running his hands through it, his jacket had been discarded.

"Ah, Martin," he greeted as he glanced up, pausing when he saw it wasn't who he had thought. "Forgive me, I thought you to be the butler."

"Am I interrupting?" She asked hesitating on the threshold of the room.

"Not at all. This is a most welcome distraction." He said putting his pen back in its holder and covering the ink well.

A fire blazed steadily, and a large black Great Dane stood and approached her with curiosity.

"Hello, what is your name?" she asked as the large dog nuzzled at her palm.

"He is Rufus," supplied Mr Darcy leaning back in his chair and watching her with interest.

"It is lovely to make your acquaintance Rufus, forgive me but I have no treats on my person." She laughed as Rufus looked up at her with an endearing gaze.

"How was the tour?" asked Mr Darcy conversationally.

"We have not completed it. Once Mrs Gregory showed me the library, she could not coax me from it." She answered scratching at behind Rufus' ears.

"Yes, I thought you might like that room."

"How could anyone not? Should my father see it, he would never leave here."

"He is more than welcome to visit and stay for as long as he pleases. Pemberley's library is far superior to the one here."

Elizabeth did not reply as she recalled the conversation she had overheard at the ball and could not seem to wonder if his offer was genuine or he felt compelled to say it… Elizabeth, knew she would not be able to feel completely at ease with him until she told him what she had heard or voiced her concerns, but she did not want to upset their progress. In mentioning it, she knew an argument would be unavoidable, and knowing that he was watching her and waiting for her to speak she decided to push through smaller barriers instead of wading through the minefield of their families.

"May I ask something of you, sir? A small favour?" Elizabeth asked, enjoying the way he cocked his head to one side in contemplation.

"If it is within my power to give it to you. I shall endeavour to accommodate you." came his reply as she could see him trying to figure out what she would ask for before she voiced it. He gestured a hand toward a chair on the opposite side of his desk. "Pray be seated."

Silently, he waited for her sit and to begin.

"I would suggest that we now dispense with the formalities…"

"Formalities?" he frowned.

"Yes, I think I should like to call you by your Christian name and you by mine. It would be a natural step in the right direction, and I should hope it would improve the intimacy of our situation considerably." She said clasping her hands before her as Rufus went back to his place laying in front of the fire with a loud yawn.

Quite unbidden he bestowed a small smile upon her that made Elizabeth's breath hitch as it produced those most irresistible dimples on either cheek. He was a handsome man before she had ever observed a smile on his countenance and he was devastatingly more so, when he did smile in her opinion.

"That is not objectionable to me. You may call me what you like... Fitzwilliam, William..." he trailed off with a dismissive flick of his wrist.

"May I have leave to call you Fitzwilliam? I prefer it to William." She replied happily.

"And what shall you call me when you are cross with me?" he asked.

"I beg your pardon?" she said in confusion.

"If you are to call me by my full name, how shall I know by your address when you are angry with me?" came his reply.

He is teasing me! - she thought the realization fulling her with merriment.

"I shall call you Mr Darcy when you make me cross in effort to avoid any confusion as to my mood. I shall put particular gravitas over Mr to further aid your understanding." Came her quick reply, her eyes alight with her teasing mood as she bestowed a bewitching smile upon him.

He chuckled lightly a deep rumbling sound. "Very good. And what should you like me to call you? Elizabeth? Lizzy? Eliza?" he chuckled once more when she wrinkled her nose at 'Eliza'.

"What is your preference?"

"I think I shall follow by you example and address you as Elizabeth."

"And Mrs Darcy when you are cross."

"Indeed, with additional emphasis on Mrs!" He said arching a brow.

"Well, now that is settled, I shall leave you to your work, Fitzwilliam."

He gave her a small wink before turning back to his papers which made her heart flutter as she moved to quit his office.

He winked at me!

"Elizabeth?"

"Yes?" she answered turning back to him as he rose from behind his desk.

"Business can wait. Let us go for our walk now. Would you still like to go to Hyde Park? Or would you like to see the courtyard and garden here?" He asked as he moved to return some books to their place on the shelves lining the walls either side of the fireplace.

Her gaze dropped to his muscular thighs as they moved and tensed with his steps and blushed scarlet as her gaze moved unintentionally to the fall of his breeches.

He quirked a single dark brow at her bold perusal, making her aware of his own appraisal of her as he leant on the edge of his desk in undisguised appreciation.

Suddenly breathless, Elizabeth cleared her throat desperate to force her thoughts back to what he had asked her and not his physical presence unnerving, overwhelming.. She knew he was not fond of crowds and should they go for a walk in Hyde Park today they would be the focus of most who us ventured out to see and be seen...

"Would you be adverse to walking in the garden today and tomorrow we could explore the park if we fancy it?" she said in what she hoped was an optimistically believable tone.

"Hyde park it is." Another laugh rumbled from his throat before he offered her his arm.

Smiling demurely and laying her palm on his sleeve she allowed her husband to lead them from his study. Elizabeth was pleased to have the opportunity to escape the confines of the house having not been able to stretch her legs before their wedding, she felt as though she had been too long in doors.

A light drizzle began to fall when they left the house, but Mr Darcy held an umbrella aloft to protect her from the elements. Elizabeth began to worry that now she was Mrs Darcy it would not be fashionable or the 'done thing' to be walking through Hyde Park in the rain but Mr Darcy showed no such apprehension and seemed content to walk with her discussing mild topics.

Occasionally, they came across curious glances and a few ladies whispering behind their gloves hands as they craned their necks to get a better look at her. When they turned back towards Darcy House, her husband nodded acknowledgement to a gentleman rider, who quickly changed direction towards them for an introduction.

"Elizabeth, allow me to introduce you to a good friend of mine; Lord Felton the Marquess of Sayer. Felton, this is my wife Mrs Elizabeth Darcy."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance Mrs Darcy!" Lord Fenton said dismounting and offering her a bow.

"It is lovely to meet you, my Lord." Elizabeth replied with a bow.

"I must say Darcy, I was happy to hear the news and sorry I could not attend your wedding." replied Lord Fenton with a pleasing smile.

Lord Fenton looked to be nearing his forties, with pleasant features, and greying dark blonde hair. His height was a few inches shorter than her husband, but he was heavier set in frame.

"It is not a bother; we shall have you around for dinner at some point soon I should imagine." replied Fitzwilliam.

"I look forward to it. Now, I shall not keep you and your lovely wife out in this weather. Good day Mr and Mrs Darcy," he said with a touch of his hat and a wide grin before he mounted his horse.

"Do I pass the inspection?" she inquired looking up at Fitzwilliam as they walked the short distance left to their home.

Just then, she glanced over and caught him watching her, a small, intimate smile. Hunger coursed through him rushing low to stoke his arousal. Still gazing at her mouth, he fought the impulse to lean across and kiss her.

"I believe any who have seen you would not question my choice of bride." he said looking down at her as they exited the park.

"Thank you."

He raised an inquiring brow. "Whatever for?"

"For everything. For accompanying me here today and for making a point of introducing me to someone like Lord Fenton."

He brought his hand gently to her jaw and for a moment she forgot herself and leaned into the caress, when the laughter from a group of ladies startled her. Looking across the road she saw that they were being watched closely by a group of women making their way to a waiting carriage and her stomach plummeted. Not one to be cowed by such intimidation she reached for her husband's hand and placed it over the hand she had linked through his arm and smiled up at him, though, the corners of her mouth quivered slightly.

"Come let us hurry home, I am eager for hot cup of tea." she said looking up to see Fitzwilliam scowling over at the ladies who had now averted their gaze.

Would it always be like this? Elizabeth wondered.