A/N: Don't shoot me after reading this chapter.

Chapter 8

In due course Elizabeth was able to speak with the cook, learn how long he had been in service and to whom, and she even spoke with Jenny, whom she did her best to put her at ease. Jenny was asked if she had any skills with dressing women's hair and the maid informed her that she practiced with her sisters. It was decided that Jenny would help Elizabeth with her dress and hair when the occasion required it, but that most days she would do well by herself.

The next day, which was void of rain, Elizabeth even went to the stables to visit Mr. Rush, the stable master and his son, Thomas. He was a middle-aged man who's wife died giving birth to young Tom and had always worked in the stables at the Parsonage. He introduced Elizabeth to their two horses and told her, with the exception of harvest time, they would be at her beck and call. After breakfast Collins took her on a tour of their land in the pony cart, which he handled with dexterity, if not confidence. "I prefer to walk, if it is not too far."

When they came to the lane that led to Rosings Park Collins had pointed out the trees and bushes that bordered the road. "I sent a note to Lady Catherine yesterday informing her of our safe return and she expressed a wish to visit you. She said to expect her after service on Sunday."

"Will her daughter be joining us?"

"Yes," Mr. Collins directed the cart back to their home, "and most likely Miss de Bourgh's companion, Mrs. Jenkinson."

The entire day was filled with Elizabeth easing herself into the role of mistress. She went throughout the house taking inventory of all that belonged to the parsonage (quite a lot) and all that belonged to Mr. Collins, (not as much.) The parsonage had a beautiful tea set that Elizabeth directed Mrs. Shaw to use when her ladyship arrived on Sunday. When they came to the drawer where the candles were kept Elizabeth asked about the frugal use.

"Master Collins never had need of more," was her only explanation.

"In future I should like the rooms better lit."

"Yes mum."

Elizabeth spent the rest of her day writing letters to her Mother, sisters, and even one to Charlotte. Jane's she directed to London, for she would have left Longbourn that very day and thought it would be nice for her letter to be waiting for her at the Gardiner's when she arrived. All too soon evening befell them and she went down to supper where Collins waited for her.

Supper was a quiet affair,much like the night before, though properly lit. "You look lovely tonight, Elizabeth." Collins smiled, bowing to her, then tucked into his food. Elizabeth was quiet herself, not knowing what conversation would please him most. She supposed she could ask about Lady Catherine, he seemed to have an abundance to say about her, but couldn't stomach that topic just now. With their meal complete, Collins held his arm out for his wife, who took it, and led her to the drawing room where he thought to please her by reading from a book of sermons.

Elizabeth tried desperately to stay awake throughout the reading. She knew his dislike of novels, and though they were not her favorite, there was something to be said about a thrilling story to break up the monotony of every day life. She wondered if there was a lending library in town and if she could possibly sneak a book or two into the house on occasion.

After a half hour in this manner, Collins reading, Elizabeth thinking of other things, he shut the book. Looking at him he seemed to be a bit shy as he stood before her and held his arm out to her. She took it and followed him up the stairs and to her room.

"I shall come to you in fifteen minutes?" He asked, unable to look at her in the eye.

Elizabeth's eyes widened. So he meant to consummate the marriage tonight? Elizabeth silently nodded her head, then entered her room, shutting the door behind her. She could hear Collins open and close his own door. Her heart began to beat furiously in her chest, like a wild best trying to escape its cage. She went to her bed and sat, then almost immediately rose and paced the room. For a moment she thought about faking a head ache, but that would only put off the inevitable. She went to her dressing table and unpinned her hair, which fell in soft ringlets to the small of her back. She began to brush out any tangles, then when finished she began removing her shoes and stockings.

A knock at the door startled her, "Come," she called.

Mr. Collins timidly entered the room wearing a dressing gown. The beast within her chest began to pound more urgently at her rib cage. He slowly made his way to her, his eyes fluttering over her person without stopping at any one point. Elizabeth smiled despite her fears.

"Well," Collins started, "shall we to the bed?"

Elizabeth stood and made her way to her bed, sitting on the edge. Collins sat beside her and hesitantly placed his hand on her knee, then withdrew it. She wanted to recoil, but knew it would be faster if she let him do whatever it was he was going to do with her.

"Shall I help you out of your dress?" He asked.

Nodding her head, Elizabeth stood, her back before him. He untied the lace of her dress, then slowly let it slip down her body. Her skin prickled at the sudden coolness that rushed at her. She looked over to the fire and was glad to see it had been properly lit. Before she could think about anything else Collins was removing her chemise. She let out a little squeak as she covered her chest with her hands. It was a complete shock to be suddenly bare before a man, even if he was her husband. She closed her eyes shut, biting her bottom lip, hoping it wouldn't take too long and that it wouldn't hurt too much.

Collins sighed, his breath tickling her neck. He was playing with her hair, bringing it up to his face and inhaling its scent. He was directly behind her and she could feel his bare skin along her body. He must have removed his dressing gown. "I shall do my best to be gentle."

He laid her upon the bed, her hands still trying to cover herself. She refused to open her eyes, but it did not seem to deter Collins. The experience was frightening, and a bit painful, Collins making much the same noises as when he eats, and before she could let out a cry for him to stop it seemed the deed was done. Collins was climbing off her and she opened her eyes to see him donning his gown.

She wanted to ask if he was finished, but felt it prudent to remain silent. "I hope I did not hurt you too much?" He asked.

Elizabeth shook her head. He smiled, bent down to gently kiss her forehead, then left without another word, leaving her thoroughly confused. After a moment she arose from her bed and stared at her reflection in the mirror across the room. She looked the same as she did yesterday, but deep within she felt completely changed.