A/N: whooo... we got through the set up. Finally, back to Regency England. Readers often request more scenes of ODC interacting. This is the primary purpose of this chapter. There is only a small bit that is necessary for the plot. I should point out, someone on a JAFF group was saying she hadn't found a JAFF that takes place after they are married that she likes. A good story has to have conflict and since Darcy is such a great guy, and they now know they are in love, what kind of conflict can happen to make a good story? This is my attempt to try to address that issue. I'll be interest to see if I succeed or fail.

Chapter 4

Darcy used the tips of his fingers to brush the dark brown curls away from Elizabeth's face.

"Huuummmm," she mumbled. The corners of her lips curled up but her eyes remained closed.

Darcy leaned over her, and in the softest of whispers said, "I'm sorry. Did I wake you, my darling?"

A mumbled "Nearly" came from his semi-conscious wife. He moved his hand away from her face and stared at the angel lying in his bed. It was only through sheer will — and by constantly reminding himself that they had the rest of their lives together — that he managed to refrain from leaning over and brushing his lips against her cheek. He had finally found contentment. He could think of nothing more he could want out of life.

Ten minutes passed before one of Lizzy's eyes cracked open and looked up at him. "Will this be a ritual?" she asked, still groggy. "Do you intend to spend the first hour of every morning watching me sleep."

"I would spend every moment you were asleep watching you if it did not interfere with my ability to spend every moment I am awake enjoying your company." Elizabeth rolled from her stomach to her side. She stretched out her arm and lazily let it fall on top of her husband's hip. "I did try my hardest not to wake you this time," he continued. "Were you unable to fall back to sleep after I brushed your hair back to better see your face? You looked so tired I had thought you would be able to."

"I may have been able to fall back asleep, but the warm, rhythmic breeze caused by your breathing reminded me that my reality is far more pleasant than anything my subconscious could dream up." The arm draped over him tugged a little, letting him know she wanted him to move closer. He obliged and slid an arm under her so he could embrace her in a hug. Soon he found himself on his back, one arm wrapped around Elizabeth, and her head resting comfortably on his chest.

"So what shall we do today?" Darcy asked.

"I like what we are doing right now," Lizzy said as she drew little circles on his chest. "But I suppose it would not do to spend all day in bed. People would start to talk."

"Let them talk," Darcy said holding her in place.

Elizabeth giggled. "I thought a picnic might be nice. Mrs. Reynolds mentioned there is an old rope swing attached to a branch over a river you very much enjoyed as a boy. I thought we might go there."

Darcy's eyes widened. "Did she mention it is a rope swing that one attempts to hold onto until they are over the middle of the river, at which time they let go and fall into the very wet water below?"

"Well I cannot imagine liking my water any other way. I have seen it solid, but find when falling into it, wet is the best option." Lizzy said very matter-of-factly. "And I could not imagine a better alternative for a rope swing placed over a river than the one you describe."

Darcy's grip on Elizabeth tightened. "I have spent a life time finding you, and as daring and bold as you may be, I will not allow you to engage in anything so risky as the things you suggest."

Lizzy smiled. "I merely suggested a picnic. It is you who assumes I wish to use the facilities installed at that location."

"But you did nothing to correct my assumption," Darcy pointed out.

"Do you not feel I am now making you doubt my desire to use the rope swing?"

"Yes, I guess you are. But you are failing to be definitive on the matter. Promise me you will not do anything so foolish or dangerous today and we shall plan on a picnic."

Lizzy got a defiant look in her eyes. "I shall promise nothing. I told you before we wed, I do not wish to give my husband the power to make decisions for me. Instead you must have faith in my judgement. But as I love you very much, I will divulge this: given the recent weather trends, I imagine I would find the temperature too cold to wish to engage in activities requiring swimming."

Darcy pulled her head toward him and kissed the crown of her head. "You are stubborn as an ox and impossible, Mrs. Darcy."

"And you would not change me even if you could," she added.

"No, I would not."

The couple lay on the blanket admiring the view. "Does your river contain fish, Mr. Darcy?"

"Do you mean our river, Mrs. Darcy?"

"If truth be told, I actually mean to ask if fishing in the portion of the river which runs through the grounds of Pemberley would yield results," Elizabeth said carefully.

"Then your answer is yes. At least when I last checked. Believe it or not, I have spent the better part of this last year chasing an altogether different type of creature. It left me with no time for the idle sport of fishing."

"Yes, I do believe you. I saw evidence of your traps throughout my travels. I had not known them as traps at first for they were poorly made in the beginning."

"I had very little experience in hunting that type of prey."

"And I will endeavor to make sure you never again find need for such skills," Elizabeth said as she reached into the picnic basket and removed a bunch of grapes. "I ask after fishing as I was wondering if you might teach me."

"Teach you to fish?" Darcy asked. "I am not sure that is a pastime a lady would find enjoyable."

"I would not be learning to fish in hopes of finding enjoyment in the activity. Rather, I would've learning because I know I would find pleasure in the company. My parents spend far too little time together, and I am determined to broaden my interests so we might find things to enjoy together on a very regular basis."

"I see," Darcy said as he considered this concept. "In that case, I shall attempt to do likewise. Maybe you can teach me to draw."

"Oh, no," Lizzy giggled. "I cannot teach that which I do not know. But I can teach you to sew a little."

Darcy blushed at the thought. "Perhaps I might simply read while you sew," he suggested. "This will allow us to stay together in the same room."

"But the best part of sewing is the conversation, Mr. Darcy. How do you propose to converse while reading?"

"If I am to learn to sew, you must teach me somewhere where I will not be seen."

Elizabeth giggled. "Fitzwilliam?"

"Yes?"

"I hate sewing. I merely wanted to see to what lengths you would go to in terms of engaging in activities I enjoy."

He reached over and grabbed her. "You shall need to pay a forfeit for your teasing." He kissed her.

"If that is my punishment, I see a great deal of teasing in your future."

He kissed her again, and they spent a lazy afternoon enjoying the Pemberley countryside.

"Why the long face?" Elizabeth asked.

Darcy sat on his side of the bed looking over a letter which had arrived from London. "I must go to London for a few days."

"Have you received bad news," Lizzy asked with concern.

"No. It is not that anything is wrong, it is just that I had hoped to remain here for several months. But my solicitor requires my signatures on some documents and prefers not to send them by post. I have never cared for the City, but now leaving is ten times harder."

"Fret not," Elizabeth said as she set the book she had been reading on her nightstand. There was a loud thud. She looked at the floor to see what her book had displaced. "Oh, dear."

"What was it?"

"My grandfather's watch." Lizzy stood from the bed and retrieved the timepiece. "It looks as though I have damaged the face." She frowned.

"I will bring it to London with me and have it repaired. There is an excellent watchmaker there who should be able to make it as good as new in no time."

"Is it the same watchmaker who fixed it for me when we were in London?"

"The very same."

"See. You were destined to make this journey and will come home to me within a week." Elizabeth set the watch on top of her book, climbed back into bed and cuddled her husband. "Besides, do they not say that absence makes the heart grow fonder?"

"Elizabeth, my love, if my heart grew any fonder, I do not think I could stand it."