I'm posting this at all the most frequently used topics, so forgive my redundance but it has to be done... By the end of this week, the domain name for Spring will be changed to spring.net (instead of the current, spring.com) please change your bookmarks after the change takes place.

Where is Stephani? I would like to see the rest of her story.

A Morning Refreshment Slowly Elizabeth Darcy woke up. The heavy curtains were closed tightly but she could still see a few rays of sunshine escaping into the room. Finally the March rains had stopped and perhaps today she could go for a walk on the grounds of Pemberley. She turned to greet her husband but found he had already left the bed and indeed, was not even in the room. Not knowing what time it could be, Elizabeth jumped from the bed and flew into the dressing room. She stopped short when she saw her husband sitting in the tub attended to his bath by his manservant. Horrified to be seen in her thin nightdress without even a robe covering her, Elizabeth turned to hurry back to her bedroom. Her husband's voice stopped her but she could not look at either man. "Stay Elizabeth. Weston, you may go. I will call you when you are needed." "Very good, sir." Only when she heard the door close could Elizabeth turn back to her husband but she kept her eyes cast down and wore a sheepish grin. "I thought it was very late when I did not find you still in bed, sir." "And you came running in here to find me or to find your robe?" "Indeed, I had no thought for anything but to get dressed before the servants start to call me a lay-abed." Elizabeth raised her eyes to the ceiling. "As it is they have not seen either of us in the dining room before nine o'clock and when I found you gone I thought it must be at least as late as that." "And now if Weston does not hold his tongue, the servants will call you reckless for you look like a wild thing running through the rooms with your hair undone and nothing covering you." Elizabeth gazed at a picture on the wall as if she had never seen it before. "Well, I have more covering me than you do," she murmured. "I would not be so sure," Darcy said smiling for his wife was standing before a window. She could not know how the sun behind her made her gown quite translucent. Stealing a look at his face for one moment, Elizabeth quickly looked away and turned back to her door. "I will find my robe if I do not please you this morning." "Nay, wife, you please me very much. And since you have made me chase Weston away, I need someone to help me with my bath." Elizabeth bit her bottom lip as she stared down at her bare feet. She knew her husband was grinning quite impertinently at her but she dared not look at him. She had been Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy for three months now but intimate hours with her husband had been spent in the dark or at least under the covers. Now he was sitting in a tub, most likely quite naked, barely six feet away. What was she to do? to be continued

continued from above "Elizabeth," Darcy said softly. Slowly, Elizabeth raised her eyes to his face. "Here," he said holding out a cloth. "Come and wash my back." She hesitated but still kept her gaze locked on his eyes for she could not look anywhere else. "Well, come. I can not reach it." Darcy tried not to laugh at his wife's flustered expression. Elizabeth heaved a great sigh and walked rapidly to her husband's side. She snatched the cloth roughly from his hand and moved to the back of the tub. Trying very hard not to look at anything but the back of Darcy's head, she plunged the cloth into the water and began swiping at his back. "Elizabeth, the soap." Darcy said, stifling another laugh. "Where is it?" she asked. "Oh, I must have dropped it in the water. Will you help me find it." "What?" "Never mind," he said handing the newly found soap to her. Elizabeth worked up some lather into the cloth and began vigorously rubbing her husband's back. Darcy winced as she worked the cloth into his skin, chafing and scraping his back with her fingernails. "Ouch! Must you be so rough?" "A clean body, a pure soul, my mother always said," Elizabeth puffed as she energetically worked. She stood back and admired the shade of red his back was turning. "There, I am finished." "Elizabeth, will you lather my hair?" "Surely you can do that yourself." "I am not accustomed to it," he replied plaintively. Looking about the room, Elizabeth spied a jug with fresh water in it and without warning, poured some onto Darcy's head. Her husband coughed as water came into his mouth. Sighing, Elizabeth plunged the cloth back into the water and worked more soap into it. She attacked his head with renewed vigor. Using all ten fingernails, she worked the lather with both hands through his curls, giving the side of his head an energetic slap every now and then. "What made you decide to take a bath this morning, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth spoke in sharp bursts as she massaged and scratched and pummeled her poor husband's scalp. "The sunshine made me feel quite stimulated. Ouch, Elizabeth, not so hard! The hair does come out, you know." "I am feeling quite stimulated myself." Elizabeth had to smile in spite of herself. "Perhaps you would like me to help you with your bath next." Elizabeth promptly poured the rest of the water in the jug over Darcy's head. She felt some small regret as she saw the soapy water get into her husband's eyes. He squeezed them tightly shut but it was too late. "Damn," Darcy shouted out. "Oh, my dear, I am sorry." Elizabeth did feel contrite as she searched for some toweling. She handed a piece to her husband and he wiped at his eyes. After much rubbing, Darcy was finally able to look up at his wife with reddened eyes. She looked quite boldly back at him, her embarrassment at finding her husband half submerged in a tub seemingly quite over. Darcy decided to test this new found boldness. He began to stand. Elizabeth quickly turned her back and searched for something to keep her from looking at her husband. "Umm, my dear, it's getting quite chilly in here. I believe I had..." Her husband had taken hold of her arm to keep her from leaving. She still would not turn around but he pulled her closer and closer to him. Suddenly she felt the edge of the tub and before she knew it, she was being pulled in with a great splash. Elizabeth let out a small shriek as she felt the water soak into her night dress. She still would not look at Darcy who had not stood after all but was still sitting in the tub, with his wife now on top of him. "Fitzwilliam, look what you've done!" Elizabeth wailed. "There is water everywhere and...." Elizabeth began to laugh as she found her husband's face wearing an innocent expression. "...and I am soaking wet." Darcy gave his wife her favorite smile, his teeth showing and dimples digging creases into his cheeks. She could not help herself but to trace those dimples with her finger and touch the one in his chin too. And then he kissed her. Several long, hard kisses later, Darcy smiled lazily at his wife. "You know, my dear. A bath works much better if you take off your night dress." ****** Weston paced outside his master's bedroom waiting to be called. He jumped slightly when Mrs. Reynolds came up behind him and spoke. "What are you doing out here? And where is the master?" "Taking a bath," Weston said woefully. "It is almost ten o'clock in the morning. And the mistress has not come downstairs either. I wonder where she might be." "I believe she is taking a bath as well." "How can that be? I know there is but one..." Comprehension dawned on Mrs. Reynolds' kind face. "Oh, I see. Come, Weston, I believe it will be awhile before you are called. Let me give you a nice cup of tea while you wait." THE END

A Morning Refreshment Slowly Elizabeth Darcy woke up. The heavy curtains were closed tightly but she could still see a few rays of sunshine escaping into the room. Finally the March rains had stopped and perhaps today she could go for a walk on the grounds of Pemberley. She turned to greet her husband but found he had already left the bed and indeed, was not even in the room. Not knowing what time it could be, Elizabeth jumped from the bed and flew into the dressing room. She stopped short when she saw her husband sitting in the tub attended to his bath by his manservant. Horrified to be seen in her thin nightdress without even a robe covering her, Elizabeth turned to hurry back to her bedroom. Her husband's voice stopped her but she could not look at either man. "Stay Elizabeth. Weston, you may go. I will call you when you are needed." "Very good, sir." Only when she heard the door close could Elizabeth turn back to her husband but she kept her eyes cast down and wore a sheepish grin. "I thought it was very late when I did not find you still in bed, sir." "And you came running in here to find me or to find your robe?" "Indeed, I had no thought for anything but to get dressed before the servants start to call me a lay-abed." Elizabeth raised her eyes to the ceiling. "As it is they have not seen either of us in the dining room before nine o'clock and when I found you gone I thought it must be at least as late as that." "And now if Weston does not hold his tongue, the servants will call you reckless for you look like a wild thing running through the rooms with your hair undone and nothing covering you." Elizabeth gazed at a picture on the wall as if she had never seen it before. "Well, I have more covering me than you do," she murmured. "I would not be so sure," Darcy said smiling for his wife was standing before a window. She could not know how the sun behind her made her gown quite translucent. Stealing a look at his face for one moment, Elizabeth quickly looked away and turned back to her door. "I will find my robe if I do not please you this morning." "Nay, wife, you please me very much. And since you have made me chase Weston away, I need someone to help me with my bath." Elizabeth bit her bottom lip as she stared down at her bare feet. She knew her husband was grinning quite impertinently at her but she dared not look at him. She had been Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy for three months now but intimate hours with her husband had been spent in the dark or at least under the covers. Now he was sitting in a tub, most likely quite naked, barely six feet away. What was she to do? to be continued

Oops, sorry for the double post :-r

YAHOO!!! New fanfic! This was a true delight, Heide! And you know, we are never displeased with the idea of Darcy, water and of course, encountering Lizzy. Well done! Pray, continue... this can't be the end, for how will they ever get dried and dressed!? ;-)

Another wonderful and tantalizing scene, Heide. You are indeed a master(?)/mistress of all things involving bedrooms/bathrooms. Ah, what other rooms in the house shall you conquer? I agree with Jennifer above, surely there must be more!! BTW, with writing like that I don't think any of us would mind a triple posting!

Wow Heide...just read this and some of your previous stories! Those translucent gowns seem to be popping up all over the place lately for yesterday I had the same thought! :) ******** Hi Everybody... Just got around to perusing fanfic over here, and yesterday while I was home with a sick child I decided start a new story for the fanfic board over at RoP. I kind of got a little carried away with one part and before I knew it the story was definitely not "G" rating material....If you would all like, I will post that part of it here instead. I believe from reading some of the other stories here it fits right in. ;-) Lou

Thanks ladies for your kind comments. I have a feeling there was a small flood in the room before they were done. Lou, stories for adults are always welcome here. There's been little activity on the boards this past week, so I hope to see your story soon to liven things up. Not G-rated? Better and better.

This was fun Heide how long before the go below stairs Lou I hope to see your story here soon I know how great yours alway are

hee hee heide, hmmm.... Helena and Darcy in the tub, now I could do that one!

Darcy sat atop his best horse, on a hill overlooking the grounds of Pemberley. He heaved a sigh of satisfaction, for this was by far the most agreeable time in his life. His steward rode up behind him, and glanced at the view as well. "This is going to be a most profitable year, sir. If I may say, your marriage has greatly improved the outlook of the tenants and servants. Their enthusiasm has grown throughout the year, and this promises to be one of the most abundant harvests ever." "Yes, Mr. Rawlings. I believe your observations are correct. My marriage has improved many an outlook, including my own." Darcy smiled with pleasure as he thought of his wife. Within less than a year she had elicited admiration and esteem as the mistress of the estate. He could not have asked for more from her, for her easy manner and lively countenance had endeared her to their community. Prudently speaking, what she had not brought to the marriage financially, she had brought spiritually, and that would always be treasure enough for Darcy. Financially, Darcy was sitting on top of the world, emotionally things were not very much different. He had everything he had always wanted, practically everything that is. He made his way back to the house, and was walking through the halls when he encountered Georgiana. "Dear sister!" He exclaimed and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. "What do you do this fine day?" Georgiana giggled at her brother�s enthusiasm. It did her heart good to see him so consistently happy these days. "Let me see." She paused to think back on the day. "Well...I have practiced my scales, worked on some embroidery, strolled the gardens, and...oh, yes...Elizabeth and I went to the village and visited with some of the tenants." "A very fulfilling day." Darcy concluded. "Yes, it was, brother. I wish you had seen the happiness that follows Elizabeth wherever she goes. She is so very genuine. It is my hope to endeavor to follow in her path." Georgiana said in admiration of her new sister. "Georgiana, I am reminded of Elizabeth�s excellence, every morning when I awaken and see her lovely smile", he acknowledged. "Pray, tell me...where is my wife?" "She is in your chambers, dressing for supper." Georgiana replied. Darcy made no move to comment, for his thoughts would have only made his dear sweet sister blush. "I will see you at supper, Georgiana" was all he said, and he took off up the stairs to his rooms. He opened the door and quietly slipped into the bedchamber. He did not want to disturb his wife, if she were resting, for it was a bit early to begin dressing for supper. What he saw made him gasp as he beheld the figure, clothed only in a loose fitting night gown as she sat on a chaise, looking out the window. The night gown had fallen low on her back, exposing her shoulders, and the light from the window shown through the rest of it as to make it quite transparent. He stood transfixed on the sight, and inaudibly moaned, "Mercy." He smiled as his mind whirled in expectation. Elizabeth turned around to see his fine figure standing and watching her. He flushed a little when he saw her eyes on him as well. "I saw you come into the house" she whispered to him. "You have been laying in wait of me then?" he managed to say. Her mouth formed into a tiny smile, "you may say that." He sighed, "Then madam, you have me where you want me." He walked over to her present position and her hands reached up to begin the tedious task of working over every button and knot his clothing possessed. He assisted her a little, but he found his hands to have a mind of their own as they caressed her back and moved their way to the back of her neck, then down again. His mouth moved along the side of her face in the form of kisses and found her lips. She continued to work on his attire, and after a few minutes was successful in helping him discard every ast piece. She gave him a little shove and he willingly fell back onto the bed, and she advanced on him, in the most feminine of ways. His breathing increased with every torturous moment, as she bent over to place kisses next to his ear, then he heard her make a small gasp. He moaned as she pleasured him, swaying his body to the motion of hers. Within minutes she brought him to the brink of ecstasy, then before he knew it she left his person and laid back onto the pillow, her hands around his neck as she pulled im to her. He saw her gasp again as he pushed forward, and she moved her hands down to rest on each of his arms, and then she tightened her grip on them, urging him on. He bent over to kiss every inch of her face as he watched her smile tighten, then relax again. He closed his eyes and gave in to his own unmitigated desire. As she had done to him moments before, he abruptly ceased his motion and tugged on the night gown, moving it up and slipping it off of her. He was satisfied with the feel of skin on skin, and continued his passionate movements as she reached up and held the back of his head in her hands. Their bodies moved in this fashion for some time, each bringing the other to a pinnacle, then stopping just long enough to prolong their passion. Their movements were torturous and deliberate, and more desire and passion had never been exchanged between two persons so violently in love. Small moans began to escape from Elizabeth�s lips and Darcy increased the force of his body just enough to take the experience to a new height. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs moved up to the small of his back and she let out a cry into his ear. He slowed his motion to allow her a chance to catch her breath, for he was by no means finished with his indulgence. She gasped a few times then opened her eyes to see him smiling down at her. She lazily smiled back, her love for him evident in her eyes. She found a second wind, and began kissing him as though it were their first passion-filled kiss. He needed no more encouragement to continue on with their playful tryst. She listened in contentment as he breathed out with every exertion, and moaned out words of his love for her, and a few that she could not quite make out. She felt the joy only a lover can know, w en he finally called out her name and shuddered his last movement. She caressed his face and held him close as he lay upon her body, trying to find the power to lift himself up and lay at her side. He finally did leave her and she turned to face him. They were comfortable in their bed, caressing each other as they allowed themselves time to recover. Continued

"Do we have to go down to supper?" she whispered. "No" he said, his face locked in a weary smile. "But I am a bit hungry." Elizabeth giggled at Darcy�s confession. "You are always hungry afterwards. I should instruct the servants to leave some food on a tray for you in the sitting area from now on. That way you will not have to leave me to satisfy your other appetite." "That is a very good idea...I wonder why I never thought of it?" he laughed as he turned onto his back and pulled her over to lay against him. Elizabeth sighed and ventured to ask him something that had been on her mind for some time. "Fitzwilliam...have I improved?" He stared up at the ceiling trying to comprehend her meaning. "Improved, my love?" "Yes." She rolled over and propped herself up on her elbow to look him in the face. "As a lover...since the first time we were ever intimate?" She took him quite by surprise with her question, and for a moment he wondered if it was some kind of marital test. She was in the habit of allowing her conversation to take a forward turn after they had laid in intimacy. To own the truth, it was one of the things Darcy looked forward to after their lovemaking. He took the diplomatic course and replied, "you have always excited me with your seductions, Elizabeth. Our passion has grown better and better, although that first time will always remain..." he tried to think of a paramount word, "...unparalleled in my mind." She settled back down and cuddled him, smiling to herself in complete satisfaction at his answer. "Well?" he asked a little indignant of her silence. She turned her eyes towards him, "well what?" "I should be happy to hear your answer to the same question." She giggled, for she rarely ever got away with her inquiries, without her husband demanding the same courtesy from her. "I believe your talents in the art have improved with practice Mr. Darcy." He did not have to see the teasing look in her eyes to know she was bordering on insolence. He rolled over and pinned her down with his body. "I was mistaken Mrs. Darcy...I had not realized you wanted to see art!" he jested. "Allow me to show you art in motion." He reached between her legs and tenderly moved them apart, working his body back into a union with hers, and she allowed him the advantage. Before he was satisfied, he brought her to fulfillment which had until then existed only in her fantasies. When they finally made it to their dressing rooms to wash and dress, Elizabeth was in a state of utter enervation, and Darcy was enraptured and extremely famished. Supper was served at the appropriate time, and Elizabeth greeted Georgiana in the dining room. "Where is Fitzwilliam?" Georgiana inquired. "He is still getting ready." Elizabeth said briefly, and the two sisters exchanged a quick glance, but Elizabeth looked away not wanting to forfeit too many secrets. Darcy burst into the dining room with a new found enthusiasm, greeted his sister, then looked at his wife with the warmest look of adoration. "I am absolutely famished!" he exclaimed. "What is for supper, dear?" "Ham and macaroni pye." Elizabeth stated and Darcy unfolded his cloth in eager anticipation. They sat at the dining table and Elizabeth daintily ate her meal, as she watched her husband attack his with the zeal of a man who had not eaten in days. She stole a glance over at Georgiana, who was watching her brother�s progress with his plate. He looked up, knife and fork suspended over his food, and noticed his sister�s stares. He flushed in embarrassment at the thought of her discovering that lovemaking bestowed on him a hearty appetite. He soon dismissed the thought as impossible and went back o his meal with unmatched fervor.

Wonderful Lou!!! This is ART in itself:)

I'm very impressed with both of the stories I read today (Lou's and Heide's). I've never visited here before (too many cyber-vices already!) and didn't know quite what to expect, but I must say, I have spent a very enjoyable few minutes just now. You should both be best-selling authors. I shall look for your books soon at the booksellers!

Is StephanieB ok? Does she have time to finish Summer Masquerade yet? Let her know we miss her!!!

Yes, StephanieB is OK. She has posted a couple of messages here at Drool lately to say what is going on. She has been very busy at her new job and is entertaining Marcia. SMB has kind of been put on the back burner.

Hi everyone! Two things. The first is this is the hospital that I worked for for 20 years, and went thru so much turmoil with during Christmas. Thought you'd be interested to know I was right about its future. Second, see ROP for a new chapter of SMB, if anyone still cares! La Habra ails over hospital loss HEALTH : Residents, employees and officials lament the closure of the city's only acute-care facility. April 10, 1998 By ERIC CARPENTER The Orange County Register LA HABRA � The owner of Friendly Hills, MedPartners Inc. of Birmingham, Ala., announced Wednesday that the 25-year-old medical center will shut its doors May 15 because of sagging profits. City residents will have to look for hospital care, including emergency care, at out-of-town facilities such as Brea Community Hospital and St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton. The closure also threatens community programs such as Meals on Wheels and signals the end of hospital-sponsored health screenings. Moreover, the development is a blow to a city struggling to rebound from the flight of numerous businesses over the past decade. MedPartners has hired Santa Barbara-based Tenet Healthcare Corp. to provide hospital services to the 116,000 Friendly Hills health-plan members. They will be referred to Whittier Hospital Medical Center and Placentia Linda Community Hospital. Tenet will spend $15 million to upgrade the Whittier hospital to handle the increase. Outpatient clinics and MRI and radiology units surrounding the 250-bed Friendly Hills hospital will remain open. About 500 Friendly Hills employees will be laid off, said Joyce Hawthorne, spokeswoman for MedPartners. A "significant number" of those employees, however, may be hired at the Whittier hospital, said Brandon Edwards, spokesman for Tenet. Friendly Hills and its employees had become part of the fabric of La Habra. Doctors served on community boards. The hospital sponsored 5K races and summer picnics. Indeed, the hospital itself helped define the growing city. It opened as La Habra Community Hospital in May 1974. Residents eager to have emergency care in their city raised $75,000 for construction. A Meals on Wheels program began in 1974 and has delivered about 600,000 meals since. A hospital dietitian prepares the meals in the hospital kitchen and provides two meals a day to 60 needy residents. "It's been the ideal partnership," Kind said. "They're going to be hard to replace. Family Medical Group purchased the hospital in 1988. An obstetrics unit was added in 1989 and, for the first time since the city's 1925 incorporation, babies were born at a hospital within city limits. MedPartners assumed control of the hospital in May 1996. In February, the obstetrics unit was closed because, officials said, it wasn't making a profit. Officials considered refurbishing the hospital, but decided it would be too expensive. "We only had it for 25 years. It is a surprise to lose a young hospital," Mayor Dorothy Rush said. Rush said that though she's sure residents can still receive "the very best medical care," she knows that a city losing its only hospital may worry some people. La Habra will not be the only city without an acute-care hospital � eight of the county's 31 cities don't have one. La Habra, with 54,000 residents, however, will be one of the three largest cities without a hospital. The other two � Lake Forest and Laguna Niguel � have major regional medical centers less than a mile away in neighboring cities. The nearest major medical center to La Habra, St. Jude, is about three miles away. The Fire Department already transports about 30 percent of residents in need of emergency care to hospitals outside the city, Bankston said. The department was working Thursday to determine where emergency patients will be taken when Friendly Hills closes. In some cases, "it will add seconds in getting (patients) to the hospital and that's always a concern," Bankston said. The city is eager to work with any company interested in bringing hospital care back to La Habra. "We're willing to work with them by providing demographics and statistics to show that not only is there a need, but they can come to La Habra and be profitable," Bankston said. Hospital employees were told earlier this week that the medical center would close. "It's really sad," said Elizabeth Potter, who has worked at the hospital 16 years. "A lot of us have worked together a long time. We're like a family." #1 newspaper in Orange County, California Copyright 1998 The Orange County Register

Sad news, Stephanie. Sagging profits indeed. Are we talking of people's health care or an amusement arcade? How is it affecting you, your job?

I left there 6 weeks ago and started a new management position in one of the hospitals that will be receiving FH patients. I am the Director of the Emergency Dept. and am in the process of hiring some of my best nurses from FH. BTW, FH posted a 36.2 million profit in 1997. It is a very complicated issue that is causing the hospital to close. If a medical practice mgmt company has a hospital, they know the rules of what can and cannot be done in the office, ie, surgery, etc. But if they don't have a hospital they can bend the rules and then if a patient has a bad outcome, they say, "Oh, we didn't know you couldn't do that in the office." There is a lot of anger from the staff towards the owners of the hospital.

There are certain areas of human activity which should not rely on monetary profits: health and education are prime examples. We cannot consider ourselves civilized if these things are in decline. Unfortunately, it seems we will be entering the 21st century with 19th c. values still firmly in place in quite a number of countries in the so called Western world on both sides of the Pond. I am the Director of the Emergency Dept. Just the right person to have around when the droolers start swooning! ;-)

I've been busy with eight guests, 4 children fron 2 to 10 for the past ten days so I am really glad to catch up here and see the two new stories fron Lou and Heidi Congrats, Stephanie

Lou, as I've been catching up, I realize I haven't responded to your story yet though I enjoyed it my first day back in fantasy land. Lizzy is a coy little vixen isn't she. But I think Darcy is more than able to handle her. I hope you contribute more. This board can lie dormant for weeks.

Hello, I have been working my way through all 424 posts (it has taken some time) and this is my first comment. I would like to add my complete praise to all the authors who have contributed. These stories are great, in a different way to the ones at what was the Derbyshire Writers Guild. I am in awe of people who have such creativity :). Congrats, and please write some more soon!

Where has everyone gone? In the words of the song, "Is anybody there? Does anybody care...." I so look forward to the writings her, and I suppose I am being selfish, but I do miss all the great stories. so, come out, come out, wherever you are!!!! Moira

] Where has everyone gone? In the words of the song, "Is anybody there? Does anybody care...." I so look forward to the writings her, and I suppose I am being selfish, but I do miss all the great stories. so, come out, come out, wherever you are!!!! My thoughts exactly.

Thanks for activating this board again. I've been trying to think of a story but have come up dry. Anybody else? A piece of fan fiction, though we didn't write it...has anyone read The Diary of Henry Fitzwilliam Darcy? I confess I bought it and am reading it now. It's actually the best published sequel/prequel I've ever read (which isn't saying much). I've not gotten too far yet but of course I've peeked ahead and it does go past Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage which piques my interest. One little spoiler for those who may read this book - Darcy lost his virginity at age 17. What is that spinning sound I hear?

has anyone read The Diary of Henry Fitzwilliam Darcy? No, but I'd like to ... Who wrote it? I'm dying to know.

]...has anyone read The Diary of Henry Fitzwilliam Darcy? I guess the only thought that has been able to remain in my mind ever since I read your post is "Where can I get it?" "Where can I get it?" "Where can I get it?""Where can I get it?""Where can I get it?"...

Let me try to oblige you, Helena, and anyone else interested. I did try Bookserve at ROP and perhaps that is an option to compare prices though I did not find it there. On Ellen's FirthFaqs you can find an e-mail address for Jane Austen Books in Chicago. JABooks@aol.com The owner does not have a web site but she will take orders by e-mail. The Diary of Henry Fitzwilliam is by Marjorie Fasnam, ISBN 0-9660778-5-7. The cost is steep, $29.95 with $4.75 shipping for the first item. It is well written but I think some of our writers could have done just as well but that's a commendation to them not a condemnation of the book. Fasnam's Darcy fantasies are perhaps what many of us may imagine of the man and that makes it fascinating to me.

Thanks a lot Heide! I'm going to give it a try. Have you read anyother sequels/prequesls to P&P? I mean aside from those wonderful stories posted here and the ones posted at ROP. If so, which ones? And what did you think of them? I'm thinking about acquiring some but I really can't make up my mind as to which one.

Thanks a lot Heide! I'm going to give it a try. Have you read anyother sequels/prequesls to P&P? I mean aside from those wonderful stories posted here and the ones posted at ROP. If so, which ones? And what did you think of them? I'm thinking about acquiring some but I really can't make up my mind as to which ones.

I've been dithering about delurking to post this (since the board hasn't been very active)--please forgive me if it's too far off-topic. In the couple of years that I've had net access, I've become a hopeless addict of two streams of fanfic. Obviously, one of these is the fic devoted to Austen and her characters (esp. Lizzy & Darcy); the other is that fic dedicated to the characters portrayed in the tv series: "Lois & Clark" (Dean Cain's Clark Kent is fairly drool-able, too). There is an informal series being constructed by L&C fanfic-writers at the moment, called the "Soulmates Chronicles", based on the premise that the souls of Clark Kent and Lois Lane have been intertwined throughout time and "show up", together, in all time periods. Of course, the persona occupied by the soul of Clark Kent would have some kind of do-gooding alter-ego with a secret identity, sans superpowers. Bringing this back into the near realms of on-topic... one of these Soulmates Chronicles is set in Regency London--with an alarmingly Wickham-esque Alexander Luther (heh) as the bad guy. Some of you Austen-addicted fic-readers and writers may enjoy this (almost) crossover very much indeed, as I did. The story is available at: First Impressions Enjoy! [I've always considered that Lizzy and Lois have a great many traits in common, anyway.]

Erk, sorry. Some hubris attached to my self-view of linking ability--and it's misplaced, obviously! That URL should be: http://www.znet.com/~volterra/fanfic/lcpp.html Ta.

What a wonderful story!!! Thank you for the link!!! Heide..I ordered the Diary of Henry Fitzwilliam Darcy today..can't wait to get it..The lady at JABooks@aol.com was a little surprised..This book is suddenly VERY popular...I tried to explain it to her ;-) Thank you for letting us know ..I hope it gets here soon.

Hey, it is soooo good to see people writing here again! God knows how many times I've gone back to Stephanie B's Concessions fan fic...too many, I suppose! It would be great to have some new fiction posted! Hey, lg! I was a huuuuggggggeeeee L&C fan, for the first few seasons at least! Clark was my man - I didn't really do the whole Superman thing, though...I just adored those specs too much! Yeah, I think Lizzy and Lois share the same independent streak...nice to know someone else thinks so! Thanks for the link, by the way, I'm off there now to check it out! Maybe if I feel inpired, I may actually write something of value on this board...anything to excite the lively imaginations of the writers on this board. Hey - who's for Ann2 writing her own little D&L wedding night here? I AM~! I think she'd do a superb job - all she needs is LOTS of encouragement! Maybe as an addition to Perfectly Amiable??? What do you say, Ann?

Ann2 is a fine writer (one of my favorites at Pemberley) so I'd love to see anything she had to say on the subject. BTW, have you read her Heartfelt Delight? It's very sensual and not at all explicit. Quite wonderful!

A STUDY OF CONTRASTS "My maiden, must I wake you with a kiss, my lovely sleeping beauty?" Charlotte tried to regulate her breathing so her husband would think she was asleep but he seemed intent on disturbing her peace. It was rare he was so persistent but she supposed attending the weddings of her two closest friends, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, no, that was wrong, Jane Bingley and Elizabeth Darcy, had raised the amour of William Collins. His sing-song voice only confirmed her suspicion. "Come my little Guinevere. King Arthur wants to show you his shiny singing sword." When she felt a pen prodding her backside, she knew she could feign sleep no longer. And of course that pen was not a writing instrument, but, as William Collins would put it, "the instrument of blissful marital accord". Rolling onto her back, Charlotee adjusted her nightcap and hitched up her night dress. "Yes, my Lord," Charlotte knew her lines by heart. "Your lady is ready to receive her lord. Please be gentle with me." Wiping the perspiration already forming on his brow, her husband began to lower himself to begin "the union of sin and ecstasy". ****** "I say, Jane, you look jolly fine this evening," Charles Bingley said to his bride from across the room. His wife looked demurely up to her new husband as she smoothed the bed linens covering her up to her neck. "I don't think I've ever seen you looking so beautiful as you do tonight," he continued. "Except of course for this morning and this afternoon." Charles continued to stand in the doorway gazing at the fair vision that was his wife. Jane murmured something but he could not quite hear. He looked around the room, and finding a chair, sat in it to contemplate the beauty that was before him. Several minutes passed as he sat with a pleasant smile on his face though his eyes looked hopefully at Jane. The poor girl could barely look at her husband and instead, fingered the gold ring on her left hand. "Well, yes," Charles cleared his throat. "No one can say that I don't have the most beautiful wife in Hertfordshire. Or even the south of England, why I'll venture to say even the whole of England." Several more minutes passed. "Hmm, well, yes," Charles began again. He stood up and gave a huge yawn, raised his right arm above his head and stretched it to the ceiling. "My, I am tired. Are you tired, my dear?" Jane was not sure if she should say yes or no. If she demurred, he might think she was not ready for their wedding night. If she agreed, he might think she only wanted to go to sleep. She paused for several seconds, deciding on her answer. Finally, "I am tired, dear, but not too tired." Charles nodded his head as if he understood. "Well, I believe it is time we... er, I, er... well, it is time to go to bed." Receiving no answer from Jane, Charles nodded. "Yes. Well, I believe I shall just go over to the bed and then blow out the candle. I don't want to blow it out here for it may be too dark and I might not find the bed. I mean, I'll find the bed, but I might stumble. I mean, if I stumble, I might fall on you and hurt you." Jane merely nodded her hand. Charles again cleared his throat and walked to the side of the bed, opposite to Jane. Smiling broadly at her, he removed his robe. Jane watched him from the corner of her eye. Standing by the side of the bed, Charles pulled down his side of the covers and proceeded to slide in. "Dear," Jane spoke sharply. "Yes, dear?" "The candle." "Oh, what a sieve I have for a brain. But of course." Charles obligingly blew out the candle. The newlyweds lay side by side in the dark for some silent moments. Charles yawned again and stretched his arms over his head and then lowered then, his right arm then conveniently resting on top of Jane's head. "Hm, well, yes, I suppose I might kiss you. Would you mind, dear?" Charles asked pleasantly. "Not at all, my dear," Jane murmured. "If I can find your pretty face," Charles chuckled. "It is quite dark in here." He found her lips with little trouble and gave her a chaste kiss. "There, that was easy." He raised himself upon his elbow and slowly, slowly slid his hand across Jane's waist. "Would you mind if I did that again, my dear?" "Not at all, dear." The next kiss was a bit longer. Jane touched his arm in a timid embrace encouraging Charles to try for a third kiss, this time without even asking. "There that was nice," Charles said laying back down again. "Very nice indeed. I don't know if I've ever had a nicer kiss. I mean, I haven't kissed that many girls, and only your kisses have been very nice, my dear. These were nicer than even during our courtship, if I am not mistaken. Though those were very nice as well." "Yes, these kisses were very nice," Jane quietly agreed. "Of course I could kiss you all night. But then you may be tired. If you like, we could go to sleep now." Jane bolted upright in bed. "What?" she screeched. "Go to sleep now? Are you daft? I have been waiting for this night my whole life. My whole life!! And now you want to spoil it for me by going to sleep? Charles, if you do not take me in your arms and make love to me right this instant, I will never sleep with you again." His eyes having adjusted to the dark room, Charles looked on in amazement at the vision of his wife above him glowing in her white night dress. What kind of a vixen was she? Time to find out. He pulled her down to him and rolled her over on her back covering her face and neck with kisses. Jane was giggling as she tried to kiss him back but he was just too quick for her. She settled langourously back in the pillows in preparation for the long ride. to be continued

continued from above Elizabeth was wakened by a hand sliding slowly over her hip and down across her belly. Oh dear, was he back again? She felt a whiskered chin resting on her shoulder and lips pressing against her ear. She stayed silent, hoping he would go away. She opened her eyes and saw the grey dawn filtering through the curtains. Didn't her husband ever sleep? She quickly shut her eyes again as Darcy spoke to her. "Elizabeth. Elizabeth, my love," he whispered in her ear between kisses. The wedding night between Elizabeth and her new husband was not quite what she had imagined. Frankly, she was rather shocked by the whole thing. There had been many kisses during their courtship. Sweet, gentle pecks on the cheek and lips and sometimes longer, more ardent kisses caressing her neck and mouth. Those she had enjoyed mightily and thought perhaps the wedding night would be quite similar. But the urgency of her husband's needs quite frightened her and though he tried to be gentle, she was s artled by the pain and stiffened herself to try to resist his violation. It was over none too soon and she was relieved after some silent moments when he suggested he return to his own room to sleep. She regretted the note of wounded pride in his good night when she too quickly assented to his leaving but was also too preoccupied by the cramping in her lower stomach to give it much further thought. After he left, Elizabeth consoled herself by rubbing her stomach until the cramping subsided. Suddenly aware of something wet trickling down her leg, she jumped out of bed, afraid of finding a pool of blood in the bed. She lit a candle and examined the bedsheets but found only a small speck of blood on the sheets and a little more on her night dress. Not knowing what was coming down her leg, but relieved it was not blood, she returned to bed but moved over to the other side where it was not so wet. She lay in bed a bit contemplating the day's events that had started out so promising. What had happened? Surely she was not so different from other women and never had she heard a complaining word from wives about their husband's night time habits. Perhaps now that she had joined the sorority of married women, she would learn more about adapting. Her poor Darcy had sounded so unhappy. Elizabeth would have to think of a way to make this up to him. She finally fell asleep only to awaken several hours ater. Now Darcy had slid his hand into the front of her night dress, smoothly drifting it down to cup one breast and slowly circling his thumb around the nipple. His tongue was tracing the folds of her ear as his bristled cheek rubbed hers not unpleasantly. Elizabeth found herself leaning back into him. Encouraged, Darcy slid the straps of her filmy night dress down and began kissing and nipping at her neck and bared shoulders. This was most pleasant and Elizabeth seemed to be moving towards him without any hought or care. She raised her arm behind her and ran her fingers dreamily through his hair as his lips, tongue and teeth teased her onto her back. "My, I never knew a woman to sleep so soundly," Darcy murmured, lowering his mouth down, down to her breast. "And you've studied many sleeping women?" Elizabeth purred, then gasped as he slid her gown completely over her breasts and took his mouth to the center of each one, nipping and pulling each nipple taut. She arched her back and put one hand to her mouth, gnawing at her knuckle while her other ran through his hair, down his neck, across his back. She didn't want him to stop but she needed desperately to kiss him so she slid her body down lower under him until their mouths met. As they kissed, she hoped he would never stop but she felt his hand moving down her hips, her legs and then begin pulling her night dress up over her knees and higher. She involuntarily stiffened. Elizabeth knew any repulsion of him would hurt her beloved husband deeply but she dreaded that shooting pain again. Darcy paused for a moment and looked at his wife. He smiled so gently at her that tears came to her eyes and she knew she would give him anything but he moved his hands back and resumed his caresses above her waist. Now her body was moving of its own accord. Her leg raised itself, with no help from its mistress, and her foot slid down her husband's side and then back up again. Her hands rubbed across his body, inside his nightshirt, teasing at the hair on his chest, fingers even resting lightly on his nipples. Her mouth was moving across his collarbone, sometimes raising itself to his neck, chin and mouth, but roaming up and down, with its tongue and teeth flicking and nibbling at very tender spots savoring the delicacies to be found. Side by side they lay, examining and teasing each other. His hands slid under her night dress again but instead of moving away, she pressed closer to Darcy as his hands roamed over her backside and up and down her spine. She tried to move even closer and surely knew what she felt pressing against her stomach was that same agent that had caused her so much discomfort a few hours before but his kisses were hypnotizing her and instead of moving away, she raised her leg and laid it over his hip. That was an invitation her husband could not deny. He returned her to her back and slid her gown completely up to her waist. Elizabeth braced herself but still he did not enter. His hands were now moving below her waist, down to her thighs, between them, moving between them, up, up. What was he doing? She cared not but found herself rocking to meet his fingers as they moved inside her. This was incredible but still she needed something more. She bit into his back and kept nibbling as he quietly laugh d. "Do you care to take a morsel of refreshment, Mrs. Darcy?" he inquired. Elizabeth was breathing heavily as his fingers still moved. "Fitzwilliam," she gasped. "I need you.. I need you to..., oh my God, I need you..." "What do you need Elizabeth?" "I need you to.. oh God... I need you to ... come, come inside me. Dear God, please..." He raised himself up on arms and hovered above her for just a moment watching the expressions moving on his wife's face and when he felt her legs wrap around his back, he acceded to his wife's wishes. to be continued

continued from above "Thank you, my dear," Mr. Collins grinned at his wife as he popped out and laid back on the bed. "Your lord's sword has wielded its mighty strength once again." Charlotte rolled back onto her side, away from her perspiring husband. "Your lady most obediently obliges her lord." ***** "Jane," Charles panted as he rolled off his bride, "I say that was a jolly good show." "Yes, my dear," Jane demurely replied. "I hope I did not disappoint." "Impossible, my dear," Charles grinned. "And tomorrow night, perhaps we may try again." "Practice makes perfect, my dear," Jane said and kissed him lightly before turning away to sleep. ***** Darcy and Elizabeth lay silently in each other's arms, softly kissing each other. The room was getting lighter and Elizabeth was able to examine every facet of her husband's countenance. He looked most pleased. Hereturned her thoughts. "You look most pleased, my darling. I hope the surprise of the wedding night has worn off." Elizabeth laughed huskily. "I believe every night will hold surprises for us both. At least I hope so. For instance, I had no idea, you could taste so delicious." She lightly ran her tongue along the side of his neck. "And so salty too." Darcy tightened his hold on her. "If you continue that, Lizzy, I believe we may discover more surprises this morning." His wife raised herself onto her arms, disregarding the bed sheets sliding down over her bare arms. "Is that a promise?' Her husband pulled her back onto him. "Let's try again and see." THE END Now I shall see if I can manage to log off without double posting again. If I do, I am apologizing in advance.

Hmm, A Study of Contrasts, or A Tale of 3 Bedrooms. Heide, that was magnificent! Although I can't help but feel sorry for poor Charlotte. It's a case of "She made her own bed, now she must laid(?) in it"

Heide, so happy you are back! Wow a triple hoop!!!

Oh Heide, that was lovely. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm warm all over :-) I'm glad people are posting here again. Can't tell you how many times I've checked in here lately, to find #34 sad and lonely.

Heide, I'm rolling over Mr. Collins and his sword! :-D

Great story Heide. I enjoyed the three different perspectives. Wish I were inspired to write, but I am not. Saved it for Marcia and will forward it to her when she gets wherever she is going.

(Stefanie B), Wish I were inspired to write, but I am not. Stefanie, what can we do to inspire you to write? Do you refer also to SMB? I am grieved indeed!

Heide, Thanks ever so - it is good to have this board up and running again! As always, a good read. Thanks again

"Come my little Guinevere, King Arthur wants to show you his shiny singing sword." My, you are generous, Heide. But I agree, it just wouldn't sound as good if he said "my Swiss army knife." ;-) Jane bolted upright in bed. "What?" she screeched. "Go to sleep now? Are you daft? I've been waiting for this night my whole life. My whole life." Great description. Once again, Jane is the most normal person in the story. Totally healthy outlook on everthing. Sounds like they had a *romping* good time. Tally Ho!! And then there's Darcy and Elizabeth. It may have taken a bit, but once they got going, ahhhhhhhhhhh......... Loved it, Heide. You always have a fresh and interesting perspective and very humourous as well. Keep it coming. To paraphrase your Darcy's penultimate words: I believe we may discover more surprises...later this week!!

Thanks to all of the above for your positive comments. I hope I entertained more than I offended. I like your title, Emma. Triple hoop, Moon? Kind of like a 3-ring circus, I guess. (Karen) To paraphrase your Darcy's penultimate words: I believe we may discover more surprises...later this week!! Oh??? May we depend on it? I agree with Jana and Moira, this board has been sad and lonely. I'd love to see more action... and I do mean more action.

(Heide) Triple hoop, Moon? Kind of like a 3-ring circus, I guess. It is open to the imagination, take it one at a time! (Heidi)Oh??? May we depend on it? I agree with Jana and Moira, this board has been sad and lonely. I'd love to see more action... and I do mean more action. My thoughts exactly!

Here's the beginning of a story I've been sitting on for some time. It is not an Elizabeth-Darcy story as we usually see here, but instead a detour from Laura's Second Chances story at Pemberley. As most of you know, I am a staunch Darcyist and, when Laura set him up in Ireland with a beautiful American named Helena Johnstone, who was also Miss Louisiana and Miss Congeniality, I was inspired to write this. If you haven't read Second Chances, I urge you to do so not only because I have in luded references to events in that story but also because it's a great story and I know you will enjoy it. Here's the link: http://www.pemberley.com/derby/laura6.htm Just a couple of other things: Darcy's name is Darcy Fitzwilliam. Also, I have not attempted to portray Helena's accent since it would not be what you would expect (i.e., Scarlett O'Hara southern). Thanks, Laura, for creating Helena and finally telling me to post this. Hope you like this. :-) Green Shoe Diaries The Morning After Surely her internal clock would eventually get itself in sync, but not this morning. Helena was still waking at odd hours, only to stare at the clock's face for a quarter of an hour and then to fall back asleep. This morning, however, she had more than a clock's face to stare at. Why had she done that, she thought to herself. She knew better. This could go absolutely nowhere. Regardless of what had occurred last night, Darcy loved Elizabeth. She knew it and he knew it. Her mind raced with ideas of how to treat what happened, what to say to Darcy and how to act when he awoke. Of course, there was the tried and true, never fails, "we both had too much to drink" gambit, where one or both claimed not to remember anything. There would be some embarrassment and a few apologies for that which could not be remembered, but it was easy and a proven method. Or she could scare Darcy away by reminding him of promises he had not really made but could be implied. That usually work d on the commitment-phobic types. Or she could be mad at him for playing his pain for all it was worth. Or she could chalk it up to being in a foreign country. People often did things in foreign countries that they would never do at home for fear of being found out or running into the other person again. Turning on her side and gazing at the sleeping body next to her, Helena had to admit to herself that she didn't really feel any of those things. What she did feel was that it happened and there should be no regrets and no excuses. It was emotionally right at that time. It was just not going to happen again. Groping around in the dim predawn light, while taking great care not to disturb her sleeping partner, Helena felt around for something to put on. After several contorting moves, she had her T-shirt in hand. Pleased to have recovered something, she tried to remember the order in which her clothing had been removed so that she could find the rest of the items. Slipping the T-shirt over her head, she started to roll out of the bed, only to be caught by Darcy's hand. "Where are you going?" he mumbled with half-closed eyes. "To my own bed." "Why? Are you having trouble sleeping here--with me?" he said while rubbing his eyes. "I think...no that's not right...I know I'd better go," Helena said as she stood up and pulled on the lower edge of the short T-shirt. "Come here...just for a minute," Darcy said, indicating the side of the bed which she had just vacated. "Sit down...just for a minute. Tell me what's going on in that fine mind of yours. I can see the wheels spinning and I can hear the gears grinding." "Don't you think that you can get me to do anything by flashing those big sad brown eyes at me now! I've had my shots and am now immune! The warning had its intended effect as Darcy held both his hands up in front of him in mock protest. Helena then obliged him by sitting down even though she knew it was a bad move. That attraction she felt for him last night was not over. In fact, it had become even more than she had imagined. The manual, if there was such a thing, would have required a safe distan e to be established between them. Occupying the same bed would not be considered "a safe distance." "Darcy, what I'm thinking about shouldn't come as any great surprise to you. Last night was last night and that's that." "I see. Well, at least I'm gratified to know that we can admit it happened and not pretend either it didn't or that we were both too drunk to remember. Do you think what happened was the same as me chatting you up in some bar?" As Helena acknowledged the silliness of that view, Darcy continued. "Thank you for the vote of confidence. I came back to Ireland because I couldn't bear being on the same land mass as her. She has let me down tremendously, and I don't know if I could forgive her or if I want to forgive her for that matter. "You can't throw away a three-year relationship like that. You love each other truly and deeply and must be together." "Maybe that type of love isn't really worth it." Helena started to break in, but then stopped as Darcy went on. "Let me explain. I don't really feel as though she would be there for me in difficult situations like you were for me last night. After three years of being with me and sharing everything with me, I find it incredible that she could even listen to more than one of George Wickham's lies without tossing him out on his ear. And then, bringing him to the cottage I gave her! You know, she said hat nothing happened between her and George; that may well be true. But the minute he stepped across the threshold of that cottage, they may as well have for it's all the same in my mind. You've only known me a week or so and I feel that you could never have done what she did to betray me." "I don't know how you could come to those conclusions about me, but didn't you just betray her? Maybe, I'm the George Wickham in your life?" "Well, some might think that, but in reality you and Wickham are like night and day. Wickham's modus operandi has been to lie about me to Elizabeth, put me down, show me in the worst possible light, whereas all you have ever done is try to keep me and Elizabeth together, explaining her motivations and making excuses for those areas in which she is lacking. So you see, I have not gone to bed with another George Wickham," Darcy concluded with a little smile forming on his lips and little playfulness in hi eyes. "So, I take it you felt nothing for me." "Of course, I did. I don't just fall into bed with any ol' person." "Then what was it? Pity?" "Not the word I would have chosen...more like friendship... " "Friendship!! Is that how friends act in America? Hmm, well I've certainly missed out on the benefits of friendship," as Darcy started to laugh. "Speaking of friends, Caroline..." "Oh, no, I forgot about Caroline. She can't see you here. Before you start jumping to conclusions that I want to hide anything, really all I'm doing is trying to protect you! If you think she was nasty before, her knowing what we've done would really bring out the Mr. Hyde in her." "Caroline's not here. She was taken to Dublin for some big shindig at a castle, I think." "Really? We're here alone in this house. It's raining outside, so any outdoor plans we could make would be fairly worthless." Darcy sidled up a little closer to Helena and ran his fingers over the silky smooth skin of her legs, legs that didn't seem to stop. "I guess my message did not get through to you." "On the contrary, my dear, it most certainly has. Can't you tell?" Seeing what he meant, Helena laughed. In a tone of half-hearted resolution, she added, "Perhaps, I could go downstairs and make us something for breakfast so we could talk some more? I might even be able to pull off some beignets if the cupboard is stocked adequately." "Beignets? All covered with powdered sugar? "Well, I would doubt that there'd be powdered sugar here." Helena stared at Darcy in amazement that a discussion of a New Orleans doughnut would divert his attention so easily. "Then what's the use? I'm pretty well talked out for now and it's much too early to get out of bed. I'm wide awake and so are you. What else can we do?" Helena caught his devilish expression and immediately understood that he had only been feigning interest in the beignets. "You are terrible," she said while hitting him in the shoulder. "Someone is going to get hurt here and the odds would seem to be in my favor." "Don't be so certain of that...I would think that the names at Lloyd's would gladly underwrite the risk." Not giving her much of a chance to respond, Darcy pulled her under the top sheet and began to cover her back with small kisses that caused Helena to shiver with delight. Not only had he found a way to get back under her T-shirt, he had effectively gotten under her skin. If Elizabeth lost him, she had only herself to blame. As Darcy worked his way around the back of her neck and began exploring her ears, Helena managed to utter, "I cannot and will not be the Other Woman." The mouth nibbling on her ear whispered, "My dear, you may be the Only Woman for me." The feeling of his warm breath in her ear sent her over the edge as she exhaled, "Honey chile, I do believe that conversation may be your second best subject." Oh, she thought, he was good, very very good. Rolling on her side, they were now face to face. Darcy's arm slid around and brought her even closer. Their lips met in a light exploratory kiss that deepened to match the growing passions that were being fueled in the rest of their bodies. All the while, his hands were traveling the length of her body in a slow path that allowed him to linger and caress each curve and crevice. She found herself melting at his very touch and at the same time she felt the excitement building inside her. His lips seemed to be seeking the ultimate in nourishment as they held on to hers for dear life. Without parting for a second, Darcy moved on top of Helena. This prompted Helena to whisper, "Slow down, cher, we've got all morning." "Don't you worry, I wasn't going anywhere except maybe to do a little climbing on the twin peaks of Mount St. Helena; I would imagine the view from the top is quite breath-taking." "Hmm, you're going to have to be a lot more original than that! I can't tell you how many times I've heard that one," Helena laughed. "Oh, I intend to be far more original than that...where it matters," Darcy replied grinning devilishly, "if you're game, that is." "Game? What kind of games? Helena taunted him. "I'd say all manner of contact sport and, in particular, those that involve balls." "Do you mean like basketball?" Helena giggled in response. "That game played by overgrown men isn't a contact sport?" "Of course it is. You just have to watch closely at what goes on underneath the basket. There's lots of contact going on, you know, pushing, shoving, elbowing, grabbing. Speaking of grabbing, I just love how those players can palm a basketball. Let me see your hand." "Why?" "I just want to see how big your hand is--whether you could palm a basketball. Have you ever tried? I can't do it. Darcy held his hand up to hers. Helena assessed its size when fully outstretched--from its base to the end of his middle finger. She then brought his hand to her mouth and began kissing and gently sucking at the tips, while cooing, "but what if I don't know the rules of the English games you want to play? How can I play?" "We'll make up the rules as we go. Now, do I have to start kissing you again to keep you quiet?" "Man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, doesn't he?" were Helena's last words for a while as Darcy certainly rose to the challenge. Falling back in sweet release, the lovers stared at each other, knowing no words were necessary. They lay there in still repose reliving the inordinate heights of pleasure that had been reached. Darcy had proven to be gentle yet determined in his lovemaking and he had indeed fulfilled his promise to be "imaginative where it counts." Athleticism aside, their bodies meshed perfectly. The excitement she felt when being consumed by him elicited a cascade of tremors that would not allow her to lay still. he moaned softly as the sensations become too intense to bear and even attempted to pull away from him several times. However, Darcy would not release her...yet. Watching her face move from side to side, with its closed eyes and opened mouth gasping for breath, Darcy kept her tantalizingly near her point of total release and exhaustion until she begged him to stop. Having been given the signal, Darcy applied more pressure and accelerated his pace until Helena cried out with overwhelming finality. He was so different from other lovers who were only concerned with ensuring their own pleasure and gave scant attention to her own needs. Here was a brilliant lover who put no limits on foreplay and exuded a male sensuality that Helena never dreamed existed. Not thinking beyond the time at hand, Helena wanted to possess every square inch of him. He had a wonderful body, not too heavily muscled but hard and lean. As she climbed on top of him, his broad chest loomed in front of her and beckoned for att ntion. Her mouth kissed all she could reach, while her hands moved in a caressing motion over the remainder. Now was his turn to lay there with his eyes closed enjoying the sweet feelings and every so often he emitted a barely pronounced sound of satisfaction. As they were equal partners on this playing field, he didn't steer her toward any particular area or technique but instead allowed her to decide how she wanted to proceed. Her choices were excellent. It took all the strength he could summon to eep himself in check. She had taken him to the brink and now the final act was about to began. With Helena straddling his hips, Darcy entered her and the two began moving in a steady rhythm. Using his shoulders as support for her rocking motions, her breasts dangled tantalizing in Darcy's path. He caught one ample mound in his mouth, while his hands held onto her smooth and satiny hips and helped guide the motion. As their breathing became more strained, Darcy rolled Helena over onto her back in one fluid motion. Wrapping her long legs around his body, Darcy's energies were focused as he moved p and down over her. Helena's hips rose to meet his in their rhythmic thrusts. As the pace quickened, Helena clung to the sweating body of her lover as he reached the point where he collapsed with a loud cry and momentous shudder. This is what they both remembered for some time, quietly and peacefully, nestled in each other's arms.

!@#$ I hate those dropped letters. Is there a better place to post this? It definitely can't be on BOI.

Is there a better place to post this? It definitely can't be on BOI. You're right--it can't be. Don't worry about the letters, dear--we all know the software eats them...

The 1998 Mr. Darcy in the flesh. So is this what he would look like under that damp white shirt? He had a wonderful body, not too heavily muscled but hard and lean. So glad you posted this but couldn't you have given Helena short legs instead of those beauty queen gams? Love this one though: "Don't you worry, I wasn't going anywhere except maybe to do a little climbing on the twin peaks of Mount St. Helena; I would imagine the view from the top is quite breath-taking." You just couldn't resist. Thanks for the very satisfying before bedtime reading.

Heidi Thanks for another great story. You got the three men down to perfection. I have been pc less for three weeks,( I told Myretta it was two but my husband pointed out that it took another week to get the disc from AT&T so that we could get on the internet. I was really glad to see that the authors have been busy. I have been working on one about Lizzie and Darcy having a fight and making up but have to give it a little more work.

Congrats, Heide...very satisfying fiction! Poor old Charlotte...that is certainly a scenario I wish never to be placed in! As for Ann2's Heartfelt Delight, Nan, it's my favourite of all the BoI fiction...I too love the understated sensuality and tension...really opens up a whole new side to Elizabeth and Darcy, but a realistic and imaginable one. Ann's most endearing quality as an author, I think, is her ability to explore all the facets of her characters, without taking them beyond those realistic boundaries. I love too that they are such complex characterisations...and of course (above all else, really!) tha Darcy is such a complete and utter sweetie! He's my kind of Darcy!

I also wanted to say - StephanieB, where is SMB? I, like Moon, wish to see more...more...MORE!! God, I'm a demanding little thig, aren't I? But it seems to be sooooo long since your last installment...put us out of our collective misery!

Karen, thanks for such a lovely interlude. My goodness, I'm warm all over ;-).

Darcy held his hand up to hers. Helena assessed its size when fully outstretched--from its base to the end of his middle finger. Karen! This brings up an old subject! LOL You have done Helena very well indeed. Now we need Darcy and Elizabeth s night together after they make up, and that is a lot of making up too! What do you say?

Well, Elizabeth and Darcy are in the process of reconciling.

Under We Were By Joanna Posted on Tuesday, 23 June 1998, at 12:27 p.m. I've finished writing my last exam and I dread the result because I'm not all that sure if I passed. I needed to write something crazy, just like the mood I am in. Enjoy and don't feel offended. No offence was meant. This story is for Alice who supplied me with the first line and Ewa, who supplied me with the last one. Thank you. If they only knew I am wearing men's underwear thought Caroline Bingley walking across the ballroom of Netherfield Park. If he only knew I am wearing men's underwear, enjoyed she the knowledge. In her memories, she returned to yesterday's evening and to the conversation between her brother and Mr Darcy, she overheard. the previous evening She was just passing the library door when her brother's words caught her attention: "Well, Darcy, I'm glad you confided in me. It seems a bit peculiar. Really no offence meant, I mean, it happens but�" "Bingley, I just can't help it. Manly women just appeal to me." "I fully understand and you don't have to explain. I must say I sometimes feel this strange urge when I imagine a woman in men's underwear." "You are reading in my mind, my friend." Replied Darcy. Caroline blushed and walked faster thinking: This is it. I need to make him understand that I wear men's underwear! She could not have heard the words Darcy spoke: "Enough Bingley, that was jolly fun but what would happen if one of the servants heard us and took it for granted. I meant that we like�" he burst out laughing. They've been talking about good old times, when they were at Eton and there was a female servant who turned out to be a disguised man. the day of the ball Caroline dismissed her maid. She needed to put on the underwear and wanted no one to know about it. It was supposed to be her secret weapon for catching Darcy but she wanted the world to think that Darcy had chosen her for his wife because of her grace, talents and accomplishments and not because of fet� of other reasons. She was already imagining the wedding night when she would show up in the best men's underwear, she would get in London. Of course, then she would no longer make such a show of herself b t she decided that having Darcy for a husband was worth this one single show for him, just one. However before she could implement this idea, she had to indicate to Darcy what her underwear preferences were and by that induce him to propose. Yet, men's underwear under a female dress was� was a bit difficult to wear. However, for a person so much determined to have Mr Darcy of Pemberley for a husband as Caroline, there were no too high hurdles to cross. Having coped with all the obstacles, she descended to the ground floor to greet the arriving guests. She was a bit disappointed with her role as hostess because it did not permit her to have Darcy all to herself as she wished. *************************** Having greeted the guests, she moved towards the ballroom where she was sure she would find Darcy in one corner or another. She noticed him standing in the far end of the room. If they only knew I am wearing men's underwear thought Caroline Bingley walking on. If he only knew I am wearing men's underwear. He shall know soon enough. concluded she, approaching Fitzwilliam Darcy. She had a tiny, silk handkerchief in her hand. Being just feet away from where Darcy stood she dropped it. Seeing it, Darcy bowed o pick it up. At that moment Caroline lifted her dress so that he could see she was wearing men's underwear. If it surprised Darcy, he did not show it, handing her the handkerchief back. She smiled thinking: He must have noticed. He is just too shy to show it. Oh, dear Pemberley and 10,000 pounds a year, you will be mine soon. Indeed, Darcy did notice what she was wearing under her dress. It was also obvious to him that she did it on purpose. She must have heard us yesterday. chuckled he when Caroline's attention was taken by some other guest. He excused himself and went away, wondering what more Caroline would do to catch him for a husband: She doesn't understand that nothing will ever induce me to marry her. He noticed Elizabeth Bennet talking to Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth looks beautiful tonight. thought he. I need a dance w th her. thought he approaching both ladies ************************** Caroline watched him closely. It was unbelievable that Darcy was asking Eliza Bennet to dance. I always knew, she smoked cigars. That's why he asks her. She is manlier. I have to change, too. thought Caroline marching out of the room. THE END

Oh honey, I thought this was hilarious when I first read it at Bits of Ivory. I didn't post then because I find it a bit difficult to post with the new format there so let me tell you now, I think your sense of humour is great. A little warped, maybe,;-), but that's my favorite kind. So, will Caroline roll her own stogies next? Sorry, are you Amy or are you Joanna? Or both? Or neither?

I am happy indeed to see The Spring up and running

FYI: The Green Shoes Diary does continue. The remainder--at least those portions that have been written--are not explicit in any way. The last 2-3 paragraphs were just a little exercise on my part to see if I could write any of that. Anyway, I intend to resume distribution of this story by e-mail, as was done initially. Laura is bugging me for the rest. If you would like to receive it, please e-mail me at rosie45@hotmail.com. P.S. Sorry, Darlene, but after nearly 200 years Darcy could use a change of pace!! ;-)

I have just discovered this site and it is terrific. I have a few story ideas w/o the talent to do them justice- would anyone be interested in hearing them?? Thankd for all of the great entertainment

Yes, the rest of us here is a terrifically talented lot with no ideas at all (well, in the last few days at least), so it would work out just fine... ;-) Let's hear them!

Well, if anyone here is interested and doesn't visit there often, I posted a new chapter/part of "Summer Masquerade Ball" at whatever the new Pemberley is . . .Ivory(?).

Stef!! Where have you and Marcia been?! It's "Bits of Ivory"...

I am here and keep Marcia up to date. She returns to Hilo tomorrow, but she'll be back very soon. I lurk every day!

Re: new ideas... What would be the best way to present them- they are full story ideas with a definate parts that only belong on this conference. Stephanie, thanks for the new post of SMB.

Bobby, if you've got story ideas, throw them at me. I'm in the mood to write but have had little inspiration. And I especially like writing stories that only belong on this conference. (I promise I won't trash them up too much.) You can send them e-mail if you like, though I'm not sure if my e-mail address is working on this board.

Heide, why are you trying to monopolize those plot ideas :-)? If Bobby puts them on this board for all to see, then anyone could have a go. We could have a tremendous fun comparing various treatments of similar themes.

And by the way, Bobby, I love to see fiction here written by anyone. ;-) I was hoping someone would step up to the plate to your offer. So please, send out your ideas for us all!

Okay, here goes... now I believe I have read all of the fanfic on this conference but please let me know if this is an old idea. Background...Their first extended separation. Some legit reason for Elizabeth not joining Darcy. Maybe it starts out short then gets extended. Several letters written. At first, very proper... could be read by anyone. As time progresses, a little less along the lines of perfect social etiquette. (They are honest people, as we all know). He is due to return. He is bringing a party with him. Bingley's sisters as Bingley and Jane are due (already there??? could add to the tension to see people obviously "getting some"). He rides ahead of the carriage. Lizzy goes for one of her infamous walks. As noted in one of the wonderful BoI stories ( uncertain of name), Elizabeth sees Darcy ride up... they are not as chaste as in the BoI version- besides, now they are married... it's allowed...so it's outside...I love nature. Trash this up as mu h as you want (I am counting on it)...but my only request is a scene when Darcy and Elizabeth return to Pemberley attempting to explain how the carriage got ahead of them- the sisters must be there to greet them... and something must be out of place- or missing to announce what they must of been doing... What do you think???

And perhaps the party, having arrived at the house and discovered that the host - who has ridden ahead of them - hasn't yet arrived, cause the alarmed servants to run around the grounds, looking for him and the mistress?

You've given us a lot to work with, Bobby. I'm going to break it up into 3 sections. I hope to see other ideas, but here's my Section 1 (no title): Darcy moved back into the slowly brightening bedroom as he slipped his arms into his riding coat. Elizabeth was still stretched out on the rumpled bed but instead of looking likethe purring cat she always resembled in bed, she looked more like the cat's prey -- nervous and anxious. "Elizabeth," Darcy said in a low voice as he sat on the bed and took both her hands in his. "It is past time to leave. The carriage will be waiting." His wife sat up and pressed each of his hands to her mouth. "It is most cruel of you to leave before I can get dressed and send you off respectably downstairs like a good wife." Although his eyes flickered at Lizzy's use of the word "cruel", after nearly six months of marriage, Darcy knew she did not mean it. He decided to continue the banter for he was aware Elizabeth was upset at his hasty return to London. "Perhaps you have not sent me off respectably, but no man could argue that you have not sent me off properly." He kissed her lips, still soft and swollen from a long night of kisses. Never before had Mr. and Mrs. Darcy been separated. They had only returned to Pemberley the month before and although their honeymoon was formally over by then, noone could dispute that their ill-concealed passion for each other had only increased in intensity. Now Fitzwilliam was called to London as the executor of the estate of an elderly cousin. The old lady had left a sizeable fortune, most of which was rumoured to be willed to her cats, but Darcy was required to administer to his cousin's wishes, o matter how bizarre the request. There was no question that Elizabeth would stay at Pemberley. Darcy's sister, Georgiana, had just arrived and he did not wish to leave her alone there or return her so soon to London. Elizabeth's Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were due to arrive for an extended stay next week so the ladies would not be alone for very long. In another week's time, Elizabeth's sister Jane and her husband, Charles Bingley, would be arriving as well. Darcy determined that his London visit should not take more than three weeks so all reason dictated that Elizabeth remain in Derbyshire. As Darcy stood up from the bed, Elizabeth clambered up with him and hurried to a chest of drawers. She pulled out one of her handkerchiefs and hurried back to him. "Here," she said tucking the linen into his outer pocket. She changed her mind and opened his coat to tuck it into an inner pocket. "Closer to your heart," she whispered coquettishly. Despite her brave appearance, though, Elizabeth was near tears and clung to his coat. Not unmoved himself, Darcy slid his arms around his wife and reached down to kiss her again. As her hands slid higher and higher past his shoulders, neck, jaw and into his hair, his hands slid lower and lower down her back, encircling her waist and then caressing the curves below. She pressed herself into him and soon could feel she had won a few minutes more with him. "Lizzy," he whispered into her ear as he traced the folds with his mouth. "We must stop. The carriage is waiting below." Elizabeth shook her head as she slid the outer garment off Darcy's shoulders and started undoing the buttons of his waistcoat. "Just a few more minutes," she breathed. She knew if she could just get his cravat untied and find that spot where his neck met his shoulder and continued below to the hollow of his collarbone, he would be hers to play with for as long as she desired. Darcy seemed to have plans of his own. His hands had found their way under her nightdress making her own strategy difficult to accomplish though apparently unnecessary. As her insides seemed to liquify, he laid her back down across the bed sliding her gown higher and higher to her waist. Purring like a cat again, Elizabeth ran her bare legs down across her husband's clad ones and realized he still had on his boots as well. A shiver ran downher spine as a daring thought took hold. Sitting up as well as she could while Darcy was still on top of her, covering her neck with kisses, she pulled her gown over her head in one quick motion, and lay back down completely exposed before her fully clothed husband. "Darling, the carriage is waiting," she murmured teasingly as he gazed at her. "You must not keep the horses harnassed too long." Darcy grinned wickedly at his wife but decided not to toy with her unintentional double entendre - or was it unintentional. However, he unfastened the buttons on his breeches and released that impatient animal for the fourth time since retiring for the night. ******* ;-) Sorry, I'm a sick sucker for double meanings.

Very stimulating, Heide! Excellent, what a great way to wake up!

Aaahhh! I knew I left this idea in wonderful hands. What a beautiful set-up. They're not going to last the day much less 3 + weeks. No phone sex in those days....?letter sex?

Does this qualify as letter sex? ;-) Section 2a: My dearest Elizabeth, My trip was long as usual, but not uncomfortable. Though every mile took me further away from you, I consoled myself with knowing that every mile closer to London took me nearer to concluding my business and returning to you. Your handkerchief brought me some consolation too and I breathed in your delicate lavender scent more than once on my journey. I will visit with the solicitors tomorrow to discuss Mrs. Poole's estate. Mr. Evans' reputation is that of an honest and cautious man of law. I can not imagine he would have allowed my cousin to leave her estate to those mangy animals. I trust all is well since I left. I think of you always. Give my love to Georgiana. Your husband, Fitzwilliam Darcy **** My dear husband, I received your letter today with great anticipation. Our first letter since our marriage. After allowing Georgiana to read it (you did not give me much news, dearest), I flew to my sitting room to compose my response for I relish every chance I have to sign my name Elizabeth Darcy. You will laugh at me, I know, and I was not going to expose myself but Georgiana has found me out so I suppose I must tell you. But since you use my handkerchief for almost the same purpose, I am not quite so embarrassed. Dearest, I dread some days getting out of bed and starting the day without you. This morning I was lollygagging again, commanding myself to throw off the covers but I would not obey. Georgiana knocked on the door and asked for entrance which I quickly granted. Darling, the look on h r face when she saw what was in bed with me! Your greatcoat has been my companion in bed since you left.** It gives me comfort to have your scent so near me. But I fear Georgiana thought there was a human form in it for a moment for her face went quite pale. I had to confess what I was doing and then her face went quite red. I am sorry, my darling, for flustering our dear Georgiana. I think she finds the idea of sharing beds exceedingly strange. My aunt and uncle come tomorrow with my young female cousins. Their presence in the house will occupy more of my time and I shall spend less and less time pining for you. Why soon, I should not miss you at all. Oh, my love, please hurry give all Mrs. Poole's money to those cats. I'm sure they shall spend it more wisely than their mistress ever did. And my darling, please write soon and tell me how much you love me. I have not heard you say it in six days and soon I shall forget that you ever did. Your loving wife, Elizabeth Elizabeth Darcy Elizabeth Bennet Darcy Which do you prefer, my sweet? **With apologies to Marjorie Fasnam from whose book, The Diary of Henry Fitzwilliam Darcy, this idea of the greatcoat was taken. *** My dearest, sweetest Mrs. Darcy, How can I resist your pleasing letter? But I must for how can you show even parts of this letter to Georgiana if I add such romantic adornments? Here, I will oblige you for one page but you can not show this first page to my sister. You have no idea how I long to be in that greatcoat you sleep with. Would you like me to wear it every night when I return? A vision of you wearing it comes to my head. That and nothing else underneath it. As you were the morning we parted. If you do that for me when I return, I promise I will never leave you again. Well, I can not promise that will never happen again in the fifty years ahead of us, but do it for me, nevertheless. I will think of something to do for you in payment. Are you blushin , my darling? I have been trying to write in very small, cramped letters but I am almost at the bottom of the page so room for one more flourish. I am bewitched by you. You are in my thoughts constantly. As I walk through the rooms of our house, I think I see you in every corner or hear your laugh in the hall. When you're lonely at night, sweet Lizzy, know that I am thinking of you at that very moment and you are not alone. Mrs. Poole has gone and done it. The whole estate is to go to those cats. Tell Georgiana our cousin has thirty-five of them living in the house. If she likes, I may bring a kitten back for her though Lord knows, there are kittens enough in the stables at Pemberley. It goes against all sound judgment to see such a fortune be used for such nonsense. I must work with my own solicitor to see if we can find a way to put the estate to better use. The laws are clear, Mr. Evans insists, but my own man is more wily. However, if this takes more time than the days I've allotted here in London, the whole situation may go to those felines and I will return contentedly to Pemberley. The Bingley sisters insist I dine with them this evening. I can not refuse their offer but the evening will be short, I promise. Give me regards to Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and the young ladies. I take comfort in knowing you will be amused while I am away. Don't forget me too quickly though, for I will be with you in two weeks. Your devoted husband, Fitzwilliam ***

Section 2b: Dearest Fitzwilliam, My darling, please write two letters. One for me and one for Georgiana. Then there will be no need for me to share your letters with her and you may write me as many adornments as you wish. Are you sharing my letters to you with anyone? The Bingley sisters, perhaps? No, I am not jealous. As a matter of fact, I was thinking you should invite them to come to Pemberley soon. Their brother will be here shortly and we may make a merry party of it. There, am I not a good wife? I am sorry to hear you are so distressed about your cousin's estate. Please do not be too disturbed about her largesse to her cats. They were most likely the only company she had in her declining years and we both know society is not too kind to unmarried women. Did we even invite her to our wedding? If you can find a way to distribute her estate to more needy ventures, please do so, but please, please, please do not stay more than one minute longer than you planned. My aunt and uncle and Lucy and Maria are very welcome company indeed. The boys are happily ensconced with their male cousins in Wessex so all the Gardiner children look forward to their summer in the country. I have taken Aunt Gardiner around the estate in the pony cart as promised. I was lost barely one mile from the house but pretended to know where I was and soon enough, saw the familiar grotto where you made love to me our second day back. Do you remember? I will never forget how you spread your coat on the stone floor, trying to pillow the fabric so it would not be so hard upon my back but I hardly felt it. Only you, I only felt you. Please hurry home. I am longing to wear your great coat. Your faithful and longing Mrs. Darcy, Elizabeth Oh, and Georgiana wants a kitten. *** My darling, This letter is only for you. I want to make love to you in the grotto again. I want to take you there in the dead of night with only the moon lighting the way. I want you to wear your nightdress, the one you wore on our first night. I want you to stand in the middle of the grotto and let me slide it over your shoulders, down around your breasts, slide it over your hips and down your legs to your feet. I want to kiss every inch of your lavender skin as I move down your body, tracing every curve and va ley with my mouth. Will you do that for me? I want you. Fitzwilliam P.S. Please send me another handkerchief. I've lost the fragrance of you. P.P.S. The Bingley sisters and Mr. Hurst will return to Pemberley with me next week. *** My darling, sweet boy, I miss you terribly. Jane and Charles are here. He comes to breakfast each morning, whistling, looking like the cat who got into the cream. She comes in, all rosy. I detect bruised lips. I am miserable there are people under my roof sharing in something I long for and can not have. I am selfish, selfish, selfish. My darling, if there are so many people staying here, how can I meet you at night in the grotto in my nightdress? Miss Bingley will surely sniff us out. While you may have lost the scent of me, she surely has not lost the scent of you. Oh, my dear, I am sorry if I sound peevish that the Bingley sisters are coming. I asked you to invite them. I just did not think they would come so soon. Just when I want to see you and only you, I must play hostess to two women I can not like. Do you still love me? Your pining Lizzy *** Darling, I am crazed for you. The papers are signed Two-thirds of Mrs. Poole's estate is going to charity, the other one-third will go to her cats which should keep them very well. I retain a very shrewd solicitor. I am beginning my journey to you tomorrow. Mrs. Hurst asked me to delay one more day so another trunk could be packed for them. I told her she could take all the time she needed to prepare for the journey, but I had business at home which required me there directly. The extra trunk must have packed itself then, for they will be ready to leave with me tomorrow. I will return most of the way on horseback but will attempt to play the solicitous host and stay with the carriage so this letter should find you before I do. Keep this in mind then, before I return. I dreamed of you last night. I dream of you often but never have I had a dream like this. You were naked, Lizzy, and sitting on me in such an interesting way. I have retained as many details as I can so we may try this when I return. It will not require any moonlit trips to the grotto. I only require y u and our bed to complete the scenario. Just tonight and tomorrow night and then I will be yours again. I love you, your Fitzwilliam P.S. I am bringing a kitten for Georgiana. *******

"Darling, the carriage is waiting," she murmured teasingly as he gazed at her. "You must not keep the horses harnassed too long." LOL!! That's a great one! And then the *animal* had been let loose four times that night? Damn fine healthy sex life. I am miserable there are people under my roof sharing in something I long for and can not have. I am selfish, selfish, selfish. I am too, too, too! Miss Bingley will surely sniff us out. While you may have lost the scent of me, she surely has not lost the scent of you Great one!! I dreamed of you last night....You were naked, Lizzy, and sitting on me in such an interesting way. Have we seen this position in a number of classic films (The Advocate, WoF, FF)? Is that the *interesting* position? Yes, Heide, I do believe that this qualifies as letter sex. ;-) As always your stories are great.

Phew! hot mail tonight! Very nice . . .

Unbelievable- and they have not even been reunited yet!!! Way to go, Hot stuff.

(Bobby) but my only request is a scene when Darcy and Elizabeth return to Pemberley attempting to explain how the carriage got ahead of them- the sisters must be there to greet them... and something must be out of place- or missing to announce what they must of been doing... Help!! I'm stuck. Any suggestions for something that might be missing so everyone will know what they've been doing? By the way, thanks Bobby, for your plot idea. I like collaborating. I apologize for a minor gaffe in the story. I mention Darcy's cousin, Mrs. Poole, and then later have Lizzy mention that she is an unmarried woman. Well, let's just say she was a widow for a very long time.

Re: obvious signs. How about a missing cravat, or buttons reattached all amiss, certainly hair out of place- and the expressions!!! A missing shoe?- could happen if the servants are heard as they try to "reassemble" - Miss Bingley should either, grow disgusted or flush at her the discovery of her imagination- " Were they really doing ...that??? Oh., it should have been me!" Maybe all of the married couples should adjourn to their rooms in haste... to get ready for dinner or rest or something, leaving C roline alone with her thoughts.

Would have to be something rather smallish, like the cravat. Missing breeches would be too obvious!! ;-D Although a waistcoat has possibilities. Elizabeth's dress might be a little smudged, grass stains...

Imagine Carolin's face...grass stains on his knees, smudged elbows. Freshly cut grass pieces on the BACK of her gown ONLY, his vest buttoned up wrong, obviously in haste. A few pieces of grass in her hair, or a ribbon missing from her hair. Later, on a walk with everyone present, Caroline could find Elizabeth's lost hair ribbon, along with markings on the ground that someone had been there earlier. Tee-Hee. Blush blush. I know it sounds like I've been caught before but I really haven't. StephanieB doesn't this make you run to the computer to write more of SMB and end our suspense? Beg, beg, grovel grovel. ;-)

Thanks for your ideas, ladies. I think I've managed to incorporate most. Final section (a): At the coach station in Loughborough, Darcy's horses were being rested and watered but Mr. Darcy himself could do nothing but pace. In one hour's time he could be at Pemberley if he left the carriage behind to make its own way. Why, if he rode very hard, he might be there in forty-five minutes. This was nonsense, stopping in Loughborough. It was probably more for the sake of Mr. Hurst who looked as if he had been watering himself thoroughly inside The Prince George. Darcy strode purposefully into the t vern. "Hurst," he barked. "I am riding ahead. Will you be so kind as to make sure the ladies are settled into the carriage? You should not be more than fifteen or twenty minutes behind me when you arrive at Pemberley." "Wot!?" Hurst looked startled. "You're leaving now? Let me ride with you then." He stood up somewhat unsteadily. "I think I need the fresh air. Something I ate." Darcy grimaced. He did not need Hurst to slow him down or stop him altogether when he fell off his horse. "Someone should stay with the ladies, Hurst. Surely you should stay with your wife." "No need, Darcy. The footmen can stay with them. I truly need some air. Besides, that mewling cat has scratched me twice. It won't stay in the box." Darcy followed Hurst out of the tavern trying to think of what code of honor Hurst followed to which he could appeal. Too late. Hurst was entering the inn to tell his wife he was leaving. Leaning in the doorway of the waiting room, Darcy could see that all hell was breaking loose. Boxes were being slammed on the table, bonnets were being thrown in the air. Louisa sounded like a fishwife berating her husband while Caroline picked up the bonnet she had thrown at her brother-in-law and slammed it on her head. "Come, Louisa, the horses have had enough time to rest. We shall leave too." Darcy groaned inwardly. *** Elizabeth picked up her blue bonnet and carefully placed it over her head. She had taken special pains with her hair this morning, asking Marguerite to leave more of her neck exposed, the way her husband liked it. She was wearing her husband's favorite dress, and old white striped muslin she had worn for years before she even knew him but he liked her in it. A tingle of excitement coursed through her, knowing that perhaps she might come across him as she walked today. Better sense told her it was too arly to expect him, but perhaps he was riding hard towards her at this very moment. She slipped quickly out of the house, only telling a footman she was going for a walk. Today, she wanted no company. *** As elusively as he could, Darcy was leaving the carriage farther and farther behind him. Damnably, Hurst was keeping up. Well, Hurst's horse wouldn't be able to keep up this pace for long, not with that weight on him. Darcy urged his horse on a little faster. *** Elizabeth climbed the yellowed hill, dotted with buttercups. She swung her bonnet by its ribbons but quickly put it carefully back on when she remembered the hard work Marguerite had put into her hair. As she reached the crest of the hill, she turned round to view the magnificent landscape before her. The lake shone before her, the house on the other side still looking grand no matter the distance she had put between it. The road to the house meandered through the trees and around hills. As she looked f rther down, she thought she detected a cloud of dust stirred up by something moving. Something moving fast. The cloud turned into a horse and rider and then two. *** As Darcy entered the lands of his estate, he picked up speed for a mile but then slowed down. Hurst gratefully slowed to a trot beside him. "What's your hurry, man?" Hurst said as he wiped the perspiration from his face. "One would think a banshee was chasing you." Darcy smiled, remembering the two banshees in the carriage behind them. But something more important was on his mind. He stopped his horse and looked around. There was a little used path that led to the water nearby. Elizabeth liked to walk near the lake and stream on the estate. If he followed that path, perhaps he might catch her by surprise. "Hurst," Darcy said, turning to his companion. "You will get to the house directly if you follow this road. I need to inspect something on this path which may delay me for some time. Will you excuse me?" "Oh ho! Not so eager to get back to your little bride after all, are you Darcy?" Hurst chortled. "The glow of the wedding starting to tarnish, eh? Well it happens to us all." Darcy tried not to let his distaste for the man show through as he grimly smiled and then turned his horse toward the narrow path. *** Elizabeth walked hurriedly towards the road. It was so far! If Darcy was truly one of the riders she saw, she must have missed him by now. Perhaps she should just continue home. She turned back toward the stream which led to the house. As she passed the wild cherry trees, the ground still covered with bruised, pink petals, she thought she heard the sound of horse's hooves. She stepped off the path, back into the trees. A sight greeted her which swelled her heart. Her husband was beating rapidly down the path, ducking under low branches, looking from side to side. She caught her breath and let it out slowly as his eyes met hers. In one movement, he was off the horse and in her arms. Covering each other's faces with kisses, they tried to talk. "My darling... Elizabeth...I thought.." "I could feel... you.. I sensed..." No more talking, just laughing as they fumbled at each other. His hat knocked off long ago, he fumbled with her bonnet ribbons, and ripped that off her hair. She laughingly pulled at his riding coat buttons and tried to slide it off his shoulders. His mouth still on hers, he pulled at the coat's sleeves himself and together, they were able to throw it off. She began to work at his outer coat as his hands slid around her hips, pulling and slithering the thin fabric of her gown higher and higher. Elizabeth had now managed to get Darcy's waistcoat off, her mouth barely off his for a moment She pulled her gloves off and then grabbed his hands away from her breasts and pulled off each of his. His hands now unsheathed, he moved them to the back of her gown and started working at the buttons. She undid the top buttons of his muslin shirt and slid her hands inside, gasping at the touch of his warm, bare skin. Only able to open the three top buttons of Elizabeth's gown, Darcy managed to slide the shoulders down a few inches. His mouth moved now to the skin exposed to him, his hands in her hair, pins flying to the ground. She felt two buttons pop from the back of her gown as he slid it lower over her arms. Her arms almost pinioned to her sides by the tight fabric, she still was able to fumble at the buttons to his breeches as he pushed her against the trunk of a cherry tree. Reflexively she wrapped her legs around his waist as he lifted her off the ground. Two more buttons popped off her dress as she raised her arms to his neck to support herself. Husband and wife were still laughing and kissing as he entered her. And then there was nothing but the sound of sighs and moans as he thrust against her with her back to the tree. He was still inside her as he slid down to his knees, her legs tightly wrapped against him, and then he laid her down among the cherry blossoms.

b The carriage pulled into the courtyard where not only Mr. Hurst was waiting, but also Georgiana, the Gardiners and the Bingleys. Caroline looked for her host and hostess as she stepped down. "Touring is so trying. I am quite exhausted," Miss Bingley complained as she straightened her silk travelling costume. "Where is Mr. Darcy?" "We're wondering the same thing," Hurst said. "I left him a half hour ago so he could inspect some thing by the road but he has not yet returned." Jane kissed the cheeks offered to her by her sisters and Bingley did the same. "I am sorry my sister is not here to greet you," she said. "She has not yet returned from her walk. We did not expect you quite so soon but are very glad to see you." "Hmmph," Caroline snorted unpleasantly. "Well, I hope there is at least something cool to drink in the house." Georgiana remembered her duties and tried to usher everyone inside, out of the heat. "Oh my!" Louisa suddenly exclaimed. She turned back into the carriage and pulled out a box. "We have been keeping your brother's present for you." She gave the box to Georgiana who promptly pulled out a grey striped kitten. The Gardiner daughters gathered around to exclaim as Jane completed the hostessing duties by inviting everyone into the drawing room to wait for the master and mistress of Pemberley. One half hour later, neither had yet appeared. "I am worried about Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner whispered to Jane. "She is not usually gone so long." "I am worried too, Aunt. And what will Mr. Darcy say when he returns and she is not here?" "Perhaps we should send someone out to look for her. She may have fallen and hurt herself." "You are right." Jane turned to Georgiana and whispered to her. Caroline looked peevish at all this whispering. "You should never have left Mr. Darcy, brother," she scolded Mr. Hurst. "Where can he be?" "I hope his horse has not thrown him," Louisa said. "And he is lying in a ditch, too injured to move!" Caroline jumped up. "We must send someone out to look for him at once." Georgiana looked quite confused but Mr. Bingley jumped up to take control. "I will tell Mrs. Reynolds directly to send out some servants to look for both Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Georgiana, perhaps you can tell us where your sister walks most often. Hearst, come with me and tell the servants where you left Mr. Darcy." Uncle Gardiner looked thoughtful but chose not to tell anyone of his musings. *** Elizabeth leaned on her husband's chest as he sat against the tree, his lips against her neck. She sighed contentedly as she picked up his hands and kissed each finger. They laughed and murmured sweet nothings to each other and seemed to have no inclination to hurry back to the house. "Your hair is full of petals," Darcy said as he picked another one off her fallen hair. "They made a rather soft cushion. Perhaps we should have our mattress filled with them." "Was this better than the grotto?" Darcy teased Elizabeth contemplated this for a moment. "It was not better. It certainly was not worse. It was different. I think we should try different things, do not you?" "Wholeheartedly. And I am busily thinking of other different things we should try." His wife turned around to playfully hit him but could not strike him, even in jest. She gazed long into his eyes, thinking how much she would like him to kiss her again and he seemed about to oblige when voices were heard. "I tell you, the mistress walks closer to the water. We won't find her here." "Yes, but the master may have taken this road, so that Mr. Hurst says." "Ach, that man wouldn't know the right road from his arse. He sees everything double." Their laughter was heard getting fainter as Elizabeth and Darcy lay very still. She looked at him with frightened eyes until the men could be heard no more. "They're looking for us!" she whispered. "How long have I been gone?" She scrambled up and brushed the petals off her dress. "Oh, Lord, it must be hours. What are they thinking?" Darcy stood up and helped her brush herself off. "Calm down, Elizabeth. We'll come back together. That will explain why you took longer than expected." "I'm afraid my appearance will explain it only too well. I am missing four buttons on my gown!", she wailed as she reached behind her to try to button herself up. "And my hair! Oh, Fitzwilliam, my hair must be a sight." She frantically tried to pull up her hair with the remaining pins. Darcy examined the back of her gown, trying to see how best to disguise the missing buttons. Perhaps if he used this buttonhole for that remaining button and missed a few other buttonholes but put this button in that hole... It looked hopeless. "There, that doesn't look so bad," Darcy lied. "Are you sure?" she asked hopefully. "Well, perhaps you could wear my coat." Putting her hands on her hips, Elizabeth scolded. "And what kind of explanation would we give for that? I just won't be able to turn around. You must stand behind me." Darcy thought that was best considering the long grass stain on the back of the white fabric which he thought he would not mention now. Her hair now fixed as best she could, she examined her husband. "Oh, you men make me so angry. All you need is a tuck here and a button there.... where is your cravat?" Darcy felt at his neck. "What? Well, where is it?" He looked at the ground, pushing the petals aside with his hands. Elizabeth started to laugh at him though she had not yet noticed his misbuttoned waistcoat. "A fine sight you are, after all, Mr. Darcy. We may as well walk into the house and announce we've just made love in the grass. There's no use hiding it." "Lizzy, I don't know where my hat is either," he mumbled. She laughed harder. "That's just as well. I can't find my gloves but here is one of yours." Mr. and Mrs. Darcy stood looking at each other, their smiles getting wider by the second. He reached out his hand to her and leading the horse behind him, they began the walk to the house.

c Looking out the window, Mr. Gardiner was the first to see their hosts appear. From their disheveled appearance, he knew his notion was right, and looked for a way to get them into the house upstairs before anyone else saw them. Too late. Caroline came up behind him and suddenly shrieked. "Good God! They've been attacked by wild animals!" She ran out of the house with the others in confusion behind her. The Darcys had been hoping to slip into the house from the back but the wide panorama that the view from the front of the house gave, meant they would have to hurry across the south lawn to get there. They were not quick enough. Their guests were all piling out of the door at once. Darcy positioned himself behind his wife and as dignified as they could, the couple moved to greet their party. "Fitzwilliam, Fitzwilliam are you hurt?" Caroline was crying. "Of course not, Caroline," he snapped at her. "I accidentally met Mrs. Darcy and we decided to walk home together. I am sorry your carriage got ahead of us." "I hope you have not been waiting long," Elizabeth murmured. "Not at all, not at all," Mr. Gardiner said, trying to herd everyone back into the house. His wife stole a stricken look at him as she turned. Jane could not raise her eyes to look at her sister but Bingley's smile was quite wide as he turned his wife back to the house. Georgiana, quite red, still managed to kiss her brother and whisper her thanks for the kitten as she hurried to follow the Bingleys. The Gardiner children were unaware of any mishap and ran after her. Mr. Hurst snorted and mumbled, "M n pulled the wool over my eyes" as he returned to the drawing room for the rest of his port. Louisa, quite pale, took her sister's arm into hers and guided her back into the house. "Her hair, Louisa, her hair!", Caroline could be heard exclaiming on the way back. Darcy looked at Elizabeth. She broke into a rueful smile but took his arm and returned with him to the house, pulling another cherry petal out of her hair. The End

Bravo!! Excellent conclusion, Heide. Loved the ref to the banshees. How appropriate. So do you have anymore story ideas, Bobby?

excellent, Heide!

Heide, can't tell you how much I enjoyed your story! (and Bobby, thanks for the inspiration). Caroline came up behind him and suddenly shrieked. "Good God! They've been attacked by wild animals!" LOL! You have a way with words, my dear :-)

Wonderful Heide. Arami, are you writing a version for us as well?

I've enjoyed Bobby and Heide's combined effort - an intriguing idea very well executed, and, ssssslurp, yes, I do like a bit of a raunchy story... I don't think I could improve on it significantly... and I'm not going to submit anything which wouldn't measure up to it :-) But there is a small detail which I find difficult to accommodate - knowing Darcy's personality as well as we do... I mean, I don't say it would be beneath him (oh, yes, please ;-)) to make love al fresco, romantically, at leisure and in an appropriarte situation - like in that grotto during a walk in the park... But imagine - Darcy running to greet his wife by impaling her literally within seconds, without even so much as saying anything coherent... LOL! LOL and LOL again!

Thanks for all your comments, everyone. It wouldn't be any fun writing if no on read it. Bobby, this is your story too. I hope you found Part 3 close to your own rendering. Any anytime you have other ideas... lay 'em on out.

Heide, Excellent story, with just the right zest!! Bobby, thanks for the story line. Now, the two of you must move on to another chapter in the passionate life of the Darcys. Well done!

Heide....I'm a newbie on #34....wow! what talent you guys have. Thanks a bunch....more..more!!

Heide Fabulous, my husband arrives home tonight after some time away... he won't know what hit him... he may owe you a thank you note!!! This was a blast. I have one other idea- addressed many times in the past but... considering the passion Elizabeth and Darcy had during their courtship... and all the anguish leading up to it... and the fact that he is soooo sexy, I just have a hard time believing they only held hands and occasionally kissed passionately. I think they did more and more each time, possiblily struggling with their lack of control even discussing it and the associated guilt- responsibility etc. but like all addicts, swearing to resist neve works... In this instance, they seen to keep finding themselves in "opportune situations"... Of course Elizabeth worries that she is no better than Lydia...is she?, and fears Darcy will agree... maybe a day or two of misunderstood quiet reserve... then they find themselves alone. and they explore some more... by the way... I'm on the, he was not a virgin bandwagon. Oh the exploring yummmmmm. How far??? Let's take a vote. Thanks again Heide. Bobby