Sated?!?! Panting, I would say! Teg, you are the best! Just sorry to see "The End" coming!

Just sorry to see "The End" coming! Me too, unless there is a new story starting. Just a hint Teg ;-)

Giving him a warning look, Brenda sighed, resigned that the meat wasn�t going to be the only thing grilled that night. Loved this line Teg! And L & D - WOW!!! Still panting.... Well I'm away too this morning for a week in New York (upstate - actually not too far from the setting of my story). In the meantime, here's a couple chapters to hold you over. The Wedding Singer Chapter 11 Surprisingly enough, the 4th of July weekend was a popular time for weddings. The Bennet Sisters had been booked months in advance for both Saturday and Sunday and had been forced to turn down several other opportunities. After visiting Mr. Gardiner Saturday morning, Charles dropped Jane and Lizzy off at their apartment to prepare for the band's 4:00 engagement and he headed over to visit William and Rick. It was a hot summer afternoon and the three of them lounged in beach chairs by the lake. Now completely recovered from his hangover, William mustered up the courage to ask the other two just how much of a spectacle he had made of himself the previous evening. He could not remember anything between mid-afternoon and waking up on the town common feeling terribly sick. Rick and Charles were both laughing at the recollection of the uncharacteristic behavior of their normally taciturn friend. "At least you are a happy drunk cousin and we did not have to break up any fights or bail you out of jail!" But William hid his head in his hands in mortification when Rick related his interaction with Elizabeth. I shall have to apologize to her. What an a - - I made of myself! "What I should dearly like to know, Billy my friend," Charles continued, "is where that comment about George's frequent absences came from. You don't even know George. Surely Lizzy hasn't confided in you about her fianc�'s habits. She barely acknowledges her concerns to Jane." "I must confess, Chuckie," William responded, "I received my perception from Georgiana. Elizabeth has been so kind as to spend quite a bit of time with her lately. My dear sister, shy though she is, seems to have an unending curiosity about Miss Bennet and has been most indefatigable in obtaining information from her. Georgie never discusses her own part in their conversations but is quite eager to impart everything that Elizabeth relates, including the fact that George's absences have become more frequent. Georgie knows that I would never reveal Elizabeth's confidences, at least not consciously. I do hope that she doesn't blame my sister for my indiscretion. I would hate to jeopardize their relationship. It's been very good for Georgie." "Lizzy would probably suspect me before Georgiana. She knows Jane tells me everything," Charles reasoned. "Truthfully William, I don't think that Lizzy was disturbed because it was you saying those things, but rather because of the reality behind your words. Jane confided that Lizzy was most upset when George was not to be here this weekend. I don't understand it myself. I want to spend every possible minute with my fianc�e. Jane has never been overly fond of George and his behavior these last two weeks has made my normally tranquil angel quite agitated. She feels that George has deserted Lizzy in her time of need." "Time of need?" questioned William. "Of what are you referring?" Charles explained, "Mrs. Bennet's father is terminally ill with cancer. He has known for several months but did not tell his family until recently and now the end is near. Lizzy and Jane are very attached to their grandfather and this is a difficult time for them. They have taken to visiting him every day, even though he lives close to an hour's drive away. It's been exhausting both emotionally and physically. I think that is another reason why Lizzy reacted as she did to your comments. She would normally laugh off such remarks." "Then I am doubly ashamed of my behavior. I am surprised though, that Elizabeth didn't share this news with Georgiana." "Lizzy is closest of all the girls to her grandfather. It has probably been difficult for her to speak of it. In George's defense, she has not even told him yet. But Jane offers him no such justification. She says that if he had been around when he should, he would have known." "I have to side with your admirable fianc�e Charles. Although I don't remember saying it the first time, I will repeat that if Elizabeth was my girlfriend, I would rarely leave her side." After a few moments of silent contemplation, William asked Charles, "Elizabeth sang a song last night, I believe it's called 'Oh, What a Night!', but she had changed some of the words. Do you know what the significance of the song is?" Charles laughed. "It seems that Lizzy and Jane went to Daytona Beach on spring break back in 1993 when Lizzy was only a freshman. I understand she danced most of one night with a handsome stranger and hasn't been able to get him out of her mind since. Jane says she holds him up as her ideal man even though she didn't even get his name. I guess he kissed her and she kissed back but then got scared that he would get the wrong idea so she fled. It's been one of her life's regrets I guess. Too bad she had to settle for George instead." It did mean as much to her as it did to me! Is there reason to hope I can win her back? Should I tell her that her 'ideal man' is yours truly? What does 'the wrong idea' mean? Does she regret kissing me? I better not say anything. At least, not yet. "Hey William, you and I went to Daytona during spring break one year. Wasn't that 1993? Maybe we saw them and didn't even know it." Wouldn't you be surprised Rick, thought William. So now he had confirmation that his intuition was correct. Elizabeth was, is, his 'lady in red' and he had to figure out a way to get her back in his arms. ********** Author's note: Medical information in this section stems from my own imagination. Any resemblance to reality is unintentional and pure coincidence. Precisely at noon the next day, the phone rang in the Darcy mansion. "Darcy residence." "Hello Mrs. Reynolds. This is Elizabeth Bennet. Is Georgiana home please?" "Please hold on Miss Elizabeth." After a brief moment, a man's deep voice came over the other end of the phone. "Elizabeth?" "My your voice has changed Georgiana." "I'm sorry Elizabeth. Georgiana has gone riding with my cousin. They have left me all alone so that I may get some work done. I've been rather neglectful of my responsibilities these last couple of weeks." "I can imagine. Well please do tell her that I called." "Wait, please don't hang up. I don't normally serve as my sister's personal secretary but I do wish to pass along a message from her. She wishes to invite you and all your sisters to our house tomorrow for the day. My cousin Rick and I will be here as well and we can swim and water ski and whatnot. Charles has agreed to join us in the evening for a barbecue. Georgiana greatly enjoyed being with you and your sisters at the carnival the other night but because your available time was so brief, she wanted the opportunity extend the pleasure." "That's very sweet of her. We are all going to visit my grandfather in the morning, but perhaps could come over around 1:00. I'm at my parents' house now and my sisters are all here. I will ask them at dinner and call Georgiana tonight when we return from today's wedding. It shouldn't be any later than 10:00. Is that too late to call?" "Not at all. Charles was here yesterday and told us about your grandfather's illness. I am very sorry to hear it. How did you find him today?" "A little better actually. He seems to have bounced back somewhat. The hospice nurse said this could last anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks. Unfortunately the subsequent relapse is often precipitous and patients typically do not survive for long. However, it was very gratifying to see him looking so much less pale and sitting up in a chair. I'm trying to get him to relate any stories he can think of about his childhood and my mother's so these personal histories are not lost forever. As he was lucid today, the visit was very satisfying." "I'm glad to hear it. It must be so hard for you to see him suffer. I understand you are very close." Elizabeth sighed deeply. "Yes we are. I wish he had told us of his illness before so we could have made an effort to be with him more often. But he is a proud man and did not want our pity. I shall miss him greatly when he is gone." "Elizabeth, I would like to offer you and your family the use of a limousine and driver to take you to your grandfather's every day. We have two and don't often use them so it would be no hardship for us and may provide some comfort to you. Charles mentioned it is a long drive and this way you and your family can relax on the journey." "William, it is very kind of you, but..." "I insist Elizabeth. I will not take no for an answer. Tell me what time you normally depart and the driver will be ready either at your apartment or your parents' house. If you refuse to tell me, I'll send a limo to each location at five a.m. to wait for you." "OK, OK, you win. Thank you William. You are very considerate and it will be a relief not to have to drive. If you have him come to my apartment at 8:00, that would be wonderful. We can come directly to your house after our visit. As you can imagine, my grandfather tires easily so we rarely stay longer than two to three hours." "The car will be waiting for you." "Again, thank you. I must go now. Mother is calling us to dinner." "Could I have just one more minute of your time?" "What is it William?" "I just wanted to apologize for my unpardonable manners the other night. I must admit I have limited recollection of the event but my cousin and Charles tell me I was most impertinent to you. I am sorry to have caused you any pain and can offer no justification for my behavior. It was wrong of me to drown my sorrows in alcohol and I assure you it is not a common event." "William, I took no offense at your behavior. In fact I found you rather amusing. Quite out of character, I dare say. Therefore you penance will be to suffer ridicule at the hands of everyone who witnessed your spectacle!" "'Tis a sentence I gladly serve if it purchases your forgiveness." ************************* Chapter 12 As promised, a stretch limo was parked outside of Lizzy's apartment at 7:45 on Monday morning. By the time the five sisters exited the front door, the chauffeur was holding the car door open for them to enter the spacious vehicle. Lydia and Kitty were visibly excited to be riding in such luxurious accommodations. Lizzy was the last one to climb in and was greatly surprised to find Georgiana and William seated inside. "Good morning," she said with the question evident on her face. "I hope you don't find our presence interfering,� William began. "Upon hearing of your grandfather's condition, Georgiana was desirous to lend her support by accompanying you on your trip and I followed her good example. We have brought books and will wait in the car while you visit." "Nonsense. It is very good of you to come with us and I insist that you meet my grandfather. Unless you would rather not, that is." Jane voiced her concurrence and the other girls nodded their heads in agreement. "I was hoping you would allow us to meet him," Georgiana replied. "William and I have few people we can call family. Only our cousin Rick, and his brother and parents." "Well you have all of us, for we have adopted you as the sixth Bennet sister. It is imperative that you now meet all of your new relations." Lizzy smiled fondly at Georgiana and William was again grateful that they had become friends. William had thoughtfully provided coffee and muffins for refreshment and after serving his guests, they settled in for the journey in ease and comfort. The trip that day seemed much shorter to Lizzy between the luxury of their conveyance and the sociable conversation. Lizzy was impressed at William's knack for drawing all her sisters into the discourse. It must stem from years of attempting to bring Georgiana out of her shyness, she decided. Before she knew it, they had arrived at her grandfather's modest ranch house. The guests were pleased to find that Papa was again looking well and sitting up in a chair, closely monitored by his private duty nurse for any sign of fatigue. Lizzy introduced her friends to her grandfather. "Darcy?" asked her grandfather. "Are you the children of George and Anne Darcy?" "Why yes Mr. Gardiner. Did you know my parents?" "Yes I did William. Quite well actually." Lizzy was just as astonished as William and Georgiana. "When my wife, Maddie, and I were first married, we lived in California, right next door to the Fitzwilliam family. We became friendly with the parents and their children, Anne and Theodore, were frequent visitors to our home. Although our daughter Fran was not particularly friendly with Anne and Teddy, they seemed to like Maddie very much and would come over to sample her famous desserts. Several years later, Maddie and I were having dinner in the city and a nice young couple approached us. It was your mother and her new husband. We renewed the acquaintance and soon became good friends. Maddie and I would meet George and Anne once a month in the city for dinner and the theater. We enjoyed all those plays, good and bad, for the lively discussions they inspired. After Maddie died, your parents invited me frequently to their home for dinner. Anne was afraid I wasn't cooking for myself and felt compelled to feed me Although we often dined after you had retired to your room, I do remember you as a nice young man, very well mannered. I remember how thrilled and excited your parents were when Georgiana was born. They had given up hope of ever having another child and then were blessed with this adorable little girl. I was devastated by your parents' deaths. I attended the wake and funeral but I'm sure you were too overwhelmed to recall my presence." "Were you a judge Mr. Gardiner?" asked William. "Indeed I was, for 15 years." "I do recall a Judge Gardiner visiting us, but I'm sorry to say I can't place you as that man." "It's hardly surprising son since I'm not looking much like my old self these days." William blushed at his insensitivity. "But it is an honor sir to meet someone who was a friend to my parents." Lizzy smiled at him kindly. "And it's wonderful to see you and Georgiana again after so many years. As a diligent reader of the financial news, I know you have made a success of yourself William, and I can see your sister has turned out to be a lovely young woman. Much to your credit, since you have had responsibility for her welfare. I think your parents must be very proud indeed as they look down upon you. If I am so fortunate to meet up with them in the afterlife, I'll make sure to tell them I met you again. I'm sure they and Maddie are waiting impatiently for me to get up there to continue our theatrical discussions!" The conversation continued for two more hours until the hospice nurse arrived. By then, Papa was visibly tiring in his chair and ready to return to bed. The Bennet sisters each kissed their grandfather and Georgiana shyly followed suit to Mr. Gardiner's delight. William shook his hand and the crew departed leaving their contented grandfather in the capable hands of his nurses. "Lizzy can I come again with you tomorrow?" asked Georgiana when they got in the car. "Now I really do feel that Mr. Gardiner is a relation since he knew my parents so well. I can pretend he is my own grandfather since I never knew either of mine. Isn't it amazing that your grandfather knew my parents?" "Yes it certainly is and he seemed well pleased to see you and your brother again. I'm sure he will happily adopt you both!" Lizzy replied. "You are very welcome to come with us any time. Your brother included. After all, he is supplying us with the transportation." She addressed this to Georgiana but winked at William. He gave her a pleased smile. ********** It was a noisy afternoon at the Darcy mansion. All of the sisters accepted Georgiana's invitation and they were soon frolicking in the cool lake water, so refreshing on a hot summer's day. Rick and William spent much of the afternoon simply watching with vast enjoyment the scantily clad women playing in the water. That is, until they became the target of a water fight. Charles arrived in the late afternoon to find an exhausted and wet but exhilarated group spread out on the deck drinking sodas, chatting happily. Thinking he looked entirely too dry, Lizzy and Rick promptly threw him into the lake fully clothed. Fortunately Charles' good nature (and the fact that he had brought a change of clothes) prevented him from being angry and he splashed happily in the cool reservoir for several minutes before dragging his soggy body out. Because the men showered and changed in much less time than the women, they brought out trays of marinated meats and vegetables to the deck and began grilling. By the time the women presented themselves, an opulent spread of cold and hot dishes awaited them in the gazebo and the men were serving up the barbecued delights. Two tables had been laid with casual dinnerware and adorned with flowers. Soon the congenial group was eating, drinking, talking and laughing with relish. William looked around him with satisfaction. He couldn't remember a happier day at the Darcy mansion since his parents died. He was pleased to provide a respite for the Bennet sisters from their sorrows. Georgiana was glowing with happiness and the pleasure of their company. The presence of his best friends, Charles and Rick, completed the picture. This contentment was what William was hoping to achieve by marrying Caroline. He now saw how misguided that notion had been. He looked over at Elizabeth seated at the other table. Her eyes were sparkling with humor at some story Rick was relating. How he wished he could be the cause of that brightness. ********** Georgiana did not want the day to end. "How about a pajama party?" she suggested. Lydia and Kitty readily agreed. "You have to stay too Lizzy," Georgiana insisted. Lizzy nodded her head. Jane and Mary declined the invitation but agreed to get changes of clothes for the others and return them with the chauffeur. Jane left with Charles and Rick kindly rode along with Mary so she wouldn't be alone in the limo. William left the girls chatting in the family room and went to his office to attend to some business. A couple hours later, William put his work aside and checked to see what his sister and her friends were up to. He found Georgiana, Lydia and Kitty enthralled with a movie, absently eating popcorn. Lizzy was not with them. He continued on to the kitchen and sure enough, there was Lizzy enjoying a bowl of ice cream. She was dressed in well-worn sweats and an oversized tee shirt. Her hair, released from its normal constraining ponytail or braid, tumbled down her back. William thought she looked just as young as the teenagers and quite adorable. "I knew I would find you here," he laughed as he helped himself to a bowl of tonight's choice, which was Fudge Brownie Sundae. She smiled back. "Already you know me so well! I hope you don't mind my helping myself. I asked Georgiana but she was too intent on the movie to hear." "Not at all Elizabeth. I would like you to feel at home here. What movie has so captured the imagination of our sisters?" "Some teenage horror film. I think it's called 'Scream', or some such thing. After 10 minutes I knew it was not something I wanted to see. I felt like an old lady in there with the girls. The giggling was driving me insane! I should have gone home and let them be but Georgiana was so insistent that I stay." "I'm glad you did. Now I can have some adult company. Rick seems to have deserted us for the evening." "My sisters are planning to sleep on the floor in Georgiana's room. Would it be too much to ask for a room with a bed for my poor old bones? I'm afraid I will never be able to get up in the morning if I sleep on the floor!" "Certainly. We have plenty of empty guestrooms. I'll put you in a separate wing from Georgiana's room so the girls can be as noisy as they want without disturbing you.� Of course that means you will be near to my room, just in case you get lonely. William silently chastised himself for these lascivious thoughts. "Thank you. I hope I am not causing too much trouble." "Of course not. Let me just inform Mrs. Reynolds so she can have a room prepared." When William left the room Lizzy occupied herself with trying to come up with a way to ask him how he was feeling about his failed wedding. By the time he had returned, she decided the direct approach was best. "I know you were surprised to see me at your wedding," she began. "I was just as surprised myself to be here. You see, I was not aware that Caroline was Charles' sister or that you were the 'Billy' whose wedding Charles had invited me to. Charles later explained the nickname thing, which I found quite amusing. I have taken to calling him Chuckie which causes him no end of remorse for ever mentioning it!" "Just please don't start calling me Billy!" "No, Billy does not fit you. You have nothing to fear from me on that front. However there is that public drunkenness incident..." "Please, I beg of you, stop! Do not remind me of that horrid event! I suffered a great deal from that, physically as well as mentally!" "But I did tell you I was going to tease you mercilessly!" "That you did, but I am appealing to your kind and generous nature to forget that sorry chapter of my life." "OK, I'll back off for now. But don't think you've heard the end of this." "I don't imagine I have. Charles and Rick will remind me if you do not." "So tell me William, as one friend to another, how are you doing? You seem outwardly quite over Caroline but I know it can hardly be the case after so short a time. But if you'd rather not discuss it I understand." "I have no objections to discussing this with you. We did agree to be friends, didn't we? And friends should be able to discuss everything. Seriously, Elizabeth, I feel I am fully over Caroline's deception, except for maybe some residual embarrassment. I spent last week holed up in my office, shutting out everyone, and thinking long and hard about my situation. My drinking was an act of desperation to rid myself of the incredible ache I felt inside. While I would never endorse alcohol as the remedy to one's problems, when I finally recovered from my hangover, the ache had dulled considerably and things seemed clearer to me. It was probably the fresh air that unclouded my muddled head and not the alcohol, as I hadn't gone out of doors for an entire week. Whatever the cure, I came to the realization that having Caroline for a wife would not have ended my loneliness. She did not love me, she made that perfectly clear. And I did not love her. I tried to convince myself I did but deep down I knew it was a sham, erely an attempt to justify my actions to myself. But I have my sister and good friends and I realize now that a better course is to concentrate on them and if it is meant to be, love will find me some day. I hope it is sooner rather than later, but I'm not so old that I have to be despairing of ever finding it." Lizzy laid a comforting hand on William's arm. "I'm sure you will find someone to love. You are a wonderful man - a terrific brother and a thoughtful friend. And good-looking too. I can't believe that women aren�t knocking your door down." "Not to sound conceited, but I have had plenty of women knocking on the door, as you say. Unfortunately they were all after my money. That was another reason I felt Caroline was a safe choice - she is wealthy in her own right. I want a woman who will love me not because of my money, but in spite of it." Can't that be you Lizzy? Please? "It will happen William. In the meantime, your friends are happy to have your company. But right now this friend is tired and we shall have to be up early. Will you please show me to my room?" "My pleasure. Thank you for listening. It does help to talk about it." And just being with you is heaven! "Any time. That's what friends are for." ************************* To Be Continued...

Thank you Gail and Teg,... what a lovely heated scene!! Now, usually I push you in order to post, but for once I'd like you to stall and for pure selfish reasons as I am a selfish being and have been all my life!;-) I'm leaving for 4 weeks to spend them on "my" island! I wish you all a happy holiday!!

Well.....I got back from vacation and eagerly signed in here and what do I find? Nothing! Where is everyone? Is the world on vacation?

I'm here patiently waiting for the writers Gail. I'm a reader, not a writer ;-)

Ditto!

Ditto!!

Ditto that Ditto!!

Hello I don't want to rush you but I've got nothing to read.

Irene! excellent post... okay, one question - which Miss Bennet is coming to stay at Pemberley? and yes, one comment - Let Lydia go! If they bring her back or if Darcy goes to get her, she will continue to be a problem... let her go! I know it's cruel, but... Teg! Teg! Teg! Teg! I do love your story but I swear I never get enough of your L&D! I don't care how old they are... how many kids they have... NEVAH! Gail! Now we're getting to the good stuff! L&D in each other's company every day is a good thing... Oh and I still get all teary-eyed when they all visit Mr. Gardiner! Thank you all!!!

Hello. Sorry I don't have time to post right now. Just back from vacation, gonig away again on Friday for another week and really busy at work. Things should be better in August. Thanks for your interest, it's the only thing that keeps me going with this.

It's going to be Mary Bennett (the "Miss Bennett" I refer to in the story). And, also, the plan is to write Lydia out. I won't tell *how*, though!

I do not remember the last chapters I actually posted, so I'm posting (re-posting?) the last two . . . as a springboard for the others coming up. Thirty-Seven Darcy laid in his chambers, in bed next to Elizabeth. Believing that everything was going to be well with Lydia, and glad to be leaving soon, Elizabeth slept peacefully. Darcy stared wide-eyed at the ceiling, not moving, not wanting to wake his wife. Darcy's eyes misted, and he dashed the forming tears away, ashamed of himself. No one knew how much Mr. Bennett's angry words in the library earlier had unnerved him, how they played over and over relentlessly in his head. "Well, I tell you, Darcy, this is a family matter . . . and the family will handle it. She is my daughter and I had every right to know all concerning her, including this business with Wickham . . . as Darcy drifted in and out of consciousness, fragments of Mr. Bennett's speech echoed. "You have no loyalty . . . certainly not to your family. And now you offer to go to London? I think not, Sir! Your attitude toward my daughter Lydia these past weeks has been insufferable; I wonder that she did not run away before now . . ." Sleep overtook Darcy. *** I just . . . I didn't know what else to do . . . *** was Darcy's last thought. ***** "Father!" Seven-year-old Will ran into the house, the door slamming shut behind him. Not finding Mr. Darcy, Will ran into the library. "Look at this progress report of my lessons!" Mr. Darcy turned from the desk. "Was that you slamming the door down there?" Will's enthusiasm evaporated. "Well, yes, Sir, I'm sorry. I was just excited, wanted you to see this." He placed the report on the desk and backed away a few steps. Mr. Darcy quickly looked it over, pushed it aside with an "Uh-huh." Will had been hoping for a different reaction from his father -- Will was hoping that for once, he had actually made his father proud of him. "Ummmmmm . . . Father. Did you see those marks in Latin?" For a few seconds, Mr. Darcy didn't respond. Then he turned around to Will. "This is the best you can do?" He slapped the card down on his desk, turning back to his papers. Will didn't say anything. He suddenly felt very tired, very old. "You're busy, Father, let me take this out of your way," Will took the card from the desk, then remembered. "I forgot, my instructor requested that you sign this." "I'm not signing that." "Oh, it doesn't mean you like my progress or anything. It just means that you saw it." Mr. Darcy bolted from his chair, toppling it over backwards. His hand lashed out at the papers on the desk, sending them flying. "Well who the hell does that instructor think he is? Does he think he can push me around? I'll sign what I want to, where I want to, when I'm g------ good and ready!" Mr. Darcy's voice raised to a scream; Will flinched as his father grabbed the report out of his hand. "No one is the boss of me, you hear!" Mr. Darcy strode across the room, and stuffed the report into an empty water pitcher on the side table. "No one is telling me what to do. Your instructor especially. He's not going push me around like some snot-nosed kid, like the bunch of mothers' mistakes he claims to be teaching!" Will snapped. "Very well!" Will yelled. "You don't have to sign it; you don't have to sign anything." He strode over to the table. "I'm sorry I even came to show it to you." Mr. Darcy blocked Will's way, towering over him. "No, you son-of-a-b----!" Mr. Darcy's hands went to his waist, balled up into fists. "I have it, it is not yours; I'll keep it, throw it away, I'll do whatever I want with it!" Will dodged around Mr. Darcy, grabbed the pitcher that contained the report, and charged into the hallway. "Lovely!" Will screamed as he ran up the stairs. "You think you can take my things, well I can just as easily take yours! This is now mine!" Will kicked the door to his room open, but before he could get in, he felt himself suddenly flung back into the hallway, spun around so that he was facing Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy seized the pitcher. Will refused to let go, holding on with surprising tenacity for a young child. They struggled in the hallway, in a vicious tug-of-war over the pitcher, tearing each other apart with the insults and accusations they screamed at each other as they fought. As a last ditch effort, Mr. Darcy let go of the pitcher with one hand, balled up his fist, and started slamming it into Will's forearm, leaving red marks and the start of bruises. Still, Will didn't budge, wouldn't let go. Mr. Darcy suddenly released the pitcher, and Will stumbled backward into the wall, clutching the pitcher to his chest. "Fine!" Mr. Darcy screamed. "Fine! You bloody well want it?" Mr. Darcy charged behind him into another bedroom, instantly returning with the a heavy porcelain bowl that goes under the pitcher. "You might as well take this too!" And as he shrieked the words at Will, he hurled the bowl as hard as he could at Will's head. Will darted the few inches to his room, slamming the door shut and locking it as he heard the bowl crash against the wall. Will had no idea when his father stopped raging at the closed door and finally left. He also had no idea how long he leaned against the wall of his room, tightly hugging the pitcher to himself as if he could squeeze some comfort out of it, tears streaming down his face. It's my fault. This is all my fault. ***** Darcy's eyes popped open and he started at Elizabeth's face hovering over him. He had yet another nightmare. They both knew it. And they both knew he wouldn't talk about it. Normally he got up, found some business to attend to, perhaps returned to bed hours later, perhaps not. At Netherfield, however, he had no reason to be roaming the house in the middle of the night. He braced himself for the upcoming fight as he felt Elizabeth get out of bed. *** Why don't I just tell her? *** Darcy shrugged as he felt his face turn red. He didn't know why, but the idea of talking about him, about his hateful, rage-filled father, filled him with shame at himself. *** But that was his problem, not mine. I didn't do anything wrong. Did I? *** Darcy felt his eyes cloud with tears, shame overtaking him for a moment. *** I dunno. Won't do me any good to dwell on it. *** He held his eyes open, and the cold dried up the tears that had been threatening to fall down his cheeks. He glanced over as Elizabeth lit the candle next to the bed. Tossing the match in the fireplace, she got back under the blankets with Darcy without a word, rolling toward him and throwing her leg over his. She put her hand on his cheek and turned his face toward her, but his whole body followed. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment, neither speaking, neither moving. Thirty-Eight His eyes closed as she gently captured his mouth with hers. Running her fingers through his dark hair, she breathed in the scent of him, teasing the tip of his tongue with hers. She tipped his head back as she deepened the kiss, exploring his open, yielded mouth. Struggling against the need to stay joined with her soft warmth, the unfamiliar, enveloping comfort of being wanted, he slowly put his hands on her shoulders, gently broke the kiss. They looked deep into each other's eyes, reading the other's thoughts. *** I love you *** hers said. *** I'm terrified *** his haunted eyes told her in return. She knew, right then, not to ask. Not to ask for any more than he could offer her at that moment. But she could give him of herself. She sat up in bed, pulled her gown over her head, and tossed it to the foot of the bed. Darcy's hands trembled slightly as he cupped Elizabeth's breasts, as he tentatively placed his mouth back over hers. She gasped as Darcy continued to massage her with one hand and started ministering to the other breast with his mouth, as his other hand ran down the length of her body. She shivered as the sensitive button between her legs began to throb. She wanted all of him. They both groaned as they explored each other with their hands, as Darcy lightly touched her wetness with his fingers. "Will," she whispered as she positioned herself above him. "Look at me." Darcy met her gaze. While she saw passion equally mixed with uncertainty and fear in his eyes, he only saw desire and love in hers. His mouth opened slightly but he did not look away from her as she slowly lowered herself onto him, filling herself with him ever so slowly. She felt a delicious heat inside as she stretched to take him in; once their bodies were completely joined, she lay on top of him, both enjoying the sensation. Darcy ran his hands down her back as if he were memorizing every curve of her body through his hands. He finally settled his hands on her backside and shifted slightly under her. "Oh!" Elizabeth jerked as a flash of heat shot through her. The small, sudden orgasm surprised her. She raised herself up on her elbows and carefully explored Darcy's mouth with her tongue, raising and lowering herself on him at a very leisurely pace. They were savoring each other, savoring the sensations flowing through their bodies. They were in no hurry. As she moved her mouth up his neck, Darcy tilted his head back. She could feel his pulse thundering in his neck, and smiled to herself as she heard his short, wracking breaths in her ear. "Are you well, my dear husband?" Elizabeth whispered, running a finger down his cheek and smiling at him as she gently continued to raise and lower herself on his swollen manhood. Darcy ran his hand through her hair, cupping the back of her head. Passion overtook them both, as they freely touched and tasted each other, giving and taking; sharing pleasure. They moved in concert to the same rhythm; the same pace -- her body pressing down to welcome him into her opening, his body thrusting upward to meet her. "Oh -- God -- Lizzie," he groaned as he brought her mouth back down over his, arching his back slightly as he came to his crisis. "Oh, Will," Elizabeth panted as a sudden surge of heat exploded from her sensitive button, and her whole body started to shudder and contract, "Oh, Will, I love you," she whispered as she took possession of his mouth with hers, as she continued to come. She had never had an orgasm like this before -- it would subside to a thrilling tingle, and then Darcy would thrust again against her sensitive external spot, and she would be on fire again with the delicious trembling of reaching her peak again. Finally, not being able to take it anymore, she shifted position over Darcy, buried her face in his neck to give him gentle kisses, and slowed the intensity of their lovemaking. Darcy continued to run his hands over Elizabeth's bare body, enjoying the texture of her soft skin under his fingers.

Oh Irene (rapidly fans face)!!! What a way to start off the day!

What a way to start off the day! For us or for the Darcys? ;-p

I'm enjoying this story so much Irene! Thanks!

*crawling out from under my rock* This story is just wonderful Irene, I cant wait for more! I always enjoy your writing :-)

Oh no! I was so hoping you were going to post something SB Robinson! What a tease it was to see your name listed beside the fan fic message board!

Okay folks, back again, now start posting;-))) Looking forward to all the accumulated chapters and short stories!! Btw Dani, you have been travelling a lot these past 4 months. Haven't you got anything cooking?? Pleaseeeeeeeeee!!

Esbee! Like Sadie, I am soooooooooooo disappointed you didn't post anything! Hanne! Welcome back! And yes, I've been traveling a lot lately, but you know how that in-bin keeps piling up... I have some ideas, but nothing that makes sense right now... it shall be a while. BTW Hanne, I'm sure you had time on your 4 week holiday to come up with some drool? Perhaps now, I have a bargaining chip... *evil smirk* mwahahahahaha! Gail seems to be taking a vacation every other week... Irene, we need you! Where the heck is Teg? TEG!!!

AHEM... just posted of bit of rambling nonsence over at 112 (Darcy Drool) - not a story but if you ever wondered what happened between Lizzy and Darcy in the carriage after leaving Longbourn on their wedding day you might want to check it out. :-)

BTW Hanne, I'm sure you had time on your 4 week holiday to come up with some drool? Well, you know it takes practice, and I have none whereas you have polished and practised;-)).....!!! I'm reconciled to waiting though!! Some. Esbee,....ending the snippet in that manner is hardly fair...may I suggest that you end it here! *nodding her head off* Yes??? Pleaseeeeeeee!

Yes I have been on vacation again but now I'm back and no further holidays in sight (sob, sob). However, unlike some people on extended vacation (read Hanne here), I have been working on a NEW story. Yes, I know, I'm in the middle of The Wedding Singer but I've been bored with it lately. So I'll be posting some of one or the other in a day or two - after I do the mounds and mounds of laundry piled up from the family camping trip. Yes Esbee - you owe us more of Tempest in a Townhouse. We are waiting........................ (twiddles thumbs)................

oops.... i was kinda hoping nobody would remember me promising that... it's still being worked on, i ah, kinda got side tracked working on Kitty's story which is turning out to be fairly amusing. :-) but, er... dont expect anything to soon. (good grief! i'm beginning to sound like a politician *shudder*) Esbee ;-)

Except that politicians produce more sexy scenes, and they don't write a word! ;-)

LOL Sadie! only because it needs to be a 'hushed-up business' and exaggerated over time and TV! ok Esbee... i'm going over to 112 right now!

I have lurked here for many months now and have always thoroughly enjoyed the stories...so considering there seems to be a draught of sorts around here as the usual authors/authoresses are on vacation, etc,. I thought I would post a little something I wrote. Hopefully, this will quench all of your fiction thirsts for the time being. I am not as talented as the regulars, but I figured that this is atleast something, hehe. ;-) Anyhow, here goes. Fitzwilliam Darcy took another deep breath as he stared at the closed door just inches from his face. He was trying, yet again, to inhale confidence and exhale his nervousness...and although he knew he could not shake the anxiety that had plagued him since supper had ended, he could not help but inhale again -- this time so deeply that it made his head spin and eyes momentarily blurry. "Go on, Darcy," he silently told himself, "you are a man of the world, a married man, now...go and act like one." But his feet would not move. Despite this inner voice trying to raise his confidence, he knew that it was only human to have fear of the unknown...and what took place in the marriage bed was almost as unknown to him as it was to his bride, Elizabeth. Indeed, he knew the mechanics of the act; his father had talked with him about marital relations when Fitzwilliam was a young man, right before his tour of the Continent. It was expected and not frowned upon, the old Mr. Darcy had said, for a young man of consequence to experience this act while on this trip around Europe. However, it was most certainly not a requirement for young men to come home still inexperienced. Fitzwilliam Darcy had no desire to learn the lesson of physical love from just any woman. He was a romantic at heart and believed this level of intimacy should only take place between a man and his wife. And so, on the eve of his own wedding, Darcy was physically innocent, eager yet apprehensive to experience this union with his wife, Eliza eth. After one more breath was inhaled and shakily exhaled, Fitzwilliam Darcy raised a hand to lightly knock on the door connecting his dressing room to Elizabeth's bed chamber. A whisper-soft "hello" encouraged his entrance. Elizabeth stood in the center of the room, her spine straight as a board, her eyes wide and her hands nervously clasped in front of her. An almost imperceptible smile graced her full lips as her new husband entered her room. Fitzwilliam noticed fear mixed with love in her expression and could only return her sentiments with a gaze of his own. He them turned to his eyes to his wife's form, delighting in being able to admire her openly. Her thin, soft gown flowed elegantly over her soft body. The lace-trimmed neckline dipped rather low, exposing the tops of her breasts. There were no sleeves, and the material pooled at her feet in a graceful pile of cotton and subtle trimming. Fitzwilliam smiled at the sight of the tips of her silken slippers beneath the folds of ner nightdress. His eyes then moved back up to hers, and he sighed audibly. "You are more lovely than anything I have ever...I am completely...That is to say...Mrs. Darcy, I have no words to..." He broke off and shook his head at his lack of composure as a blush spread across his face. Elizabeth mustered all the courage inside of her (which was not much, at this point) to finally say, "Words, my good husband, are not necessary. If you will only show me how to love you,teach me to be loved back..." Her voice faltered as she, too, felt her cheeks flush bright pink at the audacity of her words and the realization that she was almost as excited as she was nervous. "Only if you will teach me, as well, my darling..." Darcy murmured. Comprehension dawned in Elizabeth's eyes, and she could not help smiling luminously at her husband...her handsome, brave , kindhearted husband who had...saved himself for her, for this very night. "Oh William, I love you so very much." He needed no more encouragement, and slowly advanced towards his bride. His warm hands aquainted themselves with the silken skin of her arms, his thumbs caressing the insides of her elbows while his other fingers stroked her forearms in an up and down motion. Elizabeth's breath became incresingly more shallow as his light touch continued, and she unconsciously raised her arms to bury her fingers in his hair. She toyed lovingly with the short wisps at the base of his neck, massaging his skin in a circular motion. Darcy moaned softly and rested his forehead against Elizabeth's. "Would you mind if...that is to say that I would like...May I kiss you, Mrs. Darcy?" Her eys closed in response and she had barely begun to feel his sweet, warm breath on her moist lips before their mouths touched. Darcy lightly kissed Elizabeth's upper lip all the way across before taking it entirely in betwen his. He ran his tongue lightly over her lip and then began alternating soft nibbles with strokes of his tongue. Elizabeth instinctively caught Darcy's lower lip in her mouth and sucked it gently, tasting his manly sweetness and delighting in his lip's supple texture. Darcy then wrapped his arms around Elizabeth's waist, pulling her body flush against his. Her womanly curves pressed pleasantly against his hard chest and they collectively sighed against each others' mouths. Darcy hesitantly slipped his tongue into his beloved's mouth and she followed her husband's lead. Their tongues began to touch softly, and the kiss continued. All of a sudden, Darcy's tongue began to retreat and he softly kissed her full on the mouth. This continued for a few moments until his lips began to travel southward. He lightly let his lips descend down her neck, on the throat, on the collarbone, behind her ears...he stood in back of his wife, holding her hands, caressing her skin with his warm lips. Elizabeth was enjoying this attention to no small degree but turned to face her husband, her passion-glazed eyes meeting his. "I am ready" her gaze communicated. The bed was but a few steps away, the covers already turned down...Darcy looked at it for a second before turning his gaze, once again, to Elizabeth. He began to unbutton his jacket. When all the buttons were opened, he removed the garment and placed it neatly on the back of a nearby chair. Elizabeth ran her hands down his back and then over his chest. Her trembling fingers managed to unbutton his waistcoat. He took it off and then kissed her hands. His lawn shirt was the last to go. He unbuttoned it, but it was she who slipped it off his back and then stared with wonder at his naked chest. She boldly ran a finger across his hot skin, tracing a pattern over his arms and throat and stomach. "You are so lovely" she said and then blushed. But her eyes still held his captivated gaze. William nudged a strap off her shouler and kissed her white flesh. He returned to kissing her neck for a moment before she raised her eyes to his and wordlessly told him to proceed. William knew that he was now allowed to be doing this, but all his tormented longing for her that had been accumulating still screamed that this was all a dream -- too good to be reality. And he hesitated a moment, fearing that she would vanish. She touched his cheek and looked at him with love, desire, nervousness, but above all...complete trust. And he knew then that Elizabeth was giving herself to him. He brushed aside the other strap, and her gown fell to the carpet. She backed up and lay down on the large bed. William hastilly removed his breeches, and Elizabeth sighed. "I will not hurt you" he whispered. "I know" she replied. He ran his hands over her round, full breasts, growing very excited as he felt her nipples quickly harden under his fingers. Elizabeth moaned at the delicious feeling his hands were producing. She ran a finger down his length, feeling his stiff manhood and his shudder of ecstacy. Their mouths met once again, their tonges dancing with one another, their lips meshing, their breath mingling as they continued to explore one another. After long, torturous moments, William tested to see if she was ready for him. His finger found her wet and warm, and she arched up again him and gave a soft cry of delight at the feeling produced by his probing finger. William checked his passion long enough to look into his bride's eyes for permission. She nervously smiled and kissed him. "I love you" he said as his erection pressed into her silky opening. Elizabeth's eyes looked into her husbands as she stretched to take him in and felt him filling her. As if by magic, her body knew what to do...he began to pump and thrust slowly but firmly into her, and her hips rocked to match his movements. Their flesh pressed together as their bodies joined again and again. William smiled as his nervousness melted away. Elizabeth seemed to be feeling the same amazing sensations he was. She contracted around his aroused manhood time and time again as he thrust into her opening. At the same time, both huband and wife began to feel a tightening in their loins. Simultaneously, a delicious pressure built up inside of the lovers. It was building, building, building...increasing to mind-bogglingly wonderful heights ans when the pleasure seemed too much to bear, Elizabeth contracted her body shook as something inside of her seemed to explode. Words flew out of her mouth as gorgeous release wracked her body. "William, ooooooh, Oh, yes, yes! I love you...I love you so much...oh, my love! Ohhh..." Seconds later, William felt a blinding pleasure envelop him and he erupted into Elizabeth with one final thrust just as her peak ended. He groaned her name over and over and cried out his love for her and then...it was over. A calm sense of extreme content came over the Darcys and they came together in a natural embrace, Elizabeth's head on William's chest, his arms around his wife. "I cannot express how beautiful you are...how beautiful that was, Mrs. Darcy. You touch me deeply. I love you, and I will forever love you." "And I agree, my strong, lovely husband. I am forever yours. Thank you for sharing with me just now. It was wonderful, it was beautiful. I hope it is something we shall do quite often." She glanced mischeivously over at her smiling bridegroom and he felt his serious mood melting away. "Depend upon it, sweetheart," he said, running his leg over hers, "depend upon it."

So glad you delurked Katherine. Welcome! And what a great way to introduce yourself. I'm still wiping the steam off my screen. Feel free to reintroduce yourself tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day....

Hello Katharine well you certainly got rid of those draughts & hotted the place up.It's a wonderful, beautiful story I was hooked from the moment I read of Darcy's hesitancy,swoony by the time of the first kiss(WOW)and hot and bothered by the end(WOW WOW) All I can say is more,more.Well done and welcome.

Good Morning Sadie or are you now taking a cold shower?

Hello Katharine well you certainly got rid of those draughts & hotted the place up.It's a wonderful, beautiful story I was hooked from the moment I read of Darcy's hesitancy,swoony by the time of the first kiss(WOW)and hot and bothered by the end(WOW WOW) All I can say is more,more.Well done and welcome.

Judy, I'm going over to Odds & Ends again, if you're still around?

I'm not sure how that happened blame it on my hormones I seem to be flustered for some reason.

Katharine, what a great story - lovely bedtime reading ;-). Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you delurked.

Welcome Katharine, and thank you for the heat-up!!*wiping brow and monitor*

Aren't you glad you delurked, Katharine? We are. Fan fic always welcome here and you brought in a new twist...the wedding night from Darcy's POV. Thank God he had such a willing partner. Can you imagine if his bride was Cousin Anne? ;-)

Katharine! That was wonderful!!! I'm so very pleased you delurked :-) and what a sweet, steamy story -just the kind we like! *grin* Hope you've been bitten by the writing bug, and will post often (Heide)Thank God he had such a willing partner. Can you imagine if his bride was Cousin Anne? *virtual heaving* Bite your tongue girl! Yeck! *shudder* After that not-so-lovely image, i need to go back and reread Katharine's post ;-) btw Heide, when are You going to favor us with another story? You havent posted anything in ages!!

Esbee! I saw, I read, I panted, and I hated the fact that you did not finish the closed carriage story... but then again, that is for this board. FINISH IT! QUICKLY! Welcome, welcome, welcome Kathrine E! A delicious wedding night story! (Sadie) So glad you delurked Katherine. Welcome! And what a great way to introduce yourself. I'm still wiping the steam off my screen. Feel free to reintroduce yourself tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day.... ROTFLMAO! My thought sexactly! (Esbee) btw Heide, when are You going to favor us with another story? You havent posted anything in ages!! Oh yes! please do!

Oh dear! I meant, 'my thoughts exactly'! hee hee Is Dr. Freud taking appointments today? I need help! Immediately...

Thank you all for your kind welcomes!!! I'm so pleased that you liked the story. I will post little odds and ends from time to time...nothing in my head right now but then tomorrow is another day. ;-) And I encourage everyone else to post...Esbee, Heide, Irene, Teg, Danielle...everyone! I am going through fanfic withdrawal.

Yes Esbee, please finish the closed carriage encounter! (You see, it was all my plot to lure you writers back here!) This condition on the board (not counting the brief respite so generously offered by de-lurking Katherine) is the real meaning of DRY SEASON. (Heide)Can you imagine if his bride was Cousin Anne? Actually, what immediately popped into my head was a wedding night scene between Mr. Collins and Anne.... a sort of P&P Bizarro World. (Danielle) Oh dear! I meant, 'my thoughts exactly'! I don't know, I think we ought to enter "sexactly" as official Drool vocabulary.

My thought sexactly! ROTFLOL, what the heart is full of.......!!! Like SadieR I think it's a refreshing new word in our drool vocabulary!!

(Heide) Can you imagine if his bride was Cousin Anne? ;-) Oh! Heide! <snicker> Welcome Katharine! Just so you know, most of the stories posted here are collected and stored in an archive (which, for a change, is up-to-date!). It just makes it a little easier for new readers to drool through :) the collected fic. If you have no objection, I will post your story there too. But before I do, do you have a preferred title (and a short description) for your tale? Feel free to e-mail me privately, or post your answer here. Esbee, would you like your closed carriage vignette archived, too? Ta Leanne

I saw, I read, I panted, and I hated the fact that you did not finish the closed carriage story... Ditto Esbee - beautiful story - how about more? I had never been on Darcy drool before and enjoyed reading all the comments there. I will have to check it out more often. Thanks for pointing the way. Thanks and a very enthusiastic welcome Katharine! Lovely story - D & E wedding night stories are my favorite. Ditto on sexactly - what an appropriate word for this site!

Leanne, you dont have to archived the 'closed carriage vignette' *grin* it was just a bit of foolishness -thanks for the offer though, and ALL your hard as our Archiving Queen! *hugs* Gail, i'm so glad you found Darcy Drool enjoyable :-) He is so Very Drool Worthy ;-) Slurp! sexactly.... *snicker*

I was just re-reading some of my favorites from the archive, and after finishing Bobby's Challenge (so excellently done by Heide), it got me thinking...maybe some of the non-authors here with juicy or especially creative ideas could give suggestions for story lines/vignettes. It might pull more lurkers out of the woodwork or re-inspire others. Anyhow, just as suggestion...so for any too shy to write, inspire us!!! ;-)

OK, here is the beginning of my new story. It appears at this point that this will be a fairly long story and it will take a while to get to the "good stuff" so I hope you will bear with me. Maybe by the time I have finished this one I will be ready to return to the rewrite of The Wedding Singer. And now.....drum roll..... What Matters Most Chapter 1 Liz Bennet drove her lime green Volkswagen Beetle along the private road to her grandmother�s estate. After a mile or so an immense white-shingled structure came into view, standing out in stark contrast to the surrounding verdant lawns, dark pine trees and royal blue ocean. Liz maneuvered her car halfway around the circular driveway, stopping under the portico at the front door. Leaving her keys with the valet, she dashed eagerly to the entry in happy anticipation of seeing her favorite relative. Before she got to the door, it was opened by Clara, the long-time housekeeper, smiling in delight at the guest. �Your grandmother will be so pleased to see you Miss Lizzy,� she said. �She�s been waiting impatiently all morning.� She instructed Liz to meet her grandmother in the sunroom where lunch would be served in a few minutes. Liz thanked Clara and skipped along the lengthy hallway to the rear of the mansion, the way as familiar to her as her own home. Sleepovers at Grammy�s were a common treat when she was younger and she had used her visits to explore every inch of the grand old manor, including the vast attic with its antique treasures. The walls of glass in the large cheery sunroom afforded an incredible view of the rugged Maine coastline. White caps formed as the surf pounded the rocky shore, mesmerizing Mary Bennet as she enjoyed the scene she never tired of. A slight noise behind her diverted her attention away from the windows and she whirled around to see her youngest grandchild standing in the doorway. �Lizzy, my darling girl,� she gushed, �how happy I am that you were able to have lunch with your poor old grandmother today. I know it�s difficult for you to find the time now that you are a working girl, but at least you�re in the neighborhood now and not 200 miles away at school.� The petite woman with short snow-white curly hair smiled affectionately up at her taller granddaughter with long dark curly hair. �Have you grown again my dear?� Liz laughed at her grandmother�s question. It was one she had heard at every visit as long as she could remember. At an even five feet, Mary�s grandchildren passed her in height before they were teenagers and, at five foot six, Liz was a veritable giant to the older woman. �I can�t help it if you�re a shrimp Grammy,� Liz joked. �I stopped growing many years ago so maybe you�re starting to shrink!� Mary slapped her granddaughter�s arm good-naturedly. She enjoyed this teasing banter with her youngest grandchild. Liz�s elder siblings, Jane and Robert Jr., were entirely too serious in the older woman�s opinion. Liz was full of laughter and fun, just as Mary had been as a young woman, and indeed still was much of the time. At 75 years old, she was hardly ancient and enjoyed excellent health and a fine group of friends to share her many interests. Her family lived nearby and visited her frequently. The only sadness in her life was the sudden and unexpected death of her beloved husband three years before from a heart attack. In spite of her busy schedule she still missed Leo terribly. But longevity ran in the Bennet family and she was determined to live out her remaining years with as much activity and enjoyment as possible. Liz enveloped her grandmother in a bear hug. �I do so love you Grammy,� she said. �I�m happy to be a college graduate now and home with my dear family. I never want to leave Maine again, except maybe for vacations. And by the way, thank you again for my graduation present. I love that little car!� Mary Bennet smiled. �I knew you would the minute I laid eyes on it. It had your name all over it. And I wanted to make sure you had reliable transportation so you didn�t have any excuse not to visit me.� �I�d walk here if I had to Grammy,� Liz laughed, �even if it is 3 miles. It wouldn�t be the first time!� �No, I seem to remember finding you on my doorstep a few times when you were a teenager and had a row with your mother. You could be a trying child but thank God you�ve grown out of that!� Liz grinned sheepishly. �I wouldn�t relive those years for anything. I like being 23 years old, out of school and supporting myself. Did I tell you I found an apartment? I�m going to be living in Bar Harbor with Charlotte.� Charlotte Lucas was Liz�s long-time best friend. �It�s a nice place and within walking distance to work. It�s half of a two-family home and we have two bedrooms, two baths and a huge kitchen, which is a bit ironic because we�re both disasters in the kitchen!� The women were interrupted by Clara bringing lunch. They sat down to partake of shrimp salad and iced tea and silently munched for a few minutes before resuming their conversation. �I�m happy for you my dear with your new job and new apartment. I�m sure you and Charlotte will enjoy yourselves immensely. Maybe I can get Mabel to give you both cooking lessons on the side.� Mabel was the Mary�s long-time personal chef. �I don�t think Mabel would appreciate your offer Grammy,� Liz giggled. �Besides, I think Charlotte and I would have more fun experimenting on our own. And Grammy, I have something else new to tell you about.� �What�s that Lizzy?� �Brian and I are engaged.� Liz caught a brief glimmer of disappointment on her grandmother�s face before it was hidden behind a not-too-convincing smile. �What is it Grammy? Do you not approve of Brian?� �No, it�s not that my sweet Lizzy. It�s just that you are so very young. Why do you want to tie yourself down now when you are just starting to live your life independently? And are you absolutely sure this is the man you want to spend the rest of your life with?� In truth Mary was not crazy about Brian, but she didn�t know him all that well and wanted to give Liz the benefit of the doubt. She was a level-headed girl after all. �Grammy, I�m 23 years old and Brian is 25. He thinks it�s time and I have agreed to marry him. How old were you when you and Gramps got married?� �Oh darling, things were much different in those days. You enjoy so many more opportunities than I had. I can�t tell you what to do my dear girl, but please don�t rush into this just because Brian feels he is ready. You must also be ready and if he truly loves you, he will wait.� �Well we haven�t set a date yet but it will be at least a year away. Brian is just starting to work with his father and wants a big society wedding with all his business associates in attendance, which will take some time to plan. Is that enough time for you?� Liz respected her grandmother greatly and couldn�t dismiss her concerns lightly. �It�s not me I am worried about Lizzy,� Mary replied, �but I am glad you are waiting awhile. Please promise me you�ll think about what I�ve said. Make sure Brian is the man you want to wake up next to for the next 50 years.� �I will Grammy, I promise,� Liz said somberly. �I must say that I am surprised by your reaction. I thought you would be happy for me.� �Darling, if it was obvious to me that you and Brian were perfect for each other, no one would be happier than I at your news. However I must be perfectly honest with you and say that I have not gotten that impression when I�ve seen the two of you together. Granted I am not as familiar with Brian as you are and I tend to be biased where my granddaughter is concerned, so if you can convince me that this is what you truly want, then I will be happy for you.� Liz hesitated in responding to her grandmother. In truth, the engagement took her by surprise as well but she was not about to admit that to anyone. This was the way it was supposed to be wasn�t it? That�s what Brian said. She had graduated from college, he had obtained his MBA and now they were both pursuing careers. The next step had to be marriage. It was all part of Brian�s carefully laid plans. But was it part of hers? She thought so until her grandmother questioned her about it. Mary watched Liz�s face perceptively. Thank God, I�ve gotten her to think about this. Maybe it�s not too late. �Come love, Clara has brought us some of Mabel�s exquisite tiramisu. Let�s indulge ourselves while you tell me about your new job.� ************ Author�s note: This story takes place on and around Mt. Desert Island in Maine, home of Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful places on earth (in the author�s humble opinion, having visited there several times). Many of the places mentioned are real but I�ve thrown in some fictional ones as well � you�ll recognize the names. Note that some of the actual town names include the word �Harbor�. In the succinct Maine way, these towns are located by a harbor of the same name. Liz Bennet is the youngest of three children born to Emily and Robert Bennet Sr. Both her parents are high school teachers in Ellsworth, Maine, a small town of 6,000 located a few miles from their home in tiny Meryton. In spite of his parent�s wealth, Bob Bennet had chosen to live a simple life with his wife and children. After graduating from college he refused any further assistance from his parents, preferring the satisfaction of making his own way in the world. While they remained on good terms, his father had difficulty understanding Bob�s choices but Mary Bennet was very proud of her son and his principles. Emily and Bob led a happy life, fulfilled by their common career and three beautiful children. Their home was full of laughter and love. With summers off, the family was able to tour the country, camping in a pop-up trailer to economize. Spending several weeks each year on the road with no company other than their own caused the family to be very close knit. Robert Jr., or Robby, age 30, took his father�s place as successor to his grandfather�s business. Leo Bennet had made his initial fortune building elegant homes and estates on many miles of Maine�s vast and beautiful coast. He then gave up building in favor of selling building supplies and hardware, opening a chain of stores in New England which later spread nationwide, making him even richer. Robby showed an interest in his grandfather�s business at an early age and he was eagerly accepted by the man who had felt abandoned by his only child. By the time of his grandfather�s untimely death, Robby was intimately familiar with the business and the board of directors named him to succeed Leo as CEO. Robby has been married to Karen, a local girl, for four years and has two young children with another on the way. The now wealthy couple live in a large house on the ocean in Bar Harbor. Jane, age 26, recently married Charles Bingley, a man she had met in college. Jane followed in her parent�s footsteps and is a first grade teacher in Ellsworth. Charles grew up in New York City but fell in love with Maine after falling in love with Jane and bought an estate near Mary Bennet in Northeast Harbor, an exclusive enclave on Mt. Desert Island (think Rockefeller). An avid boater, Charles keeps his yacht moored in the nearby marina. A product of wealth and privilege, the 28 year old runs a wildly successful software company from his home. All of his more than 200 employees around the country also work from their homes so Charles spends countless hours on his computer each day communicating with them. However, he has the flexibility to work when he wants and often takes his laptop out on the boat where he can fish and work concurrently. His attempts thus far to get Jane to quit her job and stay home with him have been futile because she loves teaching too much to give it up. But she has recen ly conceded that when they have children (and they hope it will be soon) she will stop working, at least for a few years. While Bob Bennet did not ordinarily accept money or expensive gifts from his parents, he did not object when his mother insisted on financing the college education of her grandchildren. As a teacher, he wanted the best possible education for his children. Therefore Rob graduated from Princeton, Jane from Brown and Lizzy from Boston College. Ironically, though he denied himself riches, their education led indirectly to wealth for his two older children, and would soon for his youngest as well. Two years ago, while in her junior year at the Carroll School of Management at BC, Liz met Brian Darcy, a graduate student going for his MBA, at a party hosted by mutual friends. When Brian discovered the lovely lady was the granddaughter of Leo Bennet, he was very interested. The Darcys also live in Northeast Harbor and his parents were friendly acquaintances of Leo and Mary so Brian was aware of their wealth. Here was someone in his own social class who he felt would fit into his carefully planned picture of his future life. Brian was taken aback slightly when he discovered that Liz�s parents had eschewed a privileged lifestyle to be teachers. However he was able to reconcile dating Liz with the fact that her brother had taken over Leo�s business, Jane had married well and all three stood to inherit a great deal of money from their grandmother. In his mind, the younger generation had a great deal more sense than their parents. It isn�t that Brian needs the money. The Darcys are very wealthy in the r own right. But he is very conscious that he marry �correctly�, which in his opinion means a woman who looks good and knows what having money is all about. Liz is young enough for him to mold into his image of what his wife should be and he gives her many helpful pointers as to how to dress and act in society. Brian is the middle child of three. He views his older brother Will, age 28, as an eccentric and chooses to ignore him as much as possible. Younger sister Georgiana has potential and will be starting college in the fall at Wellesley. Upon his graduation from business school, Brian immediately went to work for his father. The Darcys are famous for their luxury sailboat and yacht business headquartered in Northeast Harbor (coincidentally Bingley�s boat is a Darcy), but also own several other equally profitable companies. Brian�s goal is to follow in his father�s footsteps and eventually take over the business. He is very impressed with Rob Bennet�s success and hopes to emulate him. Certainly Will won�t get in his way. Liz graduated with a degree in accounting and plans to become a CPA. She reasons this will give her the ability to start a home-based business and thus be there for the children she hopes to have someday. To this end, she found a job with an accountant in Bar Harbor who handles the books and files tax returns for many of the upscale shops, restaurants and inns in town. This will give her practical experience while she studies for the CPA exam. While Brian thinks it is embarrassing that his future wife works for folks in trade, he�s letting her have �her little fling� into the business world. He is certain he will be able to convince her once they are married that her duties as his wife will keep her far too busy to work outside the home. And in three years they will have the first of their three children, a boy to carry on his name, and all this nonsense will be forgot. Liz would be mortified if she knew Brian�s thoughts. Having had many casual relationships but no serious boyfriend before meeting Brian, she was easily swept up into the whirlwind of his life. With a sunny, happy disposition, it just never occurred to her that Brian wouldn�t take her needs into consideration. Liz is attracted to Brian because he is responsible, level headed and much more mature than other men she had dated. He is also handsome and a lot of fun to be with. He is constantly in motion, coordinating sailing, golf or tennis outings with friends, of which he has many. He calls Liz each morning and tells her the plans for the day, where and when to meet and what to wear. One recent evening while boating with friends, Brian took Liz�s hand and announced to his friends that they were engaged. No one was more surprised than Liz when he slid a huge emerald cut diamond on her finger. The friends cheered as Brian kissed her and Liz thought there could be worse things in the world. To Be Continued....

Gail - you have releaved our suffering! :-) I assume Brian is going to smarten up, right? he slid a huge emerald cut diamond on her finger *sigh* that happens to be my very own 'dream ring' ...excellent choice Brian not that i have Any room to speak.... but, you must promise to post regularly my dear. :-) (Katharine)maybe some of the non-authors here with juicy or especially creative ideas could give suggestions for story lines/vignettes good idea! i'm always looking for new places for Lizzy and Darcy to er- 'go to it' :-) All suggestions welcome!

Can't wait for Liz to ditch Brian in favor of Will. Really glad you are posting again Gail! (Katharine)maybe some of the non-authors here with juicy or especially creative ideas could give suggestions for story lines/vignettes (Esbee)good idea! i'm always looking for new places for Lizzy and Darcy to er- 'go to it' :-) All suggestions welcome! What a great idea, Katherine. SO easy to conjure, so difficult to say it well... I think more should be written about their first visit to Longbourne. Lots of tension already, and maybe Lizzy would be a little uncomfortable in her parents' home? Also, a great location for a lover's spat, as Darcy is likely to slip up under all the various, er, pressures.

Excellent idea, Katherine! And Sadie... why don't you write up your idea? Lots of tension, pent-up frustration, unquenchable desire, etc. etc. etc.... Hmmm? A lover's spat? But where to make-out? er, make-up? How about in the barn... inspring all the other animals to procreate. hee hee! Sick I know, but that's my opinion.

Oops! Gail, I too, cannot wait until Liz wises up and kicks Brian to the curb for a REAL man!

What Matters Most Chapter 2 Liz impatiently blew a strand of hair out of her eyes as she lugged the last box up the front stairs into her new apartment. �There,� she said to Charlotte with satisfaction, �that does it. All moved in. Now we can start to unpack and organize everything.� She flopped down on the living room floor and looked up at the pile of boxes. �Where do we begin?� Charlotte sat down beside her and sighed heavily, �It will take us weeks but at least we can do most of it a little at a time. The main thing we need to be concerned about right now is the kitchen. Why did we ever invite Brian and Bill and your parents to dinner on Sunday? That gives us only 4 days to prepare.� �None of them will care about how organized we are. My main concern is cooking an edible meal! What should we have?� �Let�s keep it simple. Lobster, corn on the cob and salad. I think even we can manage that. All we have to do is boil water, melt butter and cut up vegetables.� Liz nodded in agreement. �And I�ll beg Mabel to make us up a batch of her tiramisu. That way if we do manage to mess up the meal at least we�ll have such an elegant dessert that everyone will forget what came before!� The doorbell rang startling the two women. �Who could that be?� asked Charlotte. �Were you expecting anyone?� �Not me.� Liz opened the door to find Brian standing there. �Hi sweetie. Are you here to help us now that all the heavy lifting is done?� Brian looked around critically. �I just thought I�d pop over to see how you were doing. So this is the new place.� �Yes, isn�t it great?� Liz asked enthusiastically, ignoring Brian�s look of distaste. She grabbed his arm and dragged him around the apartment. �Look at all the windows. It is so light and airy in the daytime. We get a beautiful ocean breeze. Aren�t the rooms are huge? And look at my bathroom � isn�t it nice?� Liz raved on and on while Brian followed her stone-faced with no comment. They finished the tour in her room and she sat on the edge of the unmade bed. �Well what do you think?� Brian stood uncomfortably looking down at her. �I suppose it�s all right. I still don�t understand why you feel like you have to do this Liz. You could have moved into my parents� house until we marry if your parents didn�t want you to stay at home.� Liz pouted prettily. �I could have stayed there but I wanted a little bit of independence before we get married. It�s probably the only chance I�ll have in my whole life to live on my own. I�m surprised you don�t want to do the same.� �Why should I? I�m too busy to keep up an apartment on my own and I�d abhor having a roommate. Sharing a dorm room in college was bad enough. I never had any privacy.� �Well Charlotte and I have been best friends for ages and I know we will have a ball together. Besides,� she teased, �how are you going to stand having a wife if you don�t want a roommate?� �Come on Liz, that�s different and you know it. Why do you always have to be so flip about things? If you took getting married seriously you�d be spending your time planning our wedding and looking for a new house for us. Instead you�re wasting time with this stupid apartment and your little job.� Liz reddened with anger. �If that�s how you feel then maybe we shouldn�t get married at all. I want my �stupid� apartment and �little� job and if you can�t understand that then you can go to hell!� She stood up and started to walk away when Brian grabbed her arm contritely. �Liz, I�m sorry. I didn�t mean it like it sounded. Sometimes I just feel that you aren�t serious about our life together. Am I the only one that cares about our future?� Her anger was gone as quickly as it had flared up. �You know that�s not true Brian. Of course I care. But it�s a year away and in the meantime I want to do this. I�m giving you the whole rest of my life. Can�t you give me just this one year to do something for myself?� She put her arms around his neck and looked up at him beseechingly. Brian knew well when to push and when to back off. He had learned the fine art of negotiation over many years of careful observation of his father�s business dealings. He�d back off for now but in the end he would win and Liz would bend to his wishes. �OK honey,� he said smiling, �I�ll give you that. It�s late and I should go home and get some sleep, I have a busy day tomorrow. Are you working tomorrow?� �No. I arranged for today and tomorrow off when I took the job so I would have time to move. And Friday is the holiday so I�m not going back until Monday.� �So I�ll see you Friday night then?� Liz nodded in agreement. �Should I pick you up or do you want to meet me there?� �I�ll meet you at the marina. It�s out of your way to come here first. Come on, I�ll walk you out.� Liz escorted Brian to the door where he kissed her cheek and went out into the night. Liz sighed and leaned against the door thinking about her grandmother�s words. Is this the man I want to wake up next to for the next 50 years? I hope so. ******************* Even in July it gets chilly in the evening on the Maine coast and is even cooler out on the water. Liz arrived at the marina in Northeast Harbor at 6:00 wearing jeans and a short-sleeved print camp shirt but with sweater and jacket in tow. Brian spied her car and waved to her from his yacht docked at the end of a long pier. It looked like several of his friends were already on board. It was the 4th of July and Brian had arranged for a party on the boat culminating with a viewing of the fireworks over Bar Harbor. Brian�s younger sister Georgiana was in attendance with several of her high school friends. Liz liked her very well and hugged the teenager when she boarded the boat. �Hi sweetie. How is your summer going?� �It�s great Liz. I�m so excited to be finally out of high school and going away to college!� Liz smiled. �You may feel differently once you get away from home. I couldn�t wait to come back to Maine after spending most of four years in Boston.� �I can�t wait to be near the city! I plan on spending all my free time in Boston going to museums and art galleries and clubs and shopping! It will be so much more fun than this boring place!� Liz laughed at her enthusiasm and wondered how she would feel four years from now. Changing the subject she asked, �So where is Mr. William Darcy? I was hoping I might finally get to meet the mystery man. I can�t believe I�ve been dating Brian for two years and have never met his brother.� �Oh Will is working as usual. Brian always plans things around when Will is working.� �Yes, I�ve noticed that. Is Will really that bad?� �No, Will is great but Brian can�t stand the fact that he chose to be a cop instead of working for Dad. I should think Brian would be happy because it left the door wide open for him, but he looks down on Will for his choice. Brian has decided opinions on how things should be and doesn�t like nonconformity. Anyway, you will get to meet Will in a couple of weeks at your engagement party. Mom arranged that and made sure Will was available.� �Good, it�s about time. Brian has convinced me to stay at your house for the weekend so I can spend time with all the relatives that are coming to visit. I�m told I may have to share your room if the house is too full. I hope you don�t mind.� �No, that�s all changed. Mom�s allocated all the rooms and there�s one free for you. A couple of my cousins are going to bunk with me instead. I haven�t seen them for a long time and we�re planning some late night gabfests.� �Sounds good. Now where has Brian disappeared to?� Georgiana pointed out her brother at the stern of the boat giving instructions to some of the crew and then went off to meet her friends. Liz joined Brian and linked her arm in his. When he finished with the crew he kissed her lightly on the cheek. �We�re shoving off in 20 minutes. Let�s take a quick spin around the deck and make sure everyone is here.� ******************* The party was a success as Brian�s parties always were. As they stood together watching the fireworks, Brian asked Liz who was attending the dinner on Sunday. �You and I of course, and Charlotte and Bill and my parents.� �That�s all? How about Rob and Karen and Charles and Jane?� �Charlotte and I wanted to keep it small for our first time. We would have invited her parents but they are away.� �So why don�t Charlotte and Bill do that some other time and you invite the rest of your family?� Brian was not crazy about Bill Collins, Charlotte�s boyfriend. He was a bit eccentric but Liz was used to him. �Brian, I can�t do that. It�s Charlotte�s apartment too and she was the one that suggested we invite my parents. After all they helped us move all the furniture since you and Bill were working and couldn�t be there.� �I don�t know why you just didn�t hire movers.� �Don�t start Brian. Don�t ruin this pleasant evening. It�s done now so forget it.� �OK, OK. Sorry I said anything. What time should I be there on Sunday?� �Can you come around 4:00?� �Sure, I�ll bring wine.� �Great. Am I going to see you tomorrow?� �No, I�m going into the office. The boat factory is shut down for the week and we have arranged for some renovations, maintenance and cleaning to be done. My father asked me to oversee it and some of the crew will be there tomorrow. I�m even going in on Sunday for a while but will be home well before 4:00. And tomorrow night I�m playing in a tennis tournament with the guys at the club.� �OK, that will give me more time to get organized before Sunday. We�re almost done unpacking. You�ll be amazed at the difference in the apartment when you see it.� �Hmmmm,� he muttered distractedly and Liz turned her attention back to the fireworks display. Brian�s thoughts were on how to get out of Sunday�s dinner without Liz blowing her stack. He hated Bill Collins, merely tolerated Charlotte, and had nothing in common with his future in-laws who he thought of as peasant schoolteachers. If Liz�s brother, brother-in-law or grandmother weren�t in attendance, it would be a total waste of time. He�d be better off spending time with his friends from the country club, as at least they were potential customers. Bill Collins and the Bennets would never buy a luxury sailboat or yacht and were boring to boot. Not worth his time. ******************* Bob and Emily Bennet arrived at Liz�s apartment on Sunday promptly at 5:00. After exchanging affectionate greetings with their daughter and Charlotte, they were chased out of the kitchen by the young women. �Go look around the house and see what we�ve done, then join Bill in the living room,� Liz ordered her parents. �Charlotte and I will be with you in just a few minutes. We have a couple more things to do.� Just as they left the room the phone rang. �This better be Brian,� Liz muttered. She picked up the phone. �Hey Liz.� �Brian where are you? You�re over an hour late.� �Um, honey, I�m afraid I�m not going to make it. I�m really sorry.� �What! Brian!� �Honey, please let me explain. We had maintenance workers in here today and I was just about to leave when one of them accidentally knocked over a pile of lumber. Luckily no one was hurt but we�re in a big mess. I have to get it straightened out before tomorrow because we have some mechanics coming in to fine-tune the machines that are now covered with wood. Liz I have to fix this, my father is counting on me.� �Can�t you hire someone else to do it? What about the guy who did the damage?� �As many of the crew that can are staying to help but it�s going to take all of us. I can�t hire anyone else at this time on a Sunday night. I�m sorry baby but it�s important that I show my father I can handle these things myself. You understand don�t you? Please?� Liz sighed. What else could she do? �OK sweetie. I guess you have to fix the problem. We will miss you though. If you get done before ten stop by, OK?� �Sure honey. I am very sorry Liz.� �Yes I know. Bye.� Brian heard the phone disconnect. He hung up and turned back to his friends. �OK, whose deal is it?� To Be Continued�..

(Danielle) Hmmm? A lover's spat? But where to make-out? er, make-up? I cant believe you guys! I just finished a bit in which Lizzy and Darcy have their first (real) fight and then makeup!! :-) it's actually in the middle of my Kitty story, but i had just decided last night that it could stand on its own, and that i would go ahead and post it... it should be going out to Marcia tonight for editing! :-) (So heads up Marcia!!) check back in a couple of days and you can read all the juicy details. ;-) btw- if you dont usually check out the Darcy Drool board, you might want to pop over and visit for a minute... Xian has posted the most delicious picture of Darcy.... *sigh*

Well, I knew that Brian was a loser! Thanks for another great post Gail. Looking forward to tomorrow *hint, hint* Can't wait for the spat & makeup Esbee! Oh, maybe down the road, Danielle. Thanks for the encouragement. But don't say it too loudly. I'm not ready to join the harrassed writers, much easier to remain a demanding reader. :-)

PS, thanks for drool tip, Esbee. Am heading straight over to Darcy drool!

lots of hugs and kisses to Marcia my wonderful editor!!! The Fight by Esbee Darcy rode through the clearing, scanning to the left and right calling out his wife's name. Elizabeth had left the breakfast table that morning - in what could only be called a snit - and he hadn't seen her since. He was at somewhat of a loss as to what to do. Her general habit was not to pout in the woods surrounding Pemberley, yet here she had reportedly walked. And the fact that she had not returned to house for luncheon was definitely cause for concern. His anger with his father-in-law was growing with every moment of Elizabeth's disappearance. The gall of the man, to merely announce in a letter that Catherine would be joining the Darcy household for an unspecified length of time. He and Elizabeth were newly married. They should not be expected to entertain houseguests so soon. Even his own sister chiefly spent her time in London, under the watchful eye of Col. Fitzwilliam, and their Aunt and Uncle Matlock. His wife had disagreed with his opinion. "Elizabeth!" he called again, more urgently this time. Surely she had not walked this distance. "I am over here Sir." Darcy swung his head around to see Elizabeth sitting beside a large tree, her bonnet on the ground beside her, a small bunch of wild flowers in her lap. Relief washed through him, followed quickly by annoyance. He had not expected this behavior from his wife. "Come." He held out his hand from atop the horse. "You have missed luncheon, but we will have tea together and discuss this. Come." He repeated. "I can not come to you Mr. Darcy." Lizzy's frustration with her husband and herself was evident in her voice. Darcy frowned, "and why, pray tell, is that?" "I have damaged my ankle." The words were barely out of Lizzy's mouth before Fitzwilliam swung down from his mount, and all but ran to her side. "Dearest, you should have told me immediately." He exclaimed as he flicked up the hem of her skirt. "Right or left?" he continued even as he gently lifted the right one. "That one." Lizzy mumbled, and drew in her breath as he carefully worked the boot off. As he examined it, she studied his features. "It is not badly twisted," she assured him, seeing his drawn face. "A little rest and it will be as good as new." His eyes rose to meet hers and with a small smile she reached out a hand and gently cupped his cheek. "Truly Fitzwilliam, I am not greatly injured." He searched her eyes a moment before nodding. "Come along then, and we'll return to the house." He reached down to help her rise. "It is so peaceful here, can we not stay a few more moments?" Lizzy inquired. Darcy hesitated, and then lowered himself to the ground, sitting across from her, legs stretched out until they were nearly touching her discarded bonnet. Carefully he lifted her bootless foot into his lap. "I should be taking better care of you." "I'm a grown woman Fitzwilliam, and perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Lizzy retorted with some amusement. "Apparently not." Darcy lifted the foot and pressed a light kiss to the ankle. He smiled when Elizabeth rolled her eyes. They sat there a moment in a companionable silence. Each unwilling to begin the conversation they were avoiding. Darcy returned his attention to the foot in his lap. "You have pretty toes." He ran his finger across them, then along the bottom of her foot. Elizabeth giggled and he glanced back up at her. "Ticklish?" he asked. "Very." She agreed, then gasped in shock as his hand shot under her skirt, and his fingers attacked the back of her knee. "How about here?" "Darcy!" she squealed and tried to roll away from him. "Stop it, that tickles!" He abandoned her knee and leaned back with a laugh. "What's so funny?" Lizzy grumbled, gathering back up the flowers that had scattered during her attempted escape. "You are." Darcy explained with a chuckle. "You just called me Darcy, like we were old school chums or something." The smile on his face as he sat there in his riding clothes, hat still angled perfectly on his head, leaning back on his elbows lifted Lizzy's spirits considerably. "I believe I would have enjoyed being one of your school fellows." She informed readily, "And I am quite certain I should have made you a much better roommate at Cambridge than did George Wickham." She lifted an eyebrow and nudged his ribs with her big toe. Darcy nearly swallowed his tongue at the sudden image of Elizabeth readying herself for bed in his college dormitory room. "Do you not agree?" "Most readily." He assured her. They sat in companionable silence once again, until Elizabeth spoke. "You did not kiss me this morning." Darcy looked at her with some astonishment; "I did not have to opportunity to do so. You left the breakfast table before�" "I meant earlier," Lizzy broke in, unwilling to discuss her behavior at breakfast that morning quite yet. "When you left for your morning ride. You left without kissing me goodbye." She studied the flowers she gathered in her lap, and missed the warm look he bestowed her. Suddenly his hands encircled her waist and she was lifted across his legs and set down again upon his lap. "Then I shall have to rectify my mistake." Darcy whispered, and touched her neck gently with his lips. Breathing deeply he inhaled the scent of her. Never did it fail to arouse him. His tongue flicked out and he tasted her skin, smiling when the pulse beneath it beat wildly in response. Slowly, ever so slow, he moved upward to find an especially sensitive spot behind her ear. When she shuddered he whispered, "I love you." Elizabeth moved to face him. Placing a hand along each side of his face she whispered back, "and I you." His lips met hers then, and with exquisite care he paid them homage. Softly he slid his lips across hers, back and forth; teasing, barely touching he caressed the wet surface, until finally Elizabeth could stand no more. Coaxing his lips apart, she deepened the kiss. Darcy growled deep in his throat enjoying her boldness, then after a moment again took charge of the kiss. Her hands moved down to grip his shoulders, then tug at the fastenings at his neck, determined to free him from the confines of his shirt. His hands joined hers and between them they quickly had him stripped down to his waist. Moaning in pleasure, Elizabeth ran her fingers through the dark curls across his chest. Moving her mouth downward, she licked and nibbled at spot when his neck met his chest, trailing wet kisses over taut skin, until reaching his nipple. There she paused and drew back. "Help me," Lizzy struggled to release the buttons along the back of her dress, wanting desperately to feel the sensual pleasure of having his chest pressed closely against her own. Eagerly, his hands assisted her. With great care, Darcy lowered her to the ground, her head resting upon his discarded coat. Her arms encircled him and she quickly drew him down to her. His mouth covered hers once again, his tongue delving deeply into its depths. Darcy eventually abandoned her mouth and turned his attention his wife's generous breasts. Lovingly he nuzzled them, tasting the skin and drawing first one tip, and then the other into his warm mouth. Elizabeth arched her back while his hands worked feverishly to remove the remainder of her clothing. His own riding breeches soon followed and he knelt between her thighs, aching to embed himself in her tight, wet folds. Reaching his hands beneath her hips, he raised her upward and slowly sheathed himself in her warmth. Lowering himself until he was lying across her, he bal nced his weight on his arms and enjoyed the view below him. When he made no further move, Elizabeth wiggled enticingly beneath him and he smiled down at her. "Fitzwilliam," she urged, and clenched her internal muscles around him. "I love you," he whispered again, and began to move. Over and over he thrust into her depths, watching as Elizabeth's eyes clouded with passion. Eagerly he strained forward, needing to lose himself within her. Soon, he heard Elizabeth cry out in completion, and in the next moment with a hoarse shout, her joined her. Darcy cradled Elizabeth in his left arm, her head resting on his shoulder. His right hand slowly moved back and forth across her bare back, soothing her and providing comfort while her pulse returned once again to its normal rate. "I am sorry Papa did not ask." She said quietly. His hand stilled for a moment, then continued in its soothing pattern. "I do wish for Kitty to visit, however." She maneuvered herself upward to look into his eyes and try to explain. "After Lydia's departure Kitty began to spend more time with both myself and Jane. She is not," here Lizzy broke off to carefully consider her words, conscience of Fitzwilliam's attention. "She is not one who leads others. Kitty is only now, since being free of Lydia's shadow, beginning to exert herself and her own opinions. I fear that perhaps Mamma is not the best individual to influence Kitty as she strives to become her own person." Elizabeth looked pleadingly at her husband. "Can we not welcome her in our home for a short time? Perhaps Georigana might join us. She would be an excellent friend for Kitty, don't you agree?" While Darcy had no doubt that Miss Katherine Bennett would benefit from a more intimate knowledge of his sister, he could not likewise believe the reverse to be true. However, with Elizabeth gazing at him so hopefully he found himself agreeing, "Kitty may come Elizabeth. But we will hold off bringing Georgiana from London, until I have judged your sister's behavior for myself." Satisfied for the moment, Lizzy reached up and pressed a kiss to his lips. "Thank you." He shifted her until they were sitting upright, and then glanced at the sun. "We had best return, before our staff begins to speculate on our disappearance." Darcy said, and began sorting through their discarded clothing. Soon they were dressed, and though slightly disheveled, presentable enough to return to the house. Darcy swept Elizabeth up in his arms and strode to his waiting horse. With a minimal amount of urging, he was able to coax her to mount the animal; pointing out that her ankle would prevent her from walking home. Once he joined her in the saddle, Elizabeth wrapped her arms tightly about his waist. They rode home silently, each contemplating the arrival of Kitty Bennett with mixed emotions.

Not bad, SB.

LOL... such praise.

Gail! Gail! Gail! Please tell me that Will Darcy will be there this weekend at the Darcy compound! Lizzy will get a good 'look' at him and toss Brian to the curb before the engagement party! Okay, okay, it's YOUR story. I'll understand if you don't do it MY way... hee hee! (Sadie) I'm not ready to join the harrassed writers, much easier to remain a demanding reader. :-) LOL! I hear ya! Esbee, I didn't even have time to respond to you August 2nd comment! Way to go, Marcia! The Blue Chip companies should be so lucky to have an editor such as you! Esbee, darling, you do not disappoint! You paint a good picture too! "Help me," Lizzy struggled to release the buttons along the back of her dress, wanting desperately to feel the sensual pleasure of having his chest pressed closely against her own. Sexactly! I nearly strangled on my own drool! Let it NEVAH be said that a married Lizzy held a grudge for very long! Thank you! Oh and that picture of Darcy/CF... *siiiiiiiiiiiigh*

Ah, My Dearc EsBee, it is YOU who create. I just tuck in the ends and make it all tidy and presentable. It is MY pleasure, Dear!!! Love this one!

(...gotta take the Saran wrap off the new computer keyboard. It makes me type worse than usual!)

Esbee,she says clearing her throat & wiping her brow, congratulations another hot story.I need to cool off before the next one but don't make it too long ladies please ;-)

This is what I received the other day and I thought it very apropos to to share it with you ladies;-)), sexactly!!! This is Elizabeth and Darcy in Brave New World, using code names!! One night when his charge was at full capacity, Micro Farad decided to use a cute little coil to discharge himself. He picked up Millie Amp and took her for a ride on his megacycle. They rode around the sine wave and into the magnetic field next to the flowing current. Micro Farad was attracted by Millie's characteristic curve. Soon her fields fully excited, he laid her on the ground potential, raised her frequency, lowered her resistance, pulled out his high voltage probe and began to short circuit her shunt. Fully excited Millie said, "Ohm, ohm, give me mho." With his tube at maximum output and her coil vibrating from the current flow, her shunt and Micro's capacity were rapidly discharging. They flux and flux all night and tried various connections and hook-ups, until his bar magnet had lost all it's strength and could no longer generate enough voltage to sustain the collapsing field. With his battery fully discharged, Micro was unable to oscillate, so they ended up reversing polarity and blowing each other's fuses...

Hmmmm....Esbee, read above and it's not only in the future fuses are blown!! Thank you for this ..... subtle way of convincing Darcy!! LOL,...*fanning vigorously*

subtle way of convincing Darcy!! Ooooohhhhhh! So that is why she did it!?!! I had no thought in that direction, I must admit. It was just convenient to discuss the matter, after being "friends" again... *blushing* I must be naive ;-) Or overinterested in drooling, more probably! But maybe you just meant the ancle, Hanne? "Arts and allurements..."

Ladies, ladies, you keep this place alive. Esbee's past, Gail's present and Hanne's future...all in (my) one day's reading pleasure. Thanks to all.

One night when his charge was at full capacity, Micro Farad decided to use a cute little coil to discharge himself... Soon her fields fully excited, he laid her on the ground potential, raised her frequency, lowered her resistance, pulled out his high voltage probe and began to short circuit her shunt. Fully excited Millie said, "Ohm, ohm, give me mho." With his tube at maximum output and her coil vibrating from the current flow... Hanne, that was hilarious! Keep 'em coming! pun intended! hee hee!

Esbee - lovely (and very hot) as usual. Hanne - thanks for the contribution - hilarious! What Matters Most Chapter 3 Liz was relieved of her suitcase immediately upon her entrance to the Darcy mansion. �May I show you to your room Miss Bennet?� the butler asked politely. �No, thank you Peter. I�ll join the party now. Brian can show me later.� �Very good miss. They are all out in the pool area. Do you remember the way or shall I show you?� �I�m all set. Thanks again.� Liz walked outside, straight into the late afternoon sun. Momentarily blinded, she slid on her sunglasses and beheld a vision. Coming out of the pool, dripping wet and incredibly handsome, was a tall dark-haired Adonis. Liz couldn�t help but stare as she felt her heartbeat quicken. �Liz, Liz,� she heard a voice say somewhere in the distance. Shaking her head to lift the fog, she found Brian next to her. �Liz, are you all right?� �Oh, hi sweetie. The sun dazed me for a moment.� Brian looked her up and down. She was wearing a long flowing dark purple flower-print skirt with a short-sleeved lavender sweater, a matching cardigan flung over her shoulders. Her long hair was gathered in a low, loose ponytail tied with a violet ribbon. �Are you changing before dinner?� he asked. �I wasn�t planning on it. I just put this on after work. Why?� �Well you could have worn something a little more sophisticated. You look like a little girl.� Liz made a rueful face at him. �I thought tonight was casual. I brought a black cocktail dress for the party tomorrow night but I don�t have anything else with me except jeans and shorts. Should I take my hair down?� �That would help somewhat. Liz, you should have asked me if you didn�t know what to wear. Remind me to take you shopping to buy you some decent clothes.� Liz was terribly embarrassed. She seemed to always do the wrong thing as far as Brian was concerned. Would she never get it right? �Come and meet the family,� Brian said as he took her arm. ******************* Will pulled himself out of the pool and spied a dark-haired young woman coming out of the house. He watched as she put on sunglasses and then stood as if she were a deer caught in headlights. That must be Liz, he thought as Brian walked over to her. It surprised him that she wasn�t Brian�s usual type � model perfect, plastic looking, too much make-up. She looked like a real flesh and blood person, natural, sweet. Not too bad. He pulled on a tee shirt and waited for Brian to bring her over to meet him. It took a while as there were several relatives in attendance and Will knew Brian would not introduce him until he had no other choice but to do so. It amused Will that his younger brother was so embarrassed by him. It was just Brian�s personality and some day he would get over it. Finally Brian brought Liz his way. �And this is my brother Will. Will, this is Liz.� The god is my future brother-in-law? Wow! She had let her hair down and taken off her sunglasses. �So this is the elusive William Darcy,� she said smiling at him. Will had thought her somewhat pretty before, but when she smiled at him it lit up her entire face and her eyes sparkled. Beautiful, he thought as he took her offered hand and kissed it gallantly. �It is a pleasure to finally meet you Liz.� �OK that�s everyone Liz. Let�s go get something to drink.� Brian couldn�t wait to get away from his brother. �No Brian, you go ahead. I�d like to talk to Liz for a bit and get to know her. Maybe you could bring her something?� He didn�t take his eyes off of her as he spoke to his brother. Liz met his gaze and replied, �Yes Brian, I�d like an iced tea please.� Brian hailed a waitress to bring Liz her drink and then he took off into the house. Well she could spend time talking to Will if she wanted but he�d be damned if he was going to. Will offered Liz a chair and sat down beside her. �So you must know by now that my brother considers me the black sheep of the family.� �No, I�ve never heard him say anything bad about you Will. He just doesn�t talk about you at all.� She smiled that smile again and Will�s heart starting doing jumping jacks in his chest. �I understand you are a police officer.� �Actually I am a detective with the Hancock County Sheriff�s Department.� Her eyes are so beautiful. �That sounds like an interesting job.� Can I sound any more gauche? God he�s gorgeous! �Um, yeah, I like it.� What�s wrong with me? I can�t think straight. How I�d love to kiss those lush lips and bury my fingers in her silken hair. Liz couldn�t think of an answer and just continued to stare at Will. He didn�t notice as all he could do was stare back. When Mrs. Darcy came outside with her husband a few minutes later she immediately noticed Will and Liz entranced with each other. �Look at that,� she said poking her husband�s arm. �What did I tell you? I knew they�d be perfect for each other!� �Annie, what are you saying? She is engaged to Brian.� �But that�s a mistake that she�ll fix. Soon I think, if what I�m seeing is any indication. She and Will are much better suited for each other.� �Annie darling, you never cease to amaze me.� �George, I love Brian dearly, but I know my son and he is only attracted to Liz because she is Leo Bennet�s granddaughter. He isn�t in love with her. I�ve watched them and they never kiss or even hold hands. Liz is a smart girl and she will figure that out before it�s too late. Now look at her and Will. They can�t keep their eyes off of each other. Remember when you and I were like that?� George Darcy kissed his wife and looked deeply into her eyes. �Aren�t we still?� ******************* The staring contest between Will and Liz was interrupted by dinner. Will spent the rest of the evening observing Brian and Liz together. While they seemed content in each other�s company, he could detect no burning love, no passion between them. How can she settle for that kind of relationship? I could give her so much more. Will realized that he was falling in love with his brother�s fiancee but he didn�t know how to stop it. His friends and their wives were always fixing him up with one woman after another but none ever interested him. They were too shallow or too intellectual or too phony or just after the Darcy name. Now here finally was a real woman who touched his soul the moment they met, but she was out of his reach. Should he try to win her away from his brother or just leave them alone? Brian disliked him already and he hated to do anything to exacerbate that. He would have to try to squash his feelings for Liz. How difficult could that be? After all, they had just met. That night Will dreamt he was married to Liz. She came to his bed with love in her eyes and a smile on her lips. He took her in his arms and kissed that sweet mouth with a passion that rocked him to his toes. She slowly removed her clothes and his eyes feasted on her loveliness. He stroked her soft skin and she moaned, begging him to make love to her. He rolled on top of her and was about to enter her when he woke up, drenched in sweat. Groaning with the pain of unfulfilled desire, he got out of bed and took a cold shower. To Be Continued�..

Momentarily blinded, she slid on her sunglasses and beheld a vision. Coming out of the pool, dripping wet and incredibly handsome, was a tall dark-haired Adonis. Liz couldn�t help but stare Slipping on my own drooling dribble! I don't think it was the sun that blinded her!! This is promising. ;-)

okay... MY DREAM CAME TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, GAIL! THANK YOU FOR THE 'add several superlatives here' VISION! This was a wonderful way to put me in a mood for the work week! Thanks again.

Simply Wonderful Gail! Loved the way he emerged from the pool, *sigh* and George and Annie still so in love is So Sweet :-) more soon? Hanne! ROTFLOL! too funny! btw- thanks for all the kinds words regarding The Fight. Glad you guys liked it. :-) Any more topic suggestions?

...Dani has suggested the stables, ....what about the pond,...the surroundings have been used,.......the hayloft,....the green house!!;-DD

trying to stop the italics and make the font bigger ....and I almost forgot ..Gail I really enjoy What Matters Most,...Mrs Darcy is right Lizzy will realize what a snob Brian is.... �Well you could have worn something a little more sophisticated. You look like a little girl.� Indeed, tsk tsk!!

Oh my, what a treat to come back to! All this drooling! Esbee, I do love a good fight and makeup scene! And in the woods of Pemberley, no less. Just proves what I always have suspected. Elizabeth is really a wood Nymph, and Darcy cannot resist her because he's such an elemental male. Anima and Animus meeting, clashing, and mating. Bravo! Micro Farad, indeed! Hanne, what a hoot! The staring contest between Will and Liz was interrupted by dinner. Will spent the rest of the evening observing Brian and Liz together. While they seemed content in each other�s company, he could detect no burning love, no passion between them....That night Will dreamt he was married to Liz. She came to his bed with love in her eyes and a smile on her lips. He took her in his arms and kissed that sweet mouth with a passion that rocked him to his toes. She slowly removed her clothes and his eyes feasted on her loveliness. He stroked her soft skin and she moaned, begging him to make love to her. So go to it man! Never mind Brian. He's got "needs humbling" written all over him anyway. This is just excellent, Gail! Can't wait for more words to drool by you authors!

Thanks for all your nice comments. I'm having a lot of fun writing this story. What Matters Most Chapter 4 At 6 a.m. the next morning, Liz was taking her morning run along the beach when she spied someone jogging towards her. As the person came closer, she realized it was Will. She slowed down, admiring his form as he neared. �Good morning,� she said. �Good morning. May I run with you?� Even in shorts and tank top with her hair in a ponytail, Will thought she looked beautiful. He had already run his usual five miles but a little more wouldn�t hurt, especially with Liz for company. �Of course but I don�t want to hold you up. You look as though you�re quite the athlete.� Oooooh those thighs! �I have to keep in shape for the job but you don�t look so bad yourself.� Actually you look quite spectacular! �Thanks. I used to run track in high school. I haven�t competed since then but I do try to run every day.� �Then I�m sure you won�t hold me up.� They jogged in comfortable silence for a couple of miles then slowed to a brisk walk so they could cool down and talk on the way back to the house. �So tell me, what do you see in that ugly brother of mine?� Will asked with a teasing smile. Liz giggled and Will thought it was the cutest sound he had ever heard. �You�re so mean! Brian is quite nice looking. But what really attracted me to him is his maturity and determination. He knows what he wants out of life and won�t let anything get in his way.� �But isn�t that too predictable? What about excitement, adventure, passion?� Liz frowned. �Passion is overrated. It burns brightly but briefly and then you�re left with nothing but ashes.� �Ah, it sounds like the lady has been burned,� Will quipped. A pained look crossed Liz�s face and Will instantly regretted his teasing. �I�m sorry. I didn�t mean to dredge up bad memories.� �No, it�s OK,� she said softly, �it was a long time ago.� She smiled at Will and continued, �Brian has a nice life planned for us and I find that very comforting.� How dull that sounds! But I will not interfere. I will not! �Liz, my brother is a good man. I know he will be very successful in life. My father is quite impressed with how well he is doing in the business after only a month. Before long he�ll be running the whole empire and Dad can retire. I think they both would like that to happen.� �What about you? Have you never had the desire to run the empire?� �No, I�m a much simpler man. I watched Dad deal with the headaches and stress and it has never appealed to me. I wanted to work with people, to make a difference in a more personal way.� He ducked his head, embarrassed. �I guess that sounds pretty corny.� �Not at all. My father did the same thing. He chose to be a teacher rather than take over my grandfather�s business, and he�s very good at it. My family never suffered from his choice. We�ve been able to see much of this beautiful country during the summers and we are all very close. I couldn�t imagine a better childhood than I had. I hope I�m half as successful with my own children.� �You�ll be a wonderful mother,� Will said softly. He pictures in his mind Liz with a couple of small children on her lap, their tiny hands clasping her neck, kissing her cheeks, while she smiles that incredible smile. He walks in on this pretty scene and they all look to him with delight. �Daddy,� the kids say excitedly and run to hug his knees. Liz stand to greet him and they kiss, sweetly but with the promise of passion to be fulfilled later. Will signed and shook the image out of his head. That�s Brian�s life, not mine. Stop daydreaming Will! �I know your father,� he said, in an attempt to make conversation and get these futile thoughts out of his head. �I had a case involving a teenager at Ellsworth High School who was in one of your father�s classes. He helped me handle the boy effectively. He�s a great guy. The kids all seem to like and respect him. He mentioned that your mother also teaches there but I never had the pleasure of meeting her.� �Thank you, he is a great guy. And my mother is terrific too. They have made a difference in the lives of so many teenagers and are the very best parents.� �I understand that your sister is also a teacher.� �Yes, dear Jane. She is the sweet one in the family. She loves little children and teaches first grade.� �Now I would have thought you were the sweet one.� Liz uttered that delightful giggle. �No, Robby�s the responsible one, Jane�s the sweet one and I�m the brat!� �No! I refuse to believe it!� �I was a handful as a child. Willful, spoiled. My mother and I had huge rows when I was a teenager and I�d run away from home every other week, always ending up at my grandmother�s house. She�d listen kindly, then straighten me out and call Dad to pick me up. Funny how she could say the same things as my mother but it never bothered me coming from her. But luckily I grew out of that and now Mom and I are the best of friends. It shames me to remember how awful I was but my parents just laugh about it. I�m sure it wasn�t so funny to them when we were going through it.� �Well your parents work with teens and understand them. I�m sure they realized it was only a stage and that you�d grow to be the lovely woman you now are.� Liz blushed and looked away shyly. �I�m just glad that�s all behind me.� �I bet you were adorable. A spirited, lively child.� Who�s grown into a spirited, lively, beautiful woman. But he could see Brian was trying to quash that out of her. Could he stand by and watch that happen? What choice did he have? �So how did you end up an accountant?� he asked. �It doesn�t seem to fit your personality.� Liz smiled up at him. �Even though I was a brat, I was a smart brat! I was always good in math and I love puzzles. To me accounting is like solving a puzzle, figuring out how all the pieces fit together to balance the balance sheet. And I like working with the various shop owners and dealing with their different personalities. Some hand me bags of receipts that I have to sort and determine which are sales and which are expenses. Others have nice organized stacks of bank statements, canceled checks, and deposit slips. I enjoy the interaction, knowing I�m helping them when I offer suggestions for improvements.� �I�m sure they appreciate it. You have a nice way with people, friendly and open. I bet they all love you.� I know I do! Stop that this minute, Will Darcy! Liz was delighted by his praise. Brian never wanted to hear about her �little job� and it was nice to have someone understand its importance to her and the satisfaction she got from it. �Thank you, that�s good of you to say.� By now they had reached the house and parted ways to shower, change and join the rest of the family for breakfast. To Be Continued�..

Oooooh those thighs! *sigh* yes they are lovely arent they? *big grin* wonderful Gail! i'm so glad that Will and Liz have spent a little quality time together, maybe they'll take a run together every morning.... cant wait for more :-)

(Esbee) wonderful Gail! i'm so glad that Will and Liz have spent a little quality time together, maybe they'll take a run together every morning.... cant wait for more :-) Ditto! However, I thought Esbee was going to say 'maybe they'll run away together... I know, it's just my vivid imagination! and another dream of mine... hint, hint!

Oh yes, they should definitely run away together! Ah the benefits of "broken message board". Thanks for another great chapter Gail. The thighs have it!

What Matters Most Chapter 5 Liz examined her image in the mirror. I hope Brian approves. She thought she looked pretty good in the short slinky black sheath. Silvery hose and black heels completed the ensemble. She left her hair loose and flowing in a mass of soft curls over her shoulders and halfway down her back. There was a soft tap on the door and the object of her thoughts entered. �What do you think?� she asked hopefully, twirling around for his inspection. �Can�t you do something with that hair?� he asked, not noticing how her face fell. �Don�t you think it�s time you got it cut? You�re 23 years old, not 16. Let me get Georgie and maybe she can do something.� He walked out of the room, not bothering to close the door. Tears stung Liz�s eyes and all of the pleasurable anticipation of the evening to come fled. Am I never going to be good enough for him? I try so hard. Just then she heard a whistle from the doorway. She turned to see Will leaning against the doorframe, eyeing her appreciatively. �Wow Liz, you look fantastic,� he said. Will felt his heart squeeze in his chest at her loveliness. How he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her. He clung to the door to prevent his hands from reaching for her. �Thank you,� Liz replied, her tears disappearing. �I�m glad someone approves.� That damn Brian. �How could anyone not approve? You are simply beautiful.� He felt hands shoving at him as Georgiana attempted to push her way past her eldest brother. �Excuse me bro, hair emergency.� Will shrugged his shoulders and left the room. ***** A little while later, Georgiana and Liz appeared in the living room where the rest of the family had gathered in anticipation of the engagement party. Liz�s hair was now piled upon her head with several loose tendrils swirling around her neck. �Liz, you look lovely,� said Mrs. Darcy as others murmured in assent. �Doesn�t she Will?� Startled, Will looked at his mother. �Um, yes mother, lovely.� What�s that all about? Brian hurried to his fianc�e�s side, took her hand and kissed it. �Liz you look beautiful,� he said loudly to make sure everyone heard. Well, better anyway. Thanks to Georgie. Liz blushed prettily. �Thank you Brian,� she said softly. Maybe the party wouldn�t be so bad after all. ***** Hors d�oeuvres and cocktails flowed freely as the party was in full swing. White lights twinkled on the potted trees both indoors and on the patio. Live music from a five-piece ensemble wafted softly in the air. Will spied Brian deep in conversation with Robby Bennet while Liz conversed with her parents, Jane and Karen. They laughed at some private joke and Will delighted in the sparkle in Liz�s eyes. Noticing Mary Bennet seated by the patio door alone he made his way over to her. �Good evening Mrs. Bennet,� he began, �I don�t know if you remember me...� She interrupted before he could introduce himself. �Of course I do William Darcy. Even though you no longer frequent the country club, I would know George and Annie�s boy anywhere. Come sit with me for a minute. Charles left me to fetch me a drink but he must have gotten sidetracked.� �Could I get something for you?� Will asked politely. �No dear, I�m just fine. I�d much prefer to keep the company of a handsome young man.� She winked at him and he laughed as he sat down beside her. �Now William, I heard your parents boasting about you earlier. It seems you are some big shot detective. Were they telling the truth or exaggerating your accomplishments, as we family members are wont to do?� Will was delighted by the older woman�s candor and the sparkle in her eye as she spoke. Just like her granddaughter! He continued in her light manner. �Well ma�am, I don�t like to brag, but I have had some success in solving cases and bringing in the bad guys. I find it very rewarding.� Mary patted his hand. �And I�m sure you are much too modest for your own good. I�m inclined to believe your parents then.� She smiled at the nice young man and noticed that his glance kept returning to her youngest granddaughter. �Pretty girl my Lizzy, don�t you think?� Will started, surprised. He had not realized he was so obvious. �Um, yes, she is lovely. Brian is a lucky man.� Mary leaned closer to him conspiratorially. �Tell me William, what do you think of this engagement? I know Brian is very ambitious but do you think he�s a good match for my lively granddaughter? He seems a bit dull for my taste. Now you on the other hand, would be a good complement to her personality.� Will blushed redder than he ever thought possible. Could she read his mind? �Um, I don�t know Mrs. Bennet. It�s not my place to say. They seem to be happy together and I wish them well.� He crossed his fingers with his little white lie. �I would never tell Lizzy this but I hope she comes to her senses before this wedding actually takes place. I�d hate to see her make a big mistake. My Lizzy is a special girl and I want to see her happy. I know I can count on your discretion William.� �Of course,� he murmured just as Charles returned with his grandmother-in-law�s drink. �It�s been a pleasure talking with you Mrs. Bennet. I must go mingle.� He rose and kissed her hand before walking away. �What a nice boy,� she said to Charles. Yes, he�ll do very well indeed. To Be Continued�..

OK here's two chapters in two days. Don't expect it to happen again! What Matters Most Chapter 6 On Sunday morning Liz found Will sitting on the beach. �Have you already taken your run?� she asked. �No, I was waiting for you and I�m glad to see you so early. I thought you might sleep in this morning and I�d be here for hours.� He stood up, brushing the sand off of his shorts. �What did you think of the party?� �It was lovely. Your parents certainly know how to entertain.� They began to jog comfortably together along the water�s edge. �You looked lovely last night Liz. I liked what Georgie did to your hair.� Very sexy. Will�s fingers had itched to pull it down all evening. �You have beautiful hair.� �Thank you Will. Your brother thinks I should cut it. He says I�m too old to have long hair.� �And what do you think?� �I don�t know. I like my hair long but maybe he�s right. And I do want to please him.� �Liz, don�t change yourself for anyone, even Brian. If you want your hair long, keep it long. If he loves you, he won�t care about it. When you really love someone, you love them regardless of how they wear their hair or what they wear or if they get tattoos or gain weight. None of that changes who you are inside.� Liz thought about his words as they increased their pace making further conversation difficult. Brian had become quite a nag lately. He seemed to not like anything about her � her job, apartment, clothes, hair. Maybe he really didn�t love her. Maybe she was just the convenient choice to fulfill his master plan. But he was steady, responsible. Isn�t that important? Is it enough? ***** After running for two miles, Will and Liz slowed down for the return trip. They removed sneakers and socks and waded in the cool ocean water as they walked. �Will, we talked about my job yesterday so now I want to know about yours. What exactly does a detective with the county sheriff�s office do?� �I work on cases that overlap town boundaries or that we are called in for assistance. Most of the towns in the county are so small that they often need extra manpower. We also work with the park rangers. As you know, Acadia National Park takes up a good part of Mt. Desert Island. The rangers do not have the authority to make arrests so they call our office when problems arise. Usually it�s someone staying at one of the campgrounds getting drunk and starting a fight or something stupid like that. Fortunately, I don�t normally get called into those situations. But at any point in time, our office has over a hundred outstanding warrants and several open cases ranging from burglaries to murder.� �It sounds like it can be dangerous.� �It can be but usually it�s much more mundane than exciting. There is a lot of paperwork and time spent in court. But I find the work rewarding and there are enough interesting cases to keep me going�.. �Liz, I must change the subject and apologize for my earlier words. It is none of my business what goes on between you and Brian and it has been bothering me that I said anything to you. It�s just that I�ve seen too many women of my acquaintance lose themselves to men. They change their personalities to conform to what they think the man wants, but that never works out. Usually the man leaves because the woman has changed from the one he was attracted to. The best relationships I have seen are those where both partners are individuals who enjoy their differences. That keeps the spark in a relationship. It�s pretty boring to me to be with a woman who echoes everything I say.� �Please don�t apologize Will. You are right. Brian has been very critical of me lately and frankly I�m getting tired of it.� Liz stopped short and stared at Will in horror. �What am I saying? You are his brother! Please don�t tell him what I said!� Will took her arm gently. �You can confide in me Liz. I would never break your confidence. I�m glad you felt comfortable enough with me to speak your mind.� She looked up at him earnestly. �No, it�s not right. I should be speaking to Brian, not to you. I�ve just been feeling confused and unsure lately. Perhaps we rushed into this engagement too quickly.� Will�s heart stopped as she looked at him with those big brown eyes. His brain shut off and hormones took over as his fingers caressed her cheek. He lowered his mouth to hers and gently caught her lips in a soft kiss. He tasted a combination of salt from the exercise and an exquisite sweetness. He felt rather than heard her sigh as she surrendered to him and parted her mouth to accept more of him. He deepened the kiss and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly to him. She was so near he could feel her heart thudding against his chest. �Oh Liz,� he murmured as he pulled back slightly to look at her. Her eyes were closed and her breath came in short puffs. �Liz,� he repeated, diving back into the sweetness of her lips. After a seeming eternity enveloped in the snugness of his arms, Liz suddenly realized what she was doing and pulled herself away. �Oh G-d, what am I doing?� she cried. �How dare you Will?� She reached up and slapped him sharply on the cheek. This jolted Will out of his brief stopover in heaven. He stared at Liz, shame replacing desire on his countenance. �Liz, I�m so sorry. Liz, please forgive me. I had no right�..� He turned abruptly from her and ran down the beach, away from the best moment in his life. Liz watched him go helplessly. The change in his facial expression caused her heart to clench and she was mortified for striking him. She raised her fingers to her lips, which were still tingling from his kiss. She thought she was confused before�now she was utterly bewildered. Unfamiliar feelings jumbled inside of her. What was she going to do about Brian? What should she do about Will? One thing she knew, she had to apologize for hitting him. She had never struck another human being in her life and felt terrible. Liz walked slowly back to the house, berating herself with every step. Her search for Will proved fruitless as he had left for work. Using the excuse that she was tired and not feeling well, Liz thanked the Darcys for their hospitality and went home. Charlotte was out so Liz hibernated in her bed, daydreaming about sweet kisses and passionate embraces. ***** �Will, Will,� the voice interrupted his reverie. �Will, are you all right?� It was a quiet Sunday so Will was in his office trying to catch up on the seemingly never-ending paperwork. The task was not stimulating enough to keep his mind off of Liz and the kiss they shared. The intrusion on his daydream was one more annoyance in his day. �I�m fine Marty,� he replied. �What do you want?� �How about dinner tonight with me and Angie?� �Thanks but I have other plans. Maybe another time.� Marty was one of his best friends and he loved his wife almost as much as Marty did. They were a well-matched couple, blissfully married with one child and another poised to make an appearance in a week or two. Will didn�t think he could stand witnessing their happiness today. It only made him more aware that he wasn�t with the woman he loved and very likely would never be. He messed that up royally today. And just when she had given him hope that she wouldn�t marry Brian after all. I love you Liz, he thought, sighing deeply, and attempted to concentrate on his work. To Be Continued�..

*sigh* ...Gail, i'm so glad to see they're finally getting a clue :-) and Will daydreaming was to cute looking forward to more -Esbee

Oh Gail! What a great welcome back for me! Thank you! His brain shut off and hormones took over as his fingers caressed her cheek. He lowered his mouth to hers and gently caught her lips in a soft kiss. He tasted a combination of salt from the exercise and an exquisite sweetness. He felt rather than heard her sigh as she surrendered to him and parted her mouth to accept more of him. He deepened the kiss and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly to him. She was so near he could feel her heart thudding against his chest. �Oh Liz,� he murmured as he pulled back slightly to look at her. Her eyes were closed and her breath came in short puffs. �Liz,� he repeated, diving back into the sweetness of her lips. *slurp* Whoooooooooa Nelly! *wiping drool* What was she going to do about Brian? What should she do about Will? Get rid of the fool, bring on the drool! what else? (Esbee) looking forward to more... DITTO!

(Esbee) looking forward to more... So am I !!!!

I'll forth that! What a treat, Gail. (Danielle)Get rid of the fool, bring on the drool! what else? LOL Danielle! A very fine line of poetic prose!

Sadie... I'm on a roll! hee hee! Um Gail... I know you said not to expect two posts in a day, but... I could use a pick me up before I go to bed. PLEASE????

What Matters Most Chapter 7 �Good morning Liz.� Brian�s voice came through the telephone as Liz stretched. It was a week later and Liz was uncharacteristically still in bed at 9:00 on this fine Sunday morning. �Hello Brian,� she replied coolly. �Is something wrong? Are you coming with me today?� Brian and Liz had planned to take some of Brian�s friends out on the yacht and later have dinner with them at the country club. �I think not.� �Liz, what is going on? We made plans and now you are backing out. What is wrong?� �I�m surprised you have to ask after last night.� The previous evening they had dined with some of Brian�s friends at the country club after he had played in a tennis tournament. Liz was sick, sick, sick of Brian�s friends and sick, sick, sick of the country club. �What about last night? I thought we had a good time.� �Maybe you did, but I did not. Brian, I do not appreciate it when you belittle me in front of your friends.� �I don�t understand what this is all about, Liz. If I offended you in some way why didn�t you say so last night? I have no clue what you are talking about.� Must be PMS. �You made fun of me and my job to your friends once again and I am tired of it. I love my job and I don�t care anymore if you think it is beneath me. I don�t care to discuss it and I don�t care to see you today.� �Fine, I�ll just tell them you are ill. I�ll call you later in the week. Goodbye Liz.� Brian angrily hung up the phone. Liz was becoming very unmanageable lately. He wondered if he had made a mistake getting engaged to her. She had always been controllable and he had felt he could mold her into the wife he wanted. Now he wasn�t so sure. It�s been ever since we left college and she got that job and apartment. It must be Charlotte�s influence. I knew it was a mistake letting Liz move in with her. Well it would serve Liz right if I dump her. Then she�d be sorry that she let the good life slip through her fingers. Maybe spending the day alone will make her see reason. I won�t call her until later in the week and then she�ll be all apologetic. Satisfied with this thought, Brian swallowed the last of his coffee and went to meet his friends. ***** Later that day Liz was tooling around Mt. Desert Island in her lime green Beetle. Suddenly she saw a flashing blue light in her rearview mirror. She quickly pulled the car over to the side of the road. To her dismay the blue light pulled in behind her but was quickly doused. She noticed the car was unmarked and the person who got out was not wearing a uniform. She rolled down her window and said, �Do you always make it a habit of scaring poor defenseless women out of their wits?� Will laughed. �Why should you be scared if you weren�t speeding?� She made a face at him. �You�re not even a patrol officer. Do you have the right to pull anyone over?� �Of course, if I see someone breaking the law. Fortunately, you were not.� �Well I think this is an abuse of power, Mr. Detective.� �You�re right but when I saw you drive by I took advantage of my position to catch up with you. Cool car, by the way.� �Thanks. My grandmother gave it to me as a graduation present. Your brother is embarrassed by it. He can�t understand why she didn�t give me a Porsche or BMW.� �I�m not surprised. But what do you think of it?� �I love this car. It�s fun to drive and I adore the color.� �It suits you.� �That�s what my grandmother says. That�s why she bought it.� �She�s a pretty neat lady. I spoke with her at the party last week.� �What are you doing right now Will?� �I just got off of work and was headed home when I saw you.� �Well I�m on my way to my grandmother�s house for tea. Care to join me?� What on earth am I doing? He must think I�m crazy! If Will was surprised by the invitation, he did not show it. �Sure, sounds like fun. Let�s stop at the convenience store up ahead. I�ll leave my car there and you can chauffeur me in your cool wheels.� Liz giggled that giggle that Will loved. �OK, let�s go.� ***** �Brian, I�d like you to meet my baby sister Abby.� Brian turned expecting a shy gawky teenager. His mouth dropped open when he beheld the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Standing before him was an angel with chin-length perfectly straight blonde hair, a slightly long patrician nose, cherry-tinted full lips and startling blue-green eyes. This gorgeous face topped a body that would stop traffic. Long legs accentuated by a mini-skirt and high-heels led up to slim hips, a tiny waist and the most luscious breasts that money could buy encased in a skin-tight sweater. Mouth dry, Brian attempted to speak to this vision. �H-H-Hello Ab-b-by, I�m B-B-Brian,� he stuttered. She put her soft white hand into his and said in a breathy voice, �Brian, it�s so nice to finally meet you. Mark has talked about you for years.� Her heels made her almost as tall as Brian and she looked straight into his deep blue eyes. �Thank you for letting me tag along today. Your boat is beautiful.� Brian struggled to pull his eyes back into his head and rein in his hormones. �I�m so glad you could join us Abby. I�m so very glad. May I offer you a drink?� ***** �Grammy, I�ve brought you a visitor,� Liz said as she and Will entered the sunroom. Mary Bennet looked up in delight. �Oh, my favorite grandchild and a handsome man!� she exclaimed. �What a treat! William, how are you my boy?� �Very well, thank you Mrs. Bennet. I won�t ask you how you are because I can tell just by looking at you that you are wonderful.� �Oh and a smooth-talker too, he is. Come sit by me and have a chat my dear. Right here on this sofa. Lizzy, dear, you sit right there next to William. Clara dear, please bring us the tea now.� �Certainly, Miss Mary.� Satisfied with the arrangements, Mary settled in for a nice visit. ***** �Your grandmother is very sweet,� Will said as Liz drove him back to his car. �I hope she didn�t embarrass you going on and on about how proud your family is of you.� �Not at all. It almost seemed like she was trying to make an impression on you.� Liz laughed. �Now why should she be doing that?� �I don�t know,� Will replied. But I love her for it. As they pulled up to his car in the parking lot he added, �Thank you for inviting me today. I had a nice time.� �You�re welcome. I did too.� Liz waited until Will drove off before heading for home. Yes, I had a very nice time. That night Liz spent a considerable amount of time pondering genetic possibilities. It was funny that both she and Will resembled their fathers with dark hair and eyes, whereas all of their siblings were blue-eyed blondes like their mothers. It would be interesting, she thought, if she and Will produced a tow-headed baby with blue eyes. Those who weren�t familiar with their families would think the child was adopted. Why am I thinking about having babies with Will Darcy? Mumbling to herself about the foolishness of these thoughts, Liz fell into a fitful sleep. ***** �Hello Darcy residence.� �May I speak to Mrs. Darcy please. This is Mary Bennet.� �Just a moment please.� Shortly the maid�s voice was replaced by another. �Mary, how are you dear?� �Just lovely Annie. I called to let you know I had a visitor today. Your son William came around with my Lizzy.� �Well, well, well. Isn�t that an interesting development?� �That�s just what I was thinking my dear.� To Be Continued�..

Why am I thinking about having babies with Will Darcy? LOL - so many comments spring to mind.... ;-) i just love the way their families are working behind the scenes to get them together Great chapter Gail

Why am I thinking about having babies with Will Darcy? LOL - so many comments spring to mind.... ;-) Well, you're on your way.....Esbee;-)) (Gail)Oooooh they are getting hot...good. Now we need somethnig more substantial!!! Give Brian a mirror, and he will live happily ever after!

Why am I thinking about having babies with Will Darcy? (Esbee) LOL - so many comments spring to mind.... ;-) Sexactly! (sorry, couldn't resist) Brian's gonna cheat, I can tell. Are he and Lizzy even sleeping together? I hope not. But it is about that time that Lizzy and Will did. *not-so-subtle hint* More soon Gail, pleeeeeeeease. Ya canna leave us danglin, gerl!

(Esbee) i just love the way their families are working behind the scenes to get them together. (Sadie)Sexactly! (sorry, couldn't resist) HEE HEE! L&D must've gotten everything straight between them with the kiss and all... did I miss that chapter? Anyway... Gail, when Will pulled Lizzy over, I just knew your were going to have him do a strip/cavity search right there on the deserted mountain highway! once again, that's my own fantasy and not part of any story... *sigh*

Btw Teg, you do have some unfinished business, so how about rounding up your characters and get on with Parallels!! ....Uhm, please!!

(Dani) Anyway... Gail, when Will pulled Lizzy over, I just knew your were going to have him do a strip/cavity search right there on the deserted mountain highway! once again, that's my own fantasy and not part of any story... *sigh* Shoot - I wish I had thought of that! I'll have another chapter tomorrow. Good stuff is coming, I promise, but not quite yet. Please be patient.

Gail - trying very hard to be patient here. Great story. Believe it or not, I've just recently discovered this topic and am enjoying it immensely. I usually stay in lurkdom at the Colin Firth topics and web pages. Thanks to all you talented ladies for providing such wonderful diversions to my very routine days. Barbara

Welcome, welcome Barbara! We all welcome diversions... perhaps you may favor us with a story? Regardless, we welcome you!

Welcome Barbara. LOL Danielle, maybe you ought to write some! (Don't worry Barbara, she always asks you at least once to write some fanfic;-D) Of course, if you are so inclined, I'll be right there to join in the pressure.

Hello Barbara and Welcome!! we love newbies here :-) (Danielle) perhaps you may favor us with a story? Yes, yes ...please do. We'd love for you to share any stories or story ideas you may have. meanwhile, i think Sadie should write a story for us -and Danielle!! you havent posted one forever!!!

I will write a story, Esbee, if you will be my editor. -D (One good cornering deserves another!) However, work schedule is still mad, so I'll probably not start one until October. But be warned, if I do write one, it will be v. naughty!

LOL!!! cant wait ;-)