Use this url for your Possession posts and lots of people will be eager to comment: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/137/new

I hope the silence is a sign that you're all busy writing-) Please!

I hope the silence is a sign that you're all busy writing Well, as a matter of fact: Yes! Not sure if it is good enough for you, though! I mean, with all these talanted writers around... Not to mention the demanding readers!

Great Karin,can't wait to read it.Don't worry we'll love it.Now to live up to my demanding reader role Hurry up-D

Yes Karin, I seriously need a fix. So glad to hear you will be posting something! Hurry, hurry, hurry. Pleassssssssse! Don't worry, Judy's right.

No offence to any of the other Austen characters, of course! But there can only be one dream prince in a story such as this! And one dream princess! But I have a suspicion Emma Knightley could challenge Elizabeth Darcy to that post! (hint!) I suppose Colonel Fitzwilliam must have been promoted to something else than Colonel by now, but since I don�t know anything about military rank, I refrain from calling him anything else than Colonel. And I am not sure if it is at all possible that this kind of conversations could take place in the early 19th century, but since it is all in my imagination, I suppose it can pass! And remember, it is before the Victorian era! Further, I would like to apologise for the unpleasant role I have given to Mr Hurst. But that kind of men do exist, I�m afraid. And excuse my prepositions! It is hard to be an alien! Be kind! An Unusual Marriage Part 1 Revelations The dinner-party hosted by the Darcys, married now since seven years, was well underway. The men had retired to the study for brandy and cigars, while the ladies went to the parlour to continue their conversation after the successful dinner. The men, apart from the obvious Mr Darcy, were his good friend and now brother, Mr Charles Bingley, married to Jane Bennet, his favourite cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, still single, but not without some knowledge of the fair sex, his other cousin Edward Fitzwilliam, the elder brother of Richard, married to Sophia, Mr Hurst, married to Bingley�s sister Louisa, and Mr Stephen Cunningham, the closest neighbour to Pemberley, who was newly married to a gentlewoman of good family from Devon. After some comments about the uncommonly good sport this season, the crops, the unusually mild weather and the upcoming harvest, the topic of conversation turned to how their marital bliss had changed from something eventful and fulfilling when first married, to something fast done with and of a routine nature. Darcy listened with increasing surprise, but, of course, showed nothing on the outside. "Less eventful??! Shorter time!? Turned away at the door?? Dragged in, more likely! Wistfully he recollected this morning�s interlude� No, definitely not less eventful than the lovemaking with his new wife had been early in their marriage� Not that making love to his wife had ever been eventless! His mind drifted on to the afternoon, less than an hour before their guests were due to arrive� ******* They had gone over the last preparations of the dinner arrangements. There had been a tension between them all day that could not be set free; there was no time for side-tracking, but the practical considerations had to be settled. Finally they were finished with the details and Mrs Reynolds was dismissed. Elizabeth was also about to leave the study to change when Darcy reached out and caught her arm. Their eyes locked and they were instantly drawn to each other. There was no time for this, but the urge was too strong. There was no need, nor time, for a big build-up, they just had to find some realise for their desire. Darcy leaned forward and caught Elizabeth�s lips in a fervent kiss that deepened as he hungrily explored her mouth. "Oh Elizabeth! I want you �" he groaned against her lips. His hands went from her arms to her breasts, caressing them through the fabric of the dress, feeling her nipples harden under his fingers. "Oh Liz, you are so beautiful, so sensual�" Elizabeth had stopped listening and grasped his neck, drawing him closer while tilting her hips against his growing erection, then letting her hands roam over his back and further down and front as she hurriedly unbuttoned his breeches. Darcy was already fully aroused and gasped as Elizabeth took hold of him and eagerly stroked him. "Now, Will! I cannot wait until tonight, it won�t do." He averted her skirts, backed her against the wall and swiftly entered her. "Ohhhh, Will� OOOOoooooohhhh! Yes, yes!! Ohhhhh!" His amazing, beautiful, wife almost momentarily came apart in his arms and for a moment he allowed himself the pleasure of simply having his engorged manhood almost painfully squeezed by her forceful waves of orgasm that nearly threatened to push him out of her. He then joined her with his own release, pumping her full of his very essence. ******* "Dear cousin, something tells me you are not paying attention to your guests� conversation and, which is even more disturbing, that you haven�t got a clue what we are talking about and, which is the worst of it all, that your mind is somewhere else, thinking of something totally improper!" Richard Fitzwilliam secretly said to his host, with a teasing smile, but inside feeling a slight stab of envy. "He really hasn�t got a clue, has he? Lucky bastard!" Darcy blushed slightly, feeling caught, but simply smiled at his cousin, raising a quizzical eyebrow asked: "Which of all these accusations do you want me to rebut first?" "Well, since I am a gentleman, I do not want any answers to the last two "accusations", or at least not the last one," Richard answered, ignoring the sceptical look in his cousin�s eyes. "I will be content if you try to concentrate on the conversation." "Certainly, cousin," Darcy good-naturedly replied and the two men aimed to join the conversation of the other men. "No, I dare say, Jane is a wonderful mother to our son and two daughters, and a most loving wife and companion, but there are times when I long for the time before the children. When we shared the same bed at least once or twice each week," Bingley said wistfully. "What! When we shared? Don�t they share the same bed every night? And what did he say more? once or twice each week?! He must have meant each day! That is what I would have expected of them! Not that it has any resemblance to my married life! Not when newly married and definitely not now!" Darcy mused, flabbergasted. Colonel Fitzwilliam studied him and hid a smile behind his hand. "and when I could stay in her bed after our lovemaking, instead of being sent off to my own room," Bingley continued. "When I could stay�? My own room?" Darcy found it difficult to keep his face. His slightly widened eyes betrayed him to those who knew him as well as his cousin, but the others interpreted his silence as silent agreement. Edward Fitzwilliam nodded at Bingley�s story and added, "Yes, and I remember the time when Sophia even invited me to her room." The other men nodded with a look of longing in their eyes. Darcy was dumbfounded. Colonel Fitzwilliam was amused. "Invited? Elizabeth practically drags me to our bed! And that it just to keep us away from the children and servants before indulging in our lusts!" Darcy had a difficult time concealing his surprise at the other men�s revelations. "Darcy, I am not a married man, but it is a general concept that women are less interested in sexual activities than men," the Colonel quietly said. Darcy gave him a disbelieving look. "and it is also common knowledge that the temperature in the marital bed is lowered after some time of marriage," the Colonel continued unconcerned. "Oh, you have no idea how wrong you are!" Darcy mused. "I wish you could keep that smug look out of your face! But to continue my "lecture": And that after the first son is born, the door is often closed permanently. So you see, Bingley and my brother are uncommonly lucky, being allowed to enter their wife�s bed after being married for so long." With this closing remark he silently watched his cousin�s struggle to look unaffected. "You call that lucky?!" Darcy choked out. "Well, I realise it is not how you would define it, but then you are in such a situation that is only rarely bestowed upon any man," the Colonel commented. Darcy silently contemplated this, "Is that so? Is our physical love so unique? I know Elizabeth is more than I ever dreamed of, but what they tell are absolute nightmares!" In the background he heard Mr Cunningham contribute to the conversation, "Laura is yielding, I suppose, and she doesn�t seem to find it too troublesome, but I doubt she will allow me to her bed after we have been married for a couple of years. I mean, we have only been married for three months and I sense that she would prefer if I stayed in my own room at night instead of knocking at her door." "You ask her, then?" Mr Hurst blurted out. "When I had been married three months, there was no asking, I just took what I wanted. Now, when I don�t want it any more, the hag pursues me since she wants a child. Barren, she is. A dry twig. No offence, Bingley, but I think she is infertile. I hide from her, sometimes, or pretend to be drunk." Bingley felt ill at ease, but too used to his brother-in-law�s appalling behaviour to comment. He just cringed and promised himself to invite his poor sister Louisa without her husband next time. Colonel Fitzwilliam ignored Mr Hurst�s comments and quietly continued his line of thinking regarding Elizabeth, "Not that I know her that well, or in that sense, but�" Blushing he realised this comment was totally out of line. Not wanting his cousin to be offended, he stammered, "I just meant --- well, the way she acts --- " "Oh dear, this is just getting worse! Darcy will kill me!" "I mean, your bickering shows her lively disposition --- Never mind! I think you understand what I mean!" The Colonel was getting unnerved by Darcy�s amused half-smile. "Your wife is a matchless women, is all I wanted to say. And you are an exceptionally lucky bastard!" "I could not agree with you more, dear cousin! And don�t worry, I know you have a soft spot for Elizabeth, and I can�t blame you! But I assure you, I have no plans of letting her find out. I will strive to keep her for myself, especially after these revelations!" Darcy said. Louder he said, "Well gentlemen, what do you say if we join the ladies?" And with that the men finished their drinks and rose to go to the parlour, Darcy with a deepened appreciation of his wife�s many qualities, an appreciation that was evident in his eyes as he opened the door and entered the parlour and met Elizabeth�s eyes. To be continued�?

Lovely and very amusing too. That's exactly what I would hope for Darcy and Elizabeth, a happy marriage in all respects. Please continue Karin!

To be continued...? surely you jest Karin! Of course we want More!!! loved the Col's fumbling about at the end, while Darcy is amused. and what, pray tell, have the ladies been discussing while this conversation was going on? please post again soon!

I don't get a chance to post as often as I should to thank the authors who are entertaining us but I can not let slip by a chance to thank a new author. It takes a lot of courage to post a story for the first time so I thank you, Karin for your darling story. It was hilarious watching Darcy get more and more amazed hearing how the other 3/4 of the world manage their married lives. once or twice each week?! He must have meant each day!... "When I could stay? My own room?"... "Invited? Elizabeth practically drags me to our bed!".. And then he can bear it no longer "You call that lucky?!" Darcy choked out. So nice to see our dear boy has been rewarded with a woman with such lively spirit. No need to apologize for Mr. Hurst's behavior. "I hide from her, sometimes, or pretend to be drunk." or asleep (hehehe). We don't expect him to be a particularly sensitive man. Good story and please continue this or start a new one.

I'm a sucker for any story about Lizzie and Darcy...no matter how many ...they're still my faves. Thanks Karin.

Karin B! To be continued? Shall I get my rope? "You ask her, then?" Mr Hurst blurted out. "When I had been married three months, there was no asking, I just took what I wanted. Now, when I don�t want it any more, the hag pursues me since she wants a child. Barren, she is. A dry twig. No offence, Bingley, but I think she is infertile. I hide from her, sometimes, or pretend to be drunk." ROTLMAOAPIMP! Now that was cruel! hahahahahahaha hee hee hee hahahahahahaha! but funny! Loved the stories from the 'unsatisfied' gentlmen! And our dear, dear Darcy getting more than he bargained for... YES! Karin B, please say that I'll see some more 'An Unusual Marriage' before long?

Thanks Karin. Very sexy and fun story. We all love to have new writers around here. Especially those of us who are a bit behind on their own stories....whistles nonchalantly, hands in pockets. (Esbee) pray tell, have the ladies been discussing while this conversation was going on? Would definitely be amusing to see what the ladies think of the same subject! Would Lizzy be as surprised as Darcy was? Would it have an affect on her behavior towards her husband?

*joining Gail's nonchalant whistling* Karin any plans for another chapter? (pretty please!)

ROTFLOL, now ladies, get you hands out of your pockets and type! You may whistle as an accompaniment, but be careful with the choice of melody!!! .....erhmmm please!! Interesting story, Karin, very interesting,...I, too, am curious as to what the ladies will reveal and how!!!So put on you typing boots....please!!!

The typing gloves (boots?!) are on! Just be a little patient, please! And THANK YOU so much for all your praise! As Heide said, it takes a lot to dare to post a story... Now I can't see way I was so nervous! So, there will be a part 1 continued (with the ladies' version of revelations), and then (I think) 2 more parts.

Just dropped by to get a break from the tediousness of studying and doing art projects. glad to see Parallels was completed in my absence. Wonderful story. I am patiently waiting for the next installments of The Wedding Singer and He had nothing to lose. please please please give us some more. Sarah

(Karin)there will be a part 1 continued (with the ladies' version of revelations), and then (I think) 2 more parts. YIPPEE!! *doing happy dance* (Hanne)You may whistle as an accompaniment, but be careful with the choice of melody!!! LOL - yes indeed. maybe a few of you will recall what happend when i couldnt get 'Rule Britanna' out of my head.

Going to get started on "Having Nothing, Nothing Can He Lose" again. I'll let you know as it progresses. My last trip to Birmingham was August 9. The doctor and I had apparently been thinking the same thing for a while, and at that appointment we agreed. There is no treatment, we've been experimenting with drugs, but the blood panels remain the same. So we made a conscious decision to quit, and August 9 was the last day I took any of those drugs. Anyway, this is the first time I've checked the drool board, or even been on-line, for quite a while. Just wanted to let you know I'm still here (in spirit, anyway). I was passed an interesting web address. It's a "Wu Name Finder" at http://www.recordstore.com/cgi-bin/wuname/wuname.pl My name comes out to "Bellowing Rap Machine" which is a lot more accurate than you can guess. Fitzwilliam Darcy comes out to "Half-Cut Skeleton" and Elizabeth Bennett comes out to "Saber-Toothed Portillo." (Don't know what a "portillo" is . . .) Irene

Irene, i've been wondering about you and how you've been feeling. Glad to see you back at drool for a visit. thanks for the update. You've been in my thoughts and prayers these last few months *Big Hug* LOL at the Wu Name Finder, and looking forward to seeing more of your story :-) EsBee

I've enjoyed lurking here: am just dropping in to a)register and b) thank you all. . . . Wu name: "homicidal terrahawk". . . .sounds much more combative than I. . . May fortune smile on you all.

Wu name: Bastard, BASTARD HarbourMastah er, uh, hmm, um... WHA...?! Anyway Irene, glad to hear from you. Drugs may not be your solution... but, prayer helps. And mine are with you, always. Karin B, I never thought about what the ladies might have to say on that particular subject and I HEREBY HEARTILY AGREE with our drool women that this should be included! I'm so excited!

Irene, I'm very glad to hear from you. You are always in my prayers. Gail, Teg, S B Robinson,Karin B ( hope I don't miss anybory!!! ) I enjoy all the good stories that you've been posting. Thank you!!!

allmi! Hello and Welcome to Drool :-) and Teca, i dont believe we've met before, so hello to you as well! I dont suppose either of you happens to have been bitten by the writing bug?

Sorry S B Robinson, I have never been bitten by the writing "in portuguese" bug (I'm from Brazil), It's very hard write this lines to me.

Ooh Karin, I like your plans --- and such an excellent suggestion Esbee. Can't wait to hear what the ladies have to say! So good to hear from you Irene! You're in my prayers. Wu Name finder's a hoot. Greetings Sarah and Teca! Welcome Allmi, glad you delurked! So, what are Madam Authoresses whistling, hmmmm? I agree with Hanne. Here's a tune: whistle while you work. Drool, more drool. Pleeeeeeeeease!!!

Irene, it's great to hear from you. I have been thinking a lot about you lately and my prayers are with you as well. And I echo the sentiments expressed by the others. My Wu name is Erratic Assassin! Scary! I guess I should be writing murder mysteries instead of fanfic! I apologize to everyone for not posting anything recently. I have been working on the next bit but I haven't been happy with it so I keep rewriting. Also I've been sidetracked by the Olympics. I've been glued to the telly instead of the PC. Hmmmm, that may explain why I'm whistling the Australian National Anthem (even though I'm American). But I hope to have something ready later this week. And I have more of the story written so once I get by this immediate hurdle, I should be back on a more regular schedule of posting.

*hugs* from me too, Irene. I have been thinking of you!!... and now I'm looking forward to seeing the continuation of "Having......" LOL...would you believe, I'm Cybernetic Tiger!!!! *deep bow*Pleased to meet you Allmi and other delurkers!!

Welcome Allmi! Hello to Teca & Irene,we've not 'met' I'm sorry I'm a couple of days late Karin ,well done on a wonderful story,knew Lizzy would be a goer! Can't wait for the next bit (Sadie) Wu finder's a hoot? and aren't you forgetting to tell us something or would you prefer I made it up for you?-D Mine of course is Excitable Misunderstood Genius,I'm surprised I've not told you all that before-D (Sadie)Here's a tune : whistle while you work. LMAO wicked!

Irene - it's good to hear from you, I had been wondering how you were. Wu-Finder...LOL! Of course mine suits me to a tee...(??!!), allow me to introduce myself..Ol' Mucky Terrahawk at your service. Can't wait for the ladies' viewpoint *biting what's left of my nails*

Hi. Sorry to let you know that most of what I write is not really sharable at this point. Trying to work out a rather icky period, so mostly rant and rave on paper. (except when I write comments on other people's papers, where I say things like "are you sure you meant this word?" ) I'll see what I can do, but am not promising anything but avid reading!

Thank you EsBee for your suggestion! I didn�t think about writing the ladies� version until you mentioned it. Enjoy! (By the way: My Wu-Name is 'Inebriated Assistant'. I chose to interpret �inebriated� as �heady� as in perfume, or wine (see below!) and not �intoxicated� as in drunk!) An Unusual Marriage Part 1 Continued Revelations Meanwhile in the parlour "So ladies, please, can I offer you some more of the wine? I know I shouldn�t say so myself, but I really enjoy this Chianti. So rich and full! It is my favourite, and Fitzwilliam always makes sure it is in stock in the cellar, even though he has to import it especially from Italy. We found it on our honeymoon, you see," Elizabeth said. Jane Bingley smiled serenely, while thinking, Dear Elizabeth, you really have found a man who loves you. To even think of these small things; a favourite wine� Caroline Bingley smirked. "He offers you wine, does he? I would have expected more! And I wouldn�t think it very fashionable to have a preference for mere wine. Liqueur, like that lovely, sweet �Parfait Amour� is more to my liking. But then, I always had a feeling you are not used to the more sophisticated fashions from the continent. Simple wine is suitable, I suppose, to dull the senses." Not that that would be necessary for me if I had Mr Darcy in my bed chamber! No, certainly not! I think I could put up with it nicely! Maybe he is getting tired of her, finally? I mean, she has had two children and just think how her body must have decayed! Elizabeth kept her temper and only her momentarily clenched jaw gave something away. "Oh Miss Bingley, then you really must taste this wine again! It does not dull you senses; it intensifies them. The taste is so rich, so consummate, almost erotic! Oh, excuse me, you wouldn�t know anything about that feeling, would you? I mean it perfectly compliments the other aspects of our marriage, which are not permissible to talk about around unmarried women as yourself, Miss Bingley. Please forgive me." Well, that should silence her! Caroline Bingley could not answer this without appearing immoral, but just had to bite back her comment. Georgiana Darcy had trouble checking her laughter. "Well, Elizabeth dear, although I am also an unmarried woman, I do think I have some idea of what you are talking about! After having seen my dear brother come alive after marrying you, I have had ample opportunities to encounter some of those sentiments you so eloquently insinuate!" Elizabeth blushed ever so slightly and sent a warm smile to her dear sister-in-law. There had been many times when she had had to introduce her young and innocent sister-in-law into some delicate parts of married life. It had been highly revealing for the young women who had lived a secluded life without any remembrance of her parents together and without a mother�s guidance. Now, after almost seven years with Mr and Mrs Darcy, there was nothing more that would surprise her, or at least she thought so. She remembered the numerous times she had walked into a room without knocking or waiting for an answer. What she had found had embarrassed her earlier, but now she simply congratulated them for their obvious bliss. Even though she had no personal experience, she knew enough to see how unusual this was in a marriage. She simply prayed for the same kind of luck, but knew it was unique and not to be expected. "Mrs Darcy, forgive me for asking," Laura Cunningham said. "I am just recently married, and I am afraid I don�t understand the connection between a tasty wine and married life. You must explain that to me, I am afraid." Her innocent and bewildered look touched Elizabeth. "Dear Mrs Cunningham, there are as many aspects of marriage as there are stars in the sky! Please, don�t judge these first months of you life together as how everything will be further on. Just remember to allow your husband to know what you like when it comes to intimate relations and you will be rewarded, I am sure. I believe all men appreciate a wife who is interested in sharing the marital bed. Your husband is a very good man, I am sure, and will do everything in his power to make you happy." "Do you really think so? He seems so concentrated on himself� So anxious�, nervous�, excited� It is as if I am just there for him, if you see my meaning," Laura Cunningham said. "Well of course," Louisa Hurst exclaimed. "I have never heard of such nonsense! �Tell him what you like when it comes to intimate relations�! Talk about that, that� unmentionable! Never! And there is nothing to like about it! It is just to be endured, nothing else! Thankfully they get less interested when they get older." "Do they?!" Elizabeth asked, horrified. "Not necessarily, I hope. It is no law of nature, is it?" "Ha! That scared you, didn�t it?" Sophia Fitzwilliam laughed. "I think it all depends on those involved. And from what I have seen, and heard, there is no risk for that in your case." "But I agree with Lousia, at least in parts." Jane Bingley blushed under Elizabeth�s scrutinising look. "I can not agree it is something I merely �endure�, but it is not as for men, I think. I am not sorry there are longer intervals between the times than before. And that it doesn�t take as long as it did when we were newly married. Well, sometimes it went a bit too quick, then� It was a little disappointing at times, I remember� I would have expected more, I think. But that is all forgotten and forgiven, now. He has� improved�" Jane was beet read by now. "Don�t distress yourself, dear," Sophia Fitzwilliam smoothed over. "I agree with Elizabeth though; sometimes you are in absolute harmony and it is very, very rewarding� satisfying� Then, at times, it is as if you are in different worlds! You feel totally exchangeable for any woman. As if you have nothing in common and that he doesn�t care." "But they cannot always read your mind, you know! I think few men are as intuitive or considerate as my husband, but I am convinced any man can learn. You must show what you like! And learn what pleases him," Elizabeth interjected. "You call Darcy �intuitive�, do you?" Louisa Hurst cried. "I always believed him to be reserved and somewhat inhibited!" Inhibited! That is the last word I would use to describe him! Elizabeth smiled inwardly. If only they had seen him minutes before they arrived! It was a close shave! Caroline Bingley could not let this pass without her disdain being aired. "�Intuitive�! He is a gentleman, no �artiste� or common fool!" she exclaimed. "And what would you know about that, Miss Bingley? I doubt he has ever shown his true self to you," Elizabeth answered heatedly. "He is a very private person." Presumptuous woman! She has no idea how Will is in private! "Well, I do know he sees himself above the carnal low-class behaviour you are referring to! That might be good enough in some circles, but not where Mr Darcy comes from. �Intuitive�! Hrmmph!" Caroline snorted. "I don�t know what else to call him? Perceptive? Sensitive? Emotional? Or even passionate? Ardent? Amorous? Or what would you call it?" Elizabeth asked with deceptive innocence. "When he reads my mind, when he �knows� what delights me, or satisfies me� �without me telling him. At least not verbally� " Elizabeth�s words trailed off as she let her meaning sink in. An introspective smiled lingered in her eyes as she awaited Miss Bingley�s response. Miss Bingley didn�t know what to say, acutely embarrassed as she realised what Elizabeth was insinuating. Ardent� Jane Bingley laughed softly. "Lizzie! Restrain yourself!" "Well, well, well, what do you say! I hope my husband never hears anything of that!" Sophia Fitzwilliam chuckled. "He seems quite content with our �intimate relations�, as you put it, and I don�t need him to get any new ideas in his head! I am very much satisfied as it is, thank you, despite what I just said! I don�t want him to �read my mind�. No thank you! If my husband wound find out that I think about household duties when less inspired and about my gorgeous brother-in-law when more �carried away�, or how I should phrase it, I don�t know how I would explain that!" Elizabeth, Jane and Georgiana joined her laughter. Poor Laura Cunningham looked even more puzzled than before. Jane giggled, "So you mean you have fantasies about your brother-in-law while being with your husband?!" Sophia blushed guiltily. Elizabeth could not resist that challenge: "Does that mean you think about other men in that way when not making love to your husband, Jane?" "Silly, you know I don�t! I was just surprised! But then I must conclude you fantasise about other men when being with your husband!" Jane retorted. "Oh, there is hardly any risk of that! He completely fills my senses, there is no room for anyone else," Elizabeth said wistfully, with such a smile that made no one question her. "Yes my dear, I can readily believe that. I have always sensed that Darcy had a dormant passionate streak under that composed exterior. And you were the woman to bring it out," Sophia said emphatically. "You make me quite envious, you know." Elizabeth had no answer and there was no need. Not even Caroline Bingley�s disgusted expression could spoil the atmosphere. "It is not as if I would like to seduce my brother-in-law, that would bring too many complications," Sophia resumed. "It can, however, be very exciting to visualise him in that situation� He can be very flirtatious, you see. It is a game of ours, insinuating more than there is. I think it amuses him, and even thrills him a bit." "I know what you mean," Elizabeth answered. "I have even indulged in flirting with him myself. Very innocently, of course, we both know it means nothing. But it is great fun! I think Fitzwilliam would disapprove, though!" "Don�t be so sure about that!" Georgiana protested. "Of course he would object to anything more than flirting, but don�t you think it could be exciting to know someone else desires the one who gives herself to you, and no one else?" All the ladies stared at Georgiana who blushed when she realised her bold suggestion. "And what would you know about that, young lady?" Elizabeth teased. "Maybe it is high time for you to marry, to test that hypothesis in practise." Georgiana laughed. "Just because I am not yet married doesn�t mean I don�t understand how to play the game. Also I have flirted with Cousin Richard." "And what has that got to do with �knowing someone else desires the one��, hmm?" Elizabeth said. Jane Bingley rescued the blushing young women by turning the attention to herself. "I think you omit the closeness you feel with your spouse. There is nothing that brings you closer together to another person, unless perhaps having children, but then again there are so many other emotions involved in that. No, if I were to describe just one emotion regarding making love to your husband, it would be �togetherness�." "Jane, you are a dear! Yes, of course, �togetherness� is important, too. But I would use the word �passion� as the dominating emotion," Elizabeth replied. "�Lust�, sometimes. �Routine� other times," Sophia said with a sigh. "Conception," Luisa Hurst stated. The others were stunned. Suddenly they recollected the official reason for the act they had so enthusiastically discussed; reproduction. "But I still don�t understand that about how the wine resembles, or compliments, a marriage," Laura Cunningham said timidly after some moments of silence. Elizabeth smiled warmly at her. "A good wine is full and rich. Rich in taste I mean," Elizabeth explained, with a pointed look at Miss Bingley, "Just like a good marriage. A good wine has its own personality. With time it matures and expands on to your senses, and merges... It is compatible with other rich tastes and perceptions. It makes you long for it and it lingers on in your memory. And as I said, it intensifies your senses and makes you more perceptive to other sensations. It is sensual, enticing, erotic� It brings out the best in other qualities, other senses�" Elizabeth blushed, as she realised she had gone a little bit too far, become a little bit too personal. "These are the qualities of a really good wine, I mean. Like this Chianti! Did I hear anyone wanting some more?" Caroline Bingley declined, while all the other women eagerly accepted a refill. Well, it could not hurt to try something erotic for a change, could it? Louisa Hurst thought. After all, I am a married woman! The conversation turned to more neutral topics to the relief of some. Not before long they heard the door open and the men came in, lead by Mr Darcy who had an expression in his eyes that made all the women gasp. To be continued --- a bit racier, or what do you say?

Now that I've got your attention.... Spring needs money in order to operate. There are many different kinds of expenses we incur at Spring. Some are one-time only and others are ongoing. Right now, we are raising money to pay for the very specialized software (Yapp) that makes these discussion boards very unique. We need a larger license to accommodate all the people who visit these boards, whether they post or not. If you are a lurker and visit here and just read, you are still creating a "hit," and the license we have is not sufficient for the number of visitors we get on a daily basis. When we exceed the license limit, the conference boards shut down automatically until Yapp determines that a new day has started. To keep Spring alive, we need to raise $1,000. In the past, a handful of people have kept Spring afloat. Many of our Drool supporters in the UK have taken advantage of get-togethers with US friends in order to pass along cash contributions. So for this fund-raising effort, I have put out the call for everyone to do what they can. For those in the US, payment can be made by check or by an electronic transfer via the PayPal system. In the UK, we will have a person who can accept your payments (by cheque or bank draft) and see to it that the monies reach us. For those of you in other countries, please email me. No addresses will be posted on these boards. Please email me for details.

More wine, Lizzy? heh heh heh! Loved it Karin! and the look that darcy gave her... what does it mean? 'Upstairs... NOW!!!'? LOL!

(Karin) Thank you EsBee for your suggestion! I didn�t think about writing the ladies� version until you mentioned it. You're welcome :-) always glad to be of service... and this was very entertaining! I mean it perfectly compliments the other aspects of our marriage, which are not permissible to talk about around unmarried women as yourself, Miss Bingley. Please forgive me." LOL! read this and had a great visual of Lizzy doing "neener, neener, neener" to Caroline looking forward to more

Hello all, I am new to this topic, although not new to Drool. I have a contribution to make of a different sort, and I hope you will indulge me, as my story is a bit of a departure from the normal sumptuous fare served up here. :-) Several months ago I started to wonder what would happen to Bridget Jones after she and Mark Darcy moved to California. I had even mentioned on the BJD board that I would attempt to write a brief story about this scenario. After several false starts, I abandoned the story, until last week. The piece is far from brief -- it ended up being nine pages long, so I will divide it into three parts. I am also waiting to hear back from my "British technical consultant" on parts II and III, so I may have to wait a few a few days to post the rest. As I am terrible at HTML, I am unable to include the requisite italics. I shall conquer this� some day! :-) I hope you enjoy the story; I had great fun writing it. Bridget in LaLa Land Part I of III Malibu, California Wednesday September 13 Weightless, as amount meaningless in American pounds and ounces, alcohol units 6, cigarettes 2 (illegal in State of California anyway), calories 2,100 (excellent, though mostly consumed at dinner). Had Kafkaesque first day in California. Depending on what Kafkaesque means. Woke up in giant white bed and reached over for Mark, who was no longer next to me. Instead was note on bed that said: To the keeper of my heart, Must go to office for all day meeting with the Mexicans. Didn't have the heart to wake you, as you looked quite worn out from jet lag and last night's "reunion." Have booked you day of relaxation and pampering at a day spa in the Hotel Beverly. Your surprise escort will arrive promptly at 10:30. Make certain to return home by 8:00 tonight for magical moonlight dinner by the sea. What a marvelous, thoughtful boyfriend! Mmmmm, last night's shag was delicious. Mmmmm. But who could be surprise escort? Don't know anyone in LA�. Could it be Shazzer or Jude come over to surprise me? Princess Margaret? Una Alconbury? Colin Firth? After all, am well-connected woman of the world with many friends�. Oh God, clock say's it is nearly 10:00 now; must pop into shower, or never will be ready in time. Gaaah! What does one wear to a Beverly Hills day spa? Settled on white floaty dress and strappy shoes. Hair is mad riot again; hope I can get a trim today�. Arrrrgh, cannot find purse that matches strappy shoes�.Dumped contents of suitcase on bedroom floor�. Doorbell rings promptly at 10:30, and there is Tom in pink ten-gallon hat, rhinestone-studded shirt and velvet bolo tie, dressed like a cross between Roy Rogers and Dame Edna. "Howww-deee Bridget," yodelled Tom in manner of Minnie Pearl, as he gave me a big bear hug. "Are you ready to mosey on down to Ro -- dee -- oh Drive?" "Tom, what in the name of arse are you doing in Malibu dressed like a rhinestone lounge lizard? Please tell me you've just come from a fancy dress party and are not going to venture out in public dressed like that! It's Ro -- day -- oh Drive, you silly cowboy." "Lovely to see you again, too, Bridge. Aren't you going to invite me in to see chez D'arcy or should I say la Casa Blanca grande de Darcy?" "Only if you take off that ridiculous hat and shirt. Come in, and I'll give you one of Mark's shirts to wear." Tom slowly took in the massive white walls and tall ceilings, the white oversized upholstered furniture, the white Berber rugs, and the minimalist decor. "Bridge, the inside of this place looks just like his digs in Holland Park. Did John and Yoko decorate both residences?" "I know, but it is very clean and open here, with a lovely view of the ocean." Hmmmm, never made the John and Yoko connection before. Both Mark and John Lennon had Japanese wives. Hmmmm�. " Er, here, put this shirt on. Seriously now, what are you doing in Malibu?" "That's SoCal to you, if you don't mind," said Tom, whilst putting on one of Mark's white work shirts. "My cousin Agnes and her life partner just bought a bungalow in West Hollywood, so I drove down from the Bay Area to check it out and surprise you. Last week I rang up Mark to find out when to meet up with you both, and he made arrangements for you and me to go to this chi-chi new day spa in Beverly Hills. Such a considerate man with that tight small bottom. I want Mark to be MY boyfriend, too!" "Never you mind his tight small bottom; Mark is a one woman sort of man," I said, as we walked outside. "Tom, is that a car or an ocean going vessel?" There in Mark Darcy's drive was blue convertible the length of Albert Hall. "That car, Bridget, my love, is a historical automobile: a 1979 Cadillac El Dorado in pristine condition. Get in. Here in California, you are what you drive," said Tom a bit huffily, as we sped toward Beverly Hills. "Well, I hope you don't have to moor it anywhere for safe harbour," I said hoity toitily as I donned sunglasses and tied a scarf about head in manner of Jackie O. Mmmmm, love the lovely warm California sun upon my face. "How in God's name will you park this thing?" "Valet parking Bridge: that's the beauty of southern California. It's all about your car." Tom pulled into breezeway of the Hotel Beverly and handed the car keys to a very tall, cute -- and decidedly gay -- valet. "It's really all about the valet car park attendants, isn't it, Tom? " "Guilty as charged," said Tom a bit sheepishly, as he slipped the valet's phone number into Mark's shirt pocket. "Welcome to Nature's Door. My name is Petal," chirped the perky blonde receptionist, as we entered the day spa. "Might you be the Bridget Jones party?" "Yes, that's right, and my name is Stamen," said Tom, in his best public school voice. "I have you both booked for our premier package, which includes an aromatherapy salt glow rub, mud mask and wrap, facial, and cut and color. You also get lunch, which you must order now. You may select from the following plans: Pritikin, The Zone, Sugar Busters, Atkins, Carbohydrate Addict's, or Spa Cuisine." Felt a bit overwhelmed -- even as professional, world-class dieter. "Er, what's The Zone, again?" "That's the high protein/low carb diet everyone is on -- even Jennifer and Brad, who were here last week," said Petal in hushed, reverential tones. "Why does no one have a last name in this town?" whispered Tom as he turned to me. "Which plan do we want, Bridgelene? You're the expert, after all." "Right. Well, if The Zone is good enough for Jennifer and Brad, it's good enough for Bridget and Tom -- ah, I mean, Stamen." "Two Zones for the Jones party. Follow me, and I will show you to your respective dressing rooms," said Petal, as she led me into a large room with a closet. "Take off your clothes, slip on a terry robe, and go into the adjoining room, where you will have your salt glow rub. Mr. Jones, you are to do the same in the set of rooms next door." "See you later, Tom Jones," I said, whilst winking at Tom, and shutting the door to the dressing room. Went into adjoining room, which was outfitted with large metal table of sorts and burly, broad shouldered woman dressed in clinical whites. "Hop on," said the burly female attendant, whilst patting the massage table. "I'm Helga. It's time for your salt glow rub. Take off the robe, place this towel over your body, and lie down with your head face-first into the pillow." Helga handed me a towel no bigger than a hankie, which clearly was not going to cover much. Metal table was surprisingly warm, however, and I settled in for a blissful experience until Helga began to pummel my flesh and grind chunks of oily rock salt into my bottom, in manner of KGB interrogating dissenter in gulag. "Ouch! I thought this treatment was supposed to be relaxing. What are you doing?" "All worthwhile bodywork involves some discomfort. I am exfoliating your skin and breaking down your cellulite," said Helga condescendingly. Gaaah! Cellulite? This is rich, coming from a woman built like a lorry. Helga worked her way up my back and shoulders, then down my arms. At this rate will no longer have layer of epidermis.

Karin, loved the women's point of view. Lizzy has a very progressive outlook for her time but hey, it works! There is nothing sexier than true love which the Darcys certainly have. LisaJH, cute story. Welcome to fanfic. You'll find the readers here very demanding! Now how about more details on that "reunion"?

Lisa! Welcome to FanFic!! i just loved the beginning of MD's letter - To the keeper of my heart, *SIGH* he's So Sweet! and so many laughs... Tom in pink ten-gallon hat, rhinestone-studded shirt and velvet bolo tie, dressed like a cross between Roy Rogers and Dame Edna. ROTFLOL And Tom's car, TOO Funny! a historical automobile: a 1979 Cadillac El Dorado in pristine condition... Here in California, you are what you drive," Hmmm... as Californian maybe i should be slightly concerned about what my car is saying about me... perhaps best not to consider to carefully... :-) Such a considerate man with that tight small bottom. I want Mark to be MY boyfriend, too!" You said it Tom!!! ;-) More soon Lisa, i hope!

WOW! Two postings! Two Darcys, I am all aflutter! Thank you Karin and Lisa. Karin, these ladies are much wilder than the gentlemen in conversation! LOL! V. true to life! Cannot wait for the next installment where the full meaning of Darcy's look becomes apparent. I vote for racier! I will live up to 'demanding' label and pronounce: MORE DROOL SOON! Lisa, is bloody fantastic! So many funny lines. It truly is "the altered state". Felt a bit overwhelmed -- even as professional, world-class dieter. LOL! and I settled in for a blissful experience until Helga began to pummel my flesh and grind chunks of oily rock salt into my bottom, in manner of KGB interrogating dissenter in gulag. LMAO!

So sweet and really no less than we would have expected from Elizabeth. I truly enjoyed the way she took down Caroline,.....hohoho...not even gloating too much!! And she has taught Georgiana a thing or two about relationships, too;-))) Not only that wives have certain liberties that sisters don't;-))!! ROTFLOL, Lisa, very good!! "Welcome to Nature's Door. My name is Petal," ... "Yes, that's right, and my name is Stamen," said Tom, in his best public school voice. Hilarious and promising;-DDD ...I vote with Gail on the spicy deal,...

Lisa & Karin *applause, applause* Speaking as one of the demanding (and echoing Sadie) - more drooly goings-on please!

Well done to both Karin & Lisa,I hope this spurs our other writers on.I'll have to join the Sadie & Tracy 'demanding' club (What about your name Sadie?)

LOL! That's the second time you've asked!

And the second time you've not answered

Didnt Sadie promise us a piece of fanfic in Oct??? :-D i am all anticipation!

NO, no, I said I'd start writing something in October! Backing into corner, looking frantically around as suddenly discovering I am about to cross over to other world of harrassed writer. Tear in space getting bigger. Help!

(Sadie) NO, no, I said I'd start writing something in October! OK - one month reprival - and then full time harrassment begins. :-)

LOL Esbee! Remember who promised to be my editor! -D

Yes Sadie hurry up-D

I did not leap into tear in space yet! -D

LOL You did (or I pushed you)

Judddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

LMAO being lost in space doesn't relieve you of your promise to write us something.

Judy: Zoltok nvn ah tu Sadie ump ta space. The one who is called "Erratic Genius with Sexy Legs"

LOL genius,it takes one to know one, but sexy legs? is this true ,I'm soooo jealous!

I must not decided on my own appearance....when are you gonna write that Wedding Night scene, Judy? *sadistic smile*

don't you mean *sadiestic smile* table turner!

LOL!

Thank you, ladies of FanFic, for your warm welcome and encouragement. Part III of the story is probably the most Drool-worthy, but you can judge for yourself in a few days�. Uh-oh, a demanding crowd, eh? I am afraid that any attempts by me at serious erotica would read like a bad bodice-ripper: lots of heaving and sighing, etc. :-P I have decided to throw caution to the wind and post part II now. Accordingly, if some of my Britspeak is a bit off, it is due to my impatience, and is not the fault of my trusted technical consultant. KarenR kindly came to my rescue and helped me with the italics for the rest of the story. Thanks, Karen. Bridget in LaLa Land Part II of III "Time to turn over," barked Helga in manner of Gestapo. Sat up, turned over, and tried to place towel on front of person, in futile attempt at semblance of modesty. Helga proceeded to pummel and grind front of legs and arms in same manner as before. "There!" said Helga with a final slap of my thigh. "Now go to the shower stall over there, and spray off the salt and oil. Then you will have your lunch. I will return later for your mud mask and facial." Caught glimpse of self in large mirror on wall and saw that body was now color of vine -- ripened tomato: so much for glow in salt glow rub. Mmmmmm, shower left skin baby-bottom smooth, however. Whilst tying belt on robe, a plumpish Mexican woman brought in bowl of guacamole and plate of cucumber slices and placed them on small round table in the corner. Lunch! Amazing how torture can stir the appetite. "Thank you," I purred, as I sat down at the round table. "De nada, Signora," said the Mexican woman as she left the room. Took rather large dip of guacamole with cucumber slice and popped entire thing in mouth. Gaaah! Nearly gagged, as guacamole tasted v. odd -- both earthy and chalky. Authentic guacamole must be acquired taste. Tried another slice of cucumber with slightly less guacamole. Arrrrgh, no better! Mexican woman returned with plate of chicken breast and steamed vegetables, with horrified look on face as she saw me eating the guacamole. "Dios mia, Se�ora, that is not your lunch! That is your facial! Here is your lunch," said the Mexican woman as she placed the plate of chicken before me. OhmyGod�.. "What exactly did I just eat?" "Se�ora, you just ate a mixture of green clay, fullers earth, shea butter, jojoba oil, and water. The cucumber slices were for your eyes. Would you like a glass of mineral water to get rid of the taste?" Really, really wanted bottle of chardonnay at this point, but did not wish to give appearance of Betty Ford Center candidate. "Ah, yes. Thank you very much," I said, in manner of the Queen delivering annual Christmas Message. Entire facial debacle had put me off lunch�and guacamole. Helga soon returned with large vat of mud, which she stirred with vigor of construction worker. Next to massage table now were two huge rolls of Clingfilm and foil. "It is time for your moor mud body mask and wrap. It would appear you already had your facial," said Helga with a smirk, as she again patted the massage table for emphasis. "No towel, this time." After I hopped onto message table, Helga applied thick layer of moor mud to body in manner of plasterer on DIY television programme. Felt like combination of giant chocolate bar and human offering. Thereafter, Helga tore off long sheets of Clingfilm and foil, and wrapped entire body -- including arms and legs -- first in layer of Clingfilm, then with final layer of foil. Now resembled giant jacketed potato or burrito. Mercifully, head and face were left exposed, so would not suffocate, but also could not move to scratch nose, which now itched uncontrollably. "You must stay like this for 20 minutes," ordered Helga, as she left the room. "As if I had a choice in matter," I muttered under my breath. Tried very hard not to think about itchy nose, and thought about bottle of chardonnay again, then Mark. Mmmmmm�..cannot wait to see him again, with my new, lovely skin�..All of sudden, entire body began to itch and sting�really began to panic�. "Get. Me. Outta. Here. Now!" I yelled, in manner of Joe Pesci. "Ach, what is wrong? It is not time yet," snapped Helga, whilst entering massage room. Suddenly felt in urgent need of top-notch human rights barrister. "I do not care whether or not it is time; my skin is on fire and is itching like mad! Unwrap. Me. Now." "Naja, you must be allergic to moor mud," said Helga, as she unwrapped the layers of foil and Clingfilm. "Wash off the mud in the shower right away." Washed off moor mud in shower. Body now one giant rash. Applied aloe vera gel and witch hazel mixture to skin, which Helga assured me would soon relieve itching and stinging�. Then applied natural self-tanner in attempt to mask giant rash. Got dressed thereafter, and put on hideous mustard-coloured smock to prepare for haircut and color. Was then led into busy, rather large salon, with long row of stylists' chairs. "Hello, you are Bridget, no?" said slender dark-skinned man with platinum blond dreadlocks. "I'm Raoul and I am going to style your hair. What can I do for you today?" "I am Bridget, yes," I said reluctantly. Oh God! Why can't hairdressers look like normal, attractive people with normal hair -- like Mark Darcy, for example? Why? Why? Raoul looked like mad cross between Bo Derek in "10" and Charles Worthington. Didn't exactly instill confidence in his taste or sense of style. Raoul escorted me to stylist's chair, then assessed my jaw line and facial shape and said, "Considering your age and features, the Rene Russo/Thomas Crown Affair cut would be perfect." "Oh, that sounds lovely," I purred. Raoul is capable hairdresser after all. Hurrah! Catherine Banning was also new role model, as had watched in-flight DVD of Thomas Crown Affair three times yesterday�. Humph, what did Raoul mean by "Considering your age?"�. "What about copper highlights? You have the right colouring to carry them off," said Raoul. "I do?" I said demurely. "It wouldn't be too drastic?" "Not at all," Raoul said, reassuringly. "Right. Let's do it, then." Raoul fastened a plastic cape round my shoulders, and began to paint thick, purplish goo on sections of hair, which he then wrapped in long bits of foil. As he progressed, head began to resemble aluminium Christmas tree, or bizarre television antennae. Was v. glad Mark would not see me like this, or any other male I know -- with the exception of Tom, of course. Tom! Had not seen him for hours. Wondered how his transformation was coming along�. "There," said Raoul, in manner of Dutch master applying final brush stroke, as he twisted up the last piece of foil. "Now we must leave this in for a bit. Please sit over there, where you can look at magazines until the colour is ready. I will be back soon to check on you." Picked up recent copy of Tatler, and began to read story about Prince William and his gap year. Mmmmmm�. "Bridget Jones, is that you underneath all that foil?" said a posh, deep, can't - be - bothered - voice I'd know anywhere. OhmyGodpleaseno. Not here. Not with hair done up in foil chewing gum wrappers, body one giant rash dressed in hideous smock and plastic cape, and face without trace of make-up. Slowly looked up from magazine, and against all odds there was Mr Darcy standing before me -- tall, lean, smoldery, and newly shorn.

Oops, I had meant to say in my note to you that "you can judge for yourselves." It drives me nuts when I see these errors after I have posted....

LisaJH! Welcome, daaaaaahling! your BJD is v. good! (Gail) Now how about more details on that "reunion"? Indeed! (esbee) Didnt Sadie promise us a piece of fanfic in Oct??? ROTF! Excellent memory! Sadie, we will begin counting down from October 1... A halloween masquerade ball would be a nice event for a seduction... what say you?

ROTFLOL Lisa! Really, really wanted bottle of chardonnay at this point, but did not wish to give appearance of Betty Ford Center candidate Now resembled giant jacketed potato or burrito Suddenly felt in urgent need of top-notch human rights barrister....Body now one giant rash Poor Bridget, this could only happen to her! with normal hair -- like Mark Darcy LOL! I see you read the BJD board faithfully! OhmyGodpleaseno. Not here. Not with hair done up in foil chewing gum wrappers, body one giant rash dressed in hideous smock and plastic cape, and face without trace of make-up. Slowly looked up from magazine, and against all odds there was Mr Darcy standing before me -- tall, lean, smoldery, and newly shorn. Why? why? Is just not fair! What is bloody point of going to spa if boyfriend is going to sneak in while she is all rash and fake tan and aluminium?

LOL! I see you read the BJD board faithfully!LOL! Not since a few months ago when I was participating a little. Dropped out this summer as had major dental work in manner of Marathon Man.....ugh. Hope to participate more often now, but track record is not promising....:-) What is bloody point of going to spa if boyfriend is going to sneak in while she is all rash and fake tan and aluminium? Ah, but Sadie, it is not Mark Darcy...it is Mr Darcy.

Wu name... Hmmm... my real name translated into 'Jive Talkin' Choirboy' With my maiden name instead: 'Big Wicker Ventriloquist' My online name is just Teg and no last name, so I guess I'll have to pick one of the above..... :) Great stuff ladies! I've been away from the board since I last posted, so there was quite a bit to catch up on! Keep it up (er.. no pun intended) :)

Ah, but Sadie, it is not Mark Darcy...it is Mr Darcy. Ah Ha! That was my first thought... CF was in LA visiting Will and just happened to be there getting hair done! LOL! excellent Lisa can not wait to read part III Sadie - am eagerly awaiting your story for editing :-D

Lisa.....loved your Bridget in La-La Land story.....am waiting with baited breath for next installment. Will our hero be the pretend Mark Darcy or the real Colin Firth ???? If he is CF, how about another "mock" interview ? Maybe, Livia sits in on the interview and has to deflect BJ's probing questons re marital life and getting to wake up every morning next to our darling boy...sigh ..... Keep it up, ( pun IS intended, snigger, snigger )

*loud Mrs.Bennet scream* the real Mr. Darcy!!!!! And with a haircut! But if he's in LA and Mark Darcy is in LA, and Bridget is in LA....what type of shirt is he wearing?.... Two Mr. Darcys in one story! And both of them real! V.confusing. I like the idea of another interview, indeed I do!

And with a haircut! But if he's in LA and Mark Darcy is in LA, and Bridget is in LA....what type of shirt is he wearing?.... ROTFLMAOAPIMP! Love the lovely imagery there!

Welcome Allmi, Teca. So many stories, ladies. You're going to keep Leanne very busy. (That's okay, she loves it, don't you dear.) Lisa, love your BDJ story. Only she could eat her facial. Irene, I hope you keep checking in here regularly. We want to know how you're doing and hope that this board is a little bit therapeutic.

(Heide) Welcome Allmi, Teca. So many stories, ladies. You're going to keep Leanne very busy. (That's okay, she loves it, don't you dear.) Yes. <big grin> But I should stop endlessly sitting in front of the Olympics (do I know anything about trap shooting?? NO!) and upload all these lovely new story parts!!

Lisa, loved the facial (was given a tube of something green and clay-like that reminds me of guac, but fortunately haven't eaten it yet *knock on wood*)

ROTFLOL, Lisa! eating her facial,....only Bridget Jones would do that,...but hey, beauty comes from within, doesn't it??

Here is Bethanne's story that was posted in two installments at 112: MR DARCY DINES AT LONGBOURN Part 1 The dinning room door closed behind Mrs Bennet, with a quiet click, as Darcy leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh of relief. He reached for his wine glass and took a deep, satisfying draught of the cool liquid to ease the pain of his dry, parched throat. He exhaled deeply, his first breath, seemingly in over an hour. He had just sat through a four course meal at the Bennet house, and he felt as if he had been holding his breath for most of the preceding hour. In a way, he was glad that he and Lizzie were seated at opposite ends of table, as he didn't trust himself to get through the meal without slobbering all over himself or knocking over his glass if she had been seated beside him. It was all he could do to keep his countenance, as he watched her bite into a ripe, succulent strawberry earlier over dessert. It took a mammoth effort of will not to groan out loud as he saw her beautiful, rosy red lips stained even redder by the succulent juice of the strawberry. When her tongue snaked out to catch a drop of juice that would have slid down her chin, the tightness in his breeches turned into an actual physical pain. He had to force his brain away from the tempting, tantalising vision in his head, of her mouth opening slowly for him, as he fed her a strawberry from a bowl, balanced precariously on top of a tangle of rumpled red, silk sheets as they lay in his bed at Pemberley.... With intense willpower, he had forced himself to concentrate on what Mrs Bennet, to his left, was saying, but he remained intensely conscious of Elizabeth's presence across the table. Her appetite didn't seem any better than his had been through out the meal. She seemed to push her food around her plate just as listlessly as he did. Was her stomach tied up in the horrible knots that his was? Did she also feel that she would choke if she tried to force even the smallest morsel of food down her throat ? With an almost angry glare, he looked up at her as he clenched and unclenched his fists under the table. But at that moment, Mrs Bennet arose, bidding the ladies to join her in the drawing room for coffee and leave the gentlemen to their brandy and cigars. His back was to the door that Lizzie left through, but he could sense and feel the exact moment that she passed behind his chair. He closed his eyes and caught just the faintest whisper of silk on silk and a delicate, tantalizing scent of roses. He felt momentarily lightheaded and hung onto the back of his chair for support. He was very grateful that the dim candlelight of the dining room did not reveal his heaving chest and sweat slicked brow, so he sat back down and let his breathing slowly return to normal. For the next 30 minutes Darcy listened with half a mind to Mr Bennett and Sir William Lucas discuss the upcoming autumn harvest. He had little time for Sir William, but he found himself enjoying Mr Bennet's subtle, dry wit. In spite of his earlier disapproval for the way Mr Bennet seemed to let his younger daughters run wild, he could see and appreciate where Lizzie got her own way with words. A tiny smile played about his mouth, as he remembered all their verbal battles over the past year. Even though she continually ran rings around him, he treasured every single second of them. As grateful as he was, for this time to compose his overheated thoughts and body, he was the first one out of his seat, when Mr Bennet suggested they all join the ladies in the drawing room for coffee. Part 2 Mr Bennet stood back and let his guests precede him into the hallway, as they filed slowly out of the dinning room. He was quite taken aback to receive a blinding smile from Mr Darcy as he passed by. "Odd fellow" thought Mr Bennet. Darcy had not spoken much over dinner, in fact, he seemed rather distant and distracted throughout the entire meal. Mr Bennet remembered hearing Darcy spoken of as a proud, disagreeable sort, but Mr Bennet really couldn't see why. Mr Bennet respected people who didn't rattle on needlessly, and he liked the fact Darcy only seemed to speak when he felt that he had something of interest something to say. He tried to remember something his wife had told him once, of Darcy insulting his beloved daughter Lizzie at a dance in Meryton, but he couldn't quite remember what it was. Anyway, to judge by the flushed sparkle in Lizzie's eyes as she danced with Mr Darcy, the following week at Netherfield, she didn't appear to hold it against him. Mr Darcy took a deep breath and walked on into the Bennet's gracious hall way. The other gentlemen moved into Mr Bennet's study momentarily, to look at some first edition folios newly arrived from London. He, however, headed for the drawing room, drawn there irresistibly, as if by some invisible magnet. He looked up as he walked and his heart stopped, as he saw Elizabeth sitting in the drawing room with a look of utter boredom on her face. Hill, the Bennet's housekeeper entered the room with a coffee urn and, not seeing Mr Darcy, she closed the door partially behind her. Darcy, however, could still see Lizzie and he couldn't help but wonder at all the impatient, furtive glances she cast at the doorframe. What was she looking for? Could she be as eager to see him as he was to see her? Did she feel that an absence of even 30 minutes was too long? His heart pounded even faster as he suddenly realised with a spurt of intense joy that she never had a bored look on her face when she was with him....angry, mpatient, amused, indignant, yes...but never bored! His eyes swept hungrily over her face, loving the shadows cast by the firelight on her beautiful, smooth throat. He imagined himself tracing the same lines with his tongue, as she dug her nails into the bare skin of his back, leaving ten perfectly formed, half-crescent moon shaped scars on his naked back. He imagined her moans as he sucked a tiny, smooth, piece of skin into his mouth, proudly marking her as she marked him. Were the moans that rang out in the silence of the Bennet's hallway, her imagined ones or his real ones? With a quick shake of his head, Darcy gathered his thoughts and moved to join the other gentlemen in the library. Before too long, they were done admiring Mr Bennet's prized folios and they proceeded on into the drawing room. Darcy's heart nearly stopped at the look of intense joy that spread across Lizzie's face as he walked into the room. She quickly lowered her head, but not before he saw a look that catapulted him back to that joyous evening at Pemberley four weeks before, when Lizzie seemed to enjoy, even invite, his admiration as she played the piano. He moved over to where Lizzie sat as if in a daze. Did he imagine it or did she move her skirts just imperceptibly, to allow him room to sit down? Just before he reached her, Maria Lucas leaned over to talk to Lizzie and to his intense annoyance showed no signs of moving away. Muttering a curse under his breath, he accepted a cup of coffee from Hill and moved away to stand at the opposite end of the room, where he could still watch his beloved's reflection in the window. He was tremendously heartened by the look of intense annoyance that flashed across her face at Maria's interference. He leaned his hot forehead on the cool glass of the window and closed his eyes briefly. As his eyes were closed he missed the looks of intense longing on Lizzie's face as she looked at his ramrod straight back standing by the window. He had no idea how his tall, black clad torso was affecting her. Her fingers had itched all evening long to reach beneath his beautiful silk waistcoat and undo the crisply starched cravat to reveal the thin lawn shirt beneath. She had seen once before what lay beneath his damp, shirt as it clung lovingly to his chest after an impromptu swim at Pemberley. The vision had tortured her these past four weeks and she was racked with guilt for feeling things that she knew no well brought up young lady should feel. Earlier over dinner, she had gotten up to assist Hill, when the soup tureen proved to heavy for her. Her eyes were irresistibly drawn to Mr Darcy and, as his head was turned toward her mother, he didn't see the blush overcome her features, as her eyes fell helplessly on the ulging muscles of his thighs within his fine fawn coloured breeches. Mr Darcy had ridden over to Longbourn and, he wore leather boots polished to such a shine she could almost see the hungry look on her own face as she gazed at his long, muscular leather shod legs stretched out before him. With a tremendous effort of will she attended to Maria's conversation, but her eyes continued to eat him up and her ears strained to catch the few word that escaped his lips whenever somebody spoke to him. The deep, melodious voice drifted back to her too infrequently and, she just barely managed to maintain her composure by listening, instead, to one of Sir William's funny tales. Darcy was not having as much luck. He watched Lizzie smile at Sir William and he was eaten alive with an intense jealousy that she wasn't smiling at him like that. The beautiful ruby cross that Elizabeth always wore around her neck sparkled in the firelight and his eyes were uncontrollably drawn to where it lay gently between her breasts. His eyes slipped even lower, to where her heart beat beneath the beautiful ivory silk of her dress. The smooth, creamy expanse of her chest made his throat go dry as he imagined himself licking his way down from the gold chain to where its pendant lay....his tongue flicking out to enclose, lick and suckle the ripe mounds of flesh that Elizabeth lifted up to his mouth.... A sudden movement of Elizabeth's head brought him crashing back to reality, as he saw her beautiful, lustrous curls bounce and bob as she laughed at something Sir William said. He had to fight the urge to cross to the other end of the room, kicking over the chairs that got in his way, and pull her up out of her seat with one hand and pull out the tiny roses that held her hair up with the other. He had such a longing to bury his face in the long, apple-scented softness of her hair that his fingers itched. He would turn her face up to his and watch the excitement flare in her eyes, as he ripped her bodice open to find out for himself if her hear beat as rapidly as his did. "I can't take much more of this," he thought to himself. "I am losing my mind over this woman!" He stood for a few more moments and conversed with one of the Lucas boys, in an effort to compose his thoughts. Once he felt in control of himself he walked slowly over to Elizabeth, trying not to spill the by now, stone cold coffee in his cup. He stood in front of her with his coffee cup and saucer and tried to speak, but found that all his powers of conversation had deserted him. Lizzie's small hand closed around the saucer to put it back on the table, but Darcy found to his embarrassment that he just couldn't let go of it. He clung on to it as a drowning man would to a lifejacket. He looked down and saw her tiny hand, dwarfed by his much larger one and was suddenly short of breath. Lizzie seemed similarly afflicted and he watched the rapid rise and fall of her chest with fascination. Finally, she was the one to break the spell, that seemed to have wound its way around them. "Mr Darcy?" she said in a tiny voice. She didn't sound at all like her normal, composed self. He let go of the cup and, as she did so, his fingers brushed slightly against hers. He felt a bolt of lightening go up his arm at her touch and could soon feel the effects of it in single every part of his body. Lizzie started up a conversation and enquired most kindly after his sister Georgina, who, much to his delight, Lizzie had met and seemed to really take to four weeks previously at Pemberley. However, Darcy found himself in the mortifying physical predicament of not being able to converse for very long. Upon seeing Maria Lucas lean over once more to talk to Lizzie, he bowed slightly and once more walked away from her. To his intense relief, Mrs Bennet soon invited the assembled party to partake of a Whist drive and he was further parted from the temptation that Elizabeth Bennet represented for the remainder of the evening.

Thanx Karen

Whew!! That was HOT Bethanne!! Are we going to see more? Love to hear D & L's reactions during whist. Just returned from marriage fest 2000. My husband and I have celebrated our anniversary with 2 other couples every year since our first anniversary 18 years ago. It has grown from a simple dinner out to a full 3-day weekend extravaganza. This year was in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and we had a blast. Copious amounts of champagne were consumed. Now am back and guess what? I have another chapter of WMM for you! This is the part that was giving me so much trouble so I hope you like it. I promise more to follow soon. What Matters Most Chapter 15 �Hi sweetie.� Liz was snuggled in bed with the portable phone to her ear. �Hi. Are you in bed?� Will was calling on his break. �Yes, but I wasn�t asleep, just reading. I knew you were going to call. I hate it when you work nights and I can�t see you.� �I know, me too. But we did get to have lunch together yesterday. That was nice.� �Ummm. What did you do today?� �I went to visit my folks to say good-bye. They�re off to Boston tomorrow to see Brian and Georgie and then they�ll be going on to New York on Monday.� �When will you see them again?� �I�m not sure. They probably won�t come back here until next spring so I may take a few days off this winter and visit them in Florida. I just don�t know right now.� �You know what?� �What?� �I love you Will. I think about you all the time.� �Yeah? That�s nice to hear. Same here.� �What days are you off this week?� �Friday and Saturday. Any plans?� �No, except I want to see you badly. I miss you so much.� �Then why don�t you come to my place for dinner on Friday night? Come right from work. I miss you too.� �Wow, I finally get to see your place. I�ll be there by 5:30.� �Great. Now tell me,� Liz heard a hint of mischief creeping into Will�s voice, �what are you wearing?� �Will! How shocking!� �Oh come on, Liz, give a poor lonely working guy something to keep him going. What do you have on?� �Just an old baggy oversized T-shirt. Not very exciting.� Picturing her in bed had Will�s pulse racing. �That�s your opinion.� Will sighed deeply. �I wish I was with you Liz. Go to sleep now. I love you.� �I love you too. See you Friday.� �Sweet dreams.� ***** Liz saw Will�s truck in the parking lot and was relieved. She thought she had gotten the directions wrong. This was the first time she had gone to Will�s place and was expecting to see a square, nondescript apartment complex. Instead she was in an area of attractive townhouses, meticulously landscaped. After parking her car next to Will�s, she found number 6 and rang the doorbell, butterflies playing in her stomach. She had big plans for tonight and hoped everything would go well. In a matter of seconds, Will had pulled her inside and was kissing her. �G-d I missed you Liz,� he said huskily when they came up for breath. �Are you hungry? Dinner is almost ready.� �It smells wonderful. But can I get the grand tour first? Then I�ll help you.� �No, I don�t want your help. You�ve been working hard all day and should relax. Why don�t you show yourself around while I finish up. Just come back to the kitchen when you�re done. It�s right through that door. I recommend you start downstairs and work your way up.� Will pointed in the direction of a staircase and left Liz alone. Will�s townhouse was modern and spacious. The first floor held a large office, a guest room with bath and a storage area. The main floor contained the living room with a formal dining area and a good-sized kitchen with breakfast nook. French doors led to a private patio. The top floor was completely taken up by a massive bedroom and huge bathroom, both with vaulted ceilings and skylights. There were fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom. All of the walls were painted off-white with natural oak trim and the floors were hardwood with scattered area rugs. Wooden blinds covered the windows but there were no curtains. The furnishings were simple, functional and of excellent quality. Built-in shelves in the living room, bedrooms and office held dozens of books. But other than a handful of family photos there were few personal items on display. It was just what it appeared � the residence of a well-to-do bachelor who spent little time there. Liz made her way back to the kitchen where Will was tasting something from a pot on the stove. She picked up one of two glasses of wine on the counter and sat on a stool to watch Will at work. �Your house is lovely Will, but it needs a woman�s touch to make it more homey.� Will laughed. �That�s just what my mother says. But it meets my needs for right now.� Liz played with the stem of her wineglass. �You always referred to your place as an apartment but you own this, don�t you?� Nonchalantly, he responded, �Caught me. I let people think I�m renting and making payments on my truck. No one needs to know that I paid cash for both. It�s just another way I try to fit in. I have trust funds from my grandparents and my parents but my needs are simple and I give most of the income away. I spend a little on stuff that makes life easier, like having a cleaning lady and eating out a lot. That way I can concentrate on my job and other things that are important to me. Like you. Now come sit down, dinner is ready.� ***** After dinner, Liz and Will snuggled together, lying side by side on the large, comfy sofa in the living room. Liz was very affectionate and loved to cuddle. �I love you Liz,� Will murmured into her ear, then sucked the lobe into his mouth. Liz shivered and purred in pleasure. Feeling his control slip dangerously, Will disentangled himself and sat up. �Do you want to watch a movie?� he asked, trying to appear casual. �I picked up a couple at the video store today.� Liz sat up with a hurt look on her face. She circled her arm around his and put her head on his shoulder. �Will, is something wrong? I like cuddling with you.� �Honey, I love you but sometimes it�s just to difficult to be so near you. I told you the next move is yours and I don�t want to put any pressure on you. I�ll wait as long as you want, but you have to understand that I want you more than anything and sometimes it�s just too painful physically to be so close to you.� Liz took a big gulp of air before putting her hands on either side of Will�s face and looked him in the eyes. �I want to stay here tonight, Will. I want to make love with you.� There I did it! She nervously clasped her hands in her lap and looked down. Will felt his heart leap into his throat. �Liz,� he croaked, �are you sure?� Peeking up at him shyly she whispered, �Yes, I�m sure.� Will scooped her up in his arms and carried her upstairs to his bedroom. Liz curled her arms around his neck, incredibly moved by the romantic gesture. No one had ever loved her like Will loved her and it never ceased to amaze her. Even though she was unbelievably nervous, she trusted him enough to take care. Will laid her down on his bed and sat beside her stroking her hair. �Liz, I love you so much. I hope you don�t feel like I am rushing you into something you are not ready for. There is no hurry honey because I plan on being with you for a long, long time.� �I�m a little afraid Will. I�ve only been with one man in my life and he told me I wasn�t very good in bed. I love you so much and I want you but I�m afraid I�m going to disappoint you.� Will lay down beside her and tenderly took her into his arms. �You could never disappoint me, my love. Never. That guy was a jerk and obviously a selfish pig. Let me love you and I promise you, it will be very, very good for us both.� Bending his head to hers, Will gently nibbled on her bottom lip. �I want to taste every part of you, starting right here.� With exquisite slowness, he kissed every inch of her face. Liz closed her eyes and let the sensations wash over her. Moving to an ear, he whispered, �I�m going to love you all night. I�m going to love you until you beg me to stop. I�m going to drive you crazy. I�m going to make you wild.� His tongue began a long lazy journey from her ear down to her neck and back up again. Liz began to tremble with desire. �Will, I want you. Love me Will.� She began to undo the buttons on her blouse but Will firmly moved her hand away. �I will undress you. Don�t rush honey. We have all night.� He pulled back to look at her lying on the bed, eyes slitted with desire, lips parted, breath coming in soft pants. Lust gripped his insides and wrenched them upside down. He had to close his eyes and take deep breaths before continuing. He ran his hands over the front of her, lingering for just a brief moment on her breasts. He began to slowly unbutton her blouse and bent his head to kiss and savor the newly exposed skin as he progressed. Parting the opened shirt, he slipped his hands under her bra and pulled it up, baring her breasts which he then covered with his hands. Feeling Liz stiffen under him, he pulled back and looked closely at her. �Honey, are you all right? Do you want me to stop?� Her breath hitched and she whimpered, �No, no. I�m fine. Please Will, I want you. Please.� �Trust me baby. I won�t hurt you. I love you Liz.� He moved to the end of the bed and removed her shoes. Taking a foot in his hand, he pulled off a sock and kissed her toes one by one, then licked the tender sole of her foot. Gasping from the unfamiliar but lovely sensations, Liz giggled and tried to pull her foot away but Will held it firmly and teased her with his hands brushing up and down her leg under her slacks. By the time he repeated his actions with the other foot, Liz had melted into the bed in a useless puddle. None of her limbs were working and the blood roared so loudly in her head she could barely hear Will�s murmured expressions of love. She wanted this feeling to go on forever. Leisurely, patiently, Will�s hands moved higher, over her hips to her waist. He unzipped the fly of her slacks and slowly tugged them down and off. Again his hands caressed her legs in their unhurried journey back to her waist. Pulling her up to a sitting position, Will slipped off her blouse and removed her bra. Laying her back down on the bed, he stopped to admire her near-naked state. �You are so beautiful Liz,� he breathed as he traced his fingers over her soft white shoulders, lush high breasts, flat stomach and firm thighs. �So very beautiful.� He knew he�d have to pick up the pace soon or he would go out of his mind with desire. But first he wanted Liz to go out of her mind. Lowering his face to her silky underwear, he nuzzled teasingly with lips and teeth, his fingers playing with the surrounding skin. He could feel her breath quickening as she moaned. Grasping the two thin sides, Will pulled the tiny piece of silk from her body and gloried in her nakedness. �Liz, I love you. Only you. Always you.� Burying his face in her breasts, he nipped at the soft skin before taking a firm nipple into his mouth. As his tongue swirled around the hardened nub, soft cries came from deep in Liz�s throat. �Now Will, please. I need you now.� Her frantic fingers tried to grab at his clothes, desperate for the feel of his skin against hers. �Shhhh,� he soothed, more to calm himself than her, �shhhh.� He took her hands and held them tightly with one of his own. With the other he found her soft, wet center and slid his fingers inside. Liz bucked underneath his hand and came hard. He held on until her intense shuddering ceased and then lay down beside her on the bed. Smiling weakly, Liz reached out to run a shaky finger down his cheek. �Wow,� was all she could manage to squeak out. �Oh no, dear heart. We are nowhere near done. I want to feel you against me now.� Will quickly undressed, slipped on a condom and stretched out beside her, desire clenching in his stomach like a vise. Her skin burned hotly against his as he drew her trembling mouth into his own. His increasingly demanding fingers urged her up to peak again and she clutched at him insistently. �Now!� she cried out. �I want you now!� He poised between her legs. �Look at me Liz. Look at me as I enter you.� The innocence in her huge brown eyes caused his heart to tumble over and over as he slowly lowered himself into her velvety sheath. �It�s only you Liz. You�re the only one. You�re mine.� They found their rhythm together and drove each other to the brink. When Will could hold out no longer, he moaned, �Come with me Lizzy,� and they fell off the edge together. To Be Continued��.

Bridget in Lala Land Part III of III "Hello, Colin," I managed to stammer, in attempt to compose self. "What brings you here?" I said, in voice one octave higher than normal. "I've just had my hair cut." Mmmmm, and a fine haircut it is, too. Mmmmm�."No, er, I mean, what brings you to Southern California?" Cannot believe am attempting to have normal conversation with Colin Firth in surreal day spa/salon setting�. "Ah. I'm visiting my son, who lives with his mother in Los Angeles. Yourself?" said Mr. Darcy, in manner of "On foot?" in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice. "Er, I've just moved to Malibu to be with my boyfriend and to further my career as a freelance writer." Arrrgh, that last bit sounded pretentious. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to sit for another interview?" Cannot believe I had the nerve to ask him for another interview�. "Um, well, interviews usually have to be arranged through my publicist first," said Mr. Darcy, with look of abject horror on his face, as he repeatedly rubbed the back of his neck. "Tell you what. Ring him up tomorrow, tell him we've spoken, and I'll see what I can do," he said, whilst handing me a business card. "Best of luck to you, Bridget. I hope you enjoy your time in the States," said Mr. Darcy, as he shook my hand, quickly turned round and loped toward the door. Mmmmm. Never noticed before how much Mr. Darcy and Mark look alike from behind�. Must find Tom and tell him about seeing Colin Firth and possible interview! Except that Raoul has returned to check on hair. Bloody hairdresser�. "Perfect!" pronounced Raoul, after untwisting single foil wrapper. Thereafter, he shampooed, then cut and styled hair in manner of Rene Russo in Thomas Crown Affair. Haircut was brilliant, although copper coloured highlights much redder and brighter than expected. Raoul assured me colour would fade in a few days. Wonder what Mark will think. "Bridge, is that you?" said Tom from behind. Got up from stylist's chair, turned round, and Tom and I gasped simultaneously. Tom had been transformed into English version of Ricky Martin, with hair spiked and highlighted and skin a lovely golden-brown colour. "Bridget! Or should I say Catherine Banning? It will be one hot night at the Darcy love shack tonight!" said Tom encouragingly. "Oh, do you really think so?" I purred. "You are perfection, Tom; all the California boys will chase you, now." Tom put convertible top up, as neither of us wanted to muss our hair. Told Tom about bizarre day spa experience and freakish chance encounter with Mr. Darcy. Whilst heading back to Malibu, Tom sang Love Shack, in manner of B-52s, and I applied makeup to face. Due to new hair colour, own makeup and lipstick shades now all wrong. Must now buy $400 worth of Bobbi Brown and Lorac makeup tomorrow. "I got me a car as big as a whale and we're headin' on down to the love shack," sang Tom, whilst bobbing head up and down. Began to light up fag, when Tom yelled, "Bridget! Not in the car!" "Tom, since when can I not smoke in your car?" I hissed. Began to feel like nicotine pariah, as the only two places could legally smoke in State of California were at Mark's house and in car. "Since I packed it in, Bridge. Sorry. I'd be socially ostracized if my car smelled like cigarettes. Besides, it would also kill the resale value of the HMS Tom," said Tom, rather apologetically. "Oh for heaven's sake!" I cried, as I dropped packet of Silk Cut and lighter back into purse. "Cheer up, Bridge, I'll have you home in a flash," said Tom, as he pulled into Mark's private drive. "There you are," Tom said, as he parked the car, reached over, and gave me kiss on cheek. "Aren't you coming in?" I asked, whilst opening the car door. "Ah, no. I am meeting up with Peter, the valet, at the Skybar. Tell Mark I will bring his shirt back tomorrow -- freshly laundered, of course." As Tom pulled out of Mark's drive, I let myself in front door. God, am totally knackered. Still not over jet lag, and today's events didn't help. Threw handbag onto nearby chair in living room�. "Bridget, darling, all rested up?" said Mark as he entered living room, wearing black jeans and jumper. Upon seeing me, he stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes then widened, he looked me up and down, and said, "Oh my God." I knew it -- Mark hates my hair. He once told me he loved me because I wasn't lacquered over like all the other girls he knew�. Have spent only one day in America and come home looking like J.R. Ewing's ex-wife. Didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or make mad search for large hat�. Was also angry with self that it mattered Mark like new hair. No self-respecting feminist would give matter second thought�. "Bridge, are you in a trance again?" said Mark, as he came over and wrapped his arms round my waist. "Your red hair is really, really sexy," he whispered, as he began to stroke my hair. "Er, really? Actually, it's copper coloured highlights." I said, voice quivering, as I tried to suppress impending flood of tears. "Yes, I do like your hair. It was just a bit of a shock. I thought you were only going in for a massage and facial this afternoon. How would you have reacted had I come home with red hair this evening?" "Fwaw, you'd look like Uriah Heep," I said, laughing, whilst wiping a tear from my cheek. "You're missing the point, Bridge. The fact remains you, too, would have been shocked had I come home with red hair," said Mark in full barrister cross-examination mode�. He eyes then softened, he smiled slightly, and said, "Um, begging your pardon, Miss Jones, ordinarily I would be too umble to ask, but might you allow me the pleasure of escorting you outside for our evening repast?" "Perhaps, Mr. Heep, but only this once," I said, as Mark took my hand and led me outside though the back terrace, down the terrace steps, and onto the beach. There -- in the middle of a lot of sand and darkness -- was a bonfire, as well as a blanket, two large pillows, lots of takeaway containers, and two bottles of my favorite chardonnay. "This reminds me of the feast in that Keats poem, The Eve of St. Whatsit," I said, as Mark poured me another glass of wine. "Precisely," said Mark, nodding in agreement. As we were eating, he told me about his day with the Mexicans, and asked about my day, aside from the obvious hair colour incident. "Er, it was a lot of rubbing and slathering," I said, leaving out the bits about the facial, the giant rash (which had miraculously subsided), and Colin Firth. "I only wanted your first day in California to be memorable," said Mark, as he drew me closer to him. "The first of many in our new home." I assured Mark that it had been memorable -- beyond words, in fact. We then began snogging in front of the bonfire, and felt huge wave of love come over me. Mmmmm. Mmmmm�. Suddenly saw pair of eyes looking at us. "OhmyGod, a coyote!" I screamed. Mark jumped to his feet, in instinctual move to protect us. Out of the darkness a tall, older man then walked up to us and said, "Sorry folks, didn't mean to startle you. Just came over to introduce myself, as I live next door. My name is Larry Hagman." There, larger than bloody life, was J.R. Ewing standing before us. "Oh, and folks, one more thing: bonfires are illegal in Malibu." Oh for God's sake! The End

Mmmmm...... Gail, that was a delicious chapter and well worth the wait. Eagerly anticipating the next post :-) Lisa - ROTFLOL over Colin's horror at prospect of second interview - and Larry Hagman showing up to interupt shag... too funny. Cant wait for more!

Thanks, Gail! I see your anniversary trip served as inspiration. ;-) Lisa! Or should I say Bridget? LOL, all the way! and Colin Firth. Funny how he glided right over that one. ;-)) We want more (in desperate search of chardonnay and Silk Cut mode), please!

Thanks Gail, your Darcy is so wonderfully romantic, and sensitive, with just a hint of a possessive and commanding manner. V. sexy. BTW congrats on your anniversary! It sounds like an amazing celebration --- what a wonderful ritual! Moving to an ear, he whispered, �I�m going to love you all night. I�m going to love you until you beg me to stop. I�m going to drive you crazy. I�m going to make you wild.� oo-ah! He sure drove me wild! Oh Lisa, so many gems, LMAO! Loved the "on foot" reference! And your Mark Darcy is adorably well --- MarkDarcylike! I think you should continue this, despite "the end" you've stuck there --- I want more! Mmmmm. Never noticed before how much Mr. Darcy and Mark look alike from behind LOL! Due to new hair colour, own makeup and lipstick shades now all wrong. Must now buy $400 worth of Bobbi Brown and Lorac makeup tomorrow Isn't that a bitch when that happens! Began to feel like nicotine pariah, as the only two places could legally smoke in State of California were at Mark's house and in car. LMAO, is it really that bad!?! I hope both of you talented writers post again v. soon!

Ok, making up for lost time here. What Matters Most Chapter 16 Chests heaving, they lay side by side and looked at each other in wonder. �Liz�.,� Will choked, unable to express all the feelings swarming inside of him. Unable to even think straight. Liz was a bit more articulate. �Will, that was wonderful. I have never felt that way before in my whole entire life.� Will pulled her into his arms and held on tight. �Liz�.Liz�. shit.� Shaking his head impatiently to clear the fog, he managed to get out, �Liz, I love you.� �I love you too.� She snuggled contentedly in his arms. �I don�t know what I was so afraid of. I knew I could trust you so I don�t know why I held back for so long. I�m sorry for the pain I�ve caused you.� In between planting kisses on her hair, Will protested, �No honey, you didn�t cause me pain. That was all my own doing.� Liz yawned and closed her eyes. �I love you Will. Hold me all night.� �Yes, my love,� he replied, stroking her hair gently until she fell asleep in his arms. He watched his love sleeping peacefully for a long time until he too went under. ***** Streaks of sunlight filtered through the cracks of the wooden blinds in the windows of Will�s bedroom. He woke to an ache in his left arm and found it covered with masses of dark curls. Smiling at the memory of the night before, he eased his arm free and pulled back the bedclothes to gaze at Liz�s naked body. Desire rising, he cupped a breast and played until its nipple stiffened. Liz groaned and opened her eyes sleepily. Fists of need slammed into his chest causing Will�s body to harden to steel. After quickly donning protection, he rolled on top of her and slid inside, kissing her drowsy mouth. Suddenly wide-awake and wanting, Liz grasped Will�s hair and wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him closer. This wasn�t the slow sweet lovemaking of the previous night, but hot mindless lust. Liz raked her fingernails down Will�s back and cupped her hands over his buttocks, grabbing, insisting. He rode her hard and wild. Will latched onto Liz�s hair, pulling her head back to run his teeth along her throat. She quivered with excitement and desire. Wanting more, she pulled his mouth to hers and kissed him with a fervor she never thought was possible. Breaking away, she nibbled the stubble on his chin and scratched her face against his cheek, relishing in the rough textures. The tastes, smells and sensations made her feel alive in a way she had never been before. Nearing the edge, she cried out his name before tumbling over. Her responsiveness, her demands and finally her shudders wound around Will until he was caught up in her net of passion. The resulting release was explosive, leaving him dizzy and drained. He dropped onto her heaving chest, holding his weight by his arms so as not to crush her, and kept himself firmly lodged within her lush confines. �Good morning love,� he whispered as he kissed her soft swollen lips tenderly. �Ahh, yes it is,� she sighed. �I love you, my own William James Darcy. You are an amazing man.� Little fingers of hunger played with his gut causing him to stiffen inside of her yet again. �Shall I show you my dearest Elizabeth Anne Bennet, just how amazing I can be?� He lunged with a slow lazy stride and the corners of Liz�s mouth curved up in a well-satisfied smile. �Please do.� It was indeed a lovely morning. ***** When they finally rose to feed their starving bodies, it was afternoon. Completely and utterly sated, they still could not resist constantly touching, stroking, kissing each other. They prepared omelets, toast and coffee together, purposely bumping into each other in Will�s spacious kitchen. Liz set the table in the breakfast nook while Will dished out their culinary creations. After filling their stomachs, they sat looking at each other, grinning foolishly. �If any of our friends could see us now they would think we�ve flipped,� Will commented, enjoying the sight of his petite girlfriend wrapped in his too-large robe. �I am stupid in love with you Lizzy babe.� Liz took his hand and kissed each of his fingers. �If this is stupid, I don�t ever want to be intelligent. I love you Will.� Will grabbed Liz�s other hand and returned the favor. �How could anyone ever say you weren�t good in bed? That guy was a first-class idiot.� Liz�s hurt expression had Will immediately regretting his careless comment. �I�m sorry honey. I truly am stupid. Please, I didn�t mean to bring up bad memories.� He pulled Liz onto his lap and stroked her hair lovingly. �I love you baby. You�re everything to me.� �It�s OK, Will. I suppose I should tell you the story. It might help you to understand me better. And why I ended up with your brother.� �You don�t owe me explanations Liz. If you want to share your past with me, I�d love to learn more about you, but please don�t feel obligated. I don�t want you to hurt.� Liz kissed each of his cheeks softly and brushed an errant curl off his forehead. �I can�t hurt when I have your arms around me. You make me feel so safe and so loved Will. You are everything to me too. That�s why I feel like I need to tell you.� Will stood with Liz still in his arms and carried her to the living room sofa. �Then we might as well be comfortable.� He set her down and lay next to her, taking her into his arms, kissing her hair. �Comfy?� �Hmmmm. OK, don�t distract me. Here goes�. �When I was in high school, I had a lot of casual relationships but no serious boy friends. There was never much more than handholding and a little kissing. Then in my senior year, I started dating a guy and we stayed a couple for several months. We gradually progressed a little further, some touching, more fervent kisses, and he kept pushing for more. I can�t say I loved him but I liked him well enough and I was curious. Of course, I thought I was very mature and ready to take the next step. We decided to spend our prom night together in a hotel. I was very excited at the thought of losing my virginity. �Well, on prom night, he got very drunk. He ended up passing out in the limo and some of the other guys carried him up to the hotel room where he threw up on the bed. I was disappointed and disgusted and called Robby to pick me up. After that, I refused to go with him again and we graduated a short time later. I haven�t seen him since.� �Poor sucker,� Will commented, smirking, �he never knew what he missed. Liz poked him with her elbow. �Stop it. When I started college, I had a difficult time adjusting. I was homesick, missed my friends and didn�t particularly like my roommate. My grandmother pulled some strings and got me into a private dorm room. While that got rid of the roommate, I was very lonely. After about a month I met a guy named George Wickham. He was a sophomore, handsome and charming. We dated and he swept me off my feet. Once he had me hooked, he started pressuring me to sleep with him. Since I was still curious and thinking I was in love, I agreed. �The first time was horrible. It hurt a lot and George was very impatient with me. He didn�t want to wear a condom and was mad when I insisted. Afterwards I cried and he left me alone for several days. I was lonely and missed his company. When he finally called, I was desperate to have him back. But he no longer took me out or tried to charm me. All he wanted was sex. He would call or drop by and expect me to drop everything and go to bed with him. I�m ashamed to admit that I did. I felt like it was the only way to keep him. But I didn�t enjoy it and he always criticized my performance.� Tears were now falling down Liz�s face and Will gently brushed them away. He wanted to find this George Wickham and tear him from limb to limb. �He was an idiot honey,� he soothed. �It was his fault for not taking the time to give you pleasure. He was a selfish pig. It wasn�t you. It�s not you.� Liz dried her tears and kissed Will softly. �I do so love you. Let me finish this. This went on for a couple of months. My grades started to slip because I barely had enough time to study. And if George wanted sex when I was supposed to be in class, I skipped it. Now, realize that I was at school on a partial scholarship and my grandmother was paying the rest. I felt I owed it to her to do well. But here I was in danger of losing my scholarship and I was stressed out. George didn�t care. He said that if I loved him then he should come first. In spite of everything he did to me, I couldn�t bear being alone again and just gave into him. �Finally one night George came by very late. He had been out drinking with friends. I had made the mistake of giving him a key to my room and he came in while I was sleeping. He crawled into bed with me and when I woke up, he was already inside of me. After he finished I realized he wasn�t wearing a condom and freaked out. He laughed at me and walked out. I never saw him again. I found out a few days later than he had been caught cheating and was kicked out. I was a wreck. I was afraid I would end up pregnant or with some horrible disease as I had started hearing rumors about George with other women.� Will tightened his hold on Liz and rubbed her back comfortingly as she continued. �When I went home for Thanksgiving, I confessed all to my grandmother. She was great. She didn�t criticize or condemn but sympathized and soothed. She took me to a doctor and I was relieved to find that I hadn�t contracted any deadly viruses and I wasn�t pregnant. Grammy and I talked a lot that weekend about love and relationships and I began to see that what George and I had was very warped. There was no love involved on either side. I went back to school a wiser person and immersed myself in my studies. My grades improved greatly and eventually I did make some friends. �I stayed far away from guys until I met Brian in my junior year. We immediately respected each other�s intelligence and began to study together. He�d help with economics and I�d give him ideas on his case studies. We became good friends. When we weren�t studying, we went out to movies or clubs but always with other people. It was a comfortable relationship and just what I needed at that point in my life. It enabled me to build up trust again. �After that school year, I came home and , as you know, Brian went to work with your Dad in New York so we didn�t see each other the entire summer. I think I wrote to him once but he didn�t respond. But when school started again, we picked up right where we left off. As friends. At some point I guess we slid into being a couple without ever even discussing it. It was just assumed that we would spend all of our free time together. �Then we graduated, came home and continued on with our relationship. No one was more surprised than me when Brian decided we should be engaged. But we got along so well that I figured it could work. Then things changed. I guess I was good enough for a friend but not for a wife and Brian went on a mission to try to change me into something else. You know the rest. �And then I met you and fell in love.� Liz touched Will�s face and kissed him before continuing. �You make me feel things I have never felt before. No one has ever loved me the way you do. It makes me happy and it makes me feel good about myself. I figure if you � a wonderful, handsome, kind, giving man � can love me, I must be OK. Now I know how love is supposed to be � it�s what we have.� Will pulled her close to him. �I love you Liz. This is how it�s supposed to be. This is what I�ve been looking for my entire life. You�re smart, caring, affectionate, beautiful and incredibly sexy. I need to have you in my life. I love you.� And he proceeded to show her again just how very much. To Be Continued��.

Great story Gail...that was some weekend you must have had ! Lisa, that was hysterical. I am soooooooooo ready for the CF/BJ interview. Due to the Los Angeles habit of driving everywhere and the whole culture of the LA freeways.....I'm fuly expecting you to work in an "on foot" utterance for real. Maybe BJ suggests they go for a walk and Colin, looking horrified, replies........Take it away Lisa........

Whow, what a weekend to cause these...exorbitantly delectable, sexcellent chapters, Gail....the screen here was quite steamed up!! ROTFLOL Lisa, can't wait for the next section. Trust JR to interrupt at a crusial moment ;-))!!

(Hanne)exorbitantly delectable, sexcellent chapters LOL Hanne, Sexactly! Doing the 'Tracy-all-unnecessary dance'.

oh wow Gail it was worth the wait,he's some lover!!

Lisa great job - you've captured Bridget to a tee! Gail, that was fantastic *fanning self profusely* Sadie - Doing the 'Tracy-all-unnecessary dance' This I gotta see :-D

(Tracy)This I gotta see :-D Ah, so you're paying attention! But the dance moves are all yours. (Except I left out decking bit, since no woman in CF's bum's spot...alas no CF's bum spot either) BTW, how are studies going? Judy and I have your spot reserved on the cardboard (in gutter);-)

Gail, I especially enjoyed the "Pleasure Me Darcy" (grownup version of Tickle Me Elmo :-)) episode. Yum. Ladies, thanks for your kind comments regarding my BJD entry. I must admit that I am flattered and horrified that you want more, as it took me three months to come up with this story. I will give it a shot, but I am making no guarantees�. I know I broke some of HF rules (like mentioning BJ's hair color, etc.), but that is what is fun about writing FanFic -- there are no rules here. Anyway, thanks again.

Sadie, Thanks for keeping my place in the gutter. Studies? Nice of you to ask Sadie, .... er badly is probably the best way to describe it. Am supposed to be putting together a website for my final assessment and revising for the exam but keep getting distracted with all this fantastic fanfic action. Methinks I shall have to ration my drooling - no more unnecessariness for me for a while, ha! like I can be that strict with myself ;-( the dance moves are all yours You are so right now how does it go again: Left two-three, drool two-three, right two-three, crash two-three, puddle! And of course for the "Bum-spot" variation: Left two-three, glare two-three, deck two-three, run quickly away two-three! (Just in case we're hauled over the coals for straying from topic) - Once all the hard work is over and my brain has recovered from the strain I'll see if I can summon up the courage to do a little fanfic of my own (only if you and Judy 'do the business also'...dare ya! cardboard dry

Oops clearly brain has seized up entirely..cardboard dry, where did that come from? Hmmm *thinks* interesting name of a cocktail for us guttersnipes!

Lisa...way to go, girl on some more Bridget in LA LA Land. We all loved it and are waiting with baited breath for more....so go to it !! PS Please don't make us wait another 3 months !! Tracy, I have no idea what these dance moves refer to, but they were hysterical reading anyway. Does "bum spot" refer to a visit sombody paid to the Pemberley location ? I seem to remember a very funny story at Drool, some time ago, of a visitor to Lyme Park, jealously guarding the P&P lake from the prying eyes of other tourists. It was a hilarious read. Was that you ?

Bethanne - Possibly I went in August and was most miffed to find some...WOMAN...sat in the sacred spot, much as I wanted to push her into the murky depths, I didn't, contrary to the hilariously embelished account from Sadie (it was you Sadie wasn't it?) in the manner of tabloid journalist. Have now reputation as crazed Firth fan stalking would be Lyme visitors, thanks a bundle ;-D

(Tracy) Have now reputation as crazed Firth fan stalking would be Lyme visitors, thanks a bundle ;-D LOL!! We all have our crosses to bear. ;-D

*my arms have been twisted to do this* Contributions received as of 27 September. Thank you all very much.

Lisa, just wanted to say I loved Bridget in Lalaland. I was sorry when I finished The edge of reason (for the second time) but now I can read Bridget some more. I hope you will post new things soon.

Karen, thanks for posting Bethanne's chapters here! (Esbee) Lisa - ROTFLOL over Colin's horror at prospect of second interview - and Larry Hagman showing up to interupt shag... too funny. Ditto! Lisa, I really hope you do more chapters, since HF has decided to go another route with her stories... (Gail) Fists of need slammed into his chest causing Will�s body to harden to steel. After quickly donning protection, he rolled on top of her and slid inside, kissing her drowsy mouth. Suddenly wide-awake and wanting, Liz grasped Will�s hair and wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him closer. This wasn�t the slow sweet lovemaking of the previous night, but hot mindless lust. Liz raked her fingernails down Will�s back and cupped her hands over his buttocks, grabbing, insisting. He rode her hard and wild. Will latched onto Liz�s hair, pulling her head back to run his teeth along her throat. She quivered with excitement and desire. Wanting more, she pulled his mouth to hers and kissed him with a fervor she never thought was possible. Breaking away, she nibbled the stubble on his chin and scratched her face against his cheek, relishing in the rough textures. The tastes, smells and sensations made her feel alive in a way she had never been before. Nearing the edge, she cried out his name before tumbling over. Her responsiveness, her demands and finally her shudders wound around Will until he was caught up in her net of passion. The resulting release was explosive, leaving him dizzy and drained. Well, wipe my mouth and tuck me in! Goodnight nurse! Oh Gaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil! That was PARTICULARLY droolworthy! (Hanne) ...exorbitantly delectable, sexcellent chapters... yup, yup! *slurp* What a marvelous midweek surpise!

Wow Tracy, so that WAS you at Lyme Park ? Don't feel guilty at feeling possesive over LP. If I went there, I would probabLy be arrested, for setting up my tent and squatting there permanantly. When you were there, was the meadow our hero walks across, ablaze with the beautiful yellow flowers that we see in the movie ? The English countryside is so gorgeous in the movie, I'd love to know is it that spectacular in reality or is it just good cinematography ? This really belongs at #112 doesn't it, so feel free to reply there, ok ?

(Tracy)You are so right now how does it go again: Left two-three, drool two-three, right two-three, crash two-three, puddle! And of course for the "Bum-spot" variation: Left two-three, glare two-three, deck two-three, run quickly away two-three! LMAO! Here's to such fine choreography. *lifts her glass of cardboard dry* (LOL!) Sorry to hear studies are distracting you from drooling! Now that you've said so, it's been recorded that you will write fanfic. Will give Judy someone else to hound besides me! And yes, it was me who blew the whistle on Lyme infamy! *snorts at self* BTW, plenty of room left on cardboard, and plenty of cardboard dry on the rocks. :-D

That last was to all other fanfic droolers.

OK, the Olympics are just about over and life can get back to normal! Well a nice thought but now things are crazy at work and I'm losing my Wednesdays off until the end of the year. And I'm going away next weekend with my mom so this will probably be the last chapter for a couple of weeks. I hope you enjoy it. What Matters Most Chapter 17 Early on most mornings, people gather at the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park to be the first ones in the United States to glimpse the sun as it rises and to get a certificate attesting to that fact. In the summer there could be a couple hundred people or more but when the tourist season ends, the number dwindles down to a trickle. While Liz had witnessed the event first hand many times, Will never had the desire to drag himself out of his comfortable soft bed just to see the sun rise. After all, it happened every day. A few weeks later, Liz and Will sat on the porch of Liz�s apartment arguing good-naturedly about it. �You�re so lazy,� she sniped. �What�s the big deal?� he replied, purposely trying to provoke her. �Who cares?� �But it�s so beautiful. The sky turns from black to gray and then soft colors appear and then everyone gets excited when that first slice of yellow emerges over the ocean. Then, before you know it, there�s a big yellow ball rising in the sky.� Will was charmed by her description. She took joy in the simplest of things and it was one of the reasons he loved her. �OK, you do make it sound somewhat appealing.� �Then you�ll come with me?� He groaned in jest. �Get up before the crack of dawn just to see the crack of dawn?� Oh, come on. It�s October and the sun doesn�t rise until nearly 7:00. You have to get up earlier than that when you go to work.� �OK, OK, if you insist. When do I have to submit to this torture?� �Sunday morning. Since you�re off Sunday and Monday next week, you�ll have a day to recover from the ordeal.� �If I do this for you, you have to do something for me,� he wheedled. �What�s that?� Liz asked even though she already knew the answer. �You have to stay with me Saturday night and wake me up with a kiss. �Deal.� ***** The alarm went off at 5:50 a.m. Will groaned and snuggled further under the covers. Liz wiped the sleep from her eyes and tugged the blankets off of Will. �Hey, stop that!� he protested, curling up in a ball. �It�s cold.� �Un uh, it�s time to get up.� Liz admired Will�s naked backside and began to run her fingers down his spine. She followed her fingers with kisses up his back to his neck. Will rolled over and caught her mouth in a kiss. �OK, I am up.� Liz eyed his now evident arousal. �So I see.� She moved on top of him and slowly pulled him inside of her, watching the desire darken his eyes. �I promised to wake you with a kiss but this seems so much more effective.� She began riding him steadily, enjoying her position of power. �Oh yes, good choice,� Will moaned and pulled her down to him. He captured a nipple between his teeth and played with his tongue until he heard Liz gasp. He rolled over, taking her with him, until their positions were reversed. �Now you are mine,� he whispered. �All mine.� When he felt her stiffen in anticipation of release, Will stilled his movement. �Not yet. Wait.� He remained buried deeply inside her body and tenderly kissed her cheeks, eyes, nose, lips. �Oh G-d Will, I can�t hold off much longer,� she whimpered. �Please Will, let me go now.� Will felt his control slip a notch with her entreaty. �OK baby, let�s go together.� He thrust into her now, hard and fast. Liz let go and he felt her gripping him wildly. One more push and he followed her over the edge. ***** They arrived at the top of Cadillac Mt. with 15 minutes to spare. After parking the car Will impatiently pulled Liz along by the hand to join a knot of people waiting for the first glimpse of the sun. �Boy for someone who didn�t even want to come, you are sure in a hurry.� �Well I�m here so I don�t want to miss it.� Just then a rocket shot up into the air and exploded into a shimmering gold spray. The crowd buzzed with surprise and delight at the unexpected display. �Look at that Will,� Liz chattered excitedly as another rocket went off in a colorful flower pattern. �I�ve never seen fireworks up here before. I wonder what the occasion is. This is so cool!� Will tightened an arm around Liz�s waist. �That�s just how I feel when I make love to you,� he murmured into her ear when loud bombs echoed bright bursts of white light. Liz giggled and offered up a swift kiss, quickly turning her gaze back to the sky so as not to miss anything. The short but spectacular display ended with several rockets exploding into heart shapes, timed to overlap each other as they spanned the sky. �How lovely.� Liz remarked and joined in spontaneous applause that had broken out from the crowd. As the residual puffs of smoke cleared, the first rays of light were visible over the horizon. The sky brightened and the foliage on the mountainside became apparent. Leaves of brilliant red, orange and yellow, dotted with the deep green of pine trees, stood in sharp contrast to the deep blue ocean visible in the distance. Before long a sliver of yellow emerged out of the water. �Isn�t it beautiful Will?� Liz asked eagerly. �Indeed it is.� Will was enjoying Liz�s expressions considerably more than the sunrise. �Have I told you today how much I love you?� She looked at him and grinned. �I knew you would enjoy this. Admit it. Come on.� Her humor turned to surprise as Will dropped to his knees and took her hands in his. �My dearest Liz, you mean everything to me. I�ve waited my entire life for you and I will never let you go. As we witness the dawning of a new day, I ask you to spend this day and every day hereafter by my side. Will you marry me?� �Will, oh Will,� the words bubbled up as her eyes filled with tears. �Yes. .Yes, I will marry you. I love you.� Will rose and took her in his arms. �I love you my dearest darling. I�ll love you forever.� He hugged her fiercely as his heart swelled with love and joy. Snuggled against his chest, Liz had never felt happier. This was right. This was so right. Suddenly she pulled away and looked up at him suspiciously. �Fireworks?� He grinned. �I knew you were a smart woman. Smooth huh?� She laughed. �And so all of this grumbling and complaining about getting up to watch the sunrise was just a ruse.� �Not at first, but once I saw you were determined to drag me up here I thought this would be the perfect place for a proposal. It seems special to you and I wanted you to always remember this moment and how much I love you.� �You are so sweet. I will remember this forever. I love you Will.� He took her left hand and held it up to his lips. �I love you too and soon you will wear my ring as a symbol of our promise. It seemed more romantic to give you one when I proposed but then I thought you might like to pick it out yourself. I contacted a jeweler in Bangor and we can take a ride there today. He�s expecting us this afternoon.� �Pretty confident were we?� Liz asked, smiling. He kissed her hand again. �More like hopeful. I told him I would call this morning to confirm just in case you weren�t as dazzled as I hoped you would be.� �I�m beyond dazzled. Let�s go in the gift shop and get our sunrise certificate. I want a momento of this morning.� ***** When they came out of the shop, Liz was clutching two dozen long-stemmed red roses. Will carried a framed certificate commemorating the occasion, which he had specially made with their names and the date written in calligraphy along with hand-drawn images of fireworks, hearts, roses and the sun coming up over the horizon. Liz was gratified by the time and care Will had taken in planning the event. It was one more indication of the love that continually surprised her. She wondered if she would ever get used to it. After returning to Will�s, they ate breakfast, made love, took a shower and made love again. After the second shower, they were finally ready to make the hour drive to Bangor, the nearest large city. Will had pre-selected an assortment of engagement and wedding rings which was shown to Liz. While the array may have appeared modest based on Will�s circumstances, it contained only the finest quality jewelry. With price tags removed, Liz had no idea of the cost and happily chose an exquisite two-carat diamond solitaire. Jointly they opted for plain gold wedding bands, pleased that they shared similar taste. The jeweler promised the rings would be ready within a week. Upon their return to Mt. Desert Island, Will and Liz shared their happy news with Liz�s parents then Will dropped Liz off at her apartment. They parted reluctantly but satisfied that soon they would be together always. To Be Continued��

Now THAT was sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! *sigh* Thank Gail! Have fun in all your doings...

OOooh... mmmmmm... first thing in the morning before I go to work, too. ;)