Chapter 24

Monday, August 6, 2001

Fate was kind to the lovers. If the sun had risen in its usual abrupt way, they might have been startled. Awkward in an unfamiliar setting, they might have jumped to the wrong conclusions, realizing painful fears and self doubts and causing agonizing misunderstandings.

But fate and the weather were kind. Over the night, as they slept, a low pressure system had covered the region with a light layer of clouds. The campground was covered in a hazy mist and the sunlight was muted.

They slept on, clinging to each other's warmth and waking very gradually. First their fingertips stirred. Hers caressed his broad shoulders and the flat planes of his back, gently stroking the downy hairs there with the lightest of touches. His fingers were on her lower back, at the base of her spine. He gently rubbed her soft skin, causing her to arch herself towards him. His leg slid up hers to rest on her hip, while her knee rested on his thigh. And so they stayed, barely moving, eyes still closed, gently becoming aware of themselves and the other beside them.

Then Elizabeth's lips awoke. She planted feather kisses on his chest and the base of his throat where her head rested. This went on for what seemed like a long time, both of the lovers feeling comfortable and content. William stretched his long, hard body as greater awareness came to him. As he did Elizabeth rubbed the spot on his chest over his heart with great tenderness. Still, neither of them had opened their eyes to the pale, weak sunlight.

As William relaxed from his stretch, he repositioned himself so Elizabeth's face was even with his. She continued her sleepy feather kisses on his jaw, then found his lips. Their hands began to move, slowly exploring more of the other's body. William opened his mouth and teased hers with his tongue. With the slow pace of their breathing, their tongues dueled, with quick lunges and retreats. Awareness was definitely returning now, as soft sounds began to travel no further than the distance of the pillow they shared. William's hand slid over her body to cup her breast. Slowly he teased her nipple to hardness. Elizabeth was unable to reciprocate, because his arm was in the way, so instead her hand traveled south and her fingertips began lightly grazing the surface of his manhood, which had begun to stiffen and enlarge.

Elizabeth finally opened her eyes when William shifted positions and began to suckle at her nipple. Her arousal flared and she felt herself becoming hot and wet. She closed her eyes again to the sweet sensations and let her fingers find his nipple and tease it erect.

Soft crooning noises came from her throat as William's hand slid between her thighs and started caressing the sensitive skin there. As they became more frantic, he stopped, and gently laid her on her back, whispering, "Let me please you, love," as he took the other nipple in his mouth. Elizabeth could only lay still as delicious waves of pleasure overtook her. She felt guilty for not pleasuring Will, but she couldn't stop what he was doing either.

As her soft cries turned to moans, William knew she was ready for him. He reached for the condoms on the end table, only to find her staying his hand.

"Will," she said. She licked her lips nervously and gathered her courage. "I've never been with anyone without a condom."

"Neither have I," he replied slowly, puzzled.

Elizabeth smiled shyly. "I've been saving myself so I would be safe for you."

His dark eyes struggled to understand what she was trying to say.

"I'm on the pill." She took the condom from his hand. "We don't have to use these, if you don't want too." She looked meaningfully at him. "I want to feel you inside of me. "

She looked away, embarrassed by her confession. William understood in a instant what she was offering him, and his heart swelled. He turned her face to his and kissed her, letting his mouth express all the love he felt at that moment.

He gently rolled her so he was on top and pressed open her thighs. Holding her body close, her entered her, feeling for the first time the warmth and wetness of her flesh against his. Slowly he moved with her, kissing her and luxuriating in the unique sensations.

Her kisses became more insistent as her hands urged him deeper, and he could no longer resist the feel of her. His arms released her body and he placed his hands on the bed beside her shoulders. Bracing himself, he changed their pace from slow and shallow to long, fast and deep. Elizabeth shuddered, her breath caught in her chest. Her whole awareness was focused on the place where he touching her. She called his name, invoking him and the divinity she found within him. Her cries rose with the tension in her body, then it all slipped away and she exploded in a rush of light.

William gasped as he felt her body grab and tighten around him. He lost control and climaxed in a potent eruption.

For a long time they couldn't move. They just held each other for dear life and struggled to breath. Slowly their hearts stopped pounding and the world returned to their senses. He slid off of her and gathered her close in his arms. "My bride," he murmured tenderly into her hair, his voice thick and soft with wonder. "My beautiful virgin bride."

Elizabeth felt wetness on her cheek. She lifted her head and kissed away his tear. Her heart was still too full for words, but she comforted him and rubbed her face lovingly against his. "Thank you, thank you. I'll never . . ." he drifted off as words failed him.

Elizabeth took his hand and kissed it. "How," She stopped and tried again, "How did you do that?" Her eyes were wide and puzzled. "I know my body, and I know what it does, and I've never, never felt anything like that."

William snuggled her and said in a quiet voice, "I know. I've never felt such," he struggled for the right word and finally gave up, "such intense ecstasy either, my heart." He kissed her tenderly. "I think we have experienced the difference between sex and making love. I realize now I've never made love before last night."

Elizabeth nodded in mute agreement and kissed him. "My love," she sighed contentedly. With their hearts pressed together, they dozed contentedly in their wedding bower, while the sun burned away the haze and the magic faded back into the ground.

After an hour they reawoke. The unfamiliarity of their new intimacy was eased by the familiarity of their morning bedside telephone chats. William kissed his bride (for that was what she was in his heart) and asked the first thing that popped into his mind. "Darling, why are you on the pill?" His expression melted as he realized what he said and he quickly backpedaled. "Not that I mean anything, I was just-"

She stopped his mouth with a kiss and with a gentle smile explained, "Jane and I always go on the pill during the summer, so we can make sure we don't get our period at war."

"You can do that?"

She kissed him. "You can do that," she assured him with a knowing grin.

"And you're protected, right?"

"I've been on it since May, my love. I'm 99.5% safe from pregnancy," she kissed him again.

"But it won't protect you from STD's?"

She teased his lips with her mouth, "No, but that's (kiss) okay. (kiss) I'm in a (kiss) long-term, (kiss) monogamous relationship."

Before she could kiss him again he had lunged at her mouth and was kissing her with a desperate passion. He knew they had committed themselves to each other last night, and this morning she had given herself to him in a way that he would always hold close in his heart, but hearing her say those words moved him in a way that was as unexpected as it was uncontrollable.

She welcomed his passion and affirmed it with her own. "My Love, my beautiful, beautiful Elizabeth," he chanted, clutching her tight. "I love you so much! I hope you know that."

Elizabeth pulled back enough to look into his eyes. "My heart knows, my body knows," she added with a slight wriggle and a sexy smile, "but my head would like to hear the words." She bit her lip and continued. "I didn't know how you felt about me. I was hopeful, but I wasn't sure. You never actually said anything."

William smiled lovingly, "I've wanted to tell you for a long time, dearest one, but I knew it had to be handled carefully."

William rolled them slightly, so Elizabeth was on her back and he was on his stomach beside her. He petted her cheek gently as he continued. "You see, when I was away in Europe, I realized I loved you. That I had for a long time," he smiled at her, and gave her a tiny kiss on the corner of her mouth. "But when I came back, I jumped the gun, and proved I was an idiot and tried to tell you I loved you before you were ready to hear it. So," he kissed her again, "when you miraculously came back to me, I resolved that I would show you how I felt, and not say anything, so that when the time came," he stopped and took her hand, squeezing it for emphasis, "you would believe me when I told you that I love you, and always will, dearest, sweetest Elizabeth."

He kissed her again, very softly, then pulled back to see her reaction. Tears filled her eyes as he watched and she grimaced, trying to hold them in. William sat up and pulled her into his lap, letting her sob against his shoulder, rubbing her back and placing tiny kisses on her ear.

"William, Will," she sobbed. "Oh."

"Hush, hush," he said in low, soothing tones. "Don't cry love. I want you to be happy." His hands gliding over her silky bare flesh. He kissed her tears away, comforting her with his love.

"I'm sorry," she sniffed. "I usually don't cry like this."

"It's okay, darling," he said, grinning slightly, "this is a new experience for me, too." His smile turned ironic, as he thought out loud, "I'm such a fool."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought I wanted to wait." At her puzzled look, he added, "On making love with you."

Elizabeth's eyes widened, "Do you regret-"

"No," he interrupted her, "No, I could never, ever regret anything so perfect or wonderful," he reassured her. "It's just that I was doing my old trick; I was trying to control where this relationship would go. I thought I should wait until you were certain about me."

"I am certain about you, silly," she asserted. "But I can understand why you would want to hold back. I was worried, too." She looked over his shoulder at the tent walls, "I was afraid that if I surrendered myself to you, I would," she shrugged, unhappy with her words, but unable to think of any better, "lose myself in you."

William clutched her convulsively. "Of course you would feel that way," he said bitterly, "I'm such a control freak. I don't mean to be Elizabeth, I don't. It's just," he paused, "I love you so much, I have trouble trusting myself to let things go, and let them happen." He looked intently into her eyes, "but I swear, I do respect you and I am going to treat you like an equal, my heart," He grinned at the ridiculousness of what he said, "You are so much more than my equal. You are a goddess."

Elizabeth smiled tearfully, "And you are the very best man I have ever known," she told him simply from her heart. She kissed him, repeatedly, her lips capturing the sweetness of his, until her heart felt strengthened. "William, I don't think you are a control freak."

He gave her a doubtful look. "Okay, maybe a little bit," she smiled, "But when I think about everything you have to do. All the people you are responsible for, people whose very living depends on you, and then Georgianna. It's overwhelming. What incredible pressure you must be under to never make a mistake. No wonder you are so careful, and so controlling." She looked away for a moment, thinking of the burden he carried alone. "It must be very lonely, at times."

William nodded, his mouth tight. She had hit the mark. She said things he had never been able to admit to himself. He was so lonely, and he was so afraid of losing the one person he had found to share himself with. In a tight voice, he said softly, "Don't leave me Elizabeth, don't ever leave me. I need you."

Elizabeth smiled reassuringly at him, her hands gently pushing the hair from his face, "I'm not leaving, William, ever," she told him, her voice earnest. "You have won me. You put your heart, and your courage, and your virtue on the line, and you have won me. I am your bride."

Her thoughts turned inward, as she examined her feelings. "William," she said, her voice trembling, "I've never been in love before." She realized her vulnerability and sought comfort in the only place she could. "It's very scary."

William nodded, his feelings matching hers. He kissed her, slowly, letting his feelings, his presence, reassure her. She moaned slowly as his hand slid up her body to caress her side. Emboldened by her response, he touched her breast, cupping and squeezing it lightly. Her reaction was immediate. She needed this as much as he did. Their tongues dueled as his hands caressed her, playing her body like a fine instrument, his touches feather light, then stronger, searing her flesh.

He moaned as she found him, her hands wrapping around his already firm cock. "Elizabeth, please," he begged, "slow down, otherwise-"

"I don't want to slow down. I need you now," she told him.

William rolled onto his back. "Take me, love. Move for me."

Elizabeth's eyes locked on his dark ones ss she straddled him. She watched his face, as she pressed his length against her core, stimulating herself while forbidding him entry. She let him watch her taking pleasure from him, his eyes dark and hungry. Then she arched herself just a tiny bit and felt him slide into her, filling her. His breath quickened as she possessed him fully. Her fingers curled around his shoulders as she began her ride. Slowly, like a statue come to life, she moved against him, her movement graceful and elegant.

Her eyes remained locked on his as the pleasure built in their bodies. Her movement became faster, and he gripped her hips, not to control her, but to connect even more to her. She focused on him, on his eyes, that were expressive in a way she never knew they could be. She could see his excitement growing. She could see he was thrilled by the way she was dominating him. He was getting off on her selfishness. Elizabeth smiled in a calculated fashion. She was going to take him on the ride of his life. She would have her pleasure, but she was going to blow his mind while she took it.

She clenched her muscles as she deliberately broke their rhythm. His eyes faltered, doubt filling them. She let her eyes tell him she knew exactly what she was doing as she restarted their movements. She altered the angle of her thrust as his breathing changed, surprise and understanding lighting his eyes. He knew she was in control. His eyes asked a question as his hands slid up to cup her breasts. She nodded, and struggled to maintain eye contact as he began squeezing them, his thumbs skillfully brushing against her hard nipples.

She sped up again, her need screaming at her, driving her on. Her graceful movement had become powerful thrusts, jerking the whole bed. His hands locked onto her hips, pulling her tighter to him. She watched his eyes, knowing he could see her climax coming as she saw his rip through him, his hands crushed her onto him even has her head flew back and a sound of pure satisfaction rose from her throat. Pleasure spread like fire from her core to her head and she let him give her the last few thrusts as he emptied himself into her.

Then he caught her limp body, and pulled her close as their chests rose and fell with the deep gulps of air they sought. Giving her a final tender squeeze, he gently rolled her off his body and laid her beside him, his hand holding fast to hers as they rested together. They still had many things to say to each other, but for now, they were content in the other's embrace. Elizabeth giggled as a thought occurred to her. "Oh no, I hope Jane didn't hear that."

William grinned, his ego feeling very pleased with the response he had evoked in her. "Don't worry, I doubt she noticed."

Elizabeth looked at him skeptically. She opened her mouth to dispute him when the sound of Jane's voice howling with pleasure came to them. "See?" William asked cheekily.

Elizabeth laughed with William, until the sound of her stomach growling interrupted them. "Oh," she blushed, but William said gallantly, "I believe that is our signal to get up, my heart." "I am hungry," she admitted, climbing out of the bed. William watched her admiringly as she moved without shyness, stretching her arms over her body while she yawned. "Do you have something I could wear, until I go back to Longbourn?" she asked.

William offered her one of the tunics from his chest, but she objected, saying she didn't want to dirty it. She instead put on the soft tunic he had been wearing the night before. The length that had reached his calves brushed the tops of her feet. One shoulder slipped out of the neckline as she bent to put on her sandals. William was enchanted. He was sure he had never seen a more beautiful sight in his life. He followed her out of the tent, after putting on the old tunic he usually wore to the showers.

Elizabeth padded over to the commons tent to heat water, while William made a stop at the port-a-pottie at the end of the block. He met Charles when he came out and waited for his friend. As the two men walked back to their camp, they were greeted by the sight of the two women, laughing and talking as they moved about the kitchen area, each wearing their lover's clothes.

William had never understood what all the fuss about having a girl wearing your shirt the morning after was all about. For him, the morning after an encounter had always been a nightmare, with one or both of the parties trying to exit as quickly as possible.

But looking at Elizabeth, he got it now. She was radiant and she was his! He would never admit it to her, but he felt deeply possessive of her in that moment. His woman, in his kitchen, wearing his clothes, and, he noticed sniffing, cooking his breakfast. A part of him felt like a selfish pig, but he couldn't deny the caveman part of his brain that was very, very happy.

A look at Charles assured him that he wasn't alone in his feelings. Elizabeth smiled brilliantly at him and asked, "What would you like? Sausage or bacon?"

'His woman cook meat!' his lower self grunted proudly. "Bacon, please, if it is not too much difficultly," he replied politely.

Elizabeth smiled in response as Jane asked them how they would like their eggs.

After a leisurely breakfast, the foursome decided it was late enough for showers. There were three shower houses at Pennsic. People would use these, or build a shower in their camp, powering it with solar shower bags or propane fired water heaters. The shower house closest to Longbourn and Pemberley was solar powered. It was a matter of practice and skill to know when was the prime time to get to the showers. If a person came too early in the morning, the water would be painfully cold. If you came too late, it would be too hot.

As they walked the two blocks to the shower house, Jane caught Elizabeth's eye, and with a saucy smile said, "Five words or less." It was a game they played: describe last night's conquest in five words or less.

Elizabeth blushed as she grinned tightly. "You first."

"All right," she smiled beautifully, "Loving, tender, talented, huge, and ohmygod!"

Elizabeth laughed, "I'm not sure that last one was legal."

"You're stalling."

"Okay, okay," she waved her hand. Her face glowed as she recalled the previous night and earlier that morning. "Um, let me see: Magnificent, earthshaking, very loving,"

"one more,"

"well-proportioned."

Jane looked sympathetic, knowing that phrase was femalespeak for 'small', until Elizabeth added, "to his truck." The girls laughed wickedly.

Charles and William shared a look and Charles asked, "Can we play?"

Jane smiled bravely, "Of course. Describe your lover in five words or less."

Elizabeth had to look away from Jane to keep from laughing. Charles thought for a moment, then said, "Angel, angel, beautiful wicked angel," he whispered the last three words as he put his arm around her shoulder, prompting peels of embarrassed laughter from the sisters.

"Your turn, William," Jane prompted.

Elizabeth was blushing vividly at this point. William took her hand and said simply, "Better than all my fantasies."

"Awww," Jane cooed as William caught Elizabeth up in a tender kiss.

After the showers, Elizabeth and Jane went to Longbourn to dress. The men said they would be joining them soon, to help with Jane's tent wreckage.

It was going to be a hot day. It wasn't yet noon, and Elizabeth was sweaty just from the walk back from the showers. She would have worn modern clothes, as she had for the past two days, but she really wanted to get into her garb. She settled on a peplos and lent Jane one as well. She was out of her hot little nylon tent and sitting under the dining fly combing out her hair when William arrived. He was wearing a sleeveless tunic and loose cotton pants: field garb.

"Allow me," he said, taking her comb and standing behind her. Elizabeth tensed slightly, but relaxed as it quickly became clear that William knew what he was doing, as he gently worked the snarls out of her hair.

"How did you get so good with long hair?" she asked.

"I used to have mine down to my waist."

"REALLY!?!"

"No," he grinned. Elizabeth pouted in disappointment. The mental vision of William with a long silky mass of curls was very exciting to her. "Georgianna had me do her hair after our mother died." William explained. "Would you like this braided?"

"You can braid?" Elizabeth asked. He was massaging her scalp lightly and Elizabeth was starting to list to the side from pleasure. "You are a multitalented man, my love."

"Indeed, I intend to show you all of my talents, my beauty," he said a low sexy voice that reached down into her deepest part. Elizabeth moaned softly, amazed at herself. It was only an hour ago she had been in his bed, howling like a banshee, and right now, all she wanted was to do it again.

William realized that Elizabeth was enjoying his caresses a little too much, so he gently righted her shoulders and asked again, "Shall I braid your hair, my love?"

"Oh please," Elizabeth said blushing. She sat still with her chin up as William tamed her wild mane into something neat and orderly. "Darling?" she asked.

"Yes,"

"Can we sleep here tonight?"

She couldn't see it, because she was facing away, but if Elizabeth had seen William's face, she would have witnessed an expression of such heartfelt delight, it would have warmed her for the rest of her life. It touched William to his core that she accepted, without any doubt, that they would be sleeping together. The tiny little fears that had nipped at his heart were slain by that single question. There was no doubt to either of them. They were joined, and would be, forever.

"If you wish, my dearest," he said, his voice was rough with emotion he couldn't hide. He bent low and took her into his arms, squeezing her so tightly, trying to press his love into her. Elizabeth smiled brightly at him, trying to reciprocate without moving her head too much. William stood back up, and after a moment, said in a calmer voice, "You want to try out the Bennet bed?"

Elizabeth grinned, "I do," she said in a sexy voice.

"You naughty girl," he playfully scolded her.

"I thought you liked that about me."

"I do," he growled, making goose bumps rise on Elizabeth's skin. "You know, we could take the Bennet bed apart and set it up in my tent," he offered.

"Or, we could move your pavilion to Longbourn," Elizabeth countered.

William shook his head regretfully, "I can't do that. I'm the land agent, I have to stay there, and I know," he held up his hands in defeat. "You have to maintain a presence here." Elizabeth nodded. "So, we will just alternate between camps," William concluded, "but next year . . ." he left the rest unsaid.

Elizabeth knew what he meant. They were going to have to work something out for next year. Heck, they had a lot to work out. But they had time. Plenty of time, and Elizabeth was going to enjoy it.

As William finished her braid and bound it up in an elastic, a thought occurred to him, "Elizabeth, did you make that bed to seduce me in it?" he asked.

A guilty giggle was his response. William eyes widened in surprise. "I can't believe it."

"Well," Elizabeth hedged, "maybe not to seduce you," she clarified, "but I was definitely thinking about making love to you when I made it." She blushed and looked at him archly, "Does that bother you?"

"Elizabeth," William began, standing up and taking her hands in his, "The most beautiful, sensuous, delicious woman I have ever met, who I love with all my heart, tells me she made a bed, with her own two hands, for the purpose of fucking me, and you ask if it bothers me?" he laughed. "Elizabeth, in all the dreams and fantasies I had about you, never could I ever imagine you would do such a wonderful thing." He shook his head, "I'm speechless."

Elizabeth slid into his arms and held him tightly. She loved him so much, and she could not stop falling in love with him again and again.

****

Wednesday, August 8, 2001

Elizabeth chose Wednesday to be her first day of cooking over the fire. The weather was clear, but not too hot, and she was happy to spend the afternoon tending a pork roast cooking on the spit, as well as a pot of root vegetables, in between reading her book. She reveled in the freedom of having little to do, and even took a little snooze in the middle of the day.

William and Charles were spending the day practicing on the battlefield, with Jane tagging along to keep them from hurting themselves. It was six o'clock when Jane strolled back into Longbourn.

"Hey, honey!" Jane greeted her happily. "Guess what?"

"What?" Elizabeth asked, smiling. She could tell Jane had good news.

"I ran into Melly at the food court and tonight is the Duckie party!"

"Oh!" Elizabeth said excitedly, her eyes wide, "We gotta go!"

"I told her to expect us," Jane answered smugly. "Think we can get the guys to come?" she asked.

Elizabeth shook her head back and forth considering, "Maybe, depends on if they've ever been to le Canard before," she laughed.

The gentlemen appeared a few minutes later, freshly showered. Elizabeth served the dinner while Jane broached the idea of the Duckie party. "A friend of ours invited us to a martini party tonight," she said warmly.

"That sounds great," Charles interjected. Elizabeth was not at all surprised to find that Charles was a party animal. So far he had expressed interest in attending every party they had heard of.

"Where is this party?" William asked, more cautiously.

"It's a little household, 'le Canard'," Jane said casually.

At this William's expression fell and Charles began laughing uproariously. "The Duckie party! Don't you want to go the Duckie party again, Will?"

Jane and Elizabeth's eyes met. "You've been to the Duckie party before, William?" Elizabeth asked carefully.

"We will not speak of it," he said tightly.

'Oh yeah' Elizabeth thought, 'he's been there before.'

Charles was practically snorting at this point. "I'll never forget when Melly made you play 'Santa Claus'!"

"Charles!" William said warningly.

"What happened?" Elizabeth asked.

"We went two years ago, and I think we were the only guys there. You both know Melly, right?" Elizabeth and Jane nodded. "Well, we were there, and everyone was drunk, except for William, of course, so Melly decided that William was to be their Santa Claus and all the girls got to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted." Charles was holding on to the back of the chair for support, he was laughing so hard. "I'm amazed he made it out of there with his clothes still on!"

Elizabeth and Jane knew how these parties could be. They tended to be populated by happy, vaguely horny, drunken woman. Elizabeth felt sorry for William, whom she could visualize suffering there all too easily, even as she giggled softly.

"I guess you won't be coming then?" she asked him as soon as she recovered control of her expression.

"No," he said tersely.

"Will you mind if we go?" she asked.

"Of course not," he said, his eyes distant. "You do what you want to do."

Elizabeth wasn't really pleased with this answer. She thought William was sulking, but she really wanted to go to Melly's party, so she accepted it without further question. "I will see you when I get back, right?" she asked, her voice more nervous than she realized.

"Of course, darling," William said warmly. He took her into his arms and held her close. "I'm just not a party kind of person," He told her softly, while kissing her shoulder. "You go, and have a good time. I'll be waiting for you when you get back."

After dinner William and Charles returned to Pemberley while Jane and Elizabeth went to the showers to get cleaned up for the party. The dirt level of Pennsic almost mandated two showers a day, and that was just to keep the dust down.

When it was time to dress for the party, Elizabeth held off on a bodice and skirt number, figuring there would only be girls there, and what was the point of wasting the outfit? Instead she put on one of her pretty linen gowns.

The party was great fun, with martinis being served from a wadding pool, and Elizabeth wore her duck feathers proudly, but she couldn't help but feel like she was missing something, or someone.

****

Late that night, William entered Elizabeth's tent, silently slipping off his sandals and sliding under the covers next to her.

Elizabeth rolled over and grasped his neck with her arms, while she gave a small cry. "Elizabeth? What's wrong?" he asked.

"I was afraid you wouldn't come," she said into his chest.

William rubbed her back. She was clad in just her chemise and he noticed with amusement a duck feather stuck in her hair. "Why wouldn't I come?" he asked gently.

Elizabeth didn't say anything, only shook her head against his tunic.

"Did you have a good time at the party?" he asked quietly, trying to figure out what was bothering her.

"No," came the soft response.

"Why not?" he asked.

"I missed you." She sighed, "it was a nice party, and Melly gave us all duck feathers and the martinis were very nice, but I kept missing you and wishing you were there and looking for you. And then, when I got back, you weren't here!"

"I'm sorry, love," he said gently, sensing she was still a bit tipsy. "I was waiting with Charles. When Jane came in and told me you were back, I came right over." He felt her relax in his embrace and touched her hair. "I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the party.

Elizabeth looked up at him for the first time. "Promise me, no more going to parties separately?"

William smiled. "I promise," he said solemnly. "It's not like I wanted to be apart from you, I just didn't want you to think I was trying to tell you what to do."

Elizabeth sighed as she settled against his chest.

"I like your duckie feather," he said, smiling.

Elizabeth smiled. "I won it!" she said proudly.

William laughed softly, "Do I want to know how you won it?"

Elizabeth gave him a thoughtful frown, "Probably not," she said, her nose wrinkling. William could not help but kiss it, it was so cute. Then he had to kiss the rest of her face, finally settling on her sweet lips. Elizabeth purred contentedly, then she frowned again. "You are wearing too many clothes!" she announced.

"So are you!" he asserted playfully. A rapid undressing followed, after which, they settled back into the warmth of the other's arms, "Better, darling?" he asked.

"Much," she said in her sexy voice. William knew what was coming and he hardened at just the thought.

*****

Thursday, August 9, 2001

During breakfast that morning, Charles received a call on his cell phone, something that Elizabeth hadn't seen since their arrival. Charles answered it, and saying, "Hang on, Sabrina," he walked to his tent.

"Who's Sabrina?" Jane asked.

"His personal secretary," William answered. At Jane's look, he added, "She's in her forties and happily married."

Charles came out a few minutes later, and gave William the thumbs up signal. William walked to his tent as Charles addressed Elizabeth and Jane. "Ladies, you are going to have to excuse us today. I have to go to Pittsburgh on business." He chewed his lip and frowned, "I'm very sorry. Will's going to come with me." He looked at Jane, "You will be okay without me, won't you angel?"

Jane smiled at him, "Of course, Charles. You do what you have to do and come back to me when you are done."

"Will you be back for dinner?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh, we should be," Charles assured her. William emerged from his tent dressed in modern clothes and said, "Why don't we eat out tonight, that way you won't have to cook, okay?"

Elizabeth shrugged, "Works for me." She was slightly puzzled by the sudden exit the guys were making, but she trusted them.

*** As William drove the truck towards Pittsburgh, he asked "You have something to check the size, right?"

Charles held up a ring, "Yup. She was wearing this yesterday, so I know it fits the right finger." He smiled thoughtfully as he looked at the tiny silver band resting on his palm. "You are lucky," he told William, "You don't have to do this."

William nodded, "I know, but look on the bright side. You can now start a tradition. You can give the ring you get today to your son and it will become the Bingley ring."

"Oh no!" Charles objected. "Angel's gonna wear this until the day she dies."

William smiled slightly as he guided the truck down the highway into the city proper. He was lucky. The ring he needed would be coming in with Georgianna on Saturday. Then he would be all set.

****

Elizabeth and Jane spent the day shopping. This was the first day the merchants were open, and they were ready to make their first reconnoissance trip. Shopping at Pennsic was a multi-day process. There were so many merchants, spread out over such a large area, it took repeated trips to see everything, before one was actually ready to start buying. After years of experience, Elizabeth had a finely tuned sense of what she needed to buy right away, because it would sell out quickly, and what she could wait on. She did find something she wanted right away, a beautiful eating dagger that was accurate for her persona. She didn't buy it, but put it on her list for later.

When they returned to Pemberley to drop off Jane's purchases, it was after six and they were pleased to find the guys had returned. Elizabeth heard Jane greet Charles as she had entered their tent, so she quickly slipped into William's.

She was not disappointed. William was in the process of changing. His chest was bare and he was dropping his shorts when he noticed her there, her eyes dark. He drank her appearance in, while he felt her do the same. She was wearing a light blue linen gown that laced up the front and hugged her full breasts and flat stomach. She reached up and pulled off her snood, which had bound her hair and it fell around her neck and shoulders in a shining soft cloud.

But it was her eyes that held him fast. Eyes that ate in every inch of his body. Eyes that unashamedly hungered for him. Eyes that had haunted him day and night for the past months, that now called on him to take her.

He could not hold back his response, even if he wanted to, and he did not want too.

Elizabeth swallowed as she saw the look she was seeking in his eyes. The look of naked desire. The look that would scare many women, but that made Elizabeth melt. She loved the simple artlessness of William's desire. He did not cover it up in polite phrases or social pleasantries. He wanted her, now. It was as simple as that.

But somehow that simplicity, that frankness stole her breath away. It was the intensity of it. The power of his need. He wanted to consume her, to possess her, to take her body and make it his in every way possible. There was a wildness about it. It was base and feral, and it was all hers.

She opened the front of her gown, pulling the single lace out with a finger while she watched him, until with an impatient growl, he rushed her. The harsh sound of fabric ripping accented his movement as he pulled the dress over her head, and discarded it. Underwear followed equally fast, then he slowed, regarding her body, his eyes dark and dangerous. He drank in the sight of her nakedness, making her feel both embarrassed and aroused at the same time, as her nipples hardened and her core grew wet.

He dropped to his knees before her, but this was no act of supplication. This was an attack. He drew her pointed nipple into his mouth. Their week together had taught him which one she favored and her legs weakened as he latched on, his mouth working the tender flesh eagerly. She cried out and her body swayed, to be caught be his hands, firmly clasping her waist and holding her in place. Soft noises rose from her throat, expressing her undeniable need. His hand slid from her side to cup her buttock, then travel over the curve of her hip to her sex. Her moans became more insistent as he stroked her slick center and she shuddered as she felt a finger penetrate her.

"I want you," he growled from her tit. "I want to taste every inch of your body," Elizabeth's mouth hung open as her body grew limp with yearning. "I'm going to fuck you so hard, you won't be able to move, then I'm going to do it again."

With a weak cry, Elizabeth surrendered the fight to stay upright and let his hands catch her. He eased her body to the ground, his eyes watching her like the prey she was. Elizabeth's passion drugged state faded as she beheld his cock, which she hadn't seen while he was suckling. He was rock hard and fully erect, a tiny drop of moisture forming at the tip. Elizabeth's mouth watered involuntarily, and she dropped her head to him, taking his length between her lips. She delighted in this. She loved the taste of him, the saltiness, and she loved the musky scent that rose up from the tight curls of hair at his base. She sucked eagerly, letting her tongue swirl around his steel-hard shaft, while her hand caressed and tugged lightly on his balls.

With a grunt he pulled himself free and roughly turned her body around. Elizabeth felt disappointment, he had never come in her mouth yet, and she wanted to taste him fully. Her feelings of loss were quickly dissipated as he slid forcefully into her dripping, hot core.

They had been pleased to find that not only were their bodies perfectly physically compatible, but their desires were as well. They both enjoyed frequent sex. And while at times their lovemaking was soft, gentle and tender, there were also moments like this, moments of white hot fury. Moments of need that could only be quenched by something rough and dirty.

Elizabeth knelt on the grass, on her hands and knees as William spread her body apart with his huge cock, sliding violently in and out. She reveled in the nastiness of it. In that moment, her darker side told her this was right, she was his bitch, his whore, and he would use her for his pleasure. Instead of feeling degraded, she was deeply excited, thrusting her body back to meet his, encouraging him to go deeper with every thrust, until she couldn't hold back anymore. The tiny patch of sensitive skin, the nerve bundle that centered on the wall of her vagina had been rubbed just the right way by his phallus, and she exploded in a violent orgasm that rocked her body and mind to its core.

As her muscles tightened in her release, she could feel William coming with her, his thrusts becoming hard blows against her ass which then slowed and eventually stopped. With a moan, Elizabeth dropped to the ground, her body spent, only to to be quickly picked up by William and carried to the bed. He gently laid her down, and tenderly covered her up with the sheet, holding her body close, and rubbing her sweat drenched skin lightly.

When her eyes opened to met his, she smiled at what greeted her. Eyes that had once been closed off to her in a hard, disapproving mask, now regarded her with open adoration. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked softly, his voice loving and concerned.

"No," she said, with a satisfied smile. "That was wonderful," she purred contentedly, "thank you."

"Thank you," he replied, his voice reflecting the contentment he felt. He shook his head slightly. "I don't know what it is, Elizabeth, and I feel like a pig, but I just can't get enough of you."

"Good!" Elizabeth assured him, "because I certainly can't get enough of you either!" She wrapped her arms around his neck and wiggled against him. "I crave you, all the time, William, like a drug. And every time I think 'that's it, that's the best it can be,' you do something else and it's even better." She stroked his shoulder and the long, muscular arm that was wrapped around her, "I just hope I'm not tiring you out."

"Never my Lady Love," he grinned. "My sword is always ready to be of service to you."

Elizabeth laughed, "You didn't just say that, did you?"

William laughed with her, "I am your big, strong knight, my lady." Their laughter mingled as their bodies had, freely and joyfully.

As they dressed for dinner, (after sending Jane to get a another gown for Elizabeth) a quietness descended on William and Elizabeth, that continued throughout their meal at the food court. Charles and Jane noticed it, but they respected their companion's privacy. Finally Elizabeth could take no more, and brought up what was bothering her. "When is the rest of Pemberley arriving?" she asked.

"Saturday morning," William answered. "They are all driving out together, so they should arrive en masse."

"What about Georgianna?"

"She's driving out with Richard," he said. His eyes reflected his mixed feelings. He looked forward to the company of his household, his dearest friends and his sister, but at the same time, it meant he would have to split his attentions between them and Elizabeth.

"Kitty and Lydia will be arriving tomorrow afternoon, with the rest of Longbourn showing up some time Saturday."

William nodded. He felt selfish, but he couldn't deny his displeasure at the fact that he was going to have to share Elizabeth with her household either.

"Will?" she asked, her voice soft and fragile. "We're still going to sleep together, right?" Her eyes were frightened. "I mean, after Georgie gets here?" William silently took her into his arms, holding her tightly. Jane and Charles politely ignored the other couple.

"Sweetheart," William soothed, "we are going to sleep together for the rest of our lives," he said with quiet fervency into her ear. "I don't care if it's at Pennsic, or Meryton or Pemberley, your bed is mine, always."

Elizabeth closed her eyes, her heart relieved.

"Georgianna is going to have to adjust to you, because you are a part of my life now," he said, grinning slightly, as he pulled back and pressed his forehead to hers. "Besides, she likes you, very much, and I couldn't think of a better sister for her."

Elizabeth smiled, comforted. "Both of our families are going to be having some surprises when they arrive," Jane observed.

"Why don't we take Lydia and Kitty out to dinner tomorrow," Charles suggested.

"That's a good idea," Jane agreed.

"Charles, you have been spending so much on us, you don't have to do this," Elizabeth objected.

"Nonsense, Lizzy, I want to meet your sisters." He looked at Jane, "it's important to me to get to know all of your family."

Elizabeth smiled and looked at William, "He's right, you know," he said softly. Elizabeth was surprised. She knew William enjoyed meeting new people the way most people enjoyed a root canal. "It's a good idea to try and get both houses as friendly as possible," he grinned, "before we steal their harbingers away."

Elizabeth grinned back at his cheekiness, but she had to admit he had a point. "I've got an idea. In the interest of inter-household friendliness, why doesn't Pemberley come to dinner at Longbourn Saturday night?"

"That's a great idea, Lizzy," Jane enthused. "Our aunt brings out this steak teriyaki that she's been marinating for a few days and we always cook them for the first night here, because it's very little work, and everyone needs a good meal after the long drive. That would be prefect."

"Will there be enough for everyone?" Charles asked.

"Oh, you don't know my aunt. She makes Lizzy look like a moderate cook." "Hey!" Elizabeth objected, to the chuckles of the rest of them.

"No, there will be enough, and she brings extra sauce, so we can throw in some chicken parts as soon as she arrives, and they will be ready by dinner time."

"Yeah," Elizabeth agreed, picking up enthusiasm. "We can make a big vat of rice and we will have plenty of food." She looked at William to gauge his opinion, "Would your household like that?"

"Are you kidding?" William regarded her deadpan, "They are mostly starving college students, and you are offering them freshly cooked meat?" He laughed, "They will love it."

"Then it's settled," Charles said cheerfully. "Tomorrow night, we feed the Bennet girls."

"Oh, and Jacques" Jane reminded him.

"And Jacques," Charles amended, "and Saturday, we all get together for dinner at Longbourn." He smiled with satisfaction. "See Lizzy, everything is going perfectly."

When they walked back to camp from the food court, after getting Elizabeth's favorite dessert: fruity cobbler, William told her "I've got a surprise for you."

"You mean other than the cobbler?" she asked saucily. Her good humor had returned after being reassured that the arrival of Georgianna would not affect their relationship, or sleeping habits.

"Yes, I mean other than the cobbler," he grinned. He had never laughed as much as he did with Elizabeth. There was something about her that made the world so much brighter, so much sweeter. He cherished her and every moment he had with her.

"Oh! What did you get me? Could it be, (gasp) a cup of milk?" she teased.

"Even better than that!" he assured her as he directed them toward Longbourn.

"What are we doing here?" she asked. "It's a Pemberley night, isn't it?"

"It is," William agreed, "but I wanted our last sibling-free night to be alone, if that's okay with you. Besides," he said with a sly look, "this way I can surprise you."

He led her through the gate of Longbourn and showed her, in the middle of the grassy area, what looked like a large chaise lounge. It was wide enough for two.

Elizabeth looked at him puzzled. "I don't get it."

"Lay down," William instructed her. Elizabeth shrugged, and took the left side of the lounge while William took the right. She snuggled close and said "Now what?"

"Look up," he said pointing.

Elizabeth followed his arm to look at a sky filled with a multitude of stars. "Ohhh," she gasped softly.

"I've been wanting to take you stargazing since the night of Coronation, Elizabeth," he said intimately. "I remember holding you tight in the parking lot there, the stars shining so brightly over us in the cold night air." He touched her hair lovingly, "It was a dream I held close to me when I was away and missing you. When I saw this lounger, big enough for two, I knew I had to get it, so I could share it with you."

The stars shimmered as Elizabeth's eyes became teary. "William," she gasped softly.

They laid together for a long time, talking softly of the stars and their future. When at last she began yawning, she led him into her tent and her bed, and there he did everything he had promised to do to her earlier, and loved her body with a completeness that left her immobile.

Then, as they had every night since Sunday, they curled up as one, and slept blissfully until morning.