Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably as the carriage rolled along, her sore bum making the ride difficult. She noticed Darcy's amused face and gave him a comical scowl.
"Are you well, my dear?" he asked knowing full well why she was having difficulty.
"I am a bit achy, perhaps I slept awkwardly last night," she replied.
"I am sorry to hear it. I did bring extra pillows and a blanket just in case and if Mrs Bennet will agree to sit on this side with me and Miss Bennett slides over you could lay down. I believe you will be more comfortable."
They all did as suggested. Once she was settled Darcy looked to his beloved with a raised eyebrow. Elizabeth knew he was taunting her for an acknowledgement of his care and with her mother and favorite sister so close she could hardly refuse him.
Not that she would refuse him anything, in truth, but her discomfort was by his hands, quite literally and she was determined to make him earn her favor on this trip. She enjoyed these little battles.
"It is tolerably better I suppose, sir. I thank you."
Jane gasped at the word tolerably, she knew Mr Darcy used that word to describe Lizzy when they first met and she knew her sister chose that particular word just now to provoke him.
"In my experience, my dear, something that starts out as seemingly tolerable can transform into something truly divine right before your very eyes."
Jane gasped again! Elizabeth could not help but smile at the compliment. Everyone looked to Mrs Bennett who had fallen asleep and missed the exchange entirely.
"I believe you are correct, sir and the more I think on it I am very comfortable indeed," Elizabeth begrudgingly acknowledged. "One point for you Mr Darcy," she thought to herself. She looked upon his smug face and smirked. Jane just shook her head. This trip was going to be fun, she thought.
They reached Darcy's home and all were intimidated as well as delighted by its grandness. The master of the house personally showed everyone to their rooms to refresh themselves saving Elizabeth for last. He showed her the secret door that he could access from his private study and showed her a very cleverly hidden peephole.
Elizabeth's body tingled with excitement at all the possibilities including Mr Darcy being able to watch her any time he wished with or without her knowledge or consent. She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into a hard kiss.
Darcy accepted her kiss with pleasure then spun her around and put his hands inside the top of her dress and squeezed her nipples. He kissed her neck and nibbled on her ear.
"Well done, sir. You are exceeding all my expectations." She said rather breathlessly.
"I aim to please, madam."
They reluctantly separated to refresh and change. The whole party met for a delicious supper and spent some time in a drawing room before bed.
The housekeeper came to ask the future Mistress about her preferences. She informed her that she and her sister didn't need a maid at night, they would care for each other. Mrs Reynolds was clearly taken aback by the suggestion.
"Mrs Reynolds my sister and I have shared a room and cared for each other our entire lives and in a months time I will be completely in the power of this ogre of a man and without my beloved Jane so I beg you to indulge me."