A Little Before Their Marriage

This story is rated mature for sexual content and period-appropriate vulgarity.

Jane and Bingley find some time alone after their engagement.

Bingley, who wanted to be alone with Jane, proposed their all walking out. Ch 58

Chapter 1

When a carriage arrived at Longbourn, the newly engaged couple had no intention of remaining to see the guests. Jane and Charles made their way through the shrubbery and into the little copse. It was empty, the gardener rarely came that way and Jane knew that they were entirely sheltered from the view of anyone inside the house.

“I thought we would walk further,” Bingley said, though he seemed content on the rustic seat Jane had indicated they rest upon.

“I am no great walker,” Jane admitted. “I am always tired before Lizzy.”

“You would have my arm.”

“Then I could walk forever, but why not sit here and enjoy the day?”

“I have no objection,” Charles said. For a few minutes they talked about the weather and the warmth of the season.

Suddenly a stern female voice behind them exclaimed, “You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my journey hither. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come.”

They both turned, but saw nothing through the thick leaves of the wilderness.

Elizabeth replied, “Indeed, you are mistaken, madam; I have not been at all able to account for the honour of seeing you here.”

Jane whispered to Bingley, “Oh! We should not be here!”

Charles replied, “If we attempt to move now, we will be heard or seen.”

“We must try not to listen.”

Unfortunately, this was easier said than done, as both Lady Catherine (they soon discovered her identity) and Elizabeth were speaking loudly. They sat uncomfortably beside each other and then suddenly Jane said, “We must speak of something else.”

“I cannot think,” Charles admitted, “I cannot think of any subject. It is too distracting!”

“How soon shall we be married?” Jane asked.

“As soon as you wish!”

“I would prefer to marry as soon as possible.”

Charles turned his attention fully towards her, “I am not going to leave again. Now that I know that you love me, how could I ever go?”

Jane blushed, “It is not that.”

“What is it then?”

Jane coloured again, she found it difficult to express what she meant. Instead she took his hand, boldly removed the glove, and kissed his palm. The discussion happening near them was entirely forgotten. He gently stroked her cheek. The sensation was exquisite.

She looked into his blue eyes and smiled. Jane had not admitted to anyone how many times during those months apart, even when she had fully believed he did not care for her, she had imagined kissing him. It had seemed to be a harmless fantasy at the time; now she was leaning in closer. There were only inches between them, she could feel the warmth of his breath. His hand was now motionless on her cheek. She was for a moment unable to move, unable to do anything except anticipate what may come. Charles was likewise still.

Jane waited as long as she could bear. The argument behind them ended and the little wilderness was silent except for the occasional birdsong. “I want you to kiss me,” Jane whispered.

He looked from her mouth to her eyes and Jane looked back steadily, though she knew her cheeks were still pink. The final distance was crossed and Jane’s eyes closed by instinct as their lips finally touched. It was very gentle, like a feather falling across her lips. She felt like her heart was glowing inside of her; she could feel it beating quickly. Jane pressed herself in closer. She knew well enough that there was more to this activity.

She felt his lips part tentatively and Jane plunged ahead. She could taste a hint of coffee from his breakfast, it was still early in the morning. She wondered what she tasted of, but she had no desire to stop. Probably like apples. She tried to focus her attention on her current activity but her mind was racing away from her. Did he like the way she tasted? She intertwined her gloved hand with his free one.

“Jane?”

“Yes?”

“I have been wanting to kiss you for months.”

“I dreamed about it.”

“Did you? I was always told girls-” he stopped.

Jane blushed violently, “I only know what I have felt.” Was she unnatural? Would he be disgusted by her passion?

He smiled. She relaxed slightly.

“I wish I had known sooner what you felt.”

Jane took off her white glove and stroked his face. He was clean-shaven and smooth. He took her hand and kissed it.

“Perhaps the waiting makes it sweeter,” she said.

“I suppose it might.”

“However, I think the treatment has been long enough. I have had my fill of waiting,” Jane said with a smile.

“You cannot understand how much I agree with your sentiments.”

They kissed again. The sudden sound of horses in motion and the carriage being drawn away returned Jane to her senses and she said softly, “We may be seen. Someone might come from the house.” In particular she feared that Elizabeth might return.

Bingley stood and offered his arm, “Do you care to accompany me somewhat further, mi’lady?”

Jane laughed and took his arm, “Wither shall we go?”

“I spied a promising crop of trees on our last walk.”

“Then you have been thinking of this too.”

“Constantly! Even more since I saw you again. But, I did not only think of- I missed talking with you most of all. We spent so many pleasant evenings together.”

“I did not suspect you of thinking only of- of that sort of thing.”

“Did you often think of me?”

“I missed you terribly. More than that, my mother was always- she talked about your departure often.”

“Was Darcy’s aunt saying that your sister and him were engaged?” Bingley said, saving her from confusion.

“I believe so,” Jane replied, “I was trying not to listen.”

“How strange! I always thought they disliked each other. They argued constantly at Netherfield, when you were ill.”

Jane knew that Darcy did not in fact dislike Elizabeth, or at least that he had not, but unable to share the secret of his proposal last April, she said, “It does seem like an unlikely event. I wonder how she could have supposed something so strange.”

“It would be very agreeable.”

“Yes, but also impossible. I do not think she could ever overcome her dislike of him!”

“They will perhaps see more of each other once we are married.”

Jane only shook her head. She felt confident that her sister still was prejudiced against Mr. Darcy. Jane remembered the disastrous proposal in Hunsford and how insultingly Mr. Darcy had spoken. She almost hated him herself for his expressions then!

“They are well suited, do you not think so? If they were not set against each other.”

Jane nodded, “They are, but Elizabeth seems determined not to notice it.”

“They are probably the most intelligent people I know. They have almost opposite dispositions, but then that suits some people very well. I think it would be good for Darcy.”

“If it were possible! Lizzy will find her own way well enough I daresay.”

“She is more than competent. Here,” Charles said. He led Jane into a small thicket. She recognized the place and knew it was suitable. It was a neglected spot, overgrown and well-hidden. He led the way, holding aside branches and helping her across roots until they were completely obscured from sight.

Chapter 2

Now that she was actually alone with her intended, Jane’s courage began to fail her. She felt a strange mixture of fear and anticipation, excitement and near dread. As they stopped behind a large tree, she felt her cheeks warm with blushing. She knew in her heart what she wanted, but she also felt how horribly forward she was being. They were not married! Yet she wanted nothing more than for him to kiss her again.

He was looking her over, which made Jane feel self-conscious until he said, “Did your pelisse catch on a branch?”

She looked down, “No, I do not think so. I am unharmed.”

He looked just as unsure as herself, “Do you want to go back home?”

“No,” she said, before she had time to really consider it.

“No?”

Jane felt her courage rising again, she took a step towards him, “You are my home now. Forever.”

He moved closer to her and then his forehead bumped into her bonnet. They both chuckled nervously, Jane untied the strings and took it off, but then wondered what to do with it. She wanted full use of her hands.

“Here?” said Bingley, pointing to a small broken branch, about eye level.

“A natural hat hook,” Jane said, hanging her bonnet on it with exaggerated exactness. She turned back towards him and smiled nervously. It seemed to her that once they were together again everything would go smoothly, but how was she to get back to him? The distance between them, only a few feet, seemed immeasurable and unconquerable. Charles was watching her, she blushed. Finally, she offered him her gloved hand. He took it and like an anchor she used his arm to pull herself towards him.

They were close again, but much closer than before. While sitting they could not have been chest to chest, though now Jane was looking up at Charles instead of eye to eye. That was a complication and another difficult distance to cross. His arms were around her now, she wished she could stay forever in his embrace. She almost signed.

“Hm?” he said softly.

“I love you.”

“I love you, Jane.”

“I want you.”

He replied by kissing her again. He was gentle and tentative at first, but they moved quickly to where they had been before. Jane delighted in the sensation of it, her body against his, his lips on hers, the taste of him on her tongue. She responded to his movements in kind. Her heart beat quickly again, it felt ready to burst with happiness, and she felt a swell of heat between her hips.

As they continued, she took off her gloves, letting them fall carelessly to the ground. Charles took one of her hands in his own and she noticed his gloves had likewise disappeared. Their hands had touched before; they had when he proposed, however the novelty had not yet worn away. She leaned into his touch as he brought his other hand to her cheek. His carasses were so gentle, like she was a newborn kitten he was afraid to injure.

Jane pulled back for a moment to breathe. She brought his hand to her lips and then to her cheek. He was looking at her with an earnest expression, she smiled.

“Are you well?” he asked in concern.

“I have seldom been better.”

“We should return before we are missed,” he said, but he made no effort to move.

“Not yet.”

Several more minutes passed in the aforementioned manner. Jane finally began to consider how little she would like to be questioned on where they had gone and what had been done; as she avoided falsehoods of any kind.

“We should return,” she said softly. Her body belied her purpose, as she rested her head on his chest. He was holding her tightly and she would rather he did not let go.

“We should.”

“Soon.”

“Do you think we could slip away again?”

“I do not think your mother would do much to prevent it.”

“She may send one of my sisters with us.”

“She may.”

Jane finally pulled herself away, “We should return.”

He nodded and reached down to pick up their fallen gloves. They each put them back on and then Bingley handed Jane her bonnet. One of Jane’s white gloves had been trodden and was noticeably dirty. She tried to brush off the dirt to little avail. Jane hoped she could go upstairs and change without being questioned. Restored to plausible respectability, Bingley led them back out of the thicket. Jane could not help stealing another kiss after discerning that not a soul was in sight.

“Tomorrow, perhaps we can walk this way again,” she said.

“I hope we may.”

They returned to Longbourn and Jane quickly took off her gloves and hid them from the sight of her mother and sisters. As there was continued speculation about Lady Catherine’s visit, which Jane did not join, no one seemed to notice how long they had been gone.

That night, Elizabeth went directly to bed and said nothing to her sister about the strange visitor and the argument in the garden. Jane did not pry, she would not have invaded Elizabeth’s confidence on any occasion, but she had more pleasant things to think of besides.

The next day brought rain and therefore no opportunity to try again for privacy. Jane did not think she had ever been so disappointed at the sight of poor weather. Bingley arrived early in his carriage and she was as happy as ever to see him, but she also felt something like regret. The day passed pleasantly enough, with talk and reading. Charles was obliged to part with them before dinner as a neighbour had invited him to dine that evening. The carriage was ordered and he prepared to depart, when Jane suddenly noticed that they had been left alone. Her mother and sisters had gone to dress and not even a servant remained in the passageway to the door.

“It seems I can give you a proper goodbye,” she said, with a sly smile.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow,” he quoted, and then quickly kissed her.

She looked around again, and then whispered, “My only love.” She kissed him again, though fearing every moment that his groom would open the door.

He took her hand, kissed it, and then bid her a final farewell. Her heart fluttered as she imagined that tomorrow they might return to their hideaway. The rain had already stopped. She hoped with her whole heart that it promised to be fairer on the morrow.

Charles was with them early the next day and after Jane ate her breakfast, none of her sisters were ready to accompany them if they went outside. It was a warm day and Jane hoped that meant little dirt on the path to the thicket.

“Mamma, we are going to take a turn in the shrubbery,” Jane said.

Mrs. Bennet only cautioned, “Do not forget your bonnet.” She did not require them to wait for a sister. Jane went upstairs in all haste and took her bonnet and pelisse from her room.

“You are going out?” said Elizabeth, still dressing.

“Yes, for a short walk.”

“If you wait, I can accompany you.”

Jane felt herself blanche, “Oh, just a short turn outside. We may take a longer walk with you later in the day.”

“I will not detain you then,” Elizabeth said with a strained smile. Another day, Jane would have asked what troubled her sister, but escape was too vital and she made her way back downstairs. For a moment she wondered if it was something to do with Lady Catherine; the thought passed quickly out of her head. Charles was waiting for her, already dressed to depart. She took his arm and they walked in the direction of the thicket.

“Did you have a pleasant dinner with the Gouldings?”

“They are a detestable family! How barbarous to keep me from you by neighbourly obligation.”

Jane laughed, “How cruel indeed! I had no enjoyment last night myself, but I hoped better for you.”

“No, the food was tasteless, the conversation entirely dull. There is nothing that can capture any measure of my attention or devotion except for you, my love.”

“A hard duty indeed!”

Bingley sighed, “If I am to live at Netherfield, I can hardly begin in offending half the neighbourhood. It is the only reason I thought it right to leave your side.”

“It is unfair that politeness is being required of you now.”

“A great sacrifice on my part!” Charles declared.

“I can bear the separation better knowing that we are to meet again soon.”

“By the bye, Darcy sent a note, he is coming to Netherfield tomorrow. I think he will accompany me the day after when I visit. But never fear, I will still join your family for dinner.”

“I will be happy to see him again,” Jane said in a tone of complacency, but she was worried that his presence may curtail their ability to slip away. It made this moment infinitely more precious.

When they reached their destination, hats and gloves were rapidly doffed. There was no hesitation before their lips met again. Jane gloried in the sensation, it made her warm all over. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed herself as close to him as possible. She wanted to be closer, she wanted more but she was far too nervous to suggest it.

They parted for a moment. “Jane,” he said, in a low whisper.

“Charles?”

“I love you.”

Her heart swelled, “I love you.”

“I could stay here with you forever.”

A thought crossed Jane’s mind and she blushed violently. She lowered her eyes.

“What is it?”

Jane shook her head.

“Jane, we can go back to the house if you feel uneasy.”

“No, it is not-,” the words caught in her throat.

He took her hand and stroked it tenderly. “Tell me what is wrong. What can I do for your present relief?”

“I know more than I should,” she said in the softest whisper.

“What do you mean?” he said in concern.

Jane looked down again, “I have never done anything; I have never kissed anyone. But.. a few months ago my sister, Lydia, brought home a book. I still have no idea where she found it.” Jane paused, Charles kept holding her hand and waited patiently. “I had heard of it before so I took it from her and I meant to dispose of it directly but I could not help it… I read some of it. Not all of it! I have a good idea now about-” she stopped.

“What book?”

“Fanny Hill.”

“Fanny Hill!”

“I did not mean to read it!” Jane tore her hand away and covered her face. She never should have said anything! She was ready to die of shame.

“Jane,” he said softly. “Jane, I have read Fanny Hill. There were hidden copies everywhere at Cambridge; a friend lent me one. I was merely surprised you had read it, not angry.”

“It was very wrong,” Jane said miserably.

“It is probably not very different from what your mother would have told you before the wedding night. Though it may not be the most accurate description of the marital act.”

“No?” Jane said, finally dropping her hands back to her sides. Charles drew her close again.

“No.”

“What is different?”

Bingley was the one now struggling to speak, “From what my married friends have said, it will not be as painful as it was for her. How far did you read?”

“Oh!” Jane exclaimed. If it was possible she blushed harder. “Only until the man she eloped with left her.” She hesitated to say the name of that young man.

“Did reading it frighten you?”

Jane shook her head. “No. Not exactly. But I cannot help myself from… thinking about… things. When we were…”

“Thinking about what?”

“You touching me.”

“You cannot imagine how much I want to,” he said in a whisper.

Jane felt herself reviving, “You do?”

“Of course I do!”

“Then why have you not?”

“Jane, we will be married in a few weeks.”

She blushed again, and felt ashamed of herself.

“I did not think you would be-” he paused. “I am supposed to act like a gentleman.”

Jane felt like she was going to cry.

“No! No, Jane. I am more than happy to know that you want to be close to me.”

“Oh.”

“How could that be anything but a compliment? A proof of your affection?”

“You are the only one I have ever imagined- you are the only man I have ever loved,” Jane said. She was beginning to feel more calm. Charles was happy, not disgusted. He was still holding her tightly. Jane wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed again.

“We should return,” he said.

“We ought to,” Jane agreed mournfully. They remained in place for a moment, then Charles let her go and reached for his hat and gloves.

“Wait,” she said, releasing the four buttons on her pelisse, “A few minutes more?” She let it fall to the ground.

“Jane,” he said, taking her again in his arms. He whispered, “We should go back.”

“Please?” She kissed him eagerly. He moved his hand down from near her throat to the swell of her breasts. Her breath caught as his hand slid under the fabric of her gown and his fingers brushed against her sensitive skin. She trembled with pleasure. His fingers were circling the pinnacle of her breast. The movement was creating sensations her heart had never known before. She began to feel an urge to reciprocate; she thought she knew how.

She dislodged an arm with some difficulty from his embrace and lowered it to his hip. His hand was on her breast as she slid hers across the front of his trousers until she thought she found the proper spot. She pressed harder and Charles almost jumped away from her.

“I am sorry!” Jane said in surprise.

“We need to go back now,” he said, shaking his head. He picked up her pelisse and held it so she could put her arms in. She buttoned it up while he retrieved her gloves and bonnet. Soon they were back on the path.

“I am very sorry,” Jane said. Thinking she had hurt him.

“If we continued in that manner, you were going to lose your maidenhood in a thicket,” Bingley said almost wistfully.

“Oh,” Jane said, with half a smile. She had not hurt him.

He stopped and looked seriously in her face, “We will be married in a matter of weeks. Would you not rather wait for, well, a bed?”

“I am sure that I should want to wait,” Jane said softly, “but I cannot help… longing for you.”

“This is not a problem I imagined having,” Bingley said with a chuckle.

“I am sorry.”

“There is no need to apologise,” he said, kissing her cheek. “I cannot imagine a more enticing problem.”

Chapter 3

Jane spent a good portion of the evening thinking over the ‘problem’. The result of this was requesting an extra blanket from Sarah. She claimed she had been cold the previous night; a minor falsehood which cost a small blush when she told it. Jane spent a few minutes alone in her room attempting to put her pelisse on with the blanket safely underneath. She looked in the mirror and turned from side to side, she did not think anyone would be able to tell that there was a secreted item in her clothing. She laid the blanket near her bonnet and then went to bed in nervous excitement.

The next day Bingley came as early as usual and once again Jane told her mother they would walk out. Mrs. Bennet made no objection and Jane nearly ran upstairs to enact her smuggling plan. Elizabeth was luckily already downstairs eating her breakfast; there was no witness to her scheme. As quickly as possible, Charles and Jane set out for the same spot.

“I received a letter back from my agent about the marriage articles. He thinks it can be settled rather quickly, between a month and six weeks..”

“It seems like an eternity to wait.”

“At least we are together now.”

“Yes. I cannot say why it feels so long, but it seems like an age. Now that we are engaged and you are here, it is a torment every moment we are apart,” Jane said.

“We are together now, we will be married soon.”

“There are different kinds of ‘together,’ I believe.”

“That I cannot deny.”

“I want to know everything about you and all of you,” Jane said earnestly.

“What is there to tell?”

“Did you think of me when you were in London last winter?”

“Every day. I was trying to learn to forget you, but I never could.”

“Because you thought I did not love you?”

“Yes, as I told you, I would not have stayed away for any other reason. Sometimes I almost made up my mind to return and judge for myself, but there was always another dinner engagement or party. I was occasionally distracted by the bustle of town, but I was never inconstant. I have never met anyone like you; I began to despair that I ever would.”

“I was so nervous when you returned, I dared not hope you still loved me.”

“I had some hope, I had the advantage of seeing Elizabeth at Pemberley. She did not exactly say anything; she hinted that you may still think of me.”

“She never told me you were there,” Jane said. Then wishing to do her sister justice she added, “There was so much excitement about Lydia’s wedding, she must have forgotten.” Though to herself, Jane thanked Elizabeth for not mentioning so painful a subject to her before there was a motive for it. Her sister could not have known that Charles would return to Netherfield.

“Yes, I heard about your sister’s marriage. Do you think she is happy?”

Jane was unsure what she ought to say, there seemed to be little chance that Lydia and her husband would experience the kind of happiness that she anticipated for herself, but she did not want to be unkind. “Lydia is very in love with him. I think they may get along well together.”

“I hope they may.”

Jane did not want to continue the subject, she did not know how much Charles was aware of Lydia’s elopement and subsequent marriage.

“Here we are,” said Jane, in nervous anticipation. Charles had not seemed to notice her cunning plan. As he took off his gloves, she opened her pelisse and took out the blanket.

“Oh, Jane, how clever,” he said, with a smile. “You and I have had the same thought.” He reached from behind a log and held up a basket which also contained a blanket.

“When did you do it?”

“I rode over early this morning.”

Jane smiled, “For what purpose?”

“Whatever purpose we choose, this will merely defend us from the dirt.”

Charles spread the blanket out on the ground, Jane added hers on top and they sat down together. Charles rested against a large tree and pulled Jane onto his lap. At first there was no need for words, they kissed and Charles re-explored the region his hand had so well mastered the day prior. Jane contented herself with being the receiver of pleasure, not quite understanding that he was enjoying himself as much as she was. Her gown, selected for this very purpose, had a loose neckline and there was not much to impede his progress.

“Do you like that?” he said softly.

“Yes! I do,” Jane replied breathlessly. She expected to be kissed again, but he brought his mouth down to where his hand had been and Jane shrieked with surprise and ardour. She curled her body as much as she could around his, resting her head on his own and running her hands through his hair. She had thought that his fingers had been tantalising yet this caused her to feel even stronger sensations. He moved to the other breast and she whispered “yes” again and again as he continued kissing and caressing her.

“Charles?” she said finally. He lifted his head to meet her eyes. “I want to do something for you.”

“You are,” he said simply. Kissing her quickly, he continued, “This is more than enough.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes.”

“I cannot even describe what you make me feel. It is beyond anything.”

He smiled, “That is all I want. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Jane kissed him again, feeling intensely vulnerable and completely safe at the same time. She would have never allowed such liberties with anyone else, but she trusted Charles. He had come back, he had always loved her, and nothing now would tear them apart.

“Nothing? I can do nothing for you? To make you feel the way you have made me feel?”

“Jane,” he said. Taking one of her hands and kissing each finger, he continued, “You must understand how I feel, can you not imagine how long I have wanted to hold you; to kiss you? It drove me to distraction.”

Blushing, Jane began to say, “I thought men…” but then stopped.

“You thought men go to women like Fanny Hill, yes. They often do, however… it is not the same. It has no real meaning, it is entirely empty. A pale reflection of what could be. It is nothing like the feeling of being in love.”

“No?”

“No! Love makes the smallest touch of the hand electrical; love can make the feeling of a kiss last for an entire day.” He pulled her closer to him and spoke in a whisper, “Feeling you tremble when I touch you, I could exist on that for days.”

“Charles!” she said, because she could hardly speak. She met his passion as they kissed again. As he sought her breasts, Jane did not attempt to hold back her appreciation, as unnatural as it felt for her. She was far more used to modulating her voice and suppressing her emotional outbursts. It felt unnatural to express herself this way, but she could tell that Charles was enjoying it.

“We need to go back,” Jane finally decided, though she would have given anything to remain.

“We do,” said Charles. They fixed their clothes, rolled up the two blankets and put them both in Charles’s basket, and left the thicket. The blankets were left for the next time they might be able to come.

“Darcy will arrive tonight,” Charles said, “I think he will accompany me here tomorrow.”

“We shall be glad to see him. Will you need to return to Netherfield early?” Jane asked, fearing that it must be so.

“No, he was not certain of his arriving in time for dinner, so I will stay here as usual.”

“Do you think he will remain longer this time?”

“I do not know. He seemed unhappy when he left for London, though I do not know if the cause was here or in town.”

Jane said nothing, as she did not want to break her sister’s confidence. She asked instead, “Elizabeth told me nothing of her visit to Pemberley, how often did you see her?”

“I visited her once at the inn in Lampton for about half an hour. Then she called on Miss Darcy the next day, but I only saw Mr. Gardiner, your uncle. We were fishing. I caught a trout about this big, the largest of the day!” He indicated with his hands, Jane made an acknowledgement of admiration. “Darcy had a larger one on his line, or at least we thought he did, but when he heard the women of the party were in the house he gave his rod to Hurst who subsequently lost the fish! By the bye, he is a very agreeable man, your uncle, I should like to meet him again soon.”

Jane smiled, “He is a very sensible man.”

“The whole party was to dine with us the next evening, but then Darcy brought word that they had to depart early, an illness in the family I believe?”

“Oh. Yes there was an illness in the family.” This was not a lie, her mother had been ill the moment she heard. Jane wished she could tell him everything, but she did not know if he was aware that Lydia had eloped before her marriage took place. It was something better left unsaid.

If Charles wanted to know more, he did not ask and Jane began to comment on the fair weather and dryness of the walk. They talked about such things until they reached the house.

It was still early in the morning, Mr. Bennet came down and a plan was formed for the two men to shoot together. When Charles left, Jane sat beside Elizabeth. She wanted to know what her sister would think of their coming visitor, but she made a resolution not to broach the subject herself. After all, Elizabeth had been so kind as to avoid speaking of Mr. Bingley when it would have distressed her.

However, Elizabeth suggested something else, “Since Bingley is with our father, would you like to walk to Meryton with Kitty? She wants to buy a new bonnet.” The sisters set out together and since the path was wide enough to admit all three, there was no opportunity for private discourse between the two eldest.

By the time they returned, the men had also returned. It was not until they were dressing for bed that Jane found any time to speak to Elizabeth, but a few questions yielded little response. Jane knew her sister was troubled but could not discover the reason. She wanted to know what had happened at Pemberley, but she dared not ask. Jane hoped she was not neglecting her sister now that she was engaged. She hoped that soon the barrier between them would be breached so they could return to their usual intimacy.

However, once she was in bed, she thought of nothing but Charles and if she would be able to walk out with him the next day. He was right, she could still feel the shadow of his kiss on her lips.

Chapter 4

The next morning, Charles and Mr. Darcy arrived together. Almost immediately, Bingley suggested that they all walk out together. Mary declined, but the remaining three sisters joined the two gentlemen. Charles winked at Jane as they made their way outside.

They walked together in the direction of the thicket, but Charles walked very slowly, causing the others to outstrip them long before they reached their hideaway.

“How far do you think your sisters will walk?” he asked as soon as they were beyond the hearing of the other three.

“Elizabeth usually walks for about an hour,” Jane answered, “and Kitty talked of visiting Maria Lucas.”

“Then no one will expect us for some time.”

“No, they will not.” Jane smiled and blushed.

“Have I not planned everything charmingly?”

Jane did not say that their solitude was purchased at a heavy price. She knew Kitty was afraid of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, poor Lizzy! She would be walking for an hour, perhaps alone, with a man she hated. A man who had proposed to her and been rejected months prior. If Jane had not had every confidence that her sister could endure it she would have opposed the plan. She did not think her sister would have any pleasure that morning.

Her prospects, on the other hand, were far more fair.

When they reached their secret place, Jane entirely forgot about her sister and Mr. Darcy. As soon as their hats and gloves had been neatly discarded, they were in an intimate embrace. Jane had only been wearing a shawl as the day was very warm, more like summer than autumn. It was now hung beside her hat. As they kissed, Charles had found his way inside the top of her gown again. When she caught breath, Jane could not help herself from exclaiming in happiness. She wondered with the time they had what more could be explored.

Charles had moved his hands and was gathering her skirts. While still kissing him, Jane lowered one of her own and held up her gown. Free now to do as he pleased, Charles moved one hand gently up the inside of Jane’s thigh until he reached the centre. Jane gasped aloud and put her head on his chest so she could focus on what he was doing.

At first, and strangely she thought, she felt very little. It was odd because it was the centre of the heat in her body whenever they were touching. Then without warning she felt a jolt of pleasure, she cried out and he kept his fingers in that area. It was hard to understand how his simple touch was causing her body explosions of pleasure. Jane tightly gripped Charles’s arms to keep herself upright, it was hard to focus on anything while he was doing… that. The feeling of it was all-consuming and completely wonderful.

“Stop!” she whispered urgently.

He did.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No, but I cannot stand while you do that. I am going to fall.”

He chuckled and retrieved their hidden blankets. He lay down on his side and Jane joined him, hiking up her skirts. She began to attack the buttons on his trousers; this time he did not protest. Say what he would, she wanted him to have his share of enjoyment. However, men’s clothing proved more complicated than she anticipated and he eventually was forced to take over.

Jane had male cousins and she had seen them naked as small boys, but she was in no way prepared for what a full-grown male member looked like. The first thought that ran into her head was that it looked something like a pig’s snout, she almost laughed, but then thought better of it. Instead she just stared at it for a moment without any idea of what to do. Then Jane recalled what she had read and tentatively touched him with her open hand.

Charles moved her hand so her fingers were encircling him, then pantomimed the motion. It seemed simple enough, but as soon as she understood her task he was back at his. She no longer had to worry about remaining standing but she found it hard to focus on him while his fingers were between her legs. He found the right spot again and she felt her body tremble with pleasure. She could not imagine that anything could be delightful, more intimate than this, despite knowing that it was not the final act.

Jane convulsed as Charles began to move more rapidly. He had split his fingers to cover more of her and she could not fully comprehend how magnificent it felt. He was nowhere near the place she had thought was the most important for the marital act. The area he was stimulating was higher up and towards the front of her body.

The passion was getting stronger and she felt like it was nearly impossible for her to experience more. She felt like she was on the precipice of something though she had no idea what it was. Something deep inside of her was tightening. She never wanted this to end. She cried out as everything released.

“Jane!”

Awakening to the world again, she opened her eyes, and looked at him. There was something in his expression which displayed the same feelings she had. Jane stopped moving her hand, it was wet. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. She used it and then threw it away from them. She returned to his arms. They lay motionless on the forest floor, breathing heavily.

“That was indescribable,” Jane said into his chest.

“You are wonderful.”

“How did you know how to do that?”

“It is what one is supposed to do if a woman is not ready for- I did not know myself that you could finish with only ‘manual stimulation.’”

“Finish?” Jane asked innocently.

“You finished, did you not?”

Jane thought about what she had felt, there was indeed something that felt like a completion, “I believe I did, though I have never heard of it before.”

“I suppose women do not-” he paused, “did you like it?”

“I loved every moment.”

He kissed her forehead.

“Can we do it again?”

He laughed, “Not right away. I cannot at least.”

“Oh. I did not know, it was beyond anything I have felt before. But as to men, in the book-”

“Jane,” he said, with a kind smile, “that is a single book about men who seek out pleasure for money. It is not a representation of men as a whole, or women for that matter. My understanding is that most men need to wait in between.”

“How long?”

“A quarter of an hour at least.”

This calmed Jane’s eagerness, they must have at least half an hour more.

“Do women- have you never done that to yourself?” he asked.

“No!” Jane cried. “I never thought to do anything like that. Do most men?”

“I believe so.”

“That seems so strange to me.”

“I suppose one half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.”

“We did well enough, did we not?”

He smiled, “Certainly.”

For some time they were silent and content to be near each other and alone. Jane had her ear resting on his chest and through his coat she could hear his heartbeat. It had been rapid at first but had now slowed to a consistent rhythm.

“I hope Elizabeth is not finding her walk too disagreeable,” Jane said as the thought came to her mind.

“You think she will?”

“Yes, I am sorry to say she dislikes your friend.”

“She persists in her disapprobation? She did not seem unhappy to meet him and his sister in Derbyshire.”

“She has not told me otherwise, we have not spoken of him since-” she stopped.

“Since she returned from Kent?”

Jane sat up, “Do you know?”

“Darcy told me before he left for London that he proposed to your sister in the spring.”

“All this time I thought it was a great secret!”

“It cannot be generally known. If your sister has not talked openly, we may be the only two who are aware of what went on between them. However, I do think Caroline has long suspected something of the sort.”

Jane replied, “He is your intimate friend, I hope they may at least be comfortable meeting in company. If it had been their first encounter since the spring, I would not have left them alone with only Kitty.”

“Not even to come here with me?” he asked with a smile.

“There would have been a higher duty!”

“How can I help but admire you?” he asked.

“Do not praise me for sacrifices that I was not required to make!” Jane laughed. “It would have taken a good deal of self-command on my part.”

Bingley thought for a moment, “Do you share your sister’s sentiments?”

“No, I think he is a very respectable man. If nothing else, his admiration of my sister would endear him to me.”

“I am glad to hear it, I would hate for there to be any coldness between my wife and a man I greatly respect. Though I have learned that even he is susceptible to certain errors, but so are we all.”

Jane did not inquire into what he meant, because she was wondering now if they had waited long enough. She kissed him; he quickly responded in kind, drawing her back towards him. She felt herself becoming hot with mere anticipation. Her heart pounded and fluttered.

“Jane,” Charles said in a low voice, “Can I try something else?”

“Yes!” she breathed, and she nearly tingled in anticipation.

Chapter 5

He continued kissing her but moved them so that Jane was on her back. She wondered, with a jolt of excitement, if they were going to consummate their relationship. However, she noticed the next moment that he had done up his trousers. She helped him hike up her skirts and he began to move down her body, kissing her neck, her breasts, her stomach, the insides of her thighs. She felt herself becoming hot with expectation.

Jane could not help herself from crying out when he put his mouth on the pinnacle of her sex. He was going over those same places that his fingers had touched before. While that had been wonderful, this was magnificent. His tongue and lips were the only thing she could feel.

“Please, do not stop!” she cried.

He reached a hand up to caress her breast but feeling a need for something to hold on to, she took it instead and held it tight. She could not entirely explain why this feeling was superior to the last, why his tongue had enhanced what she had felt from his fingers, but the elevation of feeling was clear. The sensation was so gentle and yet so consuming.

She began to feel that her body could not contain this much pleasure. It was too much, far too strong, and yet to ask for it to cease was equally impossible. She had clasped his hand so tightly that it was beginning to hurt, but she begged again for him to continue. She was building to something again, though it was stronger this time, more complete.

Finally, Jane felt she could hardly bear anymore. She felt a release. It was wet between her legs but she hardly noticed. Charles lay beside her again and took her in his arms, stroking her hair. Jane was breathing heavily. “I love you,” was all she could manage to say.

He smiled and kissed her hair.

Coming somewhat back to her senses, she sat up, and looking at the blankets exclaimed, “It is soiled! How will I explain?”

“I will take it back to Netherfield to be washed, do not distress yourself.”

Jane nodded.

“Are you fully satisfied?” he said with a smile, “Shall we return before our absence is noticed?”

“No,” she held him tightly, “We cannot go back yet. It has not been more than an hour.”

He made no objection. Jane felt recovered enough to return the favour he had bestowed upon her. She began to undo his buttons.

“Jane,” he said, taking her hand, “you do not need to do anything more.”

“I want to.”

“Are you certain?”

Jane recalled what had been done in the book she had read, it seemed simple enough. “I do. I can do the same for you.”

“If you are certain,” he said hesitatingly. He helped her with his clothing. “Jane, I can tell you when I am almost finished and you can end with your hands.”

“Why?”

“I am told that some women find the… ending disagreeable. I would never want you to be uncomfortable.”

Jane felt somewhat intimidated, however it was not enough to dissuade her. She took him in her hands again, and gave him a final kiss on the lips before easing herself down his body. It did seem rather large and unwieldy. She ran her tongue across the tip. Still holding the base with her hand, she took as much of him as she could.

“Good God, Jane!”

She smiled inwardly and tried as best as she could to move her hand and head in a similar motion. She wanted him to be as overcome as she was; she wanted to know he felt the same tension and release. Uncertain if she was doing it correctly, she went on as well as she could, encouraged by his exclamations of delight.

“Jane! Stop!” he said with some urgency and she could feel that something was changing. She drew back her head and used both hands instead. Charles covered himself with his hand as he finished. A moment later, he sat up and embraced her.

“Was it good for you?” she asked.

“Could you not tell? Yes, very much so.”

“Good.” Jane smiled and kissed him, “I am not very experienced.”

“Do you think I am?”

Jane blushed heavily.

“I learned to do that from an etching I saw at Cambridge.”

“Does anyone learn about anything other than romance at Cambridge? I begin to wonder.”

Charles laughed, “No!” Then he added with a smile, “We learn how to drink and gamble too.”

“Then where did you become so well read?” Jane asked, smiling.

“I was fortunate to manage some legitimate education between my other endeavours.”

Jane laughed, but she began to think that they had indeed been very long away. It would have a strange look if Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy arrived back at Longbourn before they did. She no longer felt the burning desire for him that she had been struggling with for days, anticipating every moment they could be alone together.

Without speaking, they both eventually rose and collected their things. Jane smoothed her hair and gown before putting on her bonnet and gloves. The blankets Bingley planned to retrieve and replace, on the chance that they would be able to arrange another liaison soon.

“We cannot make this same arrangement tomorrow if Mr. Darcy comes again,” said Jane resolutely as they began walking towards her home. “It would be unkind to my sister.”

“Then we must hope the fair weather holds and gives us another opportunity to steal away.”

“Yes, and perhaps do more. Though I do not mean to say that what we did today was not… beautiful.”

Charles shook his head, “Jane, this is as far as I dare to go.” He stopped and looked at her full in the face very seriously, “As much as I might wish for more, you deserve better than a blanket spread on the ground.”

Jane blushed, “I cannot understand it myself, how much I want to be near you, to have all of you.”

“And we will, soon, once we are married. Then there will be no need for subterfuge. We may have four walls and a bed.” He leaned in closer to whisper, “And no need for clothing.”

Jane could not help herself from kissing him, then said, “You argue your case well. I will attempt to be content. It will not be a very hard duty.”

“No?” he said smiling. They continued walking.

“No. If I may quote a very respectable lady, I think you are a great proficient.”

“I imagine both of us may improve with practice.”

“If you continue to say such things we will never make it back, I shall be forced to turn round.”

Charles chuckled, “Then I shall behave better. We cannot afford to be any later than we will be already.”

Unexpectedly, when they arrived back at Longbourn neither Kitty nor Elizabeth had yet returned.Jane quickly explained that the other had outstriped them and they did not know how far they had gone. Kitty returned from a visit with Maria some minutes later, but the other two remained missing. It was not until dinner that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy appeared, much to everyone’s surprise.

Jane was to discover that evening that she had been wrong in every notion and her dearest sister had not found her walk with Mr. Darcy distressing in any way. She was in fact engaged to him. Jane’s astonishment was very great, but it was equal to her happiness.

She said to her sister, “Nothing could give either Bingley or myself more delight. But we considered it, we talked of it as impossible. And do you really love him quite well enough? Oh, Lizzy! do anything rather than marry without affection. Are you quite sure that you feel what you ought to do?”

Jane wished she could ask if his touch made Elizabeth’s heart race, if she imagined herself embracing Darcy, kissing him, but it was too delicate a subject for her to broach.

“Oh, yes! You will only think I feel more than I ought to do when I tell you all.”

Jane immediately wondered if instead of walking, her sister had been enjoying some more pleasurable activities, but it did not seem to be the case. As Elizabeth continued to speak, Jane understood that the two had talked a great deal. She judged that it was perhaps too early for anything of the sort between such newly declared lovers, though Darcy had loved her sister for so long.

It was not until further into the night that Elizabeth finally said, “Jane, I must confide in you, for I can tell no one else. When we were out of the view of any other soul, he kissed me.”

“Was it wonderful?” Jane asked.

“It was unexpected,” Elizabeth said, colouring, “but not unwanted. Have you… with Bingley?”

“Yes,” Jane said tentatively, “a few times”

“Does it make you feel… hot all over?”

Jane smiled, “Now I am certain that you love him.”

“Jane, that is not proof of love. That is passion alone.”

“I think that for many, passion and love are intertwined.”

“I feared passion,” Elizabeth said gravely. “When he proposed to me in Hunsford, when I believed so strongly that he disliked me, I thought it was nothing but a passion. One may feel lust without affection, as I feel we know all too well. I thought what he felt was ephemeral; that it would fade once he had what he desired. Perhaps at that time it was, but now that his love has endured my folly, time, and difficulty, I cannot doubt that it is not merely passion.”

Jane nodded, “I understand you. I feel… everything. I want to talk to Charles all day and never be parted. I want to know all his opinions and pleasures, every thought and feeling. And those precious moments when we are alone, I want his touch.”

Elizabeth smiled and blushed, “I think we feel very much the same.”

“When you speak about passion without affection, do you mean Wickham and Lydia? I still believe he may grow to love her.”

Elizabeth shook her head with a smile, “Oh Jane you remain as sanguine as ever. I thought of them, however they are not the only ones that came to my mind. You know our mother and father do not feel for each other what they ought. It was an imprudent alliance and while it is never spoken of, have you counted the months between their marriage and your birth?”

“No! What do you mean?”

“It is only seven months, Jane. That was a marriage formed by imprudent passion alone.”

Jane contemplated this in silence while Elizabeth continued on the inexhaustible subject of her engagement.

When they finally went to sleep, Jane contemplated all of this and appreciated more the forbearance that Charles wanted to practise. She saw now that it was for her benefit and honour that he was practising patience. She was the foolish one; rushing ahead without any thought of the consequences! It only made her love him more.

Chapter 6

The next day Bingley contrived for both couples, the known and unknown, to walk alone, having suggested to Kitty that the chosen path would be too arduous. Once they were outside and beyond the view of the house, Jane warmly congratulated her brother-in-law elect, a civility which was readily returned by Mr. Darcy. Bingley and Elizabeth spoke together for a few minutes while the others conversed and it was decided they would go their separate ways: Elizabeth and Darcy to the intended destination while Jane and Bingley completed a shorter circuit. Jane’s disinclination to walk so far was given as an excuse.

The day was again very fair. The ardent lovers made their way quickly to their hideaway, which Charles had supplied with a new blanket. They lost no time with words or hesitation but in moments were in their usual state of undress and embraced, arms and lips, on the forest floor.

After reacquainting themselves with the taste of the other, Charles began to kiss and caress her breasts, his other hand finding its way between her legs. Jane felt herself already wet with anticipation. This time she managed to open his trousers without much effort.

She broke away for a moment to moan as he found the right place.

“Is that good for you?” she asked, suddenly worried her split attention would hinder her ability to please him.

“Yes! Though, go slower.”

“Right there, that is it… oh!”

“Faster!”

“Oh, yes. Please!”

“Jane!”

Jane felt Charles finish but she could tell she would need more time. Her paramour did not cease for a moment, if anything he moved more dexterously than before. Jane clung to him as he continued and she finally reached her completion.

For a long time they simply lay together, Jane’s head on his chest, moving only when one position became uncomfortable or they felt a tree root. For a long time, there was no need for words or any touch more amorous than an embrace. Jane felt deeply content and comfortable, despite their strange bed. She spent the time imagining falling asleep in this manner after the seemingly too distant date of their wedding.

“Were you surprised that your sister is engaged?” Charles asked softly, though it startled her.

“Yes, very much! However, she assured me most seriously that she does love him. I think they are well suited.”

“Yes, she suits him extremely well. It is strange how very different you are from your sister. Though I mean her no offence.”

“I suppose we are, though no more than yourself and Mr. Darcy.”

“True enough, but we were not brought up in the same house, with the same parents.”

Jane thought to herself that Charles was brought up in the same house as his sisters and she rated his merit far above theirs, but she held her tongue. There would be no profit in making enemies of her future sisters. She hoped that both Caroline and Lousia would be reconciled quickly to the match that they had no doubt worked to prevent.

“I hope that you and Elizabeth may soon be very good friends,” she said.

“I know we will be, how can I not love someone that you esteem so highly?”

“I do,” Jane said seriously, “She has long been my greatest confidant and friend. I am overjoyed that she has found her own happiness! Especially now that I am so perfectly happy.”

He kissed her in reply and she felt her desire rising up again. She found herself wondering how long it might be before they could meet like this again. It was already October, it was liable to rain, or grow too cold to be in a state of semi-undress out of doors. If only she knew they would be married soon, she felt she could bear it better.

“What do you want to do, before we return?” Charles asked, with some apprehension.

“I will not tempt you,” Jane assured him, “but I would like to do it again?”

“Do what again?” he said with a smile.

“With our mouths,” said Jane, not knowing a word to describe it. “I only wish we could do it at the same time.”

Charles coloured slightly, “It can be done. But I fear it would be too distracting to attempt my part if you were…” he stopped.

Jane shook her head almost immediately, for now that she thought about it she did agree that it would be difficult. She remembered how her body had clenched in anticipation, she might hurt him! Perhaps in time if she was more used to the sensation, it would be possible to attempt. Now it would be extreme folly.

“Let me do it for you first this time,” she said. Before beginning however, she asked, “Tell me if I can do anything to… improve.”

“It was very good, though you could begin a bit slower.”

She kissed him and stroked him with her hands for a short time, before lowering herself. Unsure, but thinking that he would be similar enough to herself, she began by kissing the tip and using her tongue across the top. His response encouraged her and she continued in that manner before she took him into her mouth. She remembered to move slowly at first and felt her own passion growing as he responded.

Agan, he warned her that he was going to finish and she withdrew, using both hands for the ending. She had some curiosity as to what it would feel and taste like, but his warning had been enough to deter her for the present. He cleaned himself and then lay beside her.

“There is something else I can do, if you want to try.”

Jane smiled, “You know my answer, if you think it would be prudent.”

“None of this is prudent,” he replied, with a smile, “but I think it would be pleasurable.”

“What is it?”

“When I… kiss you there, I can use my fingers… it is supposed to help you prepare for…”

“You can,” she said, understanding his confusion.

Still colouring, he said, “The words I know to describe it I would never say to a lady.”

She laughed, “And yet you shall do it to a lady.”

He smiled, “True enough, though only because my lady desires it.”

“She does.”

With that, he began again to work his way down her body and she felt herself growing hot as he went. Despite their previous activities, his touch excited her as much as it had before and she cried out in sheer pleasure as his tongue caressed her most intimate parts. She was so consumed by it that she hardly thought that his proposed addition would have any effect.

She was wrong.

Gloriously wrong.

Jane had not known that the passage which she had largely ignored until this point in her life was capable of such feeling. She cried out. Charles stopped.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No! No. Keep going. Please.”

Jane clutched the blanket with both hands. She wished she could hold him, and kiss him, and thank him in some way for making her feel like she never had before. Her whole body was on fire and her heart was pounding. If this was only a preparation! 

Jane could not help herself from crying out again as she reached her completion. She sat up as quickly as she could and embraced Charles, nearly knocking him over and kissing him urgently.

“Jane?”

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

“I love what you make me feel.”

He kissed her again. “I am glad to be of service.”

“I wish we could stay here forever. And do this, and whatever else we wished.”

He held her closely in response, but both of them knew they would soon have to return. Not yet. There was still time for some repose, for Jane to intertwine her fingers in his and hold him tightly. Time enough for him to look longingly at her and wish aloud that he could release her hair. She wished she could replicate the style without aid but Sarah had done it and it would certainly be noticed by her family.

They rose and examined each other for dirt or clothing out of place; both laughing as Charles found a dried leaf halfway into one of his pockets. They found Darcy and Elizabeth on their way back and the four entered the house together.

That evening, the second engagement was revealed to the family. Jane and Elizabeth blushed at their mother, but it was received better than either of them could have hoped. When they were in the drawing room, Elizabeth took Jane aside and said, “I had a notion that we could marry on the same day; specifically on November 26th.”

“Why that day?” said Jane, who was calculating how long it would be until she would be installed at Netherfield, but for whom that date carried some unhappy remembrances.

“I thought it might be a happier conclusion to past pain. Had we only known last year what would come now!”

Jane could not deny her sister such a small concession, though she wished more than anything that it might have been sooner. It was mid October now, it would be five weeks in all! She shrank from the thought of how long she would have to forestall her desires. 

More disastrous to her wishes was a sudden change in the weather. For the next week there was a settled rain, which while it did not prevent the gentlemen from joining them, put an end to all waking out of doors.

Jane had yearned for Charles prior, but she felt as though she had acquired a new appetite that only he was able to satiate. She treasured stolen moments when they were able to kiss, but nothing more was possible. Happy as she was to still be near him, she found herself distracted by daydreams of what they had done together before.

While Charles had suggested previously that she could satisfy herself, the idea was so repugnant to her that she never attempted it. She had been instructed as a young child that it was an act of self-pollution and could cause all manner of maladies. The inconsistency of her instruction in other matters had prevented her from being nervous about them, and her mother’s focus on engagement instead of marriage had made that promise the foremost in her mind. This had all resulted in a woman who would have willingly and guiltlessly had sex with her intended before daring to touch her own private areas, a phenomenon that is unfortunately less rare than one might expect.

Jane had thought that enduring the rain would end her suffering, but the first bright day was also bitterly cold. They did walk out together, but were prevented from doing much of anything by the practical inability of removing their clothes.

Understanding her frustration, Charles asked, “Do you think your mother would allow you to ride out with me? Unaccompanied?”

“I think she may,” Jane said, “None of my sisters have ever taken an interest in riding, and she has permitted us to walk. But where would we go? Surely if we are seen at Netherfield servants would talk.”

“There is a summer house at the far end of the shrubbery. We might approach it unseen.”

Jane shivered, “Would it not be as cold as out of doors?”

“It has a fireplace. I can see it furnished with wood, no one needs to know the purpose.”

Jane smiled, “If my mother makes no objection. I will try for it tomorrow.”

“Not tomorrow, did I not remind you that Darcy and I are obliged to go to town on business. I will return the day after.”

“Do you promise?”

He assured her with a passionate kiss.

The next day, Kitty walked out to see Maria and Mary was practising at the pianoforte while Jane and Elizabeth were at their work in the drawing room. Mrs. Bennet took this opportunity to speak to her eldest two daughters.

“Now that you are engaged, there is a maternal duty which I must attend to, I might have spoken earlier. But however, no harm can be done now,” she began.

Jane blushed crimson, guessing what this duty must entail from Charles’s hints. Elizabeth only set down her work to listen.

With surprising self command and calmness of manner, their mother continued, “When you are married you will need to spend some intimate time with your husband in order to have children. It is a very delightful activity, though it may seem untowards. You see the man must get his rod hard and then he puts it into your quim.”

She paused for a moment and looked at them, but neither Elizabeth nor Jane was able to speak. Jane had never, prior to this day, even heard her mother name that part of her body, though she had a vague memory of a nursemaid saying the word ‘quim’.

“It may hurt the first time and you may bleed, especially if your husband is very eager, but I tell you, with proper preparation it can be very enjoyable. You must refuse him entry until your cleft is properly wet, which some small effort on his part will ensure. Encourage him to kiss you and handle your breasts, though I doubt he will need much prompting. You are such very fine girls, well-endowed as I am. Or he can use his fingers between your legs.”

Jane wanted to die of embarrassment, a quick look at her sister assured her that she was not alone in her sentiments.

“It is supposed to be the will of the husband when he ploughs you, but I have found that if you want your way in some small matter, well, I do not know if it will be possible for either of you to spend all of your pin money (you will have so much!) but once or twice I have procured a little extra by going in only my shift to your father’s-”

“Madam!” cried Elizabeth.

“Well, you may thank me later for the hint! In my experience, however, men will do almost anything for the promise of a good fuck.”

Jane wondered for a moment if that had been the word Charles had thought too vulgar for her delicate sensibilities. She wanted to run out of the room, but her mother was not yet finished.

“I think it my duty to tell you, some men enjoy it if you put their thing in your mouth, which is not uncomfortable though you must prepare yourself for the spend. It is rather bitter and I prefer it to be elsewhere. It is, however, an adequate measure to ensure that the children do not come too rapidly after the other. For you see, only if he spends in your pit will you come to be with child. There are some men who rather prefer another hole, the back way, which is possible but from what my dear friend, L-”

“Mamma!” interjected Jane, “I do not think we need to speak of that.”

“I would be remiss if I did not at least warn you!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. “Now, have I forgotten anything of import? Oh yes, if you do find yourself getting a bit ruttish, which does happen to women no matter what may be said, find a way to show him your breasts, or go to his room at night and usually the sight of you in a state of undress will be sufficient. It is one of the few things that calms my nerves when I have a bad attack. But, however, if he is experiencing some difficulty, you should take his pole in your hands and stroke it until it stands stiff.”

Jane covered her face with her hands.

“Jane, my dear, there is no need to be embarrassed! With your charms you are sure to have a great deal of experience before the end of the first month. Elizabeth, we will need to pay special attention to your wedding clothes. You must have some proper gowns for night time that show off your best features. Mr. Darcy will want an heir to Pemberley and it is your duty.”

“I think I can do well enough on my own,” choked Elizabeth.

Her mother smiled, “Oh, he has been showing some affection already, has he? Well that’s a good girl, there is nothing so effective at bringing a man to the point. I should have known how well I did, sending you out with him alone.”

Elizabeth took a breath and Jane thought for a moment she would oppose her mother’s conjecture, but her sister evidently thought better of it.

“It hardly matters now, you are both engaged and if one of them does take your maidenhood and tries to call off, there will be hell to pay. Your Uncle Philips has a good deal of experience in these matters.”

Jane dropped her hands and looked at her mother, “Did you-” but then she stopped. This conversation was confirmation enough.

Mrs. Bennet however replied in a very serious manner, “After we were engaged, some reservations were expressed on his part that might have put the whole matter off. I did what I thought best to ensure the marriage came about. I would encourage you girls to do the same. There is nothing so effective at moving matters along.”

Elizabeth stood. “I am quite certain that it will not be necessary,” she said sternly, before nearly fleeing the room. Jane heard her rapid footsteps on the staircase.

Mrs. Bennet seemed unconscious of the insult she had paid to both gentlemen; she continued on without any embarrassment, “You must know it can still be done when you are with child. There is no danger whatsoever, and I was advised to try a bit of sport when Catherine was not coming when she was expected. You may consult a midwife on those matters, however. And you would be prudent to refuse during your confinement.”

“Thank you,” Jane said with reasonable composure and she followed Elizabeth with as even a pace as she could manage. When she reached their bedroom, she found Elizabeth sitting very still upon the bed.

“We shall never speak of this,” Elizabeth said seriously.

Jane took her hand, “I cannot agree with you more.”

Chapter 7

The next day the gentlemen returned, as promised, and if Elizabeth or Jane had a moment’s difficulty looking their intended in the eye, they took no notice of it. Jane, now absolutely confident that her mother’s permission had often been granted with motive, had suggested a ride with Bingley to her the evening prior. The idea had been given ready assent.

Elizabeth and Darcy departed for a walk while Jane went to the stables to mount her horse. The three mile ride to Netherfield was the only thing left between her and satisfaction. She was eager to be off.

As they rode side by side down the lane, Jane blushed and said, “My mother talked to me about… what you suggested she might do.”

“Was it horrible?”

“Yes.”

“My father did the same when I was sixteen. I would have preferred a book, or written notes.”

“Oh, yes that would have been much less mortifying.”

“I am sorry if it distressed you.”

“I am somewhat ashamed how much it did, given what we have already done!”

“It is easier, I imagine, to be intimate with someone you love than to discuss such a subject with your father or mother.”

“Yes.”

“There are no words sufficient to describe it besides.”

This Jane whole-heartedly agreed to, though her cheeks burned as she remembered the phrases her mother had used. She could not imagine them passing her own lips.

“There is one thing you will not be subjected to, which I think nearly every man must hear from time to time. There are many men who are proud of their conquests and brag profusely about it at clubs or after dinner.”

“Is that what men speak about when the women leave for the drawing room? I never imagined!”

“Not all the time, that is not something I discuss with your father. However when I am among friends my own age it seems almost inevitable.”

“Do I want to know what they say?”

“Most decidedly not.”

“Then I will not inquire,” Jane said decidedly.

“And let me assure you, I have no plan to make public our encounters,” Charles said with some warmth. “The way these men speak of their own wives often makes me sick or angry.”

Jane’s heart thanked him, though she was too surprised and mortified by the information to speak.

When they arrived, Charles tied their horses near a hedgerow, where they would not easily be seen. They stole inside the little cottage. It was a snug little space, with a few chairs and a comfortable sofa. The windows were already covered with their curtains and Jane was certain it had recently been cleaned. Charles locked the door, lit the fire, and they sat down together. At first it was too cold to do anything but kiss. However, after such a long interval of deprivation Jane felt herself becoming quite heated from that alone!

The small room warmed quickly. It was easier to stand and remove their overclothes, which were neatly arranged on the back of a chair. Unsure if she should continue, for they had never had the opportunity to undress further, Jane took out her hairpins. “I can do it myself this time,” she said to Charles.

He came towards her and kissed her deeply, plunging one hand into her long hair. “It is as soft as I imagined,” he whispered.

“Would it be too dangerous?” Jane said with some hesitation, “I want you to see all of me.”

He replied by beginning to remove his own clothing. Jane fumbled with the buttons of her frock until it was loose enough to discard. She untied her stays with vigour; pausing only when she stood in her stockings and shift.

By then, Charles was wearing only his undershirt, which was just long enough to cover him. Jane paused, though it had been her own suggestion. She was often naked before servants or Elizabeth, but they were women and it was only for a moment before she donned clean linen. Jane blushed and nervously stood clasping her shift in her hands.

Charles closed the distance between them. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met in my life.”

Jane smiled. She took a breath. Finally she said, “Can you?”, while offering him the bottom of her skirt. He lifted it over her head and held it loosely in his hand.

“Charles?” she said softly.

“You are an angel.”

Despite the fire, Jane shivered. Charles took off his shirt and she saw him briefly for the first time, before he held her close to him. He was deliciously warm. Jane had already noticed that he was aroused and now she could feel it against her skin. She felt closer to him than she ever had been before, and was a great deal more eager than she had been in some time. Having waited for so long, she was desperate to have him.

He kissed her and she trembled with excitement. There was no comparison to the heightened attraction of no barrier existing between them. Her hands explored his shoulders and made their way tentatively down his back while he rediscovered her breasts.

Suddenly, he picked her up, and still kissing her hungrily, carried her to the sofa. It was just large enough for the two of them to lie side by side. He set her down carefully and stretched out beside her. After enjoying the delicious feeling of their closeness for a few minutes longer, Charles moved one hand down to her sex and she reciprocated as soon as she noticed his intent. Excited as they both already were, it was not long before they were mutually satisfied.

There was no reason to part, however, and Jane relished being secure in his arms. He was so warm, which she had never really noticed before. She rested her head on his chest and listened again to his heartbeat. It was strong. It was a strength of protection.

Time passed, though neither of them could tell how long. They were too content to each other’s presence to notice.

Finally, Jane said innocently, “I was told,” she did not say by whom, “that I cannot come with– that it would not be dangerous as long as you did not spend in me. So… maybe you could just put a bit in, the first inch, just for a moment, and it would be safe.”

Charles started laughing. He tried to speak but was unable to make a word. He laughed so hard that he was forced to sit up to breathe; so hard that tears started to fall down his cheeks. 

“What did I say?” she asked desperately. He could not reply, he shook his head.

Jane began to think that he was going to choke and she had no idea what was so amusing. She waited, blushing so hard that her cheeks burned. The only thing that was keeping her alive was that he did not seem at all angry.

Jane began to think she might actually cry in mortification when Charles finally said, “Jane, I know you had no notion but-” he caught his breath, “that is exactly what unscrupulous young men say… when they are trying to trick a young woman.”

“Oh!”

“Have you ever heard the phrase ‘give an inch?’”

“Yes. Oh, now I see!” Jane said, giggling at the new meaning.

“I am sorry, but I could not help laughing!”

“No, no, I had no idea. It is not your fault. But…” Jane swallowed, “is it a foolish notion?”

“Yes!”

“Why?”

Charles shook his head, “Because it is very hard to resist going further at that point.”

“Oh. But if you can anticipate when you are about to finish-”

“Jane! You are determined to plague me with temptation!”

She blushed.

“I can usually tell when I am about to finish, but that is a risk I am not prepared to take. It is still almost a month until our wedding. ”

“You would not believe what my mother said about that.”

He looked at her inquisitively.

“She implied that… it might help things along.”

“Jane, I am going to marry you, whether we go further than this or not.”

“I know.”

“If it was my choice, I would marry you tomorrow. If there were not rules and other people to think of.”

“Those barbarous other people, as you call them.”

Jane found herself unable to say anything further, as Charles was kissing her again. Probably in an effort to keep her from making any more insidiously tantalising suggestions, he knelt on the floor and kissed, tongued, and sucked her cleft until she screamed in delight. After she returned the favour, they adjourned their amorous interview until the next opportunity.

Two weeks passed and Charles and Jane slipped away three more times to enjoy their previous activities, with very little opposition, or even positive encouragement from her mother. Mr. Bennet, still spending most of his time sequestered in his library, hardly seemed to notice. Elizabeth said nothing about the subject at all, but Jane noticed her come in from a walk one day with her bonnet askew and lips red and swollen.

That night, when they were alone, she asked, “Did you have a pleasant walk?”

“For the season, it was rather cold and windy.”

“Ah, that must be why your bonnet was lower on one side,” Jane said, with a sly smile.

Elizabeth blushed, “Was it? Do you think it was noticed?”

“Everyone was in the parlour, only I was in the passage when you returned.”

“I am glad of it.”

“Did you kiss?”

“Yes.”

Jane waited for her sister to say something more, but Elizabeth was not forthcoming. She began to think that it would not be a subject broached between them. It was natural, with marriage there are some secrets that a sister may not be privy to.

“I wish we could marry tomorrow!” Elizabeth burst out suddenly, “I regret that I suggested such a long interval.”

“Why?” Jane asked in great interest, knowing the reason in her heart.

“I feel that I shall burst! Whenever I am with him alone- it is just like you described! How am I supposed to be rational when he is near me?”

Jane giggled, “It is very difficult.”

“And he will do nothing more than kiss me, which I ought to respect as he is being the picture of a gentleman. I wish our mother had not explained so soon and given me such… indiscreet ideas.”

“Oh,” said Jane, “that is very good of him.”

“There is a part of me that is vexed by his goodness, but I am being ridiculous.”

Jane blushed, “I understand how you feel.”

“Certainly we both can endure another two weeks. Father told me the marriage articles are finished to his satisfaction; we only wait for the banns.”

Jane doubted to herself if she could wait so long. Encouragingly, she said, “The anticipation will only make it more delightful.”

“I must hope to receive a just reward,” Elizabeth laughed.

Jane nodded and the subject dropped. They talked of more indifferent matters before Elizabeth fell asleep. Jane lay awake for a little longer, thinking to herself that if there was a fair opportunity in the next few days… surely they must be close enough to the wedding now! Would she dare? Would he refuse her?

Chapter 8

As they dismounted their horses two days later and walked through the cool air towards the summer house, Jane worked up her courage. She stopped at the door.

“I want to say something now, while we are both cool,” she said.

“What is it?”

“I want to… I want to do all of it. Today.”

“It is only ten more days, Jane. Ten days and we will be alone and comfortable in a bed.”

“I want to do it now.”

“Why?”

Jane took a moment to arrange her thoughts, “I have given so much of myself to maintain a spotless reputation; to be blameless before the world. While I do believe it is my natural inclination to be modest, when you were here last year I did not want anyone to suspect me of even a shadow of impropriety. I have been afraid all my life to be anything less than perfect because if I did not set an example, how much worse would my younger sisters be? How much worse would the family be thought of? I have felt the responsibility of representing my family in a positive manner, as if my behaviour could offset their vulgarity. After all, I am the eldest daughter, it is my duty.

“I do not want to think of the world, or my family, or what is proper! You are what I want; no matter the consequences. I want to make my own choice and follow my own desires for once in my life. I want one act of indiscretion. We will be married soon, no one will know.”

He took her hands, “I would never deny you anything that you truly desire. However, something may go wrong, the wedding may be delayed. What if one of us falls ill or someone dies and we are forced to postpone?”

“Neither of us must think of riding through the rain,” she said, Charles smiled. “This is what I want,” Jane embraced him, and whispered in his ear, “I want you to fuck me.”

“Jane, I would never want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.”

She kissed him and then turned to open the door. He followed her inside.

The fire was lit, their things were set aside, and they made their way slowly and sensually to the sofa, Jane feeling anticipation building within her. Charles was doing as he had done before, caressing and kissing her, then moving his fingers between her legs.

“I thought-”

“You need to be ready. Or else it will hurt.”

“Am I not?”

She could feel how wet she was between her legs. She had been thinking about this all day. Charles hesitated.

“You are not going to hurt me,” she said.

“I might.”

She held his face in her hands, “It may hurt for a moment, or for a day, but I would happily bear it for the lifetime of pleasure that will follow.”

She kissed him. They repositioned so that she was lying on her back and he was above her. She closed her eyes. She was a mix of fear, delight, and anticipation. Jane felt him touch the outside of her cleft with something that was decidedly not his fingers. She took a breath. He kissed her and pushed in. She felt it was only an inch.

“Keep going.”

He went slowly further. It felt tight, yet not unpleasant.

“Please.”

Jane gasped as he pressed forward all the way. 

“Did I hurt you?”

“No. But stay still.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes… yes. It was uncomfortable; it is better now.”

She felt more pressure than pain; she felt queer; yet very quickly it was transforming into pleasure. Jane felt as if she and Charles were one, connected into a single person; as if it were impossible to tell where one of them began and the other ended.

“What is next?” she whispered.

“Tell me if it hurts.”

“I will.”

He began to move slowly.

“Yes, keep going,” she whispered, trying to match his rhythm with him as best she could.

“Oh God, Jane!”

Jane could only cry out in reply, but he knew her well enough now not to stop. She was full in a way she had not known was possible. She was pierced without pain. She was overwhelmed. It was exactly what she wanted.

Then he stopped suddenly and she was empty. Her eyes opened.

“I finished. Jane, that was…”

She kissed him, “It was.”

“Did you- are you done?”

“No,” she said honestly, though she did not feel the need for anything more.

He did something quickly with his hands, then kissed her and brought his fingers between her legs again. What was left of her need was quickly conquered.

“It usually lasts longer,” he said, as they lay spent together.

“Why not this time?”

“Because I have not done that in a long time and it was very, very good.”

“Did you… finish in me?”

“No,” he chuckled, “could you not tell?”

“I suppose I am not very observant at certain times. I am glad it was good for you. It was… exquisite.”

Charles looked at her seriously for a moment, “It was everything I have dreamed of for weeks. You are wonderful beyond my imagination.”

“I love you more than I had ever thought I could love anyone.”

“I love you.”

He held her tightly as they lay there together.

“We should go back,” she said finally.

“We should.”

She took up a cloth, she had known she would have to wash herself. From Fanny Hill she had expected more blood and more pain, but there was very little. But then, nothing had been very much like that book. Jane thought now that no man in that novel had cared very much for the women they were bedding, not even Fanny’s beloved Charlie.

When they were both clothed and ready to depart, Jane thrust herself into Charles’s arms, “How was I fortunate enough to be loved by you?”

“I could ask you the same question.”

“I must learn to be far happier than I deserve,” said she, kissing him again.

“You deserve everything and more.”

She smiled and embraced him.

Charles pulled away with a smile, “Do you not think once is enough? You will tempt me back to the sofa.”

Jane smiled, “No, you are right. We best be off.”

“You know how much I love you?”

“It must be as much as I love you.”

Then, in a commendable exercise of self-command, they went out and found their horses.

Having tasted from the fount of Venus, Jane wanted nothing more than to try the waters again, but the next morning brought her courses and stopped all possibility of a liaison for the next four days at least. She was happy that she had not waited any longer to initiate their more intimate relationship, however acutely she was vexed by the current situation. Instead of riding out, she and Charles walked with Darcy and Elizabeth. They still fell behind and kissed in the crisp autumn air, but nothing else was possible.

By the time Jane was ready to try again, there were too many preparations and guests for anything to be done. Mrs. Philips was in the house nearly every day, as was Lady Lucas, though she seemed so sour Jane hardly knew why she came. In their years-long rivalry, Mrs. Bennet had never seemed so thoroughly defeated as she had after Lydia’s elopement; now she was triumphant. The amount of each Jane and Elizabeth’s pin money was repeated so often in her ‘friend’s’ hearing that both daughters were certain it could have been recollected by persons in every house for ten miles. They began to tire themselves of what warehouses had sent their wedding clothes and the name of each carriage maker. Petty comparisons to Charlotte’s prospects were made with such regularity that Jane wondered how Lady Lucas could bear it so calmly, though she often thought her mother’s oldest friend was muttering something under her breath.

Bingley was also busy with the final matters of business and family. His sisters came to Netherfield to look at the bride and laugh at her family. However, inevitable as everything now was, if they did laugh in company, it was behind their fans. Their presence was the final prevention of everything, for even solitary walks were no longer possible.

Jane was truly happy to see them, especially since Caroline had sent a letter of reconciliation prior to her arrival. With her, they were everything amiable, though she now understood their true characters. She anticipated a pleasant intercourse with both, whilst knowing that they would never be as dear to her as Elizabeth. Caroline and Louisa had great powers to please when they meant to, and Jane was far from unmoved by their kindness, sincere or otherwise.

With Caroline and Louisa (and her husband) came Georgiana as well. Bingley’s sisters were to remain at Netherfield for a few months but Georgiana would accompany her brother and new sister-in-law back to London, and from there to Pemberley. It was an inevitable separation that Jane both regretted and accepted. She was eager enough to begin her new life and she knew she would see Elizabeth again soon.

It was nearly impossible for either of them to sleep the night before their weddings. Jane and Elizabeth sat up together in their room, talking about everything and nothing, about fears and hopes and dreams.

Elizabeth was silent for a moment and then said, “I must own that I am somewhat afraid of the wedding night. Despite what our mother said, I read a novel that made the first time seem extremely uncomfortable.”

“What novel?” Jane said with piqued interest.

“Fanny Hill, I took it from Lydia and I did not mean to read it…”

“Did she find a second copy! I took Fanny Hill away from Lydia a few months ago.”

Elizabeth asked in a serious tone, “What did you do with it?”

“I buried it behind the house.”

“Then it was the same volume! She must have watched you and recovered it. The copy I took was smeared with dirt.”

Jane laughed, “She was very determined to finish it, I daresay. What did you do after you read it?”

“I burned it. It took almost half an hour to ensure it was fully consumed.”

“How much did you read?”

“The entire first volume, I am sorry to admit. I tried to put it down but I was drawn back again and again. It was as if I could not look away.”

“The description of the first night, Charles told me it was not very accurate.”

“I hope not, it was shocking! She fainted and there was so much blood. And her lover seemed so unconcerned with her pain and kept pushing even when she was hurt; which makes me think it is simply inevitable and must be got through. I find myself dreading this evening despite my desire to…”

Jane took a breath, “I do not want you to be frightened my dear sister. I am confident that your first experience will be nothing like Fanny’s, it was not for me.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, “Jane! When?”

“About a fortnight ago.”

“Where?”

“There is a summer house at Netherfield.”

“That is where you have been riding off to! I never would have imagined.”

Jane blushed, “It was not until the very last time that we did… everything.”

“And you… enjoyed it?”

“Oh, yes! Our mother was not wrong, I think as long as you are properly ready it will be… it was a strange feeling. It was not exactly unpleasant. It was rather- it is hard to describe. However, I think that it helped that he had, um, used his fingers before.”

“He put his fingers… in?”

“Yes, and he… there can be a lot more to the activity than merely the end position, with his thing in yours,” Jane said, trying to avoid the words her mother had used, “if you begin with that I imagine it would be painful. You can feel almost as much using hands or… um, your mouth.”

“Your mouth?”

“Both. Both people can use their mouths…”

“At the same time? Is that possible?”

Jane laughed nervously, “We have not attempted that. We went one at a time. Though I am told it is possible. When we did it, he used his hand first, to make sure I was ready.”

Elizabeth nodded.

“I’m sure your- he, will know what he is doing. I do not imagine he would want to hurt you.”

“It is not that I think he is in any way deficient.” Elizabeth paused, “You have given me a great deal of relief already. I was also worried… I will not really know what to do.”

“Oh, once you are doing things it comes rather naturally. Usually you kiss the whole time, and you can, um, stroke,” she blushed, “his, him, but I think most important is to say or, not exactly say, but show that you like what he is doing. If you do, that is.”

“I think I understand,” Elizabeth said, blushing likewise.

“We went slowly, well perhaps more quickly than we ought to, but it was not the first time. It was a month before we attempted it. Maybe tonight you will not.”

“I want to,” Elizabeth said softly.

“And you trust him?”

“Of course!”

“Then there is nothing to fear.”

Elizabeth embraced her. Jane held her tightly to her heart, hoping that she had allayed some of her sister’s fears. Fatigue was overtaking her and it was soon after this discussion that they both fell asleep.

The morning came and the sisters were dressed, coifed, and whisked away to the church. The vows were spoken and the wedding breakfast was over. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy departed for London with Georgiana whilst Jane and Bingley made their way to Netherfield. The day passed quickly, though not rapidly enough for either of their tastes, and finally they were alone in Jane’s apartment.

“I have a gift for you,” Charles said. He took out a package wrapped artfully in gold paper.

“I was not expecting- I have nothing to give in return!” Jane said, taking what she could tell was a book.

“There is no need to worry about a gift for me, it is for both of us,” Charles said with a smile. As he stood before her, she sat down in a chair. Jane very carefully untied the ribbon and removed the paper without ripping it. She set it aside carefully and looked at the unmarked brown cover. “What book is it?” she asked, opening the first page to see no notation or publishers note.

“Turn another page.”

“Oh!” Jane exclaimed. The next page was a painting of a woman, Greek or Roman, entirely naked and preparing to mount a man’s large, aroused member. The signature said, “T. Rowlandson” She turned over the page, the next showed a woman in a bonnet with her dress swept aside. She was kneeling atop a young man, they were about to engage in… She turned another. This couple was doing the act sitting, while a man, Jane assumed the woman’s father, could not see them from an above window. There was also a woman touching herself off to one side, watching the others.

“Oh, dear,” Jane said softly.

“They are not… entirely proper,” said Charles. “I thought you may like to see them, but if you do not like it-”

“No! No, I do like it. I love it! I have just never seen anything like-,” she looked at another, “Is he putting it in her… behind?”

“No. He is putting it in her, um, cunt, but from the back.”

Jane tried to imagine with her own body how that would work. “The woman has to stand?”

“No, here,” he flipped a few pages ahead, “the woman can lean over a bed or a sofa.”

“Oh! She is backwards! We never tried with the woman on top.”

“We only tried at all once,” he said with a laugh.

Jane closed the book, it was becoming impossible to focus on the artwork. “Thank you.” She stood and kissed him, “That was the most thoughtful gift. I love you.”

Charles smiled, “I love you, Mrs. Bingley.”

“Shall we retire to bed?”

“If you are done with your present.”

“I am for now, but it has given me some ideas.”

“What ideas are those?”

She only smiled, took off her nightgown, and climbed onto the bed. He joined her immediately.

“You are even more beautiful than I remember.”

“You are everything I have ever wanted.”

They kissed and caressed until he was hard and she wet. They were lying on their sides facing each other, Jane pushed gently on his shoulder and when he was on his back. She climbed on top. She recollected the words in that dreaded book, “she staked herself” but greatly preferred the picture which had better shown her how it might be done. When she had accomplished her goal, she discovered that this position enabled the great advantage of her partner being able to caress and kiss her breasts.

Charles finished quickly, confessing that her attractions in this position had quite overcome him. Neither was tired however, and after lying for some time in repose, Charles asked, “What have you enjoyed most so far?”

“I think, when you kiss me… down there.”

“Would you like me to now?”

“I would, though perhaps we could try at the same time now?”

Charles brushed a lock of hair away from her face, “I must confess, I would prefer to spend as much time… inside of you as possible. To have both may be impossible, let me pleasure you for now.”

Jane agreed, it was, after all, no great sacrifice or her part. Her only point of dissatisfaction was that she finished before she could tell him to stop. However, she quickly learned that women differ from men in some respects and the second session provided as much pleasure to herself as to her lover.

It was now very late and Charles proposed retiring to his own room, but Jane did not like for him to go and it was seldom that they were separated at night for the rest of their marriage.

Epilogue

It took a fortnight to try everything that the book suggested to them, though some positions proved to either be an invention of the artist or only possible by a couple far more flexible or stronger than themselves. By the end, they had both discovered their preferences in the bedroom. Jane always retained a proclivity for oral intimacy, which they did try simultaneously to her great delight. Charles favoured Jane being on top, as he could better admire and caress her.

Jane received a letter from her sister one morning, which after detailing her enjoyment of the Darcy house in London and describing a few parties, concluded with the line, “As you kindly assured me, it was nothing like F.H.”

There is nothing else significant to record, for we are assured that Jane and Bingley were very happy together. Though it should be known that on the first anniversary of the day when they had first consummated their relationship, Jane and Bingley returned to the summer house. Their permanent new home had been purchased and, two months prior, they had welcomed their first child. They were leaving Netherfield and Hertfordshire together in only a few days.

The pair stole away early that morning, having ordered the place to be cleaned and stocked with wood for a fire. The sun was still young when they stepped inside and they did not leave until they were required to dress for dinner.

What was done that day is unknown, however, the mistress of the house did very sheepishly order a carpenter to repair a sofa from the summer house the next day.

FINIS

This is one of my first attempts at mature content, I hope you enjoyed it!

For more stories, check out my homepage or the short stories page