The First Kiss

For Elizabeth Bennett life could not have been any more perfect. She was engaged to a man whom she was hopelessly in love with and could not be happier. Just three weeks ago she had agreed to become the wife of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

"Oh Jane, I believe we are the happiest women in all England; the world even," said Elizabeth as she hugged a pillow and laid along the edge of her sister Jane's bed.

"I shall have to agree with you. I never dreamed I would ever be this content," Jane said, with a dazed, dreamy look upon her face, "But enough of that. What is it like being engaged to Mr. Darcy? I want all the details, Lizzy."

Elizabeth was rather shocked at her normally serene sister's sudden outburst and urge to know all the particulars of her relationship. "Well, if you must know, he is the perfect gentleman. Whenever we walk about he always makes sure that I am comfortable. He always makes sure that I am never too hot or too cold. We always walk arm in arm and sometimes he holds my hand. I wish he would hold my hand more often though. I like how it makes me feel. He is also very proper. The only thing he has done so far is kissing my hand, which I have no objection to, but sometimes I wish....." Her voice trailed off and she was lost in a reverie.

"You wish that he would kiss more than your hand, don't you?" asked Jane with a sly smile.

"Jane!" exclaimed a shocked Lizzy. She began to blush slightly and added, "Yes I suppose I do. I want to experience what it is like. Pray, has Mr. Bingley and you......kissed yet?"

"As a matter of fact we have and Lizzy it is the most wonderful and romantic experience I have ever had. Just a simple touching of the lips can convey your love of that person. It is such a beautiful way of expressing your emotions. I hope you experience it soon," she said, before dazing off into the memory of her first kiss.

"I hope so as well. It is getting late and we should be getting to bed. Are we not dining at Netherfield tomorrow night?"

Jane broke from her dream. "Indeed we are. Maybe your Mr. Darcy will do it then. Good night, Lizzy."

Elizabeth grinned and giggled, "Good night, Jane. Pleasant dreams."

Meanwhile at Netherfield, a similar conversation was taking place between their fiancees. "So tell me Darcy, have you kissed your lady yet?" asked Bingley as he poured some brandy into two glasses.

"What kind of question is that to be asking?" retorted Darcy, adding, "I do not see why that information would be important to you."

"Oh come now! I consider you a brother and we are to be made brothers through marriage, so why all the secrecy? It is just a simple question," Bingley protested, "I am only curious." Bingley handed a glass of brandy to Darcy.

Darcy finally gave in. "No I have not kissed her. Have you kissed yours?" I can be curious too, Bingley. Bingley grinned widely, "Yes I have and it was absolutely spectacular. I never imagined I could love a woman as much as I do Jane." "It was that good, eh?" said Darcy. "Oh Darcy! You have no idea of the thrill you receive by kissing the woman that you love," said Bingley, shaking his head.

"The truth is, Bingley, what if she doesn't like it? I mean the last girl I tried to kiss ran screaming from my presence," Darcy told his young friend before gulping down the last of his brandy. Bingley broke into laughter and managed to ask, "And how old were you, Darcy?" Darcy quieted his voice and said, "Almost thirteen." This time Bingley almost collapsed to the floor from laughing so hard. "It's not funny, Bingley. I was heartbroken at the time. What if I'm not good enough?" Darcy said seriously. Bingley was trying to calm himself down. Finally, he said, "I am sorry. Do not worry, Darcy. Just go with your instincts and your feelings. Let them come out in your kiss. Show Miss Elizabeth Bennett how much you love her." "You're right, Bingley. The next chance I get, I will kiss her." "Well you'll have your chance tomorrow night for they are dining here at Netherfield," said Bingley, with a look of hidden encouragement in his eyes. Both gentlemen grinned and had another brandy before retiring for bed.

The next evening...

Dinner at Netherfield went smoothly. Both gentlemen were as handsome as ever and seemed to be entranced by both of their beloved's. Elizabeth hoped that tonight would be the night that Mr. Darcy would finally kiss her. Darcy also had a similar wish. Shortly after dinner, Bingley suggested that they all take a stroll in the garden, commenting that the stars and the moon would add a romantic atmosphere to the surroundings. The two gentlemen escorted their ladies out into the garden and Bingley made sure that he and Jane ended up on one side of the garden while Darcy and Elizabeth were on the opposite side.

Darcy and Elizabeth soon found themselves standing in front of some rose bushes, staring up at the heavens. "The moon and stars are so beautiful tonight, are they not?" commented Elizabeth. Darcy looked at his fiancee and said, "Yes they are, but not as beautiful as you, my most precious Elizabeth." She stood motionless staring into his eyes that were almost as dark as the night sky. She had not heard him address her as "Elizabeth" since he proposed to her. She loved the sound of his voice. "You flatter me too much, sir. I do not deserve it," Elizabeth said shyly. She brought her head down and stared at the ground, hoping he would not see her blushing. He brought his index figure up to her chin and slowly raised her head up so that he looked into her eyes. She thought she was going to faint under his gaze. Her heart began to beat faster and faster and she felt as if her stomach was doing flips. "I speak only the truth," he said softly, almost whispering. Do it now, Darcy! "Elizabeth," he swallowed and took a deep breath, "before this perfect night ends and you go....I wish to..to..kiss you." Seeing that Elizabeth gave no objection, he moved in slowly toward her face. Soon his lips were almost upon hers. Both of their minds were shouting, Just do it, man! At last their lips met and a shiver shot through both their spines. Elizabeth saw flashes of light and suddenly nothing else existed except for her and him. She never wanted it to end. She wrapped her arms around his neck and fell against his body, as Darcy encircled her waist with his strong arms. Darcy felt in an instant, a tremendous wave of love and happiness come over him. Now I understand what Bingley meant. The experience lasted for a few moments and then they were returned to reality. They stood there for a few more minutes, just holding each other. Elizabeth finally whispered in his ear, "I love you with all my heart and soul, Fitzwilliam Darcy." "And I you, my love. Without you, I would never be complete," he whispered in return.

The couple reluctantly let go of each other and went to find Jane and Bingley, who were, unbeknownst to them, engaged in similar activities. Both couples, however, soon made their way back to the house and the two ladies were loaded into their carriage and taken back to Longbourne. Elizabeth visited her sister's bedchamber shortly after she dressed for bed. After she walked in, Jane looked at her and said, "Well?" The smile on Elizabeth's face was all the confirmation Jane needed.

The End

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