'Miss Bennet,' Mr Darcy watched the woman readying herself for her usual morning walk. He knew she had much to think upon because he'd caused her distress. Still he had no choice in his manipulation of her. It did not make the lot in life his Elizabeth would suffer any easier to bear. 'May I join you?'

Lizzy did not answer. Instead she indicated Mr Darcy should offer his arm. They exited Netherfield together, unchaperoned. Only the servants were about to report this as gossip. It did not matter, for in less than two weeks they would be man and wife under God's jurisdiction.

'I walk to the church at Longbourn,' Lizzy finally found the courage to speak as they reached the border between the two estates.

Nodding at this, Darcy kept his eyes facing forward. He too needed the solitude and fortification of God's house after the acts he had committed against a gentlewoman. Still it could not be helped, this dreadful manipulation, even if he loathed himself for deeds he'd perpetrated. He had to believe all would turn out well.

Silently the couple entered the church. Mr Michaels, the current pastor watched them from his alter. He came to bless his God every morning, to ask for strength to continue is work and to spread the good Lord's word. Their society was far from that indicated by the lessons in the bible. He had heard the confession of his parishioners. On the surface all appeared good and gentle while underneath lay a nest of sin. Husbands beat their wife's, men forced themselves on maidens, children lived in the most hostile of environments, drinking and gambling occurred at every level of society leading to devastation and grief. However this, thankfully, was not the norm. Still Mr Michael's had seen enough to clearly understand the expression on the young couples faces.

'Mr Darcy, Miss Bennet,' he bowed, 'how can I be of service?'

Glancing nervously at her betrothed, Elizabeth wondered how she could speak freely to her pastor. She had much she wished to confess and more she needed guidance on. Still, she could not utter a word with Mr Darcy beside her.

'I should like a moment of your time,' Darcy held his stoic face firmly in place. The apprehension of his fiancée had not escaped his notice. 'I think Miss Bennet would appreciate a visit with your wife, if that can be arranged.'

'Of course,' Mr Michaels sensed great discord between the young couple. 'Please make you way up to the house, Miss Bennet. My wife is about. Perhaps Mr Darcy can call for you in an hour.'

'I will make it two, Elizabeth,' he stated impassively. 'I shall return with the carriage and escort you back to Netherfield.'

'Thank you, sir,' she curtseyed to both men before hurrying away.

'I believe,' Mr Michael's gave the man a demanding look, 'we have much to speak on. You have pre-empted your wedding vows.'

'There is a very good reason, Sir,' Darcy's expression became thunderous. 'I am dying.'

This is just a teaser. I am writing the next chapters as you read. I look forward to your comments as this will be much darker than my usual fic.