Author's Note- I have only posted one other thing up here on this site, so i am still relatively new at all this. Here is a little scene that seemed to pop into my head the other night and it would not let me sleep until it was all typed out (i believe i was finally asleep around 4am). I figured why not share it here with all of you. Read and Review! As always, Pride and Prejudice and it's characters do not belong to me, but to the great Jane Austen. I could not even think of attempting to steal them from her, but i do borrow them!

Elizabeth Darcy nee Bennet was at a complete loss of what to do. For the first time in over six months, she was completely alone…or as alone as one could be in a great house like Pemberley with upwards of 50 servants all bustling around. Despite the 50 some odd servants, Elizabeth did feel utterly alone. Her husband of less than a year was gone. Off in London on a matter of business that turned more complicated than he had expected, Fitzwilliam Darcy had been delayed and forced into an extended stay due to horrible weather. These were the first days in their six months of marriage that neither had woken next to the other nor gone a whole day without seeing and talking to the other.

At first, Elizabeth had thought nothing of it- two, maybe three days- she could handle that. But as three became five and five became eight, she'd begun to doubt her assumptions. For the first few days, she had been able to keep busy with calls and visits to neighbors and long rambles all over the expansive grounds of her new home. Yet, by day four the weather that would eventually delay her beloved husband, first hit his home.

Days of rain were not good for Elizabeth and her loneliness. There was only so much sewing she had to do, so much housework that she could keep focused on. She had even sequestered herself away to learn more of her less everyday duties from Mrs. Reynolds, who was ever patient and helpful towards Elizabeth as she made the transition into Mistress of such a grand estate. Restlessness, which had always afflicted Lizzy on rainy days, combined with sleeplessness caused by an empty bed, did not make her a good study. Refusing to try Mrs. Reynolds' patience anymore and overcome by a dream of her absent husband, Lizzy dreaded awakening now on this eighth day. Snuggling closer to her husband's pillow Lizzy laughed at herself. She had never thought she would become one of those women- ones who were utterly absorbed in their own feelings, rendering themselves useless.

"Pull yourself together Lizzy! You are mistress of Pemberley. You cannot lie about all day bemoaning the absence of your husband," she whispered to herself.

Pulling aside the bed curtains she slipped out of bed and was met with the greatest of sites: a beautiful clear and dry sun filled sky. She could not help but smile. Sun meant she wasn't confined to the house and that the roads would dry enough to possibly let her husband through to her even sooner!

After bathing and dressing, Elizabeth called for her breakfast to be brought up to her room. An empty dinning room table would only serve to dampen her newly lifted spirits. Rereading over letters from Jane and Georgiana from the day before, Lizzy's spirits continued to rise. Jane was still ever loving and kind, despite the close distance she kept to their mother. Lizzy would continue to persuade Jane that she and Charles just had to come to Pemberley this summer. She knew that once here, Bingley and Jane would realize just how wonderful life could be a bit farther north from their mother. It was her greatest hope that she would soon have her sister close to her again, for it was at times like this-alone from her husband and other female companionship, that Lizzy truly missed dear Jane.

Calling for her bonnet and shawl a few moments later, Lizzy made her way down to the kitchen area hoping to find Mrs. Reynolds and inform her of her plans for the day. Cheerfully wishing those she did pass good morning, it was noted by many of the maids and footmen how much happier the mistress looked on this morning than she had the last few days. Her happiness was also infectious. Meeting Mrs. Reynolds as she entered the kitchen, Elizabeth informed her that she would spend the rest of the morning outside, though if she was needed, to not hesitate to send for her. Promising not to disturb her unless it was an emergency, Mrs. Reynolds and Elizabeth parted ways- Mrs. Reynolds heading off to help some new maids and Elizabeth through the kitchen and out into the green expanse of the lawn.

With only a beginning destination in mind, Elizabeth continued down the pathway before she went to loose herself in her favorite hidden spots among the woods. Approaching the large stable area, Lizzy paused in hopes of seeing her husband riding into them and home to her. No such sight greeted her, but she continued on to them none the less, pausing only once more to greet Mr. Greene who ran the stables.

"Good Morning Mrs. Darcy. Fine weather finally isn't it!"

"Oh yes! But more than just fine; it is beautiful."

"Aye, I agree." And seeing her look down the rows of stalls, he continued with, "I believe what you are looking for is out in the paddock ma'am."

Smiling, Lizzy thanked him and walked out through the other open end of the stable. The enclosed paddock contained a few horses, but only one in particular could catch her eye.

Lizzy had been a new bride still when she had learned of her new husband's love for horses. It was something he revealed to her that he and his father had shared and bonded over, especially after the death of his mother. Darcy had admitted that during the summer after her refusal at Hunsford, he had thrown himself into Pemberley and spent many hours thinking over what she had said on the back of his horses. As she stood there now, she remembered how excited he had been to show her all of Pemberley, her new home.

Mr. and the new Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy had returned from a prolonged honeymoon trip and settled at Pemberley a month after their wedding. They arrived mid morning and after a brief viewing of the servants, Darcy had dismissed Mrs. Reynolds and shown Elizabeth most of Pemberley himself. The tour had ended with their private rooms- her bedroom and bath and his, joined together by a spacious sitting room. Even with a month of intimacies, both had blushed at his exuberance on bringing her to his rooms.

"I've waited so long to see you in this room my Lizzy," he'd whispered in her ear as they entered. Her only response was to blush.

"It's been cleaned and a few things have been changed to make it more…uh, welcoming to you. Your rooms haven't been changed since my mother had them done so aside from having them aired and cleaned, I have not touched them. Once you are settled in, Mrs. Reynolds will set up an appointment with a decorator." He paused for a moment and continued on with a voice deep with emotion, "I want you to be comfortable here Lizzy."

Meeting his eyes for the first time since she had entered the room she replied to him, "I think I shall be very comfortable here," gesturing outwardly with her hands, "with you Fitzwilliam."

It was his turn to blush as they were momentarily interrupted by his manservant Jenks. Exploring the room, Lizzy found the large windows on the far wall were actually doors onto a large balcony that seemed to span and connect to his room, their sitting room, and hers as well. She ended her explorations on the one thing that had caught her eye and attention from the moment she'd entered: the bed. Large, even larger than the one they had shared on their honeymoon, it was also tall. She was perplexed for a moment as to how she was to actually get on the bed without having to take a very unlady-like running leap. The thought made her smile though and she walked over to the bed running her hands along the silky royal blue curtains and the deep cherry colored wooden bedposts they were presently tied to. As she walked around the whole perimeter to the other side, she found the answer to her question- a stepping stool. Stealing a peek at her husband and Jenks, she saw the servant leaving the room. Fitzwilliam turned from the door and looking at her saw her own stare. Raising one impertinent eyebrow at him, she stepped gingerly upon the stool and laid herself back onto the bed and closed her eyes.

With a sigh she patted the bed and told her husband, "Yes. I'll be very comfortable right here." Sharing a laugh with her, Fitzwilliam walked over and sat at the edge next to her, gently stroking her cheek with the back of his hand.

"More comfortable by the minute, sir," she said opening her eyes and looking straight up at him.

Lowering his head down close to hers, he was able to say, "I'm glad my Lizzy," before her lips covered his. It was many minutes and many more kisses later before they were interrupted again- this time by the rumbling of the husband's stomach. Their passion gave way to a fit of giggles before Fitzwilliam rolled off of Lizzy and lay on his own side of the bed. Another interruption- the small chiming of the six o'clock hour- caused Lizzy to jump off the bed.

"I did not realize how late it was Fitzwilliam. We must hurry and get dressed for dinner," she exclaimed, attempting to fix the fallen pins of her hair.

But before she could move far, Darcy had reached for her arm and pulled her back onto the bed.

"Fitzwilliam!"

Teasingly he exclaimed, "Lizzy! There is no need to worry. I have already had Jenks inform Mrs. Reynolds that we will take our meal in our rooms tonight."

"Oh we will…"

"Yes Lizzy. The journey was very long and we are so tired." He tried to keep his serious demeanor up but the smirk coming from Lizzy's face was too hard to resist. He drew her closer, kissing his way up her shoulder, to her neck, and then landing on her lips as she sighed and said, "What a thoughtful husband you can be sometimes Fitzwilliam."

A short while later, thoughtful husband and loving wife were seated in their sitting room enjoying a quiet meal and talking about nothing in particular.

"What did you change about your bedchamber Fitzwilliam?"

"I had the linens changed mostly, my love. Not so heavy and dark colors, especially on the curtains and sheets."

"I compliment your choice in fabric then sir. It is such a beautiful shade of blue, though I believe any color would suit as long as you were there with me."

Lizzy was rewarded for her daring remark with a passionate kiss. When each could think again, they preceded onto a safer topic- her opinions of the house, if there had been any pieces of furniture that had caught her eye so he could have them placed in her rooms, study, drawing room, etc. Owning to her feelings of being slightly overwhelmed, Darcy had promised she would not be rushed into anything and that foremost in his thought was her feeling at home with him for as he said it:

"I have always loved Pemberley, but now that you are here, I seem to feel so much more for it. I so want you to feel as much at home here as I do, love."

Lizzy could never help but smile and sigh when her husband talked like this. It had begun during their engagement as they had learned more of the other and opened up to each other.

"I have no doubt I shall feel the same very soon, dear husband, though," unable to resist teasing him, "really Fitzwilliam, how am I to find my way around this great place? You must draw me some sort of map!"

Laughing, he patted her hand and reassured her, "You will quickly learn your way around here my love. I fear though Elizabeth, that I have not even shown you the whole of the house yet."

Throwing him a saucy look, Lizzy replied, "Well as long as I shall remember my way back here, I will be more than happy." The chocking sound emitted by her husband was just the response Lizzy had been hoping for.

"And what shall I be shown tomorrow, sir. I fear I will need you for a tour guide for a few more days at least."

"Ah, well if I must my love, I must." This earned his hand a playful slap and a laugh from them both before he continued. "Tomorrow I will show you some of my favorite places, especially those outside of the house, for the weather seems to be staying quite nice despite the winter season. The stables, in particular will be one place we shall visit."

"I am quite eager to see these stables of yours, Fitzwilliam. You seemed so excited about them when we talked about Pemberley on our honeymoon."

"Aside from the library, they are my favorite places to retreat too."

"Are?" asked Lizzy archedly, intertwining her hand with his where it lay on the table. He pulled their joint hands to his lips, kissing her fingers before amending his statement. "On second thought, I believe my bedroom is quickly rising in my esteem and this room as well. Though I believe they owe their rising good opinions to the fine company I keep in them now."

There was a long pause as they simply stared lovingly at each other, still relishing, even a month later, in the ability to do so uninterrupted by society and its rules. Reaching over she gently brushed his cheek, drawing him from his gazing.

"Fitzwilliam."

"Yes my love?"

"I am ready for bed."

Not another word past between them as they stood and he swept her up into his arms, carrying her into his bedroom.

Lizzy was drawn from her private musings by the gentle whinnying of a young colt with whom she had become very familiar. The light bay colored pony pranced before her in an effort to impress a treat out of her. It worked as always and soon she was affectionately petting and feeding the eager pony.

"Are you being a good little sprite Puck?" she asked, though not expecting a response. As she gently stroked his soft nose, she remembered the first time she had gotten to see her little friend.

Darcy had made good on his promise and so on the second day as Mistress of Pemberley, Lizzy found herself at the stables and being introduced to not only Mr. Greene, but a few of Darcy's most prized horses. She knew his personal horse, Artemis- tall and pitch black from the tip of her nose to the end of her tail. It was this horse that Darcy had taken to Hertfordshire and the one with whom, when out riding on a few occasions during their engagement, he had encountered Elizabeth on one of her walks. Her husband's affections with all the animals were infectious as was his entire demeanor. He was a completely relaxed and confident Darcy here. She could tell he so wanted her to love all of this as much as he did that she knew she would not be able to resist not. They came to a stop at a large stall at the end and were joined by Mr. Greene. Inside laid a bay colored horse that Lizzy soon learned was not normally as large as she looked, but that she was due to give birth any day now.

"I was hoping not to miss it. Scheherazade is one of our best," said Darcy to Lizzy. To Mr. Greene he instructed that he was to send for Darcy no matter what time, day or night, the foaling began.

Two nights later those instructions would be carried out and Darcy was called in the wee hours of the morning before even the sun began to shine. He kissed a disorientated Lizzy, urging her back to sleep, and soon was at the stables. He was not back as Lizzy sat to break her fast. Wanting to see him and intrigued by the happenings of the stable, she asked Mrs. Reynolds to put together a small breakfast basket for Mr. Darcy and a few of the men who would have been at the stables that night. When Mrs. Reynolds replied that she would gladly have one of the foot men bring that to the men right away, Lizzy corrected her saying she would bring it herself, if only Mrs. Reynolds would first help her to the kitchens. Beaming with the obvious joy of seeing the new Mrs. Darcy dote upon her master so thoughtfully, she happily helped her mistress to the kitchens and instructed a maid to fetch Mrs. Darcy's bonnet and coat. In a few minutes Lizzy was on her way to the stables.

She neared the entrance, surprised with the activity at even such an early time, and hesitantly took a few steps in, saying good morning to some of the hands who had noticed her. She spotted her husband at the other end in conference with a few men. His back was to her, but when Mr. Greene recognized her presence with a subtly nodded, Darcy quickly turned around. Excusing himself for a moment, he met her half way.

"Elizabeth, what are you doing here?"

"Good Morning to you too, Fitzwilliam."

Chuckling, he brought her hand to his mouth for a quick kiss, "Good morning, Mrs. Darcy. What lucky chance brings you here this morning?"

"I came to bring you some breakfast. If you have even realized the sun is shinning. There is enough here for Mr. Greene as well."

"Lizzy. You are wonderful," was all he could say, touched by her gesture.

"Yes, I am. Now tell me how your Scheherazade is doing." And they began to walk down toward the last stall.

"Well, though I am beginning to hope it does not last much longer, for her health and that of the foal, all is going well. She is strong." They had reached Mr. Greene and Scheherazade by then, Mr. Darcy informing him that breakfast had arrived and pulling together some extra crates, a makeshift table was laid for them.

Lizzy wandered, looking in at some of the other horses, petting the few who stuck their heads out to stare back at her. A stable hand came over and offered her some sugar cubes he kept with him and she eagerly continued to make friends as she walked back down towards her husband. All the while, Darcy watched her, his heart overflowing with love. How perfect she looked here, how well she was fitting, becoming a part of everything he loved. A sound from Scheherazade's stall roused him and Mr. Greene who had already sprung up and opened the door slightly to step in. Elizabeth quickly returned to her husband's side and gently pulling her with him, they stood together and watched a new foal enter the world. It was an amazing experience and Lizzy's eyes were filled with tears over it.

Forgetting where they were, she leaned closer to him, placing her head on his chest and whispered, "Oh Fitzwilliam! How beautiful. How exciting! How…Oh Fitzwilliam!"

He too forgot where he was and hugged her closer; sighing as they together watched the young foal attempt to stand. "I am so happy you are here to see this Lizzy."

"It is a boy, sir" said Mr. Greene as he closed the stall behind him, leaving mother and son to bond. "I'll get washed up sir and then be back to watch for a little longer, as we discussed."

"Thank you Mr. Greene. I shall stay here til you return."

Alone, Darcy and Elizabeth peered over and watched the newborn's antics. Lizzy could not help but giggle. Seeing her smile and happiness, Darcy was struck with a brilliant idea.

"Elizabeth, would you like to name him?"

"Really!? Do you mean it Fitzwilliam?" She looked like a child on Christmas morning at the suggestion, firming in his mind that the idea had been a stroke of genius.

"Of course. I can think of nothing better."

"I will think of the perfect name for him."

Laughing, Darcy assured her she need not rush and after speaking with Mr. Greene for a moment the happy couple made their way back to the manor house.

Later that day, Darcy sat in his study answering some correspondence after dinner when the clock's chiming reminded him of his desire to check in on the foal before turning in for the night. Instructing the footman to fetch his coat, he also asked for Mrs. Darcy's and went in search of his wife. She had gone to retrieve her knitting and so he found her in the hall on the way to join him in the library. Telling her of his plans, it was all he could do, to stop her and have her await their coats. By the time they reached the stables a little while later, Darcy could not help laughing over her childlike excitement.

Mr. Greene had gone for supper and most of the other hands were off as well so the couple was alone with the mother and babe.

"Oh. I believe he has gotten more adorable since this morning Fitzwilliam."

"I believe you are right my love. He'll be a beautiful bay just like his mother, but see Lizzy," he said pointing to the foal's feet, "they will be black just like the mane and tail. He'll be a fine horse very soon." Lizzy couldn't help but notice the pride with which he said the last bit.

They watched in silence for a few minutes as the foal, still a bit shaky, stood, nursed and pranced almost around his mother.

"He's got a bit of a spirit already." Darcy noted, pointing out how he nipped at his mother for attention and refused to stay still.

"That's it! I think I have the perfect name for this little spirit," exclaimed Lizzy.

"Yes?"

"Puck. Shakespeare's famous mischievous sprite." She looked at Darcy, hoping he would approve.

He didn't answer right away, instead looking at the foal and murmuring the name. Finally he turned to Lizzy, kissed the top of her head and told her he thought it a fine name for the little creature. Happy and relieved to have pleased her husband, she quickly popped up on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips before hastily pulling back upon realizing where they were. The couple blushed but shared a quick laugh before they heard the greetings of Mr. Greene.

"Good evening as well Mr. Greene. Mrs. Darcy has come up with a perfect name for our new foal I believe- Puck."

"Ah, yes. That'll do nicely for him I think ma'am," Mr. Greene replied with a nod to his mistress.

Lizzy nodded her head to the man,"Thank you Mr. Greene. Though I do apologize now and pity you if he lives up to the full potential of his name."

A high pitched nicker from the young Puck ended Lizzy's latest musings. She had paused in her petting and he had been very put out by it, wanting the last bit of sugar she was hiding from him.

"So demanding of attention! That's all I have for you today. You will just have to show off to someone else to get more treats."

When Puck had grown wearied of her petting, he headed off towards the other horses once again leaving Lizzy alone. Sighing she pushed off the fence and began to head down one of the lanes leading towards the wooded area. She paused though upon hearing the sound of a horse pounding into the stables. Hurrying back up the lane she caught the glimpse of a streak of black and knew instantly it was her husband. She arrived back at the stable entrance in time to see Darcy leap from his horse and hand the reins over to one of the awaiting hands. Not caring who else was around, for all she saw was her Fitzwilliam, Lizzy called his name and ran towards him. Spinning quickly, he caught his wife just as soon as she was close enough, twirling her in the air before setting her in his arms and kissing her. The servants politely looked away once they recovered from their shock of seeing such an intimate moment between master and mistress. They remembered themselves quickly and Lizzy hid her face below her bonnet as Darcy spoke very quickly and quietly with Mr. Greene.

Not wasting another minute Darcy and Lizzy began to hasten away from the stables and prying eyes, slowing only when they were halfway back to the main house. Pausing, they stared at each other and their shared blush before laughing.

"Oh my Lizzy how I have missed you!" he exclaimed, and pulled her close again. Wrapping her arms around him she held him tight.

"I have missed you so my love! You are never to leave me again, sir!"

"Never"

A few kisses later, they forced themselves back to the house with the promise of a private bed chamber being the only motivation. Of course, they were waylaid by Mrs. Reynolds and servants who removed his great coat, but in a short amount of time Lizzy and Darcy were safely ensconced within his or as it had become to be known, their, bed chamber.

After husband and wife became reacquainted with each other, Darcy left for the briefest of time possible to wash and change from his muddy ride. While he was busy Lizzy sent for their tea, blushing as she informed Mrs. Reynolds they wished not to be disturbed until dinner.

Later that afternoon, husband and wife lay in bed happily filling in the other about the random tidbits of the last eight days.

"It was so hard to sleep without you my love. Most of the time I simply fell asleep in the study so I did not have to face the empty bed."

"Aw, Fitzwilliam. I admit I was able to face the bed, but only because of your pillow."

"Did you miss me terribly Lizzy," he asked in the husky way that always set her heart racing.

"I have already told you that you are not to leave me ever again. I mean it. And yes, it was horribly lonely here. I do not know what the servants and poor Mrs. Reynolds must think of me. With the rain and no you to distract me, I was not in the best of spirits."

The way she pouted as she finished forced her husband to kiss it away until he remembered he had brought her a surprise from London.

Climbing out of bed and pulling on his dressing gown, he smiled at Lizzy's protesting before stepping out of the room for a minute. She could hear him speaking to a footman, but could not discern the words. She pulled on her own dressing gown, but remained sitting on the bed. He returned a few minutes later and pulling her to him began to explain.

"When I became delayed I realized how much I was missing you and from your letters, no matter how cheerful and impertinent they were, I knew you were not fairing any better. Wandering around London trying to distract myself, I realized that while I never wanted to be separated from you for even a few short days again, that it may happen." He had to pause here to once again kiss away the pout. "And so I was determined to figure out some way to make the separation easier for you at least." A knock at the door interrupted his explanation. "This is the solution I have come up with." And with that he headed back into the sitting room, motioning for her to remain where she was.

Lizzy sat puzzled on the bed. Unless he had figured a way to be in two places at once, she doubted any solution would be good enough, but the very thought that he would go to the trouble of attempting to make it better for her made her heart swell.

"Close your eyes Lizzy. Do not peek," his voice called from the closed doorway.

Sighing loudly for show, she followed orders, using every ounce of determination she had not to peek and ruin all his hard laid plans. She felt his weight rejoin her on the bed and as he stole a quick kiss from her, she was given permission to open her eyes. She was astounded at the sight before her.

Sitting on a small blanket was a small English springer spaniel puppy. Soft brown and white, with a red bow tied to her neck instead of a collar, the little puppy looked up at her with large chocolate eyes and flopping ears. Lizzy could only mutter "Aw" as she reached to cuddle the puppy close to her.

Fitzwilliam had been anxious the whole time, but upon seeing Lizzy's smile and her obvious delight, he let out the breath he had not realized he'd been holding and continued with his explanation.

"She is but a puppy now, but soon she will be old enough to walk with you when I can not and to distract you with affection when I am away. A perfect solution is it not?"

"Oh Fitzwilliam! You…you are the greatest husband in the world! I do not know how to thank you! It is perfect! She is, you did say she didn't you, is perfect. She is precious. I love you Mr. Darcy!" and she ended her stream of thanks with a passionate kiss that would have led to much more had the puppy not tried to show her own affection, but missing Lizzy, had licked Darcy's neck instead. Surprised, since he was actively entertaining Lizzy's tongue, he had pulled away causing Lizzy to laugh and snuggle the puppy closer to her.

"I take it you like her then?"

Rolling her eyes, Lizzy replied, "Yes. Though I cannot keep calling her 'her'. What is her name?"

"You must name her my dear. She was just recently weaned from her mother and so she is all your own. I have no doubt she will have a perfect name just like Puck when you are done with her."

She was overcome with love for her husband in that moment that all she could do was sigh in contentment and watch her little "solution" attempt to catch the pieces of her bow that she could reach. Darcy went to untie the ribbon before the little puppy could damage it, only to turn himself into her new object of play and very soon she was climbing over him, trying to win his affections and the sash from his dressing gown.

"I believe she and I will do very well together. We obviously have the same preference in men."

Darcy blushed and moving the puppy towards Lizzy, laying down beside her to take his turn to watch the happy scene before him. He could not help but think that one day, maybe even one day soon, it would not be a puppy they played with on their bed, but their child, Pemberley's next heir even. He could not wait for that day. He knew his Lizzy would make the most wonderful mother and he was determined to be an equally wonderful father.

He was brought back to the moment by the cold wet nose of the puppy who had once again found her way to him. He gave her an affectionate pat, but turned her back to Lizzy.

"What shall I name her?"

"You do not need to name her now. Get to know her first. She is yours to do with what you like." The last was swallowed by a yawn as his travel and intimate greetings with Lizzy finally caught up with him. Though it was only the middle of the day he shut his eyes for a quick nap, apologizing to Lizzy for his exhaustion.

"Nonsense. Of course you need to rest. I shall go get dressed, again, and get your darling little solution settled. Will you watch her though while I go to my dressing room?"

"Of course."

When Lizzy returned a few minutes later, she could not help but smile at the sight of Fitzwilliam fast asleep and the little puppy lying on his chest, rising and falling with his breath and the end of his dressing robe sash tucked into her mouth. When Lizzy approached the bed she saw the puppy too was asleep. Not wanting to disturb either, she hurried out the door, making sure to close it behind her and went in search of Mrs. Reynolds. She would need something to make a bed out of for the puppy. As she passed the library she darted in to grab a book of mythology she had been thumbing though over the last few days. She figured she could find a proper puppy name in there somewhere.

Lizzy returned to the bedroom shortly before it was time for dinner, determined to have company at the dining room table tonight. She entered to find her husband up and dressing, coming from his dressing room. In the middle of the bed sat the pup and upon seeing Lizzy she had sat up and yipped happily, causing her prize to slip out of her mouth. Taking a seat next to the little dear, Lizzy realized it was Darcy's dressing gown sash. Seems the puppy had won that battle.

Whispering to the pup before turning to Fitzwilliam, Lizzy said, "Yes, we shall do very well together." And in a louder voice she called to her husband,

"Feeling rested my love?"

"Yes, she and I had a most enjoyable nap together." Coming to stand in front of her, Darcy pulled his wife up and into a deep kiss. "It would have been better though if you had napped with us too," he told her in that husky voice she loved so much as he moved from her lips to her neck.

Playfully pushing him away, Lizzy exclaimed, "Really Fitzwilliam. You must be hungry. And I have so missed your presence at the dinner table. Come."

"A few more minutes and we can head down," and he walked back into his dressing room.

"Come on puppy," said Lizzy as she picked her up, "Let us go try out the bed Mrs. Reynolds and I were able to make up for you." Before she was all the way off the bed though, the puppy grabbed for the sash and happily carried it in her mouth as she was carried by Lizzy. "Good girl."

Later that night, the happy couple, now a threesome retired back to the bedroom. Lizzy had spent their time after dinner in the library trying to find the right name for her puppy while Fitzwilliam caught up on correspondence. She brought the puppy down to them and watched as it explored its new home. Still no inspiration came to her.

After each was ready to retire to the bed, Lizzy settled the puppy on her small pillow and blanket that she had set up in the sitting room. Darcy watched the scene from the bedroom doorway, waiting for his wife. The pup had seemed settled until suddenly it had jumped up and scurried to the corner of the room. She promptly and rather smugly returned back to her pillow, this time with Darcy's sash dragging behind her. To this Lizzy could only laugh and praise her little puppy, while Darcy sighed.

"I had been hoping to retrieve that while she slept."

"We can find you a new sash, my love."

"Come to bed Lizzy. She will be fine."

They had not been in bed for five minutes before a pitiful whimpering could be heard coming from the other side of the door.

"Oh Fitzwilliam! She's lonely."

"No Lizzy."

"Please. Just for tonight. You said she was just weaned. She is in a new place, new people. She must be terribly frightened too."

"You will spoil her if you let her in here."

"It will just be for tonight. She can stay at the foot of the bed. It is certainly big enough."

Unable to ever really say no to her, Fitzwilliam showed her his answer by getting up from bed himself and retrieving the yipping puppy. Placing her at the foot of the bed, he made himself more comfortable and pulled Lizzy back to him.

"Thank you Fitzwilliam."

"You're welcome my love."

They were simply enjoying being in each other's company, when the silence was broken by the soft padding of puppy paws upward on the bed. Before they could stop her, the puppy had found its way into a little spot nestled between Lizzy and Darcy. The spot was also in perfect reach of Darcy's cheek and he was rewarded for his gallant rescue by a small lick.

Lizzy could not hold in the laughter anymore and now shook with it.

"This is not funny Lizzy!"

"I find it incredibly so."

"She is meant to be yours not mine!"

"Oh but she is! She seems to have developed a fondness for you just as I have. She'll understand how sad I am when you are not here at night to keep that side of the bed warm." She could barely get the sentence out through her laughter.

"Lizzy!"

"Oh Fitzwilliam! Don't be angry. And look how much she makes me laugh. You know I do dearly love a laugh!"

Try as he might, Fitzwilliam could not help but laugh along with Lizzy as her logic brought back memories of another time. He had to admit, Lizzy's laugh was one of his favorite things, right along with that smile. This puppy seemed to bring out both very easily so he could not begrudge the little thing, no matter how much room it was taking up in the bed. He was just drifting off to sleep when Lizzy popped up in bed.

"OH!" she exclaimed, startling both husband and pet.

"What's wrong Lizzy?!"

"Nothing is wrong. I have just thought of the perfect name for my puppy."

Sighing, he settled back down in bed, pulling her with him. The puppy heft a little sigh and readjusted herself again.

"Thalia."

"Hmm" he mumbled half asleep again.

"I shall call her Thalia." When she got no response from her husband she poked the rib under her hand to get his attention back. "Do you not want to know my inspiration?"

"Yes, Lizzy, but can it not wait til the morning?" He was met with silence and knew she was just waiting for him to ask the correct question. "Fine, Lizzy. Where did the name Thalia come from?"

"I've been reading a book of Greek myths in the library. Thalia was one of the muses- the muse of Comedy. I believe it is very fitting."

Lizzy felt his rumble of laughter and smiled into his chest as she laid her head back down on to it.

Kissing the top of her head, Fitzwilliam pulled his beloved wife closer, cherishing her even more in this moment for the laughter and love she had brought into his own life.

"Yes my Lizzy. I believe that is more than fitting."

A/N: HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED IT! Let me know what you think! With enough encouragement I may even consider continuing this! THANKS!