Her Husband's Affection: A Darcy & Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Sensual Intimate Variation

By Cora Aston

Why has Darcy distanced himself from Elizabeth? She demands her husband confide in her...or risk the happiness of their union.

The months following the birth of their first child should have been joyous, but something is wrong with Lizzy's marriage. Has his affection for her changed...has he taken a mistress? His coldness places Elizabeth in danger, the exact opposite of the outcome he desired.

Darcy must rectify his mistake before his secret fear harms the lady he values above all others.

Her Husband's Affection is the first passionate short story in the After the Wedding Series vignettes reimagining what may have happened with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth at Pemberley after they married. These stories will not necessarily be told in chronological order or even feature the exact same Darcy & Elizabeth. Each short will include a tastefully written steamy sensual scene which enhances the exploration of marital intimacy between ODC. The author will make sweet versions available on her website. Variation #2 in this series will be Her Husband's Gift, a holiday novella of approx. 15K. If you crave tales depicting the passion, angst, and temper of ODC as they navigate tumultuous but loving marriage, you will enjoy the After the Wedding shorts.

Download now for an emotional, romantic tale of the passions and struggles of marriage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A Longbourn Lady
• Release date: Nov 14, 2017

Cora Aston

I suppose I should talk about myself in the third person, but I'm not going to. (Smile.) I'm a wife, a mother of four, and a lifelong tinkerer. I've dabbled in many different crafts and hobbies including jewelry making, baking, sewing, drawing.... And, of course, I am a lifetime avid reader of romance. ​ Escaping into the 'simpler' time of Jane Austen when gentlemen were required to court a lady with marriage in mind, and we didn't have to wheedle our daughter's into ditching the ripped black goth jeans in favor of a skirt....sigh. Bliss, right? ​ I've also always loved to write, and now I am combining two of my joys and hoping to share them with you. Like everything worth doing, this is a journey, and I'm happy to share it with you. JOIN MY NEWSLETTER: smarturl.it/coraaston

Book preview

Chapter 1

Elizabeth settled her precious burden in his cradle, taking a moment to smooth a finger over his soft cheek. Tears pricked her eyes. Nine months after the birth of their first child and she was still quite overcome with emotion. At one point she’d thought herself destined to become a spinster, unable to find love with a man whom she could enjoy mutual respect and affection. She certainly had not thought to find such an amiable, loving husband in Fitzwilliam Darcy, nor a doting father for all his stern exterior. Now she was both wife and mother, settled in a situation which she would never have anticipated.

She pressed a hand to her middle and smiled at little Darcy’s nurse. Pray, send a maid when he awakes, I wish to take him for a turn in the garden. Fresh air and sunlight are so beneficial for his constitution.

The nurse curtsied. Yes, ma’am.

Elizabeth left the nursery, her smile fading. Marriage was both more and, lately, less than she had hoped. She wanted for nothing, and her husband was as attentive to her needs as the day they were married. Despite all outward appearances of domestic felicity, in past months she had sensed in him a disturbing distance. A seriousness when she caught him studying her before he could shift his expression to something more pleasant.

Was he regretting their marriage? Now that his heir was born, did he feel her presence to be . . . superfluous? She meant to put the very thing to him and demand he respond. Respect and honest communication were vital to any happy union and she would not have her marriage go the way of so many others among their class. Cold, two people bound together only by courtesy and shared familial duties.

She found him in his study, sitting behind the ancestral oak desk, a stern, imposing figure. Mr. Darcy, master of all he surveyed. Her mood must have been plain on her face, for when he glanced up he paused, brow rising.

My dear, he said, rising. Something disturbs you. Is William well?

She met him halfway, lifting her face to meet his kiss. A light, perfunctory touch before he pulled away, taking her by the elbow to a small, elegant seating area in front of a large