So, this is it my followers. This is the last chapter to 'Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy'. *TEAR* I have really enjoyed writing this, and seeing all of the love and support that you have showered me with of the last 2 weeks. 'Episode #2' is in its final stages and should be off to beta very soon! I will throw out a little scrap ... the title will be 'Eliza & Professor Higgins'. Also for those of you who are ready to hire the assassin for Tom, be patient. He will get what's coming to him ... I Promise! So stick around! Love you all! 3

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The next three weeks of shows went by quickly. The Kershaw continued to receive marvelous reviews. They praised not only her and Red, but also the rest of the cast. Red had hired additional security to ensure that Tom couldn't get into the theater, and had arranged the paperwork needed for Lizzie to obtain a restraining order against him.

On closing night, the theater was packed as usual; every show, every night had been sold out. The cast was excited, but sad at the same time that the show was coming to an close. The last performance was spectacular, and Red had planned yet another party for the company, this time at a local nightclub that had a live jazz band, vintage attire was a requirement. Lizzie was good that night, not drinking too much. She'd spent years trying to get over a childhood that was haunted by dreams of a mysterious fire that she knew nothing about, and then everything with Tom had been a gradually increasing nightmare; she turned to alcohol to numb the pain and sadness. Sure she had had Sam, her adoptive father, but he'd been a busy director for a local theatre company. But now, she didn't have any sorrows that needed to be drowned. She was safe, protected and, for the first time, she finally felt wanted and loved.

She sat at a little candle lit table, in a simple, red 1950's vintage style, swing dress. A whisper of the black tulle petty coat peeked from the hem of the dress. Her black strappy heals, the curls of her hair loosely pinned, and her bold make-up to match, finalized the era look. A handsome gentleman caught Lizzie's attention from across the nightclub. He was dressed in the same vintage flair as she was. He wore a three-piece suit comprised of: perfectly pressed black pants, a black vest, white suit coat and a red patterned tie. Perched on the top of his head was a white fedora with a black band accent. As he approached her, butterflies filled her stomach. He stood before her, tipped his hat and spoke, his voice dripping with seduction.

"Good evening, Elizabeth. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the dance floor?" The man gave her his arm, and with a coy smile on her face, she took it and he led her to the center of the room. He was an amazing dancer, holding her tightly, and leading perfectly. He pulled her in closer, his lips brushing her ears. "Where you would like to stay the night, Lizzie?" he whispered, the tone in his voice, deep almost a growl. "Would you like a luxurious night at the Ritz again, or would you like to go home?" He spun her out, then back in again, holding her even tighter than before, gently squeezing her waist. He continued whispering into her ear. "Have I told you how unbelievably ravishing you look tonight? And you smell…" she heard him inhale deeply. "Mmm … simply intoxicating."

She giggled at his words. Red always knew exactly what to say, to arouse her. Things had been moving forward, slowly, but surely, between them over the last few weeks. However, he was a gentleman through and through. They might share the same home now, but he had never made any sexual advances towards her. He told her that when she was ready, they would explore those options; for now, they would keep it simple. She knew that Red was aware of the blemish that Tom had left on her, her mind, her soul, and her very existence. He was her ray of light in the dark cave that had become her life. She was not ready for an intimate relationship right now, but if things kept going the way they were with Red, she would be soon enough. Of course that didn't stop the flirting and spicy make out sessions that they frequently shared.

"Hmmm, tempting, very tempting. You really do spoil me Red. I'm really nothing special."

"Oh, but my dear, I think you're very special."

She gave a little tug of his tie, and with a flirtatious tone said, "Why don't we try something new. How about we use this tie of yours, blindfold me, and you decide where to end the night."

He decreased his dance pace, and raised an eyebrow at her. "So, you want a tango then?" He gave her a provocative smile as he dipped her low, slowly and passionately kissing her red lips. As he brought her back up, he whispered, "Let's get out of here."

3 3 3 -fin- 3 3 3

Oh my, how rude of me to leave this on such a cliffhanger of sorts. *giggles* What happened after they left? Please, never fear, there is a part 2 and a part 3, lets just call them episodes. "That sounds exciting." So you have been graced with Episode #1, and now on to Episode #2. Stick around for more. I promise, it will be worth your while! J

As always thank you for all of your love, kudos, support and comments! I 3 you all!