“No Expectation of Pleasure” is a standalone novella, part of the Hot Mush Series, which means it contains romantic scenes appropriate for a mature audience only! The story begins before Jane is invited to dine at Netherfield and falls ill. By that time, Mr. Darcy—a man of the world, master of his own fortune and of his own feelings and actions—is already smitten with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the young woman he had called tolerable and refused to dance with. As the days pass, charmed by her pretty eyes and sparkling wit, he discovers that she is handsome enough to tempt him, more so than any other woman before. He is determined to keep his distance from her and he manages to do so even during her stay at Netherfield, as she cares for her sister, Jane. That is until one cold, rainy day, three days prior to the Netherfield Ball when Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to spend some time alone in a cabin in the wood. With no expectation of pleasure, Elizabeth forces herself to bear the arrogant man’s company with enough civility while he struggles with his own desires and temptations, as well as with her low opinion of him. The distance from arguments to a better understanding, from pride and prejudice to friendship, towards a “happily ever after”, can be easier and faster to travel when the two of them are trapped together. Can’t it?