Beginning, Previous Section, Section III, Next Section

Chapter 19

hen April came, Elizabeth found herself on a plane headed for California. I don't know how I got talked into spending my Spring Break at Charlotte and Billy's house, she thought. It's going to be the longest ten days of my life. Elizabeth sighed. Don't knock it, Lizzy, you got a free trip to California and now you'll see how Charlotte is holding up. It will be good to see Charlotte again. She looked over across the aisle at Mr. Lucas. He was talking to the woman next to him, telling her all about the time he went to the White House to meet President Bush. The lady eyes were glazed over and looked bored to tears. Elizabeth smiled and then looked at Maria Lucas, Charlotte's little sister, who was sitting next to her in the window seat. She was sleeping. Elizabeth leaned back and sighed. She pulled out a book and started to read.

It was a looooong flight. They had to change planes in Los Angeles to get on the small commuter plane that would take them to Monterey and from there it was a few minutes ride to Carmel. By the time they reached their final destination though, Elizabeth was pooped. Charlotte and Billy met them as they walked into the airport terminal and it was non-stop chatter from then on. Mr. Lucas was still talking about his visit to the White House as they got off the plane and he didn't stop until they picked up their luggage. She was grateful to Mr. Lucas for purchasing her plane ticket and letting her tag along but sometimes enough is enough.

Billy had a limo waiting to take the visitors to his house. Elizabeth was very surprised that Billy went to all the trouble of renting a limo but when she asked him about it he replied that it was one of Mrs. DeBourgh's cars.

"I say car s because Mrs. DeBourgh has several." Every time Billy pronounced her name it was like he savoured a fine wine. "Mrs. DeBourgh was kind enough to loan us the limo because we could never all fit in our own humble car." Billy was very enthusiastic when talking about his new employer. Elizabeth saw that whenever Mrs. DeBourgh's name was mentioned, Billy's eyes lit up with fire. Does he do that every time? She looked over at Charlotte to see how she bore it. Charlotte was nodding her head at whatever Billy was saying, but Elizabeth could see that she wasn't paying the least bit of attention.

Mr. Lucas was please with the manners of his son-in-law's employer and observed that she was truly a well-bred lady.

"Oh, Mr. Lucas, you couldn't say anything truer. Mrs. DeBourgh is such a charming, affable employer. She has let us rent the small cottage that neighbors her grand house for below market average and..." Mr. Collins lowered his voice to a whisper. "We are separated from Her by only a lane. I attend to Her gardens now you know and She was so good as to inform me that no one gets rid of garden slugs the way I do." Elizabeth believed it.

"I must admit Her garden has been remarkably slug free ever since I've taken over but then, without Her excellent advice I would have been lost." Billy paused for breath. "Did I mention that we started keeping bees? Mrs. DeBourgh and her daughter, Anne have a passion for fresh honey and so I obliged Them and set up the hives as soon as possible. We now have fresh honey for our breakfast every morning." Billy looked like he was in heaven while he talked about Mrs. DeBourgh. Elizabeth wondered what he really did for a living.

"Mrs. DeBourgh is a very attentive neighbor, I can see." Mr. Lucas said. This caused Billy to erupt in a volcano of praise of the Worthy Catherine DeBourgh and her Lovely daughter, Anne.

Elizabeth was highly amused but tired. As the car wound its way through the streets, she leaned her head against the window and fell asleep. It wasn't long before a bump in the road jolted the car and caused Elizabeth to smack the side of her head on the windowpane. "Ow!" Elizabeth rubbed the spot where her head connected with the glass and looked around. They were entering through massive wrought iron gates and pulling into a long driveway lined on both sides with trees. The limo veered off to the left and soon came to a stop in front of a small neat Spanish style bungalow. They all piled out and the guests peered at the Collins' house. Elizabeth decided that she liked it. It was pretty and quaint and against the backdrop of the trees, it painted a nice picture in her mind.

Billy scrambled in front of the travelers and stood on the front stoop. Clearing his throat he made a warm speech formally welcoming Charlotte's family and friend to their "humble abode". Elizabeth had to look away into the trees to keep from laughing outright. As she did she saw a figure standing in the shadows watching them. Elizabeth thought it odd that this person didn't come up to greet them until she realized that Mrs. DeBourgh probably had several other staff members living on the grounds. Elizabeth turned away and when Billy finished his speech they all went inside.

They were shown into the living room and may have endured more of Billy's speeches if Charlotte didn't suggest that they be shown their rooms and rest for a bit. Billy instantly saw the merits of this suggestion when she further pointed out that they were all to dine with Mrs. DeBourgh and her other guests tonight.

They were all shown into the rooms they would be sleeping in. Since the house didn't have enough spare rooms, Elizabeth and Maria had to share. Maria immediately unpacked her most suitable dress and hastily got ready for dinner. She'd asked Elizabeth several times if she thought that the dress was good enough or if the shoes matched and should she wear earrings and a necklace or was that too much. Elizabeth reassured Maria as best as she could and when Maria was satisfied with her appearance; she went to find Charlotte to ask her opinion on the subject.

Elizabeth was dismayed that they were to be paraded about Mrs. DeBourgh so soon after their arrival. She'd hoped for more than a few minutes rest after such a long flight. However, Elizabeth was curious to see the fabled Catherine DeBourgh and the fair Anne, so she changed into a pretty blue dress that liked and went downstairs.

She went into the living room and sat on the couch to wait for the others and was greeted by a swat at the ankles. Elizabeth almost jumped out of her skin and looked down to see a small head disappear under the couch. Smiling, Elizabeth got on her knees and bent over to peek and saw a pair of green eyes shining back. Elizabeth reached in to pet the cat when she heard someone clear a throat behind her. Elizabeth sat up straight and promptly whacked her head against the end table. This is not my most graceful day , Elizabeth thought as she rubbed her head. Same place too . Holding her head she looked up and saw William Darcy and a strange man. William had a slightly amused smile on his face.

Blushing at the position they found her in, Elizabeth rose to her feet and said hello. She pointedly ignored William and looked at the man William introduced as his cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam. The how-do-you-dos were exchanged and Elizabeth wondered how they got in for she had heard no doorbell or knock. Richard explained that the door was wide open and since they were expected, they walked in. Elizabeth nodded her head. Expected? Why didn't Charlotte warn me? She knows I don't like William. Elizabeth sighed and resigned herself for the staring match.

Richard proved to be the exact opposite of his cousin. He was polite and smiled and talked. Elizabeth was amazed. She found out that he was a Major in the Marine Corps on leave for two weeks, that he loved spaghetti, and that his eyes crinkled when he laughed. Elizabeth decided that she liked him.

Charlotte and her father came into the room and everyone sat down to wait for Billy and Maria. Elizabeth sat on the couch next to Charlotte and saw that Richard sat almost opposite her in order to converse. William stationed himself by a window and divided his time between looking out at the driveway or watching Elizabeth. Elizabeth stared right back. See how he likes it .

A paw reached out and swatted her ankles again. "Charlotte, I didn't know you got a cat. He seems to like ankles a great deal."

"Yes. That's Boddington. He's very playful but he's a sweetie." At the sound of Charlotte's voice, Boddington, the cat came out of from under the couch. He rubbed up against Elizabeth's legs and jumped onto the cushion next to her. He promptly began to clean his face.

Billy came in shoeing poor Maria into the room and announced that they should all leave "this very minute" as Mrs. DeBourgh did not like to be kept waiting. He then noticed William and Richard in the room and Billy rushed out his apologies and greetings in a jumbled mess. William cut him off by promptly rising to his feet and heading out the door. Richard proved to be better mannered than his cousin was by assuring Billy that of course it was best that they all "moved along".

Richard extended his left arm gallantly and asked if he could escort Elizabeth to the main house. A blush crept up her cheeks as Elizabeth slipped her arm through his and they followed they rest of the party out the door.

William was waiting for Elizabeth outside by the entrance and was startled to see her so close to his cousin. He waited until everyone was ahead of him before he started walking. Look at her. Look at the way she walks. So graceful, just like a ballerina. Or a cat. She can be very cat-like at times. Sometimes running hot and sometimes running cold. Very odd that she should be here at the same time I am. I guess it must be fate. I completely forgot that Aunt Catherine hired Billy Collins. He noticed the way Elizabeth and Richard were linked together. She seems to get along with Richard all right. That jarhead had better not get any ideas about her. I'd better warn him to keep his attentions elsewhere. Why should I do that? What is in your mind William Darcy?

Elizabeth could feel his eyes bore into the back of her head like a laser as she talked with Richard Fitzwilliam. Whose eyes? His eyes! William Darcy's stupid roving hazel eyes. Elizabeth peeked over her shoulder. William had a tiny smile on his face. Why does he torture me like this? Can't he go find someone else to stare at? What is he thinking? I really don't want to embarrass Charlotte tonight but if he continues this then I'll just go maaaaddd!

They finally reached the house and Billy puffed his way up to Elizabeth and pointed out all of the details that only a blind person would miss.

"See just behind those low hedges, Elizabeth, is the walkway that leads down to the beach. It's a lovely beach and Mrs. DeBourgh doesn't object to Charlotte and me using it every once in a while." Billy wiped the sweat from his forehead. "The rose garden is over to your right and as I said before it is remarkably free of slugs this year as Mrs. DeBourgh informed me."

Elizabeth looked at Richard to see how he put up with it. Richard just politely acknowledged Billy's ramblings. Elizabeth liked him even more. It took a lot of patience to put to with Billy Collins. Believe me I know , she thought.

At last they made it to the house. Poor Maria and Mr. Lucas were almost trembling with nervousness. Mr. Lucas' Presidential meeting apparently did not compare to the grandeur he was about to witness. Maria thought it was best to hide behind Charlotte when the introductions were made and so spare herself from notice. Elizabeth so far didn't see anything more than a nice house with large grounds and she hoped that she could certainly see those things without extra flutterings of the heart. They stepped onto the doorstep.

"Is that you, Fitzwilliam?" A voice thundered from inside. "Where have you been? I've been calling for you and Richard for the last half-hour."

What on Earth is a Fitzwilliam? Elizabeth thought. She happened to look at William and saw the expression on his face. It was pure mortification. Elizabeth stifled the laugh that threatened to escape from her lips waited her turn to enter the house.

It was large to be sure and it was well furnished also, but it occurred to Elizabeth that it lacked a certain sort of, well, of charm and hospitality. It looked as if everything was on display. Billy led the group to the parlour where Mrs. DeBourgh was sitting. Holding court , Elizabeth thought. She released Richard's arm and at Mrs. DeBourgh's invitation they all sat down. It wasn't until Elizabeth seated herself when she noticed a thin plain girl sitting by the window.

And that must be the lovely Anne.

Mrs. DeBourgh started talking. "I hope, Charlotte, that you have been able to order the new curtains I've suggested you get. I desire that you will order them from the shop on Sycamore Street." Turning to Billy she added. "I see that you have planted the gardenias where I suggested. I'm sure you will find that it is the best place for them to be and if I were you I would dig up all of those old wax-leafs around your house as they spoil the view terribly."

Billy assured her that the offending bushes would be gone by sunset tomorrow. Mrs. DeBourgh cast her eyes on Mr. Lucas who trembled. "I see that your father and sister have arrived safely. I trust that your journey was a pleasant one?"

"Yes, Ma'am. We had a rather uneventful flight, hardly any turbulence to speak of." Mr. Lucas answered.

Mrs. DeBourgh cut him off and looked at Elizabeth. "Your friend is here to stay the week with you, Charlotte. Is that so?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Elizabeth replied.

"I have heard from Charlotte that you play the piano, Miss Bennet. Someday I should like you to play for me. I believe that I have a natural talent for music and I've always thought that if I learned I should have been a true proficient." Mrs. DeBourgh paused. "Fitzwilliam!"

William jumped at the sound of his aunt's voice. "Yes Aunt Catherine?"

"I would like for you and Richard to go to town tomorrow to transact some business for me and Anne. I want it done before noon if at all possible. Do you think that it can be arranged?"

"Yes, I'm sure it will be." William was disconcerted by his aunt's behavior to Elizabeth and kept his answer short.

Elizabeth, however, was highly gratified by the display. She was glad to know that there was something William was afraid of. Indeed, Mrs. DeBourgh made Elizabeth appreciate her own mother more. At least she doesn't order me about like I'm some sort of servant. Elizabeth smiled.

At last dinner was announced and they had to wait for Mrs. DeBourgh to pull herself up from her chair ( throne , Elizabeth thought) and enter the dining room first.

Elizabeth found herself seated next to Richard who pleased her and opposite William, which did not. Looking at William only made Elizabeth's appetite disappear so she just picked at her food until it was time to leave the table. Her other neighbor was Anne who did not say anything to Elizabeth the entire time they were in the house. Elizabeth entertained herself by talking to Richard. He told her of stories about his boot camp days and about his deployments and had Elizabeth laughing so hard at one time that she drew the notice of Mrs. DeBourgh.

"What are you talking about, Richard? What are you saying to Miss Bennet?" She demanded to know.

"I am talking about my deployments, Ma'am." Richard finally answered when he could ignore his aunt no longer.

"Of your deployments! Surely you can speak of something else. I have no interest in hearing about you deployments. I am extremely vexed that you joined the Marines instead of the Army as I intended for you. I wish to hear nothing of the matter." Mrs. DeBourgh huffed.

Richard only looked at Elizabeth and smiled. She was glad to find that his overbearing aunt didn't intimidate him .

William was aware that Elizabeth found his cousin to be good company. He was jealous of Richard's ability to converse so easily with people. He tried to think of things to say to Elizabeth but every time he opened his mouth it was only to shove more food in it. At least he could look at her.

Dinner passed very slowly. But finally, it was over. Mrs. DeBourgh announced that she was full and she pushed back from the table and left the room. That was the signal that dinner was finished and Billy rushed to be by the side of his Employer as soon as possible. There wasn't much to be done after that except to hear the weather forecast from Mrs. DeBourgh, who proved herself to be a greater know-it-all more than anything did.

Chapter 20

Elizabeth fell onto the bed with a sigh. She tried not to think about the evening she'd just had with the most insufferable people she'd ever met. I thought I'd only have to deal with Billy but now there's William and Mrs. DeBourgh. How am I ever going to get through this? Elizabeth rolled over. I miss my dog.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and fell asleep. She dreamed that she and William were standing on a beach looking out onto the ocean. Elizabeth was watching the dream as if she were a bystander. She saw William turn toward her and lift her chin up with one finger. He bent down to kiss her and as their lips touched the dream Elizabeth could feel her lips begin to tingle. Elizabeth saw herself wrap her arms around William and run her fingers up through his hair. They came closer together and before William could do anything more than that one kiss, Elizabeth woke up with a start. Where did that come from? Elizabeth looked at the clock. It flashed at her 1:30. It was a long time before she could get to sleep again. And it was also a long time before her lips stopped tingling.

Lying next to Elizabeth, Maria fell into a deep, contented slumber. She was fascinated by all that she'd seen and heard. Mrs. DeBourgh didn't pay any attention to her, which was just fine with Maria, since Mrs. DeBourgh scared her more than William Darcy did. And William's cousin Richard was so nice to her during the evening. I'm so glad I got to come , Maria sighed. I wish I could grow up to have a house like that , she thought.

William stared up at his ceiling and considered his possibilities. He could one: simply forget about Elizabeth all together. Or two: he could take her back home with him. William didn't want to forget Elizabeth at all so "one" was out of the question. In fact, he couldn't forget about her. All these months later and he still thought about her constantly. It was getting annoying the way she'd sneak in his mind. That's why when he found out that she was going to be here at the same time he was he' just assumed that they were meant to be together some how. The trouble was that one little "how". William knew he didn't want Elizabeth just on a part time basis, number "two", which is exactly what bringing Elizabeth home with him would mean. He couldn't let her live with him because Georgianna was still at school and how would it look if William Darcy took a mistress and kept her at his house with his own young underage sister? William nixed that idea.

Which brought him to the third possibility. Marry her. It was so simple. He would marry her and then he could bring her home and he could have her with him always and it wouldn't matter then how much he thought about her because she would be there waiting for him to come home. And he would be happy to have such a wife. William thought it over. Does she want to marry me? She gives me so little encouragement. Sometimes I think she wants me as much as I want her but then she turns around and it's like I'm looking at an iceberg. What can I do? Well, William, consider her options. She's got a middle-class family and an intolerable mother. She will go to school forever only to find a low paying job and no appreciation. Not the way I could appreciate her. And look at you. You're successful, rich, handsome (at least that's what the ladies say) and you've been voted one of the most eligible bachelors in America. Twice. Especially since John Kennedy got married a few years ago. She would be a fool to turn you down. And you know she's no fool. I think that she will say "yes". She looks at me enough to let me know that there is definite interest there. She'll accept.

William smiled at the ceiling before him. He would have to find the perfect way to propose. Perhaps he could get her onto the beach and do it there? No, that was so typical. Invite her out to dinner at a nice quiet restaurant and pop the question over desert and coffee? No, that's even worse. With Elizabeth it had to be something special, something so unexpected that she would remember it forever. William pondered his problem as he fell asleep.

Richard lay on his stomach and reviewed the evening and William's behavior. He'd come to the conclusion that his cousin was very much taken with Elizabeth Bennet, there was no other explanation that Richard could think of. He'd never seen William act so awestruck before. It couldn't have been the little Lucas girl; she was barely old enough to vote so it had to be Elizabeth.

Richard thought back a few months and remembered that William had come back from Florida in an extremely agitated state of mind and very preoccupied. William didn't listen to what anyone was saying or replied when it was way too late to be adding further to the conversation. And didn't he mention an Elizabeth Bennet to him a few times? Yes, he did. Richard also remembered that Elizabeth came from Florida. It doesn't take a General to put two and two together, you know. Well, what do you know, William Darcy is in love. Richard laughed. Richard resolved to get to know Elizabeth better in the morning. After all, she may be his future cousin. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Chapter 21

Elizabeth spent the last seven days avoiding William as much as possible. And it was funny you know, in a peculiar sort of way how he always seemed to turn up when she least expected it. He would always catch up to her if she were on the beach or strolling along the avenue. He would ask her some extremely odd questions too. Questions about her family and if she liked living so close to them and when did she plan on moving out of Jane's apartment? Such odd questions Elizabeth didn't know how to answer. She started to but was so puzzled by them that she never finished an answer, and really, why was he asking such things? If Elizabeth didn't know better she would have thought that he was willingly seeking her out. But that was impossible. William does not go to seek out giggly, empty-headed females.

Elizabeth sat down and tried not to think about the ordeal coming up. Another dinner with Mrs. DeBourgh, or "Lady Cat", as Elizabeth came to call her in her mind. These were the only time she dreaded during her vacation. Other than those tete a tetes with William that is.

Elizabeth sighed and got to her feet. She wandered away to Charlotte's house to prepare for tonight.

Elizabeth got stuck somehow. Somehow she was tricked into playing the piano before the entire party and now here she was pounding out a ditty on the keyboard and William was still watching her. But then, everyone was watching her because she was playing and when someone played what else is there to do but to watch and listen. That happy thought did not ease Elizabeth's mind. She thought that if William were in China and happened to glance her way, she'd be able to feel it. She played on, however. Not giving the slightest bit of evidence that she was on the verge of losing it.

When Richard asked if Elizabeth would play for them, Elizabeth was happy to oblige, but when she got to the piano she saw that there were no music sheets at all. She would have to play by memory and that meant two things. Either she could play the scales or she could play "Heart and Soul".

"Heart and Soul" it was.

Elizabeth bit her lower lip as she concentrated on playing. It was such along time since she practiced and it showed. At least they didn't ask her to sing. Richard was sitting next to her for encouragement.

William sat next to his aunt and listened to Elizabeth play. She is so beautiful when she concentrates like that. I wonder, should I ask her tonight? Will she say "yes"? William was having doubts as to whether or not he should propose. He truly wanted Elizabeth to love him when they got married and he thought that maybe he should wait until he was sure of her regard. But I don't want to wait! His heart whined. Never mind, the time will come soon enough, he reassured himself. He leaned back and listened.

Mrs. DeBourgh piped up. "It's too bad, Miss Bennet, that you did hot practice more. You do not play too badly but you lack finesse. Now if I should have learned I would have been a great prodigy." She paused to allow Billy time to agree with her. "There are few things in the world that I enjoy better than music. What do you say, Fitzwilliam?" She turned towards William.

William jumped when his aunt addressed him. "I, uh, yes. Of course." What did Aunt Catherine say? He got up and strolled to the piano. He leaned on it staring down at Elizabeth's face.

Elizabeth stopped playing. She couldn't play and talk at the same time and she was sick of the song anyway. She looked at William expectantly.

He took the hint. "You play sweetly, Elizabeth. I remember when my sister was learning to play, this was one of her favorite songs."

Elizabeth just stared at him. Finally she spoke. "Tell me. Did you come all the way over here just to tell me about your sister or are you here to intimidate me?" She raised an eyebrow. "Because I'll have you know that my courage will rise to the challenge."

"I would never wish to intimidate you. And I know you well enough that occasionally you like to say things that you do not mean." He smiled at her.

Elizabeth laughed. "Your cousin, Richard, would teach you not to believe a word I say. That is very impolitic of him too because it provokes me to retaliate."

"I am not afraid of you." William said.

"Very well." She turned to Richard and paused before continuing. "Richard, I first met you cousin at a little… dance, for lack of a better term, and do you know what he did?" She waited for Richard to shake his head. "He didn't dance once. He didn't even bother to be polite and ask any ladies to dance even though there was a certain lack of gentlemen and more than one young lady was in want of a partner." She looked at William. "True?"

"Well, yes. But then I didn't know anybody there at the time." William paused. "Perhaps if I thought better about it I would have asked…someone to dance." He looked at her. "I just can't seem to talk to strangers the way I see so many people do with ease and interest. I…I can't be interested in people I know nothing about on our first meeting. I just don't work that way."

"Why not? How are you to ever know what people are like until you take the time to get to know them?" Elizabeth placed her fingers on the keyboard and said, "My fingers do not move over this instrument as I would like them to. They do not have the same force and feeling as others have. But then, I supposed that it was always my own fault for not practicing." Elizabeth stared right into William's eyes. What do you say to that you big arrogant twit?

William just smiled. "You're right. We, neither of us perform to strangers." William looked around him for a chair to sit in.

"What are you talking of, Fitzwilliam? What are you saying to Miss Bennet?" Mrs. DeBourgh demanded. William sighed. His aunt had the worst timing.

Elizabeth immediately began playing the scales.

On the eighth day of Elizabeth's vacation, she walked out towards the beach. She'd snuck out of the house to have a few minutes to herself. Strolling along the sand she would occasionally toss a rock or seashell into the water. Elizabeth had heard from Jane the night before and Elizabeth was going over their conversation in her head. Jane was not in spirits , she thought. I don't think she'll ever get over Charles. Not completely. Elizabeth was sad for her sister.

"Elizabeth!" A voice hailed from behind her. She turned and saw Richard waving and coming towards her. She put on a smile and waited for him to catch up.

"What a surprise, Richard." Elizabeth smiled. "It's such a lovely day for a walk."

"Yes, it is." Richard paused. "Tell me, do you leave in two days?"

"Yes, we do. Why"

"Well, it's just that we were enjoying your company is all. Aunt Catherine is nice really but she can get overbearing at times." Boy is that an understatement, Rich.

"Who's "we"? Elizabeth wanted to know.

"William and I and I think Anne does too. She's shy and reserved. A lot like William's sister, Georgianna." Richard picked up a shell and studied it.

"Oh yes, I've heard of her from some people I met last autumn, Charles Bingley and his sister Caroline. Caroline likes her tremendously. Do you know them?"

"Charles Bingley? Yes, I've met him a few times. He's a good friend of William's."

"Yes, William takes great care of Charles." Elizabeth's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"I do believe William did take care of Charles. I remember him saying something last winter about saving Charles from a conniving woman." Richard was only too happy to praise William to the skies for Elizabeth. What better way to do it than prove how loyal William could be? "I think Charles was infatuated with a young lady who was plotting to trap Charles into marrying her."

Elizabeth lost her breath with one big whoosh. William did separate Jane and Charles! I was right. How could he? Jane wouldn't even plot out a garden let alone plot to trap a man. William must be the blindest jerk in the world if he couldn't see that Jane is the last person on Earth to trick someone into marriage. Elizabeth tried to compose herself. After all, Richard was just the messenger it wouldn't do to kill him. "Did he tell you what this lady was planning to do?" She was glad that her voice didn't shake too much.

"I believe he said that she was going to get herself pregnant. But it was so long ago that I could be mistaken," Richard answered. Looking at Elizabeth he saw that she was struggling with something. "Are you OK, Elizabeth?"

"Yes, I'm fine thank you. I do have a sudden headache though, so if you will excuse me, I think I'd better go back now." Elizabeth turned around and headed back to Charlotte's house with Richard following in her wake.

That conceited selfish stupid pig! How dare he interfere in anyone else's business? How dare he suggest that Jane would stoop to such levels? How dare he even think of it? His arrogance knows no limits. I hate him! I hate him! Elizabeth stormed through the front door, narrowly stepping on tip of Boddington's tail. She went to the bedroom and slammed the door.

Richard stood in the doorway looking at Charlotte's cat in wonder. He had a very bad feeling in his stomach.

Chapter 22

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay with you, Lizzy?" Charlotte asked as everyone headed out the door.

"Yes, Charlotte. Thank you, but I think all I need is to lie down and rest. It's only a headache. I think I stayed out in the sun too long today. You know how that is." Elizabeth decided that an evening with Lady Cat and William Darcy was the last thing she wanted right now. If she had to sit through one more of those stuffy oppressive dinners and expect to smile and be polite the whole time then she would scream. Elizabeth didn't want to even think of William Darcy. He wasn't worth the effort. She'll just stay here in the peace and quiet of an empty house.

Charlotte sensing that Elizabeth needed to be alone said goodbye and hoped that Elizabeth would feel better when they got back. Charlotte shut the door quickly when Billy added his sentiments to hers and added a few more about the merits of Mrs. DeBourgh's charitable goodwill.

When the door was closed behind them, Elizabeth let out her breath. She leaned against the wall and slid to the floor. What am I going to do about Jane? Do I tell her? What could she do then? Jane doesn't have Charles' home number. This is such a big mess. I feel sorry for Caroline now. She will have to put up with that…that…OH! don't even think about him, Elizabeth!

She went into her room and changed into her sweatpants and a T-shirt. Elizabeth went to the couch and lay down. Kicking off her shoes and propping them up on a cushion she made herself as comfortable as possible. Boddington jumped up onto the couch and lightly stepped on Elizabeth's stomach. Elizabeth absentmindedly stroked the cat along his back as she thought about her dilemma. Boddington purred and settled down for a nice nap. Elizabeth looked at the cat. He was almost all black except for a few white hairs on his chest and one white whisker. Strange, I never saw anything like that before. Pretty. I should call Jane anyway to see how she's doing.

Before Elizabeth could reach for the phone, there was a knock at the door. She sat up sending Boddington flying and hissing over her lap. Who on Earth could that be? Elizabeth wondered, but before she could open the door, it burst open revealing William standing on the threshold. William Darcy. What does he want ?

William strode into the room and stopped in front of Elizabeth. She was dumbfounded. What's he doing here, was the most predominant thought in her mind as well as a few that shouldn't be repeated.

William paced the room back and forth, back and forth until again, he came to a stop in front of Elizabeth. He looked torn and undecided. Elizabeth turned and started to sit down but before she got halfway to the couch William grabbed her arm and spun her around. He put his hands on the sides of her face and kissed her passionately. Elizabeth struggled against him but he only wrapped his arms around her tightly and murmured in her ear.

"Elizabeth." He paused, gathering up strength. "Elizabeth, in vain I have struggled, I can't go on like this any longer. Let me tell you how much I love and admire you."

Elizabeth pushed away and stared at him wide-eyed. She started to set him straight but was cut short.

Elizabeth, I want you to be my wife." William looked at her and smiled. "I want you to marry me."

Elizabeth couldn't speak. This was the last thing she'd expected and for a moment she thought that it was April first. Before she could give him a denial and send him on his merry lying way, William continued.

"I cannot deny that I would be giving the world a shock when this is all found out. I know that people are expecting me to marry someone more sophisticated than you and I don't need to add that your family will be an eye sore on the ten o'clock news. No doubt everyone will think of you as the luckiest woman in the world until DiCaprio gets hitched. But I don't care about that. I only care about you. Elizabeth, will you marry me?" He asked again. Elizabeth thought that he seemed very sure of himself. To sure if you were to ask her.

"No."

William paled. "What?" he whispered.

"I said no, William Darcy. How could you expect me to marry you? You're a conceited, selfish bastard and you poison everything you touch. How dare you come into this house and insult me like that?"

"Insult you? I asked you to marry me. Is that such an insult? I considered it a compliment." William was stricken.

"A compliment? Compliment ? The way you talked about me and my family I would have thought that we weren't fit to shine your shoes."

"What, you would rather I spout forth love songs and poems? I told you the truth and I expected you to at least acknowledge that my marrying you would be the last thing anyone would have expected. I suppose if I'd gotten down on my knees and begged that would have made a difference."

"You're wrong, William Darcy, if you thought that I would marry the man who deliberately separated my sister from the man she loves. I heard the story, William. Do you deny it?"

"No, I don't. Towards my friend I've been kinder than towards myself."

Elizabeth chose to ignore that and continued. "But it wasn't just your interference that makes me refuse you. Long before that happened, your character was shown to me by George Wickham. He told me what a conniving thief you really are. How can you explain that, Mr. Darcy?"

"You take an eager interest in George Wickham!" William was livid. George Wickham! Why won't that name just disappear from this planet? He paced the room again stopping in front of the open door.

"How could I not? When I heard of your dealings with him it only served to prove that I was right about you all along. You're selfish, conceited and you have no regard for the feelings of others." Elizabeth walked up to William and pushed him out of the house. "I had not known you a month before I was convinced that you were the last man on Earth whom I would marry!" With that she slammed the door in his face. Elizabeth leaned up against the door and cried.

William stared at the door not really seeing it. That didn't just happen. She didn't just refuse me. All of a sudden William's heart felt like it was wrenched from his chest. She did! How could she do that? William turned and plodded to his car. He had to get away from there as fast as he could. He got in and sped down the street to God knows where.

Chapter 23

William stopped the car and stumbled out without paying attention to where he was walking. His thoughts were in turmoil. She rejected me! Me ! What is she thinking? Doesn't she know who I am? That there are literally hundreds of women, No, thousands of women out there who would kill to marry me. I'm one of the richest men in America. I can't believe this has happened to me. Me !

And to think that she actually prefers Wickham over me. That two-faced son of a #$@#. Well, she deserves him. She deserves all that she gets from that jackal. Just then William ran into a signpost causing several, oh, shall we say, working women to laugh hysterically. He looked up and saw that he was in front of a seedy bar. Ignoring the guffaws coming from the, um, ladies he stepped inside the smoky room.

William shrugged past some of the clientele and sat down at the bar and ordered a drink. He put his head in his hands and thought about what just happened. What a stupid girl. Why would I want to marry someone that stupid anyway? I can easily get someone more beautiful and glamourous than Elizabeth. William downed his drink and ordered another.

I know a lot of women who are better than that low-class tease. Take Caroline for instance. She was gorgeous that one night when we all went out to dinner. I bet I could take up with her tomorrow. Arrrgghhhh !! What am I thinking ?! I need another drink. William banged his empty glass on the bar. "Bartender, get me another drink!" The bartender gave William a strange look and slowly handed him a drink.

So she turned me down. Big deal. I'll get over it. I'll date a supermodel. William slammed his empty glass on the bar and wiped his mouth. He looked around him for the first time. He saw women of questionable virtue lounging on a few customers' laps. The air was thick with smoke and everything had a bluish hue. This place reeks. I need some fresh air. William heaved himself up from his stool, the seat of his pants sticking to the naugahide. He paid for his drinks and walked out into the night. Wiping his hands on his shirt he turned left and walked smack into the same pole. Holding his now bruised forehead, he side stepped the pole and ran into a newspaper stand.

Walking about in this way for about half an hour, muttering to himself, William went into another bar. The music blasted him as walked in. William strained to hear it aver the din of the bar. It was Carol King.

You're so vain.

You probably think this song is about you.

Sitting down at a table, he turned his thoughts to Elizabeth. Why did she reject me? What did I do that was so wrong? So, I separated Charles and Jane. I did it for the best. How was I supposed to know that Jane really loved Charles? Why doesn't Elizabeth love me? I thought she did. William looked into his glass. His mind was really starting to feel the effects of the alcohol he'd consumed. What do I do now? He wondered. William looked down at his glass. It was empty. He knew then what he needed to do, he needed to order another drink.

You're so vain.

You probably think this song is about you,

Don't you, don't you?

Will somebody turn that stupid song off? William's mind screamed. He tipped back his drink and gulped it.

Two hours later, William was standing in a brightly-lit room. It was some kind of art gallery. William squinted at the pretty pictures. He decided that he wanted to buy one.

"Which one, Mister?" The proprietor asked. Swaying on his feet, William pointed to the one he liked best.

The day dawned with amazing beauty but William did not see it. In fact William did not see the morning. William didn't awake until long after noon. And when he did wake up, he instantly regretted it.

William slowly became vaguely aware of his surroundings. He was aware that he was on a bed in his aunt's boathouse and that he was in pain. A lot of pain. William groaned and put a hand on his head. It felt like cows were stampeding on his brain. He tried to open his eyes but they seemed plastered shut. Finally, he managed to crack them open only to have his eyeballs bombarded by every air molecule in the room. He shut them again. William tried to sit up. His head reeled. He licked his lips. They were dry and cracked and his tongue felt like he washed his car with it. Laying back down William noticed that his right arm was extremely sore. What did I do last night? He rolled over onto his side but the pain in his arm stopped him. William looked at his arm. It looked raw. Did I get into a fight last night? Oh man! I hope nobody recognized me. The papers would have a field day if they found out.

William took a breath and focused. There's blood! Was I shot? William forced his eyes to focus. Ohno,ohno,ohno! It can't be! On his bicep was a bleeding heart tattoo with the word "Lizzy" written in the middle. William sat up with a start and banged his head on the low ceiling of the cabin. He passed out.

Chapter 24

Elizabeth woke up with the same thoughts that accompanied her to sleep. She was still in shock over what had happened. I can't believe William proposed to me. My God, he doesn't even know me! How can you marry someone you don't know? In a way it was gratifying that she so unconsciously aroused those feelings in him. It's not every day you are proposed to by a multi-millionaire. But every sense of gratification was lost when she remembered how he'd addressed her. He'd just automatically assumed that she would accept him.

The jerk! The conceited freakish jerk! He must be blind. Elizabeth rolled out of bed trying not to disturb Maria who was still sleeping. She quickly got dressed and headed out towards the beach.

Elizabeth wandered about the beach all day and reran last night's scene in her head. There was no way she could tell Charlotte about what happened. Elizabeth didn't want anyone to know about it. The sooner I get away the better.

No doubt everyone will think of you as the luckiest woman in the world…

What an arrogant worm!

Your family will be an eye sore on the ten o'clock news…

I wish I'd given you an eyesore last night, Darcy. You… Fitzwilliam !

Exasperated, Elizabeth lay down in the sand and closed her eyes. She remembered the way William just burst into the house, the way he took her in his arms and kissed her, the way his face looked when she pushed him out the door. It was pure devastation. She sighed and tried not to think about that stolen kiss. It gave her a bit of a thrill, really, deep down inside but then that could mean that he was just a good kisser. Elizabeth waved her arms in the sand and smiled. The sand was always therapeutic.

The sun was so warm and the sound of the waves on the sea crashing onto shore made a very nice lullaby to Elizabeth.

William got to his feet. Ohno,ohno,ohno,ohno,ohno,ohno,ohno. Nonononononononononono. This can't be happening. William looked again. The tattoo was still there. W Last man on Earth whom I would marry…

William felt sick. He ran to the bathroom and threw up.

Last man on Earth...

William stood up and looked into his bloodshot eyes. There was a lump on his head where he kept bumping into the lamppost the night before. He looked like he'd been to Hell and back. She hates me. She hates me? What did I do to deserve this? William turned on the sink and splashed water over his face.

Your character was shown to me by George Wickham. He told me what a conniving thief you really are…

William felt his stomach hurl. He steadied himself on the sink and willed the feeling away.

How can you explain that, Mr. Darcy?

William went back into the cabin. He looked around for something, anything for a means to explain to Elizabeth. He glanced at the phone. No she won't talk to me. I can't call her. He looked at the table. He walked over to it and opened a drawer. There was some paper and a pen. Thanking his aunt for treating her home like a hotel, he sat down and began to write.

Dear Elizabeth,

Hello, how are you today?

William scratched that out. What an imbecile you are, William. No wonder she hates you. He forced his brain to concentrate and taking another sheet of paper, he began again.

Dear Elizabeth,

Do not be alarmed upon receiving this letter that it contains any renewal of those feelings that you found so disgusting last night.

I won't torment you with vain wishes now. What happened last night would be best forgotten by the both of us. I find that this is the only means I have with communicating with you and so I hope that you will at least read it with an impartial mind. Your sense of justice will let you do that much at least. I will relate some things to you, which will no doubt give you some pain, but that can't be helped and I'm sorry for it. Any further apology would be useless.

It wasn't long after we met when I noticed that Charles was very taken with your sister. I didn't see anything alarming in this at first because Jane seemed to be a sweet unscrupulous person and I thought that they were well suited for each other. I liked Jane a lot and I felt that she would make Charles very happy. However, at the party Charles gave at the country club last year, I overheard something your mother was saying to Mrs. Lucas. I was standing close to them and their entire conversation was audible to me. Don't think that I was spying, because their conversation could be heard halfway around the room. What I heard was basically this: That your mother had advised Jane to get pregnant in order to make Charles marry her. I was at first shocked, then worried. Perhaps I panicked. But, because I didn't know the extent of your sister's regard for your mother's advice I thought it best to tell Charles that he was in some danger of being trapped. I told him after the party. To Charles credit, it took a lot of convincing. However, since your information last night I realized that I could have been wrong to assume that Jane would stoop to such behaviour. Probably I should have let things run their course. It was done though and done for the best. I haven't anything further to say on that subject.

On the subject of Wickham, well, I'm not exactly sure what sort of lies he's told you about me, however, what I am about to tell you is the absolute truth and for verification on these matters you can apply to Richard who knows of everything. If your distaste for me makes everything I say invalid to you, I hope that you will contact him.

George Wickham is the son of my father's best friend and our fathers encouraged us to become as close as friends as they were, but friendship between us was impossible given Wickham's cruel and bent personality. We were forced with the pretence however and when Mr. Wickham died my father paid for George's college expenses. I wish I could say that George was a great scholar but that is also not the case. He usually didn't even bother to show up for classes and I'm amazed even now that he graduated. I remember once that he'd gotten a young girl pregnant and he managed to talk her into doing some pretty reprehensible things afterwards. Unfortunately, I found out about it too late. That baby was never born and the girl never came back to school after that. After my father's death, I saw as little as possible of Wickham.

When Pemberley 2000 got off the ground and started making a profit, Wickham came to see me. He reminded me about how much my father had loved him and that I should honour my father's memory by making him a partner. But Wickham said that he was reasonable and would take a financial settlement instead of the partnership. Instead of humouring him, I had him removed from the premises.

I thought that it would be the last time I'd ever hear of George Wickham (except for maybe on the 10 o'clock news as a latest arrest), however, last summer he once again intruded into my life in a manner, which I would just as soon forget. My sister, Georgie, who is more that ten years younger than I am, was left under my guardianship when my father died. Last summer she went to a private summer camp in New Port. There she met Wickham, reintroduced by Mrs. Younge, The camp's head counselor. Wickham the convinced my sister that she was in love with him and that they should run off together to "be free from the restrains of society's unfair limits on their love." I don't know where Wickham got that piece of crap but Georgie fell for it. She was then barely sixteen years old so her age and innocence can really be the only excuse. Luckily I came for a surprise visit a few days before Wickham could pull this off. Georgie, who looks up to me as a father, admitted everything to me at once. I wanted to kill George Wickham. I thought about having him arrested, but since nothing actually happened and my sister wasn't abused (yet) I had no grounds for it. I also wanted to spare her from the publicity that would arise from something like that being made public. So, I kept my mouth shut.

This is the whole narrative of my dealings with Wickham, and given the nature of some of the particulars I trust that you will keep them a secret. Only the present situation would make me want to tell another living soul about it.

I'm sorry for the way things turned out between us but I guess that it's for the best. There is nothing more for me to say, except I wish you the best in life and I hope you'll always be happy.

F. William Darcy

There, he'd finished it. It made absolutely no sense, but he finished it and he would hand it to her as soon as possible. William cursed his hangover. If he tried to rewrite it he would just muddle it up worse, so it was best that he gave it to her.

He went to shower off some of the cigarette smoke and the bar stench from his body. As he lathered up he looked down at his shiny new tattoo. I'm going to have to do something about that , he thought. There's no way I can keep it and I don't want a memento of this occasion. William finished his shower and got dressed quickly. He took the letter and went outside into the blinding sun.

Arrgghhh!! William closed his eyes and rubbed them. The sun pierced through his skull and singed his brain. Never, ever again will I go drinking. I promise never, ever, ever. William gradually regained his eyesight and continued his search for Elizabeth, which was so rudely interrupted by the sun.

He found her asleep in the sand. It looked as if she were making sand angels. William smiled, only Elizabeth would think of something like making sand angels. Then he stopped smiling. Elizabeth will never be his wife. She will never smile at him or share a joke. She will never need him. She will never kiss him. She will never share his bed. She will never have his children. She will never be his. She will never love him. William felt sick again. He wanted to leave but first he had to deliver his letter. Should I wake her? No, she might get the wrong idea and my head isn't up to a fight right now. William tucked the letter into her hands that were folded on her stomach and stood up. He looked down at her face for the last time, suppressing the urge to kiss her and hold her and stroke her hair. He turned around and walked away.

Chapter 25

Elizabeth woke up feeling refreshed and confused. Refreshed because she'd slept long and hard and confused because the mail was delivered. Elizabeth looked at the envelope and saw that the letter was indeed addressed to her. She sat up and looked around. There was no one on the beach with her. She tore the envelope open and scanned the document. It was long and labouriously written with words scratched out sporadically throughout. She looked at the signature. William Darcy! Why is he writing? She went up to the beginning and read his explanation. When she finished she reread it. And reread it again. She was so impatient to read the next line that Elizabeth could hardly even register the words in her mind. She skimmed the part about her sister over and over again.

Pregnant? Who could think Jane would do something like that? This has got to be the biggest pack of filthy lies ever written! Elizabeth thought about her mother then and remembered how enthusiastic she could get. Mom would stop at nothing to have Jane and Charles marry. She would suggest something like that, too. Fortunately, Jane has too much sense to follow her directions. Didn't William see that? Didn't Charles ? Didn't Charles trust Jane? Elizabeth sighed. OK, I guess if I were in William's situation, I would be nervous for my friend too, but he should have found out more. He shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that. Now Jane will never know the truth about Charles. Or will she? Do I tell her? Elizabeth decided that she shouldn't make that decision now. She turned her attention to the part about Wickham.

Everything in it coincided with what Wickham told her at breakfast that one morning, except for a few details. Like the detail that it was Wickham who'd gotten the girl pregnant not William. And Wickham's attempt to squeeze money out of William. And the very big detail about William's sister. Sixteen years old! If that were true Wickham should be in jail. But could it be true? Why would William tell her all of this if it wasn't true? She didn't tell him what Wickham had said but the tales were so similar that William must be telling the truth. Elizabeth gradually began to credit William's account of the story. Grudgingly.

Elizabeth stood up and brushed the sand off. As she looked down she could see a set of footprints next to her. They came towards her, stopped, and then turned around and went back the way they came. She sat back down, exhausted and contemplated those footprints. It hit her like a ton of bricks. William was telling the truth! Elizabeth felt like a fool. Not for rejecting William, there was absolutely no way she could marry him. Especially after the way he talked to her. But mostly because of the way Wickham played her against William. He knew that I'd accuse William eventually. He knew it! And you fell for it, Elizabeth, old girl. You're the biggest sucker that lived. Elizabeth was disgusted with herself. Hadn't she prided herself on her ability to see past people's facades? Look how easy it had been with Caroline and Billy Collins. Well, they aren't a good example, they were too easy.

So, if what William says is true then how can Wickham have passed the background check? Elizabeth asked herself. There has to be a background check if you're going to be a Navy SEAL. Elizabeth smacked her forehead. Duh, he's not a SEAL. You fell for that one too. He's probably a cook. Elizabeth got up again. She brushed the sand off, again, and started back to Charlotte's. At least there I know what to expect. I expect to find a man who is unencumbered by the thought process.

When Elizabeth walked into the house, she met just the man she was thinking about.

"Elizabeth! Hurry up and get dressed! We shall be leaving for Mr. DeBourgh's in a few minutes." Billy was frantic and sweating nervously. "I can't tell you how often She has told me about how important punctuality is and She expects it from all of us." Billy shoved Elizabeth into her room and slammed the door.

Elizabeth wondered if she could get out the ordeal but since she missed yesterday's dinner, she would be expected to show up tonight. Elizabeth heaved a sigh and got ready as fast as she could with Billy banging on the door every four seconds telling her to "hurry up in there". Elizabeth tried her best to hide how sunburnt she was but it did no good. Elizabeth considered it the price to pay for being so stupid.

During the walk over, Elizabeth found out from Maria that William and Richard left Carmel and were on their way to Norfolk, where Richard was stationed. Elizabeth secretly rejoiced. She would not have to see William and spend her time being embarrassed. In fact she will probably not see him ever again. That was for the best, anyway.

"Mr. Collins, you are four minutes late!" Mrs. DeBourgh called out as they passed through the hallway and into the living room.

Mr. Collins did a very good Quasimodo impression as he bowed and apologized to Her Ladyship as profusely as his vocabulary would allow.

Elizabeth was glad that someone was performing up to her standards. Before too long, Lady Cat enumerated on how much William and Richard were saddened to leave her.

"But, so they always are. Fitzwilliam seemed most especially dejected. He was most sorry to leave Anne and I. I hope that next time he will be able to stay for a longer visit and satisfy his desire to be near us." Lady Cat looked smug. That is until she caught Elizabeth smiling slightly. "You're very dull this evening, Miss Bennet. What's the matter with you?"

"Nothing more than a small sun burn, Your L… I mean Mrs. DeBourgh." Elizabeth said. Elizabeth couldn't help but smile. Oh, if you only knew, she thought.

The evening passed as all evenings pass when there are tedious company and soggy hors d'oeurves but it did finally end. And the next morning the visitors boarded a plane and flew home.

"Lizzy, how busy we have been this past week." Maria said during the flight. She was reading her diary. "Do you realize that we dined at Mrs. DeBourgh's house six times? And we went to Cannery row and the aquarium. How much I shall have to tell everyone when I get back to school!"

"And how much I shall have to conceal" Elizabeth murmured. She could think of nothing but her letter the entire way home.

William was busy with thoughts of his own. He was wondering if Elizabeth had given any credit to his explanation. Does she understand about why I separated Charles and Jane? Will she believe me about Wickham, that jerk? He turned on his CD player and fast-forwarded to the one song he wanted to hear then switched on the plane's speaker system. He hit the repeat button and closed his eyes.

In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along
I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense
And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose
But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break
And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows
So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows*

Richard grimaced at William's choice. "Why are you listening to that depressing song, William? I thought you'd be happy to leave Aunt Catherine's place. And if I may ask, why did we leave so early and so suddenly?"

"I need to get a tattoo removed." William replied matter-of-factly.

Richard bunched up with laughter. "A tattoo ! Oh that's a good one! Like you'd ever get a tattoo." Richard laughed almost the entire way to the East Coast.

*One of my favorite Billy Joel songs.

Chapter 26

Elizabeth was glad to be back in her own apartment in her own bed. That was, without a doubt, the weirdest vacation I've ever had, Elizabeth thought as she stroked Sandy's ears. She pulled out her letter and read it again, even though she knew the contents by heart. It's amazing really, who knew that he liked me so much? Well, it doesn't matter I'll never see him again. He'll never come back after what I said to him. Elizabeth sat up. What I said to him! Oh, G-d! I can't take any of that back! How do I apologize? Does it matter if I apologize? I still wouldn't marry him. I don't love him and I only just started respecting him. Elizabeth groaned and pulled the pillow over her head. Do I just call him up and say, "Hi, William, just thought you'd like to know I don't think you're as big a big jerk as I used to."? Puh-leese. No, Jane's right, I should just put the whole thing behind me. Elizabeth smiled a bit when she remembered her sister's reaction to William's proposal.

"What! Proposed to you?" Jane's jaw dropped. "Oh, Lizzy! Proposed ? To marry him?

Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, Jane. To marry him. He burst through the door, kissed me, and proposed."

"He kissed you?" Jane grinned. "How was it?"

Elizabeth was not about to let Jane know exactly how much she liked it, so she just said that it was "very…interesting". Elizabeth could hardly admit to herself how much she liked the kiss. She'd just put it down as her reaction to the suddenness of it. And maybe the temptation. William was wrong to grab her like that and kiss her; so never mind the lightening bolts that shot through her. Never mind the…burning of his lips. Never mind that she'd never been kissed so passionately before and that…hhhrrrm, never mind. It doesn't matter.

"It's no surprise to me that he fell in love with you." Jane said. Elizabeth stared at her. "I'm just amazed that he kept it a secret for so long." Jane's voice dropped with sadness. "I thought Charles loved me as much as William loves you. I've given up on him, Elizabeth. He'll never call and I'll just have to go on the way I was before."

Elizabeth heard the tears in Jane's voice. No, I can't tell her about Charles. It'll just break her heart all over again.

Now Elizabeth was in bed thinking about that day in Charlotte's house. She recollected William's shock and dismay at her refusal. He really expected me to jump at the chance. I wonder how long he was watching me sleep. I hope I wasn't drooling. Elizabeth smirked. She put a hand to her lips and traced where he'd kissed her. It was a good kiss. Maybe if he'd taken the time to get to know me. Or rather, maybe if I'd taken the time to get to know him . It doesn't matter, Elizabeth. Even if you were so stupid as to listen to George; that doesn't excuse William for listening to Mom . What a mess. Jane's not going to recover quickly .

She rolled over and tried to sleep but it's hard to get some sleep when your lips were burning and your mind was tossing and turning more than your body.

William sat in the car outside the doctor's office looking out of the window. He'd made the appointment as soon as he got home. Trying to find a decent laser surgeon wasn't easy apparently. He didn't want to ask anyone for referrals because asking for referrals meant explaining why he needed a laser surgeon. There was no way he'd tell anyone. No way at all. In the end, he thumbed through the phonebook and found them under the heading of dermatologists. Seven phone calls and one false name later, William made the appointment to have the tattoo removed.

Now, here he was sitting in his car with his hands gripped to the steering wheel getting up the nerve to go in. William unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it over is shoulder to look at his arm. The skin was still raw from the needle and it was starting to scab over. Interesting how the scab is the same colour as the tattoo , William thought. Is it really safe to have it removed before the skin got a chance to heal? Surely I would have a scar from all the work being done to it. I think it would be better to wait. That way I can research some dermatologists and then make an appointment with a doctor I know is qualified. How? On the Web, I guess. What's the use of owning a computer company if I can't use something as simple as the Internet? William buttoned his shirt back up. Whew, it's hot out today. I guess I'll have to stay in long sleeves for a little while longer though.

William started the car and pulled out of the parking space. Besides, do you deserve to have it removed? It would serve as a fitting reminder of how bad you treated the woman you love. And her sister and your best friend. William grimaced at the thought of Elizabeth hating him.

"Please", he prayed, "please let my letter redeem me in someway. Even if it's just a little." William turned onto the tollway and headed home.

Chapter 27

Elizabeth sighed with exasperation. "Dad, can't you see how uncontrollable Lydia has become? If she goes to Virginia Beach she will only get herself into trouble. The Forresters won't be able to keep an eye on her like they should and you know how she is, Lydia never listens to anyone and she would be worse with them. I don't think it's a good idea."

Mr. Bennet smiled at his favorite daughter. "Lizzy, Lydia is very young. She will never be happy until she embarrasses herself in some public place or other. So let her. All young people do things which they will regret later in life (remember your car wash incident?)" Mr. Bennet laughed as Elizabeth looked away. "But, Lizzy, that's how we learn. Lydia has a lot of learning ahead of her."

"Dad, Lydia hasn't learned a thing so far."

"She will eventually. I hope. The Forresters are smart people. They would never let Lydia get into serious danger and, Lizzy, I would never get any peace around here if she doesn't go. You're lucky, you get to go to your apartment and relax and think while I would have to stay here and listen to Lydia whining about it. No, I think that everything will turn out just fine. You'll see, Lydia will come home just as spoiled and stupid as ever and that will be the end of it." Mr. Bennet gave Elizabeth a hug. He saw her concern but didn't really think Lydia was in too much danger.

Elizabeth was not convinced, as her father was that Lydia would stay out of trouble. She only needs just a little bit of encouragement to do something stupid and dangerous. She'll probably get arrested for shoplifting or something. Well, there's nothing I can do about it; Dad made up his mind.

Elizabeth went to the kitchen to get something to drink. Her mom was advising Lydia on which clothes to take. Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her mother's descriptions of what was in good taste.

"Now, Lydia, you should take your bikinis and a cover up. I dare say that you won't need more than that because you'll spend most of your time at the beach. But, I would also take a few dresses along, you never know who you'll meet and you will want to be presentable if the need arises."

So she can look like a slobby tramp the rest of the time? , Lizzy thought. This is going to be a disaster, I just know it. And it would figure that Lydia took Mom's advice seriously, too. Whatever. Elizabeth shook her head as she headed out of the kitchen, leaving her mother and Lydia to discuss the finer points of assesorizing in private.

Elizabeth celebrated the coming of summer by graduating from the Masters program. She had her new diploma and was thinking about what to do with it when her aunt and uncle gave her their graduation gift, a vacation sailing up the coast to New England.

Elizabeth was more than happy to get away from Ft Lauderdale for a few weeks. Life here was getting sterile and after her return from California, she found it hard to concentrate on everyday life. Her mind kept returning to that night at Charlotte's house and her letter. Elizabeth blamed herself for being so blind and prejudiced. She could not look back on her behavior towards George and William without cringing in shame.

Her aunt and uncle couldn't have come up with a better gift. Elizabeth regretted leaving her sister behind but since Jane was teaching summer school, it was impossible for her to come. Elizabeth counted the days until her departure and went out with her aunt to purchase the necessary items that the boat would need. And a few things that her aunt thought that Elizabeth might need, like oh, say a new bathing suit and perhaps a "very pretty dress that becomes you so well and since it was on sale I thought that I should get it for you because you never know when you might need to wear it and besides, I want you to have it." Elizabeth thanked her aunt and smiled at the thought that they were behaving in a similar manner as her mother and Lydia.

Elizabeth hoped that Lydia was behaving herself. Lydia left last Tuesday with the Forresters and she only called home twice since then. The first time was only to tell them that she had arrived safely and the second was a brief and ecstatic call to Katie informing her that "there were pilots here!" and the whole place was saturated with Marines and sailors. Elizabeth felt sorry for the military, there was no training that would prepare them for Lydia.

The day that was set for their departure was a brilliant sunny day. Elizabeth boarded the freshly varnished sailboat and stowed her belongings. She was grateful for this vacation and was counting upon it for clearing her muddled mind. After motoring down the intercoastal and through Port Everglades, they reached the Atlantic Ocean where they turned off the engine and unfurled the sails.

Once the sails were set and things were under control at the helm, Elizabeth relaxed with a book and marked time until it was her turn to steer. Leaning back against the railing, she closed her eyes and inevitably thought about William. She found that her feelings for him had definitely changed. There was no longer that disgust and abhorrence that she felt prior to her letter. Now she felt a gentle sort of esteem. A wanting to see him feeling but then again, not really because that would be too painful. A feeling of perhaps, good will and even a little gratitude for loving her enough to overcome his pride and propose to her no matter how wrong his pride had been. In short, Elizabeth discovered that she…liked him. How mortifying!

With these thoughts to occupy her time, she had no reason to bring along a book. In fact, Elizabeth got so preoccupied with thoughts of William and Charles and Jane that she was liable to steer them into a sandbar eventually.

Well, one thing was certain, I will probably never see him again. Why does that keep popping up in my head? What do I have to do to keep William Darcy out of my thoughts? Elizabeth wondered at the end of the fifth day out at sea. Well, they weren't continually out at sea. Her aunt and uncle planned stops along the coastline to sightsee and stretch their legs. So far they've been to three different states and were making steady progress up the East Coast.

The next day John Gardiner heard some distressing news over the radio. The tropical storm that had formed off the coast of Africa was now a full-blown hurricane and was gathering up steam. He informed his wife and niece about this new development and consulted with them about the best action to take. It would be folly to turn around and head home because the hurricane was headed for the South Carolina coast and they would sail straight into it. They could seek refuge somewhere along the coastline and wait until the storm had dissipated or they could try to outrun it by heading north.

A vote was taken and it was soon decided that the safest thing would be for them to find shelter somewhere a little farther north from their present position. So, with no more delay, the sailors hoisted another sail and sped to the coast off North Carolina fleeing the wrath of Hurricane Caroline.

Not part of the story: OK, as Liz pointed out it must be the effect of El Nino with all the storms cropping up on the BoI lately. JAnd I just couldn't help myself with the name of the hurricane either. (grin) Gratuitous I know but (shrug).

Chapter 28 A Brief Interlude

Not part of the story: This is exactly what Ft Lauderdale Beach used to be like during Spring Break. Thankfully it's not like this anymore.

Lydia grinned as the wolf whistles accompanied her up the steps and onto the small outdoor stage. She did a slow turn and when her back was to the audience she leaned her head back and let the tip of her hair brush the top of her derriere. The men howled. The MC introduced another contestant amid whistles and yells. Lydia stood there as seductively as she could and waited for the judging to begin.

The MC called out, "All right gentleman!" More yells. "Let's pick the winner." Howls and feet stomping. The MC called out each girl's name and measured the loudness of the catcalls and whistles each girl received. He got to Lydia. ROAR!!! After going through the rest of the line the MC pronounced Lydia as the winner of the bikini contest and tucked a hundred dollar bill into her top. Lydia kissed him on the mouth. More howls from the crowd. Lydia did a brief victory walk and then got back down with the help from several volunteers from the audience. The MC announced the contestants for the belly flop contest.

Lydia discreetly tried to fix the bottom of her new bikini. Thongs are so uncomfortable. She went over to the sign up table and entered her name for the wet T-shirt contest. Another hundred bucks would be nice , she thought.

"I see you are entering the wet T-shirt contest." A voice said from behind her. Lydia turned her head but kept leaning over the table. Advertise advertise , she thought. Lydia smiled at the man who was standing behind her but he didn't notice, he was busy looking…elsewhere. Lydia shifted feet bringing a smile on the man's face.

"Yes, I'm entering. I need a shirt though." Lydia looked at the man's white shirt and then back at his face. The man smiled and stripped his shirt off and handed it to her. Lydia grinned and put it on. She unhooked her bra top and slid it through the armholes of the shirt. She handed it to him to hold for her.

"My name is Lydia." She said.

"George Wickham." The man smiled.

Lydia put the soaking shirt back on after the contest was over. She'd gotten nervous after she saw the second girl in the contest but a new strategy fixed the show in her favour. After her shirt was wet, Lydia took it off. It was a landslide victory. Lydia put the money she earned into her purse and tried to find George.

George found her first. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into a corner. Lydia squealed and kissed him. "You brought me luck", she said. George pinched her on the bottom and brought more squeals from Lydia.

"Listen, Do you want to blow off this place and go somewhere else?" George asked. Lydia nodded. He handed her the top to her bathing suit and she handed him his shirt. Lydia put the top back on.

"Where are we going?" She asked when she was done.

"Well, I have to meet an associate of mine around the corner but then I thought that we could go and, rest up." George leered at her.

"That sounds great, George." Lydia pulled on a pair of cut-offs and followed him out onto the street. He put his hand on her rump and guided her to the spot where his friend was waiting. Lydia watched as George gave the man a small packet and received a small envelope in return. "What was that all about?" She asked.

"Oh nothing to worry about, Lydia." George tucked the envelope into his back pocket and then kissed her. Just a little money that I earned by selling some military info, but you don't need to know that.

"Why don't we go get some Chinese and bring it back to my hotel room." Lydia offered. "My treat."

George smiled and led her to his car. He peeled out of the parking lot and didn't look back. Which was just as well for him because if he did he would have seen the unmarked car that followed.

Chapter 29

Elizabeth gave an anxious glance at the darkening sky overhead. The wind had picked up considerably and whipped her hair around her face. The sails were tied down and Mr. Gardiner was using the engine to guide them into harbour. The only good thing about this storm was that it kept her mind off of William. She was too busy securing the gear that wasn't already tied down or put away. Her uncle steered the boat into an open slip at a marina in Hatteras. Most of the boats were gone, having fled the hurricane. There was one boat left. It was a large sailing yacht and was docked a few piers down. Elizabeth wondered why it was still there. Perhaps the owners were caught by the hurricane too.

She jumped onto the dock and caught the rope that her aunt had thrown to her and tied the boat up. They all gave a sigh of relief at reaching land. The latest weather report said that the storm was headed for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and that it would hit land in a few hours. Elizabeth went below to put some things away. We should have gone further north. I wish we had more time. Elizabeth went back on top and felt the stinging rain that was beginning to fall. She turned to look at the boat next to them and saw someone climb up the ladder from the water and onto the deck. He had a swim mask pushed on his forehead and was wearing a pair of swimming trunks. Elizabeth's gasp was carried away by the wind as she realized that it was William Darcy.

William is here? OhmigodwhatdoIdonow? Elizabeth couldn't tear her eyes away from William as he took off the mask from his head and shook the water from his hair. I should have let him kiss me more , she thought as her eyes took in every inch of him. Her mouth gaped. What was that on his arm? He has a tattoo? Elizabeth strained to see what his tattoo was but at this distance she couldn't make it out. It sort of looked like a heart with someone's name in it. Who's name? , her mind screamed.

William pulled himself up from the step and swung himself onto the boat. He'd just finished cutting off seaweed that had gotten caught on the engine prop and was about to take the boat back to his summerhouse that was further inland. Most of the boat's staff was already back at their homes preparing them for the hurricane that was about to fall on them so he did the job himself. He shook the water from his head and then he noticed that there was another boat still left. I thought every one had gone already. Then he noticed her. Elizabeth? Elizabeth here?, he thought incoherently. OnmigodwhatdoIdonow? William called out her name and he heard her faint answer through the wind. He was hurrying to go to her when he remembered his tattoo. Grabbing a towel he wrapped it around his shoulders and then walked over to her boat. Elizabeth met him part way. William wasn't sure if it was the wind or the impending storm or if was embarrassment but Elizabeth had the prettiest blush spreading across her cheeks.

Elizabeth was dumbfounded. What do I say to him? What do I say? "So, um…"

"So, ah…" William began. They each gave a nervous laugh. William began again. "Elizabeth, I, ah, didn't expect to see you here." I didn't expect to see you ever again.

"We weren't supposed to be here really. The hurricane drove us inland for a time." Elizabeth explained.

"Hurricane Caroline?" William grinned. "You were planning on staying here through the storm?" Elizabeth nodded. "It's not very safe. This area attracts storms like moths to light" Or like me to you, he thought.

Elizabeth looked worried. "Well there isn't anywhere else for us to go. We got as far as we could before coming here." Her aunt and uncle joined them. Not aware that their niece was in turmoil they entered into the conversation without trepidation. Understanding that they were in some danger, they immediately began to make plans to leave and try for a better place. Elizabeth was almost disappointed to leave but then what good would it do to stay?

William thought frantically. Elizabeth can't leave me so soon. Not when I jut found her again. Think man! "Would you like to join me at my house?" He asked. Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. "I have a summer place further inland and I would like for you to be my guests for as long as you like." Elizabeth's mouth went slack. Her aunt and uncle looked at each other and then at Elizabeth.

"We wouldn't want to inconvenience you, William." Mr. Gardiner said.

"It would be no inconvenience at all, I assure you. There's plenty of room for you and your boat and I would feel better knowing that you were safe with me than out here risking the storm." William insisted. After a few scruples to overcome on the part of the Gardiners and a few flutterings of Elizabeth's heart, they consented to follow William to his house.

William looked absolutely relieved and Elizabeth remembered the last time she'd seen that look on his face. It was the day she took a shower with her little cousin Zack. Why did I think so badly of him? Elizabeth turned to go back to boat but William stopped her.

"Elizabeth." She turned and looked at him. He was still clutching the towel and looked completely ridiculous standing there in the rain with that soaking wet towel wrapped around him. What did that tattoo say, anyway? , Elizabeth wondered.

"Would you accompany me, Elizabeth?" William asked. "On my boat, I mean."

"Well, I, ah." Elizabeth was surprised that he would want to be alone with her. Surely he does not love me still. Why does he want to talk to me alone. Is it because of Jane and Charles? "Yes, William, let me just tell my aunt that I'll be going with you and I'll be right back." Elizabeth hurried to the boat to let her mind go nuts in private and then she ran to tell her Aunt what she was doing.

Mrs. Gardiner was surprised but told her to be careful and that they would be following so there would be no need to worry about them. As Elizabeth left Mrs. Gardiner had a very curious look on her face. Why would Elizabeth willingly go with William Darcy when she dislikes him so much? Perhaps Elizabeth doesn't dislike him so much after all? Mrs. Gardiner smiled. The unconquerable Lizzy has a crush. Perhaps William likes her too. Why else would he offer his home to us so easily? She laughed to herself and went to help her husband with the boat's lines.

Elizabeth almost ran to William's boat but that would be unseemly. She did not run, but instead she walked very very fast. Her excuse being that, well, for one, it was raining and then, there was a hurricane out there so I can't dawdle. So she hurried to William's boat and she stopped at the gangplank waiting for permission to board. Where is he? I'm freezing. Elizabeth shivered and wrapped her arms around her chest. Finally William appeared with a shirt on and holding a jacket for her. He held it out for her to put on. Elizabeth slipped her arms through and fumbled with the buttons. Damn, why can't I button a simple jacket? Elizabeth tried twice before William took over and pushed the buttons through the buttonholes. He must have been a little nervous too because he got the first button hooked into the second buttonhole. Neither of them noticed and Elizabeth walked around with the jacket buttoned wrong for almost the entire day.

William started the engines asked Elizabeth to untie the boat's lines so they can get under way. When they were headed into Pamlico Sound and Elizabeth was sure that her aunt and uncle were following, Elizabeth looked up at William. He was standing at the helm with his feet spread apart and seemed to have forgotten that she was there. Elizabeth started swiveling her seat. Squeak squeak squeak. She looked back towards her aunt and uncle, they seemed to be talking but she couldn't be sure. She looked up at William again. He was concentrating on steering.

William was very aware of Elizabeth but he was trying so hard not to say something stupid that he forgot to say anything at all. Well, you got her here, Will, now show her how you've changed. Still he was silent.

"Where are we headed?" Elizabeth finally asked. Shouted really, the wind had picked up and the whining of the engines made talking at a normal tone of voice impossible.

"We're going to my house, it's in Bath just up the river from here. We should be quite safe there unless the hurricane decides to take a little trip up north."

"I'd like to thank you for offering us your home. I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble." Elizabeth said.

"It's my pleasure. I, uh, have other guests also." William gulped for breath. "Charles Bingley and his sister." They were silent for a while; probably remembering the last time Charles' name was mentioned between them. Elizabeth looked away from William's face and down at her hands. They were cold so she shoved them in her pockets. "My sister, Georgie, is also there. I'd like for you to meet her." William tentatively glanced at Elizabeth's face.

"I'd like that too." Elizabeth was floored. What brought on this change in William? Was he just being polite or was he sincere? Or was he always like this but I never noticed because I was to busy hating him? She met his eye trying to reassure herself that William was standing there guiding the boat and this wasn't some dream. He was there. She smiled at him.

William's heart started beating again as he saw her smile. Funny, I didn't even know that it stopped. William was starting to relax when Elizabeth said something that made his heart stop again.

"I didn't know you had a tattoo."

Chapter 30

"I didn't know you had a tattoo."

Elizabeth saw William's face grow red and self-conscious. Whose name was on it? Did he meet someone else? Elizabeth thought with a sinking feeling. Oh, Elizabeth, now you're just being crazy. You rip the man apart, scorn him, call him names then refuse his proposal and you're jealous of someone he might or might not have met afterwards? Do you honestly think that he waited to run into you again on the hope that you would give him a second chance? Nope. Elizabeth was on the verge of panicking.

William bit his lower lip as he frantically tried to think of a reply to Elizabeth. His voice wavered as he hesitantly replied, "I, ah, hrrmmm, was going to have it removed soon. It was a…mistake to get it and I, uh, shouldn't have done it." He couldn't look at her so he didn't see the confused expression that came over her face. Did she see what it said? Does she know? Why? Why did you wait to have it removed, you fool! He stood as stiff as a board and stared straight ahead. He was on the verge of panicking. Think of something to say. Change the subject. Change it!

Have it removed? So is it an old girlfriend's name? Does he have a new girlfriend and wants to get rid of it because of her? Elizabeth didn't know what to think. She knew it was delusional of her to hope that William was still in love with her but still she held that small bit of hope in her heart. And that made her all the more confused because she didn't know why she wanted him to love her. This is dumb, you're jealous of a tattoo!

William was pretty sure that Elizabeth didn't see what his artwork said but he couldn't be positive. So as soon as he saw his home, he breathed a sigh of relief and pointed it out to her. "There it is. That's Pemberley."

Elizabeth looked to where he was pointing and saw a beautiful mansion placed high above the water line and surrounded by tall oaks and willows. The lawn stretched out to the river and met with a thin line of white sand that was being pummeled by the wild river. Elizabeth was amazed at the size and age of the house itself. This is his summer home? It's Tara! Elizabeth speculated on what his regular home looked like and couldn't help but think that if she hadn't been so blindly prejudiced she might have been the mistress of it all. But, then, she saved herself from this thought by remembering Jane and Charles and William's role in that fiasco.

William turned to ask Elizabeth if she liked his home and before she could say much beyond the words delightful and charming, she stopped and blushed furiously with embarrassment. Elizabeth looked away, only to be splashed in the face by an oncoming wave caused by the fierce storm and the wake of William's boat. She coughed and sputtered and wiped her eyes.

William suppressed his laugh and steered the boat to the dock. It's about time she gets a little wet, he thought. "I hope you didn't swallow any of that?"

Elizabeth recovered herself and shook her head. She jumped out onto the dock and helped tie up the lines then helped her aunt and uncle. When everyone was finished securing the boats William led them towards his house. They carried as much as they could from the boats just in case the storm got too much for them to stay afloat and William said that he would send someone out to bring the rest when they got in. Elizabeth looked all around her and gazed at the house. There was a lot to divert her attention but her eyes kept returning to that one profile that had been haunting her for months. Once she caught his eyes resting on her face but he looked away as soon as she noticed. There was a knot in her throat.

They relinquished their belongings to the servants who ran out to meet their employer. These people had volunteered to stay through the storm and they soon regretted that they had done so, for the Barracuda was within. The people that worked for William Darcy loved and respected him but even Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper that was with the family for years, was ready to quit because placating the Barracuda was not in her job description. The servants were about to revolt if the Barracuda didn't clean up her act.

"Where is he?" Could be heard echoing through the house even over the terrible winds. "He said he'd be back in a few hours but it's been all day!" Elizabeth could hear someone stomping on the hardwood floors.

William gave a heavy sigh and looked at Elizabeth. She knew that Caroline was in a "mood" and that nothing short of a proposal from William would put her out of it. Elizabeth smiled reassuringly and tried to show him that she was willing to put up with Caroline and her tantrums. William smiled back and putting his fingers to his lips he slooowly turned the doorknob and very gently opened it a crack. He peeked in and saw that Caroline was looking out the window, looking for him, which was stupid since the river was on the other side of the house. Charles was sitting in a chair and trying to read. William very gently closed the door again and turned to Elizabeth.

William led them into the library. The books were taken off the shelves for the hurricane and the walls were bare of pictures and the windows were taped and shuttered but Elizabeth saw that it was a handsome room. William invited them to sit down and rest while the bedrooms were being made ready. Elizabeth gingerly sat down feeling very awkward. William was in his element here and she was out of place. Elizabeth couldn't help but look at William. She felt ashamed of it, but she couldn't help but wonder at his transformation. From being the proud arrogant bastard that she thought he was, he became a respected considerate tender man . Elizabeth was in awe.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner felt the electricity between their niece and their host but did not say anything. They only observed the game of staring tag that William and Elizabeth played, each looking away as the other met a pair of eyes filled with wonder and longing. And they observed that while William was clearly in love, Elizabeth was in struggling.

Mr. Gardiner was about to suggest that he and his wife go freshen up to give the kids a chance to be alone when the library door was suddenly flung open accompanied by a blinding white crack of lightning and an angry rumble of thunder. A lone figure stood in the doorway but until their eyes readjusted from the lightning strike they could only see a black shadow of a body. But William and Elizabeth knew who it was right away, it was Caroline. She stood there with one hand holding the door open and the other balled into a fist at her side. "There you are!"

"William, you're back." Caroline said as lightly as her tensed up mouth would let her. When she'd heard that William returned, Caroline was relieved. Relieved until she'd found out that he brought along some guests and livid when she found out who those guests were. Elizabeth Bennet! Of all the people in all the world, she has to barge in on me and try to steal William away. I wish she'd drown.

"Hello, Caroline." Elizabeth said brightly. "I see you haven't changed a bit. Just the same lovely Caroline I knew before."

Caroline glared at her and said a flat hello. Then she whined at William. "William you must come to dinner now. We've been waiting for over an hour for you."

"I'm sorry to hear that you waited. Why don't you and Charles go ahead to the dining room? I'll see my guests to their rooms and get Georgie and we'll join you in a moment." William's voice told Caroline that argument was useless. Willing Elizabeth to disappear, Caroline turned around and stalked away taking with her all the tension that was in the room before.

"Whew, I never realized how aptly named this hurricane is." Mr. Gardiner said. "What's wrong with her?"

William and Elizabeth glanced at each other and he started to chuckle. "Nothing that a ring and a date wouldn't cure, Mr. Gardiner. But that doesn't look like it'll happen anytime in the future."

Elizabeth turned away at his words. Overcome with embarrassment she didn't say anything else until William showed her their rooms. He led them up a grand staircase and through a long hallway. Showing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner their room first William then led Elizabeth to hers. He opened the door and looking in she saw that a maid was still putting the sheets on the bed. Elizabeth smiled and walked in. William stood in the doorway for a minute watching Elizabeth before going to look for his sister.

Elizabeth felt useless standing there while someone else made up her bed so she went to one end and started to help the maid tuck in the sheet. "These are lovely." Elizabeth said as she felt the soft texture of the cloth. The sheets were embroidered with a delicate white lily design and the ends of the pillow cases and top sheet had been crocheted. She grabbed a pillow and started to put the case on.

"Yes, they are. They are family heirlooms, about a century old and are rarely used. Normally these sheets are used only on wedding nights but Mr. Darcy instructed me to use them tonight." The maid gave Elizabeth a nervous glance then took the duvet and covered the bed and the beautiful sheets. The maid left the room leaving Elizabeth standing in the middle of the room with a pillow in one hand and the pillowcase in the other and a stunned look on her face.

Continued in Next Section