Beginning, Previous Section, Section V

Chapter 38: Singin' in the Rain

Posted on Sunday, 09-Aug-98

o, Lizzy! What are you doing? That must be all cleared out. I don't want all that junk cluttering up the place. My guests will be tripping everywhere if that stays." Mrs. Bennet was frantic in her preparations. She was beginning to think that she should have waited to throw the engagement party so she would have time to plan it in style, but her nerves got the better of her as usual. She began to fret that Charles would leave town and her daughter again. The sooner the party was held and the engagement was announced, officially that is, the better. Charles would never get away then. Mrs. Bennet was content with her cunning plans. I guess she never stopped to realize that Charles would never run away from Jane again.

Ordering her younger daughters about, calling the caterer, shopping for decorations, and picking the perfect engagement present for her beloved Jane occupied all of her time. She hardly had time to think she was so busy, what with choosing the exact shade of blue shoes to go with her new dress, deciding between the crab puffs or the shrimp cocktail or both, and bullying Mr. Bennet into clearing out his office to make more room for the guests that were expected.

Mr. Bennet found this invasion of his space to be too much but he acquiesced after being scolded mercilessly for two days. So, with Elizabeth's help, he pushed back the desk and small couch against the wall to make enough space for whatever his wife decided would go in there. If anything was to go in there at all. They were absorbed with clearing off the desk and filing the piles of papers that cluttered up almost every open space available when Mr. Bennet took a break to check his e-mail messages. Mr. Bennet found one from Billy Collins waiting for him, which puzzled him exceedingly. What would Billy have to say to him? Knowing that whatever it was would surprise him Mr. Bennet prepared himself to be amused. What he read was not only diverting but also very confusing.

"Lizzy, come here, you have to see this." Mr. Bennet's voice scarcely contained his amusement. He waved his hand frantically beckoning Elizabeth to hurry. Elizabeth dropped what she was doing and strolled over to the computer and looked over her father's shoulders. Her mouth dropped and she turned red. Mr. Bennet didn't notice Elizabeth's consternation; he was so intent on laughing at his letter.

My Dear Sir,

Allow me to congratulate you on the engagement of your lovely daughter, Jane. I am very happy for her and I hope that she will find as much happiness as I have when she is married. Charlotte also expresses her best wishes and congratulations as well.

However, I have reason to believe that you other daughter, Elizabeth, will also very likely be engaged soon and to this extent I find it my duty to warn you that the marriage is not looked on favourably by certain people. Mrs. DeBourgh has expressly denounced such a connection between her nephew, William Darcy, and your daughter to such a degree that I feel compelled to counsel you to put a stop to anything that may arise in that quarter as I feel that a marriage that is not properly sanctioned is not a real marriage at all.

Please give my regards to your family.

Sincerely,
Billy Collins

"Is this not the most amazing thing you ever read in your life? I wonder where Billy came up with this. I certainly didn't give him credit for having such an imagination as this. I had no idea he had it in him. For the life of me I can't figure out where he got this from. If he'd picked any other man I might have given credit to it. But, William Darcy, who is so picky and snobbish, and, you who can't stand the sight of him, it is so incredible. But, Lizzy, you're not laughing." He took off his glasses and peered at his daughter. "I hope you're not going to get all huffy about this. It's just a silly rumour. What are we here for but to make fun of our neighbors an to be laughed at in our turn."

"No, I am very amused." Elizabeth cracked a wan smile. "It's just very strange of him to be writing anything like this." She was mortified beyond belief. It explained Catherine DeBourgh coming out here but where did Billy get his information? How did he figure it out? I haven't even been asked yet. Elizabeth listened to her father rant on about Billy Collins' talent for the ridiculous and then when she felt it was safe retreated to the vicinity of her mother. Mrs. Bennet would make sure that her husband would not plague Elizabeth about William Darcy by the ingenious method of not giving him an opportunity to speak.

Elizabeth thought about the e-mail all afternoon and finally decided that Mr. Lucas probably said something about William's being in town and giving rise to some hopeful thoughts of her own Charlotte might have taken the idea and gone further. It was the only possible scenario that she could think of. The possibility that William himself informed his aunt of his intentions crossed her mind but Elizabeth didn't think that he'd do that until he was sure of her feelings. Elizabeth went home that night very agitated and excited. Tomorrow would be the deciding day.

Elizabeth woke up to the sound of pounding rain. Elizabeth blinked her eyes open and peered at the clock. It was flashing 3:45. Darn it! The power went out. Elizabeth kicked the covers off and jumped out of bed. She checked her watch and saw that she'd overslept. Darn it! She fixed her clock and then pulled on the first things that she could find to put on. Sandy would need to go out and right now. Elizabeth opened her bedroom door and saw Charles and Jane having breakfast. There was no William. Elizabeth blinked and swallowed before asking Charles when he got there. "I…I didn't hear you come in."

Jane got up and poured Elizabeth a cup of coffee and handed it to her. She glanced at her sister's clothes and smiled. Elizabeth followed her gaze and noticed that her shirt was on inside out and backward. Who cares? Not me. Elizabeth smiled thinly. She didn't even brush her hair but what does it matter if it was all wild and messy? William's not here.

Jane had taken already Sandy out before Charles had gotten there so Elizabeth sat down. She didn't pay attention to Jane and Charles as they continued their conversation. She counted the days over and over and each time came to the same conclusion, it was the tenth day and William wasn't here. Elizabeth sipped her coffee and stared off into space ignoring her sister's questioning glances. Well, I guess Lady Cat knew better after all. Elizabeth blinked back tears. She was not going to cry. She was not going to cry if it killed her.

Jane asked Elizabeth if she were feeling well. The words seemed to come through a far away tunnel. Elizabeth absentmindedly nodded her head. Suddenly the room felt stuffy and oppressive. She had to get out of there. Fast, before she broke down and cried in front of Jane and Charles. Elizabeth grabbed Sandy's leash and hooked it to her collar. Elizabeth had to drag Sandy out of the door. Sandy saw no reason to go out in the rain, she could wait, but Elizabeth tugged and pulled until the poor dog stood shivering in the downpour. Elizabeth forgot to grab a jacket so she was drenched before she got down the stairs.

Elizabeth lowered her head against the onslaught of the stinging rain and surged forward, heading anywhere but back to the apartment. She was happy for Jane and Charles of course, but watching their love and laughter while she was so miserable was more than she could handle right now. She pulled on Sandy's leash some more. The dog was trying to go in the other direction and started to bark excitedly. Elizabeth turned around and came face to face with William.

Elizabeth's heart flip-flopped and the butterflies occupying her stomach started a dive-bombing raid. "William!" Elizabeth didn't know what to say. She had it all planned out in her mind what she'd say to him but when she looked at his face and into those dark brown eyes, it all left her. The only thing running through her mind was, he came back! He came back! "You came back!"

"Of course I came back, Elizabeth." William stood there with his hands clasped behind his back. He wanted to grab her and hold her so bad but held back. She looked like a tiny kitten out in the rain with her hair plastered to her face and her shirt soaked through to her skin and she's not wearing a… William's eyes widened. Good, stare at her like a pervert, good, William, good. William looked into her eyes and felt his heart tug when he saw the expression on her face. It was pure joy. William remembered what he held in his hands and gave her the flowers he was picking around the side of the building.

Elizabeth reached for the small withered bouquet and brushed his hand slightly. The shock that ran through her made her jump. She looked at the pathetic flowers and smiled. He picked anything that resembled a flower, mostly weeds. Elizabeth thought they were beautiful. She looked at him again. "Thank you." How long has he been here? "How long have you been here?"

"About half an hour. I got in late last night." William didn't tell her that he'd been pacing around outside practicing his speech oblivious to the freezing rain. He'd started picking flowers on an impulse. William had gotten around to the side of the building where Elizabeth's room was and he couldn't help but look up hoping to see her. He stood there watching for five minutes when the light in her room turned on and he could see her shadow crossing back and forth about the room. He watched her until the light turned back off and he knew that she'd left the room. He felt so foolish that he couldn't go up and see her just yet, so he waited and picked more flowers bundling them up in a clumsy bouquet.

"Do you want to come upstairs?" Elizabeth asked. I have to tell him. Now or never.

"No." I want to stay here in the rain with you. He took a step closer to her.

"Thank you for the flowers." Elizabeth repeated. He was so close to her. Fool! Say something! You have it all arranged, now say it! She took a deep breath. "How's your shoulder?"

"Fine, thank you."

Elizabeth tried again. "William, I can't go on without…thanking you for what you did for Lydia. I've been wanting to tell you for a long time but I didn't get the chance." She clutched the tiny flowers in her hand.

William stopped. "I didn't know you knew." He felt like he'd been slapped. What if the only reason she was out here talking to him was because she wanted to thank him?

"I saw you in Virginia talking to my aunt and uncle. And Lydia's lawyer. No on else in my family knows, not even Jane or my father. But I had to tell you that I, at least, appreciate what you've done." Elizabeth waited for him to say something.

William ran his fingers through his hair. "You don't have to thank me, Elizabeth. I wanted to help you. I thought only of you."

The butterflies swirled again. Elizabeth could think of nothing to say except 'I love you'. So she said it softly. "I love you, William." At the sound of Elizabeth's voice, William's face was transformed from anxious hope to what can only be described as heartfelt delight.

Elizabeth smiled at the sight of William's wide grin. She let go of Sandy's leash; the dog was tugging at it anyway. Sandy ran back upstairs to the door. William took another step closer and held out his hand. She put her hand in his and liked the way they fit together perfectly, his hand engulfing hers as his fingers wrapped around her hand. Elizabeth watched him come even closer until he was towering over her. She started to tremble.

William brought his hand to her face and stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers. All thoughts of his prepared speech flew out of his mind as he touched her lovely face.

"Elizabeth. My dearest loveliest Elizabeth, I love you so much." He murmured, slowly leaning over. He softly kissed each of her eyes closed. "I love you." He kissed her cheeks that were wet with rain and tears. "I love you." He kissed her forehead. The skin was fevered. William pulled back and looked at Elizabeth's face. Her mouth was parted slightly and her breath was coming in short gasps from anticipation. Her eyes were still closed. William brought his mouth down softly onto her lips with his and whispered, "I love you." The sensations that enveloped him were too much for to endure. He pressed against her suddenly and passionately kissed her, tasting and probing fervently.

Elizabeth was held captive by each kiss that he placed oh so carefully on her face. But she reacted intensely when his lips touched hers and in that moment she knew that everything would be all right between them. The past was forgotten or forgiven and there was only the future before them. Elizabeth held him tight and didn't let go.

Charles opened the door since the scratching noises would not go away. He stepped back as Sandy came rushing in with her leash dragging behind her. Sandy shook then ran around in circles rubbing her face on the floor to get the water off. Charles was alarmed to see Sandy come back without Elizabeth and stepped outside to go after her but stopped short when he saw the two figures embracing each other in the pouring rain. Charles smiled and went back inside to Jane. I wonder what she thinks of double weddings.

Chapter 39 Posted on Wednesday, 12-Aug-98

William grinned at Elizabeth as the sound of laughter rang out through the doorway. His smile turned into a grimace as a sneeze built up and burst out. Just in time he grabbed a Kleenex from the box sitting on the table next to him. He checked the box. It was almost empty.

"Bless you." Elizabeth pulled the blanket up around her chin and snuggled closer to William's chest as he wrapped his arm around her. He turned the page of the book they were reading and cleared his sore throat.

"Fu Inle means "after moonrise". Rabbits, of course, have no idea of precise time or punctuality…*" Here William was interrupted by a knock on the door. Jane peeked her head in and smiled at the invalids snuggled up on Mr. Bennet's couch before closing the door again.

William put down the book and pushed Elizabeth's hair off her face so he could kiss her cheek. "Elizabeth", he croaked. He cleared his throat again and tried once more, "Elizabeth?"

"Mmmmm?" Elizabeth smiled dreamily. She was being lulled to sleep by listening to William's deep (albeit hoarse) voice and the thumping of his heartbeat. "Yes, William?"

William liked the sound of that and gathered the courage to proceed. "Elizabeth, I love you." Elizabeth's smile widened.

"Mmmmmm. I love you too." Elizabeth turned her head so William could lean over and kiss her. When he didn't she opened her eyes. William was looking anxiously at her. "What's the matter?"

William picked out a lock of Elizabeth's hair that got lodged in his mouth somehow when she turned her head. "I was wondering, Elizabeth… I was hoping that. I wanted to ask you if…" William paused. Elizabeth turned so she was all the way on her back. She looked inquisitively at William.

William leaned over and put his hands on either side of Elizabeth and trapping her in between his arms. "I'm not letting you go."

"What makes you think I'd want to?" Elizabeth grinned at him.

"I don't ever want to let you go. If I had my way I'd marry you tomorrow." William kissed her gently. "Will you?" He asked quietly. "Will you marry me, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth took a breath before she replied. "Are you sure, William? I mean, we hardly know each other."

William leaned back on an elbow and traced her jaw line with a finger. "I may not know your favorite colour or your shoe size, but I do know every inch of your face because it's been etched in my memory for so long. I know what perfume you wear because it haunts me at night when I go to bed. I know the way you walk down a street. I know how your chest moves when you breathe." William looked at her intensely. "I know that you have taught me a severe lesson (one that I desperately needed) and changed me from a proud arrogant man to someone who recognizes real character and integrity. I see that in you, Elizabeth." William paused to lay a kiss on her forehead. "I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know that without you, I'm desolate. And I know that with you, I can become a better person. I've been trying so hard to earn your respect and to deserve your love. And I know that if you do consent to be my wife, I'll be the happiest man in the world. But, no matter what, no matter what your answer, I'll never give you reason to doubt me again." William saw tears in her eyes glistening, threatening to fall. "Please marry me." He asked again.

Elizabeth grabbed his head and pulled him down. "Yes, William. Yes, I'll marry you." They kissed and held each other until Elizabeth's sneezes took over. The sneezes were so forceful that Elizabeth couldn't see the genuine happiness that spread over William's face. It was only the fact that they were both sick that made the moment less than ideal but William wouldn't trade it for anything.

William cradled Elizabeth and blessed her when the sneezes subsided. He'd never felt so comfortable in his life. It felt so good, so right to have Elizabeth in his arms. He marveled at the sight and was thankful for it. He handed her another tissue then settled his head down next to hers and thought about their future together.

* Watership Down of course.

~~ Intermission ~~

Chapter 40

Posted on Wednesday, 26-Aug-98

Author's Note: Apparently there was some confusion in my last chapter. Some of you (and you know who you are) thought that Elizabeth and William were in bed together. I knew that I put them on the couch but I wasn't sure if it was in the last chapter or not since I broke the chapter up in two. I looked and I did, but it was a small short sentence so I can see where the confusion came from. So, they are on a couch. A couch. Not in bed. Coooouuuuuuuch.

End Intermission

Elizabeth didn't know how long they lay on the couch in each other's arms. The time slipped by so rapidly while William told her things that she never knew or suspected.

William stroked Elizabeth's hair as he told her about the evening when he first realized that he was becoming infatuated with her. It was one night when they all went to the movies. There were only the four of them, Jane and Charles and Elizabeth and William. Elizabeth kept shoving his elbow off the armrest. He had a better time fighting for that one slim bit of wood than he did watching the movie. And he found himself sneaking looks at her profile illuminated by the flickering theatre screen. Eyes bright and laughing, lips curving in a smile as she sipped her drink. That was when he first knew that she had a special hold on him. It wasn't until after his disastrous first proposal that he realized how much she meant to him. That was when he was fully able to understand Elizabeth's strength and integrity.

"Did you really think I'd accept you?"

William gave a hard laugh. "What will you think of me? I thought you were expecting, wishing a proposal. I was completely shocked by your rejection. When you pushed me out the door I didn't know what to do. I got in the car and drove off. I wound up in one bar after another and the next day I found a tattoo on my arm."

"I'm sorry if I led you to believe I would accept it. I certainly never meant to deceive you." Elizabeth looked at William's arm. "It's still there?" William nodded.

William hugged Elizabeth tightly to him and murmured, "All that is over now. Now I'm happy. Here I am lying on your father's couch, I'm sick, my nose is running, my head hurts, but this is the best day of my life because you're in my arms and you love me. What more can a man ask for?" He kissed her hair.

Elizabeth twisted around and looked at him. "You know you could have been perfectly happy and healthy if you'd said anything earlier. Why were you so hesitant when you were here last time?"

"Because you were silent and didn't talk to me." William took Elizabeth's hand and kissed the tips or her fingers.

"But I was embarrassed. I felt stupid being in that wedding dress. I had no idea that you'd be there." She gave him her other hand to kiss when he was through. "What made you come back at last?"

"I came back for you. I needed to see you again. To talk to you. And I was encouraged because of a… social call my aunt paid on me a few days ago. She told me about her trip here and her argument with you." William caressed Elizabeth's hands. They were cold.

"She told me about her visit and related in minute detail everything you said to her. She actually wanted me to promise to never see you again but she was sorely disappointed there because she gave me hope. More hope than I'd ever had before. When I realized that you hadn't completely rejected me, I thought that I might have a chance. I know you well enough that if you were dead set against me you would have said so."

Elizabeth laughed self-consciously. "Yes, if I could abuse you so abominably to your face I could have no scruples to abuse you in front of your relatives. I was very insulting to you. How you must have hated me afterward that night."

"Hated you? No! I was... angry at first but after I had time to think, the anger turned towards its rightful place. I was angry at myself for being so arrogant and for behaving like a conceited ass."

They were silent for a while then Elizabeth remarked, "Your aunt will be happy to know how much we owe her for her trip out here. I know how much she likes to be of use to people." William laughed and agreed with Elizabeth pulling her in closer to snuggle.

The tête-à-tête was interrupted by a knock at the door. And Jane poked her head around the corner again. "How are you two feeling? Can I get you anything?" Jane came in and felt Elizabeth's forehead. It was hot but not as bad as it was yesterday. She got out a Kleenex and wiped Elizabeth's nose. Charles came up and stood in the doorway watching Jane tend to her sister.

Charles grinned at the sight of his friend laid up on a ratty old couch with Elizabeth cradled in his arm and a patchwork blanket covering them. There were wadded up tissues on the floor that never quite made it to the wastebasket on the other side of the room. Elizabeth sneezed.

"Bless you." Jane and Charles said at the same time and then smiled at each other.

"What are you doing here anyway, Jane? This is your engagement party, go mingle. Go away before you get sick." Elizabeth wheezed.

"Well, actually I came in here to let you know that Dad is trying to get away from Mom and is on his way here."

Elizabeth groaned as William struggled to sit up. Elizabeth leaned over to give him some room and almost fell off the couch. Jane and Charles left to 'mingle' and left the two alone.

William ran his fingers through his hair to straighten it out and make himself look presentable. He tried to clear his throat but it was scratchy and felt swollen. Elizabeth leaned back again and put her legs over his, lounging comfortably. She looked on with a smile playing around her lips as she watched his nervous behaviour. "What's wrong, William? You look like you're going to be sick."

"No. Nothing. I'm just a little nervous that's all." William cracked his knuckles.

"About...?"

"About your dad. I want to ask him if I can marry you." William looked at Elizabeth and she could see the tension in his eyes.

Elizabeth stared at him. "Would it stop you if he said no?"

"No. But I want him to know that I'll take care of you." Elizabeth took her legs off him as the opened and William stood up. That this was important to him was obvious and Elizabeth knew that her father would appreciate William's asking. But would he appreciate William? Would her father say no? It wouldn't stop them from marrying but relations between the families would be strained.

Mr. Bennet strode into the room and slumped tiredly into a chair. "The party is in full swing and you mother is in her element. I wish I had the good sense to get sick so I could spend the evening in here instead of listening to all that chatter." Mr. Bennet smiled wryly. Mrs. Bennet stuck her head in the doorway at that moment.

"Lizzy! Are you feeling better yet? I honestly don't know how you could have gotten sick. Why you had to go hiking around through the rain is beyond me. What were you thinking?" Then upon seeing William was in the room also she addressed him, "Ah, there you are! Caroline has been looking all over for you this evening. She won't sit still for one minute. I'll just go and tell her you're in here."

Mrs. Bennet dashed off to find the restless Caroline and Lizzy jumped off the couch. The room spun around and she had to grab hold of the armrest to steady herself. William rushed to Elizabeth and held her up. Mr. Bennet began to wonder if Billy Collins was correct in his surmise about Elizabeth and William Darcy. He was sure of it when William asked to speak to him in private. Mr. Bennet agreed and showed him to another room down the hall.

Elizabeth thought it would be a good time to visit the kitchen so she wandered into the hall and ran into Caroline.

"Oof! Sorry, Caroline, I didn't see you." Elizabeth tried not to sneeze on Caroline's shirt. "Are you looking for something? Do you need help?" She asked knowing full well that she was looking for William and that William would not be found for quite some time.

"No, there isn't anything that I want from you." Caroline looked her up and down and sneered at Elizabeth's appearance before elbowing her way past her. Really! She shows up sick and expects people to coddle her and then sneezes on me. Ugh! The girl is completely disgusting.

Elizabeth just shrugged her shoulders and let Caroline discover for herself that William was not where he was reported to be.

William caught up to Elizabeth later in the evening. He smiled his reassurance.

Elizabeth was burning with curiosity. "What did he say?"

"He gave us his blessing and then we talked for a while. I like your dad. He's got an interesting view on life. He wants to check your sanity though so you'd better go and see him. I guess I didn't make the best impression last year." William paused then continued. "You know, your father wasn't all that surprised. I wonder how he knew."

Elizabeth didn't say a thing about Billy Collins' letter; so she excused herself and went to see her father.

One Week Later.

"Elizabeth, have you thought about when we should get married?" William was sitting next to her in the jeep as they sped down the Causeway towards her apartment.

"Yes, and so has Mom. She wants a big double wedding ceremony." Elizabeth wrinkled her nose in distaste then downshifted. "I was sort of thinking of something small and quiet."

"Me too. But have you thought about when?"

"Soon I hope." Elizabeth grinned.

"Very soon?"

"How soon?" Elizabeth looked at William suspiciously.

"Tomorrow soon?"

"T… tomorrow!" The gears ground as she tried to shift from second to first. Elizabeth was incredulous. She pulled into the parking lot and braked heavily causing the car to jerk. She turned to William. "You want to elope?" William nodded his head. "Elope. How? We have papers and forms to fill out and… Really?"

"Really. We can go down to the Keys and get a Justice of the Peace to marry us."

"My mom would kill me." Elizabeth smiled then it faded. "Don't you want your sister to be there?"

"We can have a ceremony later after Jane and Charles are married." William gave her his best dazzling cheesy smile making Elizabeth laugh. "I'm all packed. I wanted to ask you to do this last week but we got sick and I needed some things from home and…" William looked at the expression on Elizabeth's face. It was disbelief. "…I can wait. It doesn't have to be tomorrow. I don't want to rush you or anything."

Elizabeth laughed. "It's not that it's just such a surprise. When I first met you I would have thought you'd want this big blow-out wedding deal with photographers and celebrities and news people and here I find you want to elope." Elizabeth shut the car off and thought about it for a long time. Finally she turned to him. "I can be packed in twenty minutes." William grinned from ear to ear and jumped out of the car.

"I just need to get my stuff from Charles' place." He said as they walked up the stairs.

"We'll pick it up on the way down." Elizabeth opened the door and jumped out of Sandy's way as the dog leapt through the doorway catching William in her paws. "You'll have to get used to that. I've never been able to teach her not to jump up when I came home."

William struggled with the excited dog. "How does she like cats?"

"She loves them, but she can't eat a whole one by herself." Elizabeth grinned at William. "Do you have a cat?"

William nodded. "My sister does. I'm sure we can figure something out." Elizabeth went to her room leaving William with Sandy out in the living room.

Elizabeth got a bag out of the closet and started throwing things into it. "How long are we going to be gone?" Elizabeth called out. "I need to know what to pack. And I need to call work and let them know how much time I'm taking off. How much time did you take off?"

William started laughing. "I own the company. I can take off as much time as I want. You know you don't have to work anymore after we're married. Unless you want to."

Elizabeth paused in her packing. She hadn't thought about that before. "Uh, one thing at a time." Wandering into her closet Elizabeth contemplated her wedding dress. She chose a soft creamy calf-length dress that always made her feel romantic. Elizabeth carefully packed it along with shoes and an iron and then stared at the phone. She picked it up and dialed her father's number.

"Hello?" Mr. Bennet picked up at the third ring.

"Daddy?" Elizabeth's voice shook slightly. Elizabeth felt nervous all of a sudden.

"Elizabeth? What's wrong?" Mr. Bennet was worried. Elizabeth hasn't called him Daddy for years.

"Nothing. I just wanted to let you know that I'm getting married." She gulped. "Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, eh? Well, I suspected that you'd do something like that. Do you want me to tell your mother or are you just going to send a postcard?"

"You can tell her, but break it to her gently. She was planning a gala. I'll call you this weekend." Elizabeth twirled the phone chord around her finger. "I love you."

"I love you too, Sweetheart. And don't worry about your mom, I'll take care of her. Good luck, Elizabeth. Good-bye." Mr. Bennet hung up the phone and stared out the window. His baby girl was getting married. He knew she'd be well taken care of and William loved her beyond anything but it was still hard to let his favorite daughter go. He sighed and leaned back in his chair. I'm going to miss her.

Elizabeth slowly hung up the phone and then zipped up her bag. She took a last glance around her room and decided that she had everything she needed. "All set!" She cried out as she walked into the living room.

William took her bag from her. "You're sure this is what you want?" Elizabeth smiled mischievously and nodded her head. William smiled. "Let's go then."

"Let me just leave a note for Jane and get Sandy's leash. We'll need a witness there." Elizabeth scribbled something down and then the three of them left. Elizabeth locked up.

William put her things in the Jeep and then got in. William adjusted the seatbelt over his shoulder. "Blue."

Elizabeth stalled. "Pardon me?"

"My favorite colour. Blue. We have four hours to drive; it's a perfect opportunity to get to know one another."

Elizabeth smiled as she started the car. She put it in reverse and pealed out of the parking space. "I can make it in three." Elizabeth put the car in gear and roared down the street.

Chapter 41

Posted on Thursday, 27-Aug-98

Elizabeth waited in the jeep while William phoned ahead to the courthouse in Key West. He was gesturing and talking excitedly into the receiver and Elizabeth smiled as she caught a glimpse of his business demeanor. Sandy barked for William to hurry up and William held up a finger to show that he was almost done. Finally he nodded his head a few times and then hung up the phone.

William ran back to the waiting car and got in. "The only time they could fit us in is today at four o'clock if we can get there on time." William glanced at his watch. "It's two thirty now, what do you think?"

"I think we should have planned something, but it's too late now. Put your seatbelt on we've got to get moving!" Elizabeth pulled out onto the highway and they sped on down to Key West.

"I did manage to get us a room at the hotel." William shouted over the sound of traffic and wind. "So at least we won't be camping on the beach tonight."

"What's wrong with that? It sounds romantic." Elizabeth shouted back.

"Is there a ring?" The Justice of the Peace asked.

Elizabeth looked around for something but didn't know what. "No there isn't. Do we need one?"

"Yes, right here!" William said at the same time and took a small band of platinum out of his shirt pocket and handed it to the lady officiating over them. He leaned over and whispered, "I told you I needed some things from home. It was my mothers," he explained.

Elizabeth nodded her head and reached for his hand. The service was about to start and she was getting nervous. Elizabeth wondered if William was feeling nervous as well. She looked at the woman presiding and tried to listen carefully to the words that she was saying. Elizabeth responded when she was told to but her thoughts kept wandering back to her chosen husband. I wonder if we're being too hasty. Look at us, we didn't even have time to change clothes. I'm still in my shorts. No one but Dad knows of this; not even Jane knows except for that incomprehensible note I left. What about William? Is he having doubts? Elizabeth looked up at William and saw him looking down at her, smiling lovingly. He squeezed her hand reassuringly as if to say that he understood and that everything would be all right. Elizabeth smiled back and concentrated on what was being said. She recited the passages that would bind her to William forever and when she was asked if she would take this man beside her 'to have and to hold until death do you part', Elizabeth looked up at William and said, "I do". She heard the deep resonance of William's voice as he said his part and felt a quiver go through her when he spoke his vows and slipped the small band onto her third finger.

"By the power vested in me by the state of Florida, I now pronounce you man and wife." She paused. "You may kiss the bride." The Justice of the Peace beamed as the newlyweds embraced for the first time as husband and wife. This was her favorite part of her job; it was so gratifying to see young couples in love and starting out on their own. The woman sighed to herself as she left them to their embrace to fill out the paperwork that was required to make the marriage legal and wondered vaguely to herself why this young couple was in such a hurry to get married. She glanced furtively at the woman's stomach but couldn't see a telltale bulge. The young lady seemed virtuous enough but you never can tell these days. She signed her name on the last form and waited patiently for the newlyweds to come apart. She was accustomed to waiting; this was always the longest part of the ceremony. When they separated, she indicated to them where they needed to sign. The lady offered her hand and congratulated them. She wished them well as they left, dog trailing behind them. Ahhhh, young love is the best kind of love there is.

"William, you're incorrigible! You're going to drop me." Elizabeth laughed. She had her bag in one hand and Sandy's leash in the other while William carried her in his arms with his bag hanging across his shoulders. He struggled with the key cursing those stupid card locks that required two hands to operate a simple doorknob. He refused to put Elizabeth down insisting that she was going to be carried across the threshold even if it meant going through the window with Elizabeth slung over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes.

At last the door opened and William and Elizabeth crossed over the coveted threshold and into their hotel room. William kissed his wife of twenty minutes and deposited her safely on the ground feet first. "What do you want to do first, Mrs. Darcy?"

"How about we order some food for later. I don't think we'll get out tonight." Elizabeth reached for the room service menu and picked up the phone. The room service operator picked up and Elizabeth read out the order. "Two cheeseburgers, medium rare, fries, ah, some fruit, strawberries if you have them. No, make that three cheeseburgers, two medium rare and one rare, fries, the strawberries and a bottle of champagne." Elizabeth felt a tapping on her shoulder and turned around to see William shaking his head and pointing at the table. There was a champagne bottle resting in an ice bucket waiting for them. Elizabeth smiled.

"Uhhh, scratch the champagne." Elizabeth turned back to William who was taking something out of his bag. "Is there anything else, William?" He shook his head and pulled out another mysterious item from his bag. Elizabeth watched him out of the corner of her eye as she finished. "I'd like some Key Lime pie too. Um, heh, we won't need this for another couple of hours sooo, take your time." Elizabeth looked at Sandy. "Oh! And a large bowl." There was a definite pause then the clerk repeated the order. Elizabeth verified it reminding him about the large bowl then hung up the phone.

"What are you doing so mysteriously, Oh Darling Husband?" She asked.

"Nothing mysterious. I'm just going to make up the bed." William ripped the covers and sheets off the bed.

"What? William, the bed was already made… Oh… oh right." Elizabeth was silent for a while.

"I told you I needed some things from home." William spread the bottom sheet over the bed and tucked in a corner. Elizabeth took the other side and helped him finish. She wondered what else was in William's bag of tricks. They got the coverlet back on the bed and she folded down the sheets over it. Taking a pillow each they shook the pillows into the cases and William plopped his down on the bed.

Elizabeth hugged hers, blushing furiously. "So is my mom supposed to take the sheets in the morning and prove to the village that I was a virginal bride?" She looked at her husband with an expressive glance.

William stopped in his tracks his arms hanging down. He blinked several times. "Elizabeth? You didn't say anything."

"I figured the subject would come up sooner or later. It turns out that it's sooner." Elizabeth smiled faintly. "It's nothing to worry about, William. And don't act so surprised either!" She tossed the pillow on the bed.

"No, but, well…" William couldn't think of a single thing to say but he didn't hesitate in his actions. He crossed the room and pulled Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her face passionately holding her tight. It explained a lot of things. It explained why she ran from him in North Carolina and it told pages of her virtue and generosity.

Elizabeth stood there and let him kiss her knowing that this was definitely right. He unbuttoned her shirt and slipped it off her shoulders letting it fall to the ground. Elizabeth shivered as the cool air hit her skin and closed her eyes. William ran his hands up her arms and over her shoulders and into her hair. He stroked the thick curls as he leaned over and kissed her firmly on the mouth. William picked her up and brought her to the bed. He turned down the covers and placed her gently on the soft bed.

Elizabeth wrapped her hands around William's neck and brought him down to her, letting him cover her body with his. "William, I love you so much," she whispered as her husband kissed her over and over again.

William gazed into her eyes. "I love you too, Elizabeth."

The End

The Aftermath

Posted on Thursday, 27-Aug-98

"What!! Lizzy eloped?" Mrs. Bennet was dumbstruck at the news. She looked at her husband who seemed too calm. "What do you mean, she ran off and got married? Just like that?" She snapped her fingers. Mr. Bennet confirmed it and expressed his condolences and left his wife to fume alone.

How could her own daughter do something like this? Her flesh and blood? It was just like Lizzy to be so selfish take off without a moment's notice. Without even a trousseau! And all her plans for a big glamourous wedding were ruined. Ruined!

Mrs. Bennet felt cheated and was only soothed by remembering that Elizabeth was never really her favourite daughter and now she'd have more time and energy (and money) to spend on Jane's wedding. She immediately made mental changes to the guest list and rushed to pick up the phone to call her sister with the news and ask for some advice on wedding colours. Jane wanted soft pastels but Mrs. Bennet thought that brighter colours would be classier.

The news spread through the family with the all speed of a brush fire taking everyone by surprise but not for very long. Most people wished the couple joy and drank to their health and happiness. Most people except for Caroline that is. Charles told her about the elopement and considering that she didn't scream was a good sign. Instead she picked up the latest copy of Forbes magazine and started thumbing through the pages ripping out every one that even mentioned William Darcy. She could forget about him soon enough but she definitely didn't need reminding. And she was sure that there were plenty of handsome, wealthy, single, young men out there in the world waiting for her. After all she wasn't that picky.

Georgiana was ecstatic when William called her up from the Keys. She couldn't stop talking about how happy she was and would have kept Elizabeth on the phone for hours if her brother didn't remind her that it was his honeymoon and that they had things to do. Georgiana couldn't rest though until she'd sent bouquets of flowers to their hotel room. Each bouquet had a note and each note had something different written on it that made them smile.

Mrs. DeBourgh was told the news after the couple got back from their honeymoon and was so apoplectic that Poor Anne was forced to call an ambulance. The doctor could find nothing wrong with her physically but decided that the great lady's mind was in such a state that shot of Demerol would be beneficial for the time being. The Collins' deciding that it would be the smartest thing for them to take their vacation at that time flew to Florida to be with their families. Charlotte was truly happy for her friend, she'd often wished that Elizabeth could find the perfect mate and was only a little surprised at her choice, but as it seemed like a match made in Heaven, Charlotte had no complaints for her friend.

Wickham heard the news on the TV with a rather regretful attitude. He didn't regret his lying or his swindling, however he did regret that he was caught and he certainly regretted that his roommate out weighed him by one hundred pounds. He supposed now that Elizabeth knew the truth about his dealings with the Darcy family. This didn't bother him so much. What bothered him was the fact that his roommate bothered him so much. Wickham sighed to himself as he trudged back to his cell and waited for lockup. This sentence was killing him.