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Chapter 21

Posted on Monday, 26 June 2000

Everything I do, I do it for you.

"Charlotte!" Elizabeth called as she found her friend sitting in the family room with the rest of the Darcy's guests.

"Lizzy!" Charlotte responded as she got up to receive Elizabeth's hug.

"It looks like marriage has done well for you, Char," Elizabeth smiled.

"I'm very happy, Lizzy."

When Charlotte's husband stood up to greet Elizabeth, she finally noticed him. "Hey! You're wearing civvies! What happened to your uniform?"

"Hello to you too, Liz," Joseph laughed as he kissed her on the cheek. "You know, sometimes we get sick of wearing our uniforms," Joseph explained.

"Aww, shucks," Elizabeth teased.

"Lizzy, are you feeling okay?" Elizabeth turned to Charlotte who was eyeing her closely. "You look thin and pale."

Elizabeth looked down at her feet and murmured, "I'm fine."

Charlotte knew enough of her friend not to force anything out of her, so Charlotte didn't say anything else.

Elizabeth soon recovered and greeted everyone else. Besides Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, Georgiana, Jane and Charles, and Charlotte and Joseph, there were Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam and their oldest son, Michael, and his wife, Emily. It wasn't a big party, and Elizabeth was glad that she knew everybody there.

Dinner passed with much lively conversation, and even Elizabeth could forget her troubles for the time being. While they were eating, a steady snow started to fall, but nobody was worried about it developing into anything much worse. After dinner, the small party gathered into the music room.

First Georgiana played and sang, but she soon got tired of it and asked Elizabeth to perform. She didn't know what to play, so she asked for any requests. Unknowing of Elizabeth's current feelings, Emily requested a song.

"Can you play 'Everything I do, I do it for you'?" Emily questioned after finding the music in a pile. "It was Michael's and my wedding song," she smiled at her husband.

Elizabeth reluctantly agreed. She and Emily got along nicely, and she didn't see anything wrong with the request other than how she would feel while playing it. I'll just have to ignore the words.

Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me there you'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you

But Elizabeth found it impossible to ignore the words. The words struck too close to home. Why hasn't he written me or called me? Elizabeth thought as she sang. It seems like he doesn't even want to try again.

Look into my heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all I would sacrifice
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you

I would sacrifice anything to talk to him again. Elizabeth had to fight the tears from falling, but she kept on playing. I can't stop now and embarrass myself. They wouldn't understand anyway.

There's no love - like your love
And no other - could give more love
There's nowhere - unless you're there
All the time - all the way

When William walked through the front door, he was met with the sound of Elizabeth's voice singing. Lizzy. William dropped his coat in the foyer, forgetting to even greet the housekeeper as he made his way to the music room door. Slowly, quietly, William opened the door and entered.

When he entered, only his parents, who were closest to the doors, noticed him and smiled at their son. But their son wasn't paying attention because his eyes were fixed on the performer who was singing with her heart.

Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - Ya I'd die for you

A movement suddenly caught Elizabeth's eyes. Without stumbling, she moved her eyes to see William standing at the door, gazing at her. Experienced with noises and movements during performances, Elizabeth was able to keep going without any sign that she noticed anything out of place, but it wasn't easy.

Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you*

At the end of the song, everybody clapped warmly for the performance, but Elizabeth nor William noticed it. The two stood there staring at each other, not saying a word.

Not even noticing that William came in, Charles stood up, helped Jane up, and turned to Elizabeth, "Well, I better take these two ladies home before it gets too late."

His friend's voice finally caught his attention, and William turned to Charles. "I don't think so, Charles. The snow is getting bad out there, and I don't think it's safe to ride on them. I would wait until the morning to see how the roads are."

"William!" his friend exclaimed. "I didn't know you were coming back tonight!"

"We didn't know either," Mrs. Darcy added as she got up to giver her son a kiss on the cheek.

"I decided to come back earlier," William explained. "I didn't need to do anything more, and I definitely didn't want to spend Christmas where there are palm trees."

"Well, we're glad, son," Mr. Darcy stated as he patted his son on the back. "Now what do you all say we go get some hot chocolate. Since it looks like we're going to have three extra guests tonight, we might as well make them feel comfortable."

Everybody agreed and followed the Darcy's out except William and Elizabeth who were still gazing at each other.

The two stood there, believing that their eyes were deceiving themselves. The month away from each other seemed like an eternity and seeing each other felt like the first time they laid eyes on the other.

After a few minutes, William finally whispered, "Lizzy."

Without a word, Elizabeth ran towards him and flung her arms around his neck. Instinctively, William's arms went around her and he buried his head in her hair. "Why haven't you called?" Elizabeth cried into his shoulder.

"I was afraid."

"William Darcy, you have to stop being afraid," Elizabeth laughed while she pulled away. "We'll never get anywhere if you're afraid."

Relieved to see her laugh, William himself smiled and kissed the tip of Elizabeth's nose. "Forgive me?"

"Always," she whispered. "I love you."

"I love you, too." William paused for a moment to pull away and take Elizabeth's hand into his own. "Do you think we've had enough time away from each other to start again?"

"Yes! And don't you ever leave me for that long of time again!" Elizabeth declared while slapping him lightly on his arm.

"It was only a month!"

"A month that felt like twenty years!"

William laughed sadly as he took her in his arms again and kissed the crown of her head. "I know. Next time slap me if I ever mention being away for more than two weeks."

Elizabeth smiled cheekily up at William, "Don't worry. I'll make sure you remember this past month for the rest of your life."

Later that night, everybody was resting in their beds. Everybody who knew of the situation between William and Elizabeth (everybody except Michael and Emily) were relieved to see the two smiling again.

When the two joined the party for some hot chocolate, Charlotte realized what was wrong with Elizabeth before. Once Elizabeth entered the room, Charlotte was relieved to see that the smile returned to her eyes and her cheeks looked brighter than before, and knew that William was the cause for the improvement.

The party talked merrily and drank their hot chocolate until one in the morning when the first yawns started to appear. First Georgiana, then Michael and Emily, and then Jane excused themselves to go to sleep. By time 1:30 rolled along, everybody was asleep in their beds, warm and cozy, while the snow fell outside.

Around 8:30 in the morning, Elizabeth slowly started to wake up. Light started pouring in the crack between the drapes, and she was never able to sleep late in the morning if the sun was showing in her eyes. Yawning, Elizabeth crawled out of bed and looked out the window.

The sight made her smile. The snow had stopped, and the sun was shining brightly, causing the snow all around to glisten. The depth of the snow surprised her too; usually central Ohio didn't get much snow: neither all at once, nor even through the whole winter.

Excited like a little girl at Christmas, she ran out her room and across the hall into William's room.

"William," she whispered as she crawled across the bed to him. "William!" Elizabeth tried to shake him awake.

Softly, she heard him groan and ask, "What time is it?"

"8:30."

"Go back to sleep."

"No!" Elizabeth sighed as his breathing became regular again, letting her know that he was asleep again. She started poking him in the ribs to wake him up. "Come on! The snow stopped falling and it's beautiful outside." Elizabeth smiled triumphantly as William's eyes started to flutter open, but her smile suddenly disappeared as she almost screamed in surprise as his arms reached around her and pulled her down.

Nestling his head at the back of her neck and kissing her shoulder, William murmured, "Go back to sleep."

Elizabeth giggled as she heard him start to softly snore. Turning around in his embrace, she kissed his cheek, whispering, "Good night." Nestling into him, she finally fell asleep again.

That morning started a new, comfortable relationship for William and Elizabeth. They both learned not to take each other for granted. They learned from their mistakes, and were able to make a steadier relationship out of them.

The two were able to keep their promise of not being separated for a long time. Neither of them had to leave the state for any business trip, until early May.

"I thought we said we weren't going to be separated again!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"I know! But it will only be for a week. Two at the most," William explained.

"Why can't your father go?"

"He wants to retire soon, so he, and I, think that it's best that I start to slowly take over." William walked over and took Elizabeth in his arms. "I promise to bring you something back from Miami."

Elizabeth laughed and kissed William's chin. "Okay, I'll allow you to go," Elizabeth smiled. "As long as you bring me back something."

William softly laughed and promised to bring her home a T-shirt.

The only person who had any problems with Elizabeth's and William's relationship was Caroline Bingley. Believing that the previous month separation would end the relationship for good, she only got disappointed again when he returned and their relationship grew stronger.

Since then, Caroline began thinking of a plan to separate the two. She soon thought of one, but she needed the right time to do it. And William's Miami trip provided that right time.

As soon as she heard of his trip, she went home and up to her room where she found her address book. Flipping through the pages, she finally found the number she was looking for. Excitedly, she dialed the phone and waited for someone to pick up.

"Hello. Jenny Wickham please... Hi! Jenny! It's me, Caroline Bingley. I was calling for your help with a problem. It involves a friend of mine and an old flame of yours. Perhaps you remember him. William Darcy..."

*"Everything I do, (I do it for you)" by Bryan Adams

Chapter 22

Posted on Tuesday, 27 June 2000

And I need you now tonight, and I need you more than ever.

A week and a half after William left, Elizabeth was over at the Bingley's house with Jane after dinner. Elizabeth was in a particularly good mood because William called earlier to tell her that he was coming home the next day.

Not even Caroline's friend could bring Elizabeth down.

Jenny Wickham arrived earlier that day from Louisiana. She and Caroline were friends since high school, and Elizabeth quickly noticed that Jenny hadn't changed since graduation. She was still a snob who wouldn't smile unless around her friends, and would look down upon anyone who wasn't in her class.

Jenny was a beautiful woman. Tall and slim, topped off with long legs, bright blue eyes, and long, light brown hair that reached her waist, it was no wonder that she was a model. And it's no wonder why William was attracted to her, Elizabeth thought as she took a sip of water. Elizabeth knew that William went out with her through most of college, but broke up when they grew apart. They're too different in terms of the mind, though, Elizabeth concluded on further observation.

"Eliza," Caroline almost sneered to get Elizabeth's attention. When Elizabeth turned to face Caroline with an eyebrow raised in question, she continued, "You may not know, but Jenny and you have something in common. William and her went out for quite a while in college."

"I know," Elizabeth stated simply as she turned back to her dinner.

Caroline looked as if she swallowed a lemon. "You know?"

"Mmm," Elizabeth nodded her head. "William told me a long time ago."

"Oh."

The rest of dinner passed without any remark from either Jenny or Caroline to Elizabeth. After the small party was done eating, Jenny and Caroline left the table to talk until dessert was ready, while the remaining three, Charles, Jane, and Elizabeth, stayed at the table talking. When Charles and Jane declared they were ready for some dessert, Elizabeth volunteered to find the missing two people.

Walking through the halls, Elizabeth finally heard voices coming from the living room. She was about to knock on the door when the topic of their conversation caught her attention.

"...William was so happy to see me. We had a wonderful week together, and he didn't even work so we could spend time together," Elizabeth heard Jenny's voice say.

It's just a coincidence. It's probably just another William, Elizabeth thought. But even these thoughts couldn't stop her face from losing color.

"Did he mention anything about Elizabeth? Or what he was going to do about her?" Elizabeth thought she would collapse at Caroline's question.

"Oh, yes! Of course!" Jenny replied. "He said something about marrying her, but he would still have these quote-unquote 'business trips' to see me."

"Well! If you can't marry him, that's the next best thing, I suppose."

"Definitely," Jenny smiled.

When it became quiet in the room, and Elizabeth regained some of her strength, she quietly knocked on the door and opened it. "Charles and Jane wanted me to tell you that dessert is ready, and if you want to have some, it is being served in the dining room."

Caroline pasted a fake smile on her mouth and replied, "Thank you, Eliza. I think we shall. We will be right over."

As soon as Caroline and Jenny heard Elizabeth walking away, they both started snickering. "Did you see how pale she was?" Caroline smirked. "And we didn't have to do anything! We didn't even have to lure her away from Jane and Charles and pretend we were being her 'friends' by warning her what 'kind of man' William Darcy really is!"

"I know!" Jenny agreed. "Thank goodness she was wearing those loud flip-flops. We were able to hear her coming a mile a way." Ms. Wickham paused and then continued, "The expression on her face was almost worth not actually getting anywhere with William. What is it with her anyway that makes her so irresistible to him? I couldn't even convince him to take me out to dinner."

"I don't know, I don't know," Caroline sighed. "I've tried it many times before, but it never worked." The two women were quiet for a moment before Caroline continued, "Oh well. The look on her face was priceless. Now let's go congratulate ourselves with some dessert."

When they arrived at the dining room, they found only Charles sitting there, drinking some coffee and reading a book. "What happened to Jane and Eliza?" Caroline inquired.

Charles looked up at his sister and explained, "Lizzy was feeling sick, so Jane wanted to take her home."

When Charles looked down at his book again, the two women exchanged smiles of triumph.

On the ride home, Jane and Elizabeth didn't talk at all. Jane knew Elizabeth enough to know she wasn't sick, but she also knew enough that if anyone pressured her to talk, she would close up even more.

The two ladies entered the apartment without talking and separated with goodnights and a compassionate hug from Jane.

Once Elizabeth changed into her pajamas, she crawled under the covers of her bed and put her radio on. Elizabeth just lied in bed, in shock, not even letting tears fall. How could he? It can't be true! It can't! He would never do anything like that!

Turning over to change the radio station on her clock, Elizabeth suddenly stopped when she heard a familiar song.

Turn around
Every now and then I get a little bit lonely
and you're never coming round.
Turn around
Every now and then I get a little bit tired
of listening to the sound of my tears.
Turn around
Every now and then I get a little bit nervous
that the best of all the years have gone by.
Turn around
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
and then I see the look in your eyes.

Elizabeth suddenly let the tears fall. She was lonely, and she needed William to tell her what she heard wasn't true.

Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and the I fall apart.
Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and the I fall apart.

Elizabeth did feel as if she was falling apart inside. She didn't know what to believe. At first she thought it was some evil plan of Caroline's. But no, they didn't know I was coming to get them. How would they know?

Turn around
Every now and then I get a little bit restless
and I dream of something wild.
Turn around
Every now and then I get a little bit helpless
and I'm lying like a child in your arms.
Turn around
Every now and then I get a little bit angry
and I know I've got to get out and cry.
Turn around
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
but then I see the look in your eyes.

And Elizabeth was terrified; terrified about the next day. She was afraid that when William came back, she wouldn't be able to see the softness or the love that she saw in them everyday.

Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and the I fall apart.
Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and the I fall apart.

And I need you now tonight
and I need you more than ever
and if you only hold me tight
we'll be holding on forever.
And we'll only be making it right
'cause we'll never be wrong.

Elizabeth wanted William around to hold her. She always felt safe and happy when his arms around her; like nothing could go wrong. Well, now something did go wrong.

Together we can take it to the end of the line.
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time.
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark.
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks.
I really need you tonight, forever's gonna start tonight,
forever's gonna start tonight.

Elizabeth believed that together, they could get through anything. And now look what happens when we're apart, Elizabeth thought cynically. My whole world could get shattered in one night.

Once upon a time I was falling in love
but now I'm only falling apart.
There's nothing I can do,
a total eclipse of the heart.

Sick of the emotions the song was making her feel, Elizabeth quickly turned off the radio, rolled over, and cried herself to sleep.

The next morning, William was jolted awake by the screeching of his alarm clock, but as soon as he realized he was going home that day, he started smiling. It was a long week and a half that started out bad with a visit from Jenny Wickham.

I can't believe she had the nerve to come here and propose something like that. Even after what happened in college, William thought with a frown. Oh well. I worked as fast as I could, and now I'm going home to see my Lizzy.

He was already packed from the night before, so a half an hour later, William was ready to leave his mansion in Miami to catch his private jet back to Columbus when the phone rang. Glancing at his watch for the time, he impatiently answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"William, darling! How are you?"

"Caroline," William replied through gritted teeth, "can you make this quick? I would like to get home sometime today."

"What's wrong?" Caroline purred. "You don't have time to talk to an old friend?"

"I'll be back later today! Can't this wait?"

"Fine, act that way!" Caroline pretended to be offended. "I just wanted to know if you needed to talk to a friend after what happened."

"What happened?"

"You mean you don't know about Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth? "Caroline, what happened?" William asked testily.

"I guess you don't!" A pause for dramatic effect. "It seems like an old boyfriend of hers, a Nick Collins, showed up looking dramatically different. Good looking and rich and all."

"Get to the point," William hissed.

"Well, I guess one look at each other and they realized they were in love and eloped to Las Vegas! Isn't that outrageous?" When Caroline was met with dead silence on the other end of the phone, she changed the subject, "So, what time should I meet you at the airport today?"

"There's been a change of plans," William quietly responded. "It looks as if I'll be staying here another couple of weeks. Good bye." Quietly, William hung up the phone and made his way back to his bedroom.

Silently, William kicked off his shoes, flicked on his radio and got back into bed, fully clothed.

Once upon a time there was light in my life
but now there's only love in the dark.
Nothing I can say,
a total eclipse of the heart.

It can't be true, it just can't. She would never do something like that. But would she? Maybe she's not the light in my life like I thought she was.

Turn around, bright eyes
Turn around, bright eyes

Turn around
Every now and then I know
you'll never be the boy you always wanted to be.
Turn around
But every now and then I know
you'll always be the only boy who wanted me the way that I am.
Turn around
Every now and then I know
there's no one in the universe as magical and wondrous as you.

No longer was William grinning like earlier that day. His good morning turned from good to bad in a matter of a phone call. Ha! Just change the 'boy' to a 'girl' and you have what my ideal Lizzy is. And I thought I had her, William cried.

Turn around
Every now and then I know
there's nothing any better,
there's nothing that I just wouldn't do.

Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and then I fall apart.
Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and then I fall apart.

Lying in the dim light of his master bedroom in his mansion near Miami Beach, William was falling apart inside at the thought of not having Elizabeth in his life anymore.

And I need you now tonight...
Once upon a time I was...
A total eclipse of the heart, a total eclipse of the heart.
Turn around, bright eyes,
Turn around, bright eyes, turn around.*

In two different parts of the United States, two people in love were waiting for a phone call telling them that everything was to be all right; both of them unwilling to call themselves in fear that they would find out news they didn't want to know.

They both forgot the advice she once gave him: to not be afraid or they would never get anywhere, but this time it was more than their hearts on the line... it was their trust of each other.

"Who was that, darling?" Mrs. Darcy asked her husband when he came back to the breakfast table.

Mr. Darcy looked worriedly at his wife. "William. He just told me that he won't be back for another couple of weeks."

"Why?"

"I don't know, but I only hear the tone he had in his voice once in my life. And that was when he was away in California for a month because of his argument with Lizzy."

"You think something happened between them?" Mrs. Darcy asked wearily.

"I do. But this time, I'm going to try to help."

"How?" his wife asked.

If one were to look through the dining room window at the moment, he or she would be able to see Mr. and Mrs. Darcy leaning into each other, whispering, almost as if they were discussing a plan.

Somewhere in the middle of downtown Columbus, an answering machine picked up. "Hello. You have reached the voice mail of Mr. Wilson. I am either on the phone right now, or away from my office, but if you would be able to leave a short message including your name and number, I will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you."

"Hi, George Darcy here. I was wondering if you would be able to help me out as not only an attorney, but a friend of the family's. My son's happiness is dependent on this.

"I believe you have a young lawyer under your employ there by the name of Elizabeth Bennet. If it is possible, would you be able to send this Ms. Bennet on a business trip to let's say... Miami Beach? And maybe have her stay in the vicinity of, oh, O------- Boulevard? I have this theory that it's a small world, and I would like to test that theory out. Thanks."

* "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler

Chapter 23

Posted on Wednesday, 28 June 2000

But he loves me, loves me, loves me.

Elizabeth sighed. She didn't know why she was even in Miami. There were so many lawyers handling the case that she was basically useless. Tomorrow she was going home after a wasted week.

And on top of it all, she didn't like Miami that much. The atmosphere of the surroundings, yes, but not the hot, humid weather. Geez. It's not even summer and it's already hotter and more humid here then it ever gets in Ohio.

Elizabeth sighed again as she drove through the rain on O------- Boulevard. She hated rain, it just reminded her of her depression. I guess it was true. He didn't even come home or call. He must have had an extra good time that week. D--n it! Now what's wrong?

The way the car was rocking each time the right front tire went around let Elizabeth know that she was stuck with a flat tire. Still too far away from her hotel to make it back, she pulled off to the side, and found herself in the driveway of a huge mansion.

Critiquing the driveway, she was glad that the gate was open and it wasn't a very long run. I can make it, she thought as she prepared to jump out of the car.

Quickly, she took her briefcase and held it over her head as she ran from her car to the front door. Arriving at the front door underneath some shelter, she rang the doorbell and shook out her briefcase. When she heard the door open, she looked up to see an elderly lady looking questionably at her.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but I just got a flat tire and you were the closest building I came to. I was just wondering if I could use the phone."

"Of course, child," the elderly lady smiled. "Come in, and I'll get you some towels to dry off and I'll inform my employer of your predicament."

Elizabeth smiled in relief, "Thank you!" and followed the housekeeper into the house and into a sitting room.

While waiting, Elizabeth looked around the room. It wasn't gaudy like some of the celebrities' homes like one could tell from the roads. It was elegant and tastefully decorated making it comfortable to be in.

Hearing somebody enter the room, Elizabeth turned around and gasped at who she saw standing there, towel in hand. "Will!"

"Lizzy?" William said incredulously with some warmth. But a moment later, he shielded his face and his back became stiff. "I heard you were having car trouble. I wonder why you didn't ask your husband for help," William snapped.

"My husband?" Elizabeth asked, confused.

"Yeah, your husband. Caroline told me all about it."

"Caroline?" Elizabeth's face told her confusion, but she soon straightened her back and replied in the same tone as William, "Why are you acting like that? It wasn't even me who did anything! What about your little quote-unquote 'business trip' with Jenny Wickham? I heard about that!"

"What do you mean? She asked me to start another relationship, but I refused! I wouldn't even take her out for dinner! And then I hurried up my work that week so I could come home to you!" William paused to calm himself and then continued, "The morning I was supposed to leave, I get a call from Caroline saying that you ran off with Nick Collins to Las Vegas!"

"What? I haven't seen Nick Collins since high school graduation."

"You haven't?" William asked with relief.

"No, I haven't," Elizabeth said softly. "And you didn't spend a week with Jenny like they were discussing?"

"No. When did you hear this?"

"At Charles's house, the night before you were supposed to come home. I went to get them for dessert and I overheard Jenny talking about the supposed week she spent with you."

William wiped his hand down his face. "Oh G-d. We screwed up again, didn't we?"

"Will, I'm so sorry. But this time I was afraid to call. And when you didn't come home or call, I thought that what she said was true, and that during that week, you changed your mind about me," Elizabeth cried.

William walked over to her, wrapped the towel around her shoulders and took her in his arms. "I'm sorry, too, Lizzy," William cried, rocking her back and forth. "I should've called, but I was angry and upset. I didn't want to believe that it was true, but I figured if it wasn't, you would've called to see why I didn't come home."

Elizabeth laughed into his shoulder, "Will, I think we acted like complete asses."

William kissed her temple as he laughed, "Yes, but at lease we learn from our mistakes."

"Yes, at least we can say that."

"And this time I'm going to act upon this lesson right away." William broke away from Elizabeth, knelt down on one knee, and took her hand. "Elizabeth, I know we have had our share of problems, but I don't care. I just want you near me always. Not because you work for the law firm that deals with my company, or because I could trust that you don't just want my money. But because I love you." By this time Elizabeth was laughing and crying at the same time. "Elizabeth, will you marry me?"

Elizabeth couldn't speak, but nodded her head as she got down on her knees herself. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Elizabeth only whispered, "I love you, William Jeffrey Darcy," as she leaned in to kiss him.

The two knelt there for a few minutes, ignoring the surroundings as they melted in the embrace and reveled in their happiness. Finally, they broke apart and leaning his forehead against hers, William teased, "Now what do we do about Caroline?"

The next day, the two walked hand-in-hand off of the Darcy private jet, they were met with a pale and sputtering Caroline. "But... but... How?"

"Hello Caroline," William said calmly.

"Hi," Caroline squeaked.

"It was so kind for you to meet us here," Elizabeth said with fake sweetness. "However did you know we were coming back today?"

"I was at home when William called Charles informing him that he was coming home, and I thought I would come meet William. I told Mr. Darcy that and he allowed me use of the limousine."

William smiled and sighed, "Ahh. Just like my father to do something like that. Come on, Lizzy." William put his arm around Elizabeth's shoulders and she put her arm around his waist as they headed through the airport with Caroline fuming behind them.

The ride to the Bingley's house, where they were going to drop off Caroline, was ridden in silent. Caroline sat across from where William and Elizabeth sat with Elizabeth's head on his shoulder, staring out the window with her arms folded. When they arrived at her house, she only said a short, "Bye," and left the limo.

When the vehicle was on its way back to the Darcy house, the two remaining inside burst out laughing. "Did you see her face?" Elizabeth smiled. "That was almost worth the whole ordeal."

"Almost," William began seriously as he brushed hair away from her eyes, "But nothing could ever induce me to go through that ordeal again." William leaned down to kiss Elizabeth and continued, this time laughing, "What are we going to do about her, though?"

"I'm not sure," Elizabeth responded. "But no doubt an opportunity will arise sometime in the future. She's not worth wasting our time on her anyway." Elizabeth paused and asked, "I forgot to ask you. Is there something more to your prior relationship with Jenny Wickham that you're not telling me? I have a feeling there is."

William frowned at the memory. "Not really. Except... We really didn't break up because we grew apart. She left me for some man she thought was richer, but turns out he wasn't even wealthy."

"Who was it?"

"Nick Collins."

"Nick Collins?!" Elizabeth burst out laughing at this. "At that time did he improve in behavior or appearance since high school?"

A small smile started to appear on William's lips, "Not really, but she didn't care. She just wanted money."

"Obviously... But Nick Collins?" This time William laughed heartily along with his fiancée.

That night, at dinner at the Darcy's house, William and Elizabeth announced their engagement to Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, Charles and Jane, and Caroline. Everybody, except Caroline, was glad that they were finally able to get engaged, and all evening, they exchanged knowing smiles that said, "I have known this was going to happen since the first time I saw the two together."

When the Bennets found out about the engagement, Mrs. Bennet went into hysterics, talking about how rich William was and what kind of house Elizabeth will live in. Mr. Bennet was truly happy about his niece's impending marriage and looked forward to the day where he could proudly walk her down the aisle to her groom.

Mary was indifferent, Cathy was happy for her cousin, and Lydia didn't understand how Elizabeth 'got such a hot, rich man.' She quickly tried to change her attitude, however, when Elizabeth asked Cathy to be her maid of honor instead of following the tradition of having a sister having the honor, but Elizabeth knew what her younger sister was doing. Elizabeth rather had a cousin who was happy for her be the maid of honor instead of a sister who was petty and spiteful.

The weeks until Jane and Charles's wedding passed quickly. Caroline got a slap in the face when Jane didn't ask her to be a bride's maid. Jane refused to ask her after she found out what Caroline did; she did not want somebody who tried to ruin the happiness of her cousin and best friend as a bride's maid.

Caroline was doing the same techniques as Elizabeth's younger sister was doing to become part of the wedding party, so when Charles and William came to Elizabeth and Jane's apartment to help sort things out before the first wedding, Caroline came along with them.

Charles was looking through the movies when he came across a home video that caught his attention. "Hey! Look! It's a video of one of the choir concerts from back in high school."

Elizabeth walked into the small living room to see which video it was. "I didn't even know we had that here. I thought Jane and I left all those kind of videos back with my aunt and uncle when we moved. It must have gotten mixed up."

William soon followed his fiancée into the room and suggested, "Let's watch it. We can laugh at what Elizabeth was like during high school."

"Hey!" Elizabeth laughed as she slapped William's arm. But she didn't have any objections so the five settled in to watch the tape.

As Elizabeth walked past William to sit next to him after putting the tape into the VCR, William pulled her down on his lap and whispered, "This should be interesting." Elizabeth smiled as she settled down comfortably to watch the video.

As it started, Caroline exclaimed, "Ooo! This is the concert that I choreographed. I was a Senior then."

William whispered again into Elizabeth's ear, "Yep. This certainly should be interesting."

The five watched the first two songs, neither one choreographed at all since the first was "Cold and Fugue Season," a humorous adaptation of Bach's "Tocatta and Fugue," and the second was a medley from the movie, "Runaway Bride," in which they didn't have enough time to learn a dance for.

The third song was a different story, however. "Let's Hear It For the Boy" was definitely not Elizabeth's favorite song since she felt like a cheerleader dancing to it all those years ago. And obviously she wasn't the only one who thought it reminded them of a cheer.

Charles laughed, "This definitely was during your cheerleading years, Caroline. It really doesn't look like a real dance at all."

My baby, he don't talk sweet,
he ain't got much to say.
But he loves me, loves me, loves me,
I know that he loves me anyway.

And maybe he don't dress fine,
but I don't really mind.
'Cuz every time he pulls me near,
I just wanna cheer

"Well, that verse definitely does not describe you, William," Elizabeth smiled at him. "Goodness knows that you never stop talking and you dress all right. Unless you get your sister and mother to help you," Elizabeth teased.

"Oh! Be quiet!" William laughed.

Let's hear it for the boy
let's give the boy a hand
Let's hear it for my baby
you know you gotta understand

Jane looked sideways at the TV. screen as the choir 'hopped' back and forth, clapping their hands. "Hmm. Well maybe the dance kind of fits the song, if you think about it. It is about cheering for somebody."

Oh, maybe he's no romeo,
but he's my lovin' one man show
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa
Let's hear it for the boy!

"What's that Egyptian thing you're doing?" William asked. "It looks like it belongs in the video for 'Walk Like an Egyptian.'"

Caroline huffed at the criticism, "That was an eighties move, and this was an eighties song, so I think it fits the song quite well."

William only shrugged his shoulders and continued watching.

My baby may not be rich,
he's watching every dime.
But he loves me, loves me, loves me,
we always have a real good time.

"And that definitely does not describe me, either. I'm afraid, Lizzy, that we'll just have to consider another wedding song."

Elizabeth laughed at his comment, "Considering this for a wedding song, are you? Over my dead body will this even be played at the reception."

And maybe he sings off key,
but that's all right for me, yeah,
'Cuz what he does, he does so well,
makes me wanna yell

"What is your wedding song going to be, anyways?" Jane asked. "Did you put much thought into it yet?"

"No," Elizabeth said. "I guess we just haven't gotten around to it."

"Leave it to me," William responded. "And don't look at me like that! Trust me on this."

"Okay," Elizabeth said hesitantly. "But it better be good!"

"Don't worry, it will be," William smiled.

Let's hear it for the boy
let's give the boy a hand
Let's hear it for my baby
you know you gotta understand

Oh, maybe he's no romeo,
but he's my lovin' one man show
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa,
Let's hear it for the boy!

"Speaking of wedding songs, Jane and I have the perfect song for the maid of honor and best man to dance to," Charles smiled.

By this time, Caroline was sitting in a corner, sulking at the conversation. She wasn't used to being ignored, and she didn't like all this talk about weddings. It made her feel like she was getting too old to get married. And now the one man she wanted to marry was engaged to someone else.

"What are you talking about?" William replied. "I think the best man will be dancing with the maid of honor all night."

Elizabeth smirked, "Not with the shoes I'm wearing, I'm not. Let's put three inch heels on you and see how you like it."

"Party pooper," William teased.

Let's hear it for the boy
Let's hear it for my man
Let's hear it for my baby
Let's hear it for my man
Let's hear it for the boy
Let's hear it for my man
Let's hear it for my baby
Let's hear it for my man

The foursome turned their attention back to the TV where the choir was striking silly poses at each line. "Yep. Definitely a cheer," Charles stated one final time.

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa
Let's hear it for the boy!*

* Let's Hear It For The Boy" by Deniece Williams

Chapter 24

Posted on Thursday, 29 June 2000

Every little thing that you do, Baby, I'm amazed by you.

"Another wedding," Elizabeth sighed as she twisted around to look in the mirror. "We're all getting married, and I'm feeling so old!"

"Maybe you are," Georgiana teased as she watched as Elizabeth adjusted the lavender dress, "but I still feel awfully young." Cathy nodded in consent, while Mary ignored the conversation with her nose stuck in a book.

"Well, at least I don't have the worst of the situations," Elizabeth looked sideways at Charlotte. "At least I'm only getting married in two months, not having a child in six."

Charlotte smiled and put her hand on her abdomen. "Just wait until you have a baby."

"Ha! I only want one at a time. And I won't have the next one until the other leaves for college," Elizabeth smirked.

"Why not, Lizzy?" Jane asked. "I thought you loved kids."

"Oh, I do," Elizabeth laughed. "Except I still have horrible memories from high school while baby-sitting. As soon as there were five or more in a group, they would beat me up!" Looking around the store, something caught Elizabeth's eye. "Oh! Look at that dress!" Picking up her skirt of the bride's maid's dress that she had on, she hopped off of the platform to look at a wedding dress. "I need to try this on!"

Elizabeth disappeared into the fitting room, and a couple of minutes later, she reappeared, dressed like a bride. The dress was pure white and all satin. The bodice was tight fitting, with spaghetti straps, that flared out into a full skirt.

Everybody agreed that the dress looked beautiful on Elizabeth, and when she saw herself in the mirror, she knew it was the one. After many days and shopping trips with many different dresses, Elizabeth finally found the one dress that she wanted, although this particular shopping trip wasn't meant to find her wedding dress.

"It only needs a little adjusting too, Ms. Gardiner," the sales lady said as she appeared at Elizabeth's side. "I believe you finally found your wedding gown."

Elizabeth smiled into the mirror at her reflection. Indeed, I have.

"Charles! Will you stop pacing? There's nothing to worry about!" William laughed at his friend.

"How would you know? You're not the one getting married!" Charles replied, nervously.

"Yeah, but I will be in two months," William smiled. "What are you afraid of anyway? It's not like Jane will leave you at the altar."

"I know! But what if I say the wrong thing?"

William smiled at his friend's anxiety. "Listen to what the priest says, and you won't! Relax! Today is supposed to be the happiest day of your life!"

Charles stopped pacing for a moment and smiled wistfully. "It is, isn't it?" He paused for a moment to think and then continued, "Okay. I'm relaxed now. I'm perfectly calm."

William shook his head at his friend, and smiled. Nope. You're not anywhere near relaxed.

"Jane! Charles is going to faint when he sees you!" Elizabeth smiled at her cousin. Turning around, Jane smiled nervously at Elizabeth. "What's wrong? Not having second thoughts, are you?" Elizabeth teased.

"No! But what happens if something goes wrong?" Jane asked anxiously.

"What can possibly go wrong? You love Charles, and he loves you. It's a match made in Heaven!"

"But what happens if I trip and fall down?"

"Jane! You're the most graceful person I know! You'll be fine!"

"I hope so."

"Trust me," Elizabeth grinned.

Elizabeth smiled as she walked down the aisle. Catching the eye of William, she winked at him and saw him smile back.

Throughout the ceremony, the two would keep glancing at each other, smiling, both thinking of their own future wedding. At the end of the ceremony, after the husband and wife left the church, William offered Elizabeth his arm. Walking down the aisle arm and arm, William leaned down and whispered, "Just think. Only two more months."

Smiling up at his face, Elizabeth replied, "I know. That's what I was thinking through the whole ceremony."

Only two more months, William thought. Two more months.

Elizabeth and William sat at the side of the dance floor, watching Jane and Charles dance to their song, "I Knew I Loved You" by Savage Garden. Sighing, Elizabeth took William's hand and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Do you want to tell me what our wedding song is going to be?"

"Nope," William smiled. "You won't find out until it actually gets played."

"You're so cruel," Elizabeth teased.

"I know. And that's what you love about me," William laughed as he kissed Elizabeth on the forehead.

"You got that right," Elizabeth grinned as she kissed him back.

The wedding song ended, and the next one began. Standing up, William offered his hand to Elizabeth. "I believe Miss Gardiner, this is our song to dance to."

"I believe so, too, Mr. Darcy."

As the two started dancing, Elizabeth smiled and sighed contentedly. The song was one of her favorites as a teenager. In fact, Jane introduced Elizabeth to the song to get her hooked on country music.

Every time our eyes meet
This feelin' inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby, when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams

Elizabeth closed her eyes and rested her head on William's shoulder as he held her tightly. They knew that there was no chance of them becoming separated again, and they really did know each other as well as they only thought they did before.

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps gettin' better
I want to spend the rest of my life
With you by my side for ever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

"You know?" William began. "You do amaze me."

"Really?" Elizabeth asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah. How we could go through all we did, with me acing like a jerk and all, and you can still love me."

Elizabeth laughed and laid her head down on his shoulder again. "I acted like a jerk too, at times. But I guess it's in my blood to love you."

"I guess so," William laughed.

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby, you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Though it feels like the first time, every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes

Across the dance floor, Jane and Charles were dancing. "Do you think they'll make it through these two months without anything going wrong?" Charles asked Jane, laughing.

Jane grinned, "Yeah. They better! Besides, I don't think Caroline will try anything else, and I doubt that William and Lizzy will even separate for a day during those two months."

Charles laughed, "I think you may be right," while glancing at the topic of their conversation dancing closely.

"Of course I am," Jane smiled, lightly slapping Charles. "I'm always right."

Charles chuckled and pulled Jane closer.

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps gettin' better
I want to spend the rest of my life
With you by my side for ever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

"Who'd ever think my cousin would fall in love?" Joseph grinned at the side of the dance floor.

"Joseph!" Charlotte laughed.

"What? There was a time when we thought he was gay. He wouldn't go out with any women after he graduated from college. I guess no woman was good enough for him."

"Of course not," Charlotte grinned. "He was in love with Elizabeth all along. But do you realize we were the ones who brought the two together? If we didn't get married, who knows how long it would've taken them."

"You're right, Char," Joseph laughed, kissing his wife. "You always are."

I don't know how you do what you do
(Every little thing that you do)
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps gettin' better
I want to spend the rest of my life
With you by my side for ever and ever
Every little thing that you do
(Oh, every little thing that you do)
Baby, I'm amazed by you *

* "Amazed" by LoneStar

Chapter 25

Posted on Friday, 30 June 2000

I've got all I'll ever need, thanks to the keeper of the stars

"Lizzy, wake up!" Jane said, leaning over Elizabeth.

Rolling over and putting the pillow over her ears, Elizabeth murmured, "No. Sleep."

"If you don't wake up now, you'll be late for your own wedding," Jane warned.

"Mmm. Wedding," Elizabeth said sleepily. All of a sudden, Jane's statement hit her and Elizabeth sat straight up in bed. "My wedding!"

Jane laughed, "Yes! Your wedding! Now get up and get in the shower before we start running later than we already are!" Elizabeth scrambled out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom.

Laughing, Jane made her way to the kitchen where Charlotte sat, watching the news program. "Is she up?" Charlotte smiled.

"Yes, but it took a moment to register in her mind that she's supposed to get married today."

"Just think. If we didn't spend this one night away from our husbands, imagine how late she would be," Charlotte laughed.

The two chatted while cooking breakfast until Elizabeth reappeared a half-hour later. "Here, Lizzy. We made you some breakfast," Charlotte greeted.

"I'm not hungry," Elizabeth replied.

"You have to eat. We can't have you fainting up there at the altar," Jane teased.

Elizabeth pouted and finally agreed to some breakfast.

Charlotte laughed, "Just don't drink any coffee. We don't want to have to stop the ceremony for a bathroom break."

Elizabeth scowled at her friend. "Ha. Ha. Ha. I think that would be better than me being cranky all day with a withdrawal headache."

"You got a point there," Charlotte smiled while pouring Elizabeth a cup of hot coffee.

Charles Bingley yawned and wiped his eyes as he made his way downstairs in the Darcy mansion. I might as well get a pot of coffee started before I have to wake up William. Continuing on down the hall, he was surprised to see the door to the library slightly ajar. Peeking in, he thought, Too late.

For there was William Darcy, wide awake, pacing with a cup of coffee in his hands.

"William! Why are you up so early?"

Startled, William almost dropped the hot coffee. "Charles! You scared me!" William put his coffee down on a desk as he murmured, "I couldn't sleep."

"Why? Nervous or excited?" Charles grinned.

"Both, I think," William grimaced. "And don't laugh! I remember you were exactly like this before your wedding."

Charles laughed, "Yeah, I remember, too. And how you had to calm me down. Now come with me, and I'll get you some breakfast."

As the two were leaving the library, they nearly bumped into two other men. "Dad!" William exclaimed.

Mr. Darcy and Joseph both laughed at the nervous expression on William's face. "What's the matter, Son? Pre-wedding jitters?"

"Worse than that, I think," Joseph included. "He looks absolutely terrified."

William scowled at his cousin as his father replied, "I wouldn't tease, Joe. You looked like this, too, before yours, and I'm sure I did, too. Now let's go into the kitchen before we wake up the women."

"Elizabeth! I don't know how you can stay so calm!" Jane declared while watching Elizabeth's hair get put up.

"Why shouldn't I be? I'm getting married to the man I love, and it's the happiest day of my life."

Charlotte smirked behind a magazine she was reading, "Don't worry. You'll be a nervous wreck in a few hours."

Three hours later, at the church

"Elizabeth! Sit still!" Jane scolded while trying to fit the veil into Elizabeth's curls. "I won't be able to put this on if you don't calm down."

"I can't help it!" Elizabeth whined while wringing her hands. "I'm nervous!"

"Told you!" Charlotte grinned. "Well, seeing that the veil is going on, I suppose it's time for me to take my seat. Bye Lizzy, good luck," Charlotte smiled while blowing a kiss so she wouldn't mess up Elizabeth's make-up.

Elizabeth only whined as Charlotte left the room, laughing.

"Elizabeth!" Jane scolded again. "You need to calm down before the ceremony, and I need to get this veil on... So hold still!"

Joseph laughed as he watched his cousin pace in front of him. "Cuz, as best man, I demand you to stand still."

"I can't," William replied. "I need to move." Seeing Charlotte heading towards them, however, caused him to stand still. William silently watched as she made her way towards her husband and whispered something in his ear and her husband chuckling in return.

When Joseph's wife left him, he told William, "Seems as if the bride is a nervous wreck, too. Besides, you don't have time to worry now; the wedding's about to start."

"Well, Lizzy, are you ready?" Mr. Bennet kindly smiled at his niece as she took his arm.

Elizabeth let out a breath, "As ready as I'll ever be."

Soon, the music started and the flower girl, ring bearer, and all the bride's maids made their way down the aisle. Before she knew it, it was Elizabeth's turn to walk towards the altar besides her uncle. "You look beautiful," Mr. Bennet whispered before they started.

He was rewarded with a nervous smile from his niece. But all the nervousness disappeared as she saw her groom standing at the altar, gazing at her. The nervous smile disappeared into a happy one as everything around her disappeared except for William.

How handsome he looks! And soon he'll be my husband.

As soon as he saw his bride, William forgot all his nervousness. Everything around him disappeared, even Joseph who was smiling at his back. All he could see was Elizabeth in her wedding gown.

How beautiful she looks! And soon she'll be my wife.

"Meghan! How have you been?" Elizabeth exclaimed as she hugged her friend that she first met at Charlotte's wedding.

"Good! Congratulations on your marriage!"

"Thank you," Elizabeth smiled as she glanced towards her husband, who was talking to one of his friends. My husband.

"I wish to extend my congratulations, too," Meghan's fiancée, Mike, included.

This time, William turned around to accept the congratulations, flashing his pearly whites. "Thank you," he replied, glancing at his wife. My wife.

William and Elizabeth continued to accept all the congratulations with a smile, but laughed at Joseph's and Charlotte's way of putting it.

"You know, Lizzy, it was all Joe and me who got you two together," Charlotte grinned.

"Oh really," Elizabeth laughed.

"Yes," Joseph responded. "If we didn't get married, who knows how long you two would've taken. You did, as you remember, begin the relationship while in Rhode Island for our wedding."

"I still don't think you two got us together," William grinned.

"Oh yeah? Then who did?" Joseph teased.

William stopped to listen to the first strains of the wedding song that were coming out of the speakers. "The keeper of the stars," William smiled as he took Elizabeth's hand to lead her to the dance floor.

"See, I told you, you could trust me," William whispered in Elizabeth's ear as they began dancing.

"I should've known you were going to pick this song," Elizabeth replied while kissing William's cheek.

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew
Now I just can't believe you're in my life
Heaven's smilin' down on me
As I look at you tonight

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars

Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine
It takes my breath away
Just to look into your eyes
I know I don't deserve a treasure like you
There really are no words
To show my gratitude

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars
He sure knew what he was doin'
When he joined these two hearts
I hold everything
When I hold you in my arms
I've got all I'll ever need
Thanks to the keeper of the stars

It was no accident me finding you
Someone had a hand in it
Long before we ever knew.

"I love you, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth whispered as the song ended.

"I love you, too, Mrs. Darcy," William replied before leaning down for a kiss.

Epilogue

And they lived happily ever after.

Oh yeah... The ended up having four kids, after all. William won that argument. ;)

The End.