Beginning, Previous Section, Section IV
Jump to new as of October 18, 2001
Jump to new as of October 28, 2001
There was a knock on her door. Georgiana's eyes fluttered open and she groaned unhappily as she settled a semi-angry gaze on the thick maple door of her bedroom. A quick glance at the clock sneeringly informed her that it was just before nine o'clock on a Sunday morning, which was the only day that Georgiana had to sleep in. She muttered an oath and tried to bury herself beneath her covers when the second knock came.
"Just a minute," she hissed. She grabbed her robe off the end of her bed and prepared the lecture she would be giving Jeremy for rousing her when he definitely knew better. She started ranting as she walked toward the door. "Now, just because I'm going to marry you, and that plan isn't looking so hot right now, don't think-"
Clara stood there blankly staring at her. Georgiana's mouth snapped shut in the midst of her sentence and she gave Clara a sheepish smile.
"Pardon. I thought you were Jeremy."
"Did he not stay last night?" Clara asked. She fidgeted with a stray thread on her grey cotton skirt. Her blonde hair was clipped smartly back with jade barrettes.
"No," Georgiana replied simply. Jeremy never stayed over on the weekends because he coached a youth soccer league and if Clara had paid even the slightest bit of attention to anybody but herself, she would have known that.
Georgiana studied Clara. The other woman seemed to be trying to nervously form sentences in her head. After being awakened, she was in no mood to be easygoing, especially when she had been brooding over William's situation and letting her anger toward Clara simmer to near boiling.
She noticed that Clara was dressed, really dressed, for the first time in ages. She wasn't wearing that ridiculous 'Neversnore' nightshirt or her seemingly mandatory white tank top and blue-green flannel pants. Besides the skirt and barrettes, Clara sported a creamy cashmere sweater. Georgiana recalled that William had given it to her for her last birthday.
"Georgie, have you seen Will?" She asked. Her voice was soft, timid. She kept her pale sea-green eyes trained on the inlaid woodwork of the floor as she tried to hide the shame in her eyes.
"No. Don't you know where he is?" The accusatory tone in Georgiana's voice was undeniable and harsh.
"No," Clara whispered as she choked on a sob. She hadn't realized until that morning that things had gotten so bad between her and William. She couldn't remember the last conversation they'd had or the last time they'd slept in the same bed together.
"Pity," Georgiana replied and began to close the door.
"Wait!" The desperation in her voice gave Georgiana pause. "If you know, please tell me. I need to see him."
Eyes narrowed suspiciously, Georgiana crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the doorjamb. The anger she felt was not subsiding with Clara's sudden urge to talk. In fact, it seemed to be getting worse. There had been so much that she wanted to say for so long that her temper was barely in check.
"Why?" She demanded.
"Georgie, please! Today's Papa's birthday and Will and I always go to Papa's for his birthday luncheons. I realized early this morning that I hadn't made sure Will was able to go. I tried his mobile but I only got his voicemail. My car's dead," she added and immediately realized her mistake in mentioning that.
"You're only concerned for Will's whereabouts because you need a ride?" Georgiana exploded. "How dare you! There's a bloody garage full of cars. Go find one and drive your own damn self!"
Clara blinked back tears. "I understand that you're angry with me. I'm angry with myself. I realized this morning how far apart we've become. I wanted him to go out to Roddglenn with me today so that we could start working on getting us back. I've not been there for him lately. I've been so focused on my work that I've forgotten that Will needs me too. I know you don't think so, Georgie, but I do love him."
"You may love him, Clare, but do you think that a man can be treated like you've treated Will and still love you in return?" Georgiana knew this was a moment of truth. She was tired of watching William be miserable in the name of honor, she was tired of waiting on Jane and Richard, she was tired of Elizabeth's spinelessness when it came to fighting for what she so obviously wanted. If somebody didn't take the reins, the situation would never be mended. "You think you love him, Clara, because Will is all you've ever known. Just like he thought he loved you. You were just used to each other. Did he ever make your heart fall into your shoes, Clara? Did he ever kiss you to the point you thought your lips were his sole property? Did you ever picture yourself growing old with him because everyday was a new adventure and not because he was simply there?
"You know, you really should go ahead to your father's and perhaps even stand up to him while you're there. You aren't going to be with Will for the rest of your life. This is something we both know."
"You do know where he is. He's with Laurelen, isn't he?"
In her anger, Georgiana didn't even regret the cruel, mocking laugh directed at her brother's girlfriend. "You have no bloody idea, do you? Laurelen is happily married and, if she didn't work for Will, she wouldn't give him the time of day.
"I have no clue as to where he is. Mrs. Reynolds said he called Friday night and told her not to expect him until late tonight. He probably didn't figure that you'd miss him since you've been so very attentive and grateful since you moved in."
"I've been doing my job," Clara replied. She tried to sound strong and defensive, but her voice was too soft and the end result made her sound like she was whining.
"You're driving him away," she paused. "No, you've driven him away. You've changed, Clara, and Will doesn't deserve the person you've become. You've hurt him by closing off and shutting him out and that makes me angry because William is my brother and my friend and I can't appreciate somebody who hurts him. I must admit that I don't like you much anymore, Clara."
"Why didn't he come and tell me this himself?"
Georgiana looked at Clara as if she were joking. When it was clear she was not, Georgiana gaped.
"Are we even talking about the same man? Jesus, Clara, Will is too noble for his own good. If he thought that anything he said would ever hurt you he'd never utter the words."
Clara knew that Georgiana was right. Things had gotten so bad and she could only think that the majority of the blame fell on her. In her heart of hearts, she knew that it was too late for her and William. They weren't going to make it and, if she tried to throw a lifeline to the relationship now, it could only end on a sour note. She couldn't live knowing that William was alive in the world and thinking ill of her.
She nodded slowly then turned on her heel and walked back up the hall.
The second moment that William had dreaded all weekend had finally arrived. The first had been leaving Elizabeth as they'd gotten into their separate cars to return to town. He'd trailed her to London and pulled over on the side of the road when she did for one last searing kiss before resuming their real lives.
Now, William was presented with the task at hand as he parked in the garage. It was time to be honest with Clara, no matter how much it hurt her. He couldn't pretend that he didn't love Elizabeth. Like a man going mano y mano, William gave his shoulders and neck a few quick rolls to loosen them, and then cracked his knuckles. He slowly ascended the stairs.
When he reached the top, he listened for the now familiar clicking of the computer keys, but he didn't hear it. He looked at his watch. It was well after nine; she should've been writing.
Instead, William went to the bedroom. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands folded primly in her lap. She looked up at him as he came in. He could see that she'd been crying.
"What happened to us? Wait. Don't answer that. I've neglected you."
Without hesitation, William answered. "Yes, you have."
"I'm sorry," she said. "It isn't much, but it's the best I can offer."
"It's a start." William remained at the door. He wasn't sure he could approach her. Looking around the room, he noticed that her things were gone.
"I've packed. I'm leaving," she informed him when she saw him taking in their bedroom. "I've already made up my mind. I thought about leaving you a note, but I've decided that I need to be stronger than that."
"Clara," he began but was cut off when she stood.
"Who is she?" Clara asked. "I deserve to know that much at least."
Anger suddenly bubbled up into William's throat. He coughed to push it back down. "You don't deserve any explanations, Clare. You're the one who shut me out."
"I'm not entirely at fault here, Will. Georgie seems to think so, but I can't say that I agree with her. You shoulder a bit of the blame too. You could've talked to me, let me know that you were unhappy. That bit about sparing my feelings is just an excuse."
"Her name is Elizabeth."
"Do you love her?"
"I've never loved anybody else the way I love Lizzy."
Clara only nodded her head. "I want you to be happy, Will. That's all I've ever wanted for you. It's too bad that I couldn't make you happy."
"We were happy for a little bit," William said, not wanting to hurt her any further.
"I suppose." Clara picked up her handbag and tossed it onto her shoulder. She crossed and stood directly in front of him.
"Where are you going to go?" William asked. He wanted to help her still; he didn't want to let her go without making sure she was fine.
"I'm going home first. After that, I'm not sure," replied Clara. "But I don't want charity from you, Will. This was going to be a surprise but I have discovered that I'm a damn good storyteller. I've written three romance novels and my publisher has accepted them. I've gotten a decent advance."
In spite of himself, William chuckled. "Richard always said you'd be more interesting if you wrote scandalous novels."
Clara nodded. "Well, Richard never liked me anyway. I hope that Elizabeth makes you happy."
"She will."
She bit her lip because looking into his soft brown eyes weakened her resolve. She did still love him, despite what Georgiana thought. She wasn't just used to him, she wasn't too apathetic to find somebody else. She loved him and probably always would.
Clara put a hand on his cheek and pulled his mouth to hers. One soft, sorrowful kiss later, she dropped her hand and took a step back.
"I'll miss you, Will. I wish things could've been different."
"I'll miss you, Clare."
With that, Clara brushed past him and slipped out of his life.
Later, after speaking with Georgiana and learning what had transpired, William picked up the telephone and dialed Elizabeth's number.
"Bennet residence," an unfamiliar voice said into his ear.
"May I speak to Lizzy?"
"She's in the shower. May I take a message?" Lydia asked then added when she sensed hesitation, "She really hates it when people neglect to leave a message. When she finds out who it is, she usually refuses to speak to that person for months. It's a weird pet peeve of hers."
He laughed at the thought of Elizabeth trying not to talk to him for months. She could not sooner do it than make her heart stop beating.
"I'll leave my name. Please tell her Will Darcy called."
"Mr. Darcy! Lord!"
"Thank you, Miss Bennet. You'll tell her I called?"
"Does the Queen obsess about Corgis? Of course, I'll tell her!" Lydia exclaimed. She sounded very young.
William cradled the telephone and leaned back into the mound of fawn colored pillows on his bed. Absolutely nothing of Clara remained. Her bedside table was empty; the photographs of her brother, John, were gone and the sentimental portraits of him and Clara had been removed as well. Wistfully, William wondered if she kept them or tossed them in the garbage.
Either way, Clara was out of his life.
He found himself holding her pillow that still held her scent, a faint trace of jasmine and clean laundry. He inhaled once slowly.
"Goodbye, Clara. Thank you."
Clara Ludlow stood in the library at Roddglenn, the manor house in Kent where her father and brother lived. This room and her bedroom, which was still decorated as it had been when she was a child, were the only places in the house where she didn't feel like an intruder. She had always been more comfortable when she was away at school.
Her father hadn't known what to do with her after her mother, Maureen, had run off with another man. Maureen had never bothered to look back and Clara, still desperate for a mother even now, felt despair rather than anger.
John Ludlow, Clara's older brother, stood in the doorway, watching her as she curled up helplessly in a leather armchair. He'd always been her champion since their father never seemed to regard her in any special way.
"Clare, what's the matter? You and Darcy have a fight?"
Clara sniffed and brushed a hand under her nose. "No. Worse. We're through."
John entered the library and took the seat across from her. He pulled her hand into his.
"What happened?" He demanded, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Lots of things that I really don't want to talk about. It's for the best."
"Did he hurt you? Physically?"
Clara looked horrified. "God, John. He'd never do anything so beastly!"
"He was never good enough for you."
She huffed out a tiny giggle. "As my elder brother you're biased. You cannot make an objective observation regarding my love life."
"I suppose you're right," he chuckled. "So, you'll be staying with us then. Just like old times."
"No, I won't." Clara took a deep breath, bracing herself for John's argument. "I'm going to go to Paris for awhile."
"Clare!" John began.
She shook her head to cut him off. "It's time for me to be on my own, John. I need to grow up and find out who Lady Clara Ludlow really is. Don't you think?"
"What about money?"
"I have money."
"A place to live?"
"I'll find one."
"You're sure about this?"
She nodded and squeezed John's hand. "I've never been more sure about anything in my life."
"What of Will? If he calls?"
"I doubt he will. Just tell him I'm fine. Don't tell him, don't tell anybody, where I've gone. Not even Papa. He wouldn't care anyway."
Clara's hand flew to her mouth in shock. She'd never before spoken angry words against her father for the way he treated her. For so many years she'd just accepted it as her lot in life. It never occurred to her to be angry about it.
"I understand," John said, comprehending the magnitude of the statement just made. "I'll take over your allowance."
"No allowance. On my own, John. Completely."
Reluctantly, John agreed to withhold the allowance that she'd always received. He wanted to understand and be supportive. After so many years in the shadows, Clara deserved a moment in the light and if this made her happy, he would oblige her.
"When do you plan on leaving?"
A wistful smile softened Clara's china doll face. "There isn't any time like the present. Or, at least, the almost present. I plan on taking the chunnel in the morning."
John swallowed the lump in his throat. He was losing his baby sister, but he plastered the most unrealistic smile of his life on his face for her.
She appreciated his show. With another smile, Clara stood, left the library, and went to her room to pack.
Tentatively, Elizabeth knocked on the heavy oak door of the Darcy townhouse just past midnight. She was nearly certain that the tiny tapping her knuckles made against the wood could not be heard, but William had instructed her not to ring the doorbell. When she'd returned his telephone call he had only bade her cryptically to come over. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth did as she was asked.
And felt every bit the fool for asking how high when William Darcy said jump. She rationalized that William wouldn't have called her over to his house in the middle of the night if it weren't important. It didn't, however, make her feel any better. She loved him and she would do anything for him and that very idea scared the hell out of her. That she could have lost her will to him so easily, so completely that quickly.
When William opened the door, though, all doubts disappeared. He wore only flannel pajama bottoms. His bare chest looked golden in the pale yellow light from the dim lamp nearby. She felt her breath catch and nearly attacked him where he stood. Then she remembered that Clara would be tapping away upstairs. It would be bad form to make love to her boyfriend on the foyer floor while she was upstairs.
She caught the look of adoration in his eyes and fought a battle with herself to not ravage him. She gave him a weak smile, hoping that it gave him even half the pleasure that his gave her.
"Come in, darling," he whispered, taking her hand. He loved watching her will herself not to kiss him. He felt the same way. It was incredibly difficult to have her lips so completely ready to kiss and not take advantage of it. Instead, he brushed his lips over the back of her hand and saw the shiver rumble through her body.
"William!" Elizabeth hissed, struggling for some composure. "Try to be a bit more flagrant. I don't think the neighbors saw."
"Don't fret," he commanded. He pulled her into the house, sliding the door closed behind her. In a flash she was caught in a strong embrace. He planted a firm, hot kiss on her plump mouth.
When she sighed away from the kiss, nearly forgetting discretion, he laughed. She scowled at him and shrugged out of his grasp.
"Not funny, Will. Clara's just upstairs." Her mouth puckered on the last and William couldn't help but notice the bitterness of her tone.
"She isn't."
Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. "She isn't what?"
"Clara isn't upstairs. She left. She and Georgie had a row this morning. Apparently, it was all very brutal. At least, Georgie's part of it anyway. Are you sure you want to take me on? You get my sister in the bargain too, you know." He stroked the side of her face gently. "Anyway, Clare had a few sudden but meaningful realizations and she was waiting for me when I got home tonight. We talked a bit, but she knew that it was over. She left, Lizzy. She's gone."
Elizabeth couldn't help but feel utter relief at the thought of Clara being gone. Unconsciously, her breath escaped in a sigh and her shoulders visibly relaxed. She stared at William, this beautiful, caring man standing before her with unfathomable love shining in his eyes, she concluded that she had absolutely no regrets. No regrets for the months she'd spent separated from him because now she truly understood what he meant to her. No regrets for the rendezvous at Pemberley because she realized there what he had been feeling for her for all those months. No regrets for being happy that she had won his heart and Clara had lost it.
"What are you thinking? You look so bloody serious," he asked. He took a step back from as if bracing himself for bad news.
"That you're mine now. It's no longer an idea or dream. They aren't just words. You really are mine."
She threw her arms around him then and held on.
"I love you, William," she cried into his shoulder. Hot, stinging tears flooded her eyes and leaked out onto her cheeks. Everything that she'd wanted to cry about for years seemed to be welling up and flowing out of her at that moment. They weren't happy tears nor were they sad tears. They were simply the kind of tears that spilled whenever a person has reached point that nothing else can be done, tears of being completely overwhelmed by emotion. "Until this very moment, I never knew how much, but now I do. It's scary as hell to think how deep it goes or what I would do for it. It's there, though, and damned if I can resist it."
He cupped her red, puffy face in his hands and put kisses to her wet cheeks. Even in the midst of her panic, Elizabeth was beautiful and sweet but strong. Although he'd loved Clara, it was nothing compared to what he felt for Elizabeth.
Somehow fate had seen fit to put her into his arms. There had been something divine in the air the day that he walked into his office late and beheld her. He hadn't noticed it then, but he recalled it now. William would spend the rest of his life finding ways to thank it; to give a nod to destiny in return for loving Elizabeth.
"Don't fight it, Lizzy. I'm not. Just love me," he replied as he pressed his lips to her forehead. He inhaled her scent, a vague impression of pears, and committed it to memory. "And I'll love you. We have no choice, or so it seems."
"So it seems," she agreed. She lifted her face to gaze up at him. "What next?"
"Indeed." William considered their next move. "Right now, how about some wine? Then we'll go from there."
She nodded, allowing him to take her hand. He led her to the study where he left her to get a bottle of chardonnay and glasses. When he returned, she was examining a framed collection of beaded antique purses.
"Those are Georgie's," he informed her after he poured the wine. He handed her a glass then wrapped his free arm around her waist. Gently he ran his slightly stubbled chin over her neck. "Some of them actually belonged to Mum, but George sort of took over the collection when I gave her first credit card to her."
Elizabeth giggled softly but as she turned in his arm and examined his face she grew serious. "You're going to miss her terribly when she goes, aren't you?"
He smiled wistfully and shrugged. "She has to grow up sometime. I can't stop her when it's so apparent that she's blissful. If I didn't like Jeremy, I'd lock her in her room as a matter of course, but he adores her and she adores him and it is perfectly fine with me."
Jeremy had been dragged to Pemberley on more than one occasion during Georgiana's tenure as liaison. He had always been friendly and full of questions. He'd told Elizabeth that if he had not been accepted into medical school then he would have studied architecture. The two were never at a loss for conversation when they were in each other's company.
"He sort of looks like you," Elizabeth teased. "Perhaps not as devastatingly handsome but very, very close. It's the eyes. His eyes are the loveliest shade of green."
"Apparently women in my family have always gone for the dark, brooding types."
"You're hardly broody!"
"Ah, ye of little faith," was his cheeky reply.
Elizabeth merely rolled her eyes.
"Anyway," William continued, "I hope she takes them with her. They tend to put off the birds I bring home."
She knew he was chiding her, but she could help herself. "Well, I'll see that there's a stop to that."
"The birds?"
"No," Elizabeth said sternly, "The threat of Georgiana taking her purses."
Richard shifted under the scrutiny. It wasn't discomfort at being examined; it was impatience at having to explain things to him again.
"It isn't a party exactly," Richard said. It would have been a party, but the idea had fallen through when not one of the cabal could think of a plausible reason to have one. "It's more of a familial last hurrah for Georgie."
"Right," said a doubtful William. For weeks his cousin had been acting utterly bizarre and William was very close to questioning whether Richard was still sane or not. Of late, there had been something very different about his manner. He had grown more serious and focussed. He was less sardonic. Also, he was very nearly glowing. Suddenly, it occurred to him.
"Good God, man!" William exclaimed, perhaps a bit too loudly as he startled Richard, who nearly spilled his hot coffee in his lap. "You're in love!"
"I am not!" Richard protested. He tried to seem as offended as possible. If he blew it now, all hope for William and Elizabeth would be lost. "Must have been something I ate."
"Like the cat that ate the canary. Come on, Richard. You have to tell me. I'm your favorite cousin."
"I beg to differ. Georgiana has always been my favorite and you mustn't forget Miss Anne DeBourgh. I think that puts you third on the list and therefore not entitled to any privileged information, real or imagined."
William rolled his eyes. If Richard wanted to keep his lover a secret, he certainly understood. He and Elizabeth had agreed to keep things quiet until Georgiana's wedding so that she could be the focus of attention. Of course, they realized that they would have a lot to explain at the wedding when she showed up on William's arm, but they would cross that bridge when they came to it.
"Speaking of my sister, what are you getting her for a wedding present?" William asked, segueing smoothly from the previous uncomfortable subject.
"A toaster," Richard replied snidely. "And you?"
"Actually, I didn't have to go to far. I'm giving her the diamond necklace that Mum wore on her and Dad's wedding day."
"No wonder you're her favorite brother."
William rolled his eyes, clearly indicating that he would not dignify his absurd cousin with a response. He came from behind the desk and went to the wetbar where he poured himself a gin and tonic. At which point Richard pointed out that it was barely noon.
"Like you've never started drinking before noon a day in your life."
A hurt and offended glare was directed at William. "That doesn't count. We were on a cruise in international waters. It had to be happy hour somewhere."
"If you're dragging me off for one last hurrah with the psychotic members of our family then I'd better be boiled before we get there. It's always better when one can blame discourse on lack of sobriety."
Richard laughed. If William thought more family members, namely their oppressive and nosy aunt, Catherine, would be attending the dinner it was fine by him. Of course, he would get a lecture from Jane about William's presentability, but he could take it.
"Well, then, cousin, I'll take a double Scotch. On the rocks, if you don't mind."
A last hurrah for Georgiana indeed.
"Jane, I really don't want to go." Elizabeth folded her favorite blue sweatshirt and tucked it away into a bureau drawer. She sneaked a suspicious glance at her sister as she continued to put the laundry away.
"Would it help if I told you the real reason I want you to go?"
"The truth? Oh, heck, Jane, I don't know. You know how I feel about the truth," she added as she hung a plaid skirt in the armoire.
"Don't be flippant, Lizzy," Jane muttered. She had been arguing with Elizabeth about dinner for nearly an hour. She'd floundered with her story at first as lying did not come easily to her. "Blind date."
Elizabeth's groan relayed the dread and resignation she felt at those words. Her duty as a sister meant having a closet full of clothes available for borrow, always having time for emergency summits over chocolate and sad movies, and accompanying a sister on a blind date when an ugly friend is unavailable. She had played the role of the protectorate in the past only because the other Bennet girls had been too young. Too bad Mary was so far away and so bloody unlikable.
"Charlotte Lucas set us up. Please, Lizzy," Jane pleaded although she knew she'd already won. It wasn't gracious to gloat.
"Remind me to have Charlotte lose our numbers. She is the last person who should force men on single women. She has awful taste in men! Remember Creepy Collins?"
Jane giggled. "Can you believe she kissed him?"
The sisters simultaneously expressed their disgust with sour faces and retching noises then burst into a helpless fit of giggles at the thought of Creepy Collins' mouth touching anything even remotely human.
"For your sake, Janey, I'll go," promised Elizabeth after the laughter had finally subsided. "But don't expect me to help you crawl out of the bathroom window like last time."
Jane raised her hand and looked solemn. "I promise."
There would be absolutely no need to find a bathroom window and make a quick escape. After all, Richard Fitzwilliam would be there.
Richard had arranged for dinner at the Hanging Hedgehog, knowing that William would grumble but make due and Richard and Georgiana really would have one last hurrah. Georgiana Darcy had spent many an evening at the Hedgehog with Richard, learning how to throw back pints of Guinness like an Irish babe drinking it from the bottle.
They were sitting at a table in the far corner of the pub; William positioned strategically with his back to the door. From Richard's vantage point across the table, he would be able to see when Jane entered with Elizabeth.
"I can't believe that you dragged my young, innocent sister to this vile place," William muttered into his Scotch neat. He had been absolutely astounded when Georgiana ordered a pint of the sludge that Richard chugged with delight.
"I'm hardly innocent," Georgiana pointed out.
William only glowered.
"Lighten up, Will. Your sister is getting married in two days. How can you be such a sourpuss?" Richard asked, knowing full well why William's mood was so brooding.
Georgiana, also picking up on William's dark temper, took her brother's hand. She gave it a quick brush with her lips then squeezed. William had been there for her every step of the way her whole life. She had no doubt in her mind that marrying Jeremy was the right thing for her to do, but it meant that William would be left alone. She knew his heart was breaking and that was why it was so important for her to bring Elizabeth into his life.
"I love you. I hope you know that. Both of you," she added, glancing at Richard, who, like William, had been a constant source of support to her.
"I love you, George," Richard said.
William nodded, but remained silent. He took his hand from hers and reached into the breast pocket of jacket. He pulled out a small package, neatly wrapped in paper the color of a robin's egg and tied with a silver bow. Georgiana's wedding colors.
"Will, you're having my wedding at Pemberley. You don't need to give me anything else."
"First of all, Pemberley is your house too. Secondly, shut up and take the box, George." He pushed the box lightly across the table, trying to be careful of the delicate paper.
She picked up the small package. Carefully, she opened it. In the dim light, the metal object inside glinted. Gingerly, she removed a set of small brass keys. With a puzzled countenance, she looked at her brother.
"You are the proud owner of the newest photo studio in London."
The keys clattered loudly as they fell into Georgiana's empty pint. Her mouth had gone slack and there seemed to be no comprehension in the girl's face whatsoever.
"Oh my God, Will."
"It's just a thank you for putting up with me all these years. I know that you've been wanting to open up your own studio, but you haven't been able to while working for Lorne."
Georgiana couldn't seem to find any words. She merely stood then pulled her brother up from his seat. She threw her arms around his neck and giggled when he returned her fierce hug.
"I love you too, Georgie."
Richard smiled as he watched the tender family moment play out before him. He wished that he were that close with his older brother, Evan, or his younger sister, Meg. It wasn't that he didn't get along with his siblings; he just got along better with his cousins. Suddenly, Richard noticed a beautiful blonde with the face of an angel walk into the Hedgehog.
Jane seemed to carry her own light with her as she made her way through the dimly lit pub. She saw Richard and flashed him a quick smile as his eyes finally took in the object of his cousin's desire. For a moment, he could hardly believe that the other woman was his lover's sister. For feature that Jane had that was fair Elizabeth was blessed with a dark, elegant beauty. He could see why she attracted William like a moth to a flame.
Richard watched as they sat down at a table just a few feet away. Just as they picked up menus, William broke his hold on Georgiana and turned back for his seat. He didn't notice them at all. Richard sighed loudly in relief. Beneath the table, Richard kicked Georgiana's shin harder than he meant to. She yelped.
When William gave her a curious glance, Georgiana supplied that she got her toe caught on the table leg. Richard laughed just a bit too loudly at her expense.
"What's going on?" William demanded.
"Nothing," they both supplied quickly.
"Right," he muttered, then began to look around the pub. Perhaps they saw Clara and wanted to keep him from seeing her.
"Will!" Richard said.
It was definite, William thought. Something was going on. Richard's voice always went double its regular volume when he was trying to conceal something like that time in college when he was hiding one date in the bathroom and trying to push the other off on William.
"Okay, what's going on?" He repeated. "You two have gone wonky."
"I think I've had too much to drink," Georgiana said. "Why don't we go?"
Richard bit the inside of his cheek. How was it that he could be entirely smooth with women, but be a complete moron when he needed to pull off a plot as simple as this? He would never be James Bond.
The party stood, William helping a suddenly lucid Georgiana by holding her elbow. Richard began to guide them out of the pub when she screeched.
"Oh, goodness! Lizzy Bennet! I haven't seen you in a couple of weeks. Where have you been?" Georgiana exclaimed, suddenly stopping and pulling her brother into a stuttering stop.
"The vast majority of the job is done, Miss Darcy. I wanted to get my people out of the way to let your people in to prepare for the wedding." Elizabeth gave her a smile. "I hope things are going well with you."
"Wonderful!" She exclaimed.
William shook his head, suddenly realizing that he'd been set up. Somehow, Georgiana had found out about Elizabeth. He looked over at Richard and understood whom her source was.
"Richard, George, you two have some explaining to do," he said.
Georgiana looked at him, her eyes wide and innocent. "What do you mean?"
"You, dear sister, aren't drunk. And you, cousin, are a terrible actor."
Richard sheepishly looked at the ground. Georgiana tried to look indignant, but gave up the ruse when she realized that the game was over.
"Miss Bennet," William began, "I'm afraid that we've been set up."
Elizabeth took a moment then realized that Jane had to be in on the ploy as well. She chuckled as she looked warmly at William. "So it would seem, sir."
Richard watched their exchange carefully.
"How can I make it up to you, Miss Bennet?"
"I'm not sure that you can."
"Lizzy, who are these people?" Jane asked, trying to salvage the operation.
"Oh, Jane, I think you know at least one of them, right, Miss Darcy?"
Georgiana looked down.
"What are you talking about?" Jane asked.
"You two are completely transparent," William said to his sister and cousin.
"And so are you," Elizabeth said to Jane.
"You two are already together!" Richard exclaimed. He pointed an accusatory finger at William. "You've been entirely too happy these last few weeks for somebody who's supposed to be utterly miserable!"
"Would you have me feeling rotten for your amusement, Richard?" William asked, amused. There was a light in his eyes as his glanced over at Elizabeth. "Would you have me pine away for this beautiful woman indefinitely? You can't fight fate forever."
"I suppose not," Richard muttered, disappointed that the Conspirators' plan had fallen through.
Elizabeth stood up and suggested that the now larger group of them go outside the pub. When they were standing outside, Elizabeth properly introduced herself to Richard. Then she introduced Jane to him and Georgiana.
"Now that we have figured out what has occurred here, may I point out that as perceptive as we have turned out to be, we are actually a large bunch of boneheads." Elizabeth laughed.
William put his arm around Elizabeth's waist and looked at Georgiana. "We didn't say anything because we didn't want to divert attention away from your wedding. We planned on surprising you, but looks like we don't get to do that."
"I don't care about that, Will. Just as long as you're happy," his sister replied.
With a loving look at Elizabeth, William nodded.
"Well, now that our mission is accomplished, I think we should go home!" Richard said jubilantly.
Georgiana glared at him sternly and cleared her throat. "Since we're all coming clean here, don't you think you should share your happy news?"
Jane arched an eyebrow when he hesitated and Richard's shoulders sagged. If he didn't admit everything now, he would be sleeping in his own bed for the next six months.
"Well, Will, remember this morning when you accused me of being in love?"
"Yes."
"Well, I am. Terribly, desperately in love with an incredible woman."
"Richard that's wonderful. Who is she?"
He grinned sheepishly as he looked helplessly at Jane. "You have your arm around her sister's waist."
Elizabeth's jaw fell open. She stared at her with wide eyes. "Janey! Why didn't you tell me?"
"And ruin our foolproof, but apparently not Richard proof, plan?"
"We're a bunch of bloody dolts!" Elizabeth laughed.
"Good thing there's such a thing as fate or we'd all still be single and unhappy," William said.
"I was perfectly happy when I was single," Richard protested before he could help himself. He studied his shoes as Jane glared at him.
"Let me save my cousin from your wrath, Miss Bennet," William began. "I say we go back into the Hedgehog and celebrate being bloody dolts."
In raucous agreement, the party returned to the barroom where Elizabeth and Jane delighted Richard and Georgiana by throwing back as many pints of Guinness as they could.
Elizabeth cupped William's face softly and let her thumbs push away the tears that had wet his cheeks. He had watched the Bentley carry Georgiana Blake and her husband, Jeremy, away toward their new life together. He was still standing there forty-five minutes later, his shoulders heaving occasionally with a suppressed sob. It had been the hardest moment of his life when the minister asked who was giving Georgiana into marriage. He had almost turned and dragged her back down the aisle.
Now the guests were gone, except for Jane and Richard, who had gone to bed right after the car had disappeared from sight. There were mementos of the nuptials everywhere though; champagne glasses with champagne still bubbling, crushed flower petals lying about, ribbons of robin's egg blue and silver silk strung strategically. Pemberley had been the sight of a grand celebration for the first time in years.
William couldn't wait for everything to be gone. There would be cleaning crews to dispose of the mess in the morning and he was ecstatic about it.
"She yelled at me when I gave her Mum's necklace," he stuttered. "She said I was going to make her cry and ruin her make-up. She was the most beautiful bride I've ever seen."
"She was stunning," Elizabeth agreed. "And you never looked more proud to be her brother."
William wrapped his arms around her, breathing her scent in deep. "I'm so glad you're here, Liz."
"Come on. You're exhausted. Let's go to bed." She pried herself out of his arms to grab his hand and tug him inside.
Grudgingly, William allowed himself to pulled up the stairs. Indeed, he was happy that Elizabeth was there.
She had held up spectacularly when people suddenly realized that she was his date. Even when they'd overheard Charles Bingley's sister, Caroline, make a snide remark about Elizabeth's hat, she didn't even break stride. It was only a hat and she knew that Caroline's comment only lowered William's sour opinion of her.
In fact, when Caroline begged a dance, Elizabeth had only smiled and left him to the unpleasant task. When he'd looked at her in horror, she promised him a very dear reward if he sat Caroline straight after the wedding.
Even through all that, though, Elizabeth never lost sight of who the day really belonged to and did her best to avoid questions about her relationship with "the second most eligible bachelor in England," as Caroline had called him. (She had also pointed out that if William had been titled like the Prince of Wales, he'd be number one.) She also didn't forget that, while Georgiana was utterly blissful, her brother was the polar opposite.
They reached their bedroom, a room that was, thankfully, devoid of any evidence of Georgiana's happiness. Once inside, Elizabeth helped William undress and, with a kiss to the forehead, tucked him into bed. She picked up a book from the desk near the door and started for the sitting room.
"Lizzy?"
"Yes?"
"Are you not coming to bed?"
"I need to unwind. I didn't want to disturb you."
"Disturb me."
Understanding that, even this early in their relationship, he couldn't sleep without her beside him, Elizabeth smiled softly then closed the bedroom door. She padded across the room and turned on her bedside lamp to change into her pajamas. A few minutes later she was settled beneath the thick comforter with a new murder mystery in hand.
"I love you, Lizzy," William murmured. Beneath the blanket, he shifted and rested his hand on her belly.
"I love you, Will," she replied, knowing that he was already asleep.
Richard swallowed his tea and choked. He was the only member of the household that was awake and he was alone in the kitchen. He was thankful for the privacy as he coughed and sputtered his way to a pathetic recovery. He hadn't managed to fall asleep at all the night before and he was paying dearly for it. Whenever Richard was sleep deprived he seemed to turn into a huge putz.
He tried to focus on his newspaper, but his mind kept wandering. His thoughts drifted from Georgiana actually going through with the wedding (Richard could finally admit that it bothered him too) to the look on William's face when the Blakes left for their wedding trip to Vienna to the sleeping woman upstairs who could make his day with a mere smile.
It was when his mind settled on Jane that he did stupid things like butter his newspaper or pour milk into his eggs. Jane turned his brain to goo.
"Morning, Richard," Elizabeth sang as she entered the kitchen.
He started and knocked his spoon to the ground.
"A bit jumpy this morning?" She asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee. She sat down across from him and reached for the newspaper.
"A bit," he chuckled.
Her eyebrows screwed up in confusion as she opened the section. "Why's there butter on this?"
Richard shrugged like he didn't know anything about it. Instead, he glanced at the clock. It was barely after nine.
"A little early for you, isn't it? You must have gone to bed very late."
Elizabeth nodded and peeled the greasy pages apart in a vain attempt to read them. "I didn't sleep so well last night. Too worried about Will, I suppose. I figured there was no point in staying in bed."
"Must have been contagious. I didn't sleep either. You seem more well-adjusted than I though."
"Practice," Elizabeth replied simply. When she caught Richard's confused look, she explained that she hadn't slept well for several years after her parents died.
Richard chewed on his lip for a moment as he regarded Elizabeth. She didn't seem to notice, as she was intent on an article about new office space being added in a posh section of downtown London. She was nearly salivating.
"I'm going to ask Jane to marry me."
Elizabeth only nodded. Disappointed by her reaction, Richard repeated his statement. She gazed up at him, closed her eyes, and began to laugh.
"What? Do you think she'll say no?"
Elizabeth's only laughed harder.
Angry, Richard shoved back from the table and whirled around toward the door. And came face to face with Jane.
"How could I say no to something that romantic?" Jane asked.
Richard groaned and Elizabeth fell to floor, gasping for air amidst the giggles.
That afternoon, William convinced Elizabeth that they needed to have a picnic. He had already packed his car with the necessities, knowing that she would say yes because she was worried about him.
They got into the roadster to drive to a far corner of the vast estate where a tiny gazebo was located. It looked new. He carried the basket and set the blanket out onto the floor. He was pouring wine when she finally entered.
"I didn't know this was here," she said.
"Of course you didn't. I just put it here. It's your wedding present."
"My what?"
William chuckled at her shocked expression. "Oh, Lizzy. We're going to get married eventually, I suppose, but this is your present from Georgiana. She wanted to do something special for you."
She huffed and shook her head. "That was mean, William."
He only smiled.
"There is something very serious that I need to talk to you about," he started. He handed her up a glass of wine.
She slipped down onto the blanket beside him and leaned into the conversation.
"What is it?"
"Well, we have some unfinished business," he began. He took her mouth with his and let the kiss build between them. When he felt the absence of air, he pulled away. "You spilled your wine."
"Hmm? Oh." Elizabeth looked at the puddle of red liquid seeping into the cloth of the blanket. "Oh!"
"Don't worry, Lizzy. It isn't a big deal."
"It was your fault," she muttered. She couldn't even blot it with napkins because they were linen.
"Indeed."
"What is it that you needed to talk about?" She grumbled. "The unfinished business."
He leaned close again. She put her finger to his lips.
"No. Talk."
"I'd much rather..."
"Talk," she commanded.
"My car," he said, resigned.
"Your car? What about your car?"
"You still haven't helped me name it." He let a pout play over his lips, which made him irresistible.
"What? Oh my God." She could only laugh.
"It's very serious, Elizabeth."
She shook her head then became thoughtful. After a moment, her face brightened. "I've got it! Archibald!"
"Archibald?"
"It's perfect! Who was more suave than Archibald Leach?" She asked. He only seemed puzzled. "Cary Grant. That was his really name. And Cary is a silly name for a car."
"And Archibald isn't?"
"Not if you call him Archie."
"So my car's a boy?"
"Addie's a girl."
"Point taken." William considered it for a moment. He liked it and told her so.
"So, Archie it is," she said, satisfied.
"Archie it is."
William adjusted nicely to Georgiana's being gone, especially once Elizabeth and Lydia moved into the Darcy townhouse. He found Lydia to be pleasant and she reminded him just a little of his own sister.
Not that Georgiana fell off the face of the planet. She and Jeremy dined at the townhouse at least twice a week and spent one weekend a month at Pemberley with their family. And it was a happy event indeed when she gave birth to a daughter, Georgia Jane, a year later.
Richard and Jane married that winter in a quiet ceremony at the chapel near Longbourn. It was a beautiful ceremony and even Mary had no disparaging words for the bride and groom.
The group only became closer and happily welcomed William's best friend (and the inadvertent engineer of the whole story), Charles, in when he finally returned from an extended business trip to the United States.
But that is a whole other story.