Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 7a

Posted on Wednesday, 16 August 2000

The following afternoon Elizabeth and Jane arrived at Charlie's to pick the men up for the Bennet Family dinner. Once there, Jane and Charlie disappeared into the kitchen, ostensibly to find the thing Jane was insistent they needed to bring.

"We'll be right out Lizzy, just make yourself at home. Um Will's changing. I'm sure he'll be down in moment. Jane don't tickl..." Charlie words were lost.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and decided it was best to leave the lovebirds alone. To amuse herself while she waited, she looked around the living room. Charlie had very few books, and most were current fiction, with an emphasis on sci-fi. There were a few pictures around the room, several of Charlie and Will, even more of Jane, and one with Will and a very young girl who looked like Will. Does Will have a sister? she wondered. Finally bored with her examination of Charlie's decorating and housekeeping, Elizabeth went to find the bathroom.

As she reached for the door, it opened and Will exited, in just a towel. Elizabeth's eyes roamed over his well- toned chest and legs and she blushed at the lascivious thoughts which immediately came to her mind.

"Oh, Hi." she breathed.

"Um, Hi. I was just showering." Seeing Elizabeth in her cute little dress, Will's thoughts weren't exactly chaste either... "Charlie and I were, uh, playing basketball and well...I wanted to be presentable today, when I meet your family. Excuse me." and he hurried to get dressed before an embarrassing situation occurred.

Dressing quickly, but forgetting to comb his hair, Will rushed to find Elizabeth waiting for him in the living room. They greeted each other a bit awkwardly, trying to converse but each topic ending in a blush of stammers. Will finally took matters into his own hands. Crossing the room in two strides he wrapped Elizabeth in a firm embrace and kissed her. "I'm glad to see you." he said, smiling into her bewildered eyes.

"I...I...I can tell. I'm glad to see you as well." When she recovered her wits, Elizabeth found she was blushing furiously. Will thought she was beautiful, especially with that gleam in her eyes. With a devilish smile she reached up and wrapped her fingers in his hair. "You forgot to comb your hair." and she proceeded to run her fingers through his hair, playing with his curls. Without warning she pulled his head down and kissed him with a passion.

"Aaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!"

Will and Elizabeth stopped kissing and looked over in time to see Caroline storming out of the room.

Charlie and Jane came running out of the kitchen. "What happened?" Jane asked.

"We, um, I think we scared her. She wasn't expecting us to be here." Will said.

Elizabeth snorted and tried to hide her laughter in Will's shoulder. The sound of smashed china made everyone look up. Charlie glanced knowingly at Jane and nodded to the others.

"Lizzy, maybe you and Will should wait outside for us. We'll be right out." Jane suggested.

Elizabeth scurried outside as Caroline began to swear and slam doors. Will wisely followed Elizabeth outside.

"Oh don't be mad at me for laughing." she pleaded in between giggles.

Will start to laugh, "Mad? I'm not mad. I just wish I could have seen her face when she first walked in."

"I thought you were going to talk with her last night."

"I did." Elizabeth rolled her eyes as Will protested. "I even talked to her in front of Charlie. I told her that I would never love her and that I was sorry if I ever gave her the impression that I could ever care for her as more than a friend." Will sobered up as he told Elizabeth about the conversation. "In fact she told me she already knew that and she didn't want more than that."

"Then what was all that about?" she demanded. "And why did she lie to me earlier?"

"I wish I had an answer for you. I'm afraid Caroline is the only one who can. Last night I didn't specifically mention what she said to you. In fact I tried very hard not to bring you into the..."

Will was interrupted by Jane and Charlie coming out of the house. "She's fine. She said she was just tired and she thought we were all gone and it scared her to find someone in the house." said Charlie.

Will blushed as he confessed, "Actually she walked in on us, um that is Liz and I..."

"We were helping you look for that thing you needed to take to dinner." Elizabeth teased and raised her eyebrows as Charlie had a sudden coughing fit.

Jane smiled reassuringly as she patted Charlie on the back. "Um yeah. We should go before we're late. Problems with Caroline can wait until later."

Will looked enquiringly at Elizabeth, "What thing are you talking about?"

She filled him in on the details as they walked behind Jane & Charlie. As Will opened the car door for Elizabeth, she asked, "Well are you ready to meet my family?"

"How hard can it be?" Will asked.

Elizabeth just laughed and shook her head, You have no idea...

In her mind Elizabeth assumed Will knew what a family dinner meant. It wasn't until Charlie asked who else would be there that Elizabeth discovered Will was woefully ignorant of 'Bennet Family Dinners.'

"Well, there's seven of us plus mom." Jane said.

"Seven children? - Like Sound of Music seven?" asked Charlie looking a little dazed.

Gee Whiz Jane don't you two ever talk? Even Will knows about our brothers and sisters. Lizzy thought.

"Yeah, only mom's Nooooo Julie Andrews. There's Michael, Jane, Shawn, me, Mary, Cathy and, Lydia. Michael and Mary are both married. And Michael has a daughter. So that's Sue and Lyndsey and Jeremy." Lizzy said.

"Mom said Aunt Philips and her three boys are coming." Jane reminded her.

Will was keeping a tally, "That's 15 people."

"No, the boys are all married and Tom and Eric have kids, so that's 6 more, so 21 people."

"Plus Uncle Mark, Aunt Faye, and Meghan, and the Lucas' so add another 7."

"Charlotte's coming?" Elizabeth asked. She explained to Will and Charlie, "The Lucas' are our neighbours. Charlotte and I have been friends since kindergarten. She's away at Yale so we don't get to see each other much. Oh, it's been ages since I've seen her."

Will was quiet. Charlie laughed, "You 're having 29 people for a family dinner?"

"Well plus you and Will, that's actually 31. And it's less than normal since the Aunt and Uncle Gardiner can't come."

"Really it's no big deal. We do this every month." Elizabeth was trying to help Will feel more comfortable. "When Dad left 10 years ago, Mom was pretty depressed. So, we thought once a month the whole family, or as many as can make it, should get together. And plus there's always a birthday or anniversary to celebrate."

Will was amazed. He and Charlie both had small families and no living parents. A large family gathering to Will was 10 people and that happened only once a year at Christmas. More than 30 people every month was mind boggling.

"This is just a family dinner?" Charlie gulped. Jane caught Elizabeth's eye and giggled.

There was a small group of people out front when they walked up, having had to park 2 blocks away.

"There you are." called a small blonde. "I'm being sent to the store. Who's with you?"

"Cathy, this is Will and Charlie." Jane did the introductions. Elizabeth was busy being enfolded into a group hug. "Over there with Lizzy are Mary and Sue."

Lizzy soon dragged Mary and Sue over. "These are is my sisters Mary and Sue. Sue is Mike's wife. This is Will and Charlie."

Cathy looked the men over, "Do the boys know you're bringing them?"

"No. It's a surprise."

"And I thought this was going to be dull." Cathy laughed. "Try not to start the interrogation without me."

Elizabeth glanced from Charlie to Will, "Um, My brothers can be a bit protective, especially Mike, being the self-appointed head of the family."

"A BIT?" Sue exclaimed. "When Mike first brought me to a family dinner, not only did he not tell me that family meant the entire population of Ohio, but I was sat down in the midst of all these women and girls and quizzed about everything from my religious beliefs and meatloaf recipes to car repair."

"Elizabeth...I can't cook." Will said. She and Jane chuckled at his joke, Charlie was fairly certain Will wasn't totally joking. For some reason Will was acting very nervous.

All noise stopped abruptly as the group entered the family room. There were about ten people and all were VERY interested in these guests. Will involuntarily took a step back. I'm being sized up like cattle gone to market.

"We've never actually brought anyone to this before." Elizabeth whispered.

What did I get myself into? Will worried.

Jane took the lead, or rather took the advantage and escaped. She grabbed Charlie's hand and pulled him into the back yard. "Mom we're here. We'll be out back."

"Well get yourselves something to eat. I'll be out of the kitchen in a few minutes."

Elizabeth looked at Mary, "How long has she been hiding in the kitchen?'

"Not too long. Since Aunt Philips asked her when I'm going to have a baby."

"Oh yay...it's starting all ready...well, Okay let's get it over with..." She took Will's hand. "Sorry to do this to you." Elizabeth pulled him into the kitchen, "Mom? I brought someone for you to meet. This is Will."

"How do you do ma'am." Mrs. Bennet looked to be about 50. She was stirring something on the stove and his voice startled her such that she flipped the spoon and spattered the wall.

"Oh dear. Lizzy honey get me a rag please."

Elizabeth returned with an old piece of cloth which she wet down and wiped off the wall. "I've got it Mom. What is this stuff?"

"Just a mock hollandaise sauce for the asparagus"

"Is this your asparagus?"

"Yes, we had such a good crop this year." Mrs. Bennet poured the sauce into a dish and handed it to Elizabeth. "Take this outside please dear."

"But,"

"Elizabeth, GO!" After she left Mrs. Bennet turned and looked William over. "Will. Hmmm. Nice to meet you. What did Lizzy say you last name was?"

"She didn't. But it's Darcy."

Mrs. Bennet glared a bit, "Well Will Darcy, how long have you been dating Lizzy?"

"Not long. A few months." he shifted uncomfortably.

"And what do you do dear?" she asked 'The Ultimate Inevitable Question.'

"I run an internet publishing business."

"Oh, you're one of those." she was clearly unimpressed.

"One of what?"

"Those fly by night entrepreneurs who are out to make a quick buck."

"No ma'am. I'm not. My business is an expansion of my father's publishing company. He asked me to take it in hand." Will crossed his arms defensively. "And I've no need to make a fast buck."

Mrs. Bennet patted his arm. "No need to get testy dear. I'm looking out for my Lizzy. I can't have my girls getting taken in by a handsome bum." Will began to think Elizabeth had a very loving, but nosy, family. Mrs. Bennet smiled charmingly at him and continued. "Now tell me where did you two meet?"

Will relaxed and answered, "At Charlie's."

"Oh, Jane's Charlie? He's so nice, and such good manners. I didn't know you knew Charlie." she gushed.

"We've been friends for almost 20 years. We met in grade school and have been friends ever since."

"I see. Well, that is a point in your favor. I like Charlie. Jane thinks he's 'beyond perfect.' This is the first time he's met the family." There was a very long pause while Mrs. Bennet finished preparing a dish and sizing Will up. "Things must be going well with you and Lizzy or she would have never subjected you to the inquisition this early. We've scared off more an one prospective fella."

Will laughed. "I've been duly warned already. Sue and Mary explained it. But I confess you don't look as fierce some as they made me believe."

"Well, it's not me you need to worry about. Lizzy's brother's are going to rake you over like they're the FBI. She must like you a lot to have brought you to family dinner." When Will remained silent she continued. "

Mrs. Bennet looked thoughtful, "Be good to her. She seems tough, but inside she's very easily hurt."

"Thank you. I'll take care of her. I promise."

Mrs. Bennet laughed. "Don't promise me, promise her. Now tell me, can you cook?"

Chapter 7b

Posted on Tuesday, 22 August 2000

Elizabeth soon rescued Will from her mom with the assertion that he needed to eat while there was still food left.

"Oh good, ham." Elizabeth exclaimed as they lined up at the buffet to get their food. "I was expecting burgers and hot dogs again." In addition to two very large hams sliced and ready to be eaten, on the two long tables were every kind of summer food imaginable, and some strange ones too - like Aunt Philips' sweet & sour red cabbage salad.

"You don't like burgers and hot dogs?"

"It's nice to have something different." Elizabeth wrinkled her nose as she sniffed at the cabbage salad. "Well, not THAT different."

As Will was trying to think of a comment, someone came up behind and stood very close, pressing against him. He turned slightly to see a much younger version of Elizabeth admiring him.

"Lizzy," a voice cooed. "Who's your friend?"

"Lydia this is Will." Elizabeth leaned over and hissed, "Back off!"

"Oh touchy. Fine I'M going. Nice to meet you Will. Maybe I'll see you later." Lydia winked sauntered off.

"What was that?" Will asked.

"My youngest sister Lydia." Elizabeth said through gritted teeth. She glanced around and whispered, "I'm sorry about her."

"Is she always so...?" asked Will.

"What? Easy? Trampy? Slutty? Loose?" she enumerated.

"I was going to say friendly."

She laughed, "Don't minced words. She's a tramp."

"You just let her behave like that?"

"NO we don't LET her. In fact we all try to stop her." Will's assumption irritated her.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to criticize," he said quietly. She gave him a hard look.

"Yes you did. But you're right, Lyd's behaviour is terrible. She needs someone to take control and impose limits. But it has to be my mom, and she won't do it. My mom's really sweet but very... weak."

There was nothing more said on the subject until they joined Jane and Charlie.

"Well, you survived mom." Jane said brightly.

Elizabeth sighed, "Yeah but we almost killed Lydia. Can that girl be ANY more forward?" Jane was about to admonish her but she continued, "Do you believe she actually flirted with Will in front of me!"

"Lizzy you sound jealous." Jane teased.

Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply but found nothing to say. The others chuckled at her silence and Will was pleased with this evidence of her deeper feelings for him.

"So what did you think of mom?" seeing Elizabeth's embarrassment Jane changed the subject.

"Actually she's very nice. Told me to watch out for your brothers." Will responded.

"Speaking of brothers..." Jane said, "Charlie, Will, this is Michael, Shawn and Jeremy." Jane indicated the three men who were each carrying two plates of food and intent on sitting down with them.

"The inquisition begins." joked Elizabeth.

"Nice to see you too little sister." Shawn said. He shook hands with Will and Charlie. "Shawn Bennet. This is my brother Michael and brother in law, Jeremy Stanton."

"And just what brings you over here dear brothers of mine?" teased Elizabeth.

"As if you didn't know..." Jeremy grinned. This was after his first time on the 'good' side of the inquisition. He was looking forward to inflicting a little torture on these unsuspecting guys.

"Come on Lizzy. Let's go eat with Mary and Sue. I haven't seen Lindsey yet." said Jane as she tugged on her arm.

"But we just got here." Elizabeth whined. "And besides I don't trust these guys."

"Lizzy. Go!" Mike ordered.

"Every where I go I'm being dismissed. It's enough to give a lady a complex." she huffed dramatically.

Shawn looked her over, "Well if YOU EVER become a lady...I'll be sure to watch my manners."

"Why you little..." Elizabeth smacked him on the back of the head.

"Hey! Cut it out you two." Mike grinned. "Now, IF you, ahem, ladies will excuse us, we kinda want to get down to the fun."

"Mikey..." Elizabeth pleaded. "Be NICE."

"I'm always nice." Mike's protest brought on a storm of sisterly derision.

Shawn finally gave Jane and Elizabeth a gentle push, "Get out of here so we can have our fun. I promise we'll behave."

"Behave WELL Shawn." Jane admonished as the girls went to go eat inside with their mom.

"You know, I wouldn't exactly call this fun." Jeremy hinted.

"It's fun for us...not for them. Just be glad YOU passed." Shawn said. Jeremy grinned and slugged Shawn. This started the brother's second favorite sport...slugging each other. It was second to annoying their sisters.

Will and Charlie sat amazed, neither having a genial, teasing relationship with their siblings. All this teasing and joking and yet genuine affection between siblings. It would be accurate to say both men felt a pang of jealousy, wishing they could join in.

"All right." Mike growled, "So, Charlie let's start with you."

All things considered the questions were rather mild and Charlie's natural exuberance quickly won over the brothers. Will was not so lucky.

"So Will...ever been married? Divorced?"

"No"

"Kids?"

"Not yet" only Charlie noticed Will pale slightly.

"Soooooo Will. What do you do?" Shawn asked.

"Right now I run an internet publishing business."

"Right Now?" alarms went off in Mike's head. "You been doing this long?"

"Only the last year or so." Will said. Shawn whistled softly and shook his head.

"What about before?" Mike continued.

"Oh, a little bit of everything I guess." Will grinned, deliberately goading Mike.

Charlie choked on his laughter as the brothers began to shift and glare at Will. "Uh, Will tell them the whole story, before they kill you." he hinted.

Will sighed and explained how after his father's death, while Will was still at school, the company had been mismanaged and plunged into debt. Will had spent over three years getting everything straightened out and solvent.

"So what's that got to do with internet publishing?" Shawn asked, being a computer-geek, was very interested.

"Interprint was a dream my father had just begun before he died. This past year I've been able to focus on that, sort of a last request I guess."

Mike, Shawn, and Jeremy stared, their minds beginning to form a measure of respect for Will.

"Any thing else?" Will asked innocently as to show his distaste for the proceedings.

"Yeah." Shawn shot back. "House or apartment?"

"Yes."

"Huh?" Shawn asked

"I have both, an apartment in Seattle and an house in Connecticut."

"Why?"

"Connecticut is my home, the apartment is for business. I have a lot of meetings in Seattle and I don't like long hotels stays."

Shawn whistled under his breath, "Does Elizabeth know all of this?"

"Not yet, I was planning to tell her tonight. Your mom knows some of it." Will looked at the other men earnestly. "Can I save you some trouble here? - I'm 27, graduated from Dartmouth and earned my MBA from Harvard Business. I have a healthy bank account, and stock portfolio. I can't cook, but Liz knows that. I've never been married, never been engaged, only dated a few women. I have one sister and three cousins. My parents are dead. And I will joyfully vow to love, honor, and cherish your sister -- if she'll have me. Anything else?"

Everyone, including Charlie, sat astonished at this pronouncement. They weren't expecting things to be this serious between Will and Elizabeth.

Finally Mike spoke. "Do you mean to tell me you're already planning to marry Lizzy?"

"I am." Will sat back. "She's thinking about it."

"Isn't it a little soon?" Jeremy asked.

Will shrugged. "Probably, but it IS her decision." he answered, trying carefully to avoid mentioning the baby. This would be easier if Elizabeth let me tell them about the baby...then again it would also be more painful...

Mike exploded, "Are you insane. How can you even THINK about marriage this soon? What the hel..." His tirade was interrupted by the return of Elizabeth.

"Problems guys?" she held a warning note in her voice. Mike rose and pulled his sister off to one side.

"He proposed to you already!"

"Yes, I was there." she was as calm as he was inflamed. "Did he also tell you I said no?"

"He said you were thinking about it." he accused.

"I am."

"Well, you better think LONG and HARD about it." Mike blustered. "Elizabeth how can you...you can't marry someone you've know for three months."

Elizabeth put her arms around his neck. "Mikey I love you dearly, but stop. It's MY decision. And there are other circumstances involved..."

Mike stared at her for a minute before understanding dawned. He grabbed her hands, "You're pregnant?"

She held tight to him "Yes. I am. Don't even think about trying to kill him." She looked into his eyes. "No one forced me to be stupid. But I was and now I have to decide what's best. ...Mikey please don't make this harder by blustering and threatening. Please."

Michael Bennet hugged his little sister tightly. "I never would have thought it of you Lizzy."

"I'll be all right. I promise Mike."

Will watched them talking and when Mike threw a stormy glare his way, Will knew Elizabeth had told him about the baby. Deep inside Will began to fear. In just a few hours Will had found he longed to be part of this family where brothers and sisters teased and played and loved each other openly and unguarded. He wanted to create that with Elizabeth...and their baby. Now I just have to convince her to accept me.

Chapter 8

Posted on Tuesday, 22 August 2000

Later Elizabeth found Will sitting alone in the living room. For a moment she permitted herself to daydream that they were a happy family. She sighed. Marry Will? In ten years he'll be tired of me and resentful of the child and walk out on us, just like Dad. We hardly know each other. And yet...sometimes it does seem like we are meant to be.

"Umm, Will? Jane was wondering what time you needed to leave." She spoke tentatively.

Will motioned for her to be silent and come over to him. As she approached Elizabeth saw that Will was not sitting alone; Three-year-old Lindsey was asleep in his lap.

"How on earth did that happen?" Elizabeth whispered.

"I found her playing in here and when I sat down she climbed up and demanded a story. She fell asleep about half way through. I've been afraid to move in case I wake her." Will grinned sheepishly. "It's been a long time since I've gotten to rock someone to sleep. Not since my sister was a baby."

Elizabeth gently reached down and took Lindsey from him. Will stood and stretched his cramped muscles. He watched Elizabeth carry Lindsey upstairs and decided now was the time for them to talk.

Elizabeth came back downstairs. "Well, she's still asleep. What time did you want to leave?"

Will wrapped his arms around her waist and asked, "Can we take a walk?"

Outside the house, Will reached out and took her hand. They walked for a few minutes in silence before he finally spoke:

"Elizabeth, have you given any thought to marrying me?"

She stared mutely at him before scrunching up her face, "What? No, I'm not sure it's a good idea."

"Why?" he asked.

"Do you love me?" she looked into his eyes, trying to read the future.

He hesitated only for a second, "Yes, I love you Elizabeth."

"Enough for forever? Enough to never just walk out because you're bored? Enough to never, EVER resent this child for tying you down to me?"

Will was shocked. How was he to answer these fears? How could he reassure her when he himself couldn't see the future?

"Elizabeth, I can't see into the future, but I can tell you that I was raised to believe that marriage is a lifetime commitment. And until you came along I never even thought about forever. I've had lots, I mean LOTS of women want to marry me, but you are the first I wanted to marry. No one has ever touched my heart the way you have. You brought life to my heart. And I'll tell you something else, I had along talk with myself in Seattle. I realized that I love you and I arrived determined to find you and pursue you. I would have proposed eventually, the baby is just speeding things up."

She smiled.

"Would you like me to recite you some poetry about my love for you?" he asked.

She laughed and pulled herself up into her most regal posture. "No poetry, but you must kneel down and propose."

"In the middle of the street? Fine." Will knelt and took her hand. "Elizabeth will you now please, relieve my aching knees, rescue my heart, and consent to be my wife?"

"Umm, before I answer I need to know...what's your name?"

"What?..." he sighed and grimaced. "Fitzwilliam. You can see why I use Will."

"No, you dope. Although that is a horrid first name," she laughed. "What's your last name?"

"Darcy."

"Very well Fitzwilliam Darcy. I would be happy to marry you." She smiled adoringly into his face. He gathered her in his arms, spun her around and kissed her. A few of the neighbours who were outside clapped and hooted and shouted congratulations.

Thus, early on Saturday morning, a few weeks later, Will and Elizabeth arranged to be married in a small, private ceremony. They invited only her family and his sister and Charlie.

Elizabeth nervously put on her wedding dress that morning. The dress was actually a sleeveless tea length ivory silk, with a square neck, and a sleek bodice which Jane had insisted Elizabeth buy. Thanks to Jane, Elizabeth now owned the most beautiful dress she had ever seen and had a small nosegay of roses to carry. Charlie was the best man, Georgiana and Jane stood with Elizabeth, and it was Mike who walked with Elizabeth down the aisle.

Will's eyes swept over Elizabeth as she approached the altar. He liked the way the dress clung to her curves and swayed gently as she walked. His gaze lingered on her graceful neck and then up to her face. It was then, seeing the faint glow in her face and love in her eyes, that Will stopped thinking. He remembered nothing of his vows, or the church, or Elizabeth's flowers, his only memory of his own wedding would forever be the smile on her lips and in her eyes as she spoke her vows.

Chapter 9

Posted on September , 29 September 2000

Jane surveyed the apartment before picking up her overnight bags. Satisfied with what she saw, she placed the note on the table where Lizzy and Will were certain to find it, and left.

Lizzy and Will arrived some time later, finally having escaped the commotion of their wedding reception, which was actually more a very small family dinner than any elaborate event. They found Jane's note as they entered the apartment where they were to spend the weekend, Jane having graciously decided to stay with her mom so Lizzy and Will could have some time alone. In the weeks before the wedding Will had arranged to purchase a house near Jane, but it would not be available for two weeks. Thus they were to live with Jane until then and since there was no time for them to take a proper honeymoon, Elizabeth being unable to take vacation time from her new job, Jane & Lizzy's apartment was to be the honeymoon suite and first home for the newlyweds.

Elizabeth read Jane's note:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Darcy,

My how strange it seems to call you that Lizzy.
Anyway, welcome to your honeymoon suite (ha-ha).
There's a picnic basket full of food in the fridge --
Plenty to last you through any late night snacks plus breakfast.
Don't worry, Mom did the cooking, not me.

Charlie supplied the flowers.
You can blame the 700 tea light candles
(yes I counted them), on Lydia, Cathy and Georgie
(by the way I think we've corrupted the poor girl).

Enjoy!
No one will disturb you until Sunday night, after that - beware!

Love,
Jane

Will, recovering from the thought of his sweet baby sister being corrupted by Elizabeth's sisters, was slow to realize Elizabeth was tugging on his sleeve. Slowly they looked around the room. It was filled with flowers, little candles, and the couch was draped in a very gaudy red satin sheet. Lizzy laughed at the note on the largest bouquet:

These are for Jane!
You guys can have the rest.
Love, Charlie

"You know," Elizabeth said as she looked around the room, "a few incense sticks and we have the makings of a really fine bordello."

Will dropped the clothes he was unpacking, "How is it that you know what a bordello looks like? Fine or otherwise?"

"I have brothers," she said innocently.

"I've met your brothers: there is no way you can hoax me into believing they have ever taken you to a bordello."

"Would you believe too much TV?" She took the shirt he was struggling fold and put it on a hanger. "Here let me. I cleared some closet space for you."

"Thank you my beautiful, enchanting wife. You are an angel."

Elizabeth giggled. "Just remember that my handsome husband, when you complain that I take too long time in the bathroom, or that Jane used all the hot water."

"Well, hopefully this arrangement will only be for two weeks." Will wrapped his arms around her waist. "And this is better than staying with Charlie and Caroline."

"Definitely." Elizabeth slipped her hands around Will's neck. "Although, I think I might enjoy seeing Caroline's face the first time she walked in on us."

"You are wicked. What about poor Jane walking in on us?"

"Jane has a boyfriend of her own. Believe me I have walked in on her and Charlie making out on the couch many times. AND besides that, she likes me, so I can't offend her. "

"Caroline likes..." Will stopped and frowned. "No she doesn't like you at all. She's civil to you because Charlie and I like you."

Elizabeth laughed lightly, "Charlie has nothing to do with it my dear. It's all an act for you."

"Oh, she's not that bad." Will protested.

"Yes she is. You cannot have forgotten that it was Caroline who tried to convince me that you were in the habit of seducing co-eds when you got nervous about marrying her."

Will looked mortified and whispered, "I would have thought she stopped all that. At least she speaks nicely of you when I'm around."

"As long as you are in the room she is very sweet. But when you leave she begins her attacks. It's really bad when you've gone out of town. So far I have been called cheap, easy, tramp, gold-digger, oh and stupid. And that is before we tell her we are married. I have no doubt her tirade will shake the walls of hell." Elizabeth spoke cheerfully but deeply hoped Will would be offended and mad at Caroline's behaviour.

He was. Truthfully Will was in shock that his beloved Elizabeth was being subjected to such garbage. That she could speak lightly of it, with no malice, increased the love and respect he felt for her. Will hugged Elizabeth tightly, much to her delight. "I'm sorry. I had no idea she was so jealous. I hope she gets over it. You don't deserve her garbage, neither do Charlie or Jane."

"No we don't, but you needn't worry. Charlie doesn't let her abuse Jane when he's around. I'm sure my skin is thick enough to handle her venom."

Will buried his face into his wife's hair and absently rubbed her neck. "I've made such a mess of things," his voice thick with emotion.

"Why do you say that sweetie?"

"Your family hates me for getting you pregnant." Elizabeth started to interrupt but decided to let Will vent his frustration. He continued, "I abandon you over a stupid misunderstanding. Now Caroline is on the warpath... I just wish she'd go away because she's going to make life miserable for you and Jane, and that will make Charlie unhappy...." Will sighed and rubbed her stomach. "I only hope I don't screw up as much with our baby, but sometimes..."

Elizabeth turned around to face him, "Listen to me Will Darcy. You are not solely responsible for this child. No one forced me to sleep with you. I did so of my own free will. And I was even more responsible for that misunderstanding we had because I never gave you a chance to explain things to me. Caroline Bingley tried her best to keep us apart and now she will just have to get used to the idea that she will never be married to you, because I have no intention of ever giving you up."

"You are an amazing woman." Will felt he was just beginning to understand the depth and strengths of his new wife.

"And don't you dare forget it," Elizabeth teased.

Will laughed, "And just a little wicked."

"I'm afraid so, but you knew that before you married me so no complaining." She hugged him tightly. "So, what should we do now?"

Will laughed, "I can think of a few things you usually do on a wedding night."

"Oh REALLY! And just how do you know what to do on a wedding night? Hmmmmm??"

"I, er...well, this is..." There seemed to be no way to answer that question without inviting trouble.

"Will? Shut up and kiss me." Elizabeth grinned and Will happily complied with her request.

The telephone roused Will from his slumber. Annoyed and confuse he stumbled out of bed to find the bathroom. When he returned to bed he suddenly realized that Elizabeth was gone. He staggered out sleepily to find his new wife watching TV and eating ice cream.

"Elizabeth? It's 1:00 am...who was calling at this hour?"

"Oh, I don't know. Jane and I always figured it must be some drunk who can't dial the phone properly."

"Does this happen every night?"

"Of course not. Come sit with me." She scooted over and patted the sofa.

"Why are you up at this hour, eating ice cream and watching.... what is that?"

She giggled, "Hogan's Heroes"

Will sat down next to her, "Personally I used to prefer Batman reruns as a kid. That and The Monkees...why the ice cream at this hour? It this a pregnancy thing?"

"No. I was hungry; we kinda skipped supper." She blushed remembering what had kept them too bury to eat supper.

Will nuzzled her neck, "I remember. Are you going to share that ice cream?"

"Share my super deluxe hot fudge sundae?"

Will ran a finger along her collarbone, "Please." He gave her his best sad puppy eyes, which were extremely impressive, and planted a kiss where his finger had been.

Lizzy sighed dramatically, "The things I do for love." She scooped some hot fudge up with her index finger and offered it to Will. Will grinned and Elizabeth felt a tingle run up her spine as he slowly licked the hot fudge off her finger. 'Hogan's Heros' was soon forgotten; but they did finish the hot fudge.....

Jane and Charlie cuddle on the sofa in his living room. Caroline, annoyed with them for their pda and that they refused to tell her where they had been earlier, stomped out of the house in a huff. No one expected to see her until the morning.

"Charlie?"

"Hmmm?" Charlie sounded sleepy, but Jane could tell from they way he held her and stroked her hair that he was very much awake.

"Thank you for all your help today. I really appreciated it."

Charlie laughed, "All I did was get Will to the church on time and keep Caroline from finding out what was going on."

"It helped a lot to know I had you to take care of things. And you were a big help with Mike and Shawn." Jane took one of his hands and kissed it.

Charlie had really helped keep things under control at the dinner after the ceremony. During dinner Elizabeth had foolishly announced they were expecting a baby. The ensuing commotion almost got them thrown out of the restaurant. Mom had actually indulged in a fit of hysterics, proclaiming Elizabeth's immoral behaviour would surely land them all in hell. Jane was no theologian, but she was fairly certain her mom was exaggerating. Still it took several minutes Mike and Shawn actually threatened to pound Will for his 'irresponsible molestation of an innocent child.' That was when Charlie, wonderful, sweet Charlie took Mike, Shawn, Jeremy, and Will outside. Whatever he said or did worked; the five returned peaceful, with no visible bruises or broken bones. Charlie refused to tell her what happened.

"Do you think they'll be happy Charlie?"

"Will and Lizzy?" Jane question startled Charlie out of his contemplative admiration of Jane's neck.

"Yeah. I mean getting married because Lizzy's pregnant isn't the greatest way to start a marriage. You saw today how hard it's going to be for everyone to accept." Jane sighed, worried about Lizzy and Will.

Charlie began to massage her neck and shoulders, "I think that they have as good a chance as anyone to make it work. They certainly love each other and want it to work." He paused to plant a kiss on her neck causing Jane to shiver. "And I think that as people see how much they love each other, it'll matter less that they were pregnant first. Maybe they went about it all wrong but I've really never met a couple more suited to each other."

"Never?"

"Well, I don't want to sound cheeky or presumptuous. After all, we're not married yet."

Jane sat up and looked Charlie in the eye. "Yet?"

"Yet," he said firmly. "This hasn't been a good time to discuss it, but make no mistake, we will discuss our future marriage soon." At this point Charlie gave up admiring her neck and focused on kissing it.

Jane smiled happily thinking about her own future with a very wonderful man.

Chapter 10

The newlyweds settled into their own particular kind of bliss as they adapted to each other's habits and eccentricities. For Will time flew and it was soon December; time for the annual corporate and family gatherings, which since his extended family hadn't met Elizabeth, and at least half of them were unaware that she was pregnant, meant the holidays would be quite... lovely. He needed to prepare her for a less than cordial welcome. At least Georgie liked her; that was some small comfort.

Will suddenly felt exhausted. He'd been to New York and Seattle all in one week. And now he was finally home with his wife. As much as he tried to relax and focus on what Lizzy was saying the problems of the past week kept intruding. Thomas wanted to resign; try something new. The board insisted Will take the reigns. That meant finding someone else to run his company while he devoted his time to the transfer of power. It also meant a lot of travelling unless he could convince Elizabeth to move to Connecticut. He doubted that would be easy. And the topper of his week was lunch with his Aunt. Catherine was, well.... unique. Obstinate, strong-willed, utterly determined to ignore anyone who ever disagreed with her ideas, Catherine had begun lunch be berating Will about his marriage and his choice of a wife. Ignorant, scheming welfare trash Will sighed. Dessert was the worst, when Catherine "surprised' him with a visit from his old girlfriend Anne. When they were dating, Catherine had decided that Anne and Will would be the perfect couple, mostly because Anne never disagreed with Catherine and frequently called her to complain about Will's lack of commitment.

Will, I'll bet you didn't know dear Anne was in town. She's just here for a few nights. Wasn't it nice of her to take time out of her busy schedule just to see and 'old friend.'?

"Um, yeah. It is nice to see you Anne."

Anne smiled sweetly. "Well I WAS hoping someone would be available to take me out on the town." She reached over and caressed his hand.

Will took his hand back and shifted uncomfortably. "Well I'm supposed to call Elizabeth tonight."

"Elizabeth?"

"Oh, that's right Anne you aren't aware that Will's married now are you?" Catherine injected.

"Married? Really? How NICE." There was a small grimace as she tried to smile. "I thought we were close enough that I would have gotten an invitation."

"Well there's the thing dear. Will eloped. None of his family was invited. Though I understand that All of HER family was there."

"Georgiana was there," Will pouted. He hated being put on the spot. Especially by two women who easily ran roughshod over him.

"Oh well that's something then dear."

The rest of the meal had been Anne prying information out of him about Elizabeth and Will unable to coherently defend himself or his wife. By the end Lizzy looked very much like a gold-digging tramp and Will was a fool who married her instead of wisely paying her off. Will had been very happy to catch the next flight home and now all he wanted to do now was get some sleep and forget about Catherine and Anne.

"Will?" Lizzy's voice woke him.

"Hmm?"

"Will you'll be happy if we have a girl? Right?"

"Elizabeth I'll be happy to get some sleep." Will rolled away and pulled the covers over his head. It was a stupid move.

"WILL!" Elizabeth yanked the covers down.

"How COULD you?! Of all the insensitive mean things to say. How can you not care about our baby? I thought you wanted this baby. You just married me because you had to and now that I'm ugly and fat and crabby you don't care about me any more." She ran crying from the room, slamming the door just to be sure Will knew how upset she was with him.

Will sat up, dazed. What the hell happened? I just wanted to sleep and now Elizabeth is ticked off at me.

He decided to give her five minutes to calm down before trying to talk to her, and promptly but unintentionally fell asleep.

He woke at noon the next day, feeling refreshed but uneasy. Something was wrong. He sniffed: no smoke. Okay, the house isn't on fire. There's no noise, but then Elizabeth's at work.

He was in the shower before he remembered their fight last night, not that it was actually a fight, but Elizabeth was very upset about something. She had slammed a lot of doors and stomped around before bed, but he had been so tired. A knot formed in his stomach as he remembered falling asleep before they could talk. Elizabeth was going to kill him. Will rushed through his shower and dressed in record time.

Several phone calls later revealed that Elizabeth was not at work, she was not at Jane's or she wouldn't answer if she was, and Caroline thankfully hadn't seen her in weeks. Where was she? Will grabbed her phone book and began to call. Two hours later and all he had accomplished was to worry most of Meryton, tick off her brothers, and let his hair dry without combing it, resulting in a doofy little spiky style.

Will spent the rest of the day worrying and cleaning. At least it gave him something to do other than driving around town looking for her. Just before five that evening the bathroom sparkled right down to the grout. Will was very pleased with himself for remembering to dry the tile to avoid water spots. Elizabeth would like that. With the bathroom finished and the kitchen cupboards now alphabetized, Will began to ponder his next project when Elizabeth came home from work.

The unspoken promise that they would discuss last night hung in the air as Lizzy began dinner.

"So we leave on the 4th, right?" Lizzy looked up from their dinner preparations. Will was absently chopping tomatoes. "WILL!"

"Huh?"

"I want chopped tomatoes." Will looked down at his handiwork, confused. "Those are smushed," she elaborated.

Will snapped, "Elizabeth if you wanted them perfect you shouldn't have insisted that I help."

"I didn't insist. You volunteered."

"Only after you stormed around and glared at me for sitting down after I got home. I remind you that I wanted to take a nap, but you had other ideas."

"Why are you trying to avoid me?!"

A small tiff between couples is expected, especially newlyweds. When coupled with raging hormones and a stressful holiday season it was rather natural for this conversation to turn ugly. And it did. Dinner was forgotten as doors slammed and voices yelled. That night ended in silence and tears, again.

The morning broke through early. One of the few sunny days they would see now that winter was upon them. Lizzy stretched and rolled over to find an empty bed. She sighed as she recalled their fight and how Will decided to sleep on the couch. Wrapping snugly in her flannel robe, thankful that it still fit around her increasing belly, she padded downstairs to find her husband.

Will was buried deep under his blanket on the couch. The living room was the coldest room in the house and Lizzy felt a pang of remorse that he had suffered a chill during the night. Tentatively she stroked his hair and whispered, "Will?"

He fidgeted slightly and tried to roll over, forgetting that a couch is not conducive to rolling in your sleep. The sensation of falling jerked him awake just as his wife put her hands out to stop his fall.

"Liz?"

"Morning." she smiled.

"Hey. What time is it?"

"6:30"

"Why are you up?"

"I missed you. I rolled over and when you weren't there I remembered... um, last night." It was impossible to stop the tears that spilled over. "I'm sorry."

"Me too." He reached up to wipe away her tears.

"I hate fighting Will."

"Yeah."

They stared at each other, trying to read the other's thoughts, but too scared to actually give voice to any emotions or problems. Finally Lizzy stood up.

"I'll make some breakfast. Why don't you go shower." She fled before he could respond.

Will entered the kitchen a bit later to find Elizabeth humming softly as she buttered toast. Last night we couldn't even be in the same room without fighting. Will this morning be different?

He cleared his throat and her happy smile answered his fears. They would get along for now.

During breakfast Liz reminded him of their appointment with the ob/gyn.

Will & Elizabeth arrived at the doctor's office. Technically they were there to see the nurse/midwife. Will wasn't convinced that this was a better option than a real doctor but he was quickly discovering that his new wife was a very stubborn individual.

"Come on Will. You'll like Tina. I promise."

"I'm certain she's very nice Elizabeth. I do not see why you can't use a doctor like everyone else."

"Will, we've been through this. I have been seeing Tina for years. She does everything a doctor does except surgery and write prescriptions. Tina delivered Lindsey. And Dr. Heyer has every confidence in her."

Will looked skeptical, "But this is all in a hospital right?"

"Unless you want our baby to be born at home." She hinted.

"No, we agreed. In a hospital."

"A hospital BIRTHING room."

"There's a difference?"

"OH yeah." She grabbed his hand, "Now come on! I want to see pictures!"

The ultrasound technician and Tina greeted Elizabeth and Will as they arrived.

"Hey kiddo, we are ready for you. Why don't you go with Sherry and change. I'll keep your hubby busy until you're ready for us."

Elizabeth followed Sherry down the hall. Will was a bit taken back by the homey atmosphere. First names, no waiting. Where was the sterility? Where were the busy nurses who hid behind glass windows and scowled at you?

"Will?"

He started at the sound of his name.

"She's doing fine. Everything is going well."

"This is all just so..." With a sweep of his arm he gestured futilely at the office.

"You're a little put out that things are more relaxed?"

"Well, yeah. I guess. It's just all so new."

Tina laughed, "You are not the first to feel that way, dearie. I expect most first-timers are in shell shock for a while. That's why I try to make things a comfortable as possible. There's enough to worry about, visiting me ought to be relaxing."

"But what about... the delivery?"

"Just Elizabeth, you, me, and a nurse. The fewer the people the calmer Elizabeth's going to be. And THAT is what matters."

"What if there are... problems?"

"We're not expecting any. Everything is progressing normally. Don't worry. Both Dr. Heyer and Dr. Rahim are on call for emergencies."

Tina led Will to a dark examining room. Elizabeth was lying on the table and Sherry was smearing some goop on her stomach. Will fidgeted nervously by his wife's side until Tina moved a small monitor and told them to look.

"That is the baby's head."

"It looks like a space alien." Lizzy pointed out.

Will just stared at the screen, mesmerized by the little beating heart.

Tina went on to point out various parts and organs, but the baby stubbornly refused to let them see what sex it was. "I guess you'll have to be surprised" she said.

Chapter 11

Will hated driving, absolutely hated the boredom of long roads, having to stop for gas, rest rooms breaks, food, coffee, more rest rooms breaks, and 'just to stretch' breaks. What is the point of having a jet at my disposal if I can't use it? But NO, Elizabeth was afraid to fly, and since she was now five months pregnant with his....their child... EVERYTHING was about Elizabeth. His hands gripped the steering wheel more tightly and he stared at the unending, boring highway. Speeding is caused by boredom. He thought as he glanced at the speedometer and back off the accelerator. If I get a ticket this will officially qualify as the worst day of my already stupid life.

"Will?" Despite her soft voice, Will scowled as he answered:

"What?"

"Nothing." She glanced out of the window and tried to think of three reasons not to yell. Mary had suggested that technique; Lizzy thought it was worth a shot. At least it might stave off one of their inevitable arguments. She sighed and gave into the blue mood that always lurked thanks to her hormones. Maybe I should have just agreed to fly. I probably could have managed okay. And at least we wouldn't be in this mess. But HE had agreed not to fly and NOW he was mad. Well, it certainly wasn't her fault he was in such a mood.

"Will I need to use the bathroom again. Could we stop?"

"Again!?"

"Yes Again. If I wanted to annoy you I would think of something more creative than peeing every hour," she sniped at him.

Will said nothing but pulled off at the next exit. They managed to be reasonably pleasant to each other and the bit of stretching seems to make some of the tension dissolve so that they were able to have a pleasant drive.

"Elizabeth why don't you put some music in."

"Sure. Where's the CD case?"

"In the back seat." Elizabeth smiled and reached into the back.

"Let's see what have we got: no, no. Geez Will, you have really strange taste in music."

"We've been married for three months and you're only discovering this now?"

"Well you do... Buckwheat Zydeco? What the heck is that?"

"Buckwheat is fabulous."

"Buckwheat is a Little Rascals character."

"He was. It's also a Saturday Night Live character."

She sighed, "So who is he?"

"Oh, he plays the accordion. The blues accordion."

"Blues Accordion? You've just proved my point about strange music taste."

"I don't tease you about Dixie Chicks."

"Yes you do! Every time Goodbye Earl comes on you tease me."

"They boiled him for supper! That's just sick."

Elizabeth caught a glimpse of a smirk on Will's face and suddenly they were both on the verge of a full-blown giggle fit; and it felt good.

"Will I have one thing to say to you, "Mama's in the Graveyard, Papa's in the Pen." Will flushed beet-red as she laughed triumphantly. "HA! You like that song but think 'Earl' is sick. It's a good thing I love you or I might be tempted to abuse this information."

"Do your worst woman."

"Oh just wait until tonight." Will's eyebrows shot up at the implied suggestion, until she whupped him on the arm. "No..... well at least not because of this.... I just meant that tonight you're going to become very familiar with the Dixie chicks music."

Will groaned. "How about a compromise? No Dixie Chicks and no Buckwheat. And maybe a little...." He wiggled his eyebrows again sending Lizzy into peals of laughter. Suddenly a drive that started horribly and threatened to turn into a huge fight was becoming.... fun, and Will smugly thought that maybe he was getting the hang of this married stuff.

They reached Connecticut late that night. Will opened the passenger door and gently roused his sleeping wife.

"Are we here?" Lizzy blinked several times and stretched. "Will I thought we were driving straight through to your house. Why did we stop here?"

"This is my house."

Her eyes opened wide as she took in the 'house'.

"This is not a house." She gestured erratically. "It's a... Four-star hotel maybe, but NOT a home." Will caught her hand and helped her out

"Yes it is a house." He brought her hand to his lips. "But I want to make it a home with you."

She stared at him blankly, "Well if that isn't the sweetest thing you've ever said."

"Think I could get a job at Hallmark?"

She chuckled. There were times it was so hard to reconcile this teasing sweet man with the businessman who flew around the country and hated to discuss his feelings. Maybe after we've been married forty years I'll understand him.

The housekeeper opened the door as they reached the top step. "Mrs. Reynolds. I see you've been waiting." Will smiled apologetically.

"And it's a good thing I have. Your aunt is here."

Will sighed, "Which one?"

"Rebecca. She brought your sister."

"Damn. Oh well I guess we will just have to make the best of things. I was hoping for a day or two for Elizabeth to get to know her way around." He looked at Lizzy. "What if we sneak upstairs and save the introductions until tomorrow? It's been a very long drive."

Elizabeth smile at Mrs. Reynolds, "I'm sorry. We haven't met. I'm Elizabeth." She stuck her hand out to greet the housekeeper.

Mrs. Reynold took it gingerly and glared at Will. "I think you had better sneak up. This poor girl looks ready to drop. Go. I'll have a hot bath drawn up and keep the wolves at bay until tomorrow." She looked at Elizabeth. "We'll have plenty of time to get to know each other tomorrow. And I'll give you a crash course on this place then. Would you like a snack before bed?"

"Oh yes please, and something warm to drink."

Mrs. Reynolds laughed. "I remember what it was like being pregnant. Yes, I'll have it for you as soon as you're out of your bath. Now scoot and let this husband of your get the luggage."

"Me? Where's ..... er Peter?"

"Och! That was last year. It's Jordan now. And I've sent him off to bed. The rest of the guests will be arriving very early tomorrow and he's going to be very busy."

"Come on Will, show me what fabulous muscles you have."

Will grinned, grabbed the bags before leading his wife upstairs to their bedroom, looked back, "Thank you Mrs. Reynolds."

"My pleasure. Now go on..."

Elizabeth woke early the next morning. Will was still sleeping as she emerged from the bathroom, showered and dressed in her most comfortable sweats. Lately she liked schlepping around in sweats since she was too big for regular clothes and too small for maternity clothes, in fact, unless you were specifically looking at her stomach you would miss her pregnancy all together. Pulling her hair into a ponytail, Lizzy decided this was as good a time as any to explore the house, or at least find the kitchen; she was hungry.

Ten minutes and four hallways later she found the kitchen and realized to her dismay that she had no idea where anything was kept in this elaborate spread. Gingerly, feeling very much like a snoop, she began opening cupboards looking to at least fix herself some tea and toast.

She had just found the tea kettle and was pulling it out of the bottom cabinet when someone began scolding her:

"Now who are YOU and just what do you think you're doing poking your nose around in my kitchen?"

Elizabeth shrieked and fell back on her rear. The owner of the voice stood towering over her, hands on hips glaring through fierce little dark eyes.

"I... I.... wanted to make some tea and toast."

"You do? Do you? Well missy this is MY kitchen and I'll thank you to get out. Breakfast is going to be at eight, just like it is every day and not before. Now get yourself back to your room and put your uniform on before Mr. Darcy or Mrs. Reynolds finds you out here. There's plenty of work for you to do." Elizabeth stood and the matron's eyes narrowed. "You're pregnant."

"Yes. I am."

"I suppose you're not married either?" the woman scanned Elizabeth's hand for a ring.

"I am so married. My fingers were swelling so I had to stop wearing my ring." At first intimidated by this bossy old woman, Elizabeth was rapidly remembering that this was now her home and she did have a right to make herself a cup of tea. And if I don't we will be moving back to Ohio very quickly. It was time to take the bull by the horns.

I sorry I don't even know your name. I'm Elizabeth. And I would still like a cup of tea and some toast."

"You'll eat when the rest of the staff eats and not before. Now go get into your uniform and start dusting the library."

"I don't think you understand. I'm not..."

They were spared further argument by the very entrance of another girl just about Elizabeth's age. "Mrs. Lynch? Mr. Darcy was asking for..... OH!" She caught sight of Elizabeth. "Beg your pardon. Mr. Darcy was wondering where you might be. He said if I found you I was to send you back to bed and let him take care of things."

"Thank you." Elizabeth paused at the door, "What's your name?"

"Michelle."

"Hi Michelle. I'm Elizabeth. Do you think you could help me navigate these hallways again? I'm afraid if I go it alone I won't find Will until after the baby comes."

Michelle followed her out of the kitchen leaving a fuming Mrs. Lynch to storm off in search of Mrs. Reynolds. Someone needed to get that girl fired before she caused all sorts of problems.

Will was just getting dressed when Elizabeth returned. He had obviously showered and Elizabeth grabbed a towel to dry off his hair as she began to recount her morning adventure.

"What is the name of that prison matron in the kitchen?"

"Prison?? Oh that's Mrs. Lynch. Met her already did you?"

"YES, sort of. I'm think I'm about to be fired."

"Fired? From what?"

"Your Mrs. Lynch has no very good opinion of pregnant maids who go in search of tea and toast in the early morning hours." She proceeded to recount the conversation. "I still don't think she realizes that I'm not some ignorant scullery maid."

"Oh I think she knows that." Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise, before he continued, "We haven't had scullery maids in a hundred years."

"Argh! You know what I mean. Honestly Will.."

After a brief embrace he remembered she was probably starving. "Come on, let's get breakfast. And I'll introduce you to Mrs. Lynch before she tries to fire you again."

The meeting went well: Mrs. Lynch properly apologized and Elizabeth forgave any insult. The two were soon lost in conversation as Mrs. Lynch proudly showed off her kitchen and Elizabeth excitedly asked about the upcoming holiday meals. It would become one of the few happy memories of her trip.

Elizabeth met Aunt Rebecca that morning. She was a forbidding lady, who looked similar to Will, with her dark hair and eyes, but that was were the similarity ended. Where Will had a teasing twinkle to his eyes, hers were shrewd and forbidding, and her dark hair was most definitely not natural. There was a forced sound to her voice as she and Elizabeth traded pleasant nothings about their trip and her impressions of Will's house and her smile often looked as if she were clenching her teeth.

Georgiana remembered Elizabeth from the wedding, asking about Jane and Charlie, and the rest of her family. Aunt Rebecca grimaced slightly as Will explained Elizabeth's large family and the 'interrogation' her brothers put him thought before they married.

"Yes, Dear. That reminds me that I have yet to even see pictures of you ceremony or your honeymoon. I do hope you brought them. I'm sure that you uncle Phil and I will want to see them and hear all about your honeymoon trip." She smiled meanly at Elizabeth behind Will's back.

"We didn't... That is the circumstances..."

"We decided to skip the big honeymoon trip Aunt Rebecca." Lizzy stepped in and rescued Will. "We had a weekend honeymoon. That seemed enough at the time."

"Oh yesssssss. I forgot your condition must have made it difficult for you to do any extensive traveling."

"I'm pregnant not dying."

"Ah but pregnancy isn't something one normally has to worry about when planning a honeymoon, is it? I just meant that your circumstances were a bit unusual. NO harm done." She waved off airily and began to query Georgiana about Will's wedding. The girl answered briefly and politely but with no real enthusiasm. Lizzy, sensing she wasn't wanted, excused herself. Will followed.

"Elizabeth? Is everything alright?"

She wanted to yell and cry NO! How can anything be all right? I'm totally unprepared for the life you lead. I do not fit in and your family seems to be more eager to point that out than to help me adjust. And I am all alone! Instead she nodded and gave him a half smile.

"I think I'm just a little tired. Maybe I'll lie down for a bit."

"It's awfully early in the day. You don't usually get tired this early." He took her hand and rubbed his thumb along her knuckles as if it would somehow give him the ability to read her mind. It didn't.

She smiled at his attempted kindness. "Really, Will. The firing squad in there was kinda hard for me. I just want to be alone for a bit."

"Okay. Why don't you call Jane."

"You're sure. It's a long distance call."

"Elizabeth this is your house. You can call anywhere. And I promise I won't even notice the charges." It was true. Mrs. Reynolds paid the bills and gave Will a monthly statement. He wouldn't even see the phone bill unless he asked.

Lizzy made her way upstairs a little happier. She missed her family and desperately wanted to talk to them. Plus, Jane always knew how to put things into perspective, make her see the good side to everyone. Now if I could only get her to visit me here.

Georgiana Maria Catherine Darcy, at 16, was a beautiful girl with great promise of becoming and remaining a stunning woman, especially if the plastic surgeons her Aunt Catherine was fond of had their way. She had spent most of her years in boarding school and thought nothing of following her much elder and very adored brother around the globe on her summer vacation. Her grades were good, her manner pleasing and polite, and her prospects for her future were excellent. If she had one drawback it would have been the lack of close bosom friends. That was a small matter; after all she was a Darcy and a Fitzwilliam. Those two names alone would gain her access to the best schools and most exclusive organizations, she was already a member of the DAR thanks to her Fitzwilliam bloodline. She was doted upon by the rest of the family, who had felt such pity at the tiny girl who lost her parents so very early in her life. Aunt Rebecca having only sons, and Aunt Catherine being childless, were elated that they had a girl to dress properly, teach her all about the numerous and necessary charities they dabbled in, and give her a proper debut.

She looked at her brother's wife with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. Elizabeth had been nice enough two months ago at the wedding, and generous to include her in the ceremony. Georgiana suspected that her brother had forced the issue and made Elizabeth include her. But that had been several months ago. Several months where her doting brother had become a stranger talking constantly about his new family. The rest of the family was mad at Will for marrying her, her classmates teased her about her brother getting 'caught' in the oldest trap in the book, and Will was never around anymore. Georgiana blamed Elizabeth and the seeds of hate grew into a strong fury. Here on her own turf that woman was NOT going to run the house and she was certainly not going to tell Georgiana Maria Catherine Darcy what to do!

None of this occurred to Elizabeth, who, still vastly overwhelmed by physical evidence of Will's wealth (it would take a lot of time before she could consider any of this as hers too), and having no experience with spoilt teenagers, save Lydia who was really more of a wild brat than a spoilt teenager, completely missed the hostility and indifference directed at her whenever she spoke to Georgiana. She had five sisters, as Sue really was a more of a sister than just her brother's wife, and they were forever getting mad and making up within the day. That was just the nature of sisters.

It came as a great shock that afternoon then, when Lizzy, finding Georgiana alone in the TV room sullenly flipping channels, sat down to get to know her and was quickly told to 'buzz off.'

"Look, I know your married to my brother. But that does not make you my sister. I don't want a sister. I'd be happy if you just went away and let me have my brother back." Georgiana spit out.

"But... I thought we could at least be friends. Sue's just as much of a sister to me as Jane... I thought we could..." Lizzy's face flushed and she tried to find the words.

"We could what? Shop for maternity clothes together? No thanks. It's bad enough you got pregnant, couldn't you just take the money and go away? Did you have to insist on marriage?" Georgiana wasn't going to give her an inch. She hated this intruder and the sooner Elizabeth realized it and packed her bags, the better the whole family would be.

"I..."

"Just save it. No one wants you. Especially me. Just go back to that hickville town you crawled out from. You'll NEVER fit in here and as sooner my brother sees that and gets rid of you I will be the happiest camper in the world." Georgiana flung down the remote and stormed off.

Elizabeth curled up on the couch and cried herself to sleep.

Author's Note: Buchwheat Zydeco IS a real musician. "Goodbye Earl" is from the Dixie Chicks and "Mama's In The Graveyard, Papa's In The Pen" is a song by Garth Brooks; but I have no idea what albums the songs are on.

Chapter 12

After sending Elizabeth to call Jane, Will wanted to hide. It was always easier than arguing with Georgiana, and more pleasant than Aunt Rebecca's barbs and witty comments. It would blow over soon enough; he just needed a safe place to wait it out. Will made his way to the kitchen where he found Mrs. Lynch was scurrying about preparing an elaborate lunch.

Oh, Mr. Darcy! You startled me again. Is there a problem sir?"

"No, no.... just looking for a bit of peace and quiet." His half-hearted smile told volumes about the state of things 'out there'.

Mrs. Lynch chuckled, "Yes, well that I surmised when you came in looking like a whipped puppy. Grab a cup of coffee and sit down. Jean ought to be in here soon; she'll know how to help."

Will did as told and perched at the counter reveling in the smells and warmth of the kitchen. This room above all others reminded him of being home in Ohio with Elizabeth.

"If I may say sir, I like Mrs. Darcy. I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot, but she's genuinely forgiving and very sweet. I think she'll do a world of good for this family."

"Thank you Mrs. Lynch." He was interrupted by the entrance of Mrs. Reynolds; she was studying some papers and didn't even look up as she entered.

"Diana I think we ought to substitute one of these desserts. Mrs. Darcy might not feel up to such a heavy dessert after eating with that crowd. Do you think a nice sherbet?"

"Sherbet's nice, but I have a good peppermint ice cream that I think might be a better choice."

"Mrs. Reynolds?" Will's voice caused Jean Reynolds to jump in fright.

"Mr. Darcy! I'm sorry I didn't see you there."

"It's alright." Will stared morosely into his coffee cup, missing the questioning look and shrugged shoulders that passed between Diana Lynch and Jean Reynolds.

"Mrs. Reynolds what did you mean a moment ago? When you said Elizabeth might not feel well after eating with that crowd?"

Mrs. Reynolds hesitated, uncertain if she ought to apologize for her indiscreet gossiping and flee the room, or tell this young man exactly what she thought of his family treating Mrs. Darcy so shabbily. She choose the latter.

"Mr. Darcy, I've never been one to mince words with you." She regarded him carefully. Fitzwilliam Darcy might have been her employer, but she'd known and lived in the same house him since he was a toddler and that gave her a certain perspective few other people could claim. It was her considered opinion that he was deeply over his head in trouble. Someone needed to talk some sense before he did something entirely stupid. She pressed forward:

"Well, those two women, your aunts have been here regularly to check up on how I am managing the house, as if I was some ignorant neophyte who couldn't add two plus two." Here Mrs. Reynolds paused and drew a deep breath, complaining wouldn't help the argument she was trying to make. "Anyway, once they're happy that the house is standing and I haven't sold off any of the furnishings, then they sit down and invite me to have a cup of coffee with them.

"Then they gossip and I listen. Lots of times it's neighborhood coming and goings, or servants. Lately it's been all about your 'ill-advised' marriage. They have judged and condemned that poor child without ever meeting her. And both of them have made a concerted effort to portray your marriage in the worst possible light to Georgiana... Miss Darcy. I don't think I'll ever get used to her growing up... anyway, when she returned from your wedding, she was happy. She was even looking forward to living with you both this summer, after school. Then your aunts got hold of her, telling her what a horrid gold-digger the new Mrs. Darcy is, how you were trapped by doing something stupid... They even went so far as to tell Georgiana that you'd ship her off just to make your wife happy. They began plotting to remove Georgiana to one of their houses."

Shock registered on Will's face. Mrs. Reynolds was by now quite upset.

"And YOU letting all this go on under your very nose." Mrs. Lynch interjected disdainfully.

Will glared, "I don't think I need either of you to judge my life."

"Well someone needs to say SOMETHING." Mrs. Reynolds slammed her hand on the table, getting Will's undivided, though belligerent attention. "It's time you took charge of this family. And let me tell you this... Don't you dare let those harpies hurt Mrs. Darcy. That poor girl doesn't deserve to be treated like some back alley street cat."

Mrs. Reynolds paused to calm down. "Mr. Darcy, I've been around long enough to know at a glance when a person is genuine and Mrs. Darcy is. She wouldn't hurt a person for all the world. And that includes you. She's going to sit there and take all the abuse your family heaps on her and never complain to you, because she doesn't want to insult your family. It's YOUR job to keep your family from hurting her."

Will gave a weak smile, "It's been a long time since you've scolded me like that. Is it really as bad as you say?"

"It is. And it's going to get worse unless you stop them. They've already begun spreading stories around the neighborhood. It won't be long before most of your friends and acquaintances hate your wife."

"What do you suggest?"

"First I'd reassure your wife. Be strong for her and the baby."

Will stared off into space. Something had to be done but he wasn't quite sure what... yet.
"Can you arrange for a private supper for Elizabeth and I? Away from the family."

Mrs. Reynolds smiled broadly, "Certainly, but what about lunch?"

"I have to go out for a bit. Would you ask Elizabeth if she'd like lunch in her room or if she'd like to join the others?"

With Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Lynch assuring him that they would look after Mrs. Darcy's needs, Will hurried to change his clothes and left the house. He had work to do.

Will returned that evening just before supper and summoned Mrs. Reynolds as he changed from his suit into more casual clothing.

"Everything set Mrs. R?"

"Everything is set. Supper will be served in one half hour. And you look like you are in a much better mood."

Will grinned, "How can you tell?"

"You're smiling and you don't look so beaten down."

"You are correct. I had a very good afternoon. Now where is my wife?"

"I believe I saw her lying down in the TV room earlier."

"That's odd. Well, would you see if you can find her and tell her supper is ready?"

Mrs. Reynolds found Elizabeth still asleep on the couch in the TV room.

"Mrs. Darcy.... Mrs. Darcy."

Elizabeth woke with a start to unfamiliar surroundings. Sitting up she tried to get her bearings.

Mrs. Reynolds?... Oh, I'm in the TV room. Georgie.... With a sigh she sank down into the couch again.

"Mrs. Darcy. Supper will be served soon. I thought perhaps you ought to freshen up before." Mrs. Reynolds smiled gently.

"Please, let me stay here. I can't take anymore of.... them."

"Oh you needn't worry about the family. Mr. Darcy has arranged private meal. Just the two of you."

Elizabeth gave a genuinely happy smile. "Thank you."

Supper was delicious and made even more so by the privacy in which it was eaten. The chatted about little things, and nothings, carefully avoiding any mention of that morning.

"Elizabeth? I'm sorry about.... earlier."

Elizabeth looked confused He couldn't know about Georgiana. Unless Georgiana had told him, and Elizabeth doubted that.

Will continued, "I know Aunt Rebecca is... hard to deal with. Actually both my aunts are. Do you think.... Could you deal with her? Or should I ask her to go?" He was scared. Will had spent his life not offending his family, doing whatever it took to keep the peace. His aunt's both tried to 'help' with the children after his mother died and frequently they were at war with each other, but only when they were not joined together against Will's father.

"Will.." she sighed. "I'll be nice. I will try my best..."

"Thank you." He sighed and closed his eyes in relief. Everything would be all right. Elizabeth would make nice to them and everyone would stop pulling at him.

"But Will?" Will's head jerked up. She had that 'dropping a bombshell' tone. Warning bells began sounding in his brain.

"Hmm?" he grunted as non-committally as possible.

"You shouldn't let them speak to your family like that."

"They are my family."

"They are part of your family. But my claim on you takes precedence. I want you to stand between them and me. I need you to do that Will."

They stared at one another for along moment, before Elizabeth left.

"I want to go take a bath to unwind. I'll see you in a bit. Okay?" She put her hand on his shoulder.

"Hm? Yeah. Okay." He squeezed her hand and she left him alone.

Once ensconced in the warm water Elizabeth permitted herself to indulge in a good deep blue funk.

What have I gotten myself into? It's a very good thing I never met Will's family before we were married or I never would have said yes. Of course if I'd met them before we married they'd probably have talked him out of it. Why can't anything be simple!

"I wish we'd never left Ohio!" The bathroom rang with her shout and Elizabeth gave into tears again.

Dang it! I HATE these hormones. It's just not right for me to be bursting into tears all the time, or losing my temper. She threw the loofah across the room. Ooooh I wish I'd never gotten pregnant.

Will sat in the same spot and thought for some time. There was a certain wisdom in her thinking. Certainly it would be better if HE told his aunt's to behave than if Elizabeth started a fight. He vaguely remembered his father placing himself between Will and his aunts when one of them wanted to make him do something ridiculous.

Slowly he stood and began clearing the dishes, carrying them to the kitchen.

"Mr. Darcy?!" Mrs. Lynch was still in the kitchen. "What on earth are you doing?"

"Putting the dishes in the sink?" Will suddenly realised that he'd never in his life cleared the table before marrying Elizabeth. Smiling sheepishly he placed them in the sink, "Habit I guess. At home I always.."

Mrs. Lynch chuckled, "Good for you. Don't worry. It'll be our secret." She winked and sent him away.

As he made his way back Will realised he didn't want it to be a secret. Why should he hide the best parts of his life because other people wouldn't like it? Elizabeth and the life they had built in Ohio were the best parts of him.

He found his wife in their room. She was reading a book of baby names.

"Hey," he said.

"Hi." she smiled. "Where were you?"

"I cleared the table."

"Good. Thanks for taking care of that." she returned to the book.

"Liz? Do you know I've never done that here?"

"Done what?"

"Cleared the table. I've always had people whose job it was."

She stopped reading and looked up expectantly. Will recognized that 'so are you going to get to the point look?'

He kissed her forehead, "I realised I love clearing the table. I love the life we've been building and I want very much to have that here too."

"I don't want to stay here. I want to go home."

"I know. Can you give it a try? I promise it won't be as bad after Aunt Rebecca leaves."

She nodded and began to look at her book. Will lifted her chin with his finger. He searched her eyes, "Why the long face?"

"It's just... even after she leaves there's still Georgiana."

"What about Georgiana?"

She shifted uncomfortably and chewed her lower lip. Finally she spoke, "Georgiana and I had 'words' this afternoon."

He insisted she tell him. Will looked very tired and sad when she finished her glossed over version of the events. "It's hard on her. She's jealous and maybe even a bit spoilt. I'll have a talk with her and see what I can do."

"You don't need to. It'll blow over soon enough." She didn't really believe that, but wanted to ease Will's mind. When he didn't respond she changed tactics and the subject. "So what do you think of Ian?"

Will looked confused. "Who is Ian?"

"I was thinking of that for the baby's name."

"It's.... nice."

"Nice? That's it?! Nice?"

"Well, yeah. Nice." Will shrugged.

"Well then you suggest something."

"Nancy."

"Nancy?" Will nodded, Elizabeth stared skeptically. "Why?"

"Nancy Drew."

"You read Nancy Drew?"

"Well, sorta. I read them to Georgie. I always thought she was kinda cool."

"Humph. I liked Trixie Belden myself." She teased.

Will looked at her and said very seriously, "Lizzy, we are NOT naming the baby Trixie."

Chapter 13

The next morning Elizabeth woke refreshed and hopeful. Will's sweetness and their time alone had renewed her determination to make things right between her and Georgiana; she just knew they could make it work and be friends, if only for Will's sake. Will. She suddenly noticed she was alone in bed. A swift glance at the clock showed the time as 5:45 am. Where'd he go? I don't remember him telling me he had to go into work so early Still, it was awfully early for him to just be up and about, but she heard no noise coming from their bathroom.

After easing herself out of bed and visiting the bathroom, Elizabeth wandered down to the kitchen. Perhaps this morning Mrs. Lynch would let her have some tea and toast before breakfast. Seeing the empty kitchen, she hesitated, before deciding to take the risk and put the kettle on.

Looking for the bread she entered the large pantry. This is larger than my kitchen at home. I wish Jane could see this.

"Mrs. Lynch?" Lizzy heard Will's voice and before she could announce her presence she heard another.

"I don't see her, but she must be around, the kettle's on. Think we can manage coffee by ourselves?"

"Oh easily," Will replied. "I've become rather domestic since Elizabeth."

"Really?" The voice laughed. "Somehow I can't picture you settled down, much less as a house husband."

"You jest, but I am. Allow me to demonstrate." She heard the sounds of clinking and thunking and assumed Will was demonstrating his newly acquired coffee-making skills. Knowing Will's propensity for spilling half of the grounds as he filled the basket, she prayed he would remember to wipe off the counter.

"I'm impressed. Marriage has obviously succeed in teaching you what fifteen years of my mother could not," the other man mocked.

"Thomas your mother could charm a snake out of its venom. But she was not cut out for raising teenage boys."

So the voice was named Thomas. Lizzy suspected this was Thomas the cousin who ran the company.

"She raised me and my brother." Thomas sounded miffed.

"Please! She shipped you both off to boarding school. AND she would have done the same for me if my father hadn't refused. Georgie's the only one of us she's ever been truly concerned about."

"Will, I hate to break it to you, but even I can see that my mother is only interested in receiving credit for Georgie's success. Why do you think she's worked so hard to get Georgie to hate... what's her name. Your wife."

Will sighed, "Elizabeth. Please try to remember it when you meet her. This whole fiasco has been hard enough. I want at least ONE of my relatives to be nice to her." There was a moment of silence and Elizabeth contemplated revealing herself but Aunt Rebecca's voice stopped her.

"I am always nice Fitzwilliam. Good morning boys. You're both up early this morning. Thomas when did you arrive?"

"Morning mother. I arrived last night rather late."

"Is your brother with you?"

"No, he already told you couldn't get leave Mother. He'll be here for Easter. Now what's this I hear you've been mean to Will's wife?"

"Humph. I'm never mean."

"Now, Mother Even I know better than that. You'd stab Father in the back if it meant one of us would marry properly."

"Oh for heaven's sake Thomas.... Stop the melodramatics. This is hardly the seventeenth century. You can marry whoever you choose."

There was a snort of laughter from Will.

"However, I DO know that there are those kinds of girls who would chase you and marry you for the status and money and then ruin you in the divorce proceedings. If I said something about a girl you were interested in, I was merely looking out for you. You know dear there are times, under certain circumstances, where a man is unable to think clearly."

"Aunt Rebecca you're going to far. Elizabeth is not a ..... gold-digger. Besides I hardly think a woman who referred to me as a lobotomized ape was chasing me."

Thomas choked on his laughter. "Oh you MUST tell me THAT story."

"Later Thomas. My point Aunt is that I happen to know Elizabeth did not marry me for my money, or my status." Will said pointedly.

"Of course not dear." Aunt Rebecca said in her most conciliatory voice. "I sure she misunderstood what I said. She's just overly sensitive. Pregnant women are dear. Of course I wouldn't expect you to know that, but they are. The girl just misunderstood what I was saying, that's all. Now if you'll excuse me I must go back to bed. It's simply much too early for me to be up."

She breezed out of the room barely missing Lizzy as she stomped out of the pantry and glared after her. Will ceased grinding his teeth and began to worry what storm would blow through now.

Thomas' first look at his cousin's wife indicated she was a petite brunette with her hair in a single plait, standing with hands on hips in overly-large pajama's and a murderous look on her face.

"Hi" He offered her his hand. "Thomas Fitzwilliam. You must be Elizabeth."

The look of death faded at his warm greeting. She smiled and offered her hand, "I'm Elizabeth. I, um. I was in the pantry looking for some bread and I.... heard. Everything." She shook Thomas' hand and then went and wrapped her arms around Will. "And YOU sir..."

Will wrapped his arms around her, nearly over turning the sugar bowl perched precariously close to his elbow. She giggled as he set everything back to rights and said: "Good Morning Elizabeth. Did you sleep well?"

"I did. At least until I woke up cold." she took his arms and wrapped them around her again.

"I'm sorry I thought I covered you after I got up."

"You covered me fine silly. I missed my heat source." She nuzzled his chest. Will grinned in such a manner that Thomas felt embarrassed.

"Why were you hiding in the pantry?" Will asked.

"Oh, I was looking for some bread to make toast and when I heard...."

"You mean you wanted to eavesdrop."

"That too." She grinned smartly and scurried to the toaster. Will came up behind her and took the bread away.

"Here. Let me. I was showing off my new skills."

Thomas spoke up, "I never would have believed that my take-out king roommate would ever learn to make coffee."

"And on good days he picks up his dirty clothes." Elizabeth teased.

"You've got him well trained I see."

"You can both stop talking like I am not here. Thomas, take your coffee and go shower. We'll talk later. And YOU madam. Get back upstairs before anyone else sees you so scandalously underdressed."

Elizabeth glanced at her flannel pj's and looked confused. "I'm not scandalously underdressed."

"You will be as soon as I'm finished with this toast."

Understanding dawned on Elizabeth and with a cheeky grin she ran upstairs.

Thomas stared after her before commenting, "Lobotomized ape?"

Will nodded, "Well at one point I said something rather stupid about her and she called me on it." Thomas Fitzwilliam thought for a moment and decided that either his cousin had made a complete idiot of himself or Elizabeth was unusually bright. All the women he knew were a bit thickheaded about Will. In fact Will could and did deliberately insult them and they still hung on.

"Smart girl. Cute too. Not your usual type though."

"My usual type?"

"You know, leggy, busty, gorgeous, plastic.... Caroline, Anne,.."

"I NEVER dated Caroline." Will glanced at him, "But no Elizabeth's not like that. Thank god."

Thomas laughed and baited Will, "You're glad she's not gorgeous?"

"Oh don't be obtuse. I'm glad she's not fake, besides, I think she's beautiful." Will crossed his arms and dared Thomas to disagree. Although Will was shorter than Thomas by an inch, and their weight was fairly close, Thomas declined the challenge with a chuckle and raised hands in mock surrender.

"I give. Like I said, she's a cute girl. How'd you ever meet her?"

"Bing." Will said.

"Nah, she's not Bing's type either." Bing liked tall and leggy and blonde, always blonde. For that matter so did Thomas.

Will chuckled, "No, but her sister is."

"A sister?" Thomas' eyes gleamed.

"No, Thomas. Bing's in love."

"When is Bing not in love with his flavor of the moment?" Thomas refilled his coffee and offered some to Will.

"I wouldn't exactly call Jane a 'flavor of the month."

"Alright then, but Bing's still in and out of love as often as you change shoes." Thomas too a long sip of his coffee, being careful not to burn his mouth.

"True.. But this one's different. Bing's talking about proposing at Christmas." This news caused Thomas to spew his mouthful of coffee.

"Christmas?!" He grabbed a towel and wiped off his shirt, "Bing??......Married?"

"Yes. Now IF you'll excuse me.... my wife is waiting." Will winked and left Thomas to ponder what it was in these sisters that made his formerly confirmed bachelor friends want to get married.

In the early afternoon, Georgiana breezed into the lilac sitting room, her favorite room, only to find Elizabeth sitting in her chair.

"What are YOU doing in here."

Elizabeth's head jerked up from her book. She had been enjoying her solitude. The room was a quiet restful retreat, and the chair was perfectly placed close enough to a window that one could sit and just stare out of the window at the trees and sky.

"Reading."

Georgiana glared and spun around to the door, but Elizabeth's voice stopped her before she could leave.

"Georgie! Wait!"

Georgiana turned back to Elizabeth but said nothing.

"I... Yesterday was just a misunderstanding. I hoped we could be friends."

"Don't call me Georgie."

"Oh, I thought since Will.."

"Only my family calls me Georgie." she hissed.

Something inside of Elizabeth snapped. "What the hell is your problem Georgie? I'm not the enemy here but you insist on treating me like I'm some sort of disease carrying angel of death. What did I ever do to you? Huh? I've been as nice and welcoming as I could. My whole family adored you... but am I treated with ANY amount of kindness. NO! You've decided that I'm the enemy and it's your job to hate me. Well grow up little girl. Your brother was going to get married someday and I'm just fortunate enough that he chose me."

Georgiana's face went from shock to virulent anger as she registered what Elizabeth was saying, "He didn't choose you. He was trapped. If you hadn't been pregnant he never even would have spoken to you again. You're just not his type."

This hit Elizabeth too close to home. She was hearing her own fears voiced by someone else as an accusation. And she knew it was all true.

"You're wrong! Will loves me!"

Georgiana smirked, "Yeah, right. My brother, with a Harvard education, more money that you can count, a blood-line that reaches goes back hundreds of years, loves YOU. Well, I guess we'll have to see how much he loves you in a few years when he's tired of an ill-mannered, uncultured country bumpkin and looks for someone who understands him."

Elizabeth ran crying from the room and Georgiana felt a momentary pang of regret that she had hurt this woman. This was soon replaced by visions of having Will all to herself again; perhaps she should ask if they could go see the Nutcracker next week, just like they always had.

Thomas was standing in the hallway and caught hold of Elizabeth as she came running out of the room.

"Hey, slow down." She tried to push past him, but he didn't let go of her arm. She was shaking and crying so hard that Thomas felt he had to do something to help.

"Come on. Let's go in here. He opened a door across the hall. It was Will's office. "Sit down here and I'll find you a tissue."

She accepted the tissue with a small smile and blew her nose, loudly. Thomas looked shocked.

"Quite a brass band." Elizabeth acknowledged. He tried to deny it but she laughed, "Don't bother. My brother's have always made my faults abundantly clear to me and anyone who would listen."

They sat for a moment in silence while tears continued to track a path down her cheeks. Finally Thomas spoke, "I, um, heard... most of it."

"Oh..." She looked dejected, beaten. Without warning she buried her face in her hands and began to sob.

"Elizabeth. It's alright. Really. It'll be alright." He said soothingly but awkwardly as he tried to pat her head.

"No.... no it won't. I just can't make everything alright." She hiccuped a little trying to clam down.

"I don't think it's you who needs to fix anything."

"But they all hate me."

"Look... as I see it, all you have to do is make Will happy. To hell with all of them." That got her to smile a little. "You know all Will talks about is how wonderful you are."

"Really?" Her smile grew.

"Yeah.... and well, stock prices."

They chuckled a bit and she sighed, "Thanks. I just... I needed some encouragement."

"Anytime."

Something about Thomas caught her attention. After studying him for a moment she said, "You're a little bit like him you know."

"Yeah. But I'm better looking."

"Ummm. No." Thomas laid a hand over his heart and looked stunned; Elizabeth laughed at him. "But thanks. Now...I'd best get cleaned up if I'm going to face all of them for dinner tonight."

Thomas watched as she walked down the hall. Maybe marriage isn't such a bad idea after all. I wonder if she's got anymore sisters? Shaking his head at the absurdity of that thought, he went to have a word with his dear little cousin.

When he entered, Georgiana was glaring sullenly at the wall.

"Hello Georgiana. What's up?"

She glanced at him and returned to her sullen fit.

Thomas went and stood close enough that he could speak softly, but far enough that she'd miss if she took a swing at him.

"Georgiana, do you want to talk to me about it?"

She shook her head.

"Fine, then listen: I want you to knock it off."

Georgiana spun around, shocked and angry. "There's nothing to knock off Thomas." she spat.

He eyed her for a moment, and then spoke carefully, "You know exactly what I am talking about. Don't even try to play innocent victim with me. I can't be manipulated like Will and my mother."

"I don't know what you're talking about." She stated as nobly as she could.

Thomas grabbed her by the arms, "Georgiana Darcy, stop acting like a spoilt two year old, whose favorite toy is threatened and BEHAVE yourself."

"Or what? You'll tell Will? You're NOT my father you know."

"And thank God for that. But I can't help thinking that your father would be awfully disappointed. I mean, your father wanted to and Will to be happy. But now that Will's finally found someone to love him you want to destroy that."

"Thomas..Just Bite Me." Georgie stormed out of the room, slamming the door hard enough to rattle the light fixture.

Continued in Next Section