Beginning, Previous Section, Section III
Jump to new as of January 30, 2001
Jump to new as of February 22, 2001
Jump to new as of February 7, 2002
Will stood in the back watching Elizabeth chatting happily with some guy. So fine, they were in a church. That didn't make it any easier to watch his wife laughing with that guy. Shouldn't cause a scene. Calm down. They're simply talking. He desperately tried to reason with the baser instinct which demanded he punch the guy's lights out. A few deep breaths and he was able to unclench his fists, though it did nothing for his jaw.
It was been a terrible month for them: instead of going back to Ohio after a week, Will had been forced to tell Elizabeth they would be moving here indefinitely. Then he had been working insane hours, leaving her alone with Georgiana for days on end. At least Aunt Rebecca had gone to her own home; her husband called and announce that he was lonely and she better get home before he found someone else who could throw a garden party and married her instead. Unknown to anyone else, Thomas and Will quietly sent a box of cigars to Henry Fitzwilliam and thanked him for helping them.
Will knew Elizabeth was unhappy and even lonely. She'd told him often enough. Will had hoped that going to Ohio for Christmas would soften her opinion of him. Apparently, judging by her daily visits to see this guy... this handsome, young, red-haired, jerk
"May I help you sir?" The older gentleman startled Will out of his daydreams of bloodshed and glory.
"No. Thank you..." He said through gritted teeth.
"You're waiting to see Father Jim?" Will glanced at the old man and caught the fleeting smirk on his face.
"Who?" He growled.
"I'm sorry I assumed you were waiting to speak to Father Jim after he finished speaking with Elizabeth. They'll be finished soon."
"Father... How?.... Father??"
The man laughed. "He does look a little young. But he's been one of the best priests we've ever had. Very wise for such a young man."
"A priest. She's been talking to a priest." he muttered
A few minutes later Father Jim and Elizabeth met Will as he stood in the back. Elizabeth made the necessary introductions before Father Jim hurried away for his next appointment.
"Sooo, spill it." Elizabeth said.
"Spill what?"
"Why you're here. And why you look like you've done something totally stupid." He flushed in embarrassment. How does one confess to wanting to punch a priest?
"I thought you........If I tell her what I was really thinking I'm going to be in SO much trouble. I'm here because I came home early and couldn't find you. Seth told me were here and he was to pick you up at 4:30. So I came instead."
"You were worried and wanted to know what I was doing," she accused.
"A little." he confessed.
"It's a church Will. What did you expect to find me doing?"
He shrugged. "Father Jim seems nice."
"He is. and don't change the subject."
"Sorry. I really just..."
Elizabeth took pity on her squirming husband. "I wanted someone to talk to about all of this...mess."
"Mess?" Will looked adorably confused.
"Well, moving away from everyone and everything... Your sister's hatred of me."
"Georgie doesn't hate you."
"Will.." Elizabeth sighed and remembered Jane advice from last night's phone conversation Sometimes it's better to stick to the issue and not get carried away by the battle "Fine. She doesn't hate me. But she's mean and angry and says the most awful things whenever you're not around. I think she's insecure about where she stands with you."
Will stared off into space. "Do you.... Should I try talking to her?"
"It might help. At least it will make me feel like you're on my side."
"I'm always on your side. I just don't..."
"You don't want to choose?" She added. When he nodded she continued. "It's okay. I won't ask you to choose. But it's be nice if we were all on the same side wouldn't it?"
Early the next morning Will found his sister outside on the old tire swing. It hung from a beautiful old maple on the far edge of the east lawn. Will's grandfather had hung that for him on his fifth birthday. The old man, always busy making and doing 'things' decided that his young grandson was going to benefit from his forced retirement. Thus at aged four Will's grandfather became his best playmate. Papa Darcy built tree houses, and taught Will how to ride, and how to drive the lawn mower (he was sworn to secrecy lest his mother have a conniption fit and forbid Will to play with Papa.). In the winter they set up boxes all over the basement and played fort, and Indians, and cowboys, until the cook threatened to thrash them both if they 'raided' her 'larder' once more. And more than once the man's penchant for ice-cream resulted in Libby's Ice- Cream Parlour being overtaken by Papa, Will, and any child within shouting distance. Papa Darcy was the main reason Will was a favourite among his classmates and neighbors.
Will's Papa died two years before Georgiana was born, but as soon as she was old enough Will pushed her on the swing and told her stories about Papa. Since then, Georgie had always viewed this as her spot, so it was no surprise to find her there that morning.
"Hey kid. I thought I might find you here." He tried to keep his voice cheerful and friendly.
"Go away Will." She scowled. It was going to take more than Will being nice to make Georgie feel better. For his part Will had no intention of making Georgie feel better. NO, his intention was much more basic. Will was going to defend his wife and remind Georgiana that it was HIS choice whom he married... no one else had a say in the matter... well, except for the girl, and fortunately she said yes.
"NO Georgie. We need to have a talk. Come on." He pulled her up and led her back towards the house. Once there, Will steered her into a side room and plunked her into an overstuffed chair. Will stood n front of her with his arms crossed daring her to try and leave. Their staring contest last two minutes until Georgie broke and began examining the floor.
"Georgie, about Elizabeth.."
"What about her?" She said to the rug.
"Georgiana look at me." She glared up at him. Will tried a softer tone. "Georgie. Why is it you seem to think it's acceptable to be mean to Elizabeth?"
"I suppose SHE came crying to you about how mean I was. Well it's not true." Georgiana pouted.
"It is true. Thomas told me about his conversation with you."
She looked mulish, "I should have known he'd take her side. How can you be so blind Will? She's even using our own cousin against us. She's just a stupid tramp. Maybe the baby's not even yours and she just wants money. Did you even TRY to give her money to go away?"
Will stared at her in silence until Georgiana began to get nervous. It took an enormous amount of energy to check his temper when he finally did speak, "I never, and I DO mean NEVER want to hear you speak about her like that. YOU do not know that facts and are making judgements based upon the prejudices of Aunt Rebecca and Aunt Catherine, both of whom have tried for years to manipulate my life. I love Elizabeth. I am married to her and I am going to stay married to her. I will not give up on my wife, or any of my children just to suit the whims of someone else, and that includes YOU my dear little sister."
Georgiana may have been spoilt but she was also extremely sensitive and this speech by her own brother was tantamount to being spanked. She sniffed back her tears, but they rolled down her cheeks anyway.
Will gathered her into his arms like he did when she was a baby and would come running to his room after a nightmare. "Georgiana, I love you and you will always have a home here. Elizabeth wants to be a sister to you, and she has lots of experience being a very good sister. Give her a chance, please? For my sake?"
"I....... I'll try." She whispered.
It rained the next several days; a hard cold rain which kept both man and beast inside as much as possible. For Elizabeth this meant long periods of intense boredom. She phoned Jane twice, read six books, and once contemplated which if the rooms could be redecorated as a nursery and playroom for when they visited. Eventually, being utterly bored, she convinced Mrs. Reynolds to let her help decorate the Christmas cookies and taught Mrs. Lynch how to make her grandmother's challah bread recipe, a gesture that was appreciated by the servants though not the family.
Georgiana made an attempt to stop hating her, though now shame and fear of rejection kept her from opening up to Elizabeth. But it was a start, and Elizabeth tried her best to draw Georgiana into conversation and friendship.
There was to be a New Year's Eve party on Saturday, a fancy dress-to-the-nines posh country club party. With some dismay Lizzy realized that she hadn't packed anything formal; truth be told the only formal she owned was a slinky red dress she'd worn for a frat formal in college, back when she was dating that moron. Even if her ever increasing bulk didn't demand a new dress the memory of the moron was enough to persuade her.
Contrary to stereotype, Elizabeth was one woman who hated shopping, even before she became the size and shape of a chipmunk with a gland problem. And this time there wouldn't be a loving sister to cajole or threaten her into buying the perfect dress. There was no one to shop with, no one to badger her into buying a dress that looked great but wasn't her normal style, no one to sit and drink coffee and gloat with over the great purchases they'd made, or complain about the money they'd overspent. She finally broke down and asked Georgiana to go shopping and was pleasantly surprised to find they got along when they both tried hard. With Georgie's help she were able to find a burgundy colored dress that in all justice, did look well with her eyes and hair, even if was obviously a maternity dress.
New Year's Eve
I'm getting SO fat. Elizabeth scowled into the mirror. I won't be at all surprised if someone calls animal control about a beached whale.
Will came in and noticed her scowl. "What's the matter?"
"I'm fat."
Will laughed, "Where?"
"I would THINK it's obvious." She gestured around her slightly rounded stomach.
"That's the baby. It's not fat." Will looked puzzled.
Elizabeth took one look at Will: tall, handsome, tuxedo that looked molded to fit his frame... and burst into tears.
"Elizabeth, honey... what's wrong?"
"I'm just.... it's that... I'm fat. And I'm only going to get fatter, and I'm never going to find my waist again...."
Will took her into his arms and held her. Somewhere in the recesses of his mind he remembered Mike warning him about moods swings, and to say nothing when they happened, so he just held her. Soon Elizabeth sniffed away her tears and smiled. Will kissed her forehead and silently thanked God for Mike's advice.
The room was crowded with tuxes, silks, and attitude, leaving little room for a tried pregnant woman to maneuver. If I'm this tired now, how bad am I going to feel in a couple of months?
"Elizabeth?"
"Thomas!"
He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "How are you holding up?"
"Now or in general?"
"Both."
"In general things are getting better. I hated quitting my job and moving here, but I understand. And Will was great flying us back to Ohio so we could spend Christmas with my family. Georgie even came."
"And....?"
"And she got along really well with most of my sisters. I think Lydia annoyed her. But then Lyd annoys a lot of people."
Thomas laughed. "I saw Georgie yesterday and she seems to have stopped hating you."
"We're trying. She's stopped her campaign to get Will to throw me out of the house. At times she's even sweet. We went shopping and she helped me pick out this dress."
"Ah, shopping. The great equalizer." Thomas laughed. "Well, my compliments. It's a stunning dress."
"Flatterer."
"I try."
"How about trying to find me a place to sit down."
Gallantly he took her arm and led her toward a small alcove near the entrance.
"I didn't know this was here," she said.
"On e of the benefits of being dragged here by my mother since I could walk." Thomas helped her sit in one of the oversized chairs.
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"I would love that thank you. Just water would be great."
Thomas left and Elizabeth closed her eyes.
"Elizabeth?"
"Oh, Georgie. Sorry. I must have dozed off." Elizabeth sat up a little straighter and smiled.
"Thomas asked me to bring this to you." she said as she handed Elizabeth her water.
"Thanks. Do you ant to sit for a minute?"
"Sure."
The silence was almost comfortable.
Georgie spoke first, "Elizabeth.......... I just wanted to say I'm sorry, for everything. You know, from before."
Elizabeth reached out and squeezed her hand. "It's okay. I've forgiven you, but thanks for apologizing."
Will, searching for Elizabeth, happened upon them at the precise moment they stood and hugged. I never thought I'd see this.
"Hey."
He was rewarded with brilliant smiles. Elizabeth turned to grasp his hand and pull him into the hug when something went wrong.
Georgiana's hysterical crying brought a crowd of useless spectators. Those in front were able to see Will Darcy cradling his grimacing wife.
The crowd dispersed some as the news filtered through that there was nothing interesting to see. Will helped his wife to her chair and told Thomas to fetch her a drink.
"Fetch? Like I'm some sort of dog?" Thomas queried.
"Thomas." Elizabeth's flushed face and angry growled provided Thomas with reason enough to do as asked.
"Elizabeth are you sure you're alright?" Will asked.
"Yes. I'm fine really." Seeing that Will didn't look convinced she continued, "Look if the cramps start coming at regular intervals, then you can panic, otherwise I'm fine."
"Regular? Oh... labor."
"Ding give the man a gold star! Now can we please just go home?"
"Sure. Let me get the car while Georgie gets our coats."
At Will's insistence Elizabeth spent New Years Day on the sofa and called her new OB the following day. Which is why it was a very grouchy Elizabeth who spent Jan. 2nd in a crowded Dr.'s office.
"Well, Elizabeth your blood pressure is up a bit."
"You try being as big as a house and sitting in a stuffy waiting room for two hours and see how your blood pressure is," she snapped.
Dr. Mangan chuckled, "Yes, well I am sorry about the wait, but Mrs. Sylverston's baby insisted on being born this morning."
Elizabeth sighed, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped life that."
"It's all right. I haven't had a mommy yet who hasn't bitten my head off at least once. Just wait another ten weeks and you'll really feel like snapping."
"Ten weeks! When you put it like that, it sounds like I'll be pregnant forever!"
"Not forever. That baby will want out soon enough. Now since your pressure's elevated I want to on bed rest. Two hours everyday on your left side."
"Two hours of laying there?!"
"Indulge me." he said dryly. "Starting tomorrow I'm scheduled to take my first vacation in five years. If you go into premature labor my wife may very well kill me." Dr. Mangan looked gently at her. "Elizabeth, I know this is hard, but we're not playing here. If we take precautions now we can keep this from becoming a serious problem later."
She sighed, "Okay. Two hours."
"Good. And I want to see you every week to check your pressure."
As things turned out Elizabeth did not have to wait another ten weeks. Two weeks later she felt a little funny right before her appointment. Laying down helped, but of course she fell asleep and missed her appointment.
She called Dr Mangan to reschedule.
"Elizabeth. What's this?" The Doctor's booming voice replaced the nurse on the phone.
"Dr. Mangan? I was just rescheduling my appointment."
"I know. My nurse came and got me. What's this you felt funny?"
"I don't know. I just felt... odd. So I lay down for a bit, on my side, and fell asleep."
"Hmmm. I want you to come in."
"Now?!"
"Yeah. I'll wait for you. Humor me on this one."
"Sure. See you in a bit."
Elizabeth shifted slightly in the lazy-boy as the nurse unstrapped her from the monitor. "You can just rest and I'll have the doctor talk to you here."
Dr Mangan came in a few minutes later was very silent while he checked the read-out. He hmmm'd and umm'd a bit before finally saying:
"So what are your plans for tonight?"
Elizabeth looked suspiciously at him, "Will's coming home from Seattle, or Denver. I can't remember where he went. Anyway, I'm going to meet him after this."
Dr. Mangan shook his head, "No. You're going to the hospital. His driver can pick Will up and bring him there."
"Hospital. Why?"
"Because your numbers are way too high. I want to induce."
"Today?! Now!? But it's too early isn't it? Why can't we wait."
"Elizabeth your pressure is already 190/150 and the non-stress test is showing some fetal distress. It's safest to get you into a hospital."
"But." this was too much. Too fast. The baby wasn't full term yet.
"You're 32 weeks. It's a little early but right now if we wait both you and the baby are in danger," he said. Elizabeth studied his mask of professional compassion and wondered if he knew how frightening this news was to her.
"But I don't want to have the baby without Will."
"You won't we'll just get you set up and ready. You'll be in labor a good long time; plenty of time for Will to be driven from the airport to the hospital."
Will was trying to sleep on the plane. It had been a horrible trip: employees quitting, others getting fired; stupid managers; shouting clients; idiot-brained programmers; and he missed Elizabeth.
They had been separated before since their marriage. There had been lots of trips, weekends in New York to take care of business. But this trip was different. Will gave up trying to sleep and stared out of the window. Why was this different? Why do I miss my wife so much more?
He reviewed the last few months and realized how much things had changed. I didn't even know Elizabeth last year. Now we act like an old married couple. And in another few weeks we'll be parents.
But that didn't explain why he missed her more than ever. He tried going over their relationship, methodically analyzing every nuance. That lasted three minutes before he as thoroughly bored. Still he wished he could shake the restlessness that had taken hold of him lately.
I shouldn't be feeling this restless. Everything is going so well.
There was his flash of insight. Everything was not going well lately. In the early days of their marriage they had been surrounded by her family. They had developed lots of friends, Will had developed lots of friendships; ones that were based on mutual interests and respect, and not based on sucking up and business contacts. They were building a home there, arguing over decorating the nursery. Now they just called a designer and let her decorate the nursery. The only good thing lately was that Georgiana and Elizabeth were getting alone almost like sisters. Will had an impetuous desire to do something drastic. He argued with himself, silently, for a few minutes:
I cannot do this! Yes I can. I WANT to do this, for my family.
I have a family in Connecticut.
I also have a family in Ohio, and they are a darn sight better than the others.
I'll be ridiculed for doing this.
Yes, but I'll be happy.
With that he pulled out his laptop and typed his letter of resignation.
Mr. Darcy's good mood was not lost on Seth as he pulled out onto the highway. It was nice to see him looking so happy.
"Seth where are you going. This isn't the way to Pemberley."
"No sir. I've orders to take you to the hospital."
"The WHAT?!" Mr. Darcy didn't look like he was in such a good mood anymore.
"Um yes sir. Mrs Darcy had me drop her off at the hospital and then come get you. I was told to bring you straight there."
Will grabbed the cell and dialed the hospital. After several annoying minutes and one very ditzy receptionist he was finally connected to Elizabeth's room.
"Elizabeth? What's going on? Why are you in the hospital? Is everything alright? Why didn't you call me and tell me?"
"Will!! It's okay. The baby and I are fine. But we're having the baby today."
"Today?!" Will's voice cracked a bit.
"I know. It's okay really. My blood pressure is kinda high and Dr Mangan's concerned. So we have to induce labor."
"Elizabeth, concerned means taking precautions. NOT inducing labor six weeks early!" Will panicked.
"Eight weeks."
"What?!"
"It's eight weeks early and..."
"EIGHT weeks!? Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth started crying, "Will just shut up! I can't... I... I'm scared and I hate you yelling at me."
Will wanted to crawl into hole. His wife needed him and he was busy yelling at her. "Oh honey. I'm sorry."
He could still hear her sniffling so he continued to suck up, "Shhh. It's alright Elizabeth. I'm on my way."
Try as he might Will was unable to make the traffic go any faster, neither could he find the button that would transform the sedate Cadillac into a helicopter. All he could do was fidget and call the hospital every five minutes. Afer a half hour Elizabeth refused to let him talk to the nurses any more. Apparently the nursing staff did not appreciate Will's directives and threaten to block his phone calls if he continued to annoy them.
Finally he arrived to find his wife flat on her back, strapped to monitors, and in a full panic attack, which did nothing to help her blood pressure.
"Will!"
"Hey you. What's all this?"
Elizabeth sobbed, "I'm sorry. I 'm just.... I'm terrible. And scared...."
Will hugged her and tried to help her relax. "Shhh it's okay...."
"No it's not okay. Everything's a mess. I miss Jane, and Cathy, and my mom, and Sean, and Mary and Jeremy. Will, I want to go home!"
"Okay. Okay. We will. We'll go home. But after the baby's born. Alright?"
"Okay." Elizabeth sniffed. "I hate laying here."
"Well the nurses said you need to. Here I have an idea." Will slipped off his shoes and scooted onto the bed so that his arm was under her head and his other hand was gently rubbing her side.
"Better?" He asked.
"Yeah. A little."
Dr. Mangan arrived a few minutes later. "Well are we ready to get the show on the road?"
They nodded and Dr. Mangan injected the drugs which would begin labor.
Will paced the hospital corridor and never even noticed the arrival of midnight until just now when the doctor said Will could go see Elizabeth. It was 12:46. One hour and forty minutes since Elizabeth began having problems with her delivery and they made him leave so they could perform a c-section.
Her room was quiet and dimly lit. Will couldn't believe how pale she looked, pale and still.
Where was the vibrant woman who challenged him; teased him over his taste in music; filled every moment with passion and love. Tentatively he stroked her hair and she rolled over in her sleep. Will saw tear stains on her cheeks and let his own finally fall.
"Will?" Georgiana slipped quietly into the room. She looked worried and tired. Will hastily pulled himself together.
"Georgie, what are you doing here. You should be at the party, or home sleeping." He said quietly.
She scowled at him. "As if I would do that while you're sitting in a hospital room. Geez, Will how shallow do you think I am?"
"I..... Sorry. I just can't focus now. It's all so much."
"You should have called me. I would have been here sooner."
"I didn't.... It just happened so fast. One minute I'm on a plane and the next Elizabeth's being cut open. I haven't called anyone."
"How are they?" She asked.
"Elizabeth will be alright."
"And the baby?"
"He was born just after midnight." Will began to sob. "Oh God he's so tiny, and the doctor didn't give us much hope. He's no bigger than my hand Georgie." Will held out his hand to show her. "I could hold him just like this, except for all those wires and tubes......."
Georgie couldn't find the words so she embraced him and cried while he comforted her, his own tears pushed inside.
"What are his chances?" Georgie asked.
"Dr... Whatshername, that neonatal doctor, Wheeler. Dr. Wheeler...... She said other babies have survived this young. That he's a good size for his age."
"How big?"
"Just under four pounds."
"Will..... How.... I mean..... When was...."
"Eight weeks. Eight weeks early." Will absently stroked Elizabeth's hair.
Georgiana watched her brother for a minute and suddenly had a deep desire to flee. "Will I think I should go home. Will you be alright?"
He nodded.
"I'll be back first thing in the morning. Do you want me to bring anything?"
"No thanks. Just get some sleep Georgie." She kissed his forehead, reminding him of when he would kiss her like that when she was a baby.
Elizabeth stirred and blinked in confusion. Her disorientation lasted only a moment, long enough for a cramp to take her by surprise. She groaned both from pain and the realization of why her abdomen hurt.
Will was at her side immediately. "Hey you're awake. Do you need anything?"
She smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine. A little thirsty."
Will held the straw to her lips and she drank a bit. "Thanks. How are you holding up?" She asked.
"Just rest. I'm fine." She nodded and drifted back to sleep. Will sat down by her side and stared blankly at the wall and wondered if God was ever going to give him a break and let him just be happy.
Elizabeth had been released after three days but spent every moment in the hospital with Patrick. Will was grateful that the nursery was closed each morning and evening as the doctors did rounds. He was able to convince Elizabeth to go to the cafeteria and eat. The first few days she had tried to stay all the time, until Sherry, the head nurse, gently insisted she go home and sleep at night, pointing out that if Elizabeth wore herself out and got sick they would refuse to let her see Patrick anyway. After that she would return home at least to sleep and shower.
Once her family heard about Patrick, Will and Elizabeth's house was filled with family. Everyone came for a bit to help. Jane and Charlie arrived first, bringing lots of food and presents from relatives and neighbors even Elizabeth could barely remember.
"Hello Lizzy." Jane cheerful voice sang out.
"Jane!" Elizabeth had been just sitting on the sofa staring out at the winter landscape. "Oh Jane. I'm so glad to see you."
After a long hug Jane led Lizzy back to the sofa and sat her down. "Now, tell me all about it."
"He's beautiful Jane. And so tiny. Oh and he's all arms and legs. Mrs Reynolds says that's what Will was as a baby all arms and legs. So far he's holding his own. Oh he's gained an ounce since Tuesday!" Lizzy prattled on, pouring out her heart to her beloved sister.
"I wish I could have been here for you Lizzy."
Elizabeth briefly teared up, but angrily told herself it was just hormones and to pull it together. Fortunately Jane was more observant, having had years of practice reading Lizzy's flitting emotions, and pulled her into a hug. "It's okay. I'm here now. We all are. For both of you. Charlie's with Will right now. And we'll get through this and then spoil that baby rotten. You'll see."
"Thanks Jane," she sniffled.
They settled into a routine where Will would accompany Lizzy to the hospital and stay for a bit to talk with the doctors. When Father Jim arrived Will took that as his cue to go, leaving Elizabeth top the care of her family. Her family made certain Elizabeth took breaks and ate regularly. As Jane said, "Other than having enough people to play football games, what's the use of a big family if we don't all pitch in and help each once in a while."
Elizabeth's mom arrived next, bringing Lydia and Cathy, both of whom kept Elizabeth's spirits up with chatter about boys and clothes and things not related to hospitals. Finally Mary and Sue arrived with mysterious messages to Will from Mike, Sean, and Jeremy. Elizabeth was too concerned about baby Patrick to notice that Will seemed preoccupied.
It became a regular occurrence for Will to disappear into the office at the house and then not tell Elizabeth anything about the call. Twice he had to fly out for a day, only saying that he would be back late and not to worry. Had it not been for Patrick's latest crisis Elizabeth might have become suspicious, even jealous. But as it was Patrick was undergoing .... and Elizabeth was wrapped up in that. Will was very grateful she didn't notice his odd behavior.
Finally, Patrick was allowed to leave the hospital. Elizabeth carefully bundled her son into his new car seat and made sure he was covered and comfy. The drive home was quiet. Will and Elizabeth were both more interested in staring at Patrick than making conversation.
Pulling up outside of Pemberley Elizabeth noted the moving van.
"Will what's the moving van for?"
"Oh boy." Will ran a hand through his hair making it stand on end. Any other time Elizabeth might have found it cute.
"Oh Boy? You move out on the DAY we bring the baby home and all you can say is 'Oh Boy'?!"
"I'm sorry that I couldn't get them to rearrange the schedule." He shrugged pathetically. "The movers insisted they needed two days."
"The movers?" she hissed. "What about me?! How much time did you think I needed to deal with this?"
"But you don't. I mean your sisters assured me that they could pack for you and it would be alright."
"My sisters? You have my sisters involved in your dirty little scheme?!"
"You were so busy at the hospital I didn't want to make you worry about packing. Sue swore she knew what stuff was yours."
Elizabeth clutched the edge of the seat in a nervous gesture. "But... I just don't understand why."
"You were unhappy here and frankly so was I. I know I should have discussed all of this with you first, but I really believe this is the best for all of us." Will appeared very pleased with himself.
"Damn you Will. How can this be good? Tell me how you think this is good." Her face paled but Elizabeth tried not to show how scared and upset she was. It wouldn't do for Will to think she was greatly affected by his decision to move her out.
"I... just did. You were so concerned about the baby. And then I realized I made the right decision when your family descended upon us. They all liked the idea. Jane and Charlie helped me pick out the place."
"Jane.... Jane knows about this." Elizabeth began to cry.
Will moved to put an arm around her, but she flinched away. Will settled for taking her hand. "Elizabeth I really don't understand why you're so upset. Can you talk to me logically?"
"Logic!" she hissed. "There's no logic in this. Don't think for one minute that I have a logical bone in my body! This deluded fantasy you have that you can just throw me out of your house without any warning and I'll accept it logically. "
"Throw you out?! Where did you get a stupid idea like that?"
"Now I'm stupid. Great. Thank you Mr Never-make-a-mistake Perfect Darcy."
"Elizabeth will you just shut up!" Will yelled. Elizabeth stopped her tirade long enough for Will to speak. "I am NOT throwing you out of the house! I am moving US back to Ohio!"
The silence in the car smothered them all until Patrick began to protest what was clearly a messy diaper.
"I.... Should go change Patrick," Elizabeth's flushed face gave away her embarrassment, and she welcomed the chance to run away and busy herself with the baby. She grabbed the baby carrier and hurried inside to the nursery.
Will found her rocking Patrick in the old chair. "Lizzy?"
She looked up, "You never call me that."
"What? Lizzy?"
"It's always Elizabeth. I like being Lizzy sometimes."
Will could see that she was crying and he knelt down next to her. "I never thought about it before."
"Are you really moving us to Ohio?"
"Yeah. I decided right before this little guy was born that the only time I was happy, really happy was when we were in Ohio with your family around. My family's okay, but yours.... They accepted me, and they came all the way out here for you... for us, when Patrick was born. I want that for us. So I talked to Jane when she was here and she and your brothers arranged most of it. I just signed the checks." Will began to gently stroke Patrick's bald head as he spoke.
"Will I'm sorry for all those things I said out there." Elizabeth's quivery smile made Will want to scoop her up and hold her. He settled on kissing her tears away as they murmured 'I'm sorry's'.
Two months later, at another Sunday dinner at mom's, Elizabeth watched proudly as newly baptized Patrick was passed around for all his aunts, uncles and assorted relatives to admire. He'd been baptized today; in the same church that had seen Elizabeth, and all her brothers and sisters, baptized and confirmed. Elizabeth was pleased for Will that at least Georgiana and Thomas had made the effort to attend, and were now being introduced to the family; from the looks of things, both were being adopted into the Bennet clan.
It occurred to Elizabeth that it had been almost a year since she first met Will Darcy. She would be hard pressed to imagine a busier twelve months. It would be a lie to suggest that the past year was wonderful; there had been too many heartaches, too many uncertainties for the year to qualify as a success. Still, If the end result were to be the same: that she would be standing here with her husband, watching her son elicit ooh's and ahh's from everyone, then she would readily acquiesce to doing it all again.
Will wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her hair. "What's going on in that brain of yours Lizzy?"
"Just thinking how wonderful things are."
"They are good aren't they." Will agreed, now paying homage to her neck.
"Would you do anything different?"
"Nope, " he muttered as he continued on his mission. Elizabeth was becoming quite distracted.
"You don't think maybe we rushed into things."
Will stopped and turned her so that they were facing one another. "Yes we did. We rushed and made some terrible mistakes. And I will always, always regret that some of those mistakes caused you pain; but I would do it all again if it meant I could be here with you today."
"I'm glad." She smiled. "What do you say we get our son and head home?"
Will grinned mischievously, "Rushing things a bit aren't you?"
"Oh no. From now on I intend to take things nice and slow."